I returned to my hometown after winning the koi lottery.

Shanghe Village, a small mountain village that usually exudes simplicity and tranquility, seems to have been injected with a dose of super-strong vitality today. It is extremely lively early in the morning, and is filled with a unique joy everywhere.

Why? It turns out it was the village girl Tao Jie who came back to visit!

It was just dawn and the eastern sky was just turning pale when Li Fugui drove the six-wheel pickup truck to the door of his house in high spirits.

The body of the pickup truck glowed faintly in the morning light. Although this pickup truck had been working hard with Li Fugui on the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, had suffered some damage and was covered in dust and mud, he had washed the car clean a day in advance and even polished the wheels to a shine in order to pick up his wife.

As for Sister Tao, she had risen early and stood before the mirror, examining herself carefully. She was wearing a bright red Chinese-style suit, the delicate embroidery gleaming in the morning light, making her already fair face even more charming.

Her hair was carefully tied up and pinned with a small velvet flower. She looked both shy and energetic like a bride.

Hearing the sound of a car outside, she quickly picked up the gifts she had prepared long ago and walked out the door with light steps.

"Fugui, I have prepared everything, let's go." Sister Xiaotao said to Li Fugui with a smile, and that smile was full of happiness.

Li Fugui hurriedly got out of the car, walked a few steps to Sister Xiao Tao, took the things in her hand, and helped her open the car door, muttering: "Slow down, don't bump into anything."

After seeing his wife sitting down, he returned to the driver's seat, started the car, and sped towards Shanghe Village.

On the other hand, Sister Xiaotao’s parents rushed back to the village yesterday.

As soon as the old couple got home, they went straight to the house of Master Wang, who contracted the banquet, without even taking a breath.

Master Wang is a famous chef in the surrounding area with superb cooking skills. Whenever there is a wedding or funeral in the village, he is always invited to prepare the banquet.

"Master Wang, my daughter is coming home today, so please take care of the menu!" Sister Xiaotao's father said as he took Master Wang's hand as soon as he entered the door.

Master Wang smiled and handed over the menu he had prepared long ago. "Don't worry, brother, I have it all figured out. I've arranged everything, including the hot and cold dishes, as well as the meat and vegetable combinations, perfectly. I'm sure everyone will be satisfied."

Xiao Tao's mother took the menu and looked at it carefully. "Oh, these sweet and sour pork ribs and braised prawns are my daughter's favorites. Master Wang, you are so thoughtful."

"Of course not. When there's a happy event in our village, we have to put the best on the table!" Master Wang promised, patting his chest.

Just as everyone was busy preparing for the banquet, Sister Xiaoyu's RV slowly drove into the village.

The RV stood out among the agricultural tricycles and motorcycles. Its shiny body and spacious compartment attracted the children in the village to gather around and look at it curiously.

Xiaoyu was sitting in the driver's seat, wearing a pair of stylish sunglasses and a confident smile. Next to her sat Zhang Tingjian, while in the back seat Zhao Bufan and Zhu Xiaoqi were chatting excitedly.

"Wow, this village looks so lively!" Zhu Xiaoqi leaned on the car window, his eyes wide open, looking at the scene of lights and decorations outside.

"Of course not. Sister Xiaotao's return is a big event in the village. We have to have a good time today." Zhang Tingjian said with a smile.

After the car stopped, Sister Xiaoyu jumped out first, took out the prepared gifts from the trunk, and called everyone: "Let's go, let's go to Sister Xiaotao's house first, maybe we can help."

Zhangbei and Zhang Nan, brother and sister, also set out early in the morning before dawn.

Zhang Bei was driving a pickup truck, the bed of which was filled with various local specialties for Xiao Tao's family, including freshly picked fruits and homemade bacon. These were all gifts prepared by Zhang Bei's mother for Xiao Tao.

Zhang Nan and Xiao Xing sat in the back row. They were very excited and kept chattering all the way.

"Xiao Xing, just think about how happy Sister Xiao Tao must be today." Zhang Nan said, holding Xiao Xing's hand.

