New Year's Eve: Reunion

(Thanks to reader 20210223061431984 for the monthly ticket)

"Don't you know to call your sister yourself? Last time I called, your sister told me your brother-in-law was really busy at the factory and probably wouldn't be back until a few days before the Lunar New Year."

Li Zhou didn't believe his sister's deceptive words.

During his four years of university, his sister always said she'd be back a few days before the Lunar New Year, around the 24th or 25th. But every time, Li Zhou and his brother-in-law would drive back before his final exams were even over.

"Mom, you believe what she says? When has she ever not said that to me! Ah, she said she'd be back a few days before the New Year, and then two days later, she was already back."

Li Mama, who was watching TV, glared fiercely at Li Zhou. Your brother-in-law is much busier than you. Although he runs a factory, he has to do everything himself. You've experienced what that's like, haven't you?

This left Li Zhou speechless and unable to refute.

During his first summer vacation in college, Li Zhou went to help out at his brother-in-law's factory, driving with him to deliver goods.

On those scorching hot days, they would deliver a full truckload of fifty-pound barrels of paint at a time.

While a few of the factory workers helped load the truck, it was just him and his brother-in-law unloading at the customer's location.

At least four days a week were spent delivering, and he would be completely drenched after each unloading.

Li Zhou remembered that month very clearly.

"Mom, your brother-in-law's paint factory only makes a little over a million in pure profit after working themselves to death all year. After deducting the favors they give out each year, there's really not much left. The company headquarters building will be completed next year. Why don't we let your brother-in-law and sister manage the company's cafeteria next year? Since someone else is going to earn the money anyway, why not let our own family earn it?"

Li Mama originally wanted to say something, but stopped herself.

Seeing her son doing so well now, did she not want her daughter to get a boost? She dreamed of it! But this was not something she, as a mother, could decide.

What she and her husband earned, they could give to whomever they pleased, but what their son earned, they couldn't do that.

Li Mama rubbed her eyes, her voice a little choked.

"You and your sister should discuss it yourselves. Ever since your sister went to college, she was afraid you'd resent her for often hitting and scolding you when you were little. She always took on part-time jobs to buy you clothes and shoes, and they were all designer brands that she herself was reluctant to wear."

"When you were little, after you were born, your sister always thought your dad and I were biased. You also used to provoke your sister a lot. She was already feeling unhappy, and when you provoked her like that, she'd chase you and hit you. In reality, both are our flesh and blood. How could I, as a mother, be biased? Your dad even doted on your sister immensely. Out of over ten siblings, I was the only one who gave birth to your sister, a daughter. Tell me, who wouldn't like her."

"Later, when your sister went to college, she finally understood and suddenly had an epiphany. Your sister realized that when she was in junior high, I gave her ten yuan in pocket money each month, but when you were in junior high, you only got five yuan. The more she understood, the more she started to worry. She was afraid you'd hate her. Son, no matter what, you are siblings connected by blood. There's nothing that can't be discussed properly. When your sister and brother-in-law come back for the New Year, you should talk to them more. If they are willing, then it will be easy."

Li Zhou, who had been silent for a long time, rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Understood, Mom."

This year, Li Zhou guessed wrong. His sister's family really didn't return until the 26th of the month before the Lunar New Year, leaving only two days until the holiday.

And two days ago, Li Zhou had given half of the security guards time off. He only kept two of the four people, including Zhou Song, and let the other two go home for the New Year.

He would switch shifts with Zhou Song on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and the same for the other security guards.

The day before the Spring Festival, New Year's Eve!

Li Zhou finally saw his sister's family of three, whom he hadn't seen in a year.

At noon, just as Li Mama finished cooking, a white SUV stopped at the entrance of the supermarket.

Li Zhou happily walked forward and picked up his niece, Yaya, who was running towards him.

"Uncle, Yaya missed you so much."

"Oh? How much did you miss Uncle!"

Yaya pouted, her bright eyes darting around, unable to think of a word to describe it.

"Hmph!"

╭(╯^╰)╮

"I missed you a whole, whole lot!"

"Oh? Is that so? Then hurry up and give Uncle a kiss."

"Mmhmm~"

Li Zhou's father happily went to help his son-in-law as he took things out of the trunk one after another.

"Really, you're here, and you still brought so many things."

Seeing his dad shout so loudly, anyone could tell he was showing off to the neighbors. In reality, he was already bursting with joy! His son-in-law bringing so many things, were they gifts? They were all about face!

At this moment, Li Mama also came out after hearing the commotion.

"Grandma~"

Li Zhou's mother's face was full of smiles when she saw Yaya. She quickly wiped her hands on her back.

"Oh, my precious granddaughter, come here and let Grandma hug you."

Li Zhou handed Yaya, whose hands were already outstretched, to his mother.

"Son, hurry and call Xuanxuan, dinner is almost ready."

Li Zhou casually took two sweet oranges from the gifts and walked towards Xiong Kexuan.

After Li Zhou left, his sister, Li Na, started gossiping.

Li Na smiled and teased, "Mom, who is Xuanxuan?"

Li Zhou's mother, who was playing with Yaya, smiled without turning her head. "Xuanxuan, Xuanxuan is the general manager of your brother's company. She manages the entire company for your brother."

After speaking, Li Zhou's mother sighed.

"Xuanxuan is also a pitiable child. She was an orphan from the start. After finally making it through, she had barely been married for long when her husband died saving someone from a fire. When she first came to your brother's company, she brought her infant daughter with her. Fortunately, things have finally gotten better."

Less than ten minutes later, Li Zhou returned, holding a little one, with Xiong Kexuan walking behind him.

"Yaya, Uncle brought you a playmate!"

As expected, children are most interested in other children.

Upon seeing Xiao Nuonuo in her uncle's arms, Yaya immediately broke free from her grandmother's grasp and trotted over to her uncle's side, looking up at the tiny tot in his arms.

Xiong Kexuan looked at Li Zhou's family with a slight blush.

"Auntie, Uncle!"

Li Zhou's mother took Xiong Kexuan's hand. "Come, come, this is Li Zhou's sister, Li Na, and this is Li Zhou's brother-in-law, Sun Li."

"Hello!"

"Hello!"

After getting acquainted, the conversation gradually flowed more easily among them.

"Grandma, Yaya is hungry."

"Let's eat, let's eat. Come, let's eat first."

Li Zhou's father waved his hand and called everyone to eat.

At the dinner table, looking at the two adorable little ones, Li Zhou took out two bulging red envelopes.

"Here, here, I wish you two little ones to remain as cute as ever and have lots of happiness."

With that, Li Zhou placed the two large red envelopes into the hands of the two little ones.