Abstinence Pei, don't be too sweet when chasing your wife

Gu Fanxing followed the Pei family into the living room, and her eyes were immediately caught by the details of the coffee table - the pumpkin seeds in the blue and white jar were the kind she said she liked to eat when she last came to the Pei family; next to it was a light beige ceramic cup, the curvature of the cup handle was exactly the same as the cup she had used for two years, even the slight bumps on the bottom of the cup were reproduced, obviously it was specially customized.

"Hurry up and sit down. You must be tired after such a bumpy ride."

Mother Pei pulled her towards the sofa, the warmth in her palm spreading along her fingertips.

"I know you get a dry mouth easily when you're on the bus, so I warmed some ginger tea in an enamel pot and added half a spoonful of your favorite brown sugar. It's not too sweet or greasy, just the right amount to moisten your throat." Pei Luochuan took the daisy from her arms and put it in the guest room: "Put it near the window where the sun can get it."

Gu Fanxing stroked the daisy pattern on the wall of the cup and was about to say thank you when Grandma Pei came over with a neatly folded handkerchief.

The pale blue silk fabric was edged with pale yellow cotton tassels. "I embroidered two stitches every afternoon while basking in the sun. My eyesight wasn't good, so I embroidered slowly. It took me almost half a month. Do you think it suits your taste?"

She took it carefully, and when her fingertips touched the residual warmth of the fabric, her heart instantly softened.

Father Pei came out of the study and handed her a cup of warm water. "Luonan said you were so busy recording data on cultural relics at the site that you often forgot to drink water. You must drink plenty of water when you come back. Don't always think about work. Your health is more important."

As she was speaking, Mother Pei suddenly slapped her forehead and said, "Look at my memory. Old Wang should be back from getting his 'things'."

She walked to the window and dialed the phone. Her voice was soft but full of anticipation: "Old Wang, have you picked up the person? Drive slowly on the road and don't rush. Keep the heater on in the car. Let me know when you get to the door and I'll pick him up. The steps are slippery, so don't make him walk too much."

Gu Fanxing thought it was imported fruit or New Year's goods and didn't pay much attention to it until Pei Luonan touched her arm with a sly smile in his eyes: "There will be a big surprise later. You have to stay calm and don't get so excited that you cry, otherwise grandma will be heartbroken."

As soon as the voice fell, a familiar hoarse cough was heard - that was the mark left by grandma's bronchitis.

She looked up suddenly and saw the driver, Lao Wang, carrying a half-worn suitcase. Behind him was an old woman wearing a washed-out navy blue cotton jacket and reading glasses with viscose tape on the temples. It was her grandmother!

"Grandma?" Gu Fanxing's voice trembled, tears welled up in her eyes, and she staggered forward.

Grandma also saw her, and her wrinkles instantly smoothed out. She quickly walked over and hugged her: "Xingxing, my dear grandson! I'm glad to see you at last!" Gu Fanxing buried herself in her grandmother's arms, her tears dripping onto her cotton-padded jacket, leaving wet marks: "Why are you here?"

"Silly child," grandma patted her on the back, her voice choked with sobs, "your Aunt Pei called the day before yesterday and said that you were coming here to celebrate the New Year. She was worried that I would be lonely without anyone to accompany me, so she said she would bring me over to celebrate the New Year together and make it lively." Grandma explained to her.

Gu Fanxing turned to look at Pei's father and mother, her eyes full of confusion and emotion: "Auntie, Uncle, why did you go out of your way to pick up Grandma? It's too much trouble."

Mother Pei handed her a soft tissue and wiped her tears. "Xingxing, don't get excited. Luo Nan said that your grandmother raised you and you're very close to her. How can we celebrate the New Year without her dearest one? Grandma is old and her eyesight is not good. How can we let her celebrate the New Year alone? I asked Lao Wang to pick her up. I want to give you a surprise."

Pei's father added: "We are worried about grandma being alone. If you take her over and join us in the fun, you can feel at ease too."

Gu Fanxing held her grandmother's hand, and her fingertips touched the warmth of the old woman's palm, and her heart felt warm and swollen - she had never thought that the Pei family not only remembered her preferences and habits, but also took her grandmother into consideration.

"Thank you... Thank you so much."

She was choked with sobs and could not say anything more, only a simple thank you.

Grandma took Mother Pei's hand and thanked her repeatedly: "Mother Pei, I'm really sorry for the trouble."

"Grandma, you're welcome," Mother Pei patted Grandma's hand, her tone as warm as her own elders. "We're so happy you can come. It's more lively to have more people at home during the New Year."

