Wang Qiqi woke up and checked the time, realizing how quiet the New Year felt without firecrackers. Although some might say that lacking firecrackers meant the New Year lacked atmosphere, Wang Qiqi was utterly exhausted by the endless barrage that followed their legalization in later years—crackers that went off incessantly from the Lenten Eve right up until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, sometimes starting late at night and continuing until the wee hours. They fired them whenever they pleased, and Wang Qiqi simply couldn't bear it anymore. "Quiet, all the way until dawn," Wang Qiqi let out a huge yawn and slowly dragged herself out of bed.

After washing up, she prepared breakfast. She served two bowls for herself and her parents. "Mom, Dad, this is breakfast made by your daughter. I know it might not taste as good as Mom's, but it’s my first time, so my skills are a bit rough.

Still, I’ll work hard to learn." Wang Qiqi knew that even with the cooking experience from her previous life, her food couldn't compare to her mother’s; it lacked that certain flavor. What she missed, she supposed, was the taste of home. Just as Wang Qiqi sat down at the dining table, ready to eat, she suddenly remembered she should call her aunt and uncle to offer New Year's greetings first. With that thought, she walked over to the phone, picked it up, and called Wang Damei.

She wished her an early New Year greeting, briefly recounted how she spent New Year's Eve the day before, and mentioned that she had already served breakfast to her parents. After hanging up, Wang Qiqi lingered by the phone for a moment. From the sound of her aunt’s voice, Wang Qiqi sensed that Auntie’s throat wasn't well, sounding like she hadn't rested properly the day before. Had something happened yesterday that she didn't know about?

Wang Qiqi only pondered this for a moment, but she quickly dismissed it. Overthinking was a waste of time. If her aunt wanted to talk, she would tomorrow; if not, it had nothing to do with her. Still, she suspected it might be connected to Song Yao's boyfriend.

After greeting her aunt, she had to greet her uncle too. Wang Qiqi picked up the phone and had only exchanged a few words with her uncle before hanging up. From the other end, Qiqi heard Li Cui and Wang Rui hurrying Wang Dagui along, urging him to hurry so they wouldn't be late visiting the maternal grandmother’s house. This made Wang Qiqi feel a small pang of sadness.

Well, she wasn't entirely alone; she had her parents with her, and they would certainly be there to protect her. Keep going, Qiqi. After finishing breakfast and washing the dishes, Wang Qiqi sat back down at the table to review her studies. Before long, she heard a knock at the door.

Before Wang Qiqi could even get up to open it, she heard the sound of a key turning. "Weren't you supposed to go burn incense today?" Wang Qiqi’s family customarily burned incense on the second day of the month, while Han Tao and the others went early on the first day. But it was only a little after eight—had they already finished their incense ritual and returned? Han Tao nodded, first washing his hands in the kitchen before sitting down to study.

"My mom said she would handle the cooking these few days." Han Tao hadn't actually intended to come to Qiqi’s house today, but as he and his mother were returning, they saw Wang Dagui’s family walking out of the community, holding hands, chatting happily, and carrying several items—a clear picture of people heading out to visit relatives. This made him think of Qiqi, wondering if the silly girl was left alone at home, prone to overthinking. Wang Qiqi murmured an acknowledgment, lowering her gaze back to her books. Though Qiqi appeared engrossed in reading, her eyes kept tracking whether Han Tao was actually studying.

She noticed Han Tao hadn't even opened his textbook. "What’s wrong?" Wang Qiqi looked up and asked. Han Tao quickly shook his head. "Nothing.

I just remembered seeing your uncle’s family at the entrance of the complex earlier." "They’re going to Little Rui’s maternal grandmother’s house," Wang Qiqi said coolly. "But I am curious what kind of reception Uncle Er and his family will receive this year when they visit the in-laws." Although Wang Qiqi didn't know how many gifts Li Cui would bring to her own family this time, she suspected it wouldn't be many. Don't let Uncle give his entire salary honestly to his wife; there were bonuses, and Li Cui’s family, for the sake of appearances, had inflated her expectations. Suddenly facing such a large gap—even if they knew Li Cui’s share was smaller because Big Uncle was gone—understanding the situation was vastly different from accepting it.

Furthermore, Wang Rui’s personality had always been spoiled; her cousins used to indulge her because Li Cui was generous with gifts. But if there was no "oil and water" coming from Li Cui’s side this year, would those people still listen to Wang Rui? "What her reception will be, I don't know. What I do know is that if you don't work hard on this workbook today, you won't finish it before the holiday ends," Han Tao felt a bit heavy-hearted seeing Wang Qiqi mention Wang Dagui’s family like that.

In his view, Qiqi should be like most girls, going to and from school, having time to gossip or shop like Shi Man and Zhu Lina, instead of acting like a middle-aged woman. Wang Qiqi stuck out her tongue. "I know, I’m about to start. I’m actually curious because if Wang Rui has a good time at her grandmother’s house today, she’ll definitely boast to me tomorrow when we visit Auntie’s." Conversely, if she was unhappy, she wouldn’t say a word, perhaps even sporting a scowl.

Either way, her mood tomorrow would reflect today’s visit. "By the way, did you notice what your uncle and the others were carrying?" Han Tao tried to recall. "It looked like apples, oranges, and things like that." Though they were carrying quite a bit, it wasn’t actually worth much. Wang Qiqi understood.

