I am the stepmother of my son, and the little villain has changed into a little cotton-padded jacket

Seeing the aggrieved and inexplicable look on Wen Shutang's face, Xiao Yizhuo's eyes revealed a hint of tenderness. Such a lively and vivid Wen Shutang could easily disturb his heart at any moment.

The faint smile on his face seemed to Wen Shutang to be a provocation and a successful teasing. She glared at him and quickly changed the subject. Otherwise, with Liu Sufen's energy, she would have no chance of a good night.

"Okay, okay, Mom, let's not talk about this anymore. Today is New Year's Eve, let's make dumplings and stay up till the New Year." Wen Shutang walked up to Liu Sufen and took her arm, with a hint of flattery in his eyes.

Liu Sufen knew that she wanted to avoid this topic, and was about to say something but was interrupted by Xiao Yizhuo.

"Yes, mother-in-law, today is New Year's Eve, and it is important for the family to be reunited. I heard that there will be fireworks in the town tonight. After eating the New Year's Eve dinner, we can go to the town to watch the fireworks." Xiao Yizhuo said softly.

Seeing that Liu Sufen was about to continue this topic, Xiao Yizhuo quickly stepped forward to interrupt.

He just wanted to tease Wen Shutang, but he couldn't really annoy her, otherwise who knows how long she would be angry.

Sure enough, Xiao Ye and Xiao Wan became excited immediately when they heard that they could go watch the fireworks. One of them hugged Liu Sufen's calf, and both children raised their heads and looked at her with big eyes.

Xiao Wan said softly and coquettishly, "Grandma, can we quickly eat the New Year's Eve dinner and then go watch the fireworks? Wan'er wants to watch the fireworks."

Xiao Ye, who was standing on the other side, also nodded, his eyes full of anticipation.

Seeing both children saying this, Liu Sufen was stunned for a moment and then was attracted by this topic. She thought about it and nodded, "Okay, then we'll go over after dinner, but how can we get there with so many people?"

"Don't worry about that. We have a carriage at home. I'll prepare it later." Xiao Yizhuo immediately responded.

Liu Sufen finally felt relieved: "Okay, let's start cooking now. My eldest daughter-in-law, go back to the house and put on more clothes. The evening breeze is too cold. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Zhou Tong didn't feel that cold, but she didn't want to disappoint Liu Sufen's kindness, so she asked Wen Ruizhou to go into the house and get her a coat.

Seeing that Liu Sufen had been successfully led astray, Wen Shutang felt relieved. She glanced at Xiao Yizhuo inadvertently, only to find that he was also looking at her.

Wen Shutang had not yet forgotten the tea-smelling look in his eyes just now, and immediately turned his head away and said, "Mom, let me help you."

As he said that, he reached out to help Liu Sufen prepare dinner.

Seeing her reaction, Xiao Yizhuo couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips slightly, feeling a little helpless. It seemed that she had gone too far.

He turned and walked out of the yard. While the mother and daughter were cooking, he had to go back home to prepare the carriage so as to avoid being in a hurry after dinner.

Wen Shutang took out all the meats he had brought from home: "I bought these in town a few days ago, and I'm waiting to cook them for the New Year's Eve dinner."

Liu Sufen was so shocked to see so much meat that her eyes widened. It was the first time in her life that she had seen so much meat.

She was so shocked that she stuttered. She pointed at the ribs on the table and said, "Why are there so many? How much silver does it cost?"

"Don't worry about it, mom. We look forward to New Year's Day to eat good food all year round." Wen Shutang knew that Liu Sufen had been simple and frugal all her life. If he told her the truth about the prices of these things, she might even be unhappy.

Liu Sufen looked at Wen Shutang with a complicated expression, but her eyes were mostly filled with relief: "My little Qiu'er has really grown up and is so capable."

Zhou Tong, who was sitting aside helping to pick vegetables because of her big belly, was also surprised when she saw the meat on the table and opened her mouth wide.

At the same time, I also had a new understanding of Wen Shutang. Her little sister has really become completely different.

Wen Shutang poured the ribs that had been cut into small pieces into a basin and began to wash them, planning to make braised ribs.

She originally wanted to buy a fish, after all, it was Chinese New Year, and eating fish was a good omen for abundance every year. But she was worried that fish meat could not be preserved that long, so she simply switched to other meat.

"Then leave the dumplings to mom and sister-in-law. I'll go cook." Wen Shutang walked to the kitchen carrying a pot of pork ribs.

Zhou Tong responded with a smile: "Okay, it's no problem for me to sit and make dumplings."

A smile also appeared on Liu Sufen's face. Wen Ruizhou stood beside Zhou Tong and put a thick coat on her. Then he washed his hands and started to help make dumplings.

Wen Ruizhou also walked out of the house, picked up Xiao Ye with one hand and held Xiao Wan's hand with the other, walking towards the door. He automatically took on the task of taking care of the child.

"Come on, Second Uncle will take you out to play."

Xiao Ye liked his cheerful second uncle very much and was naturally happy to play with him.

Xiao Ze was older, so he sat next to Wen Qing and chatted with him about family matters.

Wen Qing liked this polite child in front of him very much. His conversation and temperament made people feel comfortable. At the same time, he became more and more satisfied with Xiao Yizhuo, his son-in-law, because he taught the children very well.

Everyone worked together quickly and plate after plate of plump dumplings were wrapped, which looked particularly pleasing to the eye.

Wen Shutang also quickly prepared braised spare ribs, sweet and sour pork, beggar's chicken, as well as two vegetarian dishes: stir-fried lettuce and mushroom rapeseed.

The aroma of meat wafted out from the kitchen, whetting the appetite of the people who had finished making dumplings and were clearing the table in the yard.

Wen Shutang came out of the kitchen carrying some dishes: "There are still a few dishes in there, big brother, please help carry them, and we can boil water and cook dumplings later."

Wen Ruizhou nodded and immediately went to help serve the dishes, while Liu Sufen went to the kitchen with the wrapped dumplings.

The night grew darker, the moonlight was bright, the stars were twinkling, and the courtyard became more cozy under the candlelight.

Xiao Yizhuo came back with the carriage ready and smelled an enticing fragrance as soon as he entered the yard.

Liu Sufen had just put the dumplings into the pot when she saw Xiao Yizhuo out of the corner of her eye: "My son-in-law is back just in time. We'll be having dinner soon."

Xiao Yizhuo nodded slightly, turned a corner and went to the kitchen to help Liu Sufen cook dumplings.

Wen Shutang looked up at the night sky. It should be past eleven o'clock now. The muffled sound of firecrackers gradually rang out in the village.

After the dumplings are out of the pot, the family starts to eat the New Year’s Eve dinner.

It was the first time for Wen Shutang to have a New Year's Eve dinner without the Spring Festival Gala, but this year there were many people with her. Seeing everyone's faces filled with happy smiles, Wen Shutang felt warm in her heart.

Xiao Yizhuo picked up a dumpling for her: "Thank you for your hard work."

Wen Shutang was stunned for a moment and then looked up at him. Before he could say anything, Liu Sufen spoke with a smile.

"I put three copper coins in the dumplings. Whoever eats the copper coins will have great fortune this year."