The Second Day: A Visit to the Family Home

Ripples spread across the gently undulating lake surface, extending in concentric circles until they met the shore.

On the bank, the man carefully lit a fuse.

Not far away, both the woman and the little girl covered their ears, their gazes fixed intently on him.

The man used his lighter to ignite the fuse, then sprinted back to the two of them with lightning speed.

With a resounding ‘bang,’ the firecracker exploded, soaring into the sky.

Zhou Haochen picked up the lighter, offering it to Bai Sha.

He asked, “What’s the fun in just watching? Don’t you want to try it yourself?”

Both Bai Sha and the little one shook their heads in unison.

They declined, saying, “No, thank you. I think I’m better suited to watching others play.”

The little one chimed in, agreeing, “Daddy looked so cool just now!”

After their New Year’s dinner, since fireworks were prohibited within the city, Zhou Haochen had loaded a cart full of firecrackers and sparklers.

He then brought his wife and daughter out to the suburbs.

It was ironic, considering how fearless the two of them had been at the amusement park, yet they became timid when faced with firecrackers.

To this point, he had been the one to light both boxes of firecrackers.

Bai Sha took the little one’s hand and retrieved a handful of sparklers (TL Note: ‘Xiannv bang’ literally means ‘fairy wands,’ referring to handheld sparklers) and ‘little goldfish’ (TL Note: ‘Xiao jin yu’ are small, cracker-like fireworks that create a popping sound and sometimes spark) from the car.

She said, “Come on, Mama will take you to play with something a little safer.”

Zhou Haochen squatted nearby, watching the mother and daughter laugh as they played with the sparklers.

Suddenly, the firecrackers (TL Note: ‘Er tiji ao’ literally means ‘two-kick feet,’ referring to a type of firecracker that explodes twice) in his hand seemed utterly uninteresting.

He then joined them, using a sparkler to draw circles in the air alongside them.

Bai Sha swung her sparkler back and forth, but the afternoon light rendered its glow quite indistinct.

She remarked, “It doesn’t look as good without the darkness of night.”

Zhou Haochen picked up a ‘little goldfish’ and called out to the two of them, “Watch me, watch me!”

Both Bai Sha and the little one had their attention captured, curious to see what trick he had up his sleeve.

Zhou Haochen placed the ‘little goldfish’ between his thumb and forefinger, twisting it forcefully.

A sharp ‘snap!’ rang out, startling both mother and daughter.

The little one quickly tugged at her father’s hand, only to find nothing amiss.

She then looked up at him with an expression of pure adoration, exclaiming, “Wow! Daddy, how did you do that?”

Bai Sha, however, quickly understood.

This was a common trick (TL Note: ‘Zhuang bi’ is slang for showing off or pretending to be impressive) used by children, and seeing him use it to amuse his daughter seemed perfectly fitting.

Zhou Haochen ruffled the little one’s hair, his face adopting a profound, enigmatic expression.

He whispered conspiratorially, “This is a secret technique passed down only within our family. When Xiao Yu (TL Note: A nickname for the little girl) turns one year older, Daddy will teach it to you!”

“Really? Then I want to grow up one year faster!”

‘Oh, my dear sweet daughter, another year older, and your daddy probably won’t be able to trick you anymore!’

Amidst their playful antics, they hadn’t used many of the firecrackers in the car, but the ‘little goldfish’ and sparklers were almost gone.

A few remained, saved for after dark.

As dusk descended, Zhou Haochen carried several boxes of fireworks to a distant spot.

He waved to the mother and daughter, and once ready, he began…

“Three, two, one, ignite!”

“Biu! Biu!”

Multicolored fireworks blossomed in the sky, painting the dark night with vibrant hues and illuminating the darkness with brilliant sparks.

The last time they set off fireworks, the little girl hadn’t been present, so now she was brimming with excitement, bouncing and jumping.

At some point, Zhou Haochen had circled behind Bai Sha, gently embracing her.

He whispered in her ear, “Happy New Year.”

Bai Sha leaned her head against his chest, her gaze once again on the star-like fireworks filling the sky.

She softly echoed, “Happy New Year.”

While the little one darted about, her parents remained locked in an embrace, their heads close together.

“I have a secret to tell you too.”

“What secret?” he murmured, leaning closer to her ear, feigning ignorance.

“I love you.”

Her declaration of love scattered on the wind, carried away with the fading fireworks.

Yet, the surging emotions remained hidden deep within their hearts, lingering, unable to dissipate.

With their lively, adorable child by their side, the parents’ eyes were alight with smiles as they finally gazed together at the sky full of blossoming lights.

****

The second day of the Lunar New Year meant returning to the ‘maiden home’ (TL Note: ‘Niang jia’ refers to a married woman’s parental home, traditionally visited on the second day of Lunar New Year).