Grandma Pei handed the hot tea to my grandmother and said, "Old sister, try this new Longjing tea. It's warm and soothing. I also asked the embroidery workshop to make you a light gray cotton vest. It's stain-resistant and suitable for all ages. Try it on to see if it fits you. If not, we can alter it."

Grandma took the vest, touched the soft cotton and linen fabric and the cloud pattern on the collar, and her eyes welled up.

"You guys are so thoughtful. Even I have new clothes. I don't know what to say..."

"We have to wear new clothes for good luck during the New Year," Grandma Pei said with a smile, "and we all have to be happy."

In the afternoon, the sun shone into the yard, and Gu Fanxing accompanied her grandmother for a slow walk.

Red lanterns are hung on the branches, the ears of corn sway in the wind, and the remaining snow looks like a warm New Year picture.

Grandma took her hand and said, "Xingxing, the Pei family's kindness cannot be bought with money. It is more precious than gold, silver and jewelry."

Gu Fanxing nodded.

"I know that true family will never distance themselves from you because of your status. They will only keep you and your concerns in their hearts."

"Luonan is also very concerned. Last time he called, he asked what you liked to eat when you were a child," Grandma said with a smile, "The Pei family is kind and modest. I feel relieved to have you here."

When they returned to the living room, Pei Ma was making dumplings with the housekeeping aunt. When she saw them come back, she waved to them.

"Xingxing, Auntie, come quickly! I specially prepared your favorite cabbage and pork filling, without adding any green onions, ginger, or garlic. Taste it first to see if it's salty enough. If it's not to your liking, I'll adjust it."

Gu Fanxing and her grandmother washed their hands and sat down. Grandma Pei brought a small stool and taught her step by step how to pinch the dumpling lace.

"Hold the skin with your left hand, and pinch it slowly with your right thumb and index finger, making sure it's firm each time. This way it won't break when you cook it, and the lace will look like a little skirt. Eating it during the Chinese New Year brings good luck."

Grandma taught Pei Ma how to make special dumplings from her hometown, including how to adjust the filling and how to shape them into "ingots". She wanted everyone to taste the flavor of her hometown and let Xingxing taste the flavor of her childhood in a foreign land.

Pei Luonan and Pei's father sat on the sofa, occasionally handing over dumpling wrappers, paper towels, or placing the wrapped dumplings on the tray.

The living room was filled with laughter and the subtle sound of people pinching patterns into dumpling wrappers. It was warm and lively.

Gu Fanxing looked at her grandmother's relaxed smile and the gentle eyes of the Pei family, and suddenly understood.

This is the home she wants, not a big house and wealth, but having family members by her side and warm companionship. Even if they are just making dumplings and chatting about family matters together, they feel particularly happy and secure.

In the evening, the meals were served one after another.

Steamed sea bass, emerald shrimps, steamed cured meats, and the special dumplings her grandmother taught her to make, the table was full of her and her grandmother's favorites. Fresh daisies were placed on the edge of the plates, which was delicate and warm.

Father Pei opened his collection of red wine and poured half a glass for each person: "Xingxing and Auntie are here today, let's get together as a family and have some fun."

Gu Fanxing picked up the wine glass, his eyes slightly red.

"Thank you, uncle, aunt, grandma, Luochuan, and grandma. I believe that with you here, this New Year will be the most lively and warmest New Year in my life."

Grandma also picked up the wine glass, her hands were shaking but firm.

"Thank you for allowing me to celebrate the New Year with my granddaughter. I hope we can be reunited and happy like this every year."

"Of course! We'll celebrate together every year from now on!"

Pei Ma said with a smile, her eyes full of sincerity.

The wine glasses clinked gently, and the crisp sound echoed in the living room.

The warm yellow light shines on everyone's face, reflecting the table full of food and the smiles in their eyes.

Gu Fanxing took a bite of the dumpling, and the familiar taste of her hometown spread on her tongue. She felt extremely certain in her heart - the Pei family was not only a "wealthy family", but also a real home, a home that warmed her with fireworks and sincerity.

Outside the window, stars bloom in the night sky, illuminating the daisies and red lanterns in the yard, as well as the warm scene in the living room.

Gu Fanxing looked at her grandmother and the Pei family beside her and suddenly understood: true happiness is not about how much wealth or the size of the house, but about having people who care about you, who are willing to prepare surprises for you and think about you.

This kind of thought and warmth is more precious and long-lasting than any gold, silver or jewelry. It can help people eliminate loneliness and solitude and feel the warmth of home throughout the long years.