#32: New Year’s Eve

‘Ah! Finally, vacation is here…’ Huang Yuanbao rotated her neck, the bones cracking audibly. She let out a long sigh and poked Jiang Beibei with her pen. ‘Do you have any plans for the New Year?’

‘Yes…’ Lately, Jiang Beibei had been acting like a high school senior cramming for exams. Whenever she wasn’t working, she was buried in all sorts of materials. Huang Yuanbao had glanced at them once and realized they were related to funeral knowledge.

Huang Yuanbao asked, ‘With your brothers?’

‘Mm…’ Jiang Beibei absentmindedly nodded, drawing a small star on the paper with her marker before looking up and replying, ‘Starting from New Year’s Eve, we’ll write couplets, paste them up, then gather snacks and homemade dumplings from each household. In the evening, we’ll head to Second Brother’s place to watch the Spring Festival Gala, eat, and stay up late. At midnight, we’ll set off two rows of firecrackers. If Third Brother’s family isn’t sleepy, we’ll go over to his place to play mahjong until early morning on New Year’s Day. Then we’ll visit a nearby temple to burn incense and pray to the gods…’

‘After that, are you just staying home and not going out?’

‘In the past, we’d each return to our own homes or visit relatives, or go back to work. But this year, luckily, all my brothers are free—First Brother and Second Brother don’t have to be on duty either. So we’re planning to go out and have some fun. We’ve booked a hot spring trip for the second day of the Lunar New Year… Do you want to come?’

‘Nope.’ Huang Yuanbao shook her head. ‘I finally have time off—I just want to lie in bed all day.’

After saying that, she suddenly burst into laughter, startling Jiang Beibei. ‘Are you insane? Why are you laughing so suddenly? What’s funny about what you just said? Are you a weirdo or something!’

‘Hahahaha… Sorry, I just thought of dogs and couldn’t help it.’

‘Dogs? That makes no sense. You’re such a weirdo.’ Jiang Beibei rolled her eyes in disdain.

However, when she got home and learned that Song Lang had sent Song Damiao (his dog) to Huang Yuanbao’s house for temporary care, Jiang Beibei suddenly understood why Huang Yuanbao had laughed.

Ah, how smug that woman must feel.

Song Lang explained, ‘My parents just left, and since we’ll be traveling during the New Year, we can’t leave Damiao alone at home.’

Jiang Beibei stood at the entrance of the Song family’s house, muttering under her breath, ‘Couldn’t you send him somewhere else? We’re going out to play, but our parents are all at home…’

Song Lang quickly changed the subject. ‘Oh! By the way, Third Brother’s cat is still mooching off your place, right?’

Not only was it mooching—it was practically acting like a lord, throwing up whenever it didn’t like its food.

Jiang Beibei sighed and asked, ‘Fourth Brother, do Uncle and Auntie have anything they want me to bring tomorrow when I visit their graves?’

‘Yes, yes.’ Song Lang went inside and returned with two bottles of alcohol. ‘The usual—give these to your parents.’

Jiang Beibei accepted them and then knocked on Tang Xizhou’s door next door.

Tang Xizhou opened the door with one hand, leaning against the doorframe, and performed an exaggerated sigh for her benefit.

‘My parents are ignoring me,’ Tang Xizhou said. ‘I’ll whip up some cold dishes—you can take them to Uncle and Auntie tomorrow.’

‘…Second Brother, are you okay?’

‘Stop it. Even idol drama lines aren’t this cheesy.’ Tang Xizhou waved her off. ‘I’m fine. Anyway, I’ll have you guys keeping me company during the New Year. Afterward, I’ll apologize to my parents properly.’

‘Auntie didn’t say anything, did she?’

Tang Xizhou leaned close to her ear and whispered, ‘Mom definitely knows something, but she doesn’t know who it is. She’s stopped answering my calls…’

‘Let’s burn some incense at the temple tomorrow,’ Jiang Beibei said, gripping Tang Xizhou’s hand like a community leader comforting the masses. ‘It’s not superstition, just asking for good luck. Second Brother, your luck has been terrible lately.’

‘Hahaha… Little brat, hurry upstairs and ask Third Brother and Eldest Brother if they have anything for you to bring.’

‘Got it.’

Jiang Beibei then went to the third floor and knocked on Qin Yuan’s door.

Qin Yuan opened the door, holding chopsticks and wearing a big smile. Before Jiang Beibei could say anything, he shoved a piece of meat into her mouth. ‘How does it taste? This is the grand finale dish of the year—Old Qin cooked it himself.’

Qin Yuan’s dad was bustling around in the kitchen. Jiang Beibei sniffed the air, identifying the aroma wafting through the doorway—it smelled like braised pork belly.

