Happy New Year

"Wuwuwu~"

"I was wrong."

"I was wrong."

Gu Yue pouted with a tearful face, transforming into a whining mess, looking utterly pitiful.

Lin Yu knelt with one knee on Gu Yue's back, gripping the back of her neck and both wrists firmly as he asked for confirmation,

"You really admit you were wrong?"

"Mhm, mhm."

Face buried in the snow, Gu Yue nodded with a sulky expression.

"Alright then."

"Since you’ve admitted your mistake, I’ll let you off this time."

Lin Yu released his hold on Gu Yue and stood up, brushing the snow off his clothes.

Gu Yue quickly scrambled up from the snow pile. Without bothering to dust herself off, she noticed Lin Yu wasn’t paying attention to her. Her expression suddenly turned fierce as she lunged at his back without warning.

Caught off guard while slightly bent over, Lin Yu reacted instinctively—flipping her over his shoulder in a practiced self-defense move. For Gu Yue’s safety, he deliberately controlled the direction, sending her tumbling into the soft snow to avoid any real harm.

Snow sprayed into the air as Gu Yue landed heavily on the pile, her face blank with momentary confusion, as if she couldn’t quite process what had just happened.

Lin Yu straightened up, grinning as he asked,

"Still feeling mischievous?"

Gu Yue pressed her lips into a pout and shook her head vigorously.

"No more, never again."

Helping her up from the snow, the two continued walking along the road.

The sky had darkened completely, and the motion-sensor streetlights flickered on one by one, lining the path like stage lights, adding a touch of novelty to the scene.

"So, what’s next?"

"What are we doing now?"

Lin Yu reached behind his neck, trying to fish out the snow Gu Yue had stuffed into his collar earlier.

"It’s a secret."

Gu Yue maintained the mysterious air she’d carried since they met that afternoon. Even now, she refused to reveal their destination.

Lin Yu managed to scoop out some snow but couldn’t get it all. He stretched his collar open and started hopping around, trying to shake the remaining snow loose.

"We can’t just stay out here forever, can we?"

"It’s freezing on New Year’s Eve!"

Gu Yue shook her head and pointed ahead, explaining,

"We won’t have to. There’s a café up ahead. We can stop there for a bit."

"A café?"

Finally free of the snow in his clothes, Lin Yu glanced toward the corner ahead and asked curiously,

"They’re open during the holidays?"

Gu Yue nodded confidently.

"They don’t close. I checked their notice earlier—they’re staying open for the New Year."

Lin Yu shrugged.

"Alright, let’s check it out then."

Braving the cold wind, the two walked a little farther until they spotted a café named "Linghai" by the roadside.

Stepping inside the tastefully decorated café, Lin Yu was surprised to find it quite busy—more than half the seats were occupied.

He was about to pick any available spot to sit, warm up with some coffee, but Gu Yue insisted on a window seat.

Luckily, a couple was just leaving, and their table was being cleared. The two quickly claimed it.

After ordering coffee and snacks, they chatted idly.

"Oh, by the way,"

"Long-ge, where are you planning to go for university?"

Gu Yue blinked and asked.

Upon hearing this question, the first image that flashed through Lin Yu's mind was Tang Manman's pure and delicate face.

Where he would go for university would undoubtedly depend on where Tang Manman chose to go.

Speaking of which, where did Tang Manman want to study?

"I don't know."

"Haven't decided yet."

Lin Yu shook his head as he spoke.

"How about you?"

"Where do you want to go?"

Lin Yu tossed the question back casually.

Gu Yue picked up her coffee cup and took a sip, her voice inexplicably hesitant as she replied:

"I haven't made up my mind either."

"What about the city?"

"Any specific city you’re leaning toward?"

Gu Yue pressed further.

"Still undecided."

Lin Yu shook his head again.

After all, he had no idea which city Tang Manman would choose.

Not like he had any family or career tying him down anyway.

Might as well follow her lead.

Gu Yue felt a tinge of disappointment at not getting a clear answer. She took another small sip of coffee before looking up and saying:

"Well, Lin Yu, if you do decide on a city for university, you’ve got to let me know in advance, okay?"

