After traveling through the book, I realized my wish in my previous life

New Year's Eve was the last day of 1974. In the early morning, the sunlight, like golden threads, penetrated the thin clouds early and poured unreservedly into the quiet alley.

It was a rare sunny day. The sky was as blue as a gem, without a single cloud blocking the view. It was so pure that it seemed to reflect the joy in people's hearts. The sun fell gently on our bodies. Although it carried the unique chill of winter, the bright warmth made us feel particularly comfortable.

Shen Xiaoxia turned over comfortably in the warm and soft quilt. Although there was no warm kang like in the north, she slept quite soundly with the company of a hot water bottle and a heat protector.

The thought that today was Chinese New Year flashed through her mind, and the corners of her mouth rose unconsciously, as if the smile was gently hooked by some silk thread. She no longer lingered in the warmth of the quilt, but got up quickly and neatly, ready to greet this anticipated day.

Since arriving in this place, Shen Xiaoxia has discovered that the New Year seems to have become even more exciting! Compared to today, the New Year atmosphere at this time is like a glass of mellow wine, becoming even more intense.

In modern times, the Chinese New Year seems to be diluted by busy life, but here, every detail is full of traditional flavor, as if time has slowed down, allowing people to fully savor the joy and warmth.

In the kitchen, Shen's mother had already started busying herself.

Today is Chinese New Year, and she seems to be in a particularly good mood. She didn't wake everyone up early like usual.

When Shen Xiaoxia walked into the kitchen, she saw Shen's mother kneading the dough skillfully, her hands dancing flexibly on the dough, as if she was having an intimate conversation with the dough.

There are several pots of carefully prepared fillings placed on the chopping board. One pot is tender and juicy meat filling, and the aroma of fresh meat is refreshing. There are also vegetable fillings of various flavors, which are colorful and exude a fresh scent.

"Mom, let me help you!" Shen Xiaoxia said as she quickly rolled up her sleeves.

Hearing Shen Xiaoxia's voice, Shen's mother raised her head and smiled at Shen Xiaoxia, "You're up? Why didn't you sleep a little longer? I didn't wake you up on purpose because I wanted you all to sleep a little longer!"

Shen Xiaoxia responded with a smile, "Today is Chinese New Year after all. Besides, it's almost ten o'clock, and I've had enough sleep!"

Then he asked, "Dad, are they still asleep?"

Mother Shen kneaded the dough without stopping. Upon hearing this, she replied, "Your father got up a long time ago and went out for something. Weidong and Nannan are still sleeping!"

Her tone was calm and steady, and the dough in her hands gradually became smooth and delicate as she kneaded it.

Shen Xiaoxia nodded and said, "Let them sleep. They will definitely get up when they are hungry."

Mother Shen looked at Shen Xiaoxia with concern and said, "Don't do these things for now. Go eat something first. There is porridge in the pot and boiled eggs."

Shen Xiaoxia didn't feel hungry at the moment. She blinked at Shen's mother and said mischievously, "I want to save my stomach for something delicious later. If I eat now, I might not be able to eat later!"

Hearing Shen Xiaoxia say that, Shen's mother did not force it, but gently reminded her, "If you are hungry, go and eat something. If you are not hungry, you can eat later!"

The mother and daughter chatted happily while steaming buns, making dumplings and dumplings in an orderly manner.

Although Shen Xiaoxia's technique is not as skillful as Shen's mother's, she can still wrap the dumplings quite well.

After a while, Shen's father came back with something in his hand. He was wearing a Mao suit that had been washed a little faded. Although the style was old, he had taken good care of it, and every wrinkle seemed to have been carefully ironed.

Seeing Shen's mother and Shen Xiaoxia busy in the kitchen, he came over and said a few words, then took a broom and said he was going out to clean up the yard.

After getting up, Shen Weidong walked slowly to the yard and stretched his body. His young face was full of vigor and vitality. Feeling the rare sunshine in this winter day, his face showed a satisfied expression.

Seeing his father cleaning up in the yard, Shen Weidong said, "Dad, I'll come help you after I wash up."

Hearing the noise gradually getting louder outside, Shen Nannan also jumped out of bed, found a blue cotton jacket to put on, and rushed into the kitchen like a little cannonball, saying anxiously, "Mom, I'm hungry. When are we going to eat?"

Seeing Shen Nannan staring eagerly at the dumplings on the chopping board, Shen's mother smiled and said, "Are you hungry? There's porridge in the pot, go get it yourself!"

"Porridge?" Shen Nannan wrinkled her nose, a look of disgust on her face, "I don't want to drink porridge, I want to eat dumplings and buns!"

His thoughts were written all over his face, making people laugh. Shen's mother said jokingly, "You want to eat buns and dumplings? You'll have to wait a little longer."

Shen Nannan muttered reluctantly, "Okay, then I'll go play for a while." Then he turned around and ran out like a gust of wind.

Seeing him running away, Mother Shen asked in a hoarse voice, "Have you brushed your teeth and washed your face?"

Soon Shen Nannan's loud voice came from the main room, "I'll go now!"

At noon, steaming buns and dumplings were served on the table, and the curling hot steam filled the air like clouds of happiness.

The whole family sat together and ate this simple yet homely lunch.

Shen Xiaoxia took a bite of the dumplings, and the fragrance of the dumplings instantly spread in her mouth. She said contentedly, "Homemade dumplings are still delicious."

After hearing this, Mother Shen showed a distressed look on her face and said, "Then you should eat more."

Shen Nannan ate the buns in big mouthfuls while mumbling, "It's really delicious. I want to eat it every day. Mom, do you think it's possible?"

Today is Chinese New Year, and Shen's mother doesn't want to get violent. She said with a forced smile, "What do you think?"

Shen Nannan sighed like a little adult, "I don't think it's possible!"

After hearing this, Shen's mother snorted, "I'm glad to know, but you can eat more today!"

Normally, even the dumplings or buns are limited in quantity, so it’s hard to eat to your heart’s content. But today is Chinese New Year, so let’s just eat as much as we can.

After a lively lunch, everyone finished their meal. Mr. Shen and Shen Weidong had their own things to do, Shen Nannan also wanted to go find his friends to play, and Mother Shen wanted to continue working in the kitchen. Shen Xiaoxia wanted to help, but her mother didn't let her, saying that she should go and rest first so that she would have better energy in the afternoon and evening. Shen Xiaoxia didn't refuse and went to her room to take a nap.

She didn't sleep for very long, and woke up after about an hour. After waking up, Shen's father, Shen Weidong, and Shen Nannan hadn't come back yet. Shen Xiaoxia went to the kitchen, "Mom, let me help you!"

Seeing Shen Xiaoxia wake up, Shen's mother didn't stop her hands and looked up at her, "Did you sleep well? Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Shen Xiaoxia smiled softly and said, "I slept for almost an hour, which is enough!"

She rolled up her sleeves and prepared to help pick vegetables, but Shen's mother stopped her, "Go help add firewood!"

Glancing around, Shen Xiaoxia discovered that Shen's mother was indeed efficient and effective at her work, and she was well organized when working alone. There wasn't much she could do, and she might even cause trouble for Shen's mother, so she simply sat behind the stove and helped add firewood and fuel to the fire.

This job is great. After you finish the work, you can also warm yourself by the fire!