Chapter 193: Those who perform well receive the biggest red envelopes.
Chapter 193: Those who perform well receive the biggest red envelopes.
Hearing Tan Haoyu's praise, Zhu Ziqing's eyes narrowed into slits with joy.
But the next second, she deliberately put on a serious face and said in a solemn tone, "Oh dear, I think I made the meatballs without washing my hands."
After saying that, she giggled, stood up, and ran away like a happy little deer.
Tan Haoyu watched Zhu Ziqing's retreating figure, and his expression instantly turned somewhat unpleasant, but he wasn't really angry.
At this moment, Zhu Ziqing turned around again and shouted at Tan Haoyu, "Just kidding, I'm washing my hands!"
Although Tan Haoyu didn't look at her, the corners of his lips unconsciously turned up slightly.
As night falls, the lights are on.
In the Tan family's dining room, the family sat around the table, ready to enjoy this warm reunion dinner.
Normally, the Tan family follows the rule of "no chatting at the dinner table," but today, for this rare moment of reunion, everyone tacitly broke this rule, and laughter echoed throughout the restaurant.
"Come on, everyone, pick up your chopsticks and try Ziqing's cooking," Mrs. Tan said with a smile.
Everyone picked up the dishes and began to taste them, praising Zhu Ziqing's culinary skills.
Looking at this harmonious scene, Zhu Ziqing felt a surge of happiness.
After finishing her meal, Zhu Ziqing stood up and said, "Mom, let me wash the dishes today. You've been busy all day and must be tired."
Mrs. Tan smiled and waved her hand, "How can that be? You're a guest, how can I let you clean up?"
"Mom, please don't stand on ceremony with me. I'm part of the Tan family now, and this is what I should do," Zhu Ziqing insisted.
At this moment, Tan Haoyu also stood up and said, "I'll help."
So the two went to the kitchen and began to divide the work.
Zhu Ziqing was in charge of washing the dishes, and Tan Haoyu was in charge of wiping them.
In the cramped kitchen, the two figures occasionally crossed paths, and a warm atmosphere filled the air.
"Haoyu, look, you've broken so many firsts for me." Zhu Ziqing said while washing the dishes, "The first time we chatted at the dinner table, the first time I helped clear the dishes... I really feel incredibly lucky."
Tan Haoyu turned to look at Zhu Ziqing, his eyes filled with love, and said softly, "As long as you're happy, none of this matters."
After cleaning up the dishes, the family sat down in front of the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala.
A wonderful program was playing on the TV. The family watched and chatted, bursting into laughter from time to time, creating a warm and happy atmosphere.
As the New Year's bells rang, the younger generation of the Tan family lined up, their faces beaming with expectant smiles, waiting for their elders to give them red envelopes.
"Come on, come on, whoever performs the best this year will get the biggest red envelope!" Grandpa Tan smiled and took out several thick red envelopes, his kind eyes sweeping over each child.
Tan Haoyu stood at the front, and as he received the red envelope, he couldn't help but joke, "Grandpa, is this red envelope thick because you secretly gave me extra pocket money again?"
Grandpa Tan laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder: "You little rascal, all you do is talk nonsense!"
When it was Zhu Ziqing's turn, she obediently accepted the red envelope and sweetly said, "Thank you, Grandpa!"
Tan Xiaoxuan jumped up excitedly, ran to Grandpa Tan, and said loudly, "Grandpa, Happy New Year! I wish you good health and a long life!"
Grandpa Tan smiled so hard his eyes narrowed into slits. He took a red envelope out of his pocket, handed it to Tan Xiaoxuan, and said, "Xiaoxuan, Happy New Year! Grandpa wishes you to become more and more beautiful and more and more sensible."
Tan Xiaoxuan took the red envelope, kissed it triumphantly, and said, "Thank you, Grandpa!"
Seeing this heartwarming scene, Tan Haoyu and Zhu Ziqing smiled at each other, knowing that the new year would bring even greater happiness and fulfillment to their family.
Just then, Zhu Ziqing took out several exquisite gift boxes from her bag and handed them to the elders and Tan Xiaoxuan with a smile: "These are small gifts I prepared for you all. I hope you like them."
Mrs. Tan took the gift, opened it, and saw an exquisite silk scarf. Her eyes lit up immediately: "Ziqing, you have impeccable taste! It's so beautiful!"
Tan Xiaoxuan also opened her gift, which was a sparkling bracelet. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister Ziqing, this bracelet is so beautiful! Thank you!"
Zhu Ziqing smiled slightly, her eyes full of tenderness: "I'm glad you like it."
Grandpa Tan was getting old, and he started to feel tired after sitting for a short while. He stood up and patted Tan Haoyu on the shoulder: "Haoyu, take me back to my room to rest."
Tan Haoyu nodded immediately and helped his grandfather slowly walk upstairs. Before leaving, Grandpa Tan turned back and said, "You young people chat more, don't worry about this old man."
After seeing Grandpa leave, Mrs. Tan took Zhu Ziqing's hand and said softly, "Ziqing, we've seen what's going on between you and Haoyu. You two need to take good care of yourselves and not worry us."
Zhu Ziqing blushed and nodded gently: "Auntie, don't worry, we'll be fine."
Mr. Tan also stood up and patted Mrs. Tan on the shoulder: "Let's go back to our room and rest. Let the young people have fun on their own."
With the elders gone, the atmosphere in the living room immediately lightened. However, Tan Xiaoxuan's face suddenly darkened. She huddled on the sofa, staring blankly at a certain spot, as if lost in some kind of emotion.
Zhu Ziqing noticed Tan Xiaoxuan's change in mood, walked over gently, and sat down next to her: "Xiaoxuan, what's wrong? You seem unhappy."
Tan Xiaoxuan raised her head and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I'm just a little tired."
Zhu Ziqing frowned, clearly not believing her: "Don't lie to me, you don't look tired at all. Is something on your mind?"
Tan Xiaoxuan was silent for a while, then finally couldn't help but ask, "Sister Ziqing, tell me... when you like someone, should you wait for them to like you back, or should you take the initiative?"
Zhu Ziqing was taken aback, then smiled: "So you're troubled by love. Then you have to tell me first, who do you like?"
Tan Xiaoxuan bit her lip and whispered, "I...I've fallen for an annoying man."
Zhu Ziqing raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes: "A man you dislike? Then why do you still like him?"
Tan Xiaoxuan sighed, her eyes somewhat lost: "I don't know either. He's clearly very cold to me, and he doesn't even want to answer my calls, but I just can't control my feelings."
Zhu Ziqing gently patted the back of her hand: "Xiaoxuan, it's normal to like someone. But if you really like him, you should be bold and pursue him. If you don't, you might miss out."
Tan Xiaoxuan raised her head, a hint of hesitation in her eyes: "But... I'm afraid he'll reject me."
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