A woman in her 70s marries a rough-looking man; her plump wife is too delicate and alluring.

Seeing that the three were being so disrespectful, Director Li smiled and tried to smooth things over, "Oh dear, that kid really doesn't know his own strength. Platoon Leader Sheng, please don't take it to heart."

After saying that, he rubbed his hands together and said, "Platoon Leader Sheng, you see, this matter is over. The money has been paid and the signatures have been obtained."

The implication is that you should leave.

Sheng Yuze snorted and stood up. "The Shi family is really something else. They're packed with people. I bet they need permission for even a stone to fall from the sky."

Chief Li broke out in a cold sweat. "How could that be? The kid's just a young rascal, he doesn't know any better and he's just bragging. Platoon Leader Sheng won't believe me, will he?"

Sheng Yuze glanced at him sideways without saying a word and walked out. The man also left.

Sheng Yuze opened the car door. "Get in."

In the car, Liu Wei clenched the envelope in his hand. "Platoon leader, will Shi Ping's family still get the retribution they deserve? If not, this will do."

He wasn't stupid; he could tell that Shi Ping had a powerful background, and he didn't want to cause trouble for Sheng Yuze.

Sheng Yuze closed his eyes to rest in the passenger seat. "Okay, today is New Year's Eve. Let them run wild for a couple of days. I'll deal with them after the New Year."

Liu Wei breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that Shi Ping would get his comeuppance. In fact, he didn't want to be able to get rid of his daughter's suffering with just five hundred yuan.

Xiao Zhou glanced at the commotion outside and said, "Platoon leader, Uncle Liu, why don't we go down and take a look? We can buy some New Year's goods."

Liu Wei hurriedly said, "I... I won't go."

Xiao Zhou glanced at Liu Wei in the rearview mirror. "Uncle Liu, this is what your daughter earned through her suffering. Spend it as you see fit. Go buy some things and get through the New Year."

Liu Wei looked down at the envelope in his hand, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded. "Then I'll buy some meat to nourish Hongmei."

Xiao Zhou pulled the car over to the side of the road, and Liu Wei got out and limped towards the market.

Sheng Yuze watched his back disappear into the crowd before turning his gaze away. "Let's go, let's go to the town's supply and marketing cooperative."

Xiao Zhou started the car: "Buying New Year's goods?"

"Hmm." Sheng Yuze leaned back in his chair, his tone indifferent. "It would be difficult to explain if I went back empty-handed after a whole morning."

Xiao Zhou smiled and drove the car towards the supply and marketing cooperative.

The entrance to the supply and marketing cooperative was packed with people, and a long row of couplets, fireworks, malted milk powder, brown sugar, and candy were displayed.

Sheng Yuze picked out a couplet, two pounds of candy, a pack of cigarettes, two bottles of wine, three cans of malted milk powder, and a bag of red dates.

Xiao Zhou followed beside him and helped him carry his things.

After buying the items and returning to the market entrance, Liu Wei was already waiting. Sheng Yuze handed him the couplets.

Liu Wei waved his hand, "No need, Platoon Leader Sheng."

Sheng Yuze forcefully shoved it into his hand, saying, "Take it, go back and stick it on."

After getting on the bus, Liu Wei secretly shed tears in the back seat.

When the car arrived at Liu Wei's house, Zhao San was already waiting in the yard.

After Liu Wei got out of the car, he asked Sheng Yuze and Sheng Yuze to have some water at home, but Sheng Yuze refused.

When the car stopped in front of the Sheng family's house, red lanterns were already hung in the courtyard. Steam was billowing from the kitchen chimney, and newly cut paper-cut window decorations were pasted on the windows.

He Zhaoyang came out immediately upon hearing the car.

As Sheng Yuze got out of the car, He Zhaoyang came over and asked, "Is Xiao Zhou coming over for dinner tonight?"

Xiao Zhou: "Thank you for your kindness, sister-in-law. I won't bother you any longer."

After saying goodbye, he drove away.

Sheng Yuze smiled as he looked at He Zhaoyang, whose face was flushed. He could tell at a glance that she had just come out of a warm room.

He pulled He Zhaoyang's hand away with one hand. He Zhaoyang struggled a few times but couldn't break free, so he simply let him hold him.

Sheng Yuze, carrying New Year's goods in his other hand, stood for two seconds before pushing open the door to the main room.

