Chapter 81: Farewell and Family Celebration

The morning light cast golden warmth over the rooftops, chasing away the chill of late January. In her room, Jia Lan stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the soft folds of her jade green cheongsam-style winter dress. The fabric had a faint floral embossment that shimmered subtly under the light. Its collar was embroidered with threadwork shaped like winter plum blossoms, matching the rose-gold hairpin the system had gifted her just the night before.

Her cheeks were gently rouged, her lips dabbed with a faint red balm, and her hair styled in a low bun with curled side tendrils—a mix of youthful beauty and graceful elegance.

As she adjusted the sleeve cuffs, she stared at her reflection for a few moments longer than usual.

> "Sometimes I wonder if this is all a dream… A loving family, laughter echoing in the halls, a future filled with endless paths. If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."

Downstairs, the house was already bubbling with activity. The fragrant aromas of sweet-sour pork ribs, stir-fried green beans with pickled garlic, steamed meat buns, and candied osmanthus lotus root floated through the halls. The kitchen echoed with the chatter of the two mothers—Mother Jia and Grandmother Jia—who were orchestrating dishes like seasoned generals on a battlefield.

This party wasn't grand in size, but it was intimate and joyous—just as Jia Lan had requested.

By the time Jia Lan descended the stairs, all eyes turned to her.

"My heavens," Grandmother Jia beamed, clasping her hands. "Our Lan'er looks like a movie star!"

"I almost thought the provincial governor's daughter walked in," joked Jia Wei.

"Stop joking and go bring out the tea tray," Jia Mother said, swatting his arm while trying to hide her own watery smile. "Lan'er, come here, let me look at you…"

As Jia Lan smiled and walked toward them, the front gate creaked open.

In came Xu Li, carrying baby Naun in her arms, glowing in post-partum grace and a new dark blue woolen coat. Right behind her was Jia Zhe, carefully balancing a wrapped jar of homemade walnut sesame paste.

Baby Naun squealed as soon as she saw Jia Lan, reaching out her pudgy hands.

"Ah, my little shadow," Jia Lan cooed, lifting her up for a spin, earning delighted laughter from everyone.

Just then, another voice called out, "We're not too late, are we?"

Jia Lan turned to see her sister Jia Ruiyu and brother-in-law Zhou Heng stepping in, bundled in heavy coats. Jia Ning wore an elegant mustard wool coat with matching gloves, and Zhou Heng carried a small gift box and a neatly wrapped envelope.

"I thought I told you not to spend money!" Jia Lan half-pouted, half-smiled.

Her sister rolled her eyes fondly and handed her the box. "Open it and scold me after."

Inside was a beautiful 1970s women's mechanical watch, imported, with a thin, elegant brown leather strap and a tiny gold-etched dial. The second hand ticked with soft precision.

"This is too expensive," Jia Lan whispered, touched.

"You're going to college in the capital," Zhou Heng said. "You deserve something special. Every time you look at the time, remember your sister is proud of you."

Jia Lan blinked rapidly to keep her eyes dry. "Thank you, both of you."

Just as the family exchanged warm words, more guests arrived. A few familiar colleagues from the Youth Arts Bureau, including Director Xu and Li Xiuqin, brought envelopes and congratulatory jars of preserved plums and local specialty candies.

Yao Jing bounced in next, dramatically waving two cloth-bound gift bags. "One is for Baby Naun, and one for our great scholar Jia Lan!"

Even Wang Fei, shy as always, brought a notebook of carefully written classical poems for Jia Lan to read on her journey.

Throughout it all, Jia Lan noticed someone missing—and it wasn't a loss.

Xu Li's family hadn't been invited.

Jia Lan had quietly discussed it with Xu Li and Mother Jia. They all agreed: today was about celebration, not confrontation. Xu Li deserved to feel safe and happy, surrounded by people who truly loved her and her daughter.

Tables were arranged in the courtyard, sunbeams flickering through bare plum branches as dishes were set in rows: hot and spicy mala chicken, sweet rice cakes, sour pickled radish, and steamed fish with ginger. Dessert came with red bean buns and tangerine peels soaked in honey.

Jia Grandfather stood to raise a toast. "Our Jia Lan has brought honor not only to our family, but to this city. Let's eat to her bright future, and to the child who made us all proud."

Jia Lan flushed as everyone clapped. Mother Jia discreetly wiped a tear from her cheek. Father Jia smiled quietly but with proud red ears.

As lunch ended and cups were cleared, Baby Naun giggled uncontrollably in Jia Lan's arms. Everyone's heart melted.

"Naun knows her aunt is about to leave, so she's charming her way into your suitcase," Jia Zhe joked.

"I'll miss her terribly," Jia Lan whispered, kissing her niece's cheek.

As the celebration began to mellow into soft chatter and laughter under the early evening lanterns, Jia Lan found herself standing by the camphor tree in the corner of the courtyard, sipping a warm cup of chrysanthemum tea. The party had been overwhelming in the most beautiful way—so much love, support, and pride swirling around her like a comforting quilt.

A quiet step approached her.

"Jia Lan," came Wang Fei's gentle voice.

She turned with a warm smile. "Wang Fei, I'm glad you came. You always sneak in like a breeze."

He gave a small, bashful laugh and held out a red envelope. "For your journey. It's not much, but... my mother insisted."

Jia Lan accepted it with both hands, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you. You've always been so considerate."

They stood side by side, watching the lanterns flicker against the stone walls and the faint winter breeze curling through the plum trees.

After a moment, Wang Fei spoke again, his voice laced with excitement, though he tried to hide it. "I received my admission notice too."

Jia Lan turned to him in surprise, eyes wide with delight. "Really? That's wonderful! Which university?"

"The University of Political Science in the capital," he said, his voice more confident now. "Not too far from yours, I think."

"That's amazing, Wang Fei!" she beamed. "You really did it."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I studied a lot after seeing how focused you were... I thought, if Jia Lan can do it, maybe I should try too."

"I'm glad I could help inspire you," Jia Lan said sincerely. "You've always been smart. You just needed to believe in yourself."

They walked a little further into the courtyard, near the stone bench beneath the winter cherry tree. Wang Fei looked at her, more serious this time.

"If you ever need anything in the capital," he said, "come to my university. You won't be alone there. If you get lost or if something comes up—you can count on me."

Jia Lan's heart warmed at the offer. "Thank you, Wang Fei. That means a lot. I'll be nearby too, so the same goes for you. If you ever need help editing your essays or writing love letters—"

Wang Fei blushed furiously, waving his hands. "No, no, it's not like that!"

Jia Lan laughed, her voice like a bell in the chilly evening. "I'm just teasing."

They stood there a while longer, friends bound by hard work, shared memories, and a future that, just days ago, seemed like a distant dream.

The stars overhead twinkled faintly. From inside the house, Baby Naun's laughter rang again, and the golden glow of home spilled across the garden path.

Tomorrow, they would pack their bags. But tonight? Tonight they simply stood—two dreamers, quietly proud, and ready for the road ahead.

That night, after the guests had left, and the lanterns in the courtyard flickered gently, Jia Lan sat at her vanity, carefully placing her new watch beside her silver comb and rose-gold hairpin.

So much love. So many memories. And now, a new journey…

She wasn't just leaving home. She was carrying it with her—etched into every heartbeat, every tick of her new watch, every gleam of her trinket, and every laugh of her family.