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"Never mind, never mind. I guess you men don't really like watching this kind of movie," the young girl said to herself. Hearing this, Gu Ting let out a sigh of relief.
No matter what, today was a happy day! "Thank you, Ting Ge, for treating me to the movies. Let me treat you to something to eat!"
"Another day, it's getting late. I'll walk you home!"
In truth, Gu Ting was reluctant to send Yu Songyu home, but she worried that if they returned too late, Yu Fu and Mother Yu would be concerned.
Watching Yu Songyu walk into her house, Gu Ting finally felt at ease leaving, just like when they were children.
On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month in 1975, it was New Year's Eve—the last time families would gather for the New Year's dinner.
On this day, every household decorated with lanterns and streamers; even while it was still bright outside, the sound of firecrackers rang out continuously.
During this era, dining out was considered quite a luxury. Meat such as pork, beef, and lamb had to be rationed with tickets; many people saved their tickets for the New Year instead of indulging in meat throughout the year.
Thus, the New Year became a great opportunity to satisfy cravings and was also the favorite holiday for children.
However, most families still relied on vegetarian dishes; yet, crafty women would do their best to prepare a festive New Year's dinner.
That afternoon, around three or four o'clock, Yu Songyu's family arrived at Gu Ting's house with gifts to celebrate the New Year.
"You! You came early last time; how come after not visiting for a few years you've learned to be lazy?"
As soon as they entered, Gu Mother pretended to complain, but in reality, she missed her old friend.
"Oh dear, it's my fault for being inconsiderate! I should have come over earlier to help!"
Mother Yu felt a bit embarrassed; she had intended to arrive sooner but had been delayed by Yu Songbai's slow wake-up routine.
"Who said I needed your help? I prepared most of the food last night! What I meant was that you should have come earlier to chat with me; it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other!"
"Yes, yes! It was my oversight!"
Mother Yu laughed while preparing to wash her hands and help out. She knew that Gu Mother was just teasing her; after so many years together, she understood her friend's temperament well.
Mother Yu was a few years younger than Gu Mother and had always been treated like a younger sister by her.
The two women busied themselves in the kitchen preparing the New Year's dinner while Gu Dad and Yu Ba played chess in the living room.
Yu Songyu and Gu Ting shared stories of their experiences, filled with laughter and sighs. In contrast, Yu Songbai sat alone in a corner, feeling as if he had been forgotten. To mask his embarrassment, he pretended to read a book, but he couldn't focus on anything at all.
Just as he was about to doze off, lunch was finally ready.
"To Uncle Zhu and Auntie, may you have good health and all your wishes come true! East brings purple qi, west brings blessings; south brings auspicious light, north brings wealth; five blessings arrive, prosperity at home; may fortune and happiness be with you!"
Yu Songyu raised her cup first to toast the elders before turning to Gu Ting. "May my brother Ting Ge soar like bamboo, achieving success and marrying a beautiful wife!"
After delivering these auspicious words, Yu Songyu prepared to drink it all down.
"Hey, hey, what about me? What about me?"
Having been overlooked earlier, Yu Songbai felt he couldn't let this moment pass without making his toast. "May my brother be healthy and happy, able to eat and sleep well!"
Was that it? Why was his toast so perfunctory compared to everyone else's?
Yu Songbai frowned in dissatisfaction; everyone else’s well-wishes were elaborate while his sounded like something meant for a pig!
"I'm not being perfunctory! I just thought you wouldn't understand if I made it too complicated!"
Yu Songyu pouted defiantly, her playful banter drawing laughter from the crowd. Even Gu Father laughed so hard that tears nearly streamed down his face.
"I tell you, Old Yu, your little girl doesn’t let herself suffer at all! Just look at her go! Hahaha, she delivers those auspicious words like a pro!"
"Of course! Just look at who she takes after!"
Yu Fu beamed with pride, almost as if the words "my beloved" were written across his face.
"But Xiao Yu," Gu Father interjected with a knowing smile directed at Yu Songyu, "you just said you wish for Ting Ge to find a beautiful wife soon. Isn’t that just a matter of your own words?"
"Huh?"
Yu Songyu felt a bit confused; she couldn't understand why Ting Ge's search for a wife had anything to do with her. This was the best Daughter-in-law.
Knock, knock, knock!
A series of knocks interrupted Gu Father's words. Gu Ting stood up to open the door, and everyone turned their attention toward the entrance.
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