Rebirth: CEO's Sweetheart Reaches the Life Pinnacle!-Chapter 50 - 48: Celebrating New Year at Grandma’s House

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve. Sitting on the bus to Grandma’s house, watching the scenery flashing by outside the window, Li Si fell into a trance of memories.

Back when Dad was alive, every Spring Festival was spent at Grandma’s house in the countryside. Later, when Dad passed away, Second Uncle got rich, and Grandma moved in with him; family gatherings were then held at Second Uncle’s house.

During those occasions, watching their warm and harmonious family, Li Si always felt like an outsider, someone excluded from it all.

After an hour-long journey, Li Si saw Bashan Station and got off the bus. The sight before her was a white expanse, with thick snow blanketing the ground on both sides of the road. Smoke rose from the chimneys of the houses scattered near and far. At this moment, it was already past ten o’clock, and everyone was likely busy preparing lunch. freewēbnoveℓ.com

Carrying her belongings, Li Si walked briskly along the two-meter-wide path. Soon, she arrived at the familiar Grandma’s house, not far from the small convenience store. The black-painted main gate was slightly ajar, and the occasional sound of barking dogs and conversation drifted from the surroundings.

She pushed the door open and entered. The small courtyard was tidy. Grandma was busy slaughtering a chicken. Seeing Li Si first, she beamed with joy and said, "Li Si, you’re here! Come in quickly; it’s warm inside!" Her eyes lingered on the items in Li Si’s hands, her enthusiasm visibly growing.

Grandma’s house was laid out with two bedrooms on each side—the east and west rooms—while the living room and kitchen were in the middle.

"Grandma, happy New Year!" Li Si greeted as she followed Grandma Li into the east room. Second Uncle’s family had already arrived. At the moment, Li Fei was sitting on a stool, cracking melon seeds, while Second Uncle and Second Aunt were seated on the kang.

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, happy New Year." Sitting on the edge of the kang, Li Si felt the room was very warm. She then stood up, took off her down coat, and hung it on the coat rack.

"Oh my, Li Si, that coat must’ve cost quite a bit, huh? It looks expensive at a glance," Second Aunt exclaimed dramatically, nudging Second Uncle to notice how much his niece was willing to spend.

"Goodness, Mom, you’ve never seen anything like this before, huh? My sister can buy as many fancy coats as she wants now, can’t you, sis?" Li Fei spat out a melon seed shell and rolled her eyes at Li Si.

"Grandma, I bought some fruit for you, and here’s a sweater and a jacket too. I hope they fit." Li Si chose to ignore their remarks and pulled out a black-and-blue embroidered sweater and a black fleece coat from her bag.

"You child, you didn’t have to bring anything. Your dad didn’t leave you much when he passed!" Grandma Li protested as she accepted the sweater, though the surprise in her eyes was evident.

"Well, it’s New Year’s, Grandma. Try them on and see if they fit; I can exchange them if they don’t!"

Li Si helped Grandma Li put on the sweater. As Grandma looked at herself in the mirror, she said, "I have to admit, it fits perfectly. Li Si really knows how to pick things!"

Grandma Li gently touched the embroidery on the front. Older folks often had a fondness for embroidered fabrics.

"Oh dear, Mom, isn’t it true? Our Li Si has such good taste. By the way, Li Si, why didn’t you bring your boyfriend home for us to meet?" Zhang Meihua jabbed at Li Si sarcastically, thinking, "What’s with this pretense? Did she think buying a few things would win over the old lady?"

"Li Si, do you really have a boyfriend?" asked Second Uncle suddenly, his tone stern.

"You must have heard this from Li Fei, right? There’s nothing of the sort!"

"Just admit it! What’s the big deal? I mean, sis, I saw it myself that day, and heard about it too. That guy was all protective of you, wasn’t he? Why else would he stick up for you like that?" Li Fei said bitterly, jealous that Li Si always seemed to attract men’s attention.

