Chapter 88: The Temple Fair on New Year's Day

  Tian Miao Miao had a dream. In the dream, she was still a little bean sprout. Wearing new clothes and shoes. Her pockets were stuffed with candies. Those small blue, green, and yellow sugar balls wrapped in transparent plastic paper. She hopped along with her dad and mom to her grandparents' house. As soon as they entered, steaming hot dumplings were served. Kneeling on a small cushion, she offered incense to her ancestors. After that, she greeted her grandparents standing beside her and said in a proper manner: "Grandpa and Grandma, Happy New Year! Please accept my good wishes for a prosperous new year." She was still young and didn't know how to say auspicious words. At this time, Grandpa and Grandma would smile and put the prepared red envelopes into her small pockets. They each gave her a kiss on the cheek. In a hurry, she ate two dumplings and then couldn't wait to run out and play with other kids in the family.

  Dreaming of eating chocolate will make you laugh. For more and faster chapters, please go to. Dreaming of my aunt's brother kicking the ball twice will be nervous. When I wake up, I will cry...

  Gao Xiang's mother gently knocked on the door. Tian Miao Miao wiped away her tears and got out of bed, but hadn't reached the door yet when she heard the noise and Gao's mother had already pushed open the door with a new set of clothes in hand. Tian Miao Miao respectfully said: "Auntie, Happy New Year! Wishing you and Uncle Gao good health and all the best." Gao's mother smiled so wide her mouth couldn't close as she pulled Tian Miao Miao along, asking: "Miao Miao, did you sleep well last night? In a new environment, it might be a bit uncomfortable. If there's anything that doesn't feel right, be sure to tell me. Don't keep it bottled up inside. The dumplings are ready, come and wash up first. Gao Xiang said to wait for you to get up before setting off the firecrackers so as not to disturb you. This set of clothes is also mine, a bit old-fashioned, I'm afraid it's not suitable for a young girl like you..."

  "Auntie, you're too kind. I'm so sorry to trouble everyone. From my pajamas to the bed sheets, everything is newly changed. I'm really embarrassed. So, Auntie, may I make a small request?"

  Her mother listened with a smile. This girl is sensible and well-behaved. My son this time really didn't misjudge her. She said kindly, "Look at you, why are you still so polite? What's with the requests or not? If there's anything you need, just say it. You mustn't treat yourself as an outsider."

  "Ah, Auntie, I'm really not treating myself as an outsider anymore. From today on, just treat me like one of your own people. Everything can go back to normal now. Please don't make a fuss over me again, or else I'll be too embarrassed to stay here..."

  Qin Ai used her finger to tap Tian Miao Miao's forehead. Gao Mama felt comfortable all over and helped Tian Miao Miao tidy up the bed. Tian Miao Miao didn't let her. She then brought out what she said earlier. Under helpless circumstances, Tian Miao Miao had no choice but to follow her. She stood aside and got dressed.

  Tian Miao Miao, all dressed up, had just arrived in the living room. Gao Xiang immediately lit the firecrackers for the first day of school. The crisp and joyful sound of the firecrackers instantly lifted everyone's spirits. One by one, they paid their respects to Gao Fu and then Gao Xiang. Gao Xiang also paid his respects to Tian Miao Miao. Gao Fu even pulled out a red envelope from his pocket and said: "Miao Miao, this is an old tradition. When you pay your respects during the New Year, you have to receive some money for good luck. That's what it means. You can't refuse it. If you don't want it, I won't give Gao Xiang his share either... haha..."

  Gao Xiang carefully watched her, afraid that Tian Miao would say "no". No way. He had just formally worn his police uniform for a year and was short of money. He had set his sights on a laptop but it was a bit expensive. His own year-end bonus was not enough. He urgently needed some money from his dad to buy the computer. Seeing his pitiful appearance, Tian Miao swallowed back the words that were on her lips. "Take it," she said. She thought to herself that Gao Xiang could return the money later when he had more.

