Chapter 619 New Year, Welcoming the Bride
Lu Yichen knew Luo Qiao had returned, and since his unit was not busy these days, he came to pick her up to watch a movie. After that, they strolled through the department store. Knowing that she would return to Ji City after the New Year to prepare for her exams, he insisted on buying her a Hero fountain pen and a Walkman as New Year gifts.
On New Year’s Eve, members of the various branches of the family returned early. This year, everyone had their own room, and the TV prepared for Luo Xuyan had been installed in the living room on the first floor after getting Woo Yunmei’s approval earlier that day.
In the kitchen, Grandma, along with my aunt and my younger aunt, was busy preparing lunch, while my two older cousins and my fourth brother were hanging the red lanterns that Grandfather had specially prepared in advance at the entrance and under the eaves of the courtyard.
Big Brother and the second brother were ready to put up the couplets Grandfather had written, with younger male and female cousins following behind, carrying things. Grandfather was cleaning the snow in and outside the courtyard with my eldest uncle and my youngest uncle, while Luo Qiao’s face was filled with smiles as she watched the busy family.
Luo Haotian didn’t arrive until it was almost lunchtime, as he had first gone back to the machinery factory to deal with Zhao Jianing’s remaining personal effects before changing clothes and joining the family.
Lunch was simple, mainly because the emphasis was on the New Year’s Eve dinner. Except for the third brother who couldn’t come back because he was in the military, all the family members were present.
This year’s New Year’s Eve dinner was truly lavish, featuring cold mixed vegetables, cured sausage, century egg with tofu, crispy peanuts, bok choy with mushrooms, orange-flavored lotus root, duck rolls with egg yolk, squirrel fish, boiled shrimp, braised pork, sauced ribs, and four-happiness meatballs.
There were also two desserts, glutinous rice cake, and fermented rice with pumpkin. As the dishes were served one after another and everyone took their seats, Luo Daoren said, "This year we have built a new house, and next year during the first month we will have a wedding to celebrate. It truly is one joyous event after another.