"Li Si, I don’t mean to sound harsh, but your dad has been gone for only a short while, and you’re already in a rush to get married?" Second Uncle jabbed his finger in her direction as he rebuked her.

Holding back her anger, Li Si retorted, "Second Uncle, I respect you and call you Second Uncle. But isn’t it unreasonable to judge me solely based on Li Fei’s lies? Besides, if anyone’s desperate to get married, it’s Li Fei. Why don’t you ask her why she’s been hanging around Meng Zijun so much lately?"

"You wretched Li Si! How dare you slander me! When did I ever lie, huh? You know better than anyone what’s really going on! And as for Meng Zijun, he’s just my classmate. What’s wrong with casual interaction between male and female classmates?"

Li Fei glared at Li Si furiously. She had intended to embarrass her in front of everyone but was taken aback by how sharp-tongued she’d become. Dad had shot her a warning look earlier, and she was scared he’d scold her again later.

"Alright, you two girls! Can’t even go a single New Year without bickering? Both of you, sit down properly. Is it too much to ask for a peaceful holiday?" Grandma Li scolded, trying to maintain fairness. The items Li Si brought seemed to work in her favor this time.

"Mom, where’s the rush? It’s just past eleven. Guofu, why don’t you bring out the gift you specially bought for Mom? What are you waiting for?" Zhang Meihua signaled to him with her eyes, as the gift was originally not meant for his mother anyway.

But with Li Si showing up with presents, they couldn’t exactly bring nothing, could they?

Li Guofu nodded and cheerfully opened a beautifully wrapped bag from the cupboard.

"Son, what’s this? It looks so high-class just from the packaging!" Grandma Li’s face lit up with delight as she accepted the bag, feeling deeply touched by her son’s thoughtfulness.

"This is what I picked out for you while I was out of town—top-of-the-line stuff!" Li Guofu said proudly with a grand gesture. He opened the bag to reveal a bright red Chinese-style jacket.

"Wow, Grandma, my dad sure knows how to pick! This is from a big brand, Grandma! Try it on!" Li Fei gave Li Si a shove, pushing her toward the door on purpose, as she spoke in a deliberately cute voice.

"Oh dear, isn’t it a bit too big?" Grandma Li eagerly tried it on, but the size was clearly much too large. She wasn’t a heavyset woman, and the waistline of the jacket was at least two sizes too wide.

"Mom, it’s fine. Being oversized is better! Elderly folks like you look best in loose-fitting clothes," Zhang Meihua chimed in. Well, of course, it was oversized; the jacket had originally been intended for her own mother, who was much heavier than Grandma.

"That’s true. Old Mrs. Yu from next door prefers wearing loose outfits—says they’re comfortable and relaxed!" Grandma Li agreed wholeheartedly.

Li Si stood to the side, trying not to smirk. This Second Uncle’s family sure knew how to flatter. They could talk someone into thinking they’d just won the lottery on an empty stomach.

After lunch, Li Si, not wanting to endure their attitudes any longer, left the room with just her phone in hand, leaving her bag behind. She strolled along the narrow paths in the village.

Every household had couplets pasted on their doors, with remnants of firecracker paper scattered around. The faint smell of gunpowder lingered in the air.

Meeting a few villagers on the way, she could no longer recall their names, so she simply smiled and exchanged festive greetings. Without realizing it, she arrived at the edge of the village by the small river. By now, the water was entirely frozen solid. Walking on it, she slid around for fun, which was quite amusing.

After wandering for a while, the biting cold became unbearable. This year’s New Year weather was particularly harsh. Rubbing her reddened, chilled hands, Li Si made her way back to Grandma’s house.

As soon as she entered the room, she sensed something was off. Grandma Li sat on a chair, puffing on her pipe. Second Uncle reclined on the kang, taking a nap. Second Aunt and Li Fei looked visibly uneasy.

Li Si didn’t bother asking what had happened. She took off her shoes, climbed onto the kang, and sat at the edge to warm her ice-cold feet.