"Ah!" Nuo Xiaoxi screamed and immediately ran outside, covering her eyes as she went.

Lin Chuan looked down and realized he was completely naked except for his underwear, and his underwear was awkwardly sticking up. It felt exactly like the appearance of a pervert. Lin Chuan couldn't help but let out an embarrassed laugh before quickly dressing himself.

A simple wash-up followed by breakfast.

After breakfast, Lin Chuan immediately began putting up the couplets, which they had already bought. A few days ago, Nuo Xiaoxi accompanied her classmates shopping, and she had already gotten the New Year's supplies. She understood Lin Chuan didn't have the inclination to purchase New Year's items, so she handled all these things herself.

In this household, Lin Chuan is more like the male head, while Nuo Xiaoxi is akin to the female head. The man focuses on external pursuits, and the woman manages internal affairs. Lin Chuan is only concerned with the development of his career, while Nuo Xiaoxi is responsible for the domestic matters.

In recent days, Nuo Xiaoxi has been cleaning windows and the house. She also replaced two sets of furniture, including the wardrobe and the worn-out sofa in the living room. Nuo Xiaoxi swapped them out, and the living room now has a fabric sofa, which looks quite nice and pleasing to the eye. Although other items are somewhat old, they hold significant sentimental value.

A couplet was put on the doorway, and a large "Fortune" character was pasted on the door.

"Brother Lin, you need to paste this 'Fortune' character upside down," Nuo Xiaoxi hastily shouted.

"Why?" Lin Chuan asked, puzzled.

"It means fortune has arrived!" Nuo Xiaoxi explained.

"Got it." Lin Chuan quickly turned the character upside down and pasted it at the doorway.

The house was adorned with Chinese knots, creating a festive atmosphere. Then, Nuo Xiaoxi stepped out carrying the offerings. Lin Chuan had already started his old car, a military-green Jeep with many miles on it. Since the last repair, it hadn't undergone any maintenance, and Lin Chuan had no intentions for additional repairs, except for a simple maintenance when the mileage called for it.

After Nuo Xiaoxi got in the car, Lin Chuan immediately drove to the cemetery.

The cemetery is located in the suburban area of the Western City District. Today is Chinese New Year's Eve, and following southern customs, it's time for ancestor worship. Therefore, many people were at the cemetery paying respects. The scent of smoke mingled with the smell of burning paper as soon as they entered the cemetery.

Many people at the gravesite were setting off firecrackers, burning joss paper, engaging in ancestral worship.

Lin Chuan and Nuo Xiaoxi quickly found the Lin family elders' grave. After a brief ritual, Lin Chuan set off firecrackers and lit incense and candles. Kneeling at the grave, Lin Chuan murmured many words, expressing apologies for being an unfilial child and hoping his parents wouldn't blame him.

Nuo Xiaoxi quietly accompanied him by his side.

After finishing the rites for the Lin family elders, they moved to another area and found Nuo Xiaoxi's parents' graves. Nuo Xiaoxi's eyes were constantly red. She knelt alone at the grave, lighting incense and burning joss paper. Lin Chuan quietly stood by her side.

The ancestor worship on Chinese New Year's Eve is a remembrance and commemoration of ancestors.

"Mom, Dad, I'm doing well here," Nuo Xiaoxi wiped her tears, saying, "Brother Lin treats me well. I've been accepted to university and have won several scholarships. I promise I will become someone useful to society, and make you proud..."

The worship lasted over an hour and quickly passed by.

Returning home, Nuo Xiaoxi's mood improved, and she happily hummed tunes as she began to prepare food.

"Xiao Xi, are we having the New Year's Eve dinner just the two of us?" Lin Chuan asked.

"Yes," Nuo Xiaoxi nodded.

Right after Nuo Xiaoxi spoke, suddenly there was a knock at the door. Nuo Xiaoxi quickly said, "Brother Lin, someone is knocking on the door. Go and open it."

Curiously, Lin Chuan went over and opened the door, finding a stunning woman standing outside. Lin Chuan was shocked: "Xiao Lan, why is it you?"

"Why, can't I be here?" Miss Lan, hands on hips, wearing a black leather jacket, looked quite seductive. She snorted gently and said, "I've got nowhere to spend the New Year, so I'm here to bum a meal with you."

"Captain, and it's me, Old Niu!" From the rooftop, a burly figure dropped down. Iron Niu, wearing camouflage, was surprisingly dressed in short sleeves despite the winter.

At that moment, Xiao Han, Huang Hui, and Hema jumped down from the roof. Smiling faces appeared in front of him.

"Captain, we've all come to spend the New Year with you," everyone grinned.

"Seriously?" Lin Chuan was startled, saying, "You're all here to bum food and drinks from me?"

"Haha..." everyone laughed heartily.

Every member of the Dark Soldier team had learned of Lin Chuan's situation from the old General, so they all decided to head to Jiangbei City to keep Lin Chuan company for the New Year. This marked the first time the Dark Soldier team took collective leave over the years. It was a rare gathering, so they decided to visit Lin Chuan's place and enjoy some food and drinks.

