Chapter 45#

Today’s local news reported that tomorrow might be the first snowy New Year’s Eve in nearly a century.

Protecting the two bouquets of flowers in his arms, Yan Heqing ran all the way from the subway entrance into the unit building, braving the increasingly heavy snow.

A black Mercedes-Benz was parked horizontally at the entrance of the building, its windshield and roof already covered with a thin layer of snow.

Yan Heqing’s expression remained unchanged. He gently patted the falling snow off his coat and went upstairs unhurriedly.

His footsteps were light, and the sensor light didn’t turn on.

In the dim light, a scarlet dot flickered at the door on the third floor, and the air was filled with the thick, heavy smell of tobacco.

Lu Muchi had smoked half a year’s worth of cigarettes today.

Without light, he could still see every single one of the boy’s eyelashes clearly.

He took out the cigarette holder and said, suppressing his anger, “I waited for you all day.”

His voice triggered the light.

Orange light instantly shone on Yan Heqing. Holding the flowers, the tips of his hair still retaining the chill of the winter night, he continued upstairs unhurriedly, “That’s your business.”

Lu Muchi stood up abruptly. His pupils contracted sharply. He almost crushed the cigarette between his fingers, then threw it away, grabbed the bag hanging on the stair railing, and waved his hand.

Pink banknotes flew out of the bag in a flurry, like swirling snowflakes, fluttering down in the stairwell.

“I pulled out your thorn overnight. What else are you dissatisfied with?”

Lu Muchi stared at the flowers in Yan Heqing’s arms, his teeth grinding loudly.

He was really angry.

Yan Heqing didn’t answer his phone. Afraid that leaving would mean missing Yan Heqing, he had guarded this spot all day without eating a grain of rice, even more afraid that…

Something had happened to Yan Heqing.

As a result, he worried all day, and Yan Heqing came back holding two bouquets of flowers sent by god knows who!

Was it Feng Zhixian or someone else?

Lu Muchi’s heart beat incredibly fast. His two eyes, like loaded powder kegs, wished those two eyesores of bouquets would burn to ashes immediately.

A few banknotes landed on the step above. Yan Heqing stopped, his expression calm. “Scars left by surgery take time to heal. I don’t have a special gift to pretend nothing happened in an instant.”

He raised his eyes to meet Lu Muchi’s stunned gaze. “Can you make way? I’ve worked all day and I’m really tired.”

The dim light fell on Yan Heqing’s eyebrows and eyes; he was indeed very weary.

He went to work, not on a date… Lu Muchi’s anger vanished instantly. He licked the corner of his mouth and stepped aside.

Yan Heqing avoided the places where the banknotes had fallen. Without looking at Lu Muchi the whole time, he walked up the last few steps, took out his key to open the door, and was about to enter and close it.

Lu Muchi was quick-eyed and deft-handed, stepping forward quickly to block the door. Before Yan Heqing could speak, his eyes flickered. “I won’t go in. I’ll just say one more thing.”

“I understand what you mean.” His gaze was burning. “I’ll give you time to heal your wounds. Similarly, you have to answer my calls. I—”

The words “would worry” swirled around a few times but ultimately didn’t come out.

Yan Heqing closed the door at the same time.

As the door was about to close, his clear voice drifted out, “Please take your trash with you when you leave.”

Thud.

The door closed.

Lu Muchi subconsciously looked at the cigarette butts all over the floor. He took out his phone to call the bodyguards to clean up, then turned his face to look at the closed door. “…”

His expression changed several times, but he still squatted down to pick them up himself.

After picking up for a while, he grabbed a few banknotes, and his eyelids twitched automatically.

Did the trash Yan Heqing mentioned include this money?

——

After entering the room, Yan Heqing changed his shoes and carried the flowers into the kitchen. He blocked the drain, filled half a basin with water, removed the newspaper wrapping the flowers, and carefully placed them in the water to soak.

Then he cooked his dinner.

The water boiled. Yan Heqing put in ten dumplings, carefully reviewing Lu Muchi’s performance just now in his mind.

