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The winter sun filtered through the trees, casting layers of light across the courtyard. Before she knew it, it was New Year's Eve. Shen Tong stood alone in the small yard, surveying the freshly pasted Spring Couplets. The bright red paper brought a touch of festive spirit—across the top, the horizontal inscription read "Fortune Fills the Universe" in elegant, bold characters, all written by her own hand.
Though she would be spending the New Year alone again this year, she made sure to prepare properly. The windows were covered with new paper, and two pots of wintersweet were placed at the foot of the steps, complementing the red Spring Couplets and creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Shen Tong rubbed her slightly cold hands together and turned back into the main room. She settled by the small stove, continuing to flip through the ancient books and notes left behind by her grandmother. Often, she felt that even if she lived her whole life, she might never finish reading through the two large boxes of belongings her grandmother had left her.
"Grandmother..." she murmured softly, her thoughts drifting back to the past.
On previous New Year's Eves, her grandmother would wake up early a day in advance to light incense, claiming it was to "welcome fortune and auspiciousness." Young Shen Tong had always been curious, asking, "Grandmother, why do we start lighting incense on the twenty-ninth while other families wait until New Year's Eve?" Her grandmother would smile and gently pinch her ear, saying, "Because our family is different."
Indeed, it was different. Her life seemed destined to be one of solitude and detachment.
As dusk fell outside, the distant sound of firecrackers began to echo intermittently. Shen Tong lit an oil lamp and prepared to tidy up and make herself a simple New Year's Eve dinner. Just as she stood up, a knock came at the courtyard door.
"Who could be visiting at this hour?" Shen Tong wondered as she approached and unlatched the door.
Standing outside was her deepest connection to this world—Lin Mingchang, Ruan Xiaoshuang, and Fang Zigui. The three stood side by side, each carrying bags of various sizes, smiling as they greeted Shen Tong with "Happy New Year's Eve!" Their laughter grew louder as they saw her stunned expression.
The winter night wind had reddened Xiaoshuang's cheeks as she nearly leaped into the courtyard and hugged Shen Tong tightly. "Tongtong! You can't spend New Year's alone! We're here to keep you company!"
Shen Tong was momentarily speechless; warmth surged in her chest as it took her a moment to step aside and let them in. "Come inside quickly; it's cold out here."
Fang Zigui followed closely behind Xiaoshuang, carrying a large bag with a cheerful grin. "I brought some warming herbs; we can make a hot pot! It’s perfect weather for it."
Lin Mingchang was the last to enter, holding two bottles of wine and several paper packages. He handed them to Shen Tong. "Here, these two bottles are from Old Jiang's latest brew of rice wine; I know you love it." Then he turned around and skillfully locked the door behind him as if he were at home.
The four of them filled the modest main room instantly, making it feel lively and full.
Xiaoshuang swiftly took off her outer coat, revealing a vibrant qipao underneath, and began helping Shen Tong tidy up the table. Fang Zigui walked directly to the kitchen, starting to prepare his "Medicinal Hot Pot," while Lin Mingchang set down his things and rushed over to assist Zigui.
Before long, the kitchen was filled with enticing aromas. Zigui's hot pot broth was truly exceptional; the milky white soup base was enhanced with fresh shrimp and scallions, along with warming medicinal herbs. The delicious scent made everyone feel hungrier. Lin Mingchang and Xiaoshuang worked together, one slicing meat and the other cleaning vegetables.
Shen Tong leaned against the kitchen door, watching the three busy figures as the steam from the pot warmed her eyes. She had never experienced such a lively New Year's Eve before.
Soon, a lively New Year's Eve dinner was laid out on the table—at the center was a warm copper pot, wafting fragrant herbal aromas. Surrounding it were plates of sliced lamb, beef, fish, various vegetables, and tofu, along with snacks and dried fruits brought by Lin Mingchang.
"Come on, everyone sit down," Lin Mingchang gestured invitingly, playing the role of host. Zigui and Xiaoshuang exchanged knowing glances and couldn't help but smile at Shen Tong's slightly flushed face.
The four of them gathered around the table, raising their glasses in celebration. The wine brought by Lin Mingchang was truly excellent—smooth and rich in flavor, with a lingering taste of rice.
As they enjoyed their drinks, the atmosphere grew even more lively. The conversation naturally shifted from recent cases to life, dreams, and each other.
"Mr. Zigui, what exactly did you add to this medicinal hot pot base? It's so delicious! And it tastes different from last time!" Xiaoshuang asked, slightly tipsy with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes fixed on Fang Zigui.
Zigui smiled as he shared his secret recipe. "It's mainly based on Siwu Soup, with some angelica root and Huang Qi added for flavor... along with a bit of Chen Pi and scallop for enhancement..." Meanwhile, he discreetly moved her wine glass away when she wasn't paying attention and offered her some refreshing side dishes and dried fruits.
Lin Mingchang's gaze frequently drifted towards Shen Tong. He hesitated several times as if he had something to say but ultimately swallowed his words instead, silently serving her more food.
In truth, Shen Tong had long noticed Lin Mingchang's attention. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she turned her face away just in time to see Xiaoshuang reaching for more wine again, while Zigui promptly took her glass away.
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