Chapter 86

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Protagonist:

Lin Hao

Zhong Yi drove the car, bringing a full load of New Year's goods back to his hometown.

The car had just stopped in the courtyard when his parents and relatives all swarmed over. Looking at those fully packed high-end New Year's goods, everyone's eyes were full of surprise.

Zhong Yi's father had four brothers and three sisters; during the New Year the four brothers' families took turns hosting year by year, arranging gatherings from the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month straight through to the fifth day of the first lunar month. This year it happened to be Zhong Yi's family's turn; it was called hosting, but really it was just the several families celebrating the New Year together — no one would ever come empty-handed.

"Aiya, Zhong Yi, you brought back so many good things!" Eldest Uncle was the first to exclaim in admiration.

"That's right, these things don't look cheap at a glance." Second Uncle also chimed in from the side.

At this moment, Fourth Uncle's youngest son came running over excitedly holding a mobile phone, "Quick look, I found Brother Yi's video online! So Brother Yi is this amazing now, teaching children across the whole country!"

Hearing this, everyone took out their phones to watch. "Really not bad, Zhong Yi, didn't expect you've become so accomplished now." Uncle praised.

"This child has always worked hard, and now he's finally achieved such great success." Zhong Yi's Eldest Uncle said with a face full of pride.

"Zhong Yi, in the future you must help these kids of the family more, let them learn from you too." Aunt also said.

Zhong Yi looked at everyone's excited and praising appearances, hurriedly waved his hands, smiled somewhat embarrassedly, and said: "Everyone don't say that, how could I be that amazing. These New Year's goods are just a little token of my feelings, hoping everyone can have a good New Year. As for those videos, that's just work requirements. I actually still have many shortcomings."

Eldest Uncle laughed and said: "You just don't be modest, being able to teach children nationwide online, that's not something ordinary people can do."

Zhong Yi responded seriously: "Eldest Uncle, I'm really not exaggerating. The road of education is still very long, I'm just constantly exploring and learning. I still have many places where I need to improve. And, my being able to have today is also inseparable from everyone's support and encouragement all along."

Eldest Aunt also nodded and said: "This child Zhong Yi is just modest, but modesty is a good thing, it shows you're not proud and can still continue to improve."

Zhong Yi's mother then said: "Zhong Yi, no matter what, you're doing very well now, we're all proud of you. But you must also pay attention to your body, don't overwork yourself.

Zhong Yi looked at his mother gratefully and said: "Mom, I know. I'll take good care of myself. Everyone don't worry.

Throughout the entire New Year period, Zhong Yi became the focus figure of the family. Everyone took him as a role model, one after another encouraging the younger generation at home to learn from him, struggle hard, and fight for their own futures. And Zhong Yi, amid his family's praise and encouragement, felt the thick parental love and warmth, and became even more determined in his resolve to continue forward in the education career.

After the seventh day of the New Year Zhong Yi had no choice but to depart back to the city. Although this Spring Festival's time spent with family was brief and precious, in his heart he knew clearly that because roads were closed everywhere, he had to return as early as possible; otherwise if he was late he likely wouldn't be able to get back at all.

On the day of departure, his parents got up early early to pack his luggage, their eyes full of reluctance. His mother stuffed various hometown specialty products into his bag while admonishing: "Zhong Yi, after you go back you must take good care of yourself, don't overwork yourself. When you have time give home a phone call."

Zhong Yi looked at his parents' faces full of concern, his heart also extremely reluctant. He tightly gripped his mother's hand and said: "Mom, rest assured, I'll take good care of myself. When the situation improves a bit, I'll come back to see you again."

Father silently watched from the side, his gaze likewise full of reluctance and worry. He patted Zhong Yi's shoulder and said: "Child, be careful on the road. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must be strong."

Zhong Yi nodded heavily, then dragged his luggage and slowly walked toward the car. He kept looking back at his parents standing in the doorway, his heart full of guilt.

Same as in his previous life, he knew his parents were old, and what they hoped for most was that their children could accompany them more. But he, because of work reasons, couldn't often stay by their side.

Finally, Zhong Yi got into the car and started the engine. He watched his parents and hometown growing farther and farther in the rearview mirror, and silently swore in his heart that he must work even harder, to make his parents feel proud of him. At the same time, he also looked forward to the epidemic ending soon, so that he could once again return to his hometown and reunite with his parents.

Forming a sharp contrast with Zhong Yi's warmth at his hometown, Tian Yulan could only spend this New Year alone.

Nan Li's mother Zhao Na accidentally fell and got injured, and Zhao Na has always been rather picky, to the extent that it was hard to hire a suitable caregiver.

In the end, helplessly, Nan Li could only personally take care of her herself.

However, both Nan Li and Xia Junshan had to go to work; although it was during the epidemic, there was no lockdown yet, so they still had to go to work as usual. With no one to watch the child at home, they had no choice but to send the child to Nan Jianlong's place.

But Nan Jianlong alone couldn't handle two children, so Cai Juying could only help look after them at home. As a result, Cai Juying neglected Tian Yulan.

Cai Juying originally wanted Tian Yulan to also stay at their place, to celebrate the New Year together, so it would at least be lively.

But as soon as Tian Yulan saw Xia Huanhuan and Xia Chaochao, she would involuntarily think of her son Yan Zi You. Those painful memories instantly surged up, making her unable to face them. So she decisively refused Cai Juying's suggestion.

On Lunar New Year's Eve evening, outside the lights were bright and fireworks brilliant, everywhere filled with a celebratory atmosphere. Yet Tian Yulan had no heart to cook, sitting alone quietly on the sofa, watching the bustle outside the window, her heart full of desolation.

In the end, she merely simply boiled some frozen dumplings, eating mechanically. Every mouthful of dumpling was like chewing wax, without a shred of flavor.

Her thoughts had long drifted far away, unaware what Yan Zi You was doing at this moment, whether he was also missing her. How she wished this New Year could have her son's company, the whole family round and round together. But reality was so cruel; she could only spend this lonely New Year alone in this cold, quiet house.