Chapter 794 - 425: Let Time Reveal the Answer

"Happy New Year, Happy New Year~"

"Haha, yes, Fengfeng is at home... still wanting to see Yilan? Come on, welcome."

Although the flavor of the New Year has become increasingly faint with the times, this New Year after the lifting of restrictions was definitely more festive than the three years combined during the mask period.

Because the gloom overhead had dispersed, Ningyuan lifted the fireworks ban in parts of the city, and visits between family and friends were no longer restricted.

On the morning of the first day of the lunar New Year, Li Qiyuan and Yu Huizhi’s phones didn’t stop, with one call after another for New Year greetings. But this time, they were not students or colleagues; most of them were relatives of the two.

Now that Master Li’s career is successful and his reputation is widespread, having heard he’s back home, many relatives wanted to come over. Calls were either to come as guests or to invite their family over for a meal.

After some discussion, Li Qiyuan and Yu Huizhi decided to invite both sides of the family over for a reunion dinner today.

Apart from the closest relatives of Li Peifeng, like his grandfather and grandmother, there were also aunts and uncles, from both Li Qiyuan and Yu Huizhi’s side of the family.

Li Peifeng didn’t like such chaotic occasions and thought there was no need to make such a fuss over a meal, especially since he was leaving for Hangzhou on the second day. So, when Li Qiyuan and Yu Huizhi proposed the plan, he politely opposed it, but the reasons the elder ones listed were very compelling and successfully persuaded him.

"It’s not just you who think it’s troublesome, your mom and I feel the same way. The main thing is, now you’ve made a name for yourself, and we’re heading far away tomorrow. Who knows when we’ll be back? It’s just not right to not see relatives during the New Year. Plus, your grandfather and grandmother, they are the true stars of this meal... Time flies, each meeting is our last, each family meal too."

"Your grandfather is still relatively healthy, but he doesn’t like cooking as much this year and often calls your second uncle to take care of his daily needs. He even stayed at our house for a while. Your grandparents are in worse health. In the past, they could still work in the fields, but this year they’ve rented out their land. One never knows when the heavens will signal the final rest like with your grandma... So this meal, we must have!"

...

"Come, come, it’s time to eat."

"We still need a set of utensils... here it is!"

"Xiaoxia, stop playing poker, come and eat!"

That noon, all the relatives gathered at the Li family, dragging their families along. Uncle’s family of three, Second Aunt’s family of three, Third Aunt’s family of three. Second Uncle, Big Aunt, Second Aunt... In short, all relatives from both Li Qiyuan and Yu Huizhi’s families were there.

Twenty-five people, young and old, filled three tables spread across the living room and kitchen.

The adults chatted, the children shouted excitedly while playing cards, and the noise from the kitchen exhaust fan made the house feel lively and warm.

"Here comes the chicken soup~"

"Xiaofeng, are the dishes all set? Then you, the birthday star, hurry and sit down to eat."

"I propose that everyone first toast the two chefs, they’ve been quite busy today."

"Right, let’s toast to them together."

Uncle poured drinks and raised his glass, remembering Li Peifeng’s understated birthday. Before coming, he specially bought a cake. Everyone chimed in wishing them hard work or happy birthday, then toasted to Li Peifeng and Li Qiyuan, the father and son.

"Haha, as long as you enjoy the food."

"Happy New Year, cheers."

With a glass of wine, the meal officially began, and the volume of conversation didn’t decrease much. The children’s awe of the delicious dishes drew untold praises. The adults’ topics mostly revolved around Li Peifeng and Zhao Qingge, the pregnant one.

Initially, the Li family wasn’t keen on the relationship, given their teacher-student status and age difference, but Li Peifeng’s parents were very supportive. The young couple went on to get married and have a child, so the family could only express their blessings and concern.

Second Aunt: "Qingge, are you tired after transferring to Yandu University? Now that you’re pregnant, it’s best to take a break and focus on your health."

Zhao Qingge meekly replied: "The work isn’t too busy. Also, I mentioned it to my boss after getting pregnant, so I’ve been working from home mostly."

Second Aunt nodded: "That’s good, you absolutely can’t strain yourself. Be careful even walking. A tiny fall is no joke. When I was pregnant with my second child at thirty-two, I wished I could lie in bed all day... Hey, you should listen to your mother-in-law in these matters. She has tons of experience."

Yu Huizhi chimed in with a smile: "It’s important to be careful, but don’t be too tense; it could be oppressive to your mood and not good for the baby’s health."

Second Uncle asked: "By the way, Peifeng, why weren’t you on TV this year? That gala program you were on last year didn’t seem to air this year either."

Li Peifeng explained: "The gala held with the TV stations isn’t annual; the Endpoint gala this year wasn’t public. It was just a gathering for writers to have a meal and hand out awards for some works. I just got back from Shanghai last week, where the gala took place."

Second Uncle was curious: "Did you win any awards?"

Before Li Peifeng could answer, his cousin eagerly jumped in: "Of course he did, the Gold Keyboard Award of the year... only the best and most influential novel each year can receive that award."

Second Aunt gently chided her daughter: "How are you so informed?"

"I’ve been keeping up with the updates... Oh, right, bro, I saw on the news that ’Sword and Magic’ seems to be developing a mobile game. When will the beta test start?"

Second Aunt jokingly scolded: "Just started your sophomore year and you’re not focusing on your studies, putting all your efforts into novels and games. Do you think you’re like your brother? If you had half the writing talent your brother has, not to say making big money, but if it could just cover your monthly pocket money, I’d burn incense to thank the heavens..."