Chapter 109: In the New Year, May All Wishes Come True

Back Mountain Cabin.

Upon hearing the news of Chu Ling’s death, Lin Xiaodou was not surprised. The content of this era novel had always been unreasonable, and both the male and female protagonists had extremely polarizing personalities. When such people come together, nothing may seem amiss at first, but problems are bound to arise eventually. Chu Ling’s tragic end was entirely of her own making. After being reborn, she was too obsessed with romance and too conceited. Her miserable fate was, in the end, what she deserved.

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Soon, it was Lunar New Year’s Day. Lin Xiaodou rose early, washed up, and put on her New Year’s clothes. The day before, Liu Yan’er had come to her house and invited her to spend the holiday meals at their home. Lin Xiaodou did not refuse; celebrating the New Year alone was indeed quite lonely. After tidying up her house, Lin Xiaodou took two boxes of pastries and a bottle of good wine to pay her respects at the Captain’s home.

Seeing her bring such precious gifts, Mother Liu scolded her, “You silly girl, I’ve told you so many times not to be so distant, yet you still bring things over.”

At first, Mother Liu’s words were mere formalities, but now she truly cared for Lin Xiaodou. Recently, the Liu family had gone through much turmoil, leaving both her and her husband physically and mentally exhausted. If not for Lin Xiaodou’s help, things would not have resolved so smoothly. So now, both she and her husband were sincerely grateful to Lin Xiaodou.

Father Liu chimed in, “That’s right, Xiaodou, you mustn’t do this anymore in the future.”

Lin Xiaodou nodded obediently, “I understand.”

She only agreed to behave in the future, but never said she wouldn’t do this next time. The Captain’s family was the kindest and most caring towards her in the village, and she had plenty in her space, so it hardly mattered.

In this province, reunion dinner was typically held in the afternoon. Today, Father Liu was the chef, with Brother Liu assisting. In the morning, they pasted couplets and window decorations before preparing the meal.

With nothing else to do, Mother Liu sat in the courtyard with Liu Yan’er and Lin Xiaodou, basking in the sun, eating seeds, and chatting idly.

Watching the busy figures of father and son in the kitchen, Mother Liu sighed, “Every year on this day, I’m so busy I barely touch the ground. I never imagined I’d have such a leisurely day in my lifetime.”

Liu Yan’er felt a pang in her heart, “Mom, I’ve grown up now. From now on, I’ll take over your work. You just need to rest.”

Mother Liu affectionately ruffled her hair, “My Yan’er has grown up.”

Liu Yan’er’s round eyes twinkled as she grinned, “Mom, why don’t you and Dad make Xiaodou my god-sister? I really wish she could be my sister!”

She desperately wanted to cling to Xiaodou’s golden thigh!

Mother Liu’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. She remembered Lin Xiaodou once mentioning that she had no family left in the capital. The girl was all alone in the countryside, which was truly pitiful. In fact, Mother Liu had considered this before but hadn’t found the right opportunity. Now, with Lin Xiaodou here, she decided to ask, “Xiaodou, would you like to be my and my husband’s goddaughter?”

Seeing Mother Liu’s hopeful expression, Lin Xiaodou smiled and nodded, “I’d love to.”

Father Liu and Mother Liu were honest and kind people, and she was happy to deepen her relationship with them. She still had several years ahead in the countryside, and having the Captain’s family as support would make life much better.

“Oh yes!” Liu Yan’er jumped three feet high when Lin Xiaodou agreed. “Xiaodou! This is wonderful, you really are my sister now, I’m so happy!”

One foolish brother gone, one golden fairy sister gained—what a wonderful feeling!

Liu Yan’er hurried to the kitchen to tell Father Liu the good news.

Soon, hearty laughter echoed from the kitchen.

When the reunion dinner began in the afternoon, Lin Xiaodou bowed and toasted Father Liu and Mother Liu with tea in place of wine.

Father and Mother Liu drank happily, and the godparent ceremony was complete.

At the table, Mother Liu kept piling food onto Lin Xiaodou’s plate, “Come, Xiaodou, try this.”

Seeing her plate overflowing, Lin Xiaodou quickly said, “Auntie, it’s already more than enough. Please eat yourself.”

Mother Liu chuckled, teasing, “You’re still calling me Auntie? Shouldn’t you change how you address me?”

Lin Xiaodou grinned, “Godmother, please eat.”

She placed a piece of meat in Mother Liu’s bowl.

“Such a good girl.” Mother Liu beamed, pulling out a red envelope from her pocket. “Here, take this.”

Red envelopes in these times were usually just a few coins, at most a dime or two. So Lin Xiaodou accepted without hesitation.

“Thank you, Godmother!” Lin Xiaodou called out loudly.

Father Liu hummed jealously, “I have a red envelope too, but nobody wants it.”

Lin Xiaodou immediately poured him a glass of wine, “Godfather, please drink.”

“Ah! Good, good!” Father Liu was all smiles as he handed her the red envelope.

“Xiaodou, from now on, you’re one of our Liu family. If anyone dares bully you, I won’t let them get away with it!”

“Thank you, Godfather!” Lin Xiaodou called out again.

Father Liu kept exclaiming in delight, unable to wipe the smile from his face.

Liu Yan’er was all big white teeth, grinning so wide her eyes curved into crescent moons. It was truly the happiest moment of her year.

In her joy, Liu Yan’er became quite talkative. Soon she told a joke, making Father Liu and Mother Liu laugh heartily.

The dinner table was filled with laughter and merriment.

Only Brother Liu was left out, feeling a bit lonely. A bitter smile tugged at his lips and his heart was filled with regret. Once upon a time, his family had laughed with him like this. But because of his foolish actions, he had lost it all with his own hands. He was deeply remorseful...

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After the reunion dinner at the Captain’s house, Lin Xiaodou went to the Educated Youth Courtyard in the evening.

Earlier, the old educated youth had invited her to join their New Year’s Eve dinner.

Upon arrival, many people greeted her cheerfully with New Year’s wishes.

Lin Xiaodou handed out walnut pastries she’d prepared, giving each person a few pieces, and everyone praised their delicious taste.

With several troublemakers gone, life in the courtyard had become much more peaceful and harmonious.

The male educated youths chopped wood, fetched water, and put up couplets, while the female educated youths busied themselves in the kitchen.

Lin Xiaodou joined them in the kitchen to help.

When the meal was ready, everyone sat around the table.

Smiling at each other, they shouted in unison, “Happy New Year!”

Lin Xiaodou enjoyed this dinner immensely.

Bathed in moonlight, she walked home with a heart full of joy.

Happy New Year, Xiaodou.

She said to herself.

May the coming year bring all you wish for, and may every road you walk be smooth!