Chapter 155: It’s the New Year!
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Bro, are you done with your meal?” Guo’s parents had prepared a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner, but Zhou Chao hadn’t taken more than a few bites before Guo Yan urged him on.
“What’s the rush? It’s been dark for a while now, and we’re just having dinner. Who would go set off fireworks now? Let’s finish eating first!” Guo’s father’s words silenced Guo Yan, who then picked up her chopsticks and started eating.
As the clock struck nine, Guo Yan, who had been impatiently waiting for a while, stared eagerly at Zhou Chao, whose amused expression didn’t escape her notice.
“Uncle, Third Aunt, would you like to join us for a walk? Consider it a stroll!” Zhou Chao’s suggestion piqued Guo’s mother’s interest, and she turned to look at Guo’s father.
“Sure, let’s go and have a look!” Guo’s father’s agreement was undoubtedly great news for Guo Yan.
“Yeah! They’re coming out,” Guo Yan exclaimed joyfully, and everyone shared a laugh.
Zhou Chao drove with the three of them towards North Mountain. Along the way, they encountered like-minded individuals heading to the mountain. It took them about half an hour to reach the mountaintop, where a considerable crowd had already gathered.
“Hehe, time to set off fireworks!” As soon as they got out of the car, Guo Yan couldn’t wait any longer. She ran to the trunk and took out various small fireworks, heading to an open space to play.
Zhou Chao and Guo’s father took the fireworks from the car and arranged them neatly. Zhou Chao took out a pack of cigarettes from his bag and handed it to Guo’s father.
“Uncle, have a smoke!” Although he couldn’t see the brand clearly, he knew it was no ordinary cigarette.
“You seem to be doing well, huh? You can even afford special ones like these. 1’11 save them to show off at work!” Guo’s father placed the cigarette in his inner pocket, then pulled out his own and handed one to Zhou Chao before lighting up.
After playing with her toys, Guo Yan ran over.
“Bro, let’s set off the fireworks!” Zhou Chao checked the time; it was already 10 o’clock!
“Sure, Uncle, we each light two!”
“Sounds good!” The two of them walked up to the fireworks and lit them, then stepped back a few paces.
“It’s starting! It’s starting!” Four brilliant fireworks burst into the sky, creating a breathtaking display of colors.
Zhou Chao also took out his phone and made a video call to Jiang Li, who was far away in Jingdu. After a short wait, she answered.
“All Li, were you about to sleep?” Zhou Chao saw Jiang Li lying on her bed.
“Yeah, Jingdu doesn’t allow fireworks, so I can only go to bed early.” She sounded a bit unhappy but smiled.
“I brought the fireworks to you!” Zhou Chao switched the camera to the spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky, colorful and dazzling.
“All, I want to set off fireworks too!”
“When you come here, I’ll take you to set off fireworks!”
“Really? If you’re lying, I’ll consider you a big rascal!”
Seeing Jiang Li’s excitement, Zhou Chao answered confidently, “I will definitely take you to set off fireworks!”
“Bro, who are you talking to?” Suddenly, Guo Yan rushed over to Zhou Chao and curiously asked.
“Who’s talking?” Jiang Li, looking puzzled, asked.
“My little sister. Say hi, she’s your sister-in-law!” Zhou Chao turned the camera back, and Jiang Li saw Guo Yan standing there.
“Hello, sister-in-law! Happy New Year! Mom, come over and see Brother’s girlfriend!”
Jiang Li suddenly blushed and became nervous. Now she understood how Zhou Chao had felt when he met her family earlier.
Jiang Li quickly sat up from the bed, tidied her hair, checked her appearance in the camera, and felt satisfied. She eagerly anticipated the arrival of Zhou Chao’s family.
“Mom, Brother’s girlfriend is so beautiful, much prettier than those celebrities on TV!” Guo’s mother had joined Zhou Chao by now.
Jiang Li, seeing the middle-aged woman appearing on the screen, quickly greeted, “Hello, Auntie!”
“Hello, hello! It’s a blessing for my son, Zhou Chao, to find such a beautiful wife like you. I heard from Zhou Chao that you’re coming to Fog City, so when you’re here, Auntie will cook the most delicious dishes for you.”
“Thank you, Auntie. I’ll be coming in a few days, and 1’11 trouble you then!” Zhou Chao, witnessing this heartwarming scene, had a radiant smile on his face.
“All right, I won’t disturb you lovebirds any longer. Come on, Guo Yan!” Guo’s mother then led Guo Yan away towards Guo’s father.
“Your Third Aunt is so friendly!”
“That’s because you don’t know who she really is!” Jiang Li looked at Zhou Chao’s mischievous expression and felt like giving him a couple of punches!
The two of them chatted for another half hour before reluctantly ending the call. It was getting late, so Zhou Chao suggested they head home.
Guo Yan, tired from playing, jumped into the car as soon as she heard they were going home.
“Let’s go! Time to head back. We have things to do tomorrow!” Guo’s father agreed.
Zhou Chao drove Zhou’s family back to the Golden Coast. By the time he returned home, it was almost midnight!
Watching the time pass second by second, Zhou Chao saw the clock strike 12.
“System check-in!” As soon as it struck midnight, Zhou Chao immediately checked in, hoping to get something good.
“Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden achievement (unique) check-in! You will receive a big gift package! It has been placed in your warehouse!”
“Yes!” Zhou Chao exclaimed in excitement, and he couldn’t help but give his bed a joyful punch.
“A system product is always a premium item! And it’s a unique hidden achievement. I wonder what good things it might contain!” Zhou Chao pondered for a moment but decided not to open the big gift package just yet. He planned to open it after the New Year’s celebrations were over.
Having completed the check-in and received the reward, Zhou Chao quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Zhou Chao woke up early. He was the only one at home, and the responsibility of tomb sweeping fell on his shoulders. He had no choice but to wake up early. Fortunately, the tomb-sweeping site was not far from the cemetery, and there were vendors selling the necessary items near the cemetery’s entrance.
Zhou Chao drove straight to the cemetery, bought four sets of tomb-sweeping supplies at the cemetery’s entrance, and carried them up the hill to the gravesite.
By the time he had finished sweeping the graves, it was already past 10 o’clock, and Zhou Chao prepared to drive back home.
Just as he was about to start the car, he received a call from Third Aunt.
“Hello, Third Aunt!”
“Xiao Chao, have you finished sweeping the graves on your end?”
“Yes, I’ve finished, and 1 was about to head home.”
“Why go home? Come to your Third Grandfather’s house for a meal!” Zhou Chao couldn’t refuse when Third Aunt made the request.
“Third Aunt, are you in your hometown now? I’ll be back right away!” Zhou Chao hadn’t visited his hometown in years, and since Third Aunt had called, he had no choice but to go and face whatever reprimands awaited him.
Zhou Chao drove home, and picked up a dozen small boxes of gold jewelry to bring as gifts. When he arrived at Third Grandfather’s house, he would have something to offer, especially considering how many young children were in Third Grandfather’s family!
He packed the boxes of gold jewelry into a bag and placed it in the front passenger seat. Then he drove in the direction of his hometown. Along the way, Zhou Chao felt a bit nervous, unsure of what to expect when he returned this time..