Atlas Studios

  Atlas Studios

  “Daddy, lemme teach you.”


  The younger boy laid down the dumpling skin and used the chopsticks to spread out the fillings in the center like a pro. True enough, the shape of a fat dumpling could be seen in no time.

  “Mommy, why do we eat dumplings during the New Year?”


  Yun Shishi tried to explain it to the older boy. “This is called the ‘New Year dumplings’. As the dumplings are shaped like ingots, eating these will bear auspiciousness. It means inviting wealth to roll into the house. The roundness of the dumplings will also signify a harmonious family. The fillings we use for the dumplings on the eve of the New Year are made with meat to make them look round and full; all in all, we are wishing for the family to have a fulfilling and peaceful year ahead.”


  Little Yichen nodded in half-comprehension. “I see! I didn’t know of such sayings.”


  The woman taught the boy, step by step, how to prepare the dumplings. Once she was done, she turned to see her brother staring at the ingredients with a sullen look on his face. He knew nothing about cooking.

  Meanwhile, Mu Yazhe did his first dumpling under his younger son’s guidance. Unfortunately, it could only be considered half-assed at best. The dumpling was too soggy, with the content seeping through the skin.

  “Daddy, you’re so stupid.” Youyou had a spiteful look on his face.

  His father was spontaneously crushed by his son’s criticism and retorted ruefully, “I’ve never made a dumpling in my life.”


  “Well, this is my first time, too, but look at how good it turns out!” His son refused to give him some face.

  The adult had a look of utter defeat this time.

  By then, Yun Shishi had sat next to her brother. She guided him, bit by bit, on making dumplings. Under her patient tutelage, he was soon making some decent-looking dumplings.

  The day slipped by, and soon, it was evening 6 PM.

  Yun Yecheng came downstairs to find the dumplings ready on the table.

  His daughter and youngest grandson were busy in the kitchen with the son-in-law helping them. The older boy was in the living room watching a program on TV with his uncle.

  The annual new year countdown had yet to be shown on TV, but the station was already warming up to the event by replaying last year’s celebratory program.

  The old man noticed that the trio was no longer around and simply assumed that they had gone home of their accord.

  The Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner was finally ready at 7 PM.

  The woman stood at the door looking around the neighborhood, but Hua Jin was nowhere to be seen.

  Feeling somewhat downcast, she walked back to her room……

  Hua Jin followed the address given by Yun Shishi and called a cab to Xiangti Walk accordingly. He finally found the location after walking a distance. At the door, he could see the festive atmosphere inside the hall through the full-length, see-through window.

  Six individuals were seated around a dining table, looking all happy. Envy rose inside him as he watched the festivity within the house.

  How he longed for such company and warmth!

  In fact, as far as he could remember, he had never celebrated the New Year.

  He had no home of his own to begin with. Hence, being able to spend a heartwarming family reunion like this was just wistful thinking on his part.

  He walked to the door and was about to press the doorbell when he held back his hand, seemingly afraid.

  Furrowing his brows, he knew he had no courage to follow through the action. Somewhat guilt-stricken, he retracted his hand and blew a mouthful of hot air on his palms before rubbing both lightly to keep them warm.

  The snow was getting heavy outside the house, and it appeared capable of covering the land with the countless cotton flakes floating down.

  He stood for a long time outside the door in his coat and scarf. Falling snowflakes landed on his torso and face, as well as his eyelashes, but these were soon whisked away by the wind as he blinked his eyes lightly. The longer he stood there, the more worried he became. He did not think that they would welcome his presence even though he longed to join them.