It was Chinese New Year's Eve, and the Su household was alive with warmth and tradition.
Crimson spring couplets had been affixed to the doorposts with meticulous care, the "prosperity" words hung upside down as per custom, signifying that happiness had arrived. Delicate paper cuttings adorned the windows, and the scent of chicken, duck, and fish wafted from the kitchen—offerings to their ancestors.
"And of course," Gu Zi added with a playful smile, retrieving three thick red envelopes from her handbag, "Mommy and Daddy have your red envelopes ready."
She handed them out one by one to the children, who each received their envelope with solemnity and delight, their little voices chirping "Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Daddy," in turn.
