The Great Doctor Girl

I sat in the car, snuggled up to my mother, and listened quietly to her soft words about the customs of the New Year and the etiquette of the meals. Every word touched the softest part of my heart. I quietly held my mother's hand, as if to hold on to the family affection that was lost and regained, for fear that if I let go, everything would become a dream again.

When I got home, the automatic door slowly opened and the huge yard came into view.

The courtyard was decorated with lights and colorful ribbons, and the big red lanterns made the whole yard look red.

Looking further ahead, the villa stands quietly in the middle of the yard. The off-white exterior wall is set off by the red light of lanterns, adding a touch of warmth to the warm colors.

As you step into the house, warmth accompanied by the rich fragrance of flowers and fruits hits you in the face. The crystal chandelier casts warm yellow light. The big red word "Fu" on the wall, the exquisite Chinese knots by the window, the candies and fruits on the table, and the flowers and green plants dotted everywhere, together weave a lively and joyous reunion picture.

As soon as I entered the kitchen, I saw Aunt Chen busy at the stove. Hot oil was sizzling in the pot, and the chopping board was filled with all kinds of cut ingredients, a dazzling array.

"Aunt Chen, let me help you. You have to make this New Year's Eve dinner perfect." My mother said to Aunt Chen with a smile, her tone full of friendliness.

"Oh, Madam, you are finally here. With your help, this New Year's Eve dinner will definitely be more exciting!" Aunt Chen's face was full of smiles, and the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes showed joy.

Mom walked straight to the kitchen, tied an apron on, and her eyes instantly became determined and focused. Once she became energetic and spirited, the aura of the entire kitchen seemed to have changed. Originally, it was only Aunt Chen who was "commanding" the pots and pans, but now with Mom joining in, those cooking utensils were more like well-trained soldiers, their formations were more regular, and the cooking rhythm became faster and faster.

Huang Junze and I were not to be outdone, so we came closer and were eager to try. Although we don't usually do much kitchen work, we were in high spirits today and wanted to participate in the preparations that were full of the flavor of life.

I rolled up my sleeves, stood by the sink, and carefully washed the vegetables. The tender green leaves rolled under the water, washing away the dust and also seemed to wash away the fatigue and haze of the past year.

Huang Junze picked up a kitchen knife and gestured at a piece of pork belly, but his technique was a little clumsy, and the pieces of meat he cut were of different sizes, which made us laugh in a good-natured way.

"Huang Junze, are you cutting meat or carving it? The sizes are so uneven." I joked with a smile.

He scratched his head and grinned sheepishly: "This isn't my first time. The most important thing is to participate. I'm a quick learner. I'm sure I'll get better and better at it later."

The mother gently instructed at the side: "Junze, you have to be steady when cutting the meat, keep the knife vertical, and take your time." As she spoke, her hands were skillfully stir-frying the dishes in the pot. The aroma spread instantly, arousing the appetite of people.

With the tacit cooperation between my mother and Aunt Chen, dishes came out of the pot one after another. Some were served on plates, while others were still simmered on low heat on the stove to keep warm.

Huang Junze and I shuttled between them, passing seasonings and taking plates. Occasionally, we would knock over a small spoon or something because of our flustered movements, which would lead to another burst of laughter. But this laughter was full of the warmth of a happy family.

The steamed fish is served on the table, with its body shining with oil and decorated with green onions, ginger and garlic, like a fine work of art, symbolizing "abundance every year."

The braised pork trotters are bright red, soft and chewy, trembling on the plate, carrying the wish of "bringing in wealth and treasure".

My mother’s specialty, “Tea-flavored Shrimp”, is a must-try. The shrimp is plump and tender, with a light tea fragrance. It is smooth and refreshing when eaten, and has a unique flavor.

In the center of the dining table, the hot pot is bubbling and boiling. The chicken soup is the base, blending with the fragrance of tea. The side dishes are happily jumping, floating and tumbling in the pot, just like the ups and downs of life. After being boiled and cooked, they turn into a delicious taste on the tip of the tongue.

Before the meal started, I quietly went upstairs and called my master in the room.

In the few seconds when the phone was connected, my heart seemed to be tightened by an invisible hand. Long "beep-beep" sounds came from the receiver, and each sound struck at my tense nerves.

"Hello?" The master's familiar and slightly hoarse voice finally came. For a moment, his eyes became uncontrollably sore, and all the scenes of the master and disciple in the past surged in his mind like a tide.

"Master, Happy New Year." I tried to steady my voice, but it still trembled a little. "Today I brought my mother home to celebrate New Year's Eve. It should have been a lively and joyful occasion, but you're not here. I feel empty inside, so I called to wish you a happy new year."

The master laughed softly on the other end of the phone and said, "Luo Shu, Happy New Year. I'm fine, don't worry." I sniffed and nodded in response.

Although Master couldn't see me, I continued as if facing him, "I used to spend New Year's Eve with Master. Although we had simple meals, I felt incredibly happy."

"Now that you have graduated, you should manage your own life well and stop dwelling on the past." The master advised earnestly.

But I could hear the reluctance and concern hidden in his words. "Master, I understand, but every time I cook, I still subconsciously follow the steps you taught me. For today's meal, I made several signature dishes, all of which I learned from you when I was a child. I also thought it would be great if you could try them."

The master was silent for a moment, and when he spoke again, he was relieved, "Master knows that you are thinking of me in your heart. Master understands your kindness. I am content as long as you are well."

