Chapter 306 Reunion Dinner

Chapter 306 Reunion Dinner

Ma Aning raised her hand and gently wiped away the tears that were still wet at the corners of her eyes. She smiled brightly and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, let's go inside and eat."

"Mom really put a lot of effort into making this today. You haven't been back for so long, so make sure you eat well and make sure you're full."

The family, filled with joy and warmth, walked briskly into the house.

As soon as Shen Xiaochuan stepped into the house, the rich aroma of the colorful and delicious dishes on the table wafted into his nostrils.

He unconsciously moved closer to the dining table, staring intently at the dishes, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Mom, it smells so good! The aroma is almost bewitching me!"

"Your cooking skills are getting better and better. Compared to what you make, our cafeteria food is nowhere near as good!"

Hearing Shen Xiaochuan's words, Ma Aning's face was filled with a happy smile. She glared at Shen Xiaochuan and said in a feigned reproach, "You child, you just know how to make your mother happy."

"Sit down and eat quickly, the food will get cold if left out for too long. Or should Mom go to the kitchen and make you some of your favorite dishes?" As she spoke, she was already getting up to walk towards the kitchen.

Seeing this, Shen Xiaochuan quickly reached out and grabbed his mother, saying anxiously, "No need, Mom, I like all these dishes. They make my mouth water just looking at them."

"Besides, the table is already full of food, and there are too many of us to finish it all, so please don't bother cooking any more."

"I have a month off, enough time to try all the dishes I like at home."

"Really? That's great! Such a long vacation!" Ma Aning beamed, as if she had heard the happiest news in the world.

Shen Zishan raised his glass with a joyful smile, and said loudly, "Come on, let's have a drink! Our family is finally reunited this year, this is a day worth celebrating!"

Everyone responded enthusiastically, raising their glasses and clinking them together lightly, producing a crisp sound.

Immediately afterwards, the whole family shouted in unison, "Happy New Year!" Their voices were loud and clear.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and lively, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

Shen Xiaoxiao and Ma Aning enthusiastically served food to Shen Xiaochuan, as if they wanted to make up for all the meals he had missed over the past few years.

While happily eating, Shen Xiaochuan didn't forget to put food on his parents' and sister's plates. He said with concern, "Dad, Mom, Xiaoxiao, you should eat more too. Don't just keep putting food on my plate."

Shen Xiaoxiao nodded obediently, then quickly picked up a piece of braised fish and carefully placed it in her brother's bowl: "Brother, you've worked hard outside, you must make sure to nourish yourself when you come back."

Looking at the fish in the bowl, Shen Xiaochuan felt a warm current welling up in his heart.

He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a gentle smile, and said softly to his younger sister, "Xiaoxiao, you've really grown up. Now you even know how to take care of your brother."

Hearing her brother's praise, Shen Xiaoxiao couldn't help but feel a little shy and replied somewhat embarrassedly, "Brother, you're only a few minutes older than me, don't always talk to me so old-fashioned."

Ma Aning and Shen Zishan, who were standing to the side, watched the interaction between the brother and sister with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.

After a period of quiet, the house has finally returned to its former liveliness.

The family sat around the dining table, enjoying this rare time together.

After dinner, Shen Zishan was clearly drunk and unconscious.

His body swayed unsteadily, almost unable to stand. Even Ma Aning, who rarely drank, had a couple more drinks because of his good mood, and was still walking with a slight sway.

Shen Xiaoxiao and her brother carefully helped Shen Zishan and his wife slowly walk to the bedside.

After the two were settled in bed, Shen Xiaoxiao quickly fetched a basin of water and a towel, and gently wiped their bodies, while Shen Xiaochuan carefully left the room and went out.

After wiping them clean, Shen Xiaoxiao carefully covered her parents with blankets. Only after doing all this did she quietly leave the room.

By this time, Shen Xiaochuan had already cleaned the main room and kitchen spotlessly, and even washed the dishes.

"Brother! Why didn't you wait for me to help?" Shen Xiaoxiao walked into the kitchen and said to Shen Xiaochuan with a hint of reproach.

Shen Xiaochuan smiled and dried his hands as he replied, "It's just a few bowls, I washed them easily, it didn't take much effort."

"You must be tired after a long day, right? I'll boil some water for you so you can take a bath and get some rest." Shen Xiaoxiao looked at Shen Xiaochuan, feeling a little uneasy.

After all, the two siblings hadn't seen each other for a long time, and now that they were alone together, she felt a little lost.

"I've already boiled the water, little sister, you go wash up first." Shen Xiaochuan seemed to sense his sister's restraint, and his tone unconsciously became gentle.

Shen Xiaoxiao couldn't help but chuckle. This laugh seemed to break down the barrier of unfamiliarity between the siblings, instantly bringing them much closer together.

"Alright, bro, why are you being so polite with me? You must be tired from the long journey, go wash up and rest." Shen Xiaoxiao said with a smile, while gently nudging Shen Xiaochuan, signaling him to go back to his room.

"Okay, okay, I know. Don't push me, I'll walk by myself." Shen Xiaochuan was amused by his sister. He replied with a smile and then turned and walked towards his room.

Shen Xiaochuan quickly finished washing up. Shen Xiaoxiao had also been busy in the kitchen all day and felt smelly, so she took her clothes and took a shower.

When Shen Xiaoxiao came out after cleaning up, she saw that Shen Xiaochuan hadn't gone to rest yet, and looked at him in confusion, "Brother, why haven't you gone to rest yet?"

“Little sister, have you forgotten that today is Lunar New Year’s Eve?” Shen Xiaochuan said to Shen Xiaoxiao with a smile. “Mom and Dad drank too much and are sleeping now. We have to stay up late to welcome the new year.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiaoxiao suddenly realized what she had forgotten. She couldn't help but stick out her tongue and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Oh dear, I really forgot!"

Then, she asked her brother with concern, "Brother, are you sure you can handle it? You came all the way back from out of town, it must have been a long and tiring journey. Aren't you exhausted?"

Looking at his sister's concerned eyes, Shen Xiaochuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart and quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, little sister. Although I didn't get a sleeper ticket on the train, I still managed to rest in my seat for a while, so I'm not that tired."

The brother and sister chatted idly, exchanging a few words here and there, in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

After a while, Shen Xiaoxiao seemed to remember something and suddenly ran out of the room, carrying a bag of sunflower seeds, some peanuts, and some miscellaneous dried fruits.