The sounds of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve rang out continuously.
After Grandpa Xiao finished speaking, he said to Old Master Gong, “In-law, come. Say a few words too!”
Old Master Gong had always liked the atmosphere of the Xiao family. That was because, in the Xiao family, he and his grandson felt the warmth and happiness of home!
In the past, there were many years when he and his grandson spent the new year alone in their own home.
In fact, during the years when he was still in the army, he was so busy that he didn’t even have time to go home and eat dumplings. It was always his grandson who spent the new year alone.
He felt very sorry. But when he wanted to make up for it, his grandson had already grown up in the blink of an eye.
He had never given his grandson the warmth of a family. Therefore, he had always hoped that he would have a warm family in the future. When he came to Taoyuan village and came into contact with the Xiao family, he truly felt the harmony, warmth, and happiness of the Xiao family.
When he learned that the Xiao family had a single daughter, he immediately thought of matchmaking the two of them.
That was because he knew that once his grandson married this daughter, they would be very compatible, and his grandson would be welcomed warmly by his in-law.
Fate was such a wonderful thing.
He had not even introduced the two of them, and they had already fallen in love with each other. What surprised him, even more, was that his grandson, who had never liked to be close to women, fell in love with Xiao Lingyu at first sight. He even began to pursue her fiercely.
But the biggest surprise was that they already had a son before they even got together officially. This meant that Xiao Lingyu was destined to marry Gong Tianhao. Therefore, Old Master Gong was the biggest support when Gong Tianhao pursued Xiao Lingyu.
After the two of them got together, everyone was happy for them.
Ever since Gong Tianhao met Xiao Lingyu, Old Master Gong saw more and more smiles on his grandson’s face. He knew that his son had made the right choice.
After his grandson and his granddaughter-in-law got married, they went through a lot. However, the rainbow always came after the storm. Now, his grandson was getting happier, and their home was getting warmer, especially now that he had a beautiful, cute, and sensible great-grandson. Old Master Gong was very gratified.
All of this was thanks to the Xiao family for raising a good daughter.
Thinking of this, Old Master Gong said, “Alright, I’ll say a few words. What I want to say the most is that I’m very grateful to you guys for raising such an outstanding daughter. She is too good for my Hao ‘Er.
“Because of your daughter, my Hao ‘Er has become friendlier and kinder. You don’t know this, but when he was young, he always had a cold face. He was cold and callous, and he had an imposing manner that kept others at a thousand miles away. However, I know that he had always longed for someone to care for him, someone to play with him, to accompany him to study, and even to eat dumplings during the new year. He was always alone at home. This makes me feel very ashamed.”
Hearing Old Master Gong talk about Gong Tianhao when he was young, the Xiao family members were a little silent.
They didn’t know that Gong Tianhao was so lonely when he was young. He didn’t even have anyone to accompany him during the New Year.
Xiao Lingyu looked at Gong Tianhao beside her and reached out to shake his big hand to comfort him.
Xiao Letong ran up to Gong Tianhao and said to him seriously, “Daddy, you didn’t have anyone to celebrate the new year with you when you were young. It’s really pitiful. But don’t worry. In the future, I, Mommy, great-grandfather, and everyone else will accompany you to celebrate the new year and eat dumplings.”
Gong Tianhao was very touched. He picked up his son and said, “Alright, from now on, you and mommy will accompany me during the New Year. From now on, all of us will definitely gather together and celebrate the new year together every year.” When he placed his head on his son’s tender shoulders, his eyes turned red. He had tears in his eyes.
He was really grateful. He met Xiao Lingyu, fell in love with her, married her, and even gave birth to such a cute child. Being together as a family made him truly feel what happiness was.
“Yes, yes. From now on, we will gather together every year and celebrate the new year together!” Mother Xiao said with a smile.
The others immediately echoed, “Yes, from now on, every year, we will celebrate the new year together.”
“Cheers. We will definitely celebrate the new year together every year!”
Everyone raised their glasses again.
Then, everyone began to say their new year wishes.
“I hope that all of us will be healthy and beautiful!” Eldest Uncle Xiao said.
Then, Eldest aunt Xiao said, “I hope that all of us will be healthy and safe. I also hope that Xiao Lingyun and Gong Yinxiong can get married and live a happy life!”
As soon as Eldest Aunt Xiao said that, Gong Yinxiong grabbed Xiao Lingyun’s hand and said, “Mom, don’t worry. Yun ‘Er and I will get married as soon as possible.” At this point, he paused for a moment and said, “Dad, Mom, Grandpa, why don’t you guys set an auspicious date? Of course, the sooner, the better!”
Xiao Lingyun, who was beside him, suddenly shouted with a red face, “Gong Yinxiong, who agreed to marry you?” She was embarrassed and shy.
