It was New Year's Eve, and Father did return that evening. They had originally planned to eat out, but Brother said it would be more heartwarming to eat at home.
Wang Muman saw her father after a long time. He hadn't changed much, except his eyes had become a little more clouded. She sat at the dining table, just her and her father.
"Manman, I watched your performance. It was brilliant!" Wang Guotai initiated the conversation.
"Thank you. It was my first time on such a big stage." Wang Muman didn't really know how to respond. She and her father had fewer and fewer topics to discuss, and no way to bridge the gap.
"I saw people online talking about you and your partner..." Wang Guotai trailed off as Wang Mujin came out with dishes.
Wang Mujin had also heard the latter half of the sentence and said, "Manman's new partner is a good kid. Manman always rehearsed at her grandmother's house, and they got familiar. That boy is quite considerate and good at taking care of people. I've gotten to know him too, so I'm at ease." As he spoke, he placed the dishes on the table one by one.
The television was showing the Spring Festival Gala, with a skit. Muman remembered a character named Hao Jian who used to appear often. She was surprised to see him still there, still as funny.
"He seems like a good kid, with a steady demeanor at such a young age," Wang Guotai mused, thinking of the young man he saw on TV. "He'll surely achieve great things in the future. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the old! Excellent."
Wang Muman waited for the two men to pick up their chopsticks before she started eating. The table was silent, adhering to their usual custom. Wang Muman suddenly missed the times at Yan Cheng's grandmother's house, when Zhou Mingyu would talk while eating, making the three of them laugh, filling the dining table with joy. However, eating like that wasn't entirely safe; one could easily choke.
After the meal, the three of them sat on the sofa to watch television. Wang Guotai looked around. "Everything is decorated so well. It really feels like the New Year."
"Of course. My sister and I spent a whole day on it," Wang Mujin said, cracking sunflower seeds.
Wang Guotai nodded and turned his attention back to the television. Wang Muman still didn't know how to chat with her father; her brother always answered for her. It was true, she only contacted her father through her brother, who would ask her father's secretary. What topics could she possibly have to discuss?
At midnight, the television was filled with excitement. Outside the window, various fireworks exploded with a roar, creating a lively spectacle. Yet, inside, only the sounds from the television could be heard.
"Let's go up and sleep. It's getting late, and we have to visit Uncle's house tomorrow to offer New Year's greetings," Wang Mujin said to Wang Muman, turning off the TV and clearing the trash from the table.
Wang Muman's eyes were already closing. Drowsily, she went upstairs and lay down in bed to sleep. She swayed as if drunk, but by habit, made her way back to her room. Wang Guotai hurried to support her. Wang Muman woke up the next day with no memory of how she got there.
Out of respect, it was usually Wang Muman's family who visited Uncle's house for New Year's greetings. They would exchange red envelopes for the children, drink tea, and chat. Uncle also had a cousin who was already married with children, so there was a little niece. They were a larger family, making it quite lively.
The little niece always wanted Wang Muman to hold her whenever she arrived and would follow her around. Sometimes, Wang Muman would teach her songs, dances, and help her learn characters and writing. The little girl always followed her instructions obediently, finding joy in it.
This time, as they arrived at Uncle's doorstep, a small pink figure rushed towards her, her pigtails bouncing as she wobbled along.