The meticulously prepared hundred-day banquet for the two infant twins was quickly approaching on the third day. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, was dressed in their finest attire.
Chen Lan had also changed into a new dress, a green cotton cheongsam-style qipao with a floral print, purchased from the system.
The two little ones were also dressed in new clothes. Jia Yao wore a bright red Tang suit adorned with auspicious floral patterns, while Jia Hui was dressed in a rose-red ruqun inspired by the Song Dynasty.
Looking at the rosy cheeks and tiny, ruby-red lips of the little siblings, their large, dark, glistening eyes truly made them look like a pair of fortunate dolls. Chen Lan’s heart swelled with happiness.
The hundred-day banquet for the young siblings concluded smoothly amidst the blessings of their loved ones.
After everyone had eaten their fill, the lively conversations continued in the living room.
Xiang Dong Ge and Xiang Xi were sharing their knowledge and experience with Er Hu Ge and Xiao Shuan, discussing how to diagnose and troubleshoot car problems.
Uncle Fu and Uncle De were also chatting and laughing. Chen Lan couldn’t quite make out what they were saying from afar, only observing one person speaking and the other nodding, indicating a harmonious atmosphere.
Wen Kai, Wen Qi, and Ming Zhe were intensely playing Chinese Checkers. Ming Zhe’s requests to take back moves or restart the game could be heard frequently: "No, let’s restart, I want to play again…"
Cui Qiao, Hu Yuzhen, Zhao Xiaoyue, and Ming Wei were busy clearing away the post-meal dishes and remnants.
The mother-in-law and Wen Rou Niang each held a baby, while Mother Cui held Xiao Shi Tou, and Mother Liu held Hu Tou. The adults chatted animatedly, while the children, half-asleep, dozed in their arms.
Chen Lan looked at her family, so happy, harmonious, and seemingly untouched by the passage of time. In that instant, she felt the weight of her responsibilities and the pressure she carried.
What had she done to deserve such wonderful family members? No matter what unreasonable requests she made, as long as they weren't illegal or absurd, they would unconditionally and silently support her.
Even if Chen Lan wanted to donate the shop and land, which were the family’s sole means of survival, to Jilin, a place that would be considered harsh and cold for them, they had no complaints and prepared diligently!
Although the true reason for her actions was for their own good, they had no idea yet and were still cooperating wholeheartedly and offering their full support without a word of protest.
Chen Lan watched them silently, and at the same time, she encouraged herself, "Come on, Chen Lan!"
For her dream of a pastoral life in her past and present lives!
For the unconditional, silent sacrifices of her loved ones!
To witness her family’s happiness and harmony every day, and the beauty of peaceful, quiet moments!
Chen Lan silently vowed in her heart that she would do everything in her power, go all out, to create a paradise, a blessed land beyond the passes, for her family!
Chen Lan took a deep breath and walked over to where Xiang Dong Ge and the others were, asking, "Xiang Dong Ge, how are you and Xiang Xi progressing with learning to repair and drive cars?"
Xiang Dong replied with a smile, "I’m doing alright! I’ve basically grasped the fundamental principles and structure of cars. I can handle most common malfunctions."
Xiang Dong continued with a smile, "Xiang Xi is learning exceptionally well, he’s so meticulous. I don't know how his brain works, but he can achieve one hundred percent accuracy with so many precautions and causes of malfunctions. I truly admire him."
Chen Lan looked at Xiang Xi with a hint of disbelief, as Xiang Dong Ge rarely praised people.
Xiang Xi, reverting to his usual swagger and smug demeanor, arrogantly said to Chen Lan, "What do you think, Xiao Lan Zi! Are you impressed by your big brother? You didn't fully believe me last time, did you? Do you believe me now?"
Chen Lan replied obsequiously, "Of course, I believe you! How could I not believe you, my little watermelon!"
Xiang Xi felt something was off and quickly stopped Chen Lan, "Hold on, hold on, Xiao Lan Zi. Tell me, what do you want now?"
Chen Lan gave Xiang Xi a charming smile and replied, "Something good! Absolutely something good!"
