Entertainment from Divorce

On the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, the snow in Beijing had stopped, and sunlight shone through thin clouds onto the snow, reflecting a soft light. The chill remained, but it couldn't dampen the increasingly strong festive atmosphere of the New Year.

In Ruishan Community, red lanterns and the character "福" (fortune) have been hung and pasted on the doors of every household.

Cleaning staff are busy sweeping the remaining snow from the roadside, and occasionally you can hear the cheerful laughter of children chasing and playing in the snow.

The detached villa of Tan Yue's family was filled with the aroma of cooking as soon as it was light.

Li Yulan and Chen's mother got up early and were sitting on the sofa in the living room, taking stock of the New Year's goods they needed to buy. The two in-laws huddled together, discussing things in hushed tones, with bursts of hearty laughter occasionally escaping their lips.

When Tan Yue accompanied Chen Ziyu downstairs, a hot breakfast was already laid out on the dining table.

Millet porridge, meat buns, fried eggs, and special pickled vegetables made by Li Yulan from Jishui all smelled delicious.

Tan Zhaohe sat at the dining table, holding a newspaper in his hand, reading it slowly, occasionally looking up to remind Chen Ziyu to eat more.

"Ziyu, drink more porridge, it's good for your stomach. You're pregnant now, so you have to follow your appetite. Just tell Mom what you want to eat, and Mom will make it for you," Li Yulan said with a smile as she served Chen Ziyu porridge.

"Thank you, Mom." Chen Ziyu took the bowl of porridge, a gentle smile on her face. "Your porridge is delicious."

Tan Yue sat beside her, carefully peeling an egg for her and putting the yolk into her bowl.

"Eat slowly, don't rush. Mom and Dad are going to the supermarket to shop today, and Dad will help carry the groceries. We'll just take a walk around the neighborhood and check out the fruit shop near the entrance. Didn't you want some strawberries?"

"Okay." Chen Ziyu nodded, her eyes full of anticipation.

Since becoming pregnant, she occasionally had cravings, and Tan Yue always remembered this and would make time to buy them for her no matter how busy he was.

Looking at the loving couple, Li Yulan smiled and said to her in-laws, Chen's mother, "Look at these two children, how thoughtful they are. Let's go to the supermarket today and buy more things. We need to stock up on meat, vegetables, and fruits, as well as nuts and candies for the New Year."

Chen's mother smiled and replied, "Okay, let's divide the work and make more variety so the children can eat their fill."

The two in-laws chatted more and more congenially and soon made a long shopping list, writing down everything from fresh meat to dried goods and snacks, from kitchen seasonings to holiday decorations.

After breakfast, Li Yulan and Chen's mother changed into thick coats, picked up empty shopping bags, and went out to the supermarket with Tan Zhaohe to shop.

Tan Yue then helped Chen Ziyu slowly walk out of the villa and stroll around the neighborhood.

The neighborhood was bustling with activity as many families were busy putting up Spring Festival couplets and hanging lanterns. The red couplets and lanterns against the white snow created a particularly festive atmosphere.

The shops along the roadside all had signs that read "New Year's Goods Fair," and the stall owners were calling out to attract the residents who were passing by.

"Walk slowly, the road is slippery." Tan Yue carefully supported Chen Ziyu's arm, reminding her from time to time.

Chen Ziyu walked slowly, looking at the New Year's customs around her, her face full of smiles: "The New Year's atmosphere is really strong this year, much more lively than in previous years."

Tan Yue held her hand tightly and said gently, "We'll do this every year from now on, the whole family celebrating the New Year together. It'll be even more lively after the baby is born."

The two walked to the fruit shop at the entrance of the residential area. Tan Yue picked out a box of fresh strawberries and bought oranges and kiwis, which Chen Ziyu liked, before slowly walking back.

When they got home, Li Yulan and the other two had already returned from the supermarket. There were shopping bags of all sizes piled up at the door, filled with all kinds of New Year's goods, and the living room floor was also full of them.

"You bought so much stuff?" Tan Yue quickly put down the fruit he was holding and stepped forward to help carry the shopping bags.

Li Yulan wiped the sweat from her brow and said with a smile, "It's Chinese New Year, so we need to stock up on supplies to avoid having to go out and buy things during the holiday. Look, this is the pork belly I bought; I'll use it to make braised pork."

The next two days were even more lively at home.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Li Yulan and Chen's mother, the two in-laws, went into the kitchen early in the morning to get busy.

Li Yulan took out the flour she had bought, mixed it with water, and prepared the dough to make steamed flower buns and fried lotus root, which are specialties of Jishui. Meanwhile, Chen's mother was busy processing the preserved meats. She hung the preserved pork and sausages she had bought in advance on the balcony to dry, and then started chopping meat filling to make bean buns and dumplings.

Tan Zhaohe took the initiative to assist with tasks such as kneading dough, picking vegetables, and cleaning kitchen utensils. The kitchen was filled with steam and laughter.

Tan Yue stayed with Chen Ziyu the whole time, afraid that she would get tired, and didn't let her do any housework.