Swallowing the meat, Jiang Beibei wiped her greasy mouth with her sleeve in a bold gesture and started, ‘Third Brother, your cat has been freeloading at my place for ages now. Don’t you think it’s time to take it back?’

‘Aren’t you supposed to like cats?’ Qin Yuan winked flirtatiously at her. ‘Or are you just pretending to like them? All talk and no action?’

‘It’s not about liking or not liking…’ Jiang Beibei groaned. ‘This is coercion! Even if I liked a cat, there should be limits. I can’t just keep it because you dumped it on me. Where are Ao Bai Gonggong’s parents? Why don’t they come pick him up?’

Ao Bai was the cat’s name, and ‘Gonggong’ was the suffix Jiang Beibei had jokingly added.

Qin Yuan grinned mischievously. ‘Ao Bai’s dad is abroad and won’t be back until after the New Year. Just keep him for now. Since you claim to like cats, experience life as a cat owner while you can. He won’t be around for much longer anyway. Are you visiting the graves tomorrow morning?’

‘Yeah.’ Jiang Beibei nodded.

‘I’ll ask my dad if he has anything for you to bring to Uncle and Auntie.’ Qin Yuan shouted toward the kitchen, ‘Dad! Beibei’s visiting Uncle and Auntie tomorrow. Do you have anything for her to take?’

‘Meat! Braised pork belly. Let Beibei pack some once it’s ready—it’s almost done! Also, give her the outfit your mom bought. Beibei, this is your zodiac year, so dress nicely and show off. Tell them we’ve raised a real adult this year!’ Qin Yuan’s dad yelled back enthusiastically.

Qin Yuan added, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll give you the new clothes and red envelope tomorrow!’

Seeing this commotion, Yan Qingming from across the hall also opened his door. ‘I’ve got something too. My dad found some old bullet casings yesterday—I don’t know where they came from—but he wants you to take them to your dad. I also bought some fruit. Take those along too.’

‘Alright!’

After collecting everything, Jiang Beibei floated back to the second floor and knocked on Chu Yao’s door.

Chu Dad let her in without hesitation. ‘Almost done.’

The table was piled high with folded paper flowers. Chu Yao, with a chopstick clenched between his teeth, was busy working with both hands.

When Chu Mom saw Jiang Beibei, she stood up and pulled the chopstick out of Chu Yao’s mouth. Freed, Chu Yao spoke, ‘I fried some oil cakes—they’re in the kitchen. They’re fresh out of the pan and still crispy. Go grab them.’

Jiang Beibei took the oil cakes, broke one in half, and fed it to Chu Yao.

Chu Mom said, ‘Beibei, tell Grandma to bring him along tomorrow.’

‘Ah… Is that okay?’

‘Let him go and do some manual labor.’

‘Let my parents… see him?’ Jiang Beibei understood Chu Mom’s meaning. ‘I was originally planning for Yao-ge to visit during Qingming…’

Jiang Beibei thought, after the New Year, she’d deepen her feelings a little more before introducing Chu Yao to her parents.

Chu Yao looked up, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.

By saying this, it was essentially Jiang Beibei publicly acknowledging their relationship in front of everyone. Chu Mom acted as if she’d discovered a new continent, slapping the table and speaking frankly. ‘Auntie wants your parents’ opinion. Having him tag along is for paying respects during the New Year, while Qingming is for remembrance—they’re separate occasions. Let your parents see him tomorrow. If they approve or disapprove, they’ll surely send you a message in a dream. The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll know their thoughts.’

Chu Yao chuckled and said, ‘Mom, recite the core socialist values for me.’

‘Get lost!’ Chu Mom hit him on the head with her chopsticks. ‘This isn’t superstition—it’s called ritual! Parental approval and matchmakers’ words have always mattered. If you don’t go pay respects to Uncle and Auntie tomorrow, how will you have the guts to date Beibei later? Sneaking around behind someone’s parents’ backs isn’t heroic.’

Jiang Beibei secretly giggled, biting her finger in amusement.

________________________________________

On the morning of New Year’s Eve, Jiang Beibei felt particularly content for two reasons: First, Chu Yao was accompanying her to visit her parents’ graves. Second, Aunt Xiao Xiaoxiao, Liu Grandma’s daughter, wouldn’t return from abroad until the third day of the Lunar New Year, which meant this visit would be quieter than usual.

Although Liu Grandma wasn’t fond of Chu Yao, deep down, both Chu Yao and Jiang Beibei were youngsters who had grown up under her watchful eye. Despite her stubborn belief that the Chu family was scheming to trap Jiang Beibei—and her disdain for such calculated behavior—she wasn’t a cruel person. Her attitude toward Chu Yao remained relatively kind.