  They had dumplings. Turned on the TV. The whole family chatted happily about their daily life. Gao Xiang talked about his family stuff. Tian Miao Miao also talked about her family stuff. Before they knew it, the whole morning was gone. At noon, Gao Xiang went to cook. There were still a lot of dishes left from last night. He made two new dishes again. The table was full once more. Tian Miao Miao felt uneasy. Grandma Gao comforted her: "It's just New Year's, after all. This kid can only cook two dishes in person during the year. Usually, he's too lazy to do anything. We're just happy to eat."

  Tian Niu looked at Gao Xiang. Gao Xiang rolled his eyes at her. Tian Niu still often took advantage of Gao Xiang to get him to cook and drink for her. Whenever she was hungry, she would definitely get Gao Xiang to make something delicious for her. If there were new dishes outside, she would also drag Gao Xiang along to eat them. After eating, she would let Gao Xiang imitate the cooking methods. She bullied Gao Xiang like Yang Bailao.

  In the afternoon, I had lunch. Tian Miao Miao Juan rejected Gao's mother's proposal to play mahjong. Staying in Gao Xiang's room, opening the computer and browsing the forum. My mood was a bit low again; Gao Xiang didn't know whether he saw it or not. Sent my parents off to visit relatives. Found a coat for Tian Miao Miao and said: "Let's go. I'll take you home to see..."

  Tian Miao was very grateful. Gao Xiang's thoughtful gestures had touched her heartstrings. She let Gao Xiang help her put on her coat and gloves, and when he said they could leave, Tian Miao gave him a gentle hug.

  Looking at Gao Xiang hesitating on the stairs, not knowing whether to stretch his left leg or right leg first, this pathetic appearance. The little good feeling that had just risen was gone. This guy is indeed a silk. Can never change.

  From the beginning of Happiness Road, Tian Miao Miao greedily stuck to the car window. Gao Xiang tried to stop the car several times, but she wouldn't let him. When Gao Xiang slowly drove into the Happiness Road community, Tian Miao Miao's gaze also focused on one of the buildings. The first time it was updated? It couldn't be moved again.

  The engine died quietly. Gao Xiang silently gazed at Tian Miao Miao. Her face was again filled with tears. Gao Xiang understood that this was Miao Miao's home. He also sensed how much Miao Miao wanted to push open the car door and rush upstairs.

  She can't. Otherwise, there's no need to go through so much trouble. Gao Xiang can't help her either. A heart-wrenching feeling fills his chest. He feels suffocated and wants to shout loudly. Then he pulls Tian Miao into his arms and gently wipes away her tears. Cherishing her dearly.

  "Drive." A toneless sentence. Cold and icy. Gao Xiang put on his gloves. Shifted into second gear to start off. Stepped on the gas pedal. The police car jerked forward, then suddenly shot out like an arrow.

  Turned off the happy road. The Temple of the Holy Mother is not far away. There are temple fairs every first and fifteenth day of the month. Not to mention today is New Year's Day. The Temple of the Holy Mother has a grand temple fair that lasts until the 15th of the first month. It's really dazzling. All kinds of delicious food, performances, and goods for sale; this is the place to go! The lively atmosphere is the best medicine. Tian Miao Miao needs such an atmosphere.

  He held a big, white cotton candy that looked like a snowball. The hat had a pair of cute little horns on it. Behind him, he shamelessly wore a pair of moth wings. And to top it off, there was a lamp on his head. Who else could pull this off but Tian Miao Miao? Gao Xiang accompanied Tian Miao Miao as they strolled through the temple fair, possibly just to vent some frustration. At every single stall, Tian Miao Miao would drag him over to take a look, not even sparing the ones selling energy-boosting pills.

  The thin pancake for spring rolls wraps the green onions and red radish shreds. Pour on some fragrant vinegar, then spread a bit of mustard - it's an unparalleled delicacy; nothing to say. Tian Miao Miao wants two.

