New Year's Eve
Xiao Yuan arrived at the Gu Family's home early.
He wore an apron and assisted Mrs. Gu in the kitchen.
Anning was still cleaning the house with Mr. Gu.
The outside was adorned with couplets, and inside, little red lanterns and fabric-made red chili peppers were hung, making the house feel warm and festive for Tongtong and everyone else.
After Xiao Yuan finished preparing the vegetables and peeling onions and garlic, Mrs. Gu shooed him out.
He was just about to help Anning when his phone, tucked in his pocket, rang.
Xiao Yuan hurried to the balcony to answer the call.
The call was from Miss Xiao Meifeng.
She started complaining right away: "Son, are you really not coming home for the New Year?"
Xiao Yuan patiently soothed Miss Xiao: "Didn't I tell you? I won't be coming home this year. Even if I did, our home doesn't feel like it's celebrating New Year anyway, so let's just save the effort."
