The group left the hospital, and the sky had already turned dark. Snowflakes were once again falling on New Year’s Eve, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard in the distance. People were already enjoying their New Year’s Eve dinner.

And what about their family?

The group looked at each other, all feeling a bit gloomy and self-mocking. It should have been a good, happy reunion for the New Year, but instead, this mess happened.

"Let’s head back." Father Qi looked at the dark sky and said with a sigh.

"Dad, you all go back first. We’ll find a hotel in the city for now and return on the second day of the New Year!" Qi Fenglian said, holding Xiao Bao.

Traditionally, married daughters don’t return to their parents’ home for the New Year to not disrupt their family’s good luck. So Qi Fenglian stayed mindful of this.

Father Qi’s face darkened, and he said, "What are you talking about? It’s the New Year; if you don’t come back, where will your whole family go?"

"Yeah, big sister, it’s New Year’s Eve. Everyone’s been through so much already. We might as well all go home together," Cheng Su also persuaded. She wasn’t a stickler for tradition, nor did she have any qualms about spending New Year’s at her parents’ home. In fact, she thought it would be lively.

"It’s not good. It’s already this late. Let’s find a place to eat and go back on the second day," Qi Fenglian insisted.

Chu Changxing also said, "Yes, father-in-law, you go back first. We’ll stay here and find a restaurant to eat; it’s all the same."

Father Qi became anxious: "It’s New Year’s; what restaurants are still open?"

"We’ll find something, Dad. You all hurry back. It’s dark, and who knows if there are still cars? Mom is probably waiting anxiously at home, and there’s Xiao Qi. Cheng Su, you’ve been out for so long, who knows if he’s causing a fuss!" Qi Fenglian urged.

Mentioning her son, Cheng Su also felt a sense of attachment. Father Qi tried persuading them a couple more times, but Qi Fenglian and her family remained adamant, so he had no choice but to let them go.

"If you don’t go back, Xiao Yun is coming with us," Father Qi said, pulling Xiao Yun over. Seeing Chu Changxing’s son, Chu Zheng, he added, "You’re coming home with us for New Year’s too. However your parents want to handle it."

Cheng Su looked at Chu Zheng, a tall young man with a middle part hairstyle, wearing down feather jeans. He smiled and said, "Grandfather, it’s fine if little Yun goes with you. I’ll stick with my mom and dad. We’re taking Xiao Bao, too, and need to find a place to stay and eat. In a couple of days, I’ll come to pay my respects and wish you a happy New Year."

He was certainly cut out to be a supervisor—very organized and articulate. Calling his parents and grandfather was so natural, not awkward at all.

Father Qi lost his temper seeing how late it was getting. Not wanting to delay any further, he gave a few final instructions and the family headed home.

Watching her family leave, Qi Fenglian looked apologetically at the two father and son, "This should have been a good New Year that I ruined. I’m really sorry for you two!"

"What foolish words? We are family," Chu Changxing lightly chided.

Chu Zheng also laughed, saying, "Dad, Mom, let’s not say that yet. Let’s find a place to stay; Xiao Bao is scared, and it’s too cold."

Hearing that, Qi Fenglian’s heart ached again. She hated Zhang Jisheng and company to her core, wanting nothing more than to rip them apart to vent her anger. Seeing her stepson without a hint of unhappiness, she felt grateful, saying, "Xiao Zheng, today you’ve had a hard time!"

Chu Zheng replied, "That’s not nice to say. As Dad mentioned, we’re all family now, so let’s not talk like strangers. Besides, I’ve spent years in the Special Zone; what human fickleness haven’t I seen?"

Hearing these words, Qi Fenglian exchanged a glance with Chu Changxing, seeing him nod and smile back, her heart warmed. Adversity reveals true love—this was the first time she felt she had made the right choice by remarrying.

Chu Changxing took Xiao Bao in his arms, Chu Zheng carried the luggage, and the family stepped into the night. Their long shadows cuddled together, adding a few warm threads to the winter night.