"Why tell you?"

"Think you can even get in?"

Lin Yu asked bluntly, without mercy.

Gu Yue’s face instantly fell. She pouted in protest:

"I’ve been studying really hard lately, you know?"

"Don’t look down on me!"

Lin Yu took a bite of his bread, watching Gu Yue’s puffed-up cheeks. He swallowed his teasing remark and sighed inwardly.

Silly girl.

You’ve only been studying hard recently.

But she’s been working hard for all twelve years.

Without hesitation, Lin Yu chose to stay quiet, not wanting to crush Gu Yue’s confidence.

Who knows? Maybe a miracle would happen.

Like Gu Yue turning out to be a genius and skyrocketing into the top 100 in the next exam!

The thought nearly made him laugh out loud.

"Sure."

"When I finally pick a school,"

"I’ll definitely give you a heads-up."

Lin Yu said with a smile.

"Makka Pakka..."

In the quiet café, a childish ringtone suddenly blared, drawing sideways glances from nearby patrons.

Lin Yu awkwardly pulled out his phone and answered quickly, silently vowing to change that ringtone as soon as possible—this was way too embarrassing.

A child’s voice, still untouched by puberty, came through the phone:

"Lin Yu, where are you right now?"

"I’m out having coffee with a friend."

Lin Yu answered truthfully.

"When are you coming back?"

"My sister made dumplings for you, and she cooked a whole bunch of dishes too."

"Chicken, duck, fish, pork—even pig’s feet and lobster."

"There’s plenty for you."

"When can you come get it?"

"Or should I bring it over to you?"

Listening to Xia Yueshan’s cheerful chatter, warmth spread through Lin Yu’s chest, making his eyes sting slightly.

Turns out, even if he didn’t seek out company,

This New Year’s Eve probably wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Faced with such a lavish feast—one that no amount of money could buy the same warmth—Lin Yu was sorely tempted. But after considering his packed schedule, he could only decline regretfully:

"Better not."

"I’ve got things to do later."

"Probably won’t have time to swing by."

"Things to do?"

"What things?"

"It’s New Year’s Eve—what could you possibly have to do instead of staying home?"

On the other end of the phone, Xia Yueshan suddenly grew alert and asked,

"What does it have to do with you?"

Lin Yu was almost amused by Xia Yueshan's audacity.

Since when did this little brat think he could boss her around?

How dare he!

Xia Yueshan seemed to realize his overstep and quickly changed his tone,

"Should I save some for you?"

"You can come get it when you have time."

Lin Yu was about to refuse, but then she remembered the handmade dumplings and bottles of sweet drinks stashed in her freezer. Her resolve wavered.

"Fine."

"Save some for me."

"I’ll pick it up when I’m free."

"OK."

...

After hanging up, Lin Yu glanced at the time—it was already 5:59 PM.

Less than sixty seconds remained before Gu Yue’s so-called deadline.

Gu Yue, who had been waiting for something, gazed out the window with eager anticipation.

Noticing the paper bag still hidden by Gu Yue’s feet, Lin Yu was about to ask what was inside when—

Gu Yue’s fair face suddenly lit up, her bright eyes sparkling with dazzling colors.

"Look!" She pointed outside.

Lin Yu followed her finger and saw the night sky beyond the window come alive.

Vibrant and radiant.

Fireworks burst free from the confines of the city’s skyscrapers, soaring into the sky before exploding unreservedly, leaving behind fleeting blossoms of beauty.

Watching the display, Lin Yu felt a brief flicker of surprise before settling into quiet admiration.

Admittedly, this was the perfect spot to enjoy fireworks.

The dazzling bursts bloomed not only against the dark canvas of the sky but also mirrored across the inky expanse of the sea.

The twin reflections created a breathtaking scene.

"Lin Yu."

"Hmm?"

Distracted by the fireworks, Lin Yu turned to Gu Yue.

Finally revealing the secret inside the paper bag, Gu Yue pulled out a clumsily handmade scarf and held it out with both hands, her smile sweet.

"Happy New Year."