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Chu Qingyan volunteered without hesitation, “Consider it done.”

Though the young girl hadn’t formally finished her training, she was well-regarded among her peers. Everyone agreed that the makeup she applied looked naturally beautiful, and they all liked her very much.

Grandma Ge entered the room, laughing, “Lihua, feeling nervous?”

Ge Lihua nodded slightly, “A bit nervous, yes.”

Grandma Ge comforted her, “Don’t worry. Every girl goes through this. It’s also the most beautiful moment in a girl’s life. Cherish the experience; it’s a memory for a lifetime.”

Looking at her reflection, Ge Lihua said, “Thank you, Grandma, for your comforting words. I understand.”

“Mm.” Grandma Ge then turned to Chu Qingyan, “Take good care of your sister-in-law. I’ll go continue with the preparations.”

Having no one else to rely on, now recognized as family by Ge Lihua, Grandma Ge took on this role with great importance.

Chu Qingyan obediently replied, “I know, Grandma. Go ahead with your work.”

She laid her hand on Ge Lihua’s shoulder, confidently stating, “Sister-in-law, I’ll make sure you’re the most beautiful bride tomorrow.”

Ge Lihua smiled lightly, “Thank you for your effort.”

…

Chu Qingyue and Ning Yuting arrived at the old home.

The old house was filled with the mixed scents of pine branches, cypress, and smoked meat, a fresh aroma.

In the backyard, under the smoking effect of pine branches, slabs of bacon glistened golden, looking particularly attractive.

Sausages smoked with cypress branches also gleamed with a layer of oil, emitting a unique fragrance.

The sight of the meat hanging in the backyard made them both swallow in anticipation, the bacon looking particularly tempting.

Chu Qingzhi added a small bundle of pine branches to the fading fire before approaching them, “If you’d like, I can boil some sausages for you to try.”

Chu Qingyue smiled softly at Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth sister, you are always the most considerate.”

Ning Yuting, sensing an opportunity, asked, “Fifth sister, do you plan to sell these bacons?”

Chu Qingzhi answered, “Yes, are you interested in buying?”

“Interested,” Ning Yuting said. “The Ning family has opened a restaurant in the capital and three other major cities. If we could sell something unique and tasty, our business during the New Year would surely be great.”

Chu Qingzhi explained, “These bacons are not for sale. We will consume a lot tomorrow, and the leftovers have already been promised to my big brother by Chu Yehui. If you’re interested, you’d have to wait a few more days for the next batch of bacon.”

Ning Yuting thought for a moment, “That’s fine. There’s still some time before the New Year, and there will be many guests to entertain.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Then I’ll mention it to my brother later, so he won’t promise it to someone else.”

Ning Yuting nodded, “Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi gestured for Chu Qingyue, “Big sister, come pick the sausages. We’ll take whichever piece you want…”

“Okay.” Chu Qingyue followed Chu Qingzhi.

Ning Yuting stood watching them leave, then went to find Chu Xujin. The groom, after all, might need some company at this exciting time.

…

Chu Xujin was alone on the second floor of the bridal chamber, too excited to sit still. He was like a bull that had seen red, needing a moment to calm down.

Ning Yuting, holding a pot of wine and two cups, made his way upstairs, suggesting to Chu Xujin with a gesture, “How about a drink?”

“Sure.” In the room furnished with chairs and tables, Chu Xujin pulled out a chair, “Brother-in-law, please have a seat.”

Ning Yuting smiled, sitting down beside him and filling the cups, “Feeling nervous?”

Chu Xujin was somewhat embarrassed, counter-asking, “Weren’t you nervous when you got married?”

Ning Yuting suddenly lowered his voice, leaning slightly towards Chu Xujin, “Nervous. I haven’t told anyone, but I couldn’t sleep at all the night before my wedding.”

“Haha.” Chu Xujin burst into laughter, “I thought I was the only one feeling restless. By the way, I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight either. Would you consider keeping me company?”

“As long as your second sister agrees, I have no objections.” Ning Yuting clinked his cup against Chu Xujin’s, and then they both drank.

After a while, Chu Xuhua arrived, and the three men sat at the table, engaging in conversation.

Chu Xujin looked at them with a bit of envy, “You guys are already fathers. That’s good, my two nephews will have playmates.”

Chu Xuhua and Ning Yuting exchanged a smile, recognizing the unexpected paths their lives had taken.

Ning Yuting poured wine for his two brothers-in-law, joking, “You could catch up if you hurry.”

Chu Xujin’s smile carried a hint of shyness, “That’s not up to me!”

Ning Yuting teased, “You could try a bit harder.”

“Haha.” Chu Xujin quickly changed the subject, not wanting to delve too deep, “Brother-in-law, are you really planning to spend the New Year with us?”

Ning Yuting raised an eyebrow, “Would that be unwelcome?”

Chu Xujin hastily assured, “Of course not. I’m happy. We all miss our second sister very much. Being together for the New Year would be the best.”

Ning Yuting replied, “Then I shall fulfill your wish.”

Chu Xujin smiled, raising his cup to Ning Yuting, “To a great brother-in-law.”

“It’s nothing.” Ning Yuting clinked cups with Chu Xujin and Chu Xuhua, and then they all drank together.

…

Under the night sky, Chu Qingzhi, Chu Qingyue, Chu Qingning, and Chu Qingfrost, carrying their homemade lanterns, walked along the village path towards Grandma Ge’s house.

By then, everyone had finished their dinner. Ge Lihua and Chu Qingyan had just cleaned up the dishes and were talking about heading back to their room when they heard Chu Qingyue’s voice, “Lihua.”

Chu Qingyan ran towards the yard, “Second sister, fourth sister, fifth sister, sixth sister, you all came?”

Chu Qingyue, with a beaming smile, said, “We’ve come to keep Lihua company.” Holding up a bag of snacks and a Go board, she suggested, “We haven’t played Go in a long time. How about a game?”

“That sounds good.”

Grandma Ge approached, “It’s cold outside, everyone come inside. I’ll light a couple more braziers to keep us warm.”

Chu Qingyue expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, Grandma Ge.”

Once inside, they arranged a small table on the bed, laid out the Go board and snacks, and settled down wrapped in cloaks, comfortably warm without the need for blankets.

Grandma Ge quickly brought in two braziers and placed them in the corners, warming up the room further, “Play on, I’m off to bed early. I can’t keep up at my age.”

Chu Qingyue handed Grandma Ge a pack of snacks, “Grandma, these are specially for you.”

Touched, Grandma Ge took the snacks, “Since it’s specially brought, I’ll accept it. Enjoy your game, I’ll leave you to it.”

Chu Qingyue respectfully saw her out, “Take care, Grandma.”

Once Grandma Ge left, Chu Qingyan closed the door and climbed onto the bed, snuggling next to Chu Qingzhi, finding warmth in her presence, “Let’s start.”

Ge Lihua, who had only played with Chu Xujin a couple of times before but never to completion due to interruptions, eagerly said, “I’ll go first.”

Chu Qingyue, feeling competitive, said, “I’ll play against you.”

Thus began their friendly competition…