"Well then, what are you waiting for? Come on in," Lin Chuan called out.

Then, everyone crowded inside, and before long, the room was full.

Seeing them travel from afar, Lin Chuan was deeply moved.

Hearing the commotion outside, Nuo Xiaoxi curiously walked over, looking confused. Lin Chuan chuckled, "Xiao Xi, these are my good friends. They've come to celebrate the New Year with me today. Cook more dishes to treat them well."

"Really?" Hearing this, Nuo Xiaoxi was overjoyed.

At this moment, Xiao Han stood up excitedly and said, "I'll... I'll go help, I'll go help."

"This kid." Hema was about to make a move, but Xiao Han beat him to it. He complained discontentedly, "This ****, obviously he's taken a fancy to Nuo Xiaoxi's beauty."

"All of you stop, I'll do it." Miss Lan gave the two a glare and said, "None of you try to take advantage of her."

"Hehe..." Instead, Nuo Xiaoxi laughed shyly.

Xiao Han scratched his head, sat down awkwardly to the side.

Nuo Xiaoxi quickly filled a plate with lots of fruits, sunflower seeds, and candies to entertain the guests. Then, she pulled Miss Lan into the kitchen. However, soon after, there were bursts of screams from the kitchen.

"Sis, this is sugar, not salt..."

"Sis, this is vinegar, not soy sauce..."

Soon, Miss Lan came out with a frustrated look. With no other choice, Lin Chuan had to go in and help. Fortunately, Nuo Xiaoxi had bought enough ingredients at once. Enough to prepare a sumptuous dinner for this big group of people. Lin Chuan knew their appetite, with Iron Bull there, he estimated that half the dishes on the table would be swept away by him.

Therefore, Lin Chuan tried to put enough ingredients into the dishes and prepared ample food.

In many southern regions, it's normal to start eating New Year's Eve dinner at three o'clock in the afternoon. Moreover, a string of firecrackers should be set off before the dinner, then the whole family gathers at the table.

When plate after plate of dishes came out of the kitchen, Iron Bull's stomach began to rumble continuously.

"I'm starving." Iron Bull said, patting his stomach, "I didn't have lunch."

"Eat more later." Lin Chuan laughed.

"Captain, is there any alcohol?" Iron Bull asked.

"Yes." Lin Chuan nodded, "We have our own brewed sorghum liquor from Jiangbei City, you'll definitely have enough to drink later."

"Great!" Hearing this, Iron Bull was overjoyed, "I just love sorghum liquor brewed with traditional methods."

Over ten dishes were served, the table was almost not enough to hold them all.

Lin Chuan carried out a huge jar from the room and said, "This jar of liquor was brewed when my dad was still around, it's been over ten years now. Look, the red cloth and the sealing wax on the jar have never been opened. Now that everyone is here today, I'm bringing out this liquor my mom has cherished and planned to open when I get married."

Wow...

Everyone was in an uproar. Lin Chuan's words made Iron Bull drool even more.

"Iron Bull, damn you, your drool is on my face." Hema roared beside him.

"Gulp, gulp..." Iron Bull quickly swallowed two mouthfuls of saliva and said awkwardly, "Sorry... sorry, I'm just too greedy."

The liquor hadn't even been opened, but the rich aroma had already filled the air. Actually, not only Iron Bull was so tempted, even Xiao Han and Hema were showing signs of being very eager, very drawn to it. They were all extremely excited.

Lin Chuan squeezed the clay seal on top of the wine jar with his hand and smiled, "Brothers, there's nothing fancy to treat you guys with, so I can only offer you this fine wine."

While speaking, Lin Chuan immediately crushed the clay seal and then opened the red cloth. Instantly, the aroma of the liquor wafted through the air. Iron Bull couldn't control his drool from flowing out. This time, even Hema was a bit tempted.

"Tsk tsk, good wine, good wine!" Hema said excitedly, "Judging by this aroma, it's definitely a good wine aged over ten years."

The bunch of them were all very excited.

"Absolutely." The crowd was buzzing with excitement.

"Captain, let us have a taste quickly." Although Xiao Han looked gentle and refined, he was definitely an old wine lover. Back then, he and Lin Chuan tried every possible way to get alcohol to drink. Xiao Han didn't have as much guts as Lin Chuan, who dared to sneak into the old General's wine cellar alone to find wine. Xiao Han didn't have the courage, fearing he'd be executed.

Lin Chuan scooped a ladle full of liquor from the jar and poured it into a bowl.

Iron Bull eagerly picked up the bowl and poured it into his mouth.

Gulp, gulp...

He drank it down in two gulps. Xiao Han watched longingly as the golden liquor flowed down Iron Bull's throat into his stomach. He swallowed a mouthful of saliva and asked, "Iron Bull, how does it taste?"

"Huh?" Iron Bull was stunned, smacked his lips and said, "Didn't... didn't pay attention to the taste, but, it seems quite nice. This liquor is at least fifty-four degrees. Nice, it's the good stuff I like. Come on, I want more."

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