After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

Winter nights come early in London; by four in the afternoon, the sky was already heavy with darkness.

Yan Yuan's home, however, presents a completely different and warm scene.

Huge floor-to-ceiling windows kept out the damp cold, and the room was warm and cozy. Under the bright lights, a huge Christmas tree twinkled with colorful lights, and beautifully wrapped gifts were piled up under the tree.

At this moment, the kitchen was bustling with activity.

The sounds of pots and pans clattering, oil sizzling, and several people talking mingled together.

"Yan Yuan! Scrape the fish scales clean! Gills! Remove the gills too! Oh dear, look how clumsy you are." Aunt Yan, wearing an apron with a bright red peony print, was holding a spatula and directing her slightly disheveled son by the sink.

She moved nimbly, her eyes were sharp, and her competence honed over decades of running a restaurant was on full display.

Yan Yuan was wearing simple gray loungewear today, with the sleeves rolled up high, and was "fighting" with a fresh sea bass.

Water splashed all over his face. He frowned and carefully scraped the fish scales with the back of his knife, muttering to himself.

"Oh, I know, I know... Mom, why is this fish so slippery..."

He tried to imitate how his mother prepared fish, but he seemed a bit clumsy and couldn't match his mother's cooking skills.

"Pfft..." Lin Jianwei couldn't help but laugh out loud.

She wore a simple, off-white apron, her long hair loosely tied up, exuding a gentle and refined air.

At this moment, she was processing a bowl of crystal-clear shrimp, her movements gentle and skillful.

"Yan Yuan, here, use the scissors to cut it open from here," she put down the shrimp she was holding, walked to Yan Yuan's side, naturally took the knife from his hand, and gently touched the lower part of the fish's belly with her fingertips.

"Yes, be careful not to cut your hand."

Lin Jianwei's voice was gentle and soft, with the characteristic softness of the Jiangnan water towns.

Yan Yuan watched as Lin Jianwei deftly cut open the fish's belly, removed its internal organs, and rinsed it clean with water. Her movements were fluid and skillful, far surpassing his own.

He was a little embarrassed, his ears turned slightly red, but he refused to admit defeat.

"Well, I just... don't cook fish often. I'll definitely be faster than you after I practice a few more times."

"Alright, alright, the big star is the best," Lin Jian said with a smile, handing him the cleaned fish. "Here, take this to your auntie, and remember to rinse it again."

At this moment, Yan's father strolled into the kitchen, carrying a cup of hot tea. Seeing his son's flustered state, he couldn't help but tease him.

"Hey, big star, you're so fast on the court, how come you got stumped by a fish?" He patted his son's shoulder with a smile, his tone full of mischief.

Yan Yuan took the fish, glared at his father with a hint of annoyance, and teased him with a smile.

"Dad, it's easy for you to say that when you're not the one experiencing it. Why don't you give it a try and see how difficult it is?"

"Hey, you brat, trying to make fun of your dad, huh?" Yan's father laughed and scolded, pretending to kick Yan Yuan.

Yan Yuan nimbly twisted his buttocks and continued to rinse the fish's body deftly, his movements indeed much smoother than before.

Looking at his son, Yan's father's eyes were full of gratified smiles.

The kitchen was filled with various enticing aromas.

On the stove, Aunt Yan was carefully preparing her specialty dish, braised pork.

The dark brown sauce bubbled and steamed in the pot, the rich aroma of meat mixed with the mellow scents of soy sauce, sugar and cooking wine, making the dish even more tempting.

In the casserole next to it, the cordyceps flower stewed chicken soup exudes a warm and nourishing fragrance, and a few bright red goji berries float on the golden soup, making it look mouthwatering.

"Weiwei, how's the caramelization going?" Aunt Yan beckoned Lin Jianwei over.

"People in Hangzhou like it a bit sweeter, so I added an extra spoonful of rock sugar. Would you like to try it?"

Lin Jianwei leaned over, dipped the tip of her chopsticks in the sauce, blew on it gently, and carefully took a bite. Her eyes immediately lit up.

"Mmm! Auntie, the sweetness is just right! It smells amazing! Even better than what my mom makes!" she exclaimed sincerely.

Aunt Yan couldn't stop smiling.

"Oh dear, you're such a sweet talker. Your mother is definitely better at it than me. These are just simple home-style recipes, nothing fancy."