Xiang Xi scoffed dismissively, "I don’t believe it’s anything good! Just say it! Xiao Lan Zi, what do you want me to do this time?"
Chen Lan said very seriously to Xiang Xi, "You know me best, my little watermelon! It’s true! It’s definitely something good! Didn’t I tell you last time? When you finished your studies, I was going to give you a big gift. You haven’t forgotten, have you?"
Xiang Xi exclaimed excitedly, "No, I haven't forgotten! Xiao Lan Zi, I can’t believe you’re really going to give me a big gift!"
"Xiao Lan Zi, hurry up and tell me, what is it? When will you give it to me?"
Chen Lan decided to tell Xiang Xi so that he and the others would have time to familiarize themselves and prepare in advance. She replied, "I asked my father-in-law to buy a solar-powered RV for our family. But I’m worried you won’t understand how it works and won’t be able to drive it?"
Xiang Xi said indignantly, "Xiao Lan Zi, you underestimate me too much! Does the solar car you bought come with a user manual?"
Chen Lan nodded, "Of course!"
Chen Lan thought for a moment and said, "It might arrive in a couple of days. Then, when the sun is strong, we’ll drive it to an open area to charge it."
Xiang Xi shouted excitedly, "That's great! That's great!"
"Xiang Xi, is there a place outside our Imperial Capital with fewer people, flat land, and no obstructions all around?" Chen Lan asked.
Xiang Xi thought for a moment and said, "I think there’s an open space at the Ximachang that fits the requirements." As he spoke, Xiang Xi looked at Xiang Dong and asked, "Big brother, what do you think?"
Xiang Dong nodded, "Yes, but that place is too far from home, which is inconvenient and not very safe."
Chen Lan thought about it and decided not to dwell on it. She quickly said, "If worse comes to worst, we can just charge it in our yard! It’ll just take a few more days to charge, and we’re not in a hurry to use it!"
The few of them nodded and stopped deliberating on the matter.
Chen Lan continued to ask, "How are Er Hu Ge and Xiao Shuan learning?"
Er Hu scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Not yet. I can still drive the car, but I’m not very skilled. There are still many things I don’t fully understand about repairing it."
Xiao Shuan also said with a blush, "I’m still learning to drive now, and I haven’t started learning to repair cars yet."
"Okay!" Chen Lan said, "Xiang Xi, if it’s really not working out, how about this! You help the two of them get familiar with the car’s performance and practice driving as quickly as possible. As for repairs, you can teach them anytime you want after we get to Jilin."
Everyone nodded and didn't dwell on the issue any further. Time was tight, and they were leaving for Jilin in just a few days, so they couldn't afford to learn slowly.
Chen Lan stopped disturbing their conversation and turned to walk towards her mother-in-law and the others, preparing to take the children to bed. They had been half-asleep earlier and were probably fast asleep now.
As Chen Lan approached, she heard her mother-in-law trying to persuade everyone to go to Longfu Temple’s fair tomorrow.
Her mother-in-law said to Cui Qiao and Liu Xiaoyue, who hadn’t been out much, "You don’t know, they sell everything at the temple fair, and the things are cheap, not expensive. There are also street performers, storytellers, acrobats, drum singers, opera singers, people who break bricks on their chests, plate spinners, yo-yo performers, and so on… they have everything you can imagine in the city."
Everyone nodded, except for Wen Rou Niang, and expressed their willingness to go tomorrow.
The mother-in-law was happily enjoying the fruits of her efforts when she saw Chen Lan approaching and immediately invited Chen Lan to join them for the temple fair tomorrow. Chen Lan agreed.
The mother-in-law immediately gathered everyone and informed them about the temple fair tomorrow.
Xiang Dong, Xiang Xi, Er Hu, and Xiao Shuan had to study and couldn’t go. Uncle Fu had an errand to run and couldn’t go. Wen Rou Niang had to stay home to look after Jia Hui and Jia Yao and couldn’t go.
So, the mother-in-law said cheerfully, "Except for those who have reasons for not being able to go, everyone else needs to get up early tomorrow morning. We need to go to the temple fair early, especially you, Ming Zhe, who loves to sleep in. Don’t be lazy tomorrow, understand?"