During winter break, Pu Yu returned to Whitebank Town.
It was her first long break since starting college.
The festive spirit was already thick in town. Red lanterns hung outside every home, and the scent of cured pork and steamed rice dumplings drifted through the air.
"Oh my, is that Little Rain? You're back?"
Just as she reached the entrance to the alley, Aunt Wang from next door came out carrying a basin of washed vegetables. Her eyes crinkled into a smile at the sight of her. "You get prettier every day! That bearing of yours-you're nothing like the other girls in our town!"
"Hello, Aunt Wang." Pu Yu smiled in greeting. "Are you getting things ready for New Year's Eve dinner?"
"Yes, getting an early start. My boy's bringing his girlfriend home this year, so we have to make it a proper occasion, don't we?" Aunt Wang set the basin down and leaned closer, eager for gossip. "Speaking of which, Little Rain, you're studying in Dongzhou. Are you seeing anyone?"
The smile on Pu Yu's face stiffened. She didn't know how to answer.
"Aunt Wang! Is your coal stove going out? I haven't seen any smoke from it for a while!"
Li Suhua's voice rang out from the courtyard. She was still holding a large slotted spoon, her expression fiercely protective. Clearly, she had heard their conversation.
"Oh no!" Aunt Wang slapped her thigh. "My stewed ribs!"
She turned and hurried inside, but after two steps, she looked back, unwilling to let the subject drop. "Little Rain, if you're not seeing anyone, I can introduce you to someone! My nephew works as a civil servant in the county town. He's quite a catch!"
"All right, all right, go check on your meat!" Li Suhua waved her away impatiently.
Pu