It was already past 9 o'clock when the two of them arrived. They sat down at their table, which had some snacks and pastries laid out. Looking into the distance, they could see fireworks starting to go off in some areas, though not many yet.
The place was quite crowded, mostly with people coming to celebrate the New Year. The whole of North Looking Mountain would likely be sleepless tonight.
As time went on, more and more fireworks lit up the sky, growing increasingly beautiful. Chu Yang checked the time – it was almost 11:40, just over 10 minutes until the New Year.
Chi Yan pulled Chu Yang up, saying, "Let's go watch from the room."
He led her upstairs, and they went straight to the balcony. The entire Jing City was bright, all lights ablaze as everyone welcomed the New Year!
At 59 minutes past, the drone light show began the countdown: 59, 58, 57...
When the final second ticked away, a brilliant burst of fireworks shot into the sky. Seconds later, it exploded like scattered flowers from heaven, the sparks further fragmenting into smaller bursts. The entire sky became dazzlingly bright and beautiful.
All the New Year's blessings began pouring in at that moment...
Chi Yan turned to look at Chu Yang, then gently kissed her cheek. "Happy New Year."
Chu Yang smiled back and said, "Happy New Year."
Chi Yan pulled a box from his pocket. "A New Year's gift."
Chu Yang also took out a box from her pocket. "I prepared a New Year's gift for you too."
They smiled at each other, exchanged gifts, and then held each other tightly.
Afterwards, Chi Yan carried her back to the room, while fireworks continued to bloom outside.
In the midst of their passionate embrace, Chu Yang said breathlessly, "I still need to go home tonight."
Chi Yan looked at her pitifully. "But look at my little Chi Yan, how can you bear to leave?"
Chu Yang glanced down, then covered her eyes. "Can you hold back?"
Chi Yan grabbed her hand and pressed it down. "I can't. It'll be quick, I promise. I'll take you home after."
Chu Yang: ??
It wasn't quick at all. By the time Chu Yang got home, it was past 3 AM... She tiptoed back to her room and lay on the bed, rubbing her sore waist. She was exhausted.
The next day, they had to get up early again, but after paying New Year's respects, everyone went back to bed for a nap since they'd stayed up late for the countdown. Chu Yang was half-asleep when she received Chi Yan's call. "Hello?"
"Want to hang out?"
Chu Yang: ... Brother, do you really have that much energy?
"No, my family and I are resting at home today. Don't come over, okay?"
"Ah?"
Chi Yan had no choice but to stay at home.
On the second day of the New Year, Chi Yan couldn't come to play with Chu Yang either, as he had to accompany his parents to visit his grandfather for New Year's greetings.
Chu Yang took her mom and the others out to experience the New Year atmosphere in Jing City.
On the third day, Chi Yan was free again and joined Chu Yang and her family for some fun. They were overjoyed. He even received red envelopes from Chu's Mom and Chu's Dad. Although the amount wasn't much, Chi Yan was quite happy.
In the evening, Chi Yan had dinner with Chu Yang's family. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun and Chi Feng, who had finished shopping, were looking for a place to eat when they spotted Chi Yan dining with others.
They walked over. "Xiao Yan?"
...
Chu Yang couldn't believe what was happening. At this moment, watching Chi Yan's parents chatting happily with her parents seemed surreal.
What's going on? Weren't they just having dinner?
Wait, what? Why are they discussing marriage? And Chi Yan, why are you agreeing?!
What? The betrothal gifts are already prepared?
"Feel free to make any requests for the bride price, we'll agree to everything."
"By the way, I have a building in the city center. Let's include that as part of the betrothal gift."
"Our Chi Yan can do everything, and what he can't do, he can learn. He'll definitely take good care of Yang Yang."
"Yang Yang doesn't need to do anything. It's good for a girl to be free and easy."
...
As they talked, the conversation shifted to having children.
"It doesn't matter about children, let the young ones decide. They can have as many as they want, we can hire nannies. We don't mind if it's a boy or a girl, we'll love them all the same."
"Giving birth isn't easy for women, we'll ensure she gets the best care."
Chu Yang: ... Wait, how did we get to talking about having children? Her head was spinning...
After a long while, Chi Yan's parents finally said goodbye. "In-laws, let's meet again soon to formally discuss the children's wedding."
"Of course, of course."
Chu Yang: ... How did they become in-laws so quickly?
"Xiao Yan, remember to take good care of your in-laws."
"Yes, of course."
After Chu Yang's parents left, her mom couldn't stop smiling. "Oh my, my in-law is so talkative. She even knows about farming!"
Chi Yan smiled and said, "She's friends with professors from the Agricultural College, so she knows a bit about these things."
"She also praised our peaches. Next time I'll send you more."
Chi Yan: "That would be great. Everyone in our family loves the peaches you grow. They're crisp, sweet, and so juicy. Delicious!"
"Oh my, next time you come over, I'll give you more to take back for your mother-in-law."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Chu Yang: ...
On the fifth day of the New Year, Chu's Dad and Chu's Mom started talking about going home, and Chu Luo had to return to school early.
"I'm worried about the chickens and ducks at home, so we should go back." Although they had asked villagers to help, they still felt uneasy.
Chu Yang didn't try to keep them. "Alright, I'll pack some things for you to take back."
"Okay. I'll help you pack. By the way, we can go back on our own, you don't need to send us off. It's too much trouble to go back and forth."
"It's no trouble, I should see you off. You have so much stuff, it won't be easy on the high-speed train."
"It's fine, really. The three of us can each carry a backpack and pull a suitcase."
Hearing that Chu's parents were going home, Chi Yan quickly came over to have a last dinner with them. When he heard they planned to go back on their own, he said, "Uncle, Auntie, let me have my driver take you home. That way, Yang Yang and I won't need to make the trip."
Hearing it was Chi Yan's family driver, and that Chi Yan and Chu Yang wouldn't need to make the round trip, Chu's parents agreed.
After Chu's parents went home, the apartment became quiet. Chu Yang started tidying up the place, with Chi Yan helping. "Shall we go back to Imperial Prosperity tonight?"
Chu Yang nodded. "Let's go. Just need to finish cleaning up the apartment first."
Chi Yan was finally happy. It had been a long time since he had slept while embracing Yang. "Then I'll go back too," he said.
Chu Yang looked at him. "You're not going back to be with your family?"
Chi Yan waved his hand dismissively. "I've spent so many days with them already. My grandfather has plans tomorrow, and my uncle definitely won't be home—who knows where he'll be. As for my parents, I won't disturb their private time together. There's not much point in me being there alone."
"Alright then," Chu Yang agreed.
That night, sounds echoed throughout the bedroom all night long, and Chu Yang was thoroughly worn out.
It's unwise to let a man get too pent up, she reflected, or you'll end up being the one who suffers in the end.