Although Zhou Haochen wasn’t yet officially a son-in-law (TL Note: ‘Guyu’ refers to a son-in-law, often used playfully), and Bai Sha wasn’t technically returning to her ‘maiden home’ in the traditional sense, both of them still attached great importance to this visit to her aunt and uncle.

Zhou Haochen had specifically brought a case of Wanglaoji (TL Note: A popular Chinese herbal tea drink) and a box of tea.

These were, without a doubt, essential gifts for any visit.

Zhou Haochen was driving, while Bai Sha and the child sat in the back.

Bai Sha said, “Having met my sister, you should have some experience now, right? Don’t be nervous.”

Zhou Haochen chuckled, replying, “Don’t worry, I’m not nervous at all.”

He appeared perfectly calm and composed.

If Bai Sha hadn’t seen him fussing with his hair early that morning, she might have actually believed him.

Upon reaching the door, Bai Sha knocked.

The door was opened by a young man who looked rather old, holding a teacup identical to her uncle’s.

Bai Sha smiled and waved, “Cousin, long time no see! Happy New Year!”

Despite having been informed by his parents beforehand, seeing his younger brother—with whom he had grown up—now a girl, accompanied by a boyfriend and even a child, the cousin was still utterly astonished.

“Happy New Year, indeed it’s been a long time!”

He then turned to Zhou Haochen, “This must be my sister’s husband (TL Note: ‘Meifu’ literally means ‘younger sister’s husband,’ here used informally for boyfriend/partner)? I’ve heard so much about you! Oh, this little girl is truly adorable! She’s definitely a beauty in the making!”

Zhou Haochen also quickly offered his greetings, “Happy New Year, Cousin. My name is Zhou Haochen, but please just call me Xiao Chen.”

“Xiao Chen, hello, hello! Please, come in!”

“Oh, why did you bring gifts? You’re too polite!”

The cousin quickly stepped forward to help Zhou Haochen with the presents.

“Just a small token of our regard, nothing expensive.”

Watching the two men at the door engage in a polite tussle over the gifts, Bai Sha simply took the child’s hand and entered the house.

Zhou Haochen and the cousin quickly followed.

“Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt!”

“Happy New Year, Great-Uncle and Great-Aunt!”

“My little darling, here you go. This is a red packet (TL Note: ‘Hong bao’ is a red envelope containing money, traditionally given as gifts during holidays or special occasions) from your Great-Uncle and Great-Aunt.”

Zhou Haochen hesitated for a moment before saying, “Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt.”

The uncle, seated on the sofa, beamed with delight upon seeing the family of three.

He greeted them, “Happy New Year! Happy New Year!”

The aunt, wiping her hands with an apron, emerged from the kitchen and playfully teased, “Xiao Bai (TL Note: A nickname for Bai Sha) has brought her whole family, so there’ll be no red packet for her!”

According to tradition (TL Note: ‘Jianghu guiju’ literally means ‘rules of the jianghu,’ referring to unwritten social customs), regardless of age, if you’re unmarried, you receive New Year’s money (TL Note: ‘Yasui qian’ is money given to children or unmarried adults during Lunar New Year).

Conversely, no matter how young, once you’re married, you no longer receive it.

Bai Sha had already anticipated this.

She chuckled, then produced a red packet and handed it to her cousin.

The cousin exclaimed, “Huh? ( ・◇・)? For me?”

“Take it, child.”

Critical hit, damage x3.

Meanwhile, Zhou Haochen was earnestly chatting with the uncle and aunt.

“Xiao Chen, we heard from Bai Sha’s sister that you’re only twenty this year, is that right?”

“Roughly so.”

“It’s impressive that you’re able to start your own business in college! Are you making money?”

“I was lucky to partner with a senior. We’re just barely turning a profit right now.”

“And Xiao Yu is already so big! When do you two plan to get married?”

Zhou Haochen paused, glancing at Bai Sha, who was still teasing her cousin.

He then replied, “I’ll register our marriage as soon as I’m of age, as long as she’s willing.”

“Well then, you can hold the engagement party and wedding ceremony first. The marriage certificate can be sorted out later.”

The aunt and uncle were truly something else; their immediate topic was marriage and weddings, which completely flustered him, a pure-hearted young man.

“Xiao Bai mentioned she’s meeting your parents tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Please tell your parents that we should find an opportunity to have a meal together.”

“Understood, Uncle.”

“Xiao Bai has had a tough life. You must treat her well. Her father didn’t care for her, and her mother didn’t love her; how pitiful. Do you understand?”

“Please rest assured, Aunt. I will certainly treat her well.”

The uncle sipped his tea, thinking, ‘What good are empty words? Only Bai Sha herself will know what their life together will truly be like.’

‘His wife was just needlessly worrying, always keen to pry into everything.’

****

“What did Uncle talk to you about?”

“He asked about our marriage.”

“Isn’t it too soon? You’re not even of age yet.”

“What do you think about getting engaged?”

“…Do you want to marry me?”

“Of course. I always have.”