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As the Spring Festival approached, Shen Luoshen rented a conference hall in the hotel to hold the annual meeting.In the final lottery draw, Igor, who drew with Si Ji one after the other, won the first prize, while Si Ji got the commemorative prize.They are all apples, but their races are different.Shen Luoshen helped him peel the skin to prove that his hands were still flexible; after peeling, he cut off a large piece and stuffed it into his mouth, saying: "Five first prizes, three commemorative prizes, you are so lucky."

Then cut a second piece.When it was handed to Si Ji, there was almost only one core left in the apple.

Kindergarten is already on vacation.Most of the kindergarten teachers are foreigners. After receiving the year-end bonus, they go home early to celebrate the New Year. Only an old couple who are guarding the big campus are left.Fortunately, although the house they live in is not big, it has air conditioning and TV, so winter is not too difficult.In the twelfth lunar month, Si Ji accompanied Zuo Yan to deliver some New Year's goods to the old couple, and the next day followed a group of volunteers to the orphanage to look after the children.This orphanage is located in Beicheng, a provincial second-level institution. Half of the more than 100 children have either congenital diseases or disabilities; the age range is also large.The two bought a load of clothes and books, and some other volunteers brought food and stationery, and an older sister bought a lot of beautiful scarves, headbands and hairpins.The children were very happy to receive the gifts, bowed politely to everyone in the spacious yard, and then began to unwrap the presents.The TV reporter interviewed on the spot, and Zuo Yan also appeared on the scene, saying that Tongqiu Kindergarten will continue to care about public welfare and charity together with the volunteers, and hopes that everyone can give more care to these orphans.

It wasn't a big deal at first, but after the old Si saw it on TV, he called Si Ji for a long time, praised Zuo Yan as a flower, and wished he could write a couplet for him.

But Zuo Yan performed really well.Si's mother went to the hospital to take X-rays before, and found out that she had a slight lumbar muscle strain. When Lao Si and Si Ji were not free, Zuo Yan would accompany her to do physical therapy and massage.Mother Si enjoyed it very much, and would occasionally take them out for a walk.The aunts in the square are very cautious, not only more beautiful than anyone else, but also better than their sons, daughter-in-laws and grandsons.Si's mother was the most trouble-free. The two handsome guys stood on the left and the right, making many people envious without talking.If she meets an acquaintance, she will introduce Zuo Yan as the godson she just met; if the other party is unfamiliar, she will say that Zuo Yan is her son.When people look at Si Ji and ask who he is, she will say "oh" and say he is my distant nephew.

I don't understand her logic anyway.

There are three brothers in Lao Si's family, and the population is not considered prosperous.In addition, the old man passed away a few years ago, and the old mother lived in the eldest brother's house. Her legs and feet were not good, so the family reunion dinner was bought by a few sisters-in-law and went to the eldest brother to cook.One day a year ago, in private, Lao Si called his wife and son to hold a small meeting to discuss how to bring Zuo Yan to the past.Si Ji said that you decide, Lao Zuo and I don't mind.The boss glared at him, saying that if he didn't go to Xiaozuo, he would definitely feel uncomfortable.Si's mother said, otherwise they would just take him there and say he was my godson, and they wouldn't be able to say anything.Si Ji hesitated for a while, and asked, would it be a little sudden?She pawed at her newly permed hair, and smiled proudly: "Do you still remember the aunt wearing the red padded jacket two days ago? She is the mother of your sister's partner. I introduced Xiao Zuo to her, and your sister and uncle must also like it." Got it. This is called an ambush pen, understand?"

Although I don't know how the effect will be, Si Ji and Lao Si still spent half an hour flattering her.

The New Year's Eve dinner is set on the 28th of the twelfth lunar month. The tradition that the old Si family has followed for many years cannot be changed.He led Zuo Yan into grandma's bedroom, and after paying homage to grandpa's portrait, the two returned to the living room and chatted with everyone.Cousin Si Rong was about the same age as Zuo Yan, and the two talked very congenially, but it was her boyfriend who called out "Boss Zuo" in surprise when he saw Zuo Yan when he entered the door.

Si Ji and his parents looked at each other without making a sound.

Si Rong was also very surprised: "A Cheng, do you know Brother Zuo Yan?"

