Lin Ran smiled, realizing he could never win against Luo Yao in this lifetime.
Because he didn’t want to win.
"There’s still some time before the New Year holidays—we don’t need to rush."
Luo Yao nodded as well, lost in thought.
A different kind of light flickered in Lin Ran’s eyes.
"Yao Yao, let’s head to the snow mountain in a couple of days. Can you arrange your work schedule in advance?"
Faced with Lin Ran’s sincere invitation, Luo Yao immediately clung to him.
"Ah Ran, if you want to go, we can leave anytime. There’s no need to arrange anything."
Was Luo Yao… saying sweet nothings to him?
"Alright, we’ll set off right after New Year’s Day. How does that sound?"
"Good. I’ll follow your lead."
There was only one day left until New Year’s Eve. This year marked the first time Lin Ran and Luo Yao were officially together, making this celebration especially meaningful.
Luo Yao had never been fond of holidays—she had spent them alone since childhood and had long grown accustomed to solitude.
But the idea of ringing in the New Year with Lin Ran piqued her interest.
"Ah Ran, how should we celebrate?"
Lin Ran: "Watch the countdown show, snack on some treats, and wait for midnight. We’re just ordinary people, after all."
Ordinary?
No, no, no. Her Ah Ran was anything but ordinary.
But if it was just watching a show and snacking…
"Fine, I’ll handle the arrangements."
Lin Ran: ???
Just then, Wang Fang called again. Luo Yao picked up, listening to the report on the other end.
Since Luo Yao hadn’t gone to the company today, all the work had fallen on Wang Fang. While Luo Yao silently acknowledged her efficiency, she wouldn’t say it out loud.
"Your work is efficient, but your considerations aren’t thorough enough."
"I understand, President Luo. I’ll get back to work now."
Even though it was already late, Wang Fang showed no signs of stopping.
"No rush. There’s something else I need you to do."
"Of course, President Luo. Please go ahead."
Ten minutes later, numerous celebrities and big names around the capital received a sudden notice.
"What? Perform? Come on, I’m rehearsing live for Capital TV’s New Year’s show!"
"Whoever it is, they can’t just break the rules like this!"
"President Luo? President Lin? I—wait, who did you say? Oh! Got it, I’m on my way!"
Similar scenes played out among many stars in the capital, and even Chen Qingtian, who was far away in Shanghai, received the summons.
After the calls were made, Wang Fang’s team reported back.
"Wang-jie, should we also invite Director Chen? After all, they’re Lin Shao’s family."
Wang Fang hesitated. Logically, she thought they should, but knowing Luo Yao, they probably shouldn’t.
"Let me check with President Luo first."
"Understood."
When Luo Yao received Wang Fang’s call, her brows furrowed.
She glanced at Lin Ran, who was already fast asleep on the couch.
He looked adorable like this—mouth slightly open, as if drool might trickle out any second.
Ah Ran must be exhausted.
"Let them come. Also, any Luo Corporation employees in the capital who are free can join. My estate is big enough to fit everyone."
Wang Fang: "Understood."
"And invite Wu Zhishang from Nuanyao Group, as well as Shen Jingbing. They’re Ah Ran’s friends, and they know how to follow orders."
"Got it."
After hanging up, Wang Fang wiped away nonexistent sweat.
Thank goodness she’d asked—otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how she’d messed up.
She never expected Luo Yao would actually invite others to the estate.
Shouldn’t President Luo and Lin Shao be celebrating New Year’s Eve alone?
Soon after, the Chen family received an unexpected invitation.
Chen Xiao grinned, his wrinkles deepening. "Excellent! Thank you for your hard work, Assistant Wang. I’ll bring the family to my grandson’s place tomorrow. Haha!"
After hanging up, he remained delighted.
As the Director of Education, he’d dealt with plenty of businesspeople and knew Luo Yao’s reputation well.
Her recent ruthless actions had left many in shock.
Yet this very same feared CEO had invited him—how could he not be thrilled?
"Dad, what’s got you so happy?"
"How did you know President Luo invited me over?"
Chen Nianlun: ???
Su Jianguo, having just finished watching the military channel, came to call his wife to bed.
"Old man, what are you two talking about?"
Chen Xiao: "How did you know Xiao Ran invited me to his place?"
Su Jianguo: ???
Right then, Chen Qingtian called Su Jianguo. Seeing the caller ID, he smiled fondly.
"This girl, causing a stir at the Lu family in Shanghai, and now she remembers to call?"
He answered. "Chen Qingtian, I told you to come back—did you ignore me?"
Chen Qingtian: "Grandma, how did you know my cousin and his wife invited me to their place?"
Su Jianguo: ......
At the same time, the youngest daughter of the Su family arrived with her husband.
"Mom, I’m home."
Su Jianguo looked at his daughter and son-in-law. "How did you know I’m going to Xiao Ran’s place?"
Chen Zhima: ???
Back at the estate—why had Luo Yao invited so many people?
Because she knew if it were just the two of them, with all those performers watching, Lin Ran would feel uncomfortable.
Might as well invite a crowd—it’d be livelier, and Lin Ran wouldn’t feel out of place.
Besides, the Chen family had offered her some minor help in the past.
Luo Yao might be ruthless, but she wasn’t ungrateful.
The next day.
Some say time heals all wounds—but Luo Yao disagreed.
Time only dulled the pain. It didn’t erase it. What happened, happened. Nothing could change that.
Love and hatred were things time could never wipe away.
Today was the last day of the year—and a day full of stories.
On this final day, Wang Anjian’s condition stabilized, showing remarkable improvement with minimal rejection. Even Yi Siyin was stunned.
On this final day, Luo Yao granted her employees three days off—while other companies only gave New Year’s Day itself.
But this didn’t change their perception of her.
When a boss who’s always overworked you suddenly gives you a break, everyone gets nervous.
But when they learned they could also attend the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Paradise Estate, excitement took over.
The Paradise Estate—a place even high-society elites couldn’t easily enter.
Also on this day, Lin Jian was sued by a business partner for failing to pay a contractual penalty. The court accepted the case, and soon, Lin Jian would be labeled a discredited individual.
And on this same day, Lin Ran and Luo Yao held hands, waiting for the countdown.
By noon, the estate buzzed with noise as guests began arriving.