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By the time of Chinese New Year, only the final shed of coriander remained after seven others had been emptied. Despite the price fluctuating between $1 and $1.30, it always seemed more rather than less.

In the few days leading up to the New Year, the vegetables from the last shed were likely the most expensive. These crops, grown the longest and of the best quality, bore newly vibrant leaves. They produced a lot of weight, selling for at least $1.50 per pound.

Once the final load of vegetables were sold, all eight of the Tang family’s greenhouses were empty, just in time for the 28th day of the Lunar New Year.

The brothers hadn’t slept for two days and nights, all to ensure the last shedful of vegetables was sold in time for New Year’s Eve.

“The 28th day is here,” sighed Tang Zhinian flipping through the calendar. They had yet to shop for New Year’s goods or buy new clothing for Tang Yuxin. They, as adults, may not need anything for themselves, but traditionally they should buy their child a new outfit every year. Yuxin’s favourite peanut candy was also a must.

The New Year’s shopping should also include some peanuts and seeds. This was customary in their village—children would go door-to-door wishing families a happy new year, and the families would offer them peanuts and seeds in return.

Even the poorest household would still ensure to buy some festive goods.

They might put up with difficult conditions, but they couldn’t deprive their child of the New Year experience.

“Let’s go, brother, let’s bring Xinxin with us to buy New Year’s goods,” yawned Tang Zhijun. Despite having stayed awake all night, he was more alert than he had ever been. They had made a substantial profit after all. His cracked lips spread in an ear-to-ear grin—the previous plan had been to make about five to six thousand from the eight greenhouses, but they had ended up making nearly twelve thousand. This made the Tang Family the only household in the village with a five-figure income. Once spring arrived, they could finally renovate their house and even afford to send Yuxin to the Youth Palace to learn music.

“Sounds great,” Tang Zhinian was equally excited – not just because New Year was approaching, but also because their hard work over the winter season was finally paying off. The Tang Family could finally turn their situation around.

“Zhijun, once spring comes we will start to rebuild the house,” said Tang Zhinian.

Tang Zhijun sat Yuxin in the pedicab and wrapped her in a quilt to protect her from the winter chill. After making sure her face was well-covered by a scarf, he gave her a warm water bottle to hold.

“That’s the plan,” Tang Zhijun was long ready to rebuild their house. Once it was rebuilt, they would have a spacious two-story house, just as he had envisioned.

“Once the house is rebuilt, you should consider getting married,” Tang Zhinian added as he climbed onto the tricycle, positioning himself in a way to shield Yuxin from the wind.

“Brother, I am not in a rush,” Tang Zhijun disagreed as just the mention of marriage stirred up his inner resistance. He was reminded of Sang Zhilan, his sister-in-law, who had burdened his brother for four years since she was brought to their family. Tang Zhijun feared he would end up with a similar fate.

While Sang Zhilan was no good, Tang Yuxin, their little Xiaoyu, was a well-behaved and intelligent child. If their coriander business had been successful this year, it was thanks to her help throughout the winter. Despite her tender age, she had helped them tirelessly, and without complain, even when her small hands turned red from the cold. She never uttered a word.