It was Lunar New Year's Eve, with the family of four together.
Their New Year's Eve dinner was especially warm and lively.
Once Zhao Xiuqin started talking, there was no stopping her. She launched into Wang Xiaoliang's childhood embarrassments-how he still wet the bed at three, how he broke his leg at five and cried for half a month-making Wei Zijin press her lips together as her shoulders shook with laughter.
Wang Xiaoliang wasn't annoyed at all. Instead, he joined in and volunteered a few even more embarrassing stories, prompting Zhao Xiuqin to laughingly scold him for being a shameless brat.
The atmosphere at the table grew livelier, and Wei Zijin's chopsticks grew busy too. She served Zhao Xiuqin a piece of pork rib, then topped up Wang Keqin's drink. Whatever Zhao Xiuqin asked, she answered, no longer with her earlier politeness, but with a warmth in her words.
As the conversation wandered, it naturally came around to marriage.
"Shouldn't you two make it official next year?" Zhao Xiuqin suddenly asked.
Wei Zijin's face flushed red in an instant. Not daring to look at Zhao Xiuqin, she instinctively turned to Wang Xiaoliang.
Wang Xiaoliang hadn't yet figured out how to answer.
Zhao Xiuqin shot him a glare, then softened her tone as though coaxing a child. "Zijin, don't listen to him. You have to plan these things early. Tell me, dear, what do you think?"
"Auntie, I... I'll leave it up to you and Uncle." Wei Zijin's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum.
Wang Keqin, who had been drinking and watching the Spring Festival Gala, set down his glass and used the remote to lower the television's volume. The living room immediately grew much quieter.
He looked at Wei Zijin and spoke, his tone full of seriousness.
"Zijin,