1968, New Year’s Day
Chen Shuang woke up in a peaceful silence. Outside the window lingered the scent of last night’s fireworks and firecrackers, but more than that was the crisp freshness unique to the New Year.
He YanZhi was already awake, lying on his side and watching her with eyes full of tenderness. “First day of the year… did you sleep well?”
“Very well,” Chen Shuang replied, turning over and resting her hand on his shoulder. “And you?”
“Watching you sleep is better than anything else,” He YanZhi murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Today we’ll visit Grandpa and Grandma to pay our New Year respects. Uncle and Second Uncle’s families will be there too—it might be lively all day.”
Chen Shuang nodded, already planning in her mind. Last night, while staying up for New Year’s Eve, she had thought about using the Spirit Spring water to help her elders maintain their health.
After getting up, while He YanZhi went to prepare washing water, she quietly retrieved a small vial of Spirit Spring water from her space and poured it into the large teapot on the table. This water was usually prepared by Wang Ma every morning, for the whole family to drink.
“ShuangShuang, come wash up,” He YanZhi called, carrying warm water.
After washing, Chen Shuang changed into the new outfit her mother-in-law had prepared—a cobalt blue cotton jacket trimmed with white fleece at the collar. It was festive without being flashy.
Downstairs, Wang Ma was preparing breakfast. Seeing Chen Shuang, she beamed, “Happy New Year, ShuangShuang! Today is the first day of the year; we’ll eat glutinous rice balls—round and complete.”
“Happy New Year, Wang Ma,” Chen Shuang replied, moving to the table and naturally pouring a bit of Spirit Spring water into everyone’s cups. “Drink some warm water first, to warm your stomachs.”
Her mother-in-law took the cup and sipped. “Why does this water taste especially sweet today?”
“Maybe it’s New Year’s water,” Chen Shuang said with a smile. “New year, new atmosphere—everything feels different.”
He YanZhi’s father also tasted it and nodded approvingly. “Indeed, it tastes very good.”
He QingQing was the most straightforward: “Sister-in-law, this water is sweet and delicious!”
Chen Shuang’s heart warmed, seeing her family unknowingly drink the Spirit Spring water. She silently prayed it would keep them healthy.
After breakfast, the family prepared to visit Grandpa and Grandma for New Year’s greetings. Before leaving, Chen Shuang secretly slipped three small vials of diluted Spirit Spring water into the gifts—one for Grandpa and Grandma, two for Uncle and Second Uncle’s families.
The He family’s old residence in the west of the city was a quiet siheyuan courtyard. As soon as the car stopped at the gate, the sounds of lively conversation came from inside.
“Grandpa, Grandma, we’re here!” He QingQing ran ahead eagerly.
Grandpa and Grandma were already in the main hall. Seeing Chen Shuang, Grandma shakily stood up. “ShuangShuang is here! Let me see—your belly’s grown again!”
“Happy New Year, Grandma, Happy New Year, Grandpa,” Chen Shuang said respectfully.
“That’s great, that’s great,” Grandpa chuckled, eyes squinting with happiness. “YanZhi, support your wife properly.”
At that moment, Uncle and Second Uncle’s families arrived. In no time, the siheyuan was packed with people. Children ran about while the adults exchanged New Year greetings, making the place lively and festive.
Chen Shuang brought out the gifts she had prepared: for Grandpa and Grandma, two wool vests and a vial of Spirit Spring water.
“Grandpa, Grandma, I specially prepared these for you,” she said, handing the water to Grandma. “Drink a small cup each day—it’s good for your health.”
Grandma took the bottle, curious. “What kind of water is this?”
“It’s a health water I obtained from an old traditional doctor,” Chen Shuang explained, having already prepared her story. “It’s brewed with various herbs and is said to strengthen the body.”
“You’re so thoughtful, ShuangShuang,” Grandma said, touched.
For Uncle and Second Uncle, the gifts were island specialties, along with one vial of Spirit Spring water per person. Chen Shuang explained its origin similarly, and both families happily accepted.
After the greetings, everyone sat in the main hall to chat. Chen Shuang noticed Grandma seemed a little stiff while walking and quietly asked, “Grandma, are your legs uncomfortable?”
Grandma waved her hand. “Old problem—rheumatism. It hurts every winter.”
Chen Shuang’s mind moved to the effect of the Spirit Spring water. She rose and went to Grandma. “Grandma, let me massage for you. I learned a little massage before.”
