There were two huge lanterns hanging at the entrance, both of which were lit .
There were rhyming couplets hanging on the gates . Since it was still Grandmother's mourning period, they had specifically selected the couplets .
There were two long strings of firecrackers in the courtyard as well .
Yan Rusheng drove his car into the courtyard and stopped . Aunt Zhang came out and saw him . She was rather excited as she yelled, "Second Madam! Third Young Master is back!"
Mu Li and Su Yue came running out of the house when they heard Aunt Zhang .
"Third Yan…"
"Third brother!"
It was Chinese New Year's Eve, and they had assumed that he wouldn't be coming home .
Yan Rusheng gave them a fleeting tiny smile and walked into the house .
Yan Weihong was already in the dining room . He was wearing a dark brown woolen shirt with a pair of gold spectacles . He merely threw a casual glance at Yan Rusheng .
Yan Rusheng addressed him . "Father . "
Yan Weihong grunted in response before continuing in his deep voice . "Hurry and sit down . Your mother prepared all this for the entire afternoon . "
Mu Li and Su Yue sat down as well .
Mu Li suddenly said, "Xuxu called earlier just now . "
Yan Rusheng raised his head in anticipation .
The corners of Mu Li's mouth twitched . "She didn't say anything else other than wishing your father and me a Happy Chinese New Year . "
Yan Rusheng softly mumbled 'oh' . It wasn't much of a surprise that Xuxu would call his mother .
She was someone who was able to differentiate between what was important and what was not . She had always tried her best not to let the elders worry .
It was New Year Eve and she would definitely call back since she was alone somewhere .
Because of Su Yue and Su Yan, Yan Weiye's family didn't come over for dinner .
Grandmother and Xuxu were absent as well .
Yan Weihong had to abstain from alcohol as he had just recovered from his surgery . So there were only soft drinks and water on the table .
The atmosphere was dull and solemn that night .
Usually, the butler and Aunt Zhang separately ate from them, except for reunion dinners .
But this year, they quickly ate and excused themselves .
Yan Rusheng, Mu Li, Su Yue, and Yan Weihong were the only ones left .
After dinner, Yan Rusheng took out a red packet and gave it to Su Yue who sat beside him . "Yueyue, you've grown a year older . "
Su Yue happily received it . "Thank you, Third Brother . "
Yan Rusheng gave her an affectionate smile, and a thought struck him . "Where is Su Yan?"
Su Yue answered, "My brother left yesterday . He said he wanted to make use of the holidays to tour the southern part of China . "
Yan Rusheng gave a weak smile and didn't respond .
He glanced at Mu Li and Yan Weihong who was sitting across them . He was about to excuse himself .
They could hear Aunt Zhang's happy laughter . "Young Master Ming, Young Master Lu, both of you are early . "
"Aunt Zhang, Happy Chinese New Year!"
"Happy Chinese New Year to you, too!"
Ming Ansheng and Lu Yinan entered the dining room amidst the chatter .
Both young masters were casually dressed in bright colors, and they seemed more vibrant and lively .
"Uncle Yan, Aunt Mu Li, Happy Chinese New Year!"
They entered and wished both Mu Li and Yan Weihong at the same time .
Yan Weihong nodded in response .
Mu Li beamed at them . "Young lads, have you both eaten your reunion dinner?"
Lu Yinan answered, "We had an early dinner . "
"Su Yue, you've grown a year older . Finally, an adult!" Ming Ansheng walked to Su Yue and gave her a red packet . He affectionately stroked her head at the same time .
Lu Yinan noticed it, and he wasn't quite pleased . "Hey, Ming Ansheng . What kind of friend are you? Why didn't you remind me to prepare a red packet as well?"
Chapter end
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