"Of course, returning to one's parents' home is a big event for a bride. Sister Xiaotao married into a good family. Now she can go back to her parents' home and reunite with everyone. She must be smiling from ear to ear." Xiao Xing answered with a smile, her eyes full of envy.

As the car drove along the winding mountain road, the wildflowers on the roadside swayed gently in the morning breeze, as if cheering for this festive occasion. Along the way, from time to time, we could see villagers herding cattle and sheep to graze, or carrying farm tools to work in the fields. When they saw Zhang Bei's car, they all greeted him warmly.

"Zhang Bei, are you going to Sister Xiao Tao's house? It's going to be lively today!"

"Yes, uncle, let's go and join in the fun." Zhang Bei responded with a smile.

Finally, the three groups arrived at Shanghe Village. The village was ablaze with the crackling of firecrackers, the air thick with the aroma of fireworks and delicious food. Xiao Tao's home was especially crowded, with relatives and friends gathered in the yard, filled with laughter and joy.

As soon as Sister Xiaotao and Li Fugui got out of the car, they were surrounded by everyone.

"Oh, Xiaotao, you are finally back. I missed you so much." A white-haired old lady came over tremblingly with a cane, holding Sister Xiaotao's hand, her eyes red.

"Grandma, I'm back. Are you feeling well?" Sister Xiaotao hurriedly supported the old lady and asked with concern.

Li Fugui also greeted them from the side: "Everyone is here, thank you for your hard work."

As they were talking, Sister Xiaoyu and the others also walked into the yard. Zhang Tingjian was holding a large gift box in his hand and shouted with a smile: "Sister Xiaotao, congratulations on your return. We are here to eat for free!"

A burst of laughter suddenly rang out in the yard, and Sister Xiao Tao came forward to greet them: "Welcome, welcome, we've been looking forward to seeing you."

Zhangbei and Zhangnan arrived shortly after. Xiaoxing skipped over to Xiaotao and said, "Xiaotao, look what we brought you. They're all delicious."

Sister Tao looked at the familiar faces in the yard, her heart warmed, and her eyes couldn't help but moisten: "Thank you everyone, I'm so happy today, let's go inside and sit down."

Everyone crowded around Sister Tao and led her into the house, which was already filled with tea and snacks. The women gathered around her, asking her questions about her married life. The men sat nearby, smoking and drinking tea, discussing the village harvest and the world outside. Children played and laughed in the yard, chasing each other and making noises, occasionally running in to grab a handful of candy before running back out to continue their fun.

Nearing noon, the banquet officially began. Master Wang and his apprentices were bustling about under the large shed set up in the courtyard. Plate after plate of delicious dishes arrived. The sweet and sour spare ribs were bright red, their sweet and sour flavors spreading across the tongue. The braised prawns were large and plump, their meat firm and chewy. And the stir-fried seasonal vegetables were fresh, tender green, and sweet.

Everyone gathered around the table, laughter echoing throughout the courtyard. Sister Tao and Li Fugui, holding their glasses, toasted the elders at each table, thanking them for their care and blessings. At each table, the elders would pull them aside for a few heartfelt words, sharing some tips on life.

"Xiaotao, once you get married you are an adult. You and Fugui must support each other and live a prosperous life." Grandpa said earnestly.

Sister Xiao Tao blushed and nodded: "Grandpa, don't worry, Fugui and I will definitely live a good life."

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively. Someone suggested singing to liven up the atmosphere, so several young people volunteered to stand up and sing village folk songs. The songs were melodious and graceful, with a strong local flavor, and everyone clapped and cheered along.

As the afternoon wore on, the sun gradually set, but everyone's spirits remained high. The children played hide-and-seek in the yard, the women gathered to chat, and the men played chess. Little Tao, observing these familiar and heartwarming scenes, leaned on Li Fugui's shoulder and whispered, "It's a wonderful day! There's still a touch of humanity in our village."

Li Fugui held her hand and nodded, "Yes, this is our root. Let's come back often to visit."