Jia Lan returned from the planting space with a satisfied heart. Her whole body felt lighter, her lips still carrying the sweetness of the fruit she had eaten. Even though it was barely past six, her spirit brimmed with energy.
When she walked back into her bedroom, the cold air of winter seeped in through the cracks of the window. White frost traced delicate flowers on the glass, a reminder that outside was the first morning of the New Year.
She slipped on her thick padded jacket and quietly padded into the courtyard. The family house was still silent, but red paper cuttings fluttered faintly on the windows, and lanterns hung by the entrance, swaying in the cold breeze.
The festive atmosphere was unmistakable. Even before the cooking fires were lit, Jia Lan could sense the anticipation of celebration lingering in the air.
After returning to her room, Jia Lan let out a soft sigh. The winter chill outside was sharp, but her room was warm and filled with faint traces of sandalwood incense. She decided the first thing she needed was a long, comforting bath.
She filled the wide porcelain tub with steaming water infused with a light floral essence, the kind system had gifted her this year. Slipping in, she let the warmth seep into her bones, the steam curling around her like a soft blanket. She washed her hair slowly, massaging her scalp, before applying the fragrant conditioner that left her hair silky and smooth.
By the time she stepped out, her skin glowed pink from the heat. Wrapping herself in a thick towel, she carefully went through her skincare routine toner, lotion, and the rich cream her "secret source" (the system) had provided. Her cheeks were dewy, lips soft, and the faint floral fragrance clung to her.
After blow-drying her long black hair until it was smooth and glossy, she dressed in a warm winter ensemble: a pale cream turtleneck cashmere sweater tucked into a pleated wool skirt, layered with thick stockings. Over it, she wore a tailored coat in soft dove gray. She looked both youthful and elegant.
When she stepped downstairs, the house was already bustling with activity. The festive energy of Chinese New Year hung in the air, unmistakable.
The kitchen bustled with activity—pots clanging, the rich fragrance of broth simmering, and dishes being prepared one after another. Aunties and helpers were busy marinating meat, rolling dumplings, chopping vegetables.
In the living room, the men hung up red lanterns, pasted Spring Festival couplets on doors, and adjusted golden paper cuttings of the character "福" (fortune) on windows. Strings of firecrackers were stacked near the courtyard wall, waiting for midnight.
Even the usually quiet corridors seemed to hum with life.
The long dining table was filled with breakfast dishes steaming pork buns, delicate shrimp dumplings, golden sesame balls, crispy youtiao, bowls of soy milk, porridge with preserved eggs, and stacks of scallion pancakes. Even red-stained boiled eggs sat in a large dish for good luck.
"Lan Lan, come quickly, eat before it gets cold!" Mother Jia waved warmly.
"Mm, coming," Jia Lan smiled and slipped into her seat.
"Lan Lan, have some of this," her mother gently placed an egg tart on her plate.
Jia Lan smiled. "Thank you, Mama. Everything looks so delicious today."
Yao Jing, her lively second sister-in-law, laughed as she bit into a fried dumpling. "Of course! Look at this table. We could open a hotel restaurant with this breakfast alone!"
Xu Li, graceful as ever, chuckled softly. "Eat slowly, Jing. It's still morning. Tonight there will be twice as many dishes."
Yao Jing, already munching on a sesame ball, grinned. "Lan Lan, your skin looks so fresh today! You bathed in milk or what?"
Everyone laughed, and Jia Lan playfully glared. "No, just good skincare. Unlike you, second sister-in-law, who steals my cream whenever I'm not looking."
Yao Jing coughed guiltily, and Jia Wei raised his brow. "So it was you sneaking into Lan Lan's vanity?"
The table roared with laughter as Yao Jing tried to defend herself.
Meanwhile, Xu Li was calmly peeling a boiled egg for Baby Naun, who sat on a high chair in a festive red padded jacket, her cheeks rosy like a porcelain doll. "Open wide," Xu Li coaxed, and Baby Naun obediently took a bite, making the elders chuckle.
Grandfather Jia sipped his tea, watching the lively scene, and nodded. "This is how a new year should begin with noise, laughter, and the whole family gathered."
The family chatted warmly as they ate, laughter spilling across the room. Even little baby Nuan babbled happily in her high chair, smearing porridge on her cheeks until everyone burst into laughter.
The rest of the morning passed in a cheerful blur. Some of the men helped carry in crates of fruit, wine, and firecrackers. The women busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing dishes for the grand feast, their sleeves rolled up and voices overlapping. Meanwhile, cousins strung up bright red paper lanterns and pasted Spring Festival couplets on doors. Everywhere one turned, there was the smell of cooking, the gleam of decorations, and the crackle of excitement.
By afternoon, the scent of braised meats and spices drifted through every corner of the house. The entire residence seemed alive.
Soon, evening arrived.
As dusk fell, Jia Lan returned to her room to change into her special outfit for the night. She chose a long red cheongsam with intricate golden peony embroidery, tailored to fit her slender figure gracefully. Her glossy hair was styled half-up, with delicate golden hairpins shaped like plum blossoms tucked neatly. A light touch of peach blush and rose-tinted lips made her look radiant.
When she came downstairs, everyone had also changed. Xu Li wore a jade-green cheongsam with her hair in a sleek bun, looking elegant and dignified. Yao Jing wore a lively pink dress that matched her bright smile. Even Baby Naun was dressed in a fluffy new red outfit, looking like the most precious doll of all.
