When Su Changjiu and others arrived at the Old Su family's house, they heard the lively sounds from inside.
Li Yuling smiled, "Sister-in-law, listen to this. This is what celebrating the New Year should be like!"
To say they weren't envious would be a lie. For the entire Su family to maintain such harmonious relations even now was truly rare in the village.
"One must have vision to be magnanimous. Perhaps it's because their family has vision that they don't bicker over trivialities," Teacher Xie Nan said with a sigh.
Having known the Su family for so long, her impression of them was that they cared for each other and didn't quibble. This was perhaps the foundation of a harmonious family.
"You're right, sister-in-law. I wonder..." Li Yuling didn't finish her sentence.
It was the New Year, and it was best not to dwell on troublesome matters. Celebrating the New Year properly was what mattered.
Su Xiaotian, coming out, happened to see the three people just entering and hurried to greet them.
"Uncle Changjiu, Auntie, Teacher Xie, you're here! Come in quickly, we've been waiting for you."
Perhaps because it was so warm inside, Su Xiaotian's little face was flushed, looking remarkably cute.
Teacher Xie Nan's expression softened considerably as she looked at Su Xiaotian.
The three walked in, and the Su family's main hall was warm and cozy.
There were many people, and it was very lively.
A kang table was placed on the kang, and two tables were set up below it. The tables were laden with sunflower seeds, peanuts, various fruits, and some fried pastries. There was also steaming hot tea and fragrant wine.
Everyone sat together, chatting and laughing, drinking tea, drinking wine, and eating fruit, the atmosphere harmonious.
At this moment, Su Changjiu felt a pang of envy.
How could he not? This was a true reunion for the New Year, while his own was desolate! His home was cold and quiet, almost devoid of human warmth.
"Changjiu, you and your wife, along with Teacher Xie Nan, should come onto the kang. It's warmer," Grandpa Su said, seeing them.
Su Changjiu didn't stand on ceremony and went straight onto the kang, sitting beside Grandpa Su.
However, Li Yuling and Teacher Xie Nan refused.
"We'll see if there's anything we can help with."
"Teacher Xie, please just sit down," Su Xiaotian said, pouring tea for Teacher Xie Nan.
"I'll help in the kitchen. I may not be good at anything else, but I can help with odd jobs," Teacher Xie Nan insisted on going to the kitchen with Li Yuling.
The men sat on the kang and talked.
This was Su Changjiu's first time celebrating the New Year with the Su family, and he spoke little, mostly listening. Upon listening, he was astonished.
The family talked about future development and plans, not about gossip. This was the difference. He suddenly understood what Teacher Xie Nan had meant; vision truly determined one's altitude.
Although Grandpa Su spoke little, every word he uttered was golden advice, a wake-up call. As for Chen Zi'an, he was even more impressive. Someone who could govern a region was certainly no ordinary person. With his guidance, it would be difficult for the Su family's children not to develop.
However, at what point had the three Su brothers become so different from the villagers? Their current insights were beyond even his reach as village chief. At this moment, he had to admit that he had fallen behind!
Su Changjiu drank his tea, his heart filled with mixed emotions!
"Everyone is here, and it's about time for the New Year's Eve dinner," Grandpa Su said, as the head of the family, as the sky gradually darkened.
"Grandpa, I'll go set off firecrackers!" Su Xiaojiu jumped up instantly, about to run into the yard. Setting off firecrackers before the New Year's Eve dinner was an old custom, usually done by the younger children in the family.
Little Chen Xiuyuan, unwilling to be outdone, quickly followed Su Xiaojiu out.
"Brother Jiu, wait for me! I want to set off firecrackers too!"
Su Xiaoba had already nimbly found incense, candles, and other items, handing them to Su Laoda. According to the customs of the older generation, during the New Year, ancestors were honored and deities were invited; these were the responsibilities of the head of the family. However, due to strict regulations in previous years, everyone could only do it covertly. In the past two years, with more relaxed policies, these old customs had resurfaced. Grandpa Su was old, and it was fitting for Su Laoda to handle these matters.
Completing the ritual took about ten minutes. The women began serving the dishes. Each carrying a red lacquer plate, they carefully placed cups, bowls, and plates on the tables.
The Su family's New Year's Eve dinner was as sumptuous as ever. Even in Nanling Village, nothing was lacking due to material scarcity. Seafood was naturally absent; even if Su Xiaotian had it, it couldn't be brought out. However, chicken, duck, fish, and meat were plentiful, as were pork, lamb, and beef. There were also some vegetable dishes: white bean sprouts, juicy tomatoes, dewy cucumbers, and jade-green radishes, which looked beautiful after being artfully arranged by the Su women. This New Year's Eve feast would not have seemed meager even twenty years later.
Su Changjiu had no idea that the Su family's New Year's Eve dinner would be so lavish. The fish he brought seemed a bit inadequate.
"I've truly gained insight today, Uncle Chuan. I'll be imposing on you for this meal today." Accepting the situation, Su Changjiu no longer stood on ceremony.
"Uncle Changjiu, in the future, everyone in our village will be able to eat such a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner," Su Xiaotian said cheerfully, bringing out a few bottles of wine and pouring them for Grandpa Su's table.
"Xiaotian, you always know what to say. Your words make my heart feel so good," Su Changjiu, as village chief, had a greatest wish for the villagers to live good lives. Su Xiaotian's words had undoubtedly struck a chord with him.
Teacher Xie Nan was also amazed. In previous years, she celebrated the New Year alone, and even two dishes were too much for her to finish. She had never experienced such liveliness.
"It's been many years since I've had such a lively New Year. This year, I've truly experienced a New Year like that of a wealthy family," Teacher Xie Nan's remark was meant to be teasing, but it ultimately evoked a sense of sadness. The hardships she must have endured living alone all these years were unimaginable. Especially during times when families reunited and households were bustling, she was all alone. She didn't know how she had managed to get through it.
"But you've gotten through it. From now on, come to our house for all festivals and holidays," Grandma Su said kindly, holding Teacher Xie Nan's hand. "Our family is most crowded during the New Year, and we haven't even gathered everyone this year."
Looking at the three tables of people, Teacher Xie Nan wondered if this was still not everyone. That's right, the eldest son Su Shouwen's family of three hadn't come this time because their child was too young. If everyone were gathered, how many people would there be?
"Teacher Xie, my foster grandparents, Grandpa Chi, and others are all in the capital. The elders are old and didn't come with us. Also, my elder brother's family, whom you've met, has a very young child."
"Teacher Xie, I've been celebrating the New Year at my aunt and uncle's house for more than a year or two, and I'm already used to it. You'll get used to it quickly too!" Shen Zizhen said cheerfully. In fact, after arriving in the capital, Shen Zizhen's family lived quite far away, and they rarely celebrated the New Year together with the Su family. But Shen Zizhen felt that gathering together for the New Year was lively. This habit seemed to have been formed when they were in the Hongxin production brigade. If it were usual, he wouldn't have said anything, but today he mentioned it, fearing that Teacher Xie Nan might be shy.
Teacher Xie Nan then understood.
"Then in the future, I'll celebrate the New Year at Auntie's house!"