"Oh, we don't know each other," said the young man named Ah Cheng, who looked gentle and quick to respond.He smiled at Zuo Yan: "My neighbor's child is studying in Tongqiu Kindergarten, and I have dropped him off several times. The little baby talks about the handsome head of the kindergarten every day, and even pointed it out to me, so I know."

"It's really handsome." Si Rong laughed.

After chatting for a while, several elders began to play mahjong.Zuo Yan got up and said he was going to smoke a cigarette on the balcony, so Si Ji went with him.Ah Cheng was also there, he pushed the ashtray towards Zuo Yan, and said, "I won't tell Xiao Rong."

"You... have been to Kongshan?" Si Ji thought a lot, and although his tone was calm, it couldn't be said to be very good.

"I've been... But don't get me wrong, I didn't cheat on the marriage," Ah Cheng smiled and shook his head, "A friend is a fellow, timid, and asked me to accompany him when I went, so I know Boss Zuo."

Zuo Yan held Si Ji's arm: "Don't be nervous. Although the circle is small, it is inevitable that you will meet acquaintances."

Si Ji felt a little uncomfortable.At first Zuo Yan didn't want to come because he was afraid of causing trouble to them.Si Ji was so dry in persuasion, Zuo Yan gave him a look and he retreated.It was the old Si Da who took a taxi to pick him up in the morning and tied him up.

There are many people in the family, and the few people didn't chat much. After smoking a cigarette hastily, they went to the kitchen together to help.It was already dark when the rice was ready, and when the last dish of steamed mandarin fish was served, a dozen or so people sat around the big dining table and started eating.Grandma's ears are a little behind, her eyesight is not good, and she doesn't talk much at ordinary times.But she actually liked Zuo Yan very much, and asked him if he had someone to talk to.Zuo Yan didn't look at Si Ji, only said that it was there and it was very stable.The elders laughed and inquired about his "object" in good faith, purely out of curiosity.Si's mother smoothed things over for him, saying that she had met him before, and that the other person was beautiful with curly hair, which matched Xiao Zuo very well.Ah Cheng looked at the aunt with a miraculous expression, wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, his eyes always drifted unconsciously to Si Ji.Fortunately, the cousin was single, and the firepower was quickly concentrated on him. By the time everyone took care of Si Ji, the meal was almost over.The boss made a concluding statement:

"Xiao Si also talked about it, the child is very good, I am very satisfied."

This New Year's Eve dinner was safe and sound, but Si Ji felt restless.While waiting for the bus, Zuo Yan took advantage of the boss's lack of attention, pulled his little finger, and whispered, "Don't worry, I'm not uncomfortable at all with a beautiful, curly-haired partner with me."

Si Ji laughed.

The street is very cold, but the snow that fell two days ago has accumulated a little. The white snowflakes on the evergreen shrubs in the flower beds are mixed with red cannon paper, which is very old-fashioned.Lao Si also came over and asked Zuo Yan if he was full, and Quan regarded Si Ji as air.Zuo Yan said that the rice was delicious, especially the fish, which he had never tasted before.Lao Si is very proud, saying that the skill of steaming fish was passed down by the old man. When he was there, everyone expected him to cook during the New Year and holidays. There are many kinds of dishes and the taste is good.Si Ji echoed: "Grandpa still made ice cream when we were young, and it was purely handmade. I haven't figured out how he made it until now."

"There are a lot of things you don't understand." The boss knocked his head, and then looked at Zuo Yan, "You don't need to take some pressure on yourself. Life is not perfect, and you have to give up something. As long as you can not let the bad Just get worse."

A taxi parked beside them, Zuo Yan opened the door for the boss: "Thank you."

"You're welcome, we're all a family." Mother Si took his hand when she was about to get into the car: "Parents should withstand the pressure for their children, don't think too much, you know?"

Watching the car leave, the two did not hurry to take a taxi, but walked together for a long time.Qiucheng has long banned whipping in the urban area, but there are still many young boys throwing cannons and setting off fireworks openly.The streets are full of crackling noises and the laughter of pedestrians, and I am a little bit reluctant to go home so soon.While chatting, Si Ji said, you have to be mentally prepared, a big wave of chicken soup from Lao Si is about to hit, I was forced to drink it for more than 20 years, and now someone is finally carrying it for me.