Jiang Beibei visited her parents’ graves more than five times a year. Though seeing their photos still blurred her vision occasionally, grief lingered like wisps of smoke in her heart, noticeable only when she thought of them. Once her emotions settled, the traces slowly faded.

‘Mom, Dad, this is my boyfriend.’ After arranging the fruits and flowers, Jiang Beibei stood up and gathered her courage to speak.

Chu Yao bowed deeply and said solemnly, ‘Uncle, Auntie, it’s me. Please rest assured…’

Seeing him so earnestly making promises, Jiang Beibei couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter. Immediately, her grandmother, who was wiping tears, smacked her lightly.

‘You little brat!’

‘…I’m just happy!’ Jiang Beibei grinned. ‘Mom and Dad must be happy too; otherwise, how could I laugh?’

She turned to Chu Yao and reassured him, ‘Yao-ge, you can also rest assured. You’re such a good person—my parents will definitely approve of you!’

After finishing at her family’s gravesite, they moved on to Liu Grandma’s son, Uncle Xiao. This time, the mood wasn’t as lighthearted. Liu Grandma was an emotional person, and no matter how many years had passed, seeing her son’s tombstone always brought back the painful memory that he had sacrificed his life for the country nearly twenty years ago. Despite her advanced age, she cried like a child.

Chu Yao knelt beside her, supporting her and soothing her breathing. He watched as her silver hair fluttered in the wind, tears streaming down her face as she pounded on the gravestone and sobbed, ‘My son… that cursed murderer still hasn’t been caught…’

One of the drug traffickers targeted during Operation Leopard had escaped, and for twenty years, there had been no trace or clues about his whereabouts.

After leaving the cemetery, Jiang Beibei walked behind Chu Yao with a somber expression. She whispered, ‘This is Grandma’s lifelong regret… The other day, I overheard two elderly women saying that they wouldn’t be able to close their eyes in peace until the last villain was caught. Living this long with unfulfilled wishes… it’s heartbreaking.’

Chu Yao held the tip of Jiang Beibei’s finger gently and comforted her. ‘Everyone will die eventually. As long as they are human, death is inevitable.’

Having witnessed countless deaths, he knew that this was one of the few things in life that was truly fair. No mortal could escape it.

‘Hopefully,’ Jiang Beibei murmured. ‘My first wish for this year is that we’ll finally hear news of that fugitive. Catching him would fulfill Grandma’s wish and give my parents and Uncle Xiao some closure.’

‘It will happen,’ Chu Yao said confidently.

________________________________________

On the evening of New Year’s Eve, Chu Yao and Tang Xizhou were busy writing couplets, while the tall Song Lang took charge of pasting them up at each household. Jiang Beibei directed them from afar.

Yan Qingming and Qin Yuan scurried around collecting snacks and treats from various homes, piling them onto a large round table downstairs.

Once everything was done, the group of young men gathered around the table to make dumplings. Jiang Beibei sat on the couch, cradling a cat and watching reruns of old comedy sketches.

Qin Yuan dabbed flour on her forehead. ‘You’re enjoying yourself while the rest of us work. Come over and help!’

Jiang Beibei laughed brightly. ‘Hehe, but I have five brothers and ten hands to spare! Surely I don’t need to pitch in?’

Tang Xizhou teased, ‘Nine hands, actually. How can you sit here comfortably while your brother wraps dumplings with an injured hand?’

‘Alright, alright!’ Jiang Beibei tossed the cat aside, washed her hands, and joined the group. Taking a rolling pin, she said, ‘Make some space for me!’

All their phones lay on the table, constantly buzzing with notifications, but their owners were too busy wrapping dumplings to check them.

Song Lang asked, ‘What’s the plan for tomorrow?’

‘Wake up early and head to the temple to burn incense!’ Jiang Beibei declared firmly. She was determined to turn Second Brother’s luck around.

‘Got it!’ Song Lang nodded. ‘What time tomorrow?’

‘We’ll leave at 7 AM sharp!’ Jiang Beibei said energetically.

Chu Yao added, ‘We’ll need someone to wake Qin Yuan up tomorrow.’

Qin Yuan chimed in with a grin, ‘I vote for Beibei to do it.’

‘In your dreams,’ Tang Xizhou scoffed. ‘Eldest Brother, you handle waking him up. If he doesn’t get up, splash cold water on him.’

‘Hahaha…’ Everyone laughed.

The gala began, dinner was nearly finished, and most of the holiday greetings had been replied to. The brothers wiped their mouths and moved on to the red envelope distribution phase.

Eldest Brother: ‘Beibei, wishing you a smooth and successful year ahead.’

‘Thank you, Eldest Brother!’

Second Brother: ‘Little girl, may the new year bring you great fortune and prosperity.’

‘Hahaha, thank you, Second Brother! Love you the most!’