"Lan Lan, ah, look at you!" Grandmother Jia clapped her hands in delight. "Our little girl has truly grown up into a beauty."
"Grandma, you praise me too much," Jia Lan laughed shyly, though she secretly enjoyed the compliment.
Jia Zhe teased, "Our Lan Lan will blind everyone with her glow tonight."
Jia Lan laughed softly. "Gege is exaggerating."
The dining hall was soon filled with the feast that had been simmering all day: whole roasted duck with glistening skin, braised pork belly that quivered with every slice, platters of fresh fish symbolizing abundance, tender dumplings folded in gold-ingot shapes, stir-fried prawns with garlic, chicken soup with ginseng, and delicacies like abalone and sea cucumber. The table glittered with porcelain dishes, crystal wine glasses, and red silk runners.
Everyone gathered, taking their seats.
"Happy New Year!" voices rang in unison as glasses clinked.
As chopsticks clicked and wine cups clinked, the room filled with laughter.
"Ah, this pork belly is so tender! Who made it?" Jia Wei exclaimed.
"Your mother, of course," Xu Li smiled.
Yao Jing grinned mischievously. "Jia Wei, eat more. Otherwise, I'll take the whole plate."
"Don't you dare!" Jia Wei pretended to shield the dish, making everyone laugh.
"Eat more, eat more!" Mother Jia urged, placing duck onto Jia Lan's plate.
Yao Jing teased, "Be careful, Lan Lan, or you'll ruin that tiny waist of yours."
"Better than being too thin like you," Jia Lan shot back, and the table erupted in laughter again.
Grandfather Jia raised his cup, his voice warm. "Another year has passed. This family prospers, and that is my greatest blessing. This year has been good. Next year, may it be even better. May our family always stay together, safe and happy.Let us all eat and drink well tonight."
"Cheers!" everyone echoed.
They ate heartily, chatting between bites. Stories from childhood resurfaced, jokes were exchanged, and wine loosened tongues. Grandmother Jia reminisced about her youth, about how in the old days, even a simple dumpling was a luxury on New Year's Eve. Her words carried both nostalgia and pride for how far the family had come.
Grandfather and Grandmother reminisced about their youth. "Back then," Grandmother chuckled, "we didn't even have meat to eat. A piece of candy was considered a treasure. Look at you children now, living in such abundance."
Grandfather sighed softly but with pride. "Yes… times have changed. But as long as the family stays united, that is the true wealth."
Jia Lan listened quietly, her heart warm. For the first time in two lifetimes, she felt truly at peace.
"Ah, times have truly changed," she said softly, stroking Baby Naun's tiny hand. "May every year for you children be better than the last."
Baby Naun yawned, her small head drooping. Xu Li and Jia Zhe exchanged a glance.
"I'll take her to bed," Xu Li whispered. Together, the couple gently carried their little one to their bedroom, tucking her under a thick quilt before returning.
The elders eventually retired early, their bodies no longer able to keep up with the youthful laughter.
But Jia Lan remained with her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law in the warm sitting room. They poured tea, cracked sunflower seeds, and chatted about the future. Plans, dreams, and playful banter flowed easily.
Before long, the clock struck midnight.
By midnight, the younger generation grew excited. Everyone put on thick coats and stepped into the courtyard.
"Time to set off the firecrackers!" Yao Jing cheered, tugging Jia Wei's sleeve.
Everyone bundled up in coats and scarves and spilled into the courtyard. Red firecracker strings had been prepared, dangling under the eaves.
"Lan Lan, you light the first one," Jia Zhe said, handing her the incense stick.
With a small grin, she leaned forward. Crackle! Boom! Bang! The first string erupted in a dazzling shower of sparks, the sharp smell of gunpowder filling the cold night.
Everyone clapped and laughed. Some teased, some shouted wishes over the explosions.
Yao Jing laughed while covering her ears from the noise. "Ahh! It's so loud!"
Jia Wei teased, "What, our brave Jing is scared of firecrackers?"
"Who's scared?!" Yao Jing stomped her foot, making everyone laugh harder.
Jia Lan smiled, watching sparks scatter across the night. Her heart was calm, filled with gratitude.
"Happy New Year!" voices echoed into the night sky.
Jia Lan stood amidst the warmth of her family, the colorful sparks reflecting in her eyes. For the first time in two lives, she felt utterly at peace. This was her home. Her family. Her happiness.
As the last firecrackers faded, a familiar soft chime rang quietly in her mind:
Ding! Daily New Year Special check-in complete.
Reward: Red Envelope of Fortune
Description: A mysterious red envelope filled with golden coins and blessings. Symbol of prosperity, wealth, and luck throughout the year.
Jia Lan blinked as a small red envelope appeared in her palm, glowing faintly before settling into reality. She turned it over in her hand, her lips curving into a secret smile. "A red envelope? How festive… looks like this year will be very lucky."
She tucked it away carefully into her system space before rejoining her family, her heart light and warm as laughter filled the house and fireworks thundered in the sky.
Tonight, she didn't think of the system as her greatest gift. It was her family's laughter, their warmth, and the feeling of belonging that filled her heart most of all.
This year, this family, this laughter it was everything she had ever longed for.
"Happy New Year," she whispered softly, her eyes glowing.