Seeing that his face was flushed from the cold, Zuo Yan raised his hand and put on the down jacket hat; the hat was too big and almost covered most of his face: "It's because the chicken soup was stewed a lot that you gave birth to this playful little chicken."

"Let's not bring the chicken, Wen Wen you and me... Damn, one day I will kill Shen Luoshen."

In the morning, the two set off for Ye County.There are not many relatives in Zuo Yan's family, and most of them are scattered all over the place. Because of the events of the year, they hardly move around.There are also two aunts in Ye County, and because of Zuo Ye's existence, they have also lost contact.The New Year's atmosphere in Ye County is much stronger than that in Autumn City, and the not-so-spacious streets are full of people buying New Year's goods.When he was about to arrive, Zuo Ye called and said that he was taking Ozawa to find someone to write couplets in the cultural square in the center of the county, and asked Si Ji and the others to come directly.Zuo Yan turned there familiarly, but was soon blocked and couldn't move.After finally parking the car and finding Zuo Ye, the couplet has already been written.A few old men stood behind a row of desks, and there was still a long queue in front of them.Two sheets of red paper more than one meter in length were spread out to dry on the concrete floor. Ozawa, who was wearing a red padded jacket, spread his legs apart and stepped on each side of the paper with two feet. Si Ji poked his little head and asked him What are you doing.He clenched his fists: "Father said he was afraid of being blown away by the wind, so let Ozawa protect them!"

"There are a lot of people here, and I'm afraid he'll run away, so I'll find him something to do." Zuo Ye seemed to be thinner than last time we met, with sunken cheeks and a little haggard. I’ve bought everything, and I’ll make it for you when I get back.”

It's windy here, the ink dries quickly, Si Ji holds Ozawa between them, and Zuo Ye hailed a tricycle to go home.As for Zuo Yan, he was responsible for driving the car out of the crowd, leaving him alone.

The first thing I did when I got home was to ask Ozawa to hold the bench, and Si Ji started to paste the couplets and window grilles.Zuo Ye said that it was a good thing you came, I used to do these things by myself, and I had to take care of this little thing, and I couldn't fix it for two or three hours.Si Ji said it was fine, and we will come every year from now on.Ozawa seemed to understand, and yelled that I would grow up in the future and could help my father with work.After speaking, he immediately ran around the yard, circling the pear tree and persimmon tree, and asked Si Ji to catch him.After playing for a long time and sweating all over, Zuo Yan came late.He helped Zuo Ye prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, and Si Ji was in charge of coaxing the children. The elder and younger played in the empty yard and room for a long time.The last time I came here, I didn't feel much. This time, even though there were a lot of newly bought toys and food piled up in the room, Si Ji still felt so deserted.In the meantime, Ozawa played hide-and-seek with him, pouted his buttocks and buried his head in the bed, saying that I had hidden it, and uncle came to find me soon!Si Ji suppressed a smile, and pretended to search for a long time before throwing off the quilt suddenly: "So it's here!" Xiao Ze smiled very happily, lying in his arms and acting like a baby.The two of them were sticky and tired for a long time, and finally heard the sound of plates being placed outside.Zuo Yan, who was wearing an apron, turned on the TV and tuned it to the center one. All kinds of singing and dancing were on the screen, and the room was finally not so quiet anymore.Halfway through the Spring Festival Gala, the meal has already been eaten, a few adults are eating melon seeds to survive the new year, and Ozawa fell asleep unknowingly.Putting him in the bedroom, Zuo Ye sighed: "At twelve o'clock later, he will definitely cry again."

"It's too small..." Si Ji stuffed half of the peeled orange to Zuo Yan, "He's going to be in kindergarten after this summer, what are your plans?"

"Well, I should go out to work, and let him sleep in school at noon, otherwise time is tight, I'm afraid he won't be able to eat."

"Sleeping at school? But he's so clingy to you..."

Si Ji was stunned, realizing that he had said something wrong again.

"It's okay." Zuo Ye was a little dazed, and soon smiled again, "Children always cry, just get used to it."

But he just didn't talk about coming to Tong Qiu.Si Ji faintly understood his thoughts, but couldn't explain them clearly.Between Zuo Yan and Zuo Ye, memory still seems to be a forbidden area and cannot be mentioned easily; as for the future, the past of the future is still a memory.

