New Year visits were an important tradition for maintaining group relationships in China. Everyone gathered during the Spring Festival to renew their ties, exchange what they had and lacked, and preserve the cohesion of a small circle.
At such times, whichever family had the more promising children drew more attention. Far-sighted elders would offer them greater support, while short-sighted ones might demand even harsher exploitation from them.
This year, Li Ye was undoubtedly one of those promising children. After exchanging pleasantries outside with a group of younger people alongside Wen Guohua, Wen Guohua came over to call the two of them inside to speak with several "elders."
The moment the three entered, someone joked with a laugh, "Come on, everyone, take a look at this family. Every one of them is younger and more spirited than the last."
"Exactly. Look at that youngest one, Li Ye. He even did clothing advertisements before! With a face like that, wouldn't it be a crying shame if he didn't go make movies?"
"Hehe, if he went to make movies, that would be the real shame! We don't lack another movie star. What we lack are young people like him and Guohua."
"Mhm, Guohua is good too—steady and dependable. He resembles Little Ke in a few ways."
"Uncle Peng, Guohua resembles me in many ways too!"
"Mhm. It's precisely because he resembles you a little that he still falls somewhat short. Don't be unconvinced. When Little Ke and your daughter arrive this afternoon, I'll ask the mother and daughter myself."
"Hehehehe~ Uncle Peng is right. My temper is a little too blunt."
"..."
Several elders, men and women alike, kept appraising Li Ye and Wen Guohua as if the head of the household, Wen Qingsheng, did not exist at all.
Wen Qingsheng only defended