In the morning, he helped Chen Ziyu sunbathe in the living room, peeled strawberries for her, and listened to her talk about the fun things she did during Chinese New Year when she was a child.

In the afternoon, I would sit with her on the sofa and choose programs for the Spring Festival Gala together, or knit little socks for the baby.

Chen Ziyu specially learned to knit sweaters. Although her technique was not yet proficient, she did it with great care.

"Look, isn't this little sock cute?" Chen Ziyu held up the half-knitted sock and handed it to Tan Yue, her eyes full of anticipation.

Tan Yue took the little socks, gently touched them, and said with a smile, "They're so cute. Our baby will definitely look good in them. You've worked hard. Take a break if you're tired, don't push yourself too hard."

Chen Ziyu shook her head and said with a smile, "It's not hard work, I think it's very interesting. In the past, I would watch TV alone during the Lunar New Year, but now I have you with me and the baby, I feel especially happy."

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the focus at home shifted to decorating the house.

Tan Zhaohe and Tan Yue together brought a ladder and pasted Spring Festival couplets and the character "福" (fortune) on the villa's gate.

Li Yulan stood aside and directed: "A little to the left, a little higher, yes, right here, just right!"

Chen's mother was also busy. She hung the lanterns she had bought on the branches of trees in the yard, and then placed fresh flowers and kumquats in the living room. The red lanterns, the golden "Fu" character, and the emerald green kumquats decorated the house with extra festive cheer and a strong New Year's atmosphere.

Chen Ziyu sat on the sofa, watching her family members busy at work, her face full of a gratified smile.

Busy times always fly by, and before we knew it, it was Lunar New Year's Eve.

As dawn broke, the house was already bustling with activity. Li Yulan and Chen's mother, the two in-laws, went into the kitchen early to start preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.

The New Year's Eve dinner is the highlight of the day. The two of them had already discussed the menu, which consisted of twelve dishes, symbolizing perfection.

In the kitchen, the two in-laws had a clear division of labor: Li Yulan was in charge of cooking meat dishes, while Chen's mother was in charge of cooking vegetarian dishes and making dumplings.

After getting up, Tan Yue first poured Chen Ziyu a glass of warm water, and then helped her downstairs to have breakfast.

Breakfast was simple: millet porridge with steamed buns made yesterday. Chen Ziyu ate half a bun and drank a bowl of porridge before resting on the sofa.

Tan Yue went into the kitchen to help the elders. He imitated Li Yulan and helped knead the dough. Although he was not as skilled as Li Yulan, he still did a decent job.

"Xiao Yue, stop fussing and go keep Ziyu company." Li Yulan looked at him and said with a smile, "We've got you covered here, you don't need to help."

"It's alright, Mom, I can help," Tan Yue said with a smile. "Ziyu is resting in the living room. I'm relieved that Dad is watching over her. If I help you with more chores, you can have an easier time too."

Li Yulan nodded with satisfaction and stopped trying to persuade them. In the kitchen, the family members each did their part, the steam rose, the aroma was enticing, and laughter filled the air—the atmosphere was full of the joy of family reunion.

At noon, everyone had a simple lunch and then continued preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner. Chen Ziyu would occasionally walk into the kitchen to see how busy everyone was and offer encouragement.

Around 2 PM, Tan Yue received a call from Chen Xiang, who said that he and Chen's father had arrived at Beijing South Railway Station and that Tan Yue didn't need to pick them up; they could just take a taxi.

Tan Yue was still worried, so he changed his clothes and drove to the South Station to pick them up.

"I'm going to pick up Dad and Xiaoxiang. You guys wait at home, don't worry." Tan Yue gave Chen Ziyu a few instructions, said goodbye to the elders, and then hurriedly left.

The South Railway Station was packed with people, all rushing home for the Spring Festival, dragging suitcases and carrying backpacks, their faces beaming with the joy of returning home.

Tan Yue searched around the exit for a while before spotting Chen's father and Chen Xiang.

Mr. Chen was wearing a dark coat, and although his hair was somewhat gray, he was still in good spirits.

Chen Xiang, dressed casually with a large backpack and several gift bags in his hands, waved and called out to Tan Yue as soon as he saw him, "Brother! Over here!"

Tan Yue strode over, took the suitcase from Chen's father, and then the gift bag from Chen Xiang, smiling as he said, "Dad, Xiang, you must be tired from your journey. Was there much traffic?"

"No traffic jam, the high-speed rail is fast, it only takes a little over three hours to get there," Mr. Chen said with a smile, his tone full of relief. "Xiao Yue, thank you for coming all this way to pick us up."

Chen Xiang patted Tan Yue on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Brother, long time no see, you still look so energetic. How's sister? Is the baby alright?"

"Everything's fine. Ziyu is waiting for you at home, and the baby is being very good," Tan Yue said with a smile. "Come on, let's get in the car and go home."

The three of them walked to the parking lot together. Chen Xiang sat in the passenger seat and chatted excitedly with Tan Yue, talking about his recent work at the catering company, how he had secured several major collaborations, and how he had managed the company very well.