Near midnight, for the first time, Si Ji didn't brag about going out to set off cannons. Instead, he ran into the bedroom, closed the doors and windows, and then gently hugged Ozawa in his arms.When the sound of firecrackers sounded one after another, Ozawa was startled and opened his eyes in a daze; Si Ji hugged him even tighter, saying don't be afraid, don't be afraid, uncle is here.

Even so, the faint smell of sulfur still penetrated through the gaps in the doors and windows, followed by the sound of fireworks soaring into the sky.The children on the island seemed to rush out all at once, and there was shouting and cheering all around.

Si Ji was a little emotional.Touching the warm soles of Ozawa's feet, he whispered:

"I still don't want you to cry all the time. There's nothing to get used to that kind of thing... Both of your uncles need to work harder."

However, when he went to visit the grave the next day, Ozawa still cried.There were too many people, and Zuo Ye asked him to tell his great-grandfather and grand-grandmother the happy Chinese New Year. No matter how much he shouted, he didn't think it was loud enough, and his eye circles turned red and he started to cry.Zuo Yan squatted down and said Uncle taught you a way, okay?After a while, Uncle covers your ears and you speak again, the voice will become louder.This trick really worked, Ozawa quickly laughed through his tears, muttering a lot of sentences that only he could understand.The tomb of Zuo Yan's mother is two rows in front, and it was erected in the early years, and Zuo Ye knew about it a long time ago.Si Ji knelt and kowtowed on both sides, wanting to say something, but didn't know where to start.After lighting the eternal lamps for the elders, they returned, and after lunch at home, Si Ji and Zuo Yan had to leave again.They wanted to take Zuoye Xiaoze back to play for two days, but Xiaoze waved his hand first: "No, I have something to do with my father."

"What's the matter?" Si Ji asked curiously.

"Sweep the yard, feed Hei Hei... and...?" He couldn't speak, so he raised his head for help.

"There are also building blocks, reading, and watching cartoons." Zuo Ye continued.

Hearing the word "cartoon", Ozawa's eyes lit up, he switched the TV to the children's channel familiarly, and lay down on the sofa to watch it.Si Ji and the others didn't even notice when they left.

Sending the two of them to the door, Zuo Ye said, brother, Si Ji, be careful on your way.

They only said goodbye, but never mentioned the next reunion.

"I'll come again during the Lantern Festival." Zuo Yan said.He didn't talk much these two days, except when facing Ozawa.

Zuo Ye smiled: "Okay, I'm here anyway."

After saying goodbye, Si Ji sat in the car and sighed, and it took him a long time to hold back a sentence: "I think Xiao Yezi should really be allowed to live with the old Si for the first half of the year..."

"He is more like my mother than me," said Zuo Yan, who was stuck in traffic on the bridge, tilting his head, looking at the white marble fence beside him, "Stubborn, go all the way to the end."

"Don't be sad," Si Ji shook his hand on the steering wheel, "Take your time, I will always think of a good way. Come on, give me a smile."

Zuo Yan looked back at him, still sullen, but there was a smile in his eyes.

"It's too perfunctory, you have to show four teeth. Like this." Si Ji grinned and showed him.

Zuo Yan quit: "Too stupid."

"Don't say I'm stupid if it's the Chinese New Year, I'll be stupid for a year."

"Really?"

"real!"

"Then I have to say a few more words."

"Fuck you." Si Ji raised his hand and stuffed a piece of crisp candy that he had just opened into his mouth.Zuo Yan laughed loudly until there were bursts of urging horns behind him.

The traffic started slowly, like a river that didn't know where to go.Zuo Yan chewed the candy, and the car soon filled with the sweet smell of peanuts and sesame seeds.

"Old Zuo, Happy New Year." Si Ji said.I forgot to mention it last night.

The smile on Zuo Yan's mouth has not faded.Rubbing the little curly hair, he said warmly:

"Well, I am very happy."

Si Ji opened his mouth slightly, his heart seemed to be scratched by something, itchy and painful.

In the past, he couldn't have imagined that Zuo Yan would say these four words so naturally.

People do change.

He suddenly felt relieved.

As Lao Si said, don't let the bad get worse, but make the good better.

enough.