After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

The little boy, his face flushed, clutched his tummy and said to everyone, "Brother Yu is hungry!"

Everyone was charmed by his cuteness and couldn't help but laugh. The old lady even said, "Quickly, bring the food up. Our Yu-ge'er is hungry."

The servants busied themselves, and soon the table was filled with all sorts of delicacies.

Braised carp, symbolizing abundance year after year and the carp leaping over the dragon gate; cabbage, signifying longevity; stir-fried green beans, representing peace throughout the four seasons; and four-happiness meatballs, embodying family reunion...

Each dish carries an auspicious meaning, representing people's earnest expectations and hopes for the new year!

After a hearty breakfast, the whole family went to visit relatives. Although the Gu family and clan had a very ugly falling out when Gu Fu passed away, the proper etiquette still had to be observed. In particular, Gu Liunian was preparing to take the imperial examination, and his reputation could not be tarnished.

Lin Hao didn't want to recall such hardship. She had never experienced having to wish so many people a Happy New Year in one day in modern times. It's no exaggeration to say that apart from going home for lunch, she and Gu Liunian spent the whole day outside with the little bun!

For the first time, she realized why even outsiders had to give Gu Liunian some face! A boy not even a teenager, facing so many wolves and tigers, hadn't been devoured alive, and had even preserved the family business left by his father—it was truly admirable!

Noticing that Lin Hao's gaze had become strange ever since they returned from the New Year's visit, Gu Liunian couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong with you?" once they were alone.

"Ah, nothing's wrong?" Lin Hao subconsciously touched her face, looked herself over, and found nothing amiss, so she looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Why do you keep staring at me?"

"Ah, this." Lin Hao was a little embarrassed to be discovered, and looked away from Gu Liunian's face.

Her face flushed slightly, and she stammered, "I just think you're amazing!"

"What?" Her voice was barely audible, and she turned her head away. Gu Liunian genuinely couldn't understand what she said.

Lin Hao thought he was doing it on purpose, so she puffed out her cheeks and looked at him: "I said, I think you're very capable, okay!"

Gu Liunian was speechless for a moment, not because she was frightened by her appearance, but because she was wondering how she suddenly came up with this idea during the New Year's greetings.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Lin Hao thought she had guessed correctly and looked at him sideways.

"Hmph, I didn't expect you to be so narcissistic. You have to be praised loudly. I never knew you were like this, Gu Liunian!"

Gu Liunian didn't want to argue with her about this. After thinking it over, he quickly understood and his eyes softened unconsciously.

Lin Hao thought this person was probably sick. She hadn't said anything nice, so why did this person seem quite satisfied?

Could he be a hidden masochist?

Lin Hao was disgusted by her own thoughts and couldn't help but shudder to shake off such a terrible idea.

"Are you cold?" Gu Liunian asked with concern, noticing her actions.

"No, no!" Lin Hao hurriedly shook her head, feeling uneasy and unable to meet his gaze.

Seeing her looking like she had wronged him, Gu Liunian looked at her with a questioning and suspicious gaze.

Catching a glimpse of Gu Liunian out of the corner of her eye, Lin Hao felt even more guilty. She quickly stood up and raised her voice slightly, "Ah, I'll go check if Yu-ge'er has kicked off the blanket. He mustn't catch a cold during the New Year!"