Cheng Su has been back in this era for a few years now, and never before has a New Year felt as lively as this one. The house was bustling; family and guests gathered joyfully. Though it felt a bit cramped, the lively atmosphere made the cold weather outside seem much less biting.
Humans truly are social animals; we need company. Thinking back to my past life, Iād either travel alone during New Yearās, volunteer for overtime, or have a meal with a few single friends. It was never as lively as now.
Cheng Su looked at the mess in the room, feeling warm inside. Messes can be tidied, but this liveliness is irreplaceable.
The phone rang. Qi Jianguo answered and soon asked Cheng Su to take the callāit was Qi Taiguo.
Cheng Su hurried over, holding the phone a bit further away: "Hello?"
"Itās me. Why does it sound so lively at your place?" Qi Taiguo asked with a smile.
Cheng Su replied, "I bought a TV, and weāre watching the gala. Neighbors have come over to watch TV, weāre making dumplings, and the kids are all playing around. Naturally, itās lively!"
"Oh, you bought a TV?"
"I thought since itās New Year, we needed some entertainment, so I bought a TV. How about you? What are you up to? How are you? I hear a lot of wind on your end!" Cheng Su could hear the wind howling on his side.
Qi Taiguo said, "Yeah. Itās New Yearās Eve here too. We have a gala as well, and some high-ranking officials have arrived."
Cheng Su murmured an "Oh": "Take care of yourself, wear more layers!"
"Okay." Qi Taiguo asked, "How have you been lately? Are you still nauseous? Howās the baby? Are you eating well?"
He asked repeatedly, warming Cheng Suās heart, who said, "Everythingās fine. Iām not as nauseous as before you left. I even ate a bowl of rice tonight and didnāt get sick until over an hour later."
"Thatās good! Whether you feel nauseous or not, try to eat more."
"I know, you and your long-windedness!" Cheng Su leaned against the wall, asking, "When are you coming back?"
"Do you miss me?" Qi Taiguo chuckled: "Probably in a few days, around the fifth if there are no surprises!"
"The baby and I miss you!" Cheng Su covered her mouth, whispering into the receiver like a little thief.
"I miss you too, and the baby," Qi Taiguo replied. Hearing a whistle, he hurriedly said, "Something came up, Iāll talk to you later!"
"Hey..."
Before Cheng Su could finish her admonitions, he had already hung up, shaking her head involuntarily.
"Was it Taiguo calling? Did he say when heās coming back?" Father Qi asked.
"Probably around the fifth," Cheng Su replied, returning to the table where they were making dumplings. The plump white dumplings were ready, and everyone sat around the table chatting while watching TV.
"Was it a call from Deputy Battalion Commander Qi?" Qiumei asked with a smile, seeing her nod, then laughingly added: "You two are certainly close. Mineās been gone for so many days, not one word from him."
Platoon Leader Lu also had to go out for festival readiness.
"You should have a phone at home. Imagine having to go all the way to the army base to take the call, I wouldnāt want to. Itās so far and freezing!" someone joked.
"Not everyone is as capable as Sister-in-law Qi, having both a phone and a TV. Forget about a color TV, even a black and white one would take years of saving!"
Listening, Cheng Su felt her eyes turn a bit sour from envy and busily said, "We might not have it now, but everyone will sooner or later, donāt worry. Itās just a matter of time. Big Sis, is it time to cook the dumplings? Iām hungry."
"Alright, alright, Iāll cook them now!"
The house filled once more with lively chatter, as conversations erupted around the gala airing on TV.