Gong Yinxiong said very seriously, “Yun ‘Er, if you don’t marry me, who else are you going to marry? Rourou and Lulu have already called me daddy. You won’t let them down, right?” He turned to look at Rourou and Lulu.
“Daddy!” Rourou and Lulu shouted happily.
Xiao Lingyun, “…” when did he bribe these two children?
At this moment, Xiao Lingyu said with a smile, “Yun ‘Er, Yinxiong is a good man. Just accept him! He had pursued you for three years before you said yes. Do you think you can escape?”
“Haha, that’s right, Yun ‘Er. You can’t escape from Yinxiong’s hands. You should be sensible and quickly agree,” Fourth aunt Xiao said with a smile, “Yinxiong is a good man. We can’t miss him.”
Xiao Lingye and Xiao Lingshuo looked at each other and then said loudly, “Second brother-in-law!”
Gong Yinxiong said happily, “Yes. What kind of New Year’s present do you want? Second brother-in-law will give it to you.”
Xiao Lingye said with a smile, “Second brother-in-law, you being our second brother-in-law is our new year present.”
Gong Yinxiong raised his eyebrows and looked at Xiao Lingyun beside him, and said with a smile, “Yun ‘Er, did you hear that? The two little babies, the two brothers-in-law, parents, aunts, and grandparents all want us to get married as soon as possible. What do you say?”
Xiao Lingyun, “…”
Xiao Lingyun looked around and saw that everyone was trying to set her up. Then, she said helplessly, “Fine.”
Xiao Lingyu suddenly said, “Yinxiong, is this your proposal?”
Gong Yinxiong nodded and said, “Yes, I’m proposing!”
“But this isn’t that sincere.” Xiao Lingyu commented with a smile.
Gong Yinxiong let go of Xiao Lingyun. He took out a diamond ring from his pocket and knelt down on one knee. He said very seriously, “Xiao Lingyun, marry me! Today, in front of your parents and relatives, I promise you that I will treat you well. I will never let you suffer any grievances! I will also treat my two little babies well. I will treat them as my biological daughters. Oh, no, they are my biological daughters.”
In fact, Gong Yinxiong had always known that the biggest reason why Xiao Lingyun did not agree with his pursuit was because of her two daughters. She was afraid that getting married would make her two little babies suffer.
In front of everyone, Gong Yinxiong promised that he would treat the three of them well. It was impossible for Xiao Lingyun not to be moved or touched.
However, Xiao Lingyun felt that she was not worthy of a good man like Gong Yinxiong. To put it bluntly, she was already a divorcee.
Xiao Lingyun’s eyes were filled with struggle and conflict.
Gong Yinxiong had never been so nervous before.
He had always known about Xiao Lingyun’s knot in her heart, so he was afraid that she would reject him.
At this moment, Old Master Gong said, “Yun ‘Er, I watched this child grow up. He is a man who is brave and responsible. At the same time, he is also a very dedicated man.
“He has never been in a relationship before, nor has he had any other woman. However, after he saw you, he fell in love with you. Since he likes you, he won’t care about anything else.
“To him, the past is the past.
“Yun ‘Er, Yinxiong is stubborn. He is a man who is loyal to one woman. If you don’t agree to marry him, he probably won’t marry for the rest of his life. Don’t worry. Since he promised to treat the three of you well, he will definitely do that. He will not let you suffer any grievances. Besides, Tianhao and I will be watching him.”
Old Master Gong was a shrewd old man. He could see the knot in Xiao Lingyun’s heart at a glance. Naturally, now was the best time to untie the knot.
Gong Tianhao nodded and said, “Sister Yun, Yinxiong has been a friend of mine since young. He’s a good man, so you can marry him without worry. After you marry him, he’ll be my brother-in-law. If he makes you and your two little babies suffer even the slightest bit, I’ll teach him a lesson on your behalf. How about it?”
At this moment, Gong Yinxiong said, “Yun ‘Er, grandfather Gong and Tianhao have given you their guarantees. What else do you have to worry about?”
“Say yes!” Xiao Letong clapped his hands and shouted, “Auntie, say yes. When he becomes my uncle, I can get a big red packet!”
Everyone, “…” All this, and he just wants a big red packet?
However, the others joined in, “Say yes, say yes…”
Xiao Lingyun touched the tears in the corner of her eyes, then nodded and said, “Yes, I’ll marry you!”
After saying that, she stretched out her hand. Gong Yinxiong put the ring on her finger.
Then, everyone realized that Gong Yinxiong had proposed on New Year’s Eve. Then again, it was very suitable because everyone was together. It was fortunate that Gong Yinxiong had thought of it and had made preparations long ago.
Since Xiao Lingyun had agreed, it was time to set the wedding date.
Eldest Uncle Xiao and aunt Xiao looked at each other with a relieved look in their eyes. Then, they continued with the new year wishes.
The Xiao family was not short of money now, so everyone’s new year wishes were about health.
