On the eve of New Year’s, a row of traditional red lanterns hanging at the entrance of the Zhuang Residence lit up at midnight, glowing bright red all day long, exuding the joy of the new year.
The Zhuang family was always lively, and especially so during the New Year.
Each branch of the family arrived with their families in tow; by three in the afternoon, the huge hall was already packed with people.
The crisp sound of mahjong tiles, the laughter and conversation of the adults, and the noisy clamor of the children filled the air.
Today, Zhuang Qiting’s mood was clearly cheerful and bright.
He was warm and pleasant to the flock of “ducks” at home, so much so that even little Yuying could tell.
Flapping the pair of dragonfly wings on her shoulders, she ran over to him joyfully, tilted up her little head, and said, “Xinnian Kuaile, Da Bo! You look so handsome today. Daddy says you must be in a great mood.”
As the only girl of Zhuang Shaozhou’s generation, Zhuang Yuying was doted on by all.
Every New Year, her cousins, uncles, and grandfather all competed to hold her.
Zhuang Qiting smiled at his little niece, bent down, and picked up the tiny girl, weighing her in his arms—she’d gotten chubbier again.
This girl was really being raised sturdily.
“Why am I in such a good mood?” Zhuang Qiting asked gently.
Yuying cocked her head with pride. “Because Da Bo is going to bring the beautiful Da Bo Niang home for New Year!”
Zhuang Qiting burst out laughing; the joy on his face was obvious, even his usually stern expression couldn’t hold it back.
Wonderful! Daughters are wonderful! How could such a little person have such a sweet mouth! This so-called ‘money-losing’ daughter had truly done a great deed for the Zhuang family!
“When Da Bo brings Da Bo Niang back, what do you want to do?” Zhuang Qiting looked at his little niece with a smile.
Yuying’s black eyes spun around once. “Say… Beautiful Da Bo Niang, don’t leave again, stay and live with Da Bo from now on.”
Zhuang Qiting’s heart rippled, mixed with a hint of longing.
If he and Ah Rou had a daughter, why would he have had to chase for six years just to bring her back to the Zhuang Residence for New Year’s Eve dinner?
Three money-losers—besides putting on a show of encouragement, they either worked against him in secret or simply acted like silly dogs and laughed out loud.
Not a single one was of use!
“Good girl, Yuying is our best girl!” Zhuang Qiting couldn’t help but pull out a red envelope from his pocket and stuffed it into his niece’s hand.
“There’s an even bigger one tonight. Remember to repeat what you just said to Da Bo Niang later.”
Yuying happily took her first hongbao and ran back to her parents, showing off proudly.
Zhuang Qiting walked over to his father, Zhuang Shaozhang, and reported in a steady voice, “Father, I’m going to pick up Ah Rou.”
Zhuang Shaozhang was playing mahjong with a few grandchildren.
Hearing this, he glanced at his eldest son casually, but couldn’t hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.
“Go ahead. I can tell, you’d fly a plane over there if you could.”
Soft laughter rippled from around the mahjong table, but no one dared be too rowdy in front of Zhuang Qiting.
Zhuang Qiting lowered his eyes and coughed lightly, then turned and strode out, walking tall and proud.
Li Guanjia had already prepared the car.
When he saw his master come out, he immediately opened the car door, beaming, and said, “Xinnian Kuaile, sir. Madam must be anxiously waiting by now.”
Zhuang Qiting knew it was flattery, but he was in a good mood and patted the old steward’s shoulder.
The Hongshan Camellia at the Zhuang Residence was blooming more vibrantly than any previous year, lush and grand.
Zhuang Qiting had someone pick a few of the finest branches, tied them with velvet ribbons into a bouquet, placed in a delicate vase, and set it in the rear seat compartment, so Li Yaru would see it as soon as she got in.
The Phantom with the “Eleanor” license plate glided out of the Zhuang Residence, winding past quiet, dense woods and the blue bay, heading toward its eternal destination.
Li Yiguan.
Li Yaru was still picking jewelry, unable to decide whether to pair diamonds with her red dress, or rubies, or pearls. In short, it was troublesome.
It had been six years since she’d returned to the Zhuang Residence for New Year’s Eve dinner.
For some reason, a faint tension lingered in her heart—no matter how grand the events she’d attended in the past, she had never been nervous, yet today felt strange.
Her bright red figure flashed in the gold-filled jewelry room, until she opened a safe in the corner and paused, her beautiful face half-shadowed, lost in thought.