  It's been many years since I've seen a sugar gourd seller. I asked the price, and it was 10 yuan for one turn. You're ripping me off! When I was young, it only cost 5 cents. Gao Xiang disdainfully said to Tian Miao Miao: "You're pretending to be something you're not. When I was young, we could play several times with just a few cents...". The old lady's legs were shaking. It was all because of you. Hand over the money. This girl wants to play once. She played the cheapest one. Tian Miao Miao pressed down on the vendor's stall, asking if they had put magnets underneath. The sugar gourd seller's face turned green with anger and loudly said that Tian Miao Miao was just unlucky; this girl couldn't be unlucky. It must be you who put magnets underneath! Let me flip it over and check. What, do you want to call the police? Pointing at Gao Xiang: He is a policeman. Gao Xiang's face turned red with shame, wishing he could find a hole in the ground to crawl into. The sugar gourd seller was on the verge of tears...

  Tian Miao was in high spirits, holding a cotton candy in one hand and the newly-reborn Phoenix that she had just turned seven or eight times before being satisfied. She walked with an eight-character step, as if she were about to carry a birdcage. Gao Xiang followed behind her, sweating profusely. "Miss, please don't cause any more trouble," he said. "Otherwise, we'll both be finished when someone reports us to the inspector."

  The noodle vendor held out two fingers. A Bajie costs 20. Is there no justice? Gao Xiang quickly pulled out two 10-yuan bills and handed them to the noodle vendor. He picked the largest Bajie and handed it to Tian Miao, pulling her along as they walked away. The noodle vendor asked for an additional 5 yuan. Gao Xiang angrily gave him another 10 yuan, glaring at him fiercely. The noodle vendor saw his ferocious expression and thought he was being generous in front of his girlfriend. He said that 5 yuan would be a discount... Gao Xiang's stomach hurt with anger...

  Tian Miao Miao almost laughed out loud. She was reckless today and just wanted to go crazy for a bit. Gao Xiang made her extremely satisfied. She went crazy, he accompanied her in going crazy. No excuses, no dissuasion, not even impatience. Tian Miao Miao's mouth curled up as she walked ahead.

  Roasted lamb skewers. I want two skewers. Gao Xiang said in a low voice, "You haven't even finished your shift yet. Don't eat barbecue, it's not good for your body." Tian Miao gave the money and took over two large meat skewers, handing them directly to Gao Xiang: "To comfort you..."

  As they strolled, the sky turned dark. Tian Miao Miao ate a lot of snacks and was full. Gao Xiang felt sorry for himself. After accompanying Tian Miao Miao to stroll around until his feet were about to swell, he had two skewers of meat. They sat down at a small stall selling Sichuan pot helmets. He ordered two pot helmets for Gao Xiang, one with braised meat and the other with cold mixed meat. He also ordered two bowls of iced noodles; on a cold winter's day, drinking the cool iced noodles was comfortable to death. After eating the hot pot helmets, Gao Xiang felt that this afternoon was worth it as he watched Tian Miao Miao eat her iced noodles one small spoon at a time.

  When the night lights were first turned on, the temple fair lit up with lanterns. From the streets to the alleys, from the Holy Mother Temple to the riverbank, a variety of lanterns were lit one by one. Tian Miao's eyes also lit up, holding a small palace lantern in her hand, which was won by Gao Xiang blowing balloons earlier. Her other hand was held by Gao Xiang. The reason was that there were so many people, don't get lost. Tian Miao looked at him with a smile but not a smile. Gao Xiang's face turned red and his neck thickened as he said: "Look... look at you, sister. Aren't you still wearing gloves?"

  Strolling through the lanterns. Dizzy and unclear what is reality or fantasy. Carefully holding Tian Miao's hand. The warmth seeped through the gloves to his palm. Gao Xiang hoped this road would never end. Let him walk with Tian Miao like this forever. Arriving at the riverbank, Tian Miao devoutly threw in two coins. Her hands clasped together, silently making a wish. Behind her, not far away, Gao Xiang also made a silent wish: May we meet every year, just like swallows on the beam...