Aunt Shen was delighted with the almond cream.
"Lixia, this is wonderful," Aunt Shen said, rubbing a small amount onto her chapped hands. "It smells so fragrant, and my skin feels soft immediately."
She looked at Mo Lixia with gentle, knowing eyes. "You are truly a skilled girl. Not only are you good at medicine, but you can make such delicate things. Whoever marries you in the future will be blessed."
Shen Muqing, who was sitting nearby mending a bow, suddenly dropped his tool. His ears turned crimson, but he didn't say a word.
Mo Lixia just smiled politely, pretending not to notice the implication.
"Aunt Shen, if you like it, use it every day. I made plenty," she said, changing the subject. "Also, it's almost New Year's Eve. I bought some pork and ribs. Let's make dumplings together."
Aunt Shen nodded happily. "That sounds wonderful. Muqing, go get some firewood. We'll have a proper feast this year."
New Year's Eve arrived with a flurry of snow.
The village was decorated with red lanterns and paper cutouts. Even in the poorest households, there was a sense of festivity.
Mo Lixia spent the afternoon at Aunt Shen's house making dumplings.
She had prepared three fillings: pork with cabbage, pork with fennel, and a special vegetarian one with mushrooms and eggs.
Shen Muqing was clumsy in the kitchen, but he tried his best to help roll the dough. Every time his hand accidentally brushed against Mo Lixia's, he would stiffen, his face flushing like a ripe apple.
Aunt Shen watched them with a smile, her eyes filled with hope.
As night fell, they gathered around the small table.
The dumplings were steaming hot, and the aroma filled the cozy room. Outside, firecrackers popped in the distance.
"To a new year," Aunt Shen raised her cup of tea. "May we all be healthy and safe."
"Cheers!" Mo Lixia and Shen Muqing clinked their cups.
For the first time since coming to this world, Mo Lixia felt a true sense of belonging. The warmth of the fire, the laughter, and the simple meal... it felt like home.
After dinner, Shen Muqing walked her back up the mountain.
The snow crunched under their feet. The moonlight reflected off the white landscape, making the night bright.
"Lixia," Shen Muqing stopped at her gate. He hesitated, then reached into his robe and pulled out a small, wrapped object.
"This is for you. Happy New Year."
He thrust it into her hands and turned away quickly, almost running down the path.
Mo Lixia looked at the retreating figure, then opened the package.
Inside lay a wooden hairpin. It was simple, carved from peach wood, but polished smooth. At the end, a small, delicate plum blossom was carved with painstaking detail.
She traced the carving with her finger, a soft smile appearing on her lips.
"Silly scholar," she whispered into the night.