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墨書 Inktalez
The winter sun filtered through the trees, casting layers of light across the courtyard. In the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve.
Shen Tong stood alone in the small yard, surveying the Spring Couplets she had just put up. The bright red paper brought a touch of festive spirit—across the top, the horizontal inscription read "Fortune Fills the Universe" in elegant, powerful characters. These Spring Couplets were written by her own hand.
Though she would be spending the New Year alone again this year, she had not skimped on preparations. The windows were freshly covered with new paper, and two pots of wintersweet adorned the steps, complementing the red Spring Couplets and adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
Rubbing her slightly cold hands together, Shen Tong turned and returned to the main room. She settled by the small stove and continued to flip through the ancient books and notes left behind by her grandmother.
Shen Tong often felt that even if she devoted her entire life to it, she might never finish going through the two large boxes of belongings her grandmother had left her.
"Grandmother..." she whispered, her thoughts drifting back to the past.
On previous New Year's Eves, her grandmother would always rise early a day in advance, lighting incense to "welcome fortune and auspiciousness."
Young Shen Tong would curiously ask, "Grandmother, why do we start lighting incense on the twenty-ninth while other families wait until New Year's Eve?"
Her grandmother would always chuckle and pinch her ear gently, saying, "Because our family is different."
Indeed, it was different. Her life seemed destined to be one of solitude and detachment.
As dusk fell outside, the sound of firecrackers began to echo faintly in the distance. Shen Tong lit an oil lamp, preparing to tidy up and make herself a simple New Year's Eve dinner.
Just as she got up, a knock sounded at the courtyard door.
"Who could be visiting at this hour?" Shen Tong wondered as she walked to the door and unlatched it.
Standing outside were those who represented her deepest connections to this world: Lin Mingchang, Ruan Xiaoshuang, and Fang Zigui. They stood side by side, arms laden with bags of all sizes, smiling as they greeted Shen Tong with a cheerful "Happy New Year's Eve!" Their laughter grew louder as they saw Shen Tong's stunned expression.
The winter night wind had reddened Xiaoshuang's cheeks as she nearly leaped into the courtyard and wrapped her arms around Shen Tong. "Sister Tong! You can't spend New Year's alone! We're here to keep you company!"
Shen Tong was momentarily speechless, feeling warmth swell in her chest. After a moment's pause, she stepped aside to let them in. "Come inside quickly; it's cold out."
Fang Zigui followed closely behind Xiaoshuang, carrying a large bag and cheerfully announcing, "I brought some warming herbs; we can make a hot pot! It's perfect for this kind of weather."
Lin Mingchang was the last to enter, bringing two bottles of wine and several paper packages. He handed them to Shen Tong. "Here, these two bottles are from Old Jiang's new brew; I know you love it."
Then Lin Mingchang turned and expertly secured the door as if it were his own home.
The four of them filled the modest main room instantly, making it feel alive with warmth and laughter.
Xiaoshuang swiftly took off her outer coat, revealing a vibrant qipao underneath, and began helping Shen Tong tidy up the table. Fang Zigui walked directly to the kitchen, starting to prepare his "Medicinal Hot Pot," while Lin Mingchang set down his things and rushed over to assist Zigui.
Before long, the kitchen was filled with enticing aromas. Zigui's hot pot broth was truly exceptional; the milky white soup base was enhanced with fresh shrimp and scallions, along with warming medicinal herbs. The delicious scent made everyone feel hungrier. Lin Mingchang and Xiaoshuang worked together, one slicing meat and the other cleaning vegetables.
Shen Tong leaned against the kitchen door, watching the three busy figures as the steam from the pot warmed her eyes. She had never experienced such a lively New Year's Eve before.
Soon, a lively New Year's Eve dinner was laid out on the table—at the center was a warm copper pot, wafting fragrant herbal aromas. Surrounding it were plates of sliced lamb, beef, fish, various vegetables, and tofu, along with snacks and dried fruits brought by Lin Mingchang.
"Come on, everyone sit down," Lin Mingchang gestured invitingly, playing the role of host. Zigui and Xiaoshuang exchanged knowing glances and couldn't help but smile at Shen Tong's slightly flushed face.
The four of them gathered around the table, raising their glasses in celebration. The wine brought by Lin Mingchang was truly excellent—smooth and rich in flavor, with a lingering taste of rice.
As they enjoyed their drinks, the atmosphere grew even more lively. The conversation naturally shifted from recent cases to life, dreams, and each other.
"Mr. Zigui, what exactly did you add to this medicinal hot pot base? It's so delicious! And it tastes different from last time!" Xiaoshuang asked, slightly tipsy with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes fixed on Fang Zigui.
Zigui smiled as he shared his secret recipe. "It's mainly based on Siwu Soup, with some angelica root and Huang Qi added for flavor... along with a bit of Chen Pi and scallop for enhancement..." Meanwhile, he discreetly moved her wine glass away when she wasn't paying attention and offered her some refreshing side dishes and dried fruits.
Lin Mingchang's gaze frequently drifted towards Shen Tong. He hesitated several times as if he had something to say but ultimately swallowed his words instead, silently serving her more food.
In truth, Shen Tong had long noticed Lin Mingchang's attention. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she turned her face away just in time to see Xiaoshuang reaching for more wine again, while Zigui promptly took her glass away.
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