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

In the afternoon, Shen's mother was busy in the kitchen. In addition to adding firewood, Shen Xiaoxia also helped out from time to time.

The kitchen is filled with the mixed aroma of various ingredients, like a feast for the senses.

Mother Shen skillfully cut various ingredients with skillful and neat movements, and every cut seemed to show respect for the food.

Looking at Shen's mother's busy figure, Shen Xiaoxia raised a smile at the corner of her mouth, and said with a hint of ridicule in her voice, "Mom, why is the New Year's Eve dinner so sumptuous this year?"

"It's rare for you to come back, so of course we have to celebrate!" Mother Shen said with a smile, her eyes full of smiles.

In the afternoon, Shen's father, Shen Weidong and Shen Nannan finished their work one after another and came back.

Father Shen took them to prepare to put up Spring Festival couplets and hang lanterns.

He took out the Spring Festival couplets and lanterns that had been prepared long ago from the house. The couplets were bought by Shen's father. The font was strong and powerful, and every stroke seemed to contain blessings for the New Year.

"Weidong, please paste these Spring Festival couplets. Be careful not to stick them crookedly!" Father Shen said as he handed the paste to Shen Weidong, with a hint of caution in his voice.

"Don't worry, Dad. I can still do this!" Shen Weidong took the paste and carefully pasted the Spring Festival couplets on the door.

Shen Nannan was helping pass out Spring Festival couplets, muttering to herself, "The top couplet is 'Spring breeze brings warmth and hundreds of flowers bloom,' the bottom couplet is 'Auspicious air brings prosperity and all things flourish,' and the horizontal scroll is 'Welcome the spring and receive blessings!'"

The sound was clear and loud, as if announcing the arrival of the New Year to the world. Looking at the posted Spring Festival couplets, Father Shen nodded with satisfaction, a gratified smile on his face.

Gradually, the whole alley was immersed in a lively atmosphere. Neighbors came out of their homes and began to post Spring Festival couplets and set off firecrackers. Laughter and joy echoed in the alley.

Children were running around in the alley, holding candies in their hands and with innocent smiles on their faces.

The women were busy in the kitchen, while the men were making various preparations in the yard. The atmosphere was filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

As it was getting close to evening, Shen's father took out a string of firecrackers and Shen Nannan followed excitedly.

Coming to the yard, Father Shen carefully hung the firecrackers on a tree branch and then lit the fuse.

The "crackling" sound of firecrackers rang out instantly, the sound was deafening, as if driving away the troubles of the past year.

When Shen Xiaoxia heard the sound of firecrackers, she ran out of the kitchen and joined the fun.

She, Shen Weidong and Shen Nannan helped hang lanterns. The red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, like burning flames, reflecting everyone's happy faces.

"Wow, so beautiful!" Shen Nannan jumped up excitedly when she saw the hung lanterns, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Shen Xiaoxia said with a smile, "Once these lanterns are hung up, the New Year atmosphere becomes even stronger!"

Father Shen looked at his family, his heart filled with satisfaction, "Yes, the New Year should be lively and festive!"

As night falls, the New Year’s Eve dinner is almost ready.

Mother Shen brought delicious dishes to the table. The braised pork was bright red in color and fragrant. The rich aroma seemed to arouse people's deepest appetite.

The braised crucian carp is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making you salivate. The sauce on the fish seems to be a delicious magic.

The chicken soup is rich and delicious, steaming hot, and every mouthful seems to warm your heart.

There is also a collection of cured meats, various stir-fried vegetables, etc. The table is full of eight or nine dishes, which is very sumptuous.

The family sat around the dining table, the light softly shone on everyone's face, and the atmosphere at the table was warm and happy.

Father Shen raised his glass and said excitedly, "Today is New Year's Eve. The whole family finally gets together. This is the happiest day for our family. Xiaoxia's return from the countryside makes this year even more meaningful! I hope that in the new year, our family will be safe and healthy!"

Father Shen's voice trembled slightly as he suppressed his inner excitement.

Everyone raised their glasses, and the sounds of clinking glasses and blessings intertwined together, like a symphony of happiness.

Shen Xiaoxia looked at her family and was deeply moved. "Dad, Mom, Big Brother, and Nan Nan, I hope that in the new year, all of our dreams will come true and we will be happy!"

Mother Shen's eyes were a little moist, "Okay, I hope we can all be safe and sound." After saying this, she turned to Shen Xiaoxia and said in a gentle but firm voice, "Xia Xia, no matter what difficulties you encounter in the future, your family will always be your backing!"

Shen Weidong also smiled and said, "Happy New Year everyone, good health and happiness!"

Shen Nannan looked at everyone talking at once and couldn't wait to speak, "Mom, Dad, Big Brother, and Sister, can we eat now? I've been craving braised pork for a long time!"

Everyone was amused by Shen Nannan's words, and the dinner table was filled with laughter.

Shen's mother smiled and nodded at Shen Nannan from a distance, "You are so greedy. Do I usually give you food? Or drink? Looking at you like that, I thought I did something to you."

"Hey, Mom, the braised pork you made is so delicious, I couldn't help it!"

Shen Nannan didn't want to continue listening to Shen's mother's nagging, so she quickly interrupted her. Shen's mother didn't say anything more because it was New Year's Day today!

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, Shen Nannan is most looking forward to the part where she will give out lucky money.

Seeing Shen's mother finish cleaning up and come out of the kitchen, Shen Nannan rubbed against her side and asked expectantly, "Mom, can you give me the New Year's money when you are done?"

Looking at Shen Nannan's appearance, Shen's mother couldn't help but want to take action, but thinking that today was New Year's Day, she held back!

After a light snort, he didn't continue to tease people. He took out the red envelope he had prepared long ago and handed it to Shen Nannan, "Here, this is for you. I hope you study hard and make progress every day in the new year! Be less naughty and more obedient!"

The moment Shen's mother stretched out her hand, Shen Nannan grabbed the red envelope, as if the red envelope would be gone if he was slow. He didn't listen carefully to what Shen's mother said, and only responded vaguely, "Yeah, okay, okay, I will!"

After receiving it, he quickly opened the red envelope and took a look. Shen's mother gave him two yuan, and Shen Nannan was quite satisfied with this amount.

In previous years, the children of the Shen family kept the New Year's money they received for themselves, and Shen's father and mother did not ask them to hand it over, allowing the children to use it as they pleased.

Over there, Shen Nannan was counting the red envelopes in her hand, and here, Shen's mother handed a red envelope to Shen Xiaoxia, "Xia Xia, come here, this is for you!"

Shen Xiaoxia smiled and took it, saying thank you, "Thank you, Mom," then turned and smiled at Shen's father, "Thank you, Dad too!"

Father Shen smiled and replied, "You kid, we're family, what are you thanking me for!"

Shen Nannan saw Shen Xiaoxia take the red envelope, rushed over, and nudged Shen Xiaoxia's arm with her elbow, "Sister, take a look at how much is in your red envelope."