Chapter Forty-Four: A Prosperous Start to the New Year

In the eyes of the two little girls, their silly brother and second brother were practically omnipotent.

And neither Chen Liang nor Silly Zhu let them down. They came back with a hefty haul of chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Chen Liang even managed to bring home quite a few sea crabs, abalone, sea cucumber, and mantis shrimp from the supermarket.

When Silly Zhu saw all the seafood Chen Liang had brought back, he immediately gave him a big thumbs up. “Liangzi, you’re amazing!”

In these times, to be able to get so much seafood in the dead of winter was no small feat, and it was only by taking considerable risks that Chen Liang managed it.

Under the eager, day-and-night anticipation of the two little girls, New Year's Eve finally arrived. Early in the morning, little Chen Hong was up and about, circling her second uncle and aunt so much that Chen Liang and Xiaoyu’s wife nearly got dizzy from her pestering, before she was finally satisfied enough to climb onto her beloved special “steed.”

Chen Hong’s original plan had been to “stand at the edge of the atmosphere,” but ever since Teacher Xiaoyu was transferred to work at the library by her second uncle, her journey to rule the kindergarten had become long and arduous, success ever distant.

This left Chen Hong sulking for quite some time. But under her second uncle’s “conspiracy” of tempting her with snacks, she soon forgave him.

It was hardly her fault—those snacks were simply too tempting to resist! Life is full of temptations, just like puff cakes; which woman could turn them down?

Ah, better not to dwell on it. The more you say, the sadder it becomes. Chen Hong, too, had refused at first—until she tasted her first bite, and surrendered completely!

After commanding her second uncle to buy her a pocketful of firecrackers, Chen Hong led a gang of kids from the courtyard, setting off little firecrackers everywhere.

The old deaf lady, sunning herself, lay contentedly on a rattan armchair, a woolen blanket draped over her legs, watching the children play wildly in the courtyard.

Both the armchair and the blanket were gifts from Chen Liang to the old deaf lady. For the next ten years, with her presiding over the courtyard, no one would dare make trouble—the old deaf lady was a formidable presence!

After a simple lunch, Silly Zhu got busy in the kitchen. Though the two families had spent New Year’s together before, Silly Zhu had never felt as content and cheerful as he did today.

When it came to cooking, Chen Liang was of no help at all. In both his lives, he was the type who wouldn’t even bother to pick up a fallen soy sauce bottle. Other than helping Silly Zhu tend the fire, he did nothing but wait to be fed.

Silly Zhu’s cooking skills were truly top-notch. In one afternoon, he whipped up twelve sumptuous dishes: chicken, duck, fish, and a splendid array of fresh seafood, each one a feast for the senses.

When evening came and the table was laden, the sight of the dishes provoked exclamations of wonder from Chen Rong and He Yushui.

If only there were social media now, they would have filled every feed with these culinary masterpieces—anything less would have been a disservice to such delicacies!

Once Silly Zhu brought out the last dish and everyone was seated, Father Chen, as head of the family, spoke at length with auspicious words. Finally, with a blessing of “Happy New Year, everyone,” they all raised their glasses and drank.

Only Chen Rong and He Yushui had Arctic Ocean soda to drink; everyone else, including the old deaf lady, had a little wine.

Chen Hong thought: So I’m not even considered a person? Not even a mention of what I’m drinking—mine’s also Arctic Ocean! Sweet and tangy orange flavor!

As an eighth-level worker, Father Chen usually abstained from alcohol, since drinking could numb his nerves and make his hands unsteady. A steady hand was crucial for someone of his profession—after all, the old saying goes, “A hair’s breadth off leads a thousand miles astray.” That TV version of Yi Zhonghai drinking alcohol—how could he ever be an eighth-level worker!

But what’s a feast without wine? For an occasion like New Year’s, even Father Chen would indulge in a little.

The meal was a lively affair—Silly Zhu even got drunk and insisted on challenging Chen Liang to a drinking contest.

Hmph! How absurd. Chen Liang easily downed three glasses of strong spirits and put Silly Zhu under the table, thus ending the banquet.

He helped Silly Zhu home, tossed him onto the bed, pulled up the covers, and left him there.

Chen Liang’s new body was unusually robust; after three or four jin of white liquor, he was as sober as ever. When he returned from dropping off Silly Zhu, he saw Father Chen smoking outside. He pulled a pack of “Huazi” cigarettes from his pocket and handed it to him.

It wasn’t that Chen Liang was unwilling to give more, but with Father Chen’s status, he shouldn’t even have access to such high-grade cigarettes. Giving too many might invite suspicion.

“Whoa! Zhonghua cigarettes! I’ve never held a whole pack before!” See? Chen Liang was absolutely right.

“Yeah! I got them from Silly Zhu’s place. He has loads, and he doesn’t smoke much anyway. No point letting them go to waste!” A ready-made excuse is always best, especially since Silly Zhu was dead drunk and oblivious.

“You can’t just take Silly Zhu’s things like that! Return them at once!” As expected, easy gains never sit well. Ready-made excuses never hold up.

Father Chen was anxious; an honest man like him couldn’t stand the thought of taking advantage of others.

Chen Liang took back the cigarettes, tore open the seal, pulled one out, and lit it. “Dad, don’t worry about it. My friendship with Silly Zhu isn’t like that!”

He handed the cigarette over. “Just enjoy it—Silly Zhu’s doing very well these days!”

Indeed! Ever since Silly Zhu made a name for himself at the library canteen, cooking only one meal a day, he spent the rest of his time helping out at other people’s kitchens. In those days, anyone working at the library came from wealthy or influential families, and Silly Zhu often brought home fine cigarettes and good liquor.

And it’s not like Silly Zhu was stealing; when you hire a cook, and he pleases your guests, you can’t thank him without offering good cigarettes and wine! Cooking isn’t a one-time transaction—if you’re stingy, a good cook may not bother coming again. With so much demand, missing one or two clients is nothing.

“Hey, a cigarette from my own son—guess I’ll have another!” Father Chen, eyeing the Zhonghua, found himself a perfect excuse and lit one up, delighted.

“Son, after the New Year, you’ll be starting at the factory. How do you feel about that?” Father Chen glanced at Chen Liang.

“Dad, I’ve already talked to Uncle Master. Once I start, he’ll help me get into the Security Department.”

“Lu Dajiao? Well! The Security Department is good!” Better than wandering around causing trouble all day!

After sharing a smoke with his father, Chen Liang returned to his room to cuddle his precious Xiaoyu, who helped him wash his face. Chen Liang grinned foolishly, just like an old rake.

After all these years of marriage, Xiaoyu certainly understood. Blushing, she fetched a basin of water, then slipped under the covers.

Thus, Chen Liang truly spent a sleepless night. Early the next morning, as he opened the door, he saw Chen Hong, dressed in a brand-new red outfit, with a little stool in hand. Upon seeing him, she knelt and knocked her head three times.

“Second uncle, Happy New Year! Now hand over the red envelope!”

A lucky start to the first day of the New Year—and it was a “red” start, thanks to Chen Hong!