Before hanging up the phone, the master reminded me not to miss the meal because my family was waiting.

Hanging up the receiver, I took a deep breath, raised my hand to wipe away the remaining tears from the corners of my eyes, and thought: "When will Master be able to come down the mountain and reunite with my family?"

With the master's expectations and teachings, I walked downstairs with firm steps and headed towards the dining table full of fireworks and family love.

Night falls quietly outside the window, the lights come on, and the New Year’s Eve dinner officially begins.

Everyone sat around the table. Huang Junze raised his glass first with a sincere look and a loud voice: "Mom, Luo Shu, this glass is to the old year. Although there were many storms in the past, our family stayed together and got through it all; now let's toast to the new year. May your days be like this table full of delicious food, prosperous, peaceful and happy, and reunited year after year!" The glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound, just like the first bell of the New Year, ringing the door of hope for the new year.

I picked up the wine glass and looked at my mother and Huang Junze in front of me. Tears finally burst out of my eyes and slid down my cheeks mixed with a smile: "Mom, this year is the happiest year of my life. With you here, home feels like home. We will be reunited like this every year in the future." After that, I raised my head and drank it all. The wine went into my throat, spicy but sweet, just like my life at the moment. After going through hardships, it finally ushered in a reunion feast full of family love and hope.

Outside the window, fireworks soared into the sky on time, blooming colorfully in the inky night sky. The light shone through the window lattice and sprinkled on the smiling faces, reflecting the richness and warmth of family affection.

At this moment, the house is filled with laughter and the fireworks are brilliant outside. The haze of the past dissipates like smoke in this grand reunion scene. The prologue of the new year slowly unfolds among the fireworks and warmth, full of love and hope, shining brightly, and moving forward all the way.

How I wish that in the years to come, I could always have my family by my side, so that even if there are storms, the road ahead will be smooth.

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, the house was filled with warmth, but how could this warmth compare to the warmth of family love that filled my heart at this moment.

Everyone sat around the elegant tea table, and my mother skillfully took out her treasured tea collection. It was a can of Pu'er tea with a dark color and tight leaves. The fragrance of time seemed to be hidden between the leaves.

Smiling, she gently dropped the tea leaves into the purple clay teapot with skillful and elegant technique, then slowly poured in boiling water. In an instant, the aroma of tea rose in the air, curling around the house like light smoke. The rich fragrance permeated the air, adding a touch of elegance to this New Year's Eve.

Although all my childhood photos were burned in the fire, and many concrete childhood scenes have no carriers, memories are like seeds buried deep in my heart, which can always sprout and grow wildly at such warm moments.

The mother raised her hand and gently smoothed the hair on her temples. The warm yellow light reflected in her eyes, and her expression was full of tenderness. She said slowly: "Luo Shu, although the photos are gone, I remember everything about your childhood. At that time, you had just learned to walk, and you were like a little duck, swaying your body, and you insisted on chasing the butterflies in the yard by yourself. You lost your balance and fell with dust on your face. You pouted and were about to cry, but when you saw the butterflies, you happily got up and continued to chase them. That stubbornness is exactly the same as it is now." As she spoke, the mother had a smile on her lips, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes were full of doting.

Huang Junze listened attentively on the side and joked, "It turns out Luo Shu has been a person who refuses to admit defeat since he was young. No wonder he can handle anything. With such tenacity, no matter how big the difficulties are, he will have to admit defeat." Everyone talked at once, and the past years were roughly outlined through words, and came alive on this New Year's Eve.

The cold wind outside gently taps on the window lattice, but does not diminish the warmth inside the house in the slightest.

As midnight approached, Huang Junze and I smiled at each other and walked towards the courtyard with great enthusiasm, ready to start a fireworks display.

In the courtyard, many fireworks have already been arranged, and one of the special fireworks stands out from the crowd and is eye-catching.

That was a "surprise work" that Huang Junze had secretly prepared for me, spending a lot of effort and carefully customizing for this New Year's Eve.

The fireworks are huge in size, and the tube is painted with delicate and exquisite golden and red paintings that symbolize auspiciousness. The ribbons and tassels dance lightly in the wind, just like a dream fortress dressed up in costume. It exudes a mysterious and charming atmosphere, quietly dormant, accumulating tremendous power to light up the night sky.

Huang Junze walked closer with a lighter in his hand, leaned sideways to block the wind, and carefully lit the fuse, watching the "sizzling" sound of the fuse with a focused expression.

In a flash, with a "whoosh" sound, the fireworks rushed into the night sky like an arrow from a bow, and exploded with a loud bang as everyone looked forward to it.

Amidst the bursts of fireworks and the dazzling light, the large characters "Happy New Year Luoshu" were magically outlined, shining brightly and hanging high in the sky. The surrounding stars seemed to be ashamed of themselves and became dim embellishments under its dazzling light.

Every word is the crystallization of his silent love, filled with deep affection and care for me. This unique and sincere blessing abandons the bluntness of ordinary words, and in such a gorgeous and shocking way, it tells the ardent affection to the night sky, turning it into a confession that strikes the soul directly.

The emotions in this world are nothing more than when someone writes their feelings all over the night sky amidst the brilliant fireworks. For me, the shock and warmth at this moment are enough to withstand the frost of half a lifetime and soothe the deepest part of my soul.