Chapter 1536: Meaning

"But wasn’t the photographer also invited by me?"

"It’s different in meaning, you know that, right?"

Shi Xian didn’t respond. "Master Shang, I’m giving you this handcrafted pipe I made myself." Shi Jing took it out of his pocket. It was just an ordinary wooden pipe, but Shi Xian made it himself. He felt he didn’t do a good job, so he was reluctant to show it.

Shang Zhenkun happily accepted it and played with it in his hands, "Shi Xian, I really like it."

"I’m glad you like it." It was worth the week he spent making it.

"Shi Xian, you’re very thoughtful."

Shi Xian wasn’t the least bit embarrassed, his face brimming with a proud smile.

Jianbin stood by watching and took out a jade pendant. "Master Shang, this is Warm Jade I found. People say it’s good for older folks, as jade nourishes the wearer."

Shang Zhenkun gladly accepted it, as it was a token of the children’s affection.

Feifei kept Shang Zhenkun company for a while before heading to the kitchen to help.

The mother and daughter were quite quick at making dumplings, especially since there weren’t many people to feed.

"Mom, should we put coins in the dumplings?"

Jiang Xinyu shook her head, "It’s too dirty. I’ve prepared candy instead; we’ll put candy in."

It’s a tradition that whoever gets the dumpling with the coin will have a smooth year. If a child gets it, they could even receive a small unexpected windfall.

In the evening, before eating dumplings, it was time to set off fireworks.

The boys naturally loved this, but Jiang Xinyu had made Wei Kaiyun take Shi Jing to the hospital to see people injured by fireworks when he was little. So, Shi Jing would remind everyone at home to be very careful when setting off fireworks.

The new year arrived, and everyone was pursuing their ideals; now they were finally seeing results. You could say this year was a fresh start for the whole family.

Even though they were having dumplings for dinner, Jiang Xinyu still prepared many dishes. The family wasn’t particularly attached to meat, so the table was mostly covered with vegetarian dishes.

Fried peanuts, spinach salad, seaweed salad, sweet and sour radish strips, and cabbage heart mixed with bean slices. There was also a fruit platter, with southern fruits sent by the Yang family.

The whole family sat together warmly and happily having a meal, followed by staying up late for New Year’s Eve.

Feifei played the Ode to Joy again, then Han Xiangjun, itching to join in, collaborated with her for a classic piece.

On the first day of the New Year, everyone was in high spirits, with no one sleeping in.

Today, everyone from Li Family Village came to pay New Year’s greetings.

Wei Kaiyun, feeling sorry for his wife, suggested going to a restaurant, but Jiang Xinyu refused.

"Jing Chu, Li Xue, and Xiao Li will help with cooking."

It stayed lively until after dinner when the three families left.

On the fifth day, Chaoyang timed his visit to the train station to pick people up.

He had already heated the house next door yesterday, so it was nice the brothers could stay together.

No train arrives on time, so he anxiously waited. Four brothers arrived; the eldest from the Li family was away, and Brother Hong Lin stayed home, which was good since not all brothers could leave.

However, in the future, he aspires to live with his parents. As a son, it feels wrong not to live with them.

Chaoyang felt pride fill his heart at the sight of the four disembarking brothers.

The average height in the Li Family was about 1.72 meters, which, in these times of scarcity, made them stand out as tall individuals.

Changhe and the others spotted their second brother too, carrying simple luggage.

The five brothers gathered excitedly.

In the past, they only dreamed of not worrying about basic needs. Gaining knowledge spurred thoughts of having a secure job. With more learning, their aspirations grew.

Ambition flourished, and they yearned to leave the small village, to explore beyond.

Having capable peers and those who frequently traveled, their biggest and only plan was to venture out for fresh experiences.

The five brothers excitedly embraced.

"Let’s go home," Chaoyang said, thrilled to reunite outside, beyond words.

"Second brother, when do we visit Teacher Jiang?"

"It’s too late today; you all need freshening up. We’ll go tomorrow morning."

The four nodded, eager for Jiang Xinyu’s face-to-face approval.

Their long years of study were inspired by her guidance. They couldn’t imagine how life would be without Teacher Jiang.

Perhaps they’d live a life like Shu Wen’s, with a family, laboring day by day?

At home, Li Xue and Jing Chu prepared a hearty lunch, awaiting their return.

"Jing Chu, I couldn’t imagine this happening just last year," one commented.

"Sister-in-law, aren’t you excited yet?"

Li Xue nodded with a smile, "Indeed, I get excited just thinking about it each day."

Guodong watched over the younger siblings, his son, and nephews.

Jing Chen was in third grade, Ruoxuan and Yiqing in second grade, and Yixin in first grade.

Despite being young, all were a year ahead due to early learning and excellent exam performances, which the school accepted.

Li Chenxi remained in the Red Education Class. Chaoyang and Jing Chu didn’t pressure their son, believing in letting him grow naturally, valuing character over achievement.

The children knew their uncles and brothers were arriving and listened to the radio, awaiting them.

Hearing commotion outside, everyone turned to look. Although they’d only been away a year, the kids had grown, remembering the four but unfamiliar to Chenxi.

Everyone in the house rushed out, excited, with Guodong ushering them inside.

"I’ll take you to the bathhouse this afternoon for a proper wash," he announced.

"Brother-in-law, is there a bathhouse nearby?" Hong Jun asked, smiling. They used to visit the city, bathing once or twice a month in winter with their father.

"Yes, it’s more comfortable than at home," Guodong replied.

"Big brother, we want to go too," Yixin hurriedly chimed in.

Chenxi nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Alright, the whole family will go today."

Li Xue and Jing Chu were in the kitchen cooking, with cold dishes already on the table, just waiting for the main dishes before they could eat.