The room was warm and cozy. Qin Meng and Li Xuanxue were busy around the stove, while Li Yuzhen played with Nuannuan. The television was on, broadcasting a news briefing before the Spring Festival.

Sheng Yuze placed the New Year's gifts on the table. "Sister-in-law, where's my brother?"

Li Xuanxue: "I went to pick up Dad."

Sheng Yuze was stunned. "Dad's coming back today?"

Qin Meng nodded. "Yes, your father submitted a report and got permission to take leave, but you still have to stay at the brigade headquarters tonight."

It was already dark outside. From the yard came the excited voices of the neighbor's children, the sound of footsteps running past, and the popping of firecrackers.

"Mother, I'm back with Father!"

Sheng Kaiyuan shouted, and the courtyard gate opened. Sheng Kaiyuan was carrying a cloth bag in his hand.

Following behind was an elderly man wearing an old military overcoat, with a straight posture, wrinkled face, but bright eyes.

Sheng Huaimin stepped into the main room.

Sheng Kaiyuan followed behind and put down the cloth bag: "Dad took the train for two days and waited at the station for more than an hour before I picked him up."

Sheng Huaimin called out "Mother." He was happy to see that Li Yuzhen was in such good health. He remembered that Li Yuzhen had vomited blood when they parted.

Li Yuzhen: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Qin Meng straightened up from in front of the stove, wiped her hands on her apron, and went to greet Huaimin.

Sheng Huaimin hugged Qin Meng, "I'm so sorry. If it weren't for me, our family wouldn't be here."

Qin Meng shook her head. "No, my children and I are doing very well here."

Sheng Huaimin looked at an unfamiliar face.

When He Zhaoyang first met Sheng Huaimin, he nervously grabbed Sheng Yuze's hand.

"You must be Zhaoyang?"

He Zhaoyang: "Father."

Sheng Huaimin said with relief, "Kaiyuan has told me everything you've done. Yuze is truly blessed to have married you."

After saying that, he handed He Zhaoyang a red envelope, saying, "Take this."

He Zhaoyang glanced at Sheng Yuze, who nodded. He Zhaoyang accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you, Father."

Sheng Huaimin then took out another one and gave it to Li Xuanxue, saying, "Xuanxue, you've worked hard too."

"Thank you, Dad."

Sheng Huaimin took Nuannuan, who blew a big bubble. "This little girl is so cute."

Sheng Huaimin held Nuannuan and played with her for a while. The little girl wasn't shy at all, grinning from ear to ear, drool dripping down her chin. Li Xuanxue quickly wiped it away with a handkerchief.

Qin Meng brought the dishes to the table: "Alright, alright, stop standing and eat first. Huaimin, you sit here, Zhaoyang, you sit next to Yuze."

The family sat down around the table. The table wasn't big, but there were many people, arms touching arms, bowls and chopsticks clinking together, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sheng Kaiyuan poured Sheng Huaimin a glass of wine: "Dad, our family is finally all together this year."

Sheng Huaimin picked up his wine glass, looked at the people at the table, his gaze moving from Li Yuzhen and Qin Meng to Li Xuanxue and He Zhaoyang, finally landing on Sheng Yuze: "Yes, everyone's here."

He didn't say anything else, and drank the wine.

The old lady was too old to stay up late, so she went straight to her room to sleep after dinner.

After finishing their meal, He Zhaoyang and the others got up to set off fireworks, leaving their father and son to drink.

As the dazzling fireworks burst forth, He Zhaoyang's eyes shone brightly.

She still remembers the first time she celebrated the New Year in the human world, she was terrified by the fireworks and turned into a rabbit, running around everywhere.

After playing, He Zhaoyang returned to her room. Sheng Yuze and the others were still drinking. She was unusually excited tonight, whether it was because it was New Year's Eve or something else.

She picked up the blue cotton-padded jacket she was sewing for Sheng Yuze. It was only a few buttons away from being sewn on. She would let Sheng Yuze try it on in a bit to see if it fit.

When Sheng Yuze returned, He Zhaoyang had just finished sewing the last one.

He Zhaoyang stood up and waved, saying, "Come over here and try on your new clothes."

Sheng Yuze obediently walked over and stood in front of him. He Zhaoyang could still smell a faint scent of alcohol, and his movements were a beat slower than usual.