On New Year's Eve, the sound of firecrackers filled the air.
The Spring Festival of 1972 fell in mid-February, having passed the coldest days of winter, but it was still freezing. Nonetheless, kids were not afraid of the cold. They ran around the courtyard and alleys early in the morning, bursting with energy, each holding small firecrackers that exploded with a crackling sound. Both boys and girls covered their ears and laughed happily, oblivious to the cold. The children in the courtyard ran back and forth between the alleys, full of life.
Adults, on the other hand, were busier than the children on this day. Everyone brought out their best culinary skills, frying, steaming, and boiling to prepare the reunion dinner. Ming Mei helped in the kitchen, an improvement from last year when she was heavily pregnant and did nothing. This year, she was part of the lively preparations.
Zhao Guihua: "Third daughter-in-law, get me two chili peppers."
Ming Mei: "Got it."
