Chapter 433: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
**Chapter 433: New Year's New Plans (2)**
With the fresh and delicious grape wine adding to the excitement and a table full of sumptuous dishes, the family enjoyed an exceptionally satisfying New Year's Eve dinner. Even the three beasts were more excited than usual, circling around the table continuously. This time, they didn't refuse when anyone other than Mo Yan fed them.
The New Year's Eve dinner lasted until the sixth quarter of the evening hour. Everyone was stuffed and rubbed their round bellies as they walked several laps around the yard until they felt more comfortable. Then they returned to the small house, sitting by the warm brazier to stay up late and wait for the New Year.
With so many people, one brazier wasn't enough, so they lit two. Li Xiu sat with the younger ones, listening to their innocent chatter, her face full of gentle smiles. After experiencing such misfortune and hardships, she cherished these simple and peaceful days as the happiest and most precious.
Tang Xin leisurely peeled sunflower seeds, feeling indescribably content. Her days with the Mo family were almost beyond her previous imagination. Even though she was bought by the Mo family and entered into servitude, she didn't feel inferior. She ate well, dressed warmly, and only had to do simple chores without worrying about being beaten. Compared to her days in the Tang family, it was a world of difference!
Various snacks were placed on a small table nearby, and the family chatted while eating. The warm and harmonious atmosphere even made Yun Zhao and his sister, who were forced to leave their home, feel a sense of warmth and happiness.
After warming up by the fire for a while, Mo Yan suddenly remembered she hadn't prepared food for the livestock. She got up and went to the kitchen, scooping half a pot of rice from the ceramic bowl, added a small spoonful of salt, chopped up all the leftover greens, mixed them with hot water, and carried the bucket to the livestock shed in the backyard.
Xiao Hei and Da Hongzao were still chewing on hay. Da Huang, Er Huang, and Xiao Huang were already snuggled up and asleep. Hearing familiar footsteps in the yard, they immediately stood up, ears perked.
As the door opened and they smelled the mixture of rice and greens, they became excited, eagerly approaching their owner. Fortunately, these big guys were quite intelligent and didn't rush forward to snatch food. Instead, they waited by their troughs.
Mo Yan placed the windproof lamp on the windowsill, patted their heads with a smile, and poured the food into the troughs. She also took out a pile of fresh vegetables from her space, enough for them to have a hearty meal.
The five big guys affectionately nudged their owner's hand before burying their heads in their food, filling the room with the sound of their chewing.
Looking at the glossy fur and strong limbs of the horses and cows, Mo Yan felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. The two big yellow cows were already healthy when bought, now even stronger and more powerful. The small calf had grown significantly, nearly as big as an adult cow, and would be very useful for the spring plowing.
The most noticeable changes were in Xiao Hei and Da Hongzao. Xiao Hei had completely shed its past frailty, becoming tall, mighty, and exceptionally beautiful. Da Hongzao had also recovered from its old age and injuries, radiating new vitality. Even the stable workers wouldn't recognize them now. When driving the cart to town before, several horse lovers had offered high prices for these two, and they were disappointed when their offers were declined.
After they had nearly finished eating, Mo Yan added some hay to their sleeping area, then left with the windproof lamp and bucket. She had just taken a few steps when a gust of cold wind hit her, and her shoulder felt heavier. She heard the familiar, proud chirp of Mao Mao.
Ever since Mao Mao hadn't received a reply, it had disappeared. Mo Yan knew where it had gone and wasn’t worried about its safety. She thought she wouldn't see this proud and gluttonous creature again, but it had returned!
Looking at the paw extended in front of her, Mo Yan was a bit dazed, almost not daring to believe she would receive another letter from him! Considering his status and personality, shouldn't he be angry at her refusal to reply? Shouldn't he accept her actions and sever the already tenuous connection?
At this moment, Mo Yan's mind felt muddled, unable to calmly think things through. The paw in front of her remained stubbornly extended. She forced herself not to look but instinctively reached out.
When her pale fingertips touched the cold letter tube, she snapped back to her senses, quickly withdrawing her hand. She shooed Mao Mao off her shoulder, leaving the bucket behind, and fled back into the house, shutting the door forcefully, keeping the biting wind and Mao Mao outside.
Leaning against the door, Mo Yan closed her eyes, clutching her wildly beating heart, taking deep breaths to clear her mind.
"Yan'er, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" A worried voice suddenly sounded, startling Mo Yan. She opened her eyes to see Mo Qingze approaching quickly.
Mo Qingze had heard the door but didn’t see anyone come in, worried something had happened, so he came to check. Seeing his daughter looking weak and leaning against the door with a strange expression, he rushed over.
Seeing her father, Mo Yan forced a smile, shook her head, and said, "Dad, I'm fine. I just got scared by a mouse that ran over my foot as I came in."
Mo Qingze saw her frightened look and believed her, saying, "So there are mice in the house now. These pests are harmful. We must get a cat after the New Year to keep them at bay."
"Yes, yes, let's get a cat. It's too cold out here; let's go inside and warm up by the fire!" Mo Yan nodded hastily, afraid her lie would be seen through, and clung to her father's arm.
Mo Qingze, surprised by her rare display of affection, looked at her with extra love and tenderness. Since leaving Mo Village, this child had changed significantly. She was more cheerful and affectionate toward him.
Feeling gratified, he was even more convinced that settling here instead of returning to Liu Yang Village was the right choice.
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