“Son, why are you so busy during Lunar New Year?!” Feng Yu’s mother grumbled. Feng Yu’s phone had been ringing nonstop during Lunar New Eve.

  “Nothing. They are calling to wish me a happy new year.” Feng Yu replied casually.

  “Oh, your employees from other provinces?”


  Feng Yu looked at his mother weakly and did not reply. An employee from another Province? If I tell you who was the one calling, your jaws will drop to the floor.

  “Mum, let me help you with the dumplings.” Feng Yu rolled up his sleeves.

  “Go away. You will create a mess. Go outside and see if your Eldest Uncle and the rest have reached. Your drivers are too slow!”


  It was snowing yesterday, and cars go fast. Feng Yu had sent his Off-road cars to fetch his Uncle. If he had sent the Olympic model, they might reach tomorrow.

  As Feng Yu was talking to his mother, he heard the sounds of someone pressing the horn outside. He quickly ran out to open the gates and saw his Eldest Uncle and his family alighting from the vehicle.

  “Uncle, are you tired?”


  “No. This car is very comfortable.”


  “I will bring you to the factory and let you pick a brand new one.”


  “Thank you, Xiao Yu. But I seldom drive and having a car is useless to me. Where’s your grandfather?”


  “He is sleeping upstairs. He says he wants to stay up all night.”


  They chatted as they walked back to the house. After sending his Uncle and his family into the house, Feng Yu took out two red packets and gave it to the two drivers, telling them it’s for their children. One of the drivers is a young man and is not married. He hesitated and don’t know whether if he should accept it. The other driver is used to this and wished Feng Yu happy new year, before dragging that young man away with the red packets.

  After Feng Yu entered the house, his grandfather also came down from upstairs. They sat in the living room to watch TV.

  The Philips TV in the living room is sharp, and with the sound system, the living room feels like a cinema.

  “When are you getting married? Stop wasting time and get a girlfriend soon!” Eldest Uncle starts lecturing his son.

  Feng Yu’s elder cousin replied embarrassedly. “Dad, getting married is for life. It’s not easy to get a partner.”


  “Bullshit! You think I don’t know what you are thinking? Let me warn you. If you have a girlfriend, treat her well. I will beat you up if you play around with women!”


  Feng Yu finally understood. Father beating up sons is his family’s tradition.

  After a while, dinner is ready, and Feng Yu and his elder cousin helped to bring out the dishes from the kitchen. The round table in the dining room is full of dishes.

  Feng Yu’s grandfather raised his glass. “It’s New Year, and I am glad to see everyone here. Cheers!”


  Feng Yu took a sip and was about to put down his glass when he saw his father staring at him.

  “You think you are at your unit?! Finish it!” Feng Xingtai scolded. You dare to play tricks at home? When you are young, I don’t let you drink, but you secretly drink behind my back!

  “Dad, it’s a company and not a unit.” Feng Yu argued and finished his glass of alcohol.

  After everyone finished their first glass, Feng Yu looked at his elder cousin, and they took out a red packet each from their pockets.

  “Grandpa, this is for you.”


  Feng Yu’s grandfather was surprised. “You brats are giving me red packets?”


  “That’s right. We wish you will live a long life and see us get married and see your great-grandchildren go to school and get married.” Feng Yu’s cousin laughed.

  “Hahaha… I am satisfied if I get to see my great-grandchildren. If I live long enough to see them get married, I will be a monster.” Feng Yu’s grandfather laughed. From his laughter, everyone can tell he is very healthy.

  “Dad, this is a token from the kids. Just accept it.”


  “Alright! I will keep it. It’s been years since I received red packets.” Feng Yu’s grandfather said as tears start to well up in his eyes.

  After dinner, there is still some time before the Spring Festive Gala Night starts, and everyone went outside to set off fireworks. Feng Yu’s grandfather even lit one himself.

  Feng Yu was feeling great to see all his relatives around. His mood would be better if his mother did not nag about Li Na not coming over.

  After the fireworks, everyone sat in the living room to watch the Gala night and chatted.

  Feng Yu’s elder cousin asked softly. “Brother, my leader asked me if I am interested in being transferred to the State Own enterprise restructuring office. Should I accept it?”


  “Why not? You will be promoted to a Deputy Section Chief after you are transferred, right?” If Old Zhang is not taking care of you, you think you will get this offer? Do you still need to ask me?

  “You are right. But this transfer is from the Party Committee to the Government.”


  “What’s the problem? Old Zhang is still in Bing City. Furthermore, the restructuring office is under the Deputy City Mayor, and he is Xu Changyou’s former secretary. This is a position where you can shine. If you work hard, you should be a Section Chief in another 2 years.”


  “I heard there will be major changes to the State Own Enterprises this year. Many people will be out of a job. Will this offend many people?”


  “Those that are kicked out are those who do not have any skills and laze around. Those with skills and capabilities will be assigned to jobs. The city is also providing training for those unskilled employees. They will be happy to get skilled workers’ salaries.”


  “You are right. Their basic salary is only about 200 to 300 RMB monthly. They might as well get a new job. Ok. I will accept the transfer.” Feng Yu’s cousin was excited. He hopes Feng Yu is right, and he will be promoted in two years.

  With a younger cousin like Feng Yu, who has connections with the Provincial and City Governments, he doesn’t need to worry about getting credits or losing out to others. Even without any noticeable results, he will also get promoted.

  “Second Uncle is going to be a member of the Province’s National People’s Congress, and he will be going to the Provincial Government to attend meetings in the future. I didn’t know doing business can also be a government official.” Feng Yu’s cousin said.

  Huh? My dad is going to be a government official? How come I am not aware?

  “I don’t know about this. Who told you this?”


  “Ah? You don’t know? Even the official appointment letter is issued. You are not the one who asks the leaders to appoint Second Uncle?” Feng Yu’s cousin asked.

  “It’s not me. I think it should be Old Zhang’s idea.”


  In the future, Feng Yu’s father will attend government meetings, and if there are problems, he will surely ask Feng Yu. Damn! I will become the Province’s free consultant!

  No! I must speak to Old Zhang tomorrow. You tricked my dad into becoming a government official without asking me first? Even if my dad agrees, you should let me know first!

  ……


  “Hahaha….” Feng Yu’s mother laughed loudly.

  “Hahaha… this skit is so funny!”


  The Gala night ended, and everyone went to bed. Feng Yu laid in his bed and looked at the ceiling. He is thinking about the first night when he was reborn.

  Translator’s notes: It’s a Chinese custom to stay up all night on Lunar New Year’s Eve. This custom can be traced back to the Northern and Southern dynasties.

  Northern and Southern dynasties