"No, that's not true," Lin Jianwei said seriously. "Auntie's braised pork is so red and shiny, and it's not greasy at all. You can tell she put a lot of effort into it. I haven't had such an authentic taste of home in London for a long time."

Yan Yuan handed the prepared fish to his mother and then leaned over to smell it.

"Hmm... Xiang pulled me away. Remember to add a sweet version of braised pork to the menu at our restaurant from now on."

"Go away, stop talking nonsense, hurry up and help Weiwei marinate the shrimp!" Aunt Yan instructed with a smile.

Lin Jianwei's Longjing Shrimp is the highlight of tonight's meal.

She took out a small jar of fine West Lake Longjing tea, brewed it with warm water, and the emerald green tea leaves unfurled in the water, filling the air with their fragrance.

She filtered out the brewed tea, taking only the clear part, added a little salt, starch, and egg white, and then gently mixed in the glistening shrimp to marinate.

With gentle and focused movements, this is Lin Jianwei's specialty.

"Weiwei's Longjing Shrimp is exquisite!" Yan's father watched from the side and couldn't help but nod. "The fragrance of the tea paired with the sweetness of the shrimp is a perfect match! I must have a good taste of it later."

"Uncle, you flatter me. It's just our usual way of doing things." Lin Jianwei smiled a little embarrassedly.

Yan Yuan was in charge of chopping scallions, ginger, and garlic. His knife skills were surprisingly good; he chopped the scallions and ginger into thin and even slices.

Aunt Yan glanced at it and nodded in satisfaction.

"Hmm, this kid has been helping out in the shop since he was little, so his chopping skills haven't suffered."

"That's right," Yan Yuan said smugly, raising his chin. "Back when I was helping you cook, you beat me up quite a few times."

The family chatted and laughed, working together as they divided the tasks.

Lin Jianwei also made a refreshing and appetizing Jiangnan vegetarian medley, with ten kinds of vegetables such as roasted gluten, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and bamboo shoots simmered in sauce until flavorful.

Aunt Yan stir-fried some lettuce with oyster sauce; it was a vibrant, juicy green.

Next, Yan Yuan helped slice the crystal meat that his mother had prepared in advance into paper-thin slices and arranged them neatly on a plate.

Finally, Lin Jianwei's braised prawns were ready, glossy red and tempting, with an irresistible aroma.

When Yan Yuan carefully served the last dish, steamed sea bass, the sumptuous Christmas dinner was finally ready.

It's Christmas tonight, but the table is full of Chinese food.

A beautiful new tablecloth covered the long dining table, with an exquisite Christmas wreath placed in the center to enhance the atmosphere.

"Alright, everyone, sit down and eat. You've been busy all afternoon." With a command from Aunt Yan, everyone took their seats.

"It looks delicious, even more lavish than what we eat during Chinese New Year," Yan Yuan said, taking a picture of the table full of dishes with his phone.

Aunt Yan happily served soup to everyone.

"Here, have a bowl of hot soup to warm your stomach. This chicken soup has been simmering for several hours."

Yan's father was the first to pick up a piece of braised pork and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully. Then his eyes lit up and he gave Lin Jianwei a thumbs up.

"Mmm, this braised pork is amazing! It's fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and has a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's better than any restaurant I've ever been to! Weiwei, your mother did a great job raising you!"

Lin Jianwei felt a little embarrassed by the praise.

"Uncle, you're too kind. It's mainly because Auntie seasoned it so well and controlled the heat perfectly."

"Exactly!" Yan Yuan eagerly picked up a braised prawn. "Mom, Weiwei, you're both amazing chefs!"

He skillfully peeled the shrimp shells, dipped the plump shrimp meat in the broth, and put it in his mouth, squinting his eyes in satisfaction.

"Mmm! Delicious, Weiwei. With your cooking skills, the kitchen at home will be yours from now on."

"Dream on!" Lin Jianwei glared at him reproachfully, but with a sweet smile on her face. "Auntie is the head chef, I'm just the assistant."

Aunt Yan smiled and placed a large piece of fish on Lin Jianwei's plate.

"Weiwei, don't listen to his nonsense. Come on, try this fish. Yan Yuan did a good job preparing it, and it's steamed very tenderly."

The conversation at the dinner table was relaxed and casual.

Yan's parents skillfully steered the conversation toward Lin Jianwei's family.

"Weiwei," Aunt Yan asked casually, taking a sip of soup, "we've heard Yan Yuan mention that your parents are both teachers?"

