"I bought an apartment in the city center," Chu Yang said, immediately noticing Chi Yan's eyes narrow. She quickly explained, "I just wanted a place for my parents to stay when they visit. Didn't I promise to spend New Year's with you this year? I thought I'd invite them over to celebrate together. They've never been to Jing City before, so I figured I could show them around during the holiday season."
Chi Yan breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought you were moving out to live on your own. Although I was hoping they could stay with us, I respect your decision." He then leaned on her shoulder and said, "Let's go pick up your parents together when the time comes."
"Sure."
If they were married, she might not object to her parents staying with them, but since they were just dating, she felt it wasn't appropriate. Her father probably wouldn't agree to it either.
"Where's the apartment? Can you show me when you have time?"
"Of course, I'll take you there when you're free."
"Okay."
Meanwhile, Chu Luo, whose phone had been confiscated at school, finally checked his messages when he returned home for the holiday break. He was shocked to discover that his sister had bought a house in Jing City!
He thought his sister was becoming more and more impressive.
Seeing that Chu Yang planned to spend New Year's in Jing City, Chu Luo felt excited. He had never been anywhere else, let alone Jing City.
As soon as he got home, Chu Luo asked his parents, "Are we really going to spend New Year's with my sister in Jing City this year?"
Chu's Mom nodded, "Yes, your sister said so, so we're definitely going."
"When are we leaving?"
"Your sister said we'll go once you're on break. She'll take us around to see the sights. We can also check out some schools since you'll be taking the college entrance exam next year."
"Okay."
"She said she'll come back to pick us up. Make sure you pack everything you need."
"Got it."
"I heard Chi Yan will be coming too. We should prepare some extra things to bring back for him as well."
Chu Luo: ...
Time flew by, and before they knew it, snow was falling heavily...
Chi Yan drove towards Jiazhou City with Chu Yang in the passenger seat.
"My mom said she prepared a lot of things. Do you think they'll fit in the car?" Chu Yang's mom had sent her photos of the items the night before.
Chu Yang thought there might be too much to fit in the car.
Chi Yan replied, "I deliberately brought a car with a larger trunk today, so it should be fine."
"I hope so."
They arrived home at one in the afternoon. Chu's Mom and the others hurried out to greet them.
"Come in quickly and warm up by the fire. It's really cold this year."
Chu Yang led Chi Yan into the living room to sit by the fireplace, while Chu Luo poured them some hot water.
Chu Yang took a sip, feeling warmth spread through her body.
"Let's rest for the night and set off tomorrow," Chu Yang decided. The snow would be heavier this afternoon, making driving difficult, so it was better to delay a bit.
Everyone agreed.
That night, as usual, Chi Yan slept in the same room as Chu Luo. However, after bribing his future brother-in-law once again, he spent a long time in Chu Yang's room before returning.
The next morning, it had stopped snowing. The government had organized snow removal on the roads, and Chu's Dad and the others had cleared the snow from in front of the house. Chi Yan was also helping with a shovel.
After a hearty breakfast, they loaded all the things Chu's Mom had prepared into the trunk, filling it completely. Chu's Dad and Chu Luo each carried a large backpack, and then they set off.
As they entered Jing City, Chu's parents were excited, passing by places like the Forbidden City.
"Look, it's the Forbidden City!"
"As expected of the imperial city, it's truly grand."
"That building is so tall. I wonder how many floors it has."
Chi Yan glanced at the building they were referring to and said, "That one has 88 floors, but it's not the tallest in Jing City. When we have time, I'll take you to have dinner there, Uncle and Aunt. The view is spectacular."
Chu's Mom and Dad were amazed. "It's that tall? And you can eat there?"
Chu Yang explained, "There's a restaurant on the top floor. I have free time coming up, so I'll take you around to see all the sights during this period."
"That sounds wonderful."
Soon, they arrived at the apartment Chu Yang had bought.
It was a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, about 80 square meters in size.
Chu's Mom and Dad looked around, nodding in approval. "This is nice."
After that, they unpacked, rested for a while, and then Chi Yan took them out to a fancy restaurant for dinner.
That night, Chu Yang stayed at the apartment with her parents, while Chi Yan had to return home alone, feeling a bit lonely.
The next day, Chi Yan came over early in the morning, bringing breakfast. Then he took Chu's parents and the others sightseeing. They watched the flag-raising ceremony, visited the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and other famous landmarks.
He also took them shopping for new clothes for the New Year. All in all, Chi Yan treated Chu's parents exceptionally well.
Before the New Year, they visited Chu Yang's university campus. The school was too big to see everything, but they took a tour and snapped some photos. Chu's parents were delighted.
"When I graduate in my fourth year, you can come back and take graduation photos with me," Chu Yang said.
Chu's Mom and Dad readily agreed, feeling very proud.
On New Year's Eve, Chu Yang woke up early to help prepare for the family dinner. It was their first time spending the New Year in Jing City, which felt quite novel.
"Will there be firecrackers tonight? I heard they're not allowed?"
Chu Yang explained, "They are allowed, but it's organized by the government in designated areas for everyone to enjoy. Setting off your own fireworks isn't permitted due to fire hazard concerns."
"Oh, well, I think our countryside is quite nice in that regard. We have more freedom there."
Chu's Dad, who was making dumplings, chimed in, "Both places have their advantages. It depends on what you prefer."
"That's true."
"I'm going to the square with Chi Yan tonight to celebrate the New Year, so don't wait up for me," Chu Yang suddenly announced, although she wasn't entirely sure if they would actually go to the square.
Chu's Mom paused for a moment. "Will you be coming back tonight?"
Chu Yang smiled, "Of course I'll be back, just a bit later. That's why I'm telling you not to wait up."
Chu's Dad asked, "Young people usually go out for the countdown and such, right?"
Chu Yang was surprised that her father knew about this and nodded, "Yes, something like that."
"Well, be careful and stay safe. Don't go anywhere too crowded."
"I know."
"And dress warmly."
"Yes, yes."
After finishing the New Year's Eve dinner, around eight o'clock, Chi Yan came over. "Happy New Year, uncle and auntie," he greeted.
"Hello, hello. Be careful when you go out, okay?"
"I will, and I'll take good care of Yang Yang," Chi Yan assured them.
"Good, thank you for your trouble."
Chu Luo sat on the sofa watching. He wanted to go out and have fun too, but he knew that those two wouldn't want him tagging along as a third wheel. He could only watch as they left...
Instead of going to the square, Chi Yan wanted to take her to North Looking Mountain. "Let's go there to watch the fireworks," he suggested.
"Okay," she agreed.
Last time, when they went for a hike, they had parked their car at the foot of the mountain. But today, since they were going to the summit to enjoy the view, they drove all the way up. Moreover, Chi Yan had even made reservations for a spot and a room...
