Dawn at Year's End

Dawn at Year's End Plot:

Retired carpenter Chen Shouyi always waits by his old wall clock in the central hall every year's end, hoping his grandson Chen Xing who works in Shenzhen will come back for the New Year. This year, a snowstorm blocks all travel routes, and Chen Xing says he can't make it via a video call, looking worn out from overtime. Chen hides his disappointment and cooks two bowls of dumplings alone. Unexpectedly, the doorbell rings repeatedly in the pre-dawn hours: Chen Xing stands outside with frozen hands, having secretly adjusted his shift to rush back; then a box of cured New Year snacks sent by his old woodworking partner arrives. The window begins to glow with dawn, and the cold end of the year finally brings a warm, hopeful break for him.