Li Xiu stayed home with the two children for three days before returning to the Capital City. He simply couldn't rest easy with Zhou Lian there all by herself. Thinking back to what happened last year, Li Xiu still felt a lingering fear. Zhou Lian had a weak constitution since childhood, and while she had mostly recovered, her immune system was still rather poor. For Li Xiu, those three days had been agonizing.
Life moves on, bumps and all. Soon, it was the day of the New Year's Eve dinner. As always, Professor Xiao and Professor Fan ate, exchanged a few words, and then retired to their rooms to rest. Sister Fang also took the two children to their room early, leaving Li Xiu to deal with a table left in disarray.
Listening to the sound of firecrackers popping near and far, Li Xiu brewed a cup of red date, longan, and goji berry tea for Zhou Lian. He had her sit to the side and sip it slowly while he rolled up his sleeves and began to clean up with practiced speed.