“Oh no, you’re pregnant…” Grandma quickly protested.
“It’s fine, just a gentle massage,” Chen Shuang insisted.
He YanZhi moved a stool for her to sit on. She began massaging Grandma’s knees, subtly drawing out tiny traces of Spirit Spring water from her space, letting it seep through her fingertips into Grandma’s skin.
At first, Grandma didn’t notice much, but soon she exclaimed, “Oh!”
“What’s wrong, Grandma? Did I hurt you?” Chen Shuang asked anxiously.
“No, no,” Grandma said in surprise. “It actually feels… warm and comfortable. My knees don’t hurt as much.”
Chen Shuang’s heart lifted, knowing the Spirit Spring water was working. She continued until Grandma said, “Alright, alright, ShuangShuang, you can rest now.”
At that moment, Auntie from Uncle’s house came over, admiring, “Mom, your granddaughter-in-law is truly devoted.”
Grandma held Chen Shuang’s hand, tears glistening in her eyes. “Yes… what kind of virtue have I accumulated to have such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law even at my age?”
At noon, the family gathered for lunch. Chen Shuang noticed Grandpa coughed a few times and asked with concern, “Grandpa, did you catch a cold?”
“Just a bit—old problem, bronchitis,” Grandpa said casually.
She remembered it. After the meal, under the pretext of helping in the kitchen, she secretly added a few drops of Spirit Spring water to Grandpa’s tea.
“Grandpa, drink some hot tea to soothe your lungs,” she said, handing him the cup.
Grandpa sipped and nodded. “Good tea.”
A little later, he said, “Strange… my throat feels much better today. I don’t want to cough as much.”
Chen Shuang smiled quietly, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
In the afternoon, everyone sat in the courtyard in the sun. Chen Shuang gave Auntie a shoulder massage—she had shoulder inflammation and often couldn’t raise her arm.
Again, she subtly used Spirit Spring water during the massage. Afterward, Auntie moved her shoulders in surprise. “ShuangShuang, your technique is amazing! My shoulder hasn’t felt this relaxed in ages!”
“I just learned a bit from someone,” Chen Shuang said humbly. “Auntie, remember to rest more.”
Second Aunt saw this and came over. “ShuangShuang, my waist has been sore lately. Can you take a look?”
Of course, Chen Shuang agreed. That afternoon, she gave every elder a simple massage, quietly using Spirit Spring water to help adjust their health.
He YanZhi stayed by her side the whole time, occasionally handing her water or supporting her, pride shining in his eyes.
By evening, everyone prepared to return home. Before leaving, Grandma held Chen Shuang’s hand tightly. “ShuangShuang, come often. I like you. When you’re here, I feel completely at ease.”
“I’ll visit often, Grandma,” Chen Shuang said sincerely.
Grandpa even added, “YanZhi, take good care of ShuangShuang. Such a wonderful wife is hard to find, even with a lantern.”
On the way home, He YanZhi held Chen Shuang’s hand tightly. “ShuangShuang, thank you.”
“For what?” Chen Shuang asked.
“For being so good to my family,” He YanZhi said earnestly. “I could see how happy Grandpa and Grandma were today. When you massaged Grandma, she almost cried.”
“They are my family too. Being good to family is only natural,” Chen Shuang replied, leaning on his shoulder.
“But you’re pregnant, and you worked so hard…” He YanZhi said, concerned.
“It’s not hard,” Chen Shuang shook her head. “Seeing them comfortable makes me happy.”
Back home, Chen Shuang was indeed a little tired. He YanZhi helped her lie down and carefully massaged her calves.
“ShuangShuang, when you massaged Grandpa and Grandma today, did you use some special method?” He YanZhi suddenly asked. “I saw Grandma’s legs improve a lot.”
Chen Shuang’s heart skipped, but she remained calm: “Just ordinary massage techniques. Maybe they were just effective for them.”
He YanZhi looked at her, curiosity in his eyes, but more than that, tenderness. “Whatever it is, thank you. ShuangShuang, you always surprise me.”
Chen Shuang breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he didn’t suspect anything. She closed her eyes, enjoying his gentle massage, while thinking: after the babies are born, she’ll be even more careful with the Spirit Spring water, keeping the whole family healthy.
Outside, night fell. The first day of the New Year was ending, but in Chen Shuang’s heart, this was only the beginning—her special way of protecting her home and loved ones.
And this protection would continue, growing with the children and passing through the years.