Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

In the early spring evenings, the chill was even more intense than during the day.

Yang Fan and Zhou Yao took the large bags out of the trunk—a woven bag containing military overcoats, a cardboard box containing a small heater and wires, as well as a folding table and tablecloth.

The two of them each carried some items. As soon as they entered the yard, they heard familiar voices and the crisp sound of pots and pans clattering inside the house.

"Dad, Mom, Uncle and Aunt, we're back!" Yang Fan called out into the house.

The door was immediately pushed open, and Wang Xiuying, wearing an apron, poked her head out, her hands still covered in flour, clearly kneading dough.

Seeing that Yang Fan and Zhou Yao were carrying loads of goods, she paused for a moment, then quickly wiped her hands on her apron and came over to help.

"Oh my, what did you buy? You've got so many bags and packages."

Wang Xiuying took the heavy woven bag containing the military overcoat from Yang Fan's hand, and felt its weight as soon as she picked it up.

At this moment, Yang Jianguo, Yang Jianmin, and Li Cuihua also came out of the house. Seeing this scene, they all looked on with curiosity.

"Xiao Fan, what's going on here...?" Yang Jianguo looked at the bags and boxes on the ground, somewhat puzzled.

"Didn't you go out to have fun? Why did you bring back so much stuff?"

Yang Fan placed the things on the steps under the eaves, dusted off his hands, and smiled:

"Dad, these are all for you. We'll be using them when we open our stall tomorrow."

"Did you buy this for us?" Li Cuihua walked over, opened the woven bag, reached in and pulled out a thick, grass-green military overcoat. She unfolded it and was stunned:

"This...this is a military overcoat? Why would I buy this?"

"Mom, Third Aunt, it's not just the coat." Yang Fan bent down and opened the cardboard box, revealing a brand-new silver mini heater inside:

"And this, for keeping warm."

"This is a folding table with a thick tablecloth. Oh, and there are also cotton shoes in another bag."

Wang Xiuying picked up a military overcoat, touched the thick fabric and the fluffy cotton lining, and a complex expression of heartache and emotion appeared on her face:

"Xiao Fan...why did you buy all this?"

"We're just going to sell some vegetables, and you're acting like you're going to the front lines, fully equipped. That must have cost a lot of money!"

Yang Jianguo also picked up the small heater and looked at it, his brows furrowing slightly:

"Does this thing use a lot of electricity? Can it be used at the stall?"

"Dad, Mom, listen to me." Yang Fan's tone became serious:

"I went to the market today and observed carefully."

"Inside that market, the draft is really strong right at the entrance. In this weather, it's unbearable to stand there all day."

"Many of the older stall owners have chilblains on their feet. How can I not worry if you're going to be there every day?"

He paused, then pointed to Zhou Yao, who was helping to take out the tablecloth, and smiled:

"Besides, most of these ideas were actually suggested by Zhou Yao."

"If it weren't for her, I really wouldn't have thought of these details."

All eyes immediately turned to Zhou Yao.

Zhou Yao felt a little embarrassed by the stares, so she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and smiled confidently, saying:

"Uncle and Aunt, really, I've seen this kind of thing many times."

"Don't underestimate this military overcoat; it looks bulky, but it's incredibly warm!"

"The wind protection is excellent! Paired with thick cotton shoes, my feet stay warm, and my body feels much warmer."

She walked over, picked up the small sun-shaped device, and gestured to indicate its name:

"Well, I'll have my uncle arrange for an electrician to run a separate set of wires from the management office for your stall first thing tomorrow morning and install an independent meter."

"You can pay the electricity bill yourselves, it's not expensive."

"Just a table, a tablecloth, and there's a small space behind it."

"When no one's around, you can sit in the back, put your feet up next to this little heater, and warm them up nicely. It's so comfortable! A hundred times better than just standing there and trying to tough it out!"

Her description was so vivid and detailed that as the elders listened, the image seemed to appear in their minds—in the howling wind of the market passage, they could find themselves in a small corner, surrounded by warm light, their hands and feet warm.

The contrast is just too stark.

Looking at Zhou Yao's face, which, despite its exquisite makeup, was full of sincerity and enthusiasm, Wang Xiuying's feelings changed instantly.

The initial awkwardness and doubts caused by their hair color and attire when we first met this morning have melted away like ice and snow in the face of these sincere and considerate words.

This girl looks fashionable and trendy, as if she belongs to a different world from them, but she is thoughtful and down-to-earth, genuinely caring for them and helping them solve practical difficulties.

"Oh, Yao Yao..." Wang Xiuying put down her military coat, walked over and took Zhou Yao's hand, her tone full of gratitude and affection, "Look at you, you've helped our family so much, running around all morning, and now you're thinking of us so thoughtfully... Auntie really feels so bad, thank you so much!"

Li Cuihua nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Zhou Yao:

"Yes, Yao Yao, you're such a good girl! So thoughtful and kind! We're so grateful to you today!"

Although Yang Jianguo and Yang Jianmin didn't say much, they showed genuine smiles and approval on their faces.

Yang Jianguo even said directly to Yang Fan:

"Xiao Fan, look at Yao Yao, how thoughtful she is! You've made a good friend!"

Zhou Yao blushed a little as the elders praised her, but she was mostly happy.

She enjoys the feeling of being recognized and needed, especially the recognition from these elders, which makes her feel that her "meddling" is particularly valuable.

"Uncle and Aunt, you're too kind! It's nothing!" She waved her hand, her smile radiant.

"We're neighbors now, and a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative! It's only right that we help each other out!"

Wang Xiuying liked Zhou Yao more and more, and wouldn't let go of her hand:

"Yaoyao, you absolutely have to eat at home tonight!"

"Auntie made dumplings, pork and cabbage filling, you absolutely have to try them! It's Auntie's way of thanking you!"

"Yes, stay for dinner!" Li Cuihua chimed in enthusiastically, "Try my cooking, your third aunt! I'll cook a couple more dishes!"

Zhou Yao felt a warmth in her heart and was about to agree when Yang Fan spoke up from the side.

"Mom, Third Aunt, Zhou Yao probably won't be able to eat at home tonight," Yang Fan said.

"Huh? Why?" Wang Xiuying asked, puzzled.

Yang Fan explained:

"Mom and Dad, Uncle and Aunt, think about it, how much Uncle Zhou helped us today?"

"They reserved the best stall for us, gave us a discount, and most importantly, arranged such a good job for Haozi. I have to thank Uncle Zhou in person and treat him to a meal."

"It's inappropriate to go and express your gratitude empty-handed or without any words."

He looked at Zhou Yao: "So I'm planning to treat Uncle Zhou to dinner tonight, and Zhou Yao definitely has to come along."

"This meal is a small token of our family's appreciation."