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"Grandma, you should be happy, the New Year is coming soon," Shaw Min comforted her, understanding the unspoken words of Grandma.
"You are going further away; I don't know if you will ever come back to Liu Family Village," Grandma said, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
"I won't, Grandma. I will come back often in the future, and when I do, I will come to see you," Shaw Min replied.
Grandma said, "Good, good, good."
At that moment, Qing Shusheng was outside preparing several bundles of firewood and had already started carrying them out.
Qinglan urged Shaw Min from the side, "Sister Shaomin, my father has already gone to your house."
Shaw Min could only get up and wave goodbye to Grandma.
It wasn't until Shaw Min had walked quite far that Liu Jiawei came out of the room, looking at her graceful figure as she walked away, still a beautiful sight in Liu Family Village.
On New Year's Eve night, Qing Shusheng carried Liu Dezhou down and sat him at the head of the dining table. Qing Shusheng took out traditional Rice Wine made by the Tujia people and poured a cup for everyone. Just as Qing Shusheng filled everyone's glasses with wine, Qinglan stood up impulsively, raised her glass, and said to everyone:
"Come on, let's drink and wish our family a happy reunion."
Rarely laughing, Qing Shusheng couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Lanlan, you are now the most educated and knowledgeable person in our family; from now on, you should be the one to raise a toast."
Hearing Qing Shusheng's cheerful words, Qinglan stuck out her tongue. She knew her father was teasing her for being reckless but didn't mean to scold her. She quickly turned to Liu Dezhou and said, "Daddy, you should say a few words to our family first."
Liu Dezhou squinted his eyes as if he hadn't heard Qinglan or couldn't hear her at all. He remained motionless, trembling slightly as he held his chopsticks ready to pick up food.
Qinglan hurriedly brought the dish he wanted closer to him and helped him serve himself. His lips moved slightly, making indistinct sounds of "mm-mm-mm," without coherent sentences; his speech was very unclear.
It seemed he was saying: "Don't mind me; I'm not useful anymore; everything is up to you now."
Qing Shusheng understood his meaning and timely stood up to raise his glass in a host's manner and offered blessings to the whole family.
He first wished Qinglan success in her studies and also hoped she would contribute to the Liu Family.
"Not the Liu Family, Father, my last name is Qing," Qinglan playfully retorted.
The family was amused by her, except for Liu Dezhou, who was quietly eating the dishes that Qinglan had served him, completely oblivious to the outside world.
"This is fine; this stage is probably the happiest time in life because it is free from any external disturbances and has plenty of time for reflection. However, what profound truths about life he has contemplated during this time, allowing him to be indifferent to both joy and sorrow from the outside world, remains unknown," Qing Shusheng remarked, noticing that Liu Xiuzhen was watching her Father intently.
Grandma smiled brightly; she was still quite healthy. Rice Wine, a traditional drink of the Tujia people, was something both men and women enjoyed without reservation, so Grandma took several sips.
After a few sips of Rice Wine, a rosy hue appeared on her wrinkled face, and a kind smile spread across her features. She said, "That girl Lanlan is still as mischievous as when she was little. She won't allow anyone to call her a member of the Liu Family, protecting her Father. She is her Father's daughter, a daughter of the Qing family. It seems your Father didn't spoil you for nothing."
Her words made the whole family burst into laughter, and Qinglan blushed even more. She acted coyly in Grandma's embrace for quite some time before finally settling down.
During the meal, Liu Dezhou put down his utensils and was carried back upstairs by Qing Shusheng.
After coming down, Qing Shusheng mentioned plans to go to the Provincial Capital after the New Year to find a professional technical school for Liu Jiawei to attend.
"The focus will be on Furniture Design and Sculpting," Qing Shusheng said. "The goal is to connect it with the craft he is currently learning."
It turned out that during this trip to Shenzhen, Qing Shusheng not only rescued Liu Jiawei from a pyramid scheme but also visited the library located in the Shenzhen Administrative Cultural District Center. Additionally, he explored the largest International Furniture City in the Shenzhen South District, gaining insights into the market for wooden furniture and schools specializing in furniture design and sculpting.
Of course, Qinglan supported Qing Shusheng's proposal. As for Liu Xiuzhen, who did not understand these matters, she remained quiet and had always followed Qing Shusheng, so she did not oppose him. Moreover, she had become much more obedient lately and even took on a maternal role by advising Liu Jiawei, hoping he would turn over a new leaf and listen to his Father.
Naturally, Grandma did not express any opinions; for her, seeing the family united and happy was what mattered most.
Not long after the New Year, the weather indeed cleared up, adding a festive atmosphere after the holiday.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Shaw Min brought a gift package to wish Grandma a Happy New Year. Since Liu Jiawei was at home, after dropping off the gift, An Shaomin left.
Qinglan sent her off, and as they reached the gate of the courtyard, she mysteriously pulled Qinglan's hand and walked towards the village outskirts.
Qinglan felt a bit confused following her. "What's going on, Sister Shaomin?"
Qinglan was impatient and couldn't stand Shaw Min's calm demeanor, constantly asking questions as they walked.
It wasn't until they reached the other side of the stone bridge that Shaw Min finally stopped and asked, "Do you really like An Shaojie?"
The sudden question left Qinglan momentarily speechless. Although everyone in Liu Family Village had known since childhood that Qinglan liked An Shaojie, she still hesitated.
After all, if everyone in Liu Family Village knew about Qinglan's feelings for An Shaojie, how could An Shaomin not know? If she knew, why ask?
With her head down and hands in her pockets, the wind from the pond tousled both her and Shaw Min's hair.
Her lukewarm attitude finally irritated the gentle-natured An Shaomin. "Do you like him or not? If you don't, I might just introduce him to someone else. I have girls at my company, and I'm planning to set him up."
The last part was something An Shaomin came up with on the spot, intending to provoke Qinglan. However, upon hearing this, Qinglan simply replied and turned to leave.
"Then go ahead and introduce him; that way, I can relax." Shaw Min grabbed her arm. "Hey, what's with that attitude? I'm here to consult you. Of course..." An Shaomin smiled as she walked in front of Qinglan. "I'm also here to help you two, but first, I need you to be honest with me. Do you still like An Shaojie? If not, we can end this conversation right here."
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