Carrying such items was merely a gesture for appearances. It seemed highly likely that Wang Rui would be sulking tomorrow when visiting Auntie’s. Auntie was already in a bad mood, and with good news expected tomorrow, what an eventful New Year this was turning out to be, Wang Qiqi sighed. The next morning, Wang Qiqi got up early, first going to burn incense, then taking a taxi with some fruit to her aunt’s house.

Wang Dagui had called yesterday, suggesting they go together to Auntie’s, but how could Qiqi agree to travel with them? If she brought fruit and some Xiyangshen (American ginseng), Wang Dagui and his wife would naturally take the bags, making it look to onlookers like the fruit was bought by the Wang Dagui couple. Some people knew how to act appropriately, but didn't these people understand basic propriety? Besides, taking a taxi directly to Auntie’s building was much more convenient.

Wang Qiqi had thought she was arriving late, but upon reaching her aunt’s place, she found that her uncle’s family hadn't even arrived yet. "Auntie, Uncle, Happy New Year, good health, and may you be prosperous." When Wang Damei saw Qiqi arrive, she took in the New Year gifts: high-quality fruit, very satisfactory, and the Xiyangshen, which was excellent; perfect for brewing tea for Old Song. "Good girl, didn't I tell you to come later?" She slipped a red envelope into Wang Qiqi's hand, whispering near her ear, "Don't tell Wang Rui. If she asks how much 'lucky money' you received, just say one hundred." Wang Qiqi thanked her aunt for the red envelope.

Although she couldn't open it yet, Wang Qiqi suspected it was five hundred. It was rare for Auntie to be this generous. Moreover, judging by the instruction, Auntie was giving Wang Rui only one hundred. Of course, Wang Qiqi wouldn't spoil someone's bad mood by pointing it out.

"Auntie, let me help you with the chores." After putting the red envelope away, Wang Qiqi proactively offered. As an elder, one always appreciated seeing a younger relative who was diligent. Wang Damei waved her hand dismissively. "No need, everything is almost ready.

We will be meticulous for lunch, and have a good meal tonight." Wang Damei thought that when Wang Qiqi’s parents were alive, she hadn't done much housework either. Now, she even hired an auntie to clean—it was clear she wasn't adept at labor. Wang Damei wouldn't dare let her chop vegetables; if she accidentally sliced the winter bamboo shoots too thinly, those were precious ingredients. Winter bamboo shoots lose a lot of volume just removing the shell, and if she chopped them carelessly, they wouldn't be worth eating at all.

Wang Qiqi understood perfectly why Wang Damei would rather ask Li Cui to work than ask her—she was worried Qiqi’s clumsy hands might break the family’s dishes or chop the vegetables too finely. "Then I'll go see my cousin." Wang Damei was about to wave her off but then thought better of it. "Qiqi, in a little while, try to talk some sense into your cousin." Wang Qiqi looked at Wang Damei with complete confusion, not understanding at all. Wang Damei looked at her niece's utterly clueless expression and gritted her teeth.

"I've been quite upset these last few days worrying about your cousin’s marriage prospects. Go over there and talk to her." Wang Damei was truly at her wit's end. Normally, she wouldn't care if her niece threw a tantrum, but today Wang Dagui’s family was coming over. If Li Cui noticed anything untoward, wouldn't she be ridiculed?

This was something the face-conscious Wang Damei could not tolerate. Wang Qiqi gave an "Oh," and since Wang Damei was unwilling to elaborate, she figured going to talk to Song Yao herself was the next best thing. Wang Qiqi walked to Song Yao’s door and knocked. She heard Song Yao’s unhappy voice from inside.

"I told you I don't want to eat anything. Can you just let me be quiet for a while?" Wang Qiqi was startled by Song Yao’s sharp tone. Surely things hadn't escalated this badly? "Yao Yao Jie, it's Qiqi.

May I study in your room?" There was a long silence from inside. Wang Qiqi thought Song Yao didn't want her to enter, but then the door opened. Wang Qiqi was shocked when she saw the two distinct red rings around Song Yao’s eyes. She placed her bag in Song Yao’s hand.

"I’ll go get some hot water to apply a compress." Good heavens, how long had Song Yao been crying? If Li Cui saw her like this, who knew what trouble might brew. To handle things more easily, Wang Qiqi brought in a thermos, a basin, and a towel. "I don't want it," Song Yao refused to take the hot towel Wang Qiqi offered, huffing.

She wanted to show Wang Damei in this state that she would not yield. Wang Qiqi sighed. "Regardless, Auntie is doing this for your own good. Look at me; I can't even get my mom to nag me anymore.

Also, your Auntie is coming over later. Do you think Auntie will allow you to skip dinner?" Wang Qiqi was sure that if Song Yao refused to eat today, Wang Damei would remember it and wouldn't make things easy for Song Yao in the future. If Wang Qiqi had put it that way and Song Yao still didn't understand, she would truly be a fool. She knew her mother was a person obsessed with appearances; if she caused her mother to lose face today, there was no hope of her mother agreeing to anything regarding her situation.

Realizing this, Song Yao took the towel Wang Qiqi offered and began wiping her face.