As night fell, Du Heng's sister-in-law, Zhang Sumei, prepared a table laden with dishes.
There were still the same few people, not one or two more as they had hoped.
His older brother, Du Ping, looked around with satisfaction. His daughter was in college, and his son was healthy and lively. His younger brother had a successful career. Even though he and his wife had gained a few wrinkles, they were in good health.
This year, nothing in their family seemed to have changed, yet everything felt different—they were more prosperous and happier than before.
The only regret was that his thirty-year-old younger brother, Du Heng, was still a bachelor.
Du Ping raised his glass. "The new year has arrived! Let those who need to study, study diligently, and those who need to work, work hard."
His sister-in-law nudged Du Ping. "If you don't know what to say, say less. Eat."
