Qi Fenglianâs family came to pay a New Year visit. With more kids around, it got lively. The older kids had their own social circles; even though Qi Jianguo and the others were in university, Chu Zheng was making his way in the Special Zone, and they were all in big cities, so there was plenty to talk about.
As for the little ones, they had their own play styles. Xiao Bao had two vials of blood drawn and would tell everyone the doctor gave him a big needle, and it hurt so much. Every time he said it, it made peopleâs hearts ache, so he received plenty of comforting words.
When Qi Fenglian remarried, they registered but didnât hold a banquet, so they took this New Year visit opportunity to buy wine and meat, cooked at home, invited the close family elders for a meal, introduced themselves, and thus announced the marriage.
On the fifth day of the New Year, Qi Fenglianâs family went to Chu Changxingâs family home, and the old home returned to its quiet state. Apart from taking care of the kids, Cheng Su would walk around the village or visit her parentsâ home briefly, and thatâs how the New Yearâs time passed.
By the ninth day, she went out with Qi Jianguo and Qi Fengping to buy meat and vegetables to prepare for the feast for Qi Xiaoqi at Ding Shiâs place the next day. They also needed to borrow some tables, chairs, and dishes from each household, so things got busy.
On the afternoon of the ninth day, the family members came over to help slaughter chickens and ducks, prepare the ingredients, and amidst the festive atmosphere of seeds, peanuts, and candies, everyone joked and chatted, adding to the liveliness.
"Taiguo is back!"
While everyone was talking, someone sharp-sighted noticed Qi Taiguo swaying outside the courtyard wall.
Cheng Su was startled, turned around, and indeed saw Qi Taiguo in a military uniform, wearing boots, striding in. She was overjoyed, stood up, wiped her wet hands on her apron, and asked with a happy heart, "How come youâre back so soon? Werenât you supposed to come tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I took half a day off and came back." Qi Taiguo looked at her bright eyes, and his heart was full of joy. If there werenât people in the yard, he would have hugged her.
The affection in his eyes was clear to Cheng Su, which made her heart sweet. The two of them gazed at each other, causing the women helping with work to chuckle softly.
Cheng Su reacted quickly, nudged him, and said, "Havenât greeted the others yet!"
Qi Taiguo then voiced a greeting to everyone, wishing them a happy New Year.
Father Qi also came out from the house, smiling broadly upon seeing his son, calling him inside. Mother Qi was even happier, despite her limp, walked much faster than usual, eagerly pulling her son under scrutiny, praising him continuously.
"Iâm a bit hungry, Mom, could you make me egg soup?" Qi Taiguo asked with a smile.
Without a word, Mother Qi headed to the kitchen to busy herself.
After greeting his father, Qi Taiguo went to bring his luggage into the room, and as he entered, he saw his son lying on the bed.
Upon hearing a sound, Qi Xiaoqi turned his head to look over, and father and son made eye contact.
"Oh, this little guyâs awake," Cheng Su had followed Qi Taiguo in, and upon seeing her son lying there, went over.
"He can turn over now!" Qi Taiguo noted, seeing his son stretching his neck.
"Heâs half a year old now, of course he can!" Cheng Su picked up her son, holding his tiny hand, "Daddyâs back; greet and wish him well. He has a big red envelope for you. âDad, happy New Year...â"
She placed her sonâs little hands together and moved them towards his fatherâs face. The soft, chubby little hands touched Qi Taiguoâs slightly cool face, then retreated.
Qi Taiguoâs heart melted, and he hugged him tightly, giving him a big kiss, "My son, happy New Year!"
Qi Xiaoqi, looking at him, bounced his little legs vigorously, not quite steady on his feet, leaned forward, and planted a little wet kissback on his dadâs face, leaving Qi Taiguo with a triumphant grin.