Qin Yuan: ‘Here’s to a happy new year—eat well, drink well, stay healthy, and maybe spare a thought for me too.’

‘Alright, Third Brother, considering the thickness of this red envelope, I’ll reluctantly agree to take extra care of you this year…’

Fourth Brother: ‘Wishing you robust health and a hearty appetite.’

‘Thank you, Fourth Brother!’

Chu Yao: ‘Beibei, happy new year.’

Jiang Beibei accepted the red envelope, gave it a squeeze, and immediately froze.

Another bank card!

‘…Yao-ge.’

‘Keep it.’

Jiang Beibei blushed and tucked away all the red envelopes. Tang Xizhou tapped his bowl. ‘Quick, it’s your turn now.’

Jiang Beibei handed out gifts one by one.

‘For Eldest Brother, a new outfit. Happy New Year, and may your career soar to new heights! Oh, and may your love life flourish too.’

‘Thank you.’

‘For Second Brother, a matching couple’s shirt—you know what I mean. Wishing you good health, no injuries, and smooth sailing in both career and love.’

‘Oh, you cheeky little devil.’

‘This is for Third Brother. May the spirit of Phoenix Wright possess you this year, ensuring you never lose a case.’

‘Anything you buy, Third Brother loves.’

‘For Fourth Brother, this is yours. There wasn’t a matching size for the sweater pants, so I substituted a scarf instead. Wishing you booming business and an early marriage!’

‘No problem. Thanks for the blessings—I have a feeling this year will be the one!’

‘Yao-ge…’ Jiang Beibei looked at Chu Yao, pushed the gift box forward, and met his amused gaze. Her mind suddenly went blank.

‘Smooth sailing… with you.’ Chu Yao accepted the gift and spoke softly.

‘Mm, yes.’

After distributing their gifts, the group moved on to visiting households to collect red envelopes from the elders. Though they called it ‘house-to-house,’ it was essentially just the Chu and Qin families.

The younger generation swarmed into the Chu household, where Chu Mom and Chu Dad had prepared stacks of small red envelopes. When it came to Beibei, Chu Mom slipped her a thicker stack.

Tang Xizhou protested, ‘Captain, this difference is too blatant!’

‘Of course there’s a difference between a beloved daughter and a bunch of honorary sons,’ Chu Mom smiled sweetly. ‘But since Little Tang feels dissatisfied, here’s an extra envelope for you—to change your luck and avoid getting hurt again.’

‘Yes, ma’am!’

‘Auntie! Then I’m dissatisfied too,’ Qin Yuan chimed in. ‘I got scratched by a client recently.’

‘Alright, here’s something to calm your nerves,’ Chu Mom said, handing him another envelope.

‘Auntie Yao…’ Song Lang reached out hopefully.

‘Alright, alright. This year, everyone gets double portions.’ Chu Mom handed one to Song Lang and then to Yan Qingming. ‘You’ve worked hard—in every sense of the word.’

Yan Qingming chuckled awkwardly. ‘Ah, I don’t know how to accept this…’

‘It’s fine. After all, you’ll be returning the favor soon enough,’ Chu Mom said with a knowing smile.

Sure enough, after collecting their red envelopes, the youngsters promptly presented their own red envelopes to Chu Mom and Chu Dad as a gesture of respect.

Chu Mom’s arms grew tired from handling so many red envelopes, but she happily wished everyone, ‘Happy New Year!’

The commotion continued at the Qin household. Song Lang and Qin Yuan stayed behind to play a round of mahjong with Qin Mom. When the time felt right, they headed over to Tang Xizhou’s place for a second round of dumplings.

The festivities carried on late into the night until the countdown segment of the gala began. Qin Yuan and Yan Qingming carried strings of firecrackers to the third floor, draping them on either side. Chu Yao and Song Lang lit them from below and quickly jumped back.

Tang Xizhou stood in the courtyard, covering Jiang Beibei’s ears as she gazed upward.

Jiang Beibei said, ‘Second Brother, may this new year bring fresh beginnings and good fortune. May all dangers turn to safety!’

‘Definitely. And may you have good luck this year, achieving all your heart’s desires and dreams.’

‘I will.’

‘Little girl, happy new year.’ Tang Xizhou released her and gently pushed her toward Chu Yao.

‘Ah!’ Jiang Beibei stumbled, nearly falling if not for Chu Yao’s quick reflexes catching her.

‘Hahahaha… Yao-er is still as fast as ever!’

From upstairs, Yan Qingming shouted, pointing at Tang Xizhou, ‘Yao-er, beat him up!’

The courtyard erupted in laughter. Neighbors from the adjacent building opened their windows and waved enthusiastically.

‘Happy New Year to Unit Two!’

The five young men and one girl from Unit Two looked up, waving back in unison. ‘Happy New Year!’