The carriage jostled as they entered Tong’an City at dusk, clop-clop-clop, turning into Xingshu Alley.
Space was a premium in the Provincial City where the population was dense. Though the city was large, in terms of spaciousness, it could not compare with the countryside. The ng Family residence within the city was much more cramped than their ho in Fire Knife Village.
Though small, the house had all the essentials and was intricately designed. There were no rockeries or live springs, yet a slender stream ran from the back courtyard, winding its way to the small garden in front, bringing a hint of cool, damp air to the enclosure and adding a dash of rustic charm that kept the city’s bustle at bay.
Little Walnut dashed into the house with his two sisters like arrows released from their bows, startling Old Lady ng who followed behind, clucking her tongue and shouting, "Be careful not to fall!" ng Yuhuai instructed the two coachn to unload the belongings, and the carriage was parked beside the back door.
The couple who looked after the house bore the surna Li. The husband was reticent and appeared simple and honest, quietly going about his work, while the wife was outgoing, greeting everyone with a smile that was genuinely warm and comforting.
"Just yesterday I said that you all should be arriving today. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be in ti to prepare for the Chinese New Year’s Eve feast."
She ca up to Hua Xiaomai with a beaming smile, "In terms of cooking, I can’t hold a candle to you and wouldn’t dare show my weakness before you. But as you’ve arrived late today and it’s past alti, I’ve quickly prepared a few dishes. It’s not much, but it’ll stave off hunger. When it’s ti to prepare for the new year’s feast, I’ll be your assistant."
Hua Xiaomai cheerfully responded, engaging in so small talk with her, but then she heard a chaotic flurry of footsteps from behind. Turning around, she saw Little Walnut hastily leading his two sisters towards her.
"Mom, we want to play with that!"
All three children were bursting with youthful innocence. Despite having traveled the whole day, they showed no signs of fatigue, their faces lively and their chubby hands all pointing excitedly to a few large baskets in the corner of the front courtyard.
Hua Xiaomai, not quite understanding, followed them and bent down to look, finding herself both amused and exasperated.
The large wooden crates were filled to the brim with colorful fireworks and firecrackers.
She had found it strange that morning when she saw ng Yuhuai carrying stuff to and from the carriage, puzzled why he had bought so many food supplies. Now she realized he had bought all these playthings to entertain the children!
Tsk, she now saw clearly that this Leader ng had not a shred of the "strict father" in him. He let his wife be the villain, content to be the indulgent loving father!
No wonder he insisted on not letting her help with the moving this morning, claiming he didn’t want to tire her out. In reality, he just didn’t want her to discover this crate of fireworks and firecrackers, right?
Feeling a mix of irritation and amusent, Hua Xiaomai first cald the three children, then asked Sister Li to take them to wash their hands and faces. Imdiately afterward, she turned around with a warm smile and beckoned to ng Yuhuai, who was still directing the coachn, "Yuhuai, could you co over for a mont?"
ng Yuhuai, unsuspecting, walked over to her with a smile, a teasing expression on his face, "What is it? I hear Sister Li made so food, saving you the trouble. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a bit, and then..."
"That’s not urgent,"
Hua Xiaomai pressed his hand down and pulled him towards the several bamboo baskets, lightly tapped and stretched out her voice, "Yuhuai—can you tell , what exactly is going on here?"
ng Yuhuai couldn’t help but laugh out loud, "You found out? I know you’re worried about these things not being safe, but with around, how could I let the little ones fall into danger? It’s Chinese New Year after all; they should have so fun..."
"We ca here from the Provincial City; what can’t we buy there? Was it really worth the fuss for you to bring so many fireworks and firecrackers?"
Hua Xiaomai gave him a half-smiling scolding glance, "Anyway, you’re just single-minded about making your son and daughter happy. As for your wife, you fool her whenever you can, I..."
"When have I ever fooled you?"
ng Yuhuai turned around and saw no one around, then leaned in to whisper in her ear, "I think I’ve always been very dedicated."
Hua Xiaomai was extrely embarrassed and wished she could kick him, hurriedly stepping back and grinding her teeth, "Leader ng, could you please mind your status? Always saying these rude things, you’ll annoy , and one day I’ll expose them all and see where you can put your face!"
"You wouldn’t do sothing that’s not in your interest," ng Yuhuai said unconcernedly, smiling as he stroked her head, "Anyway, I’ve already bought the fireworks, so the kids should have their share of fun. In my opinion, we don’t have to wait until Chinese New Year’s Eve. After dinner in a while, I’ll lead them for a session. If you’re interested, why don’t you co and watch too?"
"I don’t have the sa enthusiasm as you do!" Hua Xiaomai huffed, bared her teeth at him, and turned to walk away.
Though she said that, after dinner, when ng Yuhuai really did lead the three children with a basket of fireworks to the backyard, Hua Xiaomai followed without a mont’s hesitation.
Little Walnut was a brave one. Even after ng Yuhuai repeatedly urged him to keep his distance, he still tried eagerly to move closer. Hua Xiaomai scolded him three or four tis to no avail, until she forcefully slapped his bottom, finally dragging him back.
The two little girls were younger and not very steady on their feet. They were thrilled but not courageous enough to go near, so they hid behind Hua Xiaomai, covering their ears, their eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Old Mistress ng stood far off at the corner door, chatting idly with Li Sao while occasionally glancing this way.
ng Yuhuai carelessly tucked up his jacket around his waist, looked back at the three kids with a smile, and ignited a large bunch of fireworks.
With a loud "boom," a bright streak of fire shot up into the sky and in a mont turned into countless specks of light, like stars scattering down from the heavens. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welco to co to Qidian (qidian) to cast your recomndation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian to read.)
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