"Yes, Auntie," Lin Jianwei nodded, a gentle smile on her face, "My father teaches finance at Zhejiang University, and my mother teaches art history at the China Academy of Art."

"Zhejiang University and the Academy of Fine Arts are both top universities in China!" Yan's father exclaimed sincerely. "Your parents are amazing! One studies economics, and the other studies art. This combination is truly excellent. No wonder they raised you so well."

"Uncle, you flatter me." Lin Jianwei's face flushed slightly. "My parents are just ordinary teachers who do research that they enjoy."

"This is no ordinary thing," Yan's father interjected. "Teaching and nurturing students is a great merit. Yan Yuan, that kid, has always been an average student, focusing all his attention on playing football. Weiwei, you are clearly a top student, your temperament is different."

"Ugh, Dad, I don't like hearing that. I'm a pretty good student, you know," Yan Yuan protested, but with a smile, he placed a piece of Longjing shrimp on Lin Jianwei's plate.

"Weiwei, try this. Your Longjing Shrimp has a particularly refreshing tea aroma."

"Hmm... this turned out quite well today." Lin Jianwei took a bite; the shrimp was springy and had a faint fragrance of Longjing tea, with a refreshing and unique taste.

"Weiwei," Aunt Yan put down her chopsticks, looked at Lin Jianwei, and spoke with a serious yet loving tone.

"Yan Yuan has always been straightforward since he was a child, and sometimes he may be careless and not consider things carefully."

In the future, if he dares to bully you, or does anything wrong that makes you feel wronged, don't hold it in! Tell Auntie directly! Auntie will take care of him for you!

As she spoke, she deliberately glared at Yan Yuan.

Yan Yuan immediately protested his innocence.

"Mom, what are you saying? How could I possibly bully Weiwei! I love her dearly!"

He turned to Lin Jianwei, his eyes sincere.

"Weiwei, if I do anything wrong and make you unhappy, you must tell me directly, and I promise to change."

Lin Jianwei felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at Yan Yuan's serious expression, and she smiled as she spoke to Yan's mother.

"Auntie, don't worry, Yan Yuan is very good to me. Although he is a little younger than me, he is very responsible and meticulous."

"That's good, that's good!" Aunt Yan smiled with relief, then said earnestly,

"Yan Yuan, you are a public figure now, and your every move is being watched."

You better remember this: treat Weiwei well and cherish the person in front of you! Don't go to those shady places, and stay away from people you shouldn't know! If I find out you're up to no good outside...”

Aunt Yan deliberately put on a stern face and made a "twisting ear" gesture.

"Mom! What are you thinking!" Yan Yuan said, both amused and exasperated, quickly assuring her, "Don't you know me? My heart and eyes are only for Weiwei! I wouldn't even glance at those other girls!"

"That's more like it," Aunt Yan nodded in satisfaction, then put some food on Lin Jianwei's plate. "Weiwei, eat more, you've gotten so thin."

The conversation naturally turned to future plans.

"By the way, Yan Yuan," Yan's father asked, "when will you accompany Weiwei back to Hangzhou to meet her parents?"

"Yes, Dad, we've already discussed it," Yan Yuan said seriously, putting down his chopsticks.

"The club will most likely be going to China for events after the season ends, so this is a convenient option."

I was thinking that after the event, I'd say hello to the club, then accompany Weiwei back to Hangzhou to formally visit her parents. It's our first meeting, so it's only proper for me to take the initiative; I can't let them come all this way.

Yan's parents exchanged a glance and both smiled approvingly.

"Okay, that's a more thoughtful arrangement!" Mr. Yan nodded. "That's how it should be. When meeting the girl's parents for the first time, we must show sincerity."

"Yes, yes, yes," Aunt Yan chimed in, "Tell me what gift you need, and I'll help you decide. It's your first visit, so you must be very polite!"

"Thank you, Mom and Dad!" Yan Yuan smiled gratefully. "I'll take these things very seriously."

Listening to Yan Yuan's well-organized arrangements and the unwavering support from Yan's parents, Lin Jianwei felt a sense of reassurance and gratitude.

She quietly took Yan Yuan's hand under the table, and Yan Yuan immediately wrapped his hand in hers, warm and strong.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

After the meal, Yan Yuan took the initiative to stand up and clear the dishes.

"Dad, Mom, Weiwei, you two rest, I'll wash the dishes!"

"Oh, has the sun risen in the west?" Yan's father joked with a smile, but he also stood up. "Alright, let's shower together, so your mother and Weiwei can have a chat."

