Long Aotian had been gone for quite a long time this trip. He didn’t even make it back for lunch. In the meantime, Hu Yuying had called him several times, but the answer she always got was, "I’ll be back soon." By six in the afternoon, the sky had completely darkened. The weather forecast on her phone said it would snow tonight. Standing outside the door, Hu Yuying kept stepping out to check. "Liar. Always saying 'soon,' but it’s never actually soon." She regretted not insisting on going with him, no matter what he said. In an unfamiliar place, being away for so long—how could she not worry? And with this weather, snow was likely. She didn’t even know how many times she had stepped outside to wait for Long Aotian. Only the light from their front door cast a faint glow. For more chapters visıt 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵 Under the illumination, a snowflake drifted down. Hu Yuying looked up at the sky and instinctively reached out to catch it. Just then, she heard the sound of a tricycle approaching. She looked up and saw Long Aotian riding toward her through the darkness. "Where have you been?" Hu Yuying rushed to him, not caring if anyone in the village might see, and gently wrapped her arms around him. "I was so worried." Having been outside for so long in this weather, his body was chilled, but her embrace instantly warmed him. "I’m back now. What, were you afraid I’d run off?" Long Aotian teased. "Have you eaten yet? Let’s get you something to eat, okay?" Hu Yuying ignored his joke. If he ever did run away, she’d chase him to the ends of the earth. Her stubborn nature meant that once she chose someone, it was for life. He had already eaten outside, but under her concerned gaze, Long Aotian loosened his belt. "I haven’t eaten yet. Keep me company for a bit?" "Okay." It was always —no matter what Long Aotian asked, she would agree without hesitation. That had never changed. "Wash your hands first." Hu Yuying brought a basin of warm water, soaked a towel, and gently wiped his hands and face. It gave Long Aotian the feeling of coming home—a wife, a family, warmth. "Wow, dinner looks amazing today." Hu Yuying smiled as she served him a bowl of rice. "This is just part of it." Her voice softened. "I saved it just for you." "Mm. Later, some of the uncles are coming over to drink, so I set aside some dishes." "But you’re not allowed to drink. I’ll hide you away. You’ve had enough these past few days." After the simple meal, Long Aotian checked the time. "Should we sneak out now?" He pointed at his phone. "The uncles will probably be here soon." Hu Yuying agreed, so she led him outside. "Wait, let’s bring something." Long Aotian went into the kitchen and grabbed two sweