Every year, Li Yaru prepared gifts for her sisters-in-law and younger family members.
This year was no exception.
Although carefree in personality, she was more meticulous than anyone when it came to the little details. It was no wonder everyone liked her.
Zhuang Qiting didn’t speak. Zhuang Qichen smiled to smooth things over, “Sister-in-law really hasn’t forgotten us. Drive safely tonight and come back early, or there’ll be no New Year’s money this year.”
Li Shengming scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. “Okay, then let’s go. I’m looking forward to tasting Mommy’s cooking. This year, Grandma’s New Year’s Eve dinner is all cooked by Mommy herself!”
Li Yaru’s divorce from Zhuang Qiting didn’t seem to affect Li Shengming’s mood much; he was still cheerful.
Zhuang Qiting’s heart felt like it was being cut to pieces. This spoiled kid’s parents were divorced, and yet he was still so foolishly happy! He should be the one convincing Mommy to come back soon!
Just as Li Shengming turned to leave, Zhuang Qiting called out, “Mingzai, I need to talk to you.”
Li Shengming paused, clearly not wanting to be scolded by the disciplinarian at this time. “Daddy… it’s New Year’s Eve… Big Brother and the others are waiting for me…”
Zhuang Qiting had already stood, bending to pick up his suit jacket draped over the back of the sofa.
Wearing only his vest and shirt, his broad shoulders stood tall and upright. “Let’s talk on the way.”
Li Shengming swallowed his reluctance. With Daddy and Mommy divorcing, he obviously thought Daddy was bullying Mommy. Mommy was the best! He wanted to applaud!
On the way, Li Shengming was anxious. Zhuang Qiting didn’t say a word. The two of them walked in silence, footsteps echoing.
They reached the main gate, where a Bentley SUV was parked at the grand stone steps. Zhuang Shaoyan and Zhuang Shaozhou were talking by the car.
Upon hearing footsteps, they looked up, their expressions shifting.
“Daddy.”
“Papa.”
Zhuang Qiting nodded and strode forward. The driver immediately got out to open the rear door for him. He glanced coldly at his three sons. “Get in.”
Zhuang Shaozhou looked puzzled. He glanced at Li Shengming, who frowned and shook his head, signaling he had no idea either.
Zhuang Shaoyan patted Zhuang Shaozhou on the shoulder and whispered, “Let’s go. We’ll talk in the car.”
The three sat in the same car. The back seat was spacious but best suited for two. With three, it was cramped, and the one in the middle would be uncomfortable.
Zhuang Shaozhou quickly grabbed the front passenger seat. Li Shengming squeezed between Zhuang Qiting and Zhuang Shaoyan, looking like a drooping little quail.
The Bentley cruised under the moonlight away from the quiet seaside cliff toward the more bustling Qianshuiwan Road.
The festive atmosphere outside was lively, but the car felt suffocatingly tense.
None of the sons spoke. Zhuang Qiting was unhappy, feeling like these three brats were silently mocking him.
“Why is no one talking? Usually you’re all noisier than sparrows. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking,” Zhuang Qiting coldly scanned the three spoiled sons.
Li Shengming quietly scooted closer to Zhuang Shaoyan, half his body pressed against him. Zhuang Shaoyan smiled gently and patted his knee, reassuring him not to be nervous.
“Daddy, Mommy…” Zhuang Shaoyan sighed. He couldn’t bring himself to say things like “Mommy will come back” or “Mommy is just angry temporarily,” so he said tactfully, “Daddy, keep going. I still have faith in you.”
Everyone could see how serious things were.
“Daddy, does Ms. Li really not want you anymore this time?” Zhuang Shaozhou turned his head from the front seat, looking at his father’s cold expression. “Daddy, you’re old now. It’s time to let go—”
“How old? Am I seventy or eighty? Am I about to die?” Zhuang Qiting interrupted coldly, irritated just hearing it.
Li Shengming buried his head further, almost laughing out loud.
Zhuang Shaozhou felt the old man was a little touchy. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“You’re not qualified to lecture me, brat.”
“Yes, yes…” Zhuang Shaozhou fell silent. Daddy was angry; nothing he said would get through. Fine, let Ms. Li torment him then.
Zhuang Qiting finally looked at Li Shengming. The boy kept his head down, shoulders hunched.
Zhuang Qiting couldn’t stay angry— he remembered when he dressed the five-year-old Mingzai like a little girl, how Li Yaru held his hand on each side, taking their beautiful “daughter” to Disney. For a moment, his fatherly love was overwhelming.
He spoke gently, “Mingzai, don’t be sad. Daddy and Mommy are just apart temporarily. They won’t divorce and their feelings aren’t broken. Mommy may not say it, but she cares about this family, about me, and about you. She’ll be back before long.”
Li Shengming didn’t respond.
Zhuang Qiting disliked his silence. His tone deepened, “Say something, Mingzai.”
The boy shivered, finally unable to hold back, bursting out laughing. “Hahahahahahahahahaha—”
Zhuang Qiting: “……………”
“Daddy… hahaha… I just asked Mommy, and she said she’s having a blast now. She definitely won’t be coming back, hahaha.”
Li Shengming didn’t know why he was laughing. Something had just tickled his funny bone inexplicably. He forced himself to stop— really tried— but couldn’t. He laughed until tears ran down his face.
Zhuang Qiting gave him a cold look and slapped his forehead.
These three useless brats, no wonder they couldn’t keep Li Yaru. Always destroying family harmony, contributing nothing.
…
The Li Residence was mostly decorated before New Year’s Eve, with only some private spaces still under renovation.
Celebrating the New Year here was completely feasible. Li Yaru invited her mother, aunts, and her siblings-in-law’s families to spend the festival together.