Aunt Yan pulled Lin Jianwei's hand and sat her down on the soft sofa in the living room.

"Weiwei," Aunt Yan held Lin Jianwei's hand and patted it gently, her tone tender yet filled with the earnest wisdom of someone with more experience.

"Auntie wants to say a few words from the bottom of her heart. Your uncle and I have watched Yan Yuan grow up. He has a good heart and values ​​relationships."

But he was only 18 years old, and suddenly he was in such a high position; the surrounding environment... was full of temptations and noise.

She paused, looking into Lin Jianwei's clear eyes:

"You should know that the world of football is sometimes not so clean."

There are bound to be plenty of models and celebrities trying to piggyback on the hype.

The auntie didn't distrust him; she was just worried that he was too young and sometimes couldn't distinguish between sincerity and pretense, or that he might be taken advantage of.

Lin Jianwei listened quietly, understanding Yan Ma's worries.

"So, Weiwei," Aunt Yan's voice softened, tinged with earnestness.

"You are a few years older than him and more mature and stable. Your aunt hopes you can keep an eye on him and remind him more."

If he does anything wrong, or if you hear any rumors, don't keep it to yourself. You must talk to him about it, or tell your aunt directly!

"Let's keep a close eye on him together! Our family won't tolerate any messy people or things. Just tell me what to do, and I'll fully support you!"

She patted Lin Jianwei's hand and continued to add.

"Weiwei, your aunt truly treats you like her own daughter. It's a blessing for my son to have found you."

"You two should get along well, support each other, and understand each other. That's better than anything else. In the future, if he dares to make you suffer even the slightest grievance, Auntie will be the first to object!"

These thoughtful and considerate words flowed into Lin Jianwei's heart like a warm current.

She could feel the genuine care and acceptance in her mother's words.

She nodded vigorously, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Auntie, don't worry, I understand. I trust Yan Yuan, and I will work with him to nurture our relationship. Thank you for telling me all this."

In the kitchen, amidst the rushing water and the clatter of dishes, Yan's father and Yan Yuan were having a conversation between men.

"Son, Weiwei is a good girl, you must cherish her." Yan's father said to Yan Yuan while rinsing the dishes.

"Of course, Dad, do you even need to tell me?" Yan Yuan wiped the bowl deftly. "See how good my taste is?"

"Stop joking," Yan's father said with a laugh, then turned serious.

"What your mother said during dinner is exactly what I wanted to say."

"Your status is different now, kid. More people are watching you, and there's more gossip going on. You need to have a sense of right and wrong, know what you should and shouldn't do. Relationships aren't child's play; once you've committed, you have to take responsibility."

"Dad, I know," Yan Yuan said seriously, his joking expression fading. "I'm serious about Weiwei, and you and Mom can rest assured about that."

"Hmm," Yan's father nodded, handing him the washed dishes. "When are you planning to propose to your future in-laws?"

"Huh? Dad?" Yan Yuan blushed. "This...this is still a long way off. We should meet him first and get to know each other, right?"

"Haha, you're getting shy now," Dad Yan laughed. "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. You'd better prepare well and make a good impression!"

"Okay," Yan Yuan replied with a smile, continuing to wash the dishes.

In the living room, Aunt Yan and Lin Jianwei chatted more and more amiably, from the local customs and culture of Hangzhou to interesting stories about life in London.

When Yan Yuan and his father finished cleaning up the kitchen and came out, they saw the two chatting happily and smiled at each other.

Yan Yuan went to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of fine red wine, and poured a little for everyone.

"Dad, Mom, Weiwei," he raised his glass, the warm yellow light illuminating his young and earnest face.

"Today is Christmas Eve. Although we're having Chinese food, the sentiment of family reunion is the same. Thank you, Mom and Dad, thank you, Weiwei. I feel especially happy to have you by my side. Wishing our family peace, joy, and happiness year after year!"

"Peace and joy, year after year!" Everyone laughed and raised their glasses to toast.

The crisp sound of glasses clinking echoed in the warm room.

Looking at his smiling parents and then at Lin Jianwei nestled beside him with her eyes crinkled, Yan Yuan felt his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and happiness.

This traditional Chinese Christmas Eve may lack reindeer and sleighs, but it is filled with the rich aroma of braised pork, the refreshing taste of Longjing shrimp, and the most sincere warmth between family and loved ones.

The happiness and joy of family is the best Christmas gift.