Except for the emotions directed at him, Lu Muchi was in a very relaxed state overall. Coupled with Xu Qiaoyin’s inexplicable leave of absence, Yan Heqing lowered his head, staring at the white, chubby dumplings gradually floating up. He was ninety percent sure that Lu Muchi had hidden Xu Qiaoyin away.

A moment later, Yan Heqing scooped up the dumplings, made a garlic vinegar dipping sauce, and carried the dumplings to the living room for dinner.

His fingers were stiff from the cold. Glancing at the radiator, Yan Heqing thought about it and still turned on the small electric heater, placing it by his feet for warmth, and quickly finished his dinner.

After eating and cleaning the kitchen, Yan Heqing went into the bathroom to check the clothes he had hung up. They still felt quite damp to the touch. Without the radiator, he wouldn’t be able to wear them tomorrow.

He took down the clothes and returned to the living room, turned on the radiator, and hung the clothes on the radiator’s drying rack.

It was almost nine o’clock. He sat down to read. By the time he finished, it was nearly 12 o’clock. His neck felt terribly uncomfortable, so he didn’t take a shower. He simply washed up and went to bed.

Turning off the lights, it was quiet enough to hear the falling snow.

It was going to snow heavily for the Spring Festival.

At six the next morning, Yan Heqing lifted the quilt and got up. He went to the kitchen to check the flowers first. The gladioli and chrysanthemums had soaked overnight and bloomed even better. Several flower buds had also unfolded their petals.

Yan Heqing felt relieved. He found a few new sheets of paper and wrapped the two bouquets of flowers himself.

It was very simple, and just as the flower shop owner said, the gladioli of all colors didn’t match well when wrapped into a bouquet.

But that wasn’t important.

After wrapping the flowers, he quickly cooked a bowl of noodles. After eating, he stepped on the scale.

Still 119.

His weight seemed stuck at this number, difficult to increase further.

Yan Heqing furrowed his brows slightly before going to take a shower.

After washing, he used the extremely noisy hair dryer given by the landlord for the first time. He didn’t know how to style his hair, so he just dried it until it was soft, then used small scissors to simply trim his bangs himself.

The radiator had been on all night, making the room as warm as summer. The clothes and pants that were drying were also warm. Yan Heqing changed into the new sweater and pants, then put on that new overcoat.

Carefully tying his scarf, Yan Heqing looked out the window. It wasn’t snowing anymore, so he didn’t bring an umbrella and went out holding the two bouquets of flowers.

The entire stairwell was clean.

Walking out of the unit building, the ground outside was covered with pure white snow. No one had walked on it; it was incredibly clean. Only after Yan Heqing walked across did he leave a row of one-way footprints.

This time he didn’t go to the subway station. He crossed the zebra crossing and waited for the bus at the bus stop at the entrance of Jing University.

The Jing University bus stop was a major stop, covering almost all routes. Early in the morning, it was already crowded with people going to snap up New Year’s goods.

Buses came one after another. Half an hour later, unlike the other buses that were already packed, an empty bus arrived slowly.

Only the driver was inside.

The terminal station of this bus was the suburban cemetery. The driver stopped symbolically and opened the door. The crowd didn’t move; only Yan Heqing got on.

After swiping his payment, Yan Heqing walked to the last window seat and sat down.

The door closed, carrying Yan Heqing on his journey again.

It took three hours to get to the terminal. Yan Heqing put on his earphones. There was no sound in the earphones. He hugged the bouquets and quietly watched the street scenery retreating outside the window.

At the same time, Lin Fengzhi went downstairs with messy hair.

Wearing pajamas, he went into the kitchen to get a cup of ice, then poured a large glass of soda, tilting his neck and gulping it down.

Mother Lin came in and saw this, scolding, “Drink less soda, it’s bad for your health.”

Lin Fengzhi hadn’t even closed his eyes yet. Yesterday he was thrown out by the Lu Corporation’s security guards, and he failed to deliver Lu Lin’s New Year gift. He was angry all night and only fell asleep near dawn.

He muttered, “I just want to drink soda.”

He put down the cup with only ice cubes left and was about to go back to his room to sleep. Mother Lin asked him from behind, “What do you want to eat for New Year’s Eve dinner? No more king crab. You eat it every day; your body can’t take it.”

At this time, Lin Fengyi also arrived. He was also wearing pajamas, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed, a smile on his lips. “Let’s have white-cut chicken. Haven’t had it for a long time.”

Lin Fengzhi yawned, “I hate chicken the most!”

“We’ll use sunflower chicken.” Lin Fengyi stepped forward and ruffled his hair, his eyes full of smiles. “Last time we went out to eat, didn’t you say sunflower chicken was fragrant? I asked someone to get a few yesterday.”

Lin Fengzhi lifted his eyelids, his pupils still sleepy. “Did I? Don’t remember.”

Another set of footsteps approached. It was the eldest son of the Lin family, Lin Fengxian. He had been on a business trip during this period and only arrived home late last night.

Lin Fengxian was dressed in loungewear and wore silver-rimmed glasses. He had a gentle temperament. He was two years older than Lin Fengyi. Outsiders who didn’t see him often would mistake him for the second brother.

“Big brother!” Lin Fengzhi woke up immediately, stepping forward to give Lin Fengxian a light hug. “You’re finally back! I missed you to death!”

Lin Fengxian patted his back and released him with a smile. “Did you miss me or your gift?”

Lin Fengyi leaned in close. “That must be the gift.”

Lin Fengzhi grinned. “Missed both! Where is it? I’ll go get it now!”

“Still in the suitcase. I’ll give it to you tonight.”

Mother Lin watched her three sons getting along well, her eyes overflowing with smiles.

At this moment, Lin Fengxian suddenly changed the subject. “Fengzhi, you found your biological brother. Why don’t you invite him home for the reunion dinner today?”

Mother Lin had this intention for a while. “Right, right, I was just about to say it, but got interrupted and almost forgot. Yes, Zhizhi, give Heqing a call and ask him to come for dinner.”

Lin Fengzhi suddenly went quiet.

Last time Yan Heqing came to the Lin family, everyone liked him very much…

And he was still angry now.

Yan Heqing wouldn’t even help him ask about the shampoo brand. He searched for a long time but still couldn’t find it.

Hearing about inviting Yan Heqing, Lin Fengyi first looked at Lin Fengzhi. Seeing his puffy, angry look, he immediately said, “He has a family. What’s the deal with coming to our house for New Year’s Eve dinner?”

Lin Fengzhi wanted to explain that Yan Heqing had severed ties with his foster parents, but the words reached his lips and he swallowed them back.

New Year was different; it was for family reunions. What if Yan Heqing went back for the New Year?

Lin Fengxian hadn’t thought of this point. He was very regretful. “Dad said he’s very good at chess. I wanted to ask for a few games.”

Mother Lin proposed another suggestion. “Then let’s invite him on the second day of the New Year, the day for visiting relatives and friends.”

Lin Fengyi was still looking at Lin Fengzhi. Lin Fengzhi hesitated for a moment before muttering, “We’ll see.” Not wanting to continue this topic, he quickened his pace and ran off.

After Lin Fengzhi went upstairs, Lin Fengyi frowned and said dissatisfiedly, “Brother, if you have too much to say and nowhere to say it, go find my sister-in-law!”

The sister-in-law he referred to was Lin Fengxian’s fiancée; they were getting married next year.

Lin Fengxian could see a bit of the situation. He was very surprised. “Does Fengzhi have a bad relationship with his biological brother? Dad said that boy has a very good personality.”

“It’s not that Heqing is bad, it’s that your brother can’t get over the hurdle in his heart.” Mother Lin sighed slightly. “Give him some more time to adapt.”

Three hours later, the bus stopped at the terminal.

Yan Heqing got off the bus. No one came during the New Year, so the vicinity was even more deserted. Yan Heqing walked forward. After walking for almost twenty minutes, he arrived at the cemetery.

Since he could earn money himself, Yan Heqing came every New Year.

The Yan-Zhao couple couldn’t wait for him to go out during the New Year so he wouldn’t eat their good food, and they never asked where Yan Heqing went.

A total of 208 steps.

To his father’s grave.

That year, the Yan family burned down with nothing left. The two grave plots were arranged by the sub-district office and couldn’t be next to each other.

