Chapter 755 - 562: Dumplings—An Essential Traditional New Year Delicacy

Chapter 755: Chapter 562: Dumplings—An Essential Traditional New Year Delicacy

In this slightly different yet eagerly awaited twelfth lunar month, without the traditional New Year’s Eve, the twenty-ninth day naturally takes on the role of the eve, marking the commencement of the new year...

Within the Linting Garden community.

Rows of exquisite red lanterns are already hanging high, like twinkling stars in the night sky, adorning the residential area with warmth and charm; simultaneously, new Spring Festival couplets are on display, their vibrant reds contrasting with the joyful smiles on the residents’ faces, further enriching the festive atmosphere and lively spirit.

Huang Jun also brings Qingqing and Weiwei, and from early morning they start bustling about, preparing to welcome this special New Year’s Eve.

"Daddy, where should we hang these lanterns?"

Qingqing blinked her curious big eyes, looking up at Huang Jun and asking.

"Hang them under the eaves of the balcony, one on each side symmetrically, that way it looks nice."

Huang Jun replied with a smile, contemplating how to involve the kids more in the New Year’s preparations, so he continued: "Qingqing, Weiwei, will you help daddy hold the stool later? That way daddy can hang the lanterns comfortably."

"Okay!"

Weiwei nodded her little head quickly like a pecking chick, then asked curiously: "But dad, how do we hold it?"

Before Huang Jun could reply, Qingqing eagerly chimed in: "I know, I know...just like last time when Miss Xie was cleaning the windows, we helped hold the table from below, right daddy?"

"Correct!"

Huang Jun nodded with satisfaction, gently hooking Qingqing’s delicate little nose, his eyes full of affection: "My Qingqing is really smart, she catches on right away..."

After speaking, he didn’t forget to add some praise for Weiwei as well: "My Weiwei is great too, later I’m sure she’ll help daddy keep the stool steady."

"Hehe... Of course, I hold things really steady."

Weiwei proudly raised her slender eyebrows and, in her childish voice, continued with excitement: "Last time, Miss Xie specially praised me, saying that when I was holding the ladder during the classroom clean-up, I was as steady as a little hill, even the wind couldn’t move it. Even Miss Yang nodded repeatedly, praising me for being conscientious and reliable, making everyone feel assured. Hehe, every time I recall that scene, it feels like honey is poured into my heart, like I’ve really got Sun Wukong’s magical Golden Cudgel to stabilize the Dragon Palace..."

"Weiwei, I think you mean ’Sea-Calming Needle’?" Huang Jun interjected with a laugh.

Weiwei’s eyes lit up immediately: "Yes, yes, that’s the meaning of ’Sea-Calming Needle’! Miss Yang said the same thing back then!"

After that, Weiwei even prouder, struck a deliberately exaggerated stable pose, feet apart, hands on hips, like an indomitable guardian deity. Her appearance was both comical and adorable, making Huang Jun and Qingqing burst out laughing.

"Okay, now let’s start hanging the lanterns, Weiwei, it’s time to show your ’Sea-Calming Needle’ skills, and assist daddy steadily!"

As Huang Jun spoke, he brought over a sturdy stool, placing it firmly at the spot to hang the lantern, then deftly climbed onto it holding a magnificent lantern.

Witnessing this, Weiwei immediately assumed her ’Sea-Calming Needle’-like steady stance, tightly gripping the stool with both hands,

Meanwhile, Qingqing wouldn’t be left behind; she quickly moved to the other side of the stool, similarly holding it firmly with both hands.

With the support of these two little helpers, Huang Jun found it easy to hang the lanterns.

Before long...

Two lanterns were securely hung under the eaves.

Huang Jun then connected them to the power source.

In an instant...

The lanterns seemed to come alive, slowly spinning while emitting colorful light, like a brilliant rainbow, reflecting on the surrounding walls, the ground, and even on everyone’s smiling faces...

Weiwei squinted at the dazzling lights, excitedly exclaiming: "Wow, these lanterns are so beautiful, so many colorful lights, they twinkle like stars!"

"Yeah, so pretty, like the colorful lights in the park!" Qingqing eagerly agreed, her eyes sparkling.

"At night, these lanterns will be even brighter and prettier!"

Huang Jun beamed at the two little ones beside him, then cheerfully suggested: "Alright, now let’s do something more fun—putting up Spring Festival couplets!"

Saying this, he slowly unfurled his personally written couplets, the first couplet reading "Spring breeze brings warmth to the Tusu brew," with the second couplet "Morning sun shines on every household," the horizontal scroll boldly inscribed with "Joy fills the door."

Huang Jun carefully matched the couplets with the frame position, then applied paste on the back of the couplets.

Qingqing and Weiwei eagerly assisted, cautiously smoothing the couplets, afraid to wrinkle them.

"Qingqing, Weiwei, take a look, does this look straight?"

Huang Jun asked with concern.

The two little girls tiptoed, carefully observing before shouting in unison: "Straight, straight, daddy did a great job!"

With everyone working together...

The couplets were neatly posted, along with festive red "Fu" characters adorning the door.