Chapter 460 The Last New Year’s Eve

**Chapter 460: The Final New Year’s Eve**

Fu Zhengtu had rare time off this year, and with little New Year shopping to do—most of the items had already been sent to the capital—he found himself unusually free.

Seizing the opportunity, he drove the entire family—old and young alike—and even brought the dog along, somewhat like a 21st-century road trip.

Honestly, during their years here, either Fu Zhengtu or Su Taotao had always been too busy. This was the first time both had the chance to take the whole family, including the dog, on an outing together.

The couple headed north, taking turns driving, making sure not to miss any famous landmarks or local snacks along the way. They even stayed overnight in a popular tourist county nearby, soaking in authentic hot springs and picking up some local specialties.

Chenchen was the most excited of all, tasting many snacks he’d never tried before and seeing all sorts of new things.

The whole family had a wonderful time and returned to the family quarters just in time for New Year’s Eve.

The telephone operator at the call booth had been waiting eagerly for days and finally caught sight of Su Taotao. Smiling, she stopped Fu Zhengtu’s car and knocked on the window:

“Director Su, you’re finally back! There’s a call from Tsinghua University’s admissions office—they’ve called several times and said they’re available around the clock. They asked you to call back as soon as possible.”

Su Taotao thanked her and got out to return the call.

Chenchen wanted to follow, holding the dog’s leash. “Mom, I’ll go with you.”

Su Taotao gently touched his tired face. “Go back with Grandma and help unpack our souvenirs. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

The boy nodded, and by the time they reached the stairs, he stretched his arms out for his dad to carry him—something he rarely did since declaring himself grown up. Clearly, he was exhausted from the trip.

The operator eyed Su Taotao warily. “Director Su, you’re not going to turn them down again, are you?”

Su Taotao shook her head with a smile. “No, I won’t.”

……

The call from Tsinghua’s admissions office was straightforward—they were worried the provincial exam champion might be lured away by Peking University’s generous offers. They wanted to reassure Su Taotao so she could wait calmly for the admission letter until the semester began.

Their offer was similar to Peking University’s: no tuition fees and free meals were standard, given that university education was essentially free at the time, with living stipends included.

Tsinghua also offered Su Taotao a scholarship for personal use.

In truth, Tsinghua had always been her first choice. Their extra scholarship was likely a precautionary measure after hearing rumors that Peking University was trying to recruit her.

No one turns down extra money, and Su Taotao was no exception.

Even though she was confident about her score during estimation, and Peking University’s call had confirmed her status as the provincial top scorer, it wasn’t until now that everything felt real.

Her college place was guaranteed.

As soon as she stepped through the door, Fu Zhengtu abruptly asked, “Is it settled?”

Su Taotao nodded. “It’s settled.”

Fu Zhengtu smiled and tousled her hair. “That’s great.”

Ever perceptive, Fu Yuanhang chimed in, “Congratulations, sister-in-law, on getting what you wanted.”

Su Taotao smiled. “Thank you.”

This year's New Year's Eve dinner was once again a joyful gathering of several families. Xiao Chu’s family, Fatty’s family, and Xiao Lu’s family all came over.

Xiao Meizi didn’t feel like coming and stayed with Bai Hua instead.

Xia Zhiqiu and Auntie Zhong canceled their plans to return home for the holiday and chose to stay and celebrate with Su Taotao’s family.

As in years past, everyone chipped in—one family brought a chicken, another a duck, one made a plate of steamed pork with preserved vegetables, and another contributed oil-braised shrimp...

Each household showcased their best dishes, filling two large tables to the brim.

They ditched formality and went for a buffet-style setup. Once the food hit the table, people could dig in anytime they liked, taking whatever they wanted into their own bowls. The rule was simple—clean your plate before going back for seconds, no wasting food.

The kids were the happiest, each holding their own bowls and lining up to serve themselves, picking only what they loved.

Su Taotao set up a barbecue grill in the yard. Fu Zhengtu somehow got hold of a whole sheep, which was now roasting on the spit, sizzling and dripping with oil.

Even though everyone was already quite full, the mouthwatering smell had them drooling.

Once the roasted lamb was ready, Su Taotao asked Mr. Fu to hand out the meat, and the children lined up again to “claim” their portions.

Xiao Lu, quick on the uptake, wouldn’t let Mr. Fu handle it alone and jumped right in, joking around with the kids.

Su Taotao and the women chatted nearby.

The men knocked back a few drinks, cheering to good times and laughter.

There was no sadness over parting—only blessings that the new year would be better than the last, and hopes that everyone would thrive even more.

After the feast, once the food settled, they all huddled together to talk.

“Tao Tao,” Auntie Zhong began, “on behalf of our community—no, all the women in the county—I want to thank you. Let me finish—this isn’t just flattery.

If not for you, I’d still be at the market waiting for that half-dead fish to kick the bucket just to save a few cents and pass the time. You gave my life a second chance. You’re the reason I’m where I am today.

Without you, most of the women in our neighborhood—and the entire county—wouldn’t have work. It was you who led us, gave us jobs, put meals on our plates, and even left us with a little extra cash for clothes. No more scrounging for half-dead fish…

Tao Tao, I’m downing this one—no pressure. Borrowing your words, there’s plenty of time ahead. We’ll meet again!”

Auntie Zhong never meant to get all teary, let alone cry. She had planned to say goodbye to Su Taotao’s family with a smile.

But a couple of drinks in, the floodgates opened, and she couldn’t help herself.

Xia Zhiqiu chimed in: “Tao Tao, Director Zhong already said what needed saying, so I won’t repeat it.

But without you, I don’t know if Dongdong would even be here today. Without you, there wouldn’t be a Xia Zhiqiu as I am now. I’m finishing this one—you don’t have to.”

Dong Shengping wasn’t much of a talker, but without Su Taotao, he probably would’ve remained a broken man.

When it came to gratitude, no one was deeper in her debt than him.

Xiao Lu’s eyes welled up too. He was Fu Zhengtu’s first follower and among the earliest to work under Su Taotao. Even before the small workshop started, he had been running errands left and right behind her, doing everything he could. He knew better than anyone how much blood and sweat she had poured into making the factory what it was today.

“Big sis…”

“Alright,” Su Taotao raised her hand, her eyes glistening. “My sisters, my brother, weren’t we just gonna have a happy New Year? What’s all this for?”

Fu Zhengtu tousled Su Taotao’s hair and pulled her into his arms. His wife was something else—her fingerprints were all over the factory’s success and the smooth operation of the facility.

They poured their youth into this land, dedicating their sweat without seeking to be remembered by the world, let alone achieving historical fame—they simply did what they believed was right.

Their families were colleagues, comrades, and friends; not blood relatives, yet emotionally, they had long transcended family bonds.

This New Year's Eve dinner was more meaningful and satisfying than any before.

But in the final embrace, there were still tears and sorrow.

...