She personally cooked several signature dishes, all unique family recipes handed down from Li Rongliang.
Her three sons were coming, so Li Yaru specially set aside half a portion of golden broth abalone with fish maw and chicken, several flower-drunk hairy crabs, and a freshly made pistachio blueberry crepe roll.
Today was both New Year and housewarming, making the Li Residence lively. The TV was tuned to the festive Spring Festival Gala, paired with two tables of heated Mahjong.
The fragrance of durian and ripe mango filled the living room. Outside the window, the sea shimmered with scattered starlight.
The garden was planted with camellias transplanted from Yun City— Red Camellia, Chidan, Eighteen Scholars, Naitong, and other varieties— all thriving without signs of transplant shock.
The flowers were vibrant and fresh. Blue Plumbago and Clematis cascaded like a flower wall from the fence top.
Lu Junqiu remarked that Li Yaru’s little residence was exquisitely picturesque in every detail, surpassing even the more luxurious Zhuang Residence. Ultimately, the quality of a home depended on its owner.
Li Yaru happily peeled durian when a young man dressed in a sleek black butler uniform approached calmly, bowing slightly and speaking softly, “Madam, the young masters’ car has arrived.”
Li Yaru smiled, removing her gloves. “Let’s go.”
The young butler nodded quietly, following behind her, carefully carrying a pashmina shawl for her against the chilly sea breeze.
At the entrance foyer, he gently placed the shawl aside, knelt down on one knee by Li Yaru’s feet, and helped her slip off her soft satin slippers, replacing them with a pair of black patent leather heels that perfectly matched her long dress.
His long eyelashes cast a shadow over his deep, refined eyes. His movements were gentle and meticulous, without any hint of frivolity or familiarity.
He didn’t touch her skin at all during the process. After standing, he opened the front door and reminded her to watch the threshold.
Li Yaru lifted her skirt slightly, stepped elegantly into the heels, exuding poise and grandeur.
Li Shengming immediately ran up to her, wrapping his arms tightly around her in a clingy hug. “Mommy, Mommy, Happy New Year! I love you! Next week I’ll live with you for sure.”
“Cut it out. I live here comfortably. What are you coming to mess things up for?” Li Yaru teased, but her hands stroked his fuzzy head multiple times. The soft, unstyled hair was like a puppy’s fur— so comfortable.
After hugging Li Shengming, Zhuang Shaoyan gave a quick embrace, followed by Zhuang Shaozhou, who stepped forward to gently wrap his arm around his mother. “Ms. Li, Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true.” As he released her, he lowered his voice. “The old man came too. He’s hiding in the car.”
Li Yaru raised an eyebrow, patted her son’s arm, and her glance briefly flicked to the Bentley hidden in the shadows.
Inside the car, Zhuang Qiting caressed the gold wedding ring on his ring finger, staring unwaveringly at Li Yaru.
After over a month apart, she looked great— energetic, radiant, and stunning beyond measure.
She wore red for the New Year, a long dress adorned with sequins that outlined her seductive curves, shining under the evening light.
In the darkness, Zhuang Qiting watched as his wife and three children embraced one by one, chatting and laughing as they entered the house.
The young butler in uniform followed faithfully behind, draped with a lady’s cashmere shawl. His upright posture and refined scholarly aura were unmistakable.
Just as he was about to close the front door, Liang Sijie seemed to sense something. He lifted his gaze and cast a calm, clear look toward the Bentley, now turned off and lurking in the night.
After a pause, Liang Sijie quietly withdrew his gaze and closed the door without leaving a crack.
Zhuang Qiting’s large hand clenched tightly, the skin on the back turning pale. That shawl was the rose-colored pashmina cashmere he had chosen for Li Yaru two years ago on a business trip to the Middle East. It complemented her snow-white skin— light, soft, and never itchy on her delicate skin.
He remembered how delighted she was when she first received it. She spoiled herself by ordering him to drape it over her.
He happily did so, stripping her down to nothing and then wrapping her in this rose blanket like a gift— unwrapping and wrapping again.
Zhuang Qiting closed his eyes, waiting in a silence deeper than the ocean.
An hour later, the door opened again. Li Yaru and the children walked out laughing and chatting.
The young butler followed faithfully, accompanied by several well-dressed male servants carrying big and small gift packages.
Zhuang Qiting couldn’t hear what they were saying, only saw Li Yaru’s radiant smile. It was obvious Mingzai was up to his usual antics.
Li Yaru said, “Let’s go quickly. Don’t mix up the gifts; they’re all labeled.”
Zhuang Shaoyan ushered the servants to load the gifts into the trunk, urging Li Yaru to hurry. “Mom, you’re dressed too lightly. Be careful not to catch a cold.”
A cold breeze blew up, lifting Li Yaru’s wavy long hair. Liang Sijie, who had been silent, stepped forward, unfolded the rose cashmere shawl, and with a soft, slightly hoarse voice, spoke standard Chinese, “Madam, the night wind is chilly. Please wear this.”
Li Yaru smiled at him gracefully, thanking him with noble poise.
This butler’s appearance, demeanor, and meticulousness made Li Yaru very comfortable.
Unlike the other two candidates who had Western-style enthusiasm or Eastern-style reserve and gentleness, he was truly refreshing.
Li Yaru didn’t hesitate and chose him.
Liang Sijie said, “No thanks needed, Madam. It’s my duty.” With permission, he approached and gently draped the cloud-like silk shawl over her shoulders to shield her from the cold.
The next moment, the closed car door suddenly swung open. A tall, agile leg stepped out. The man hidden inside couldn’t help himself any longer.
Clad in a finely tailored black velvet suit bathed in silver moonlight, Zhuang Qiting stood under the moonlight, gazing faintly at Li Yaru before striding forward, climbing the steps until he stood before her.