The engagement is over, but the black-bellied president won't let go

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Yiyang immediately found Leng Ruofei. Their eyes met, and without further ado, they knew each other's intentions. They decided to do their best to meet the wishes of the family and plan a respectful farewell for this hero.

However, it is not easy to hold such a ceremony during the epidemic. Strict prevention and control regulations, limited resources, and tight time, each problem is an insurmountable mountain. But Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei did not back down. They used all available conditions and carefully designed every link.

They carefully selected the flowers for the funeral hall, each of which symbolized the beauty and tenacity of life; they carefully arranged the process of the ceremony, and each step was full of respect for the deceased. In order to ensure the safety of the ceremony, they repeatedly communicated with the epidemic prevention department, formulated a detailed prevention and control plan, strictly disinfected the venue, and prepared sufficient protective equipment for those participating in the ceremony.

On the day of the farewell ceremony, the funeral home was filled with a solemn atmosphere. The mourning hall was decorated simply and solemnly, with white flowers surrounding the deceased's coffin. His photo was placed in the center, with a warm and firm smile. Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei, dressed in neat uniforms, stood solemnly by the side, guiding the people who came to bid farewell.

Although the number of people attending the ceremony was limited, everyone's eyes were filled with deep sorrow and respect. Amid the low mourning music, people silently shed tears and gave their final blessings to this hero.

When the farewell ceremony was over, the family members of the medical worker slowly walked up to Xiao Yiyang. Their eyes were red and swollen, and their faces were full of sadness, but in that sadness, there was also a hint of relief. The family members tightly held Xiao Yiyang's hand, their voices trembling, their eyes full of tears of gratitude, "Thank you for letting him go so gracefully."

At that moment, Xiao Yiyang felt that everything he had done was worth it. He looked at the sad but grateful eyes of the family members, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart. He knew that this job was not only about farewell, but also about the final respect and care for life.

In this difficult time, Xiao Yiyang faced great difficulties and pressures that are hard for ordinary people to imagine. The shortage of materials, the high intensity of work, and the high mental stress were enough to make people collapse. But he never complained and never gave up. Because he knew that every life that passed away was worth remembering, and the grief of every family member needed to be comforted.

Being able to bring a little comfort to people in this difficult time is their greatest achievement. This achievement does not come from money or honor, but from the kindness and responsibility deep in their hearts, and from the awe and respect for life.

As night fell, Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei dragged their exhausted bodies out of the funeral home. They witnessed countless deaths and partings, and also felt the warmth and strength of human nature. In the test of this epidemic, they not only grew a lot, but also understood the meaning and value of life better.

Xiaonian, a festival with a strong traditional flavor, has completely different styles in the north and south. In the strange cities in the north, the prelude to Xiaonian begins early, and the streets and alleys are filled with a unique atmosphere of busyness and expectation.

In Mocheng, every household seemed to have received a unified order and plunged into the pre-holiday preparations. Housewives wore aprons, rolled up their sleeves, and wiped every corner diligently, from the cobwebs on the ceiling to the cracks in the floor, as if to clean up all the dust and fatigue of the past year. Men frequently went in and out of the market and shopping malls, carrying large and small bags of New Year's goods on their shoulders and in their hands, including red spring couplets, exquisite window decorations, various candies and snacks, and rich ingredients prepared for the New Year's Eve dinner. Children followed the adults happily, their eyes fixed on the colorful candies, thinking about which one they could taste first.

Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei were no exception. They carefully selected various gifts, including warm clothes for their parents, a delicate watch for their eldest brother, and some auspicious decorations. The two carefully put the gifts into the trunk of the car, fearing that there would be any bumps. Then, Xiao Yiyang started the car and slowly drove to his mother Qin Lan's house.

Along the way, Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei were both excited and a little heavy. Leng Ruofei looked at the street scene that was constantly receding outside the window and said softly: "Husband, every time I go to visit my family, I am both excited and a little nervous."

Xiao Yiyang smiled and reached out to hold her hand: "Don't be nervous, my family is very kind. It's just that this year... Alas, the situation is a little different."

Leng Ruofei nodded slightly, thinking. Yes, there have been many changes in the past year...

The car finally stopped downstairs of Qin Lan's house. Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei carried the gifts and hurried to the door of the unit. As soon as they opened the door, a warm breath hit them, mixed with the familiar smell of home. In the living room, Xiao Yichen was already sitting on the sofa, concentrating on playing chess with Xiao Zhengchun.

Qin Lan heard the door open and rushed out from the kitchen, the smile on her face was like a blooming flower: "Come in, come in, it's cold outside, right? Your dad and your eldest brother are very busy, and they finally have a day off. Let's get together as a family." As she spoke, she reached out to take the gifts from Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei, muttering: "Look, look, I told you not to buy anything, but you two didn't listen and brought so many things."

Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei walked into the living room, and Xiao Yiyang said with a smile: "Dad, big brother, we are here."

Xiao Yichen raised his head, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Oh, you guys are finally here, my dad and I were having a very difficult game of chess."

Xiao Zhengchun stared at the chessboard and said, "Don't make trouble. Wait until I finish this game."

Xiao Yiyang and Leng Ruofei smiled at each other, and Xiao Yiyang sat down on the sofa next to them.

Qin Lan turned and walked into the kitchen, continuing to prepare the dinner for the Little New Year. The sound of chopping vegetables and frying vegetables came from the kitchen, interweaving into a warm family melody.

"Mom, let me help you." Leng Ruofei washed his hands, rolled up his sleeves and helped in a proper manner.

"Okay, help me cut the peppercorns, but be careful not to irritate your eyes." Qin Lan ordered with a smile.

"Don't worry, Mom."

In the living room, the only sounds were the crisp sound of chess pieces falling and the occasional conversation.

"General!" Xiao Yichen shouted excitedly, with a smug smile on his face, "Dad, this is going to be difficult, right?"

Xiao Zhengchun frowned, staring at the chessboard, his hand touching his chin as he thought about his response: "Don't worry, I'll think about it."

Xiao Yiyang watched this scene and said with a smile: "Brother, your chess skills have improved. It seems that you have put a lot of effort into it. Did you secretly find someone to practice with?"

Xiao Yichen rolled his eyes at him and said, "Go to hell, I just figured it out for myself to relax after work." To be honest, ever since Song Xiaoxue left, he often thought of her and his attitude towards her, feeling extremely guilty. Sometimes he would play chess with himself for a whole night, and insomnia was common.

At this moment, Xiao Zhengchun suddenly sighed, with a trace of sadness in his eyes: "Alas, if Xiaoxue and Xiaoye were here too, this would be a true reunion."

The originally lively atmosphere suddenly became a little heavy. Qin Lan heard this in the kitchen, and she paused while cutting vegetables, her eyes slightly reddened. She remembered this time last year, when Song Xiaoxue was still helping in the kitchen, chatting with her while cutting vegetables, and Xiao Ye was leaning on her in the living room, occasionally coming to the chessboard to give Xiao Zhengchun some advice, and the family was laughing and having fun.

But this year, Song Xiaoxue has been dead for more than half a year. The ruthless disease took her life like a demon, and plunged the family into deep sorrow. Xiao Ye also left home and settled in Canada, saying that he wanted to pursue his own dreams and life...

Xiao Yiyang broke the silence, his voice low and firm: "Dad, don't be too sad. Although my sister-in-law is gone and Xiao Ye has gone abroad, we who are still alive still have to live a good life. Today is the Little New Year, we should be happy, I believe my sister-in-law in heaven also wants us to be happy."

Leng Ruofei also nodded quickly in the kitchen and said, "Yes, Mom, things will definitely get better and better in the future. We all have to look forward."

Qin Lan came out of the kitchen, wiped her hands, and said with a forced smile: "Yes, let's not think about those sad things. Everyone is here today, so we must have a good reunion dinner."

Soon, Qin Lan and Leng Ruofei brought out delicious dishes and filled the table. The braised fish was bright red, with chopped green onions and coriander adorned just right, giving off an alluring aroma; the pork elbow was red, tender, fat but not greasy; the sweet and sour spareribs were sweet and sour, each piece was crystal clear; and the plate of steaming hot pepper dumplings looked like chubby little babies, so cute.

Everyone sat around the dining table. Xiao Zhengchun picked up his glass first, glanced at everyone's face, and said with emotion: "Come on, our family hasn't been together for a long time. Let's raise a toast together today. I hope that in the new year, everything will be peaceful and smooth."

Everyone raised their glasses, the crisp sound of glasses clinking echoed in the air, and everyone drank it all in one gulp.

At the table, everyone ate and chatted, reminiscing about the good old days.

Xiao Yichen picked up a piece of pork ribs and said as he ate, "I still remember when we were little, we set off fireworks together during the Chinese New Year. I always ran the farthest because I was afraid of being hit by the fireworks."

Xiao Yiyang smiled and continued, "You are just timid. I still remember that Xiao Ye always rushed to the front."

Xiao Zhengchun shook his head and said with a smile: "You guys were all very naughty when you were young."

Xiao Yiyang turned to look at his mother: "Mom, your cooking is still so delicious. I miss this taste when I'm outside."

Qin Lan said with relief: "If it tastes good, eat more. You've lost weight recently."

Leng Ruofei also said: "Mom, I have to learn how to cook from you in the future. Yi Yang always says he wants to eat the taste of home."