Tan Yue listened and nodded with satisfaction: "Xiao Xiang, you're becoming more and more capable. Dad and sister can rest assured now."

More than forty minutes later, the car entered Ruishan residential area.

Looking at the lively scene in the community and the red lanterns hanging in every household, Mr. Chen smiled and said, "This community has a really nice environment, and the festive atmosphere is really strong."

Tan Yue parked the car in front of the villa. As soon as the three of them got out of the car, Chen Ziyu walked out, leaning against the door frame, her face full of smiles: "Dad, Xiao Xiang, you're here!"

"Hey, Ziyu, don't stand there, sit down and rest." Chen's father quickly stepped forward, looking at Chen Ziyu with concern, "You're pregnant, don't run around like this."

Chen Xiang quickly stepped forward, took out a small box from his backpack, and handed it to Chen Ziyu: "Sister, this is a gift I bought for you and the baby, a small gold lock, to bless the baby with good health."

"Thank you, Xiao Xiang." Chen Ziyu took the small box, a touched smile on her face. "You're so thoughtful."

Tan Yue helped Chen Ziyu and invited Chen's father and Chen Xiang into the house.

As she entered the living room, Li Yulan greeted Chen's father with a smile: "Old Chen, you must be tired from your journey. Please have a seat."

"It's no trouble at all," Mr. Chen replied with a smile, glancing at his wife and then at Chen Ziyu. "Thank you for taking care of Ziyu."

Everyone sat around the sofa, chatting. Mr. Chen inquired about his daughter Chen Ziyu's health and then asked about Tan Yue's company.

Chen Xiang chatted with Li Yulan and his mother about interesting things that happened at the catering company, how he negotiated the cooperation, and how he managed his employees.

Tan Yue was busy pouring tea and serving fruit to everyone, and the living room was filled with laughter and chatter, making it exceptionally lively.

Around 4 p.m., the New Year's Eve dinner in the kitchen was almost ready.

Li Yulan and Chen's mother, the two in-laws, served the prepared dishes one by one.

Dishes were laid out on the long table, colorful and fragrant, making one's mouth water.

Tan Yue and Chen Xiang helped set the table and pour drinks, while Chen's father and Tan Zhaohe sat on the sofa, watching their children's busy figures with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.

At six o'clock in the evening, the sky gradually darkened, and the sound of firecrackers outside the window rose and fell, creating a strong festive atmosphere.

The family sat around the dining table, the gentle light shining on everyone's faces, creating a particularly warm and cozy atmosphere.

The food on the table was steaming, its warmth enveloping everyone's faces, while the drinks in the glasses were crystal clear, reflecting everyone's smiles.

Mr. Chen picked up his wine glass, stood up, and said in a calm and gratified tone: "Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and our whole family is gathered together to have a New Year's Eve dinner. I am especially happy. First of all, I would like to thank Xiaoyue's parents for coming to Beijing for the New Year, and I would also like to thank everyone for their hard work throughout the year."

"Ziyu is pregnant, Tan Yue is managing the company very well, and Xiao Xiang is becoming more and more capable and can stand on his own."

"In the new year, I hope our family will be safe and healthy, that Tzuyu will have a smooth delivery, that Brilliant Entertainment will continue to thrive, and that Xiaoxiang's career will reach new heights. Cheers!"

"cheers!"

Everyone stood up, raised their glasses, and clinked them together, making a crisp sound.

Chen Ziyu was drinking juice, while the others were drinking red wine, and everyone's face was beaming with a happy smile.

After putting down their glasses, everyone began their New Year's Eve dinner.

"Brother, after the New Year, I'd like to ask you for advice on how to build up the brand of our catering company. I'd like to expand into the Beijing market," Chen Xiang said earnestly while eating.

Tan Yue smiled and said, "No problem, let's have a good chat after the New Year. It would be best if there's anything I can do to help."

"Xiao Xiang, it's great that you have this idea. It shows you've grown up and are ambitious." Chen's father looked at him and said with satisfaction, "Dad supports you. If you need any help, just let me know."

Chen Xiang nodded and said with a smile, "Thank you, Dad, thank you, brother. I will definitely work hard."

At the dinner table, everyone ate and chatted, talking about everything from work to life, from the past to the future, from children to the elderly. The conversation flowed continuously, filled with laughter.

Chen Ziyu leaned on Tan Yue's shoulder, looking at her family and listening to their laughter, her heart filled with happiness.

She gently touched her belly, feeling the baby's movements, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

Tan Yue squeezed her hand, lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Are you happy?"

Chen Ziyu nodded and said softly, "I'm happy, so happy. With you, my family, and my baby, I feel like the happiest person in the world."

We ate dinner around 8 p.m. when the Spring Festival Gala started on time.

After everyone cleared the table, placed the fruit and snacks on the coffee table, and sat around on the sofa to watch the Spring Festival Gala together.

The living room lights were dimmed, leaving only the light from the television screen illuminating everyone's faces. (End of Chapter)