There were only three items in the safe: a wedding ring, a diamond ring, and a Sapphire Bracelet.
After so many years, she hadn’t opened it, nearly forgotten what was inside.
She held her breath, her fingers unconsciously stroking the two rings.
She used to wear them every day, then set them aside for six years, hidden away in this lightless safe.
Yet even now, that dazzling twenty-carat perfect diamond still sparkled brilliantly, its radiance unhidden by any darkness, not even after decades.
Li Yaru pursed her lips and thought for a long time before finally taking out the two rings.
Zhuang Qiting arrived early, waiting in the courtyard of Li Yiguan for nearly ten minutes.
When she finally came out, he looked up from the car, then immediately opened the door and stepped out.
A cold spell had swept across Hong Kong Island not long ago.
Although it had cleared up yesterday, the temperature was still just over ten degrees.
Li Yaru wore a slim red dress with gorgeous embroidery, sheer black stockings wrapping her legs—Zhuang Qiting couldn’t tear his eyes away, mesmerized.
He stepped forward and offered his hand, his deep voice low, “You look amazing, Baby. Those money-losers aren’t worthy of you dressing up like this.”
Li Yaru shot him a glance, her delicate fingers resting lightly in his palm.
“Zhuang Dalao, you really act all smug even after getting your fill.”
Just as Zhuang Qiting was about to say something, his gaze was caught by the rings on Li Yaru’s finger, and a previously unseen flame ignited in his deep eyes.
He said, “Ah Rou—”
He didn’t say anything else, nor did he move, simply froze in place, momentarily dazed.
Li Yaru’s hand was hurting from his grip. She struggled twice, then gave up, letting him hold her, tug and squeeze as he liked.
“What’s wrong…” Of course, she knew why he was suddenly like this.
Zhuang Qiting’s breath was laced with boiling excitement, but he tried to restrain and steady himself.
“Why are you wearing the rings?”
Their Wedding Ring, and the Diamond Ring from his proposal—she wore them both.
“It’s New Year, so I wore something festive.” Li Yaru was a little shy and avoided his devouring gaze.
This excuse was like a leaky sieve—no matter how you heard it, it was laughable. Zhuang Qiting’s smile widened, his joy unmistakable.
Before everyone, he bowed and pressed a reverent kiss to the back of her hand.
“Xinnian Kuaile, wife. Let’s go, I’ll take you home for New Year.”
A sweet, tingling numbness lingered on the back of Li Yaru’s hand.
She gave a soft hum, not sure if she was embarrassed or nervous.
Her red lips remained tightly pressed, nearly smudging her glossy lipstick.
After getting in the car, Zhuang Qiting didn’t let go, holding her hand the entire way.
After six years, the Wedding Rings on their ring fingers finally knocked together, letting out a soft resonant sound, as if murmuring words of love to each other.
.
A fleet of cars set off in grand procession from Li Yiguan.
Although the “money-losers” at the Zhuang Residence usually caused trouble, when it came to cheering and creating atmosphere, they were first-rate.
Even before the car arrived, a group of handsome young men were waiting at the entrance.
As soon as the car stopped, party poppers exploded with loud bangs, petals and colored paper drifting everywhere, just like the groom’s family warmly welcoming the bride home.
Seeing this spectacle, Li Yaru’s face turned red. She stubbornly refused to get out of the car, thumping Zhuang Qiting several times with her fist.
“Zhuang Qiting, look at this! Make your nephews behave! I’m just coming home for dinner, why the party poppers?”
Zhuang Qiting had no idea about this either, but he laughed and praised, “Money-losers have their good points, too.”
“Shut up, you!”
Li Yaru didn’t even know how she managed to get out of the car, her mind blank.
Stepping on petals and confetti, she felt like she was back on the day she married Zhuang Qiting.
The Zhuang family had been just like this then, joyfully setting off fireworks.
That day’s celebration was especially grand—one hundred eighty-eight fireworks, with colored smoke filling the air until everyone’s eyes watered and ears buzzed.
“Da Bo Niang, Xinnian Kuaile! Welcome home!”
“Da Bo Niang, Xinnian Kuaile!”
“Xinnian Kuaile! May you and Da Bo remain forever united!”
Li Yaru: “……………”
Little Yuying, wings on her back, hopped over to Li Yaru, her crisp voice very loud: “Da Bo Niang!!”
“Yingying, you little cutie!” Li Yaru picked her up.
The six-year-old girl was a bit heavy, but she didn’t mind, holding her with a bright smile.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.