Meanwhile, previous years had found Zhou Luchen arriving at the Zhou Family home in Beijing early for the minor New Year celebration. This year, however, he was busy and delayed his arrival until New Year's Eve. The large courtyard house within the Second Ring was livelier than in past years. Zhou Luchen sat behind a screen adorned with inverted characters for "good fortune," chatting with the old lady as usual, and he had her brimming with joy. She clearly enjoyed the reunion dinner tremendously.
He toyed with the car keys on his fingertips, ready to leave. The old lady accompanied him to the door, walking shoulder to shoulder along the corridor with its elaborate beams and painted rafters. Watching Zhou Luchen, her gaze grew increasingly benevolent as she reminded him, "Drive safely, and if you're not feeling up to it, have the driver take the wheel, alright?"
Zhou Luchen responded with a cheerful smile, "Don't worry."