“Ye ‘Er, you’re already in your third year of university. Have you found a girlfriend?” Mother Xiao suddenly asked.
Xiao Lingye froze. Then, he put down his glass and said, “Mom, I’m still young. I’m only 21 years old. I don’t want to fall in love so early.”
Mother Xiao said with slight disappointment, “That is old enough to fall in love already.” She wanted to hold another grandchild.
Xiao Lingye thought for a moment and said, “My sister only got married at 25 or 26 years old. I’m still in university and haven’t achieved anything yet. How can I be in a relationship?”
Xiao Zhengyang said, “We’re asking you to find a girlfriend, not to get married right away!”
Xiao Lingye immediately argued, “Dad, I can’t disappoint a girl like that. I don’t want to be in a relationship that doesn’t have marriage as the goal. Or do you want me to do that?”
Xiao Zhengyang’s expression changed, and he said loudly, “Brat, what nonsense are you talking about! I’m warning you, if you dare to trick those innocent girls, I’ll break your legs.”
His son was rich and handsome. He naturally would be pursued by many girls. Father Xiao was worried that his son would succumb to temptations.
Xiao Lingye wanted to roll his eyes, but he still argued, “Dad, is your son that kind of person? With my looks and excellence, many girls have been chasing me since primary school. Look at me. Have I made any mistakes?”
Xiao Zhengyang immediately patted his head and said, “Alright, just remember you are a member of the Xiao Family, and we’re all upright people!”
Xiao Lingye nodded very seriously and said, “I’ll remember it, Dad!”
Mother Xiao also said, “Son, all joking aside. You should take it slow when it comes to your relationship. You have to find someone you like and who likes you back. She has to have good character. Then, you’d be happy.”
Xiao Lingye nodded and said, “Yes, Mom.”
Then, everyone continued to talk about their new year’s wishes.
When it was Xiao Lingyu’s turn, she said, “I hope that all of us will be safe and healthy. The two grandpas will live to be a hundred years old!”
Gong Tianhao grabbed Xiao Lingyu’s hand and said affectionately, “I am very grateful that fate allowed me to meet you and give birth to a cute, handsome, smart, and sensible son. I hope that our family will always be together and never be separated. I’m also very grateful that fate allowed me to get to know all of your family and let me know what the warmth and happiness of home is.”
Xiao Lingyu said, “I also feel very lucky and happy to be married to you!”
Gong Tianhao added, “I also feel lucky and happy. Our family will always be happy!”
“Yes, we will!” Xiao Lingyu nodded.
Gong Tianhao said to the Xiao family, “Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, thank you for raising such an outstanding daughter. Don’t worry. I will treat Yu ‘Er well for the rest of my life. I will not let her regret marrying me! I wish you all good health and long life!”
“Yes!”
Mother Xiao’s eyes were slightly red.
In the past, when Xiao Lingyu and Chen Ran were dating, they had always been on tenterhooks. This was because they knew the character of the Chen Family well. They were afraid that their daughter would be wronged and humiliated.
They had been in love for ten years, and as parents, they had been worried for ten years.
In the end, it was Chen Ran who sought death. By a fluke, she met Gong Tianhao.
Now that their daughter had married the right person, as parents, there was nothing for them to worry about anymore.
Gong Tianhao continued, “After my parents died when I was three years old, grandfather was especially busy, and I got used to being alone. I ate alone, went to school alone, and spent the new year alone. Later on, grandfather was not busy anymore and could accompany me for the New Year. However, the house was still cold and empty.
“Initially, I thought that I would continue to be alone like this. I did not expect that I would meet Yu ‘Er and experience the taste of home, the warmth of home, and the happiness of home! Father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and aunts, thank you!”
“Tianhao, you’re going to make us cry!” Eldest Aunt Xiao wiped her tears and said, “From now on, you will not be lonely during the New Year. All of us will accompany you and grandfather for the New Year. It will be like this every year, alright?”
“Yes, okay!” Gong Tianhao nodded.
When Gong Tianhao said those words, Old Master Gong was very touched.
He had always felt sorry for his grandson and felt guilty.
But he really didn’t know how to make up for it.
In the future, his grandson would have someone to accompany him every new year.
When it was Xiao Letong’s turn, Xiao Letong tilted his head and asked, “Mommy, can you really make any new year’s wish?”
Xiao Lingyu nodded and said, “Of course!”
Xiao Letong thought for a moment and said, “Yes, my wish is to get a big red packet every year!”
Everyone, “…” how persistent was this child towards red packets?
Then, Xiao Letong said, “I hope that our family will always be happy!”
“Okay!” The others shouted.
Outside, the sound of fireworks could be heard. Inside, everyone raised their wine glasses happily and said loudly, “Cheers! I hope that next year, we will be healthy, safe, and happy. Everything will go smoothly!”
“Cheers!”
The bell of the new year had rung!
Have a great year ahead, everyone!