On the lonely tombstone, there was only a simple name and dates, no photo.

Yan Heqing put down the bouquet of chrysanthemums and smiled, “Dad, Happy New Year.”

Walking forward another 426 steps, turning left up 56 steps, was his mother’s grave.

Yan Heqing gently put down the gladioli, squatted down, and slowly stroked the three characters “Yan Qiushuang”.

“Mom, I’m here.”

In the bottomless depths of his eyes, there was a slight surge of watery light. He curved his eyes, “Happy New Year.”

In his mind was the woman’s blurred figure. The sky-filled fire was terrifying, but her embrace alone was safe and warm.

Yan Heqing suddenly became talkative, talking about exam results, changing majors, and the large bowl of noodles he ate in the morning.

He told everything, big and small, to the tombstone in front of him.

The wind blew harder and harder. The entire cemetery was dead silent. The last bus today was only until 3 o’clock. Yan Heqing stopped only when it was almost time.

He leaned forward, closed his eyes, and kissed the tombstone. “Mom, go to sleep. I’ll come to see you next time. Don’t worry about me; I’m living very well now.”

He lowered his eyelashes.

Yesterday, Lin Fengzhi barged into the Lu Corporation headquarters just like in the original plot.

He could guess the result.

The gift wasn’t delivered, and he got snubbed.

But his love-struck brother would never learn his lesson.

Accustomed to being spoiled by too many people, living too affluently with no other worries, his mind was filled only with Lu Lin.

After a long time.

He spoke softly—

“Brother is also very well, rest assured.”

——

At the annual Lu family gathering, the whole clan surrounded Lu Lin.

Lu Han pulled a long face. That position should have been his! He put down his chopsticks and turned his face, saying, “Xiao Chi…”

His voice got stuck. Lu Muchi kept looking at his watch and responded casually, “What?”

Lu Han was unhappy. “Why do you keep looking at your watch? I’m warning you, don’t think about slipping away today. I’ve arranged to play cards with your Uncle Qi tonight, and his daughter will be there too.”

Lu Muchi wanted to go back to the mid-level villa to spend New Year’s Eve with Xu Qiaoyin. “I won’t—”

“You want to be disobedient like your uncle?” Lu Changcheng came over, his face darkening. “I’ve seen the Qi family girl. She’s good-looking, well-educated, and sensible. Among these few prominent families, she’s the only one worthy of you. All your activities tonight are cancelled!”

Lu Changcheng had spoken. No matter how unwilling Lu Muchi was, he didn’t dare say much. He put down his hand irritably. “Got it.”

Lu Changcheng was satisfied then. He looked at Lu Lin not far away, and his blood pressure rose again.

Not even accompanying him for a New Year’s Eve dinner!

Unfilial son!

After finishing the social engagement, Lu Lin drove out of the city alone.

After driving for a short while, he suddenly stopped by the roadside. It was almost time for New Year’s Eve dinner, and the city center was unprecedentedly deserted.

Lu Lin lit a cigarette.

Smoke curled up. His black eyes were deep and bottomless, his emotions impossible to guess.

Time gradually passed, and the streetlights on both sides lit up one after another.

After finishing the cigarette, Lu Lin lowered the window to let the smell disperse. When he started the car again, he had changed direction.

Yan Heqing got off the bus, and the driver immediately closed the door and drove away, busy going home for the reunion.

The streets that were lively in the morning were now so silent that Yan Heqing’s footsteps were clearly audible.

Arriving at the community, the security room was still lit, but the security guard had also gone home for New Year’s Eve dinner. It was empty, with only the light on.

The rows of buildings in the community also had only scattered lights on.

There was residual snow on the road, crunching underfoot.

Yan Heqing walked very slowly.

Firstly, the road surface was a bit slippery. Secondly, the streetlights in the community were practically non-existent and useless.

Turning a corner was the unit building where Yan Heqing lived. He carefully identified the road surface under his feet. Suddenly, a beam of car headlights lit up. Bright orange light pierced through the darkness, paving a clear path all the way to his feet.

Yan Heqing stopped and looked over.

He saw the car door open, and a blurred figure got out.

Then, that person called him.

“Yan Heqing.”