My mom is waiting for treatment, and you're summoning me to be a hero?

Earth, New Year's Eve.

This old residential building in the urban village is much more lively than usual.

Red lanterns hung at the entrance of the alley, and children ran past from downstairs holding sparklers, screaming and laughing.

Behind the slightly chipped security door, Lin Feng, wearing a plaid apron he'd used for almost ten years, was standing by the dining table making dumplings.

Flour clung to his rough, dark knuckles, making the front of his apron appear white and grimy.

He was clumsy, and the dumplings he made were all round and plump, but he made them with great care, talking to his wife while pinching the pleats.

Zhou Xiaomei sat opposite him and helped roll out the dough.

She has recovered very well, her complexion is completely normal, and she looks younger than her actual age, not at all like someone who has had liver cancer.

She was wearing a bracelet on her wrist while she was working.

That was the Jingming Bracelet that Lin Mo gave her, saying that wearing it would make her sleep better.

As she rolled out the dough, she would glance out the window every now and then, as if waiting for something.

Seeing this, Lin Feng stopped what he was doing, pushed a plate of freshly made dumplings in front of her, and said gently.

"Don't look anymore. Maybe Xiao Mo is busy. You've just recovered, so don't overthink it."

Zhou Xiaomei hummed in agreement and then lowered her head to continue rolling out the dough.

Her hands didn't stop moving, but the sound was so soft it was almost inaudible.

"I'm just afraid something might happen to him outside."

I can't help but worry, because the medicine hasn't been delivered to that water cup for over three months.

Even though Zhou Xiaomei no longer needs the medicine to recover, she still hopes that one day she can see the medicine filling her water glass.

Because that was the only evidence that his son was still alive.

Lin Feng didn't reply. He just put the ugliest dumpling in his hand into the bamboo basket, and after a while, he spoke.

"Xiao Mo will be alright."

He was actually worried, but there were some things he couldn't say too deeply, otherwise he wouldn't be able to get through the year.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Raymond Lam wiped his hands haphazardly on his apron, smiled and said, "I'll go open the door," before walking toward the entrance.

As soon as the door opened, my aunt squeezed in, carrying a large bag of protein powder, her voice louder than the fireworks downstairs.

"Xiaomei! I asked the doctor, and you need to supplement your protein intake! I had someone bring it from the city; this brand is really good. Just drink two spoonfuls a day; it's better than drinking porridge!"

As she spoke, she took off her coat and turned to wave behind her.

"Come in, everyone, it's cold at the door."

Following behind were his second uncle, second aunt, and Lin Mo's cousin.

My second uncle was carrying two cases of milk, my second aunt was holding several boxes of oatmeal, and my cousin was carrying fruit...

The house suddenly became lively.

Zhou Xiaomei went to greet her, a smile appearing on her face.

My cousin changed her shoes and went into the kitchen, exclaiming dramatically, "Auntie, why are you still working! Take a break!"

The eldest aunt stepped forward, snatched the rolling pin from Zhou Xiaomei's hand, and pushed her towards the sofa: "Go sit down, we'll do it. You just enjoy yourself."

Zhou Xiaomei was a little embarrassed, but they insisted on making her sit on the sofa, though the smile on her lips never faded.

Second Grandfather was the last to come in.

He was the oldest, a little hunched over, and leaning on an old cane.

He looked around and saw Zhou Xiaomei being pressed down on the sofa by her cousin while eating sunflower seeds. He nodded, then looked at Lin Feng and said with a stern face.

"Lin Feng, how can you let Xiaomei do all the work? Don't you know her health condition?"

Lin Feng carried a basket full of dumplings, smiling broadly as he walked towards the kitchen, repeatedly apologizing.

"Yes, yes, Second Grandpa is right. I'll pay attention next time."

Zhou Xiaomei peeked out from behind the sofa.

"Second Grandfather, I'm fine now, please stop arguing with him."

Second Grandpa snorted, then laughed, leaned his cane against the door, slowly walked over, picked up a freshly made dumpling, and said with disdain.

"Whose bag is this? It looks like a little pig."

Everyone in the room burst into laughter.

The living room wasn't big, but it was packed with people. The heating was on full blast, and the windows were fogged up.

The TV was showing a pre-Spring Festival Gala program, and children were running around the coffee table.

Lin Feng brought the wrapped dumplings into the kitchen, where his cousin and aunt started cooking them, while his second aunt set out the bowls and chopsticks.

Although Zhou Xiaomei was forced to sit on the sofa, she couldn't stay still. She got up again to get a pot of hot water and poured drinks for the children.

When Lin Feng came out, he was still holding a clove of garlic in his hand. Looking at how lively his house was, he suddenly smiled and said something in a low voice.

"Now this feels like Chinese New Year."

Suddenly, there was a knocking sound.

There was another knock on the door.

No one moved from inside. Someone muttered, "Who else could it be at this hour?"

Lin Feng's heart suddenly clenched. Could it be...?

However, as the door opened, his heart sank for a moment.

An elderly man in a decent wool coat stood outside the door, his hair neatly combed, but he looked to be in good spirits.

Lin Feng's disappointment was fleeting; a smile immediately returned.

"What brings you here?"

The person who arrived was Zhou Sheng.

He gave a soft snort and pressed the scarf down a little with his fingertips: "What, are you leaving me to spend the New Year alone?"

Lin Feng quickly smiled and ushered the person into the house, saying, "Oh, no way! We'd love to welcome you! Please come in, please come in."

Zhou Sheng walked in with his hands behind his back, and Lin Feng hurriedly introduced him to his family.

"This is Mr. Zhou, who has been helping me contact doctors and deliver medicine to save Xiaomei!"

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up to greet them.

Zhou Sheng waved his hand and said, "You're welcome."

The house became lively again.

Everyone continued making dumplings, eating dumplings, and chatting and laughing.

Zhou Sheng gradually stopped being so aloof and even started chatting with his second grandfather about health and wellness.

Seeing that everyone had settled down, Lin Feng went to close the door.

He reached out and pushed the door, which slowly closed. Just as it was about to close a crack, a fair hand suddenly reached in from the outside and firmly pressed down on the door panel.

Lin Feng was taken aback.

Then he heard someone outside say softly, with a tired and hoarse voice:

"Dad, Mom, I'm home."