It was late at night.
The village bonfire had been lit, and everyone huddled close around it, drawing warmth from the flames.
Some children, bored with nothing to do, had put pork over the fire to roast, but the adults were already stuffed.
"The New Year's coming at the end of the month."
"Yeah. I remember when life used to be hard. The old folks called the New Year's 'the year-end pass,' because getting through the New Year was like getting through a pass. Things are good now. We're safe and sound, and even if we're a little poor, we're happy."
"We have food to eat and drink. It's better than wandering all over the place, begging for a living."
The villagers gathered together and chatted about the New Year, about the past. They talked about many things.
"Xiao Li, you've been in our village for four or five years now. How come you still haven't found yourself a wife..."
Just then, Aunt Wang and a group of middle-aged women turned to tease Li Fan.
Li Fan had been discussing the Spring Festival couplets with Second Uncle and the others when they suddenly dragged him into the conversation. He hurriedly said:
"No need, thank you for your concern, Auntie. There's no rush..."
Aunt Wang replied:
"You're not getting any younger. How can you not be in a hurry? Look at the folks in the village who are your age. They already have two kids!"
But several farm women nearby laughed and said:
"Sister Wang, don't worry about it. You think Xiao Li's going to have trouble finding a wife? He's so capable, he could have three wives and four concubines. Just look at Yunxi, Jiang Xue, and..."
They were only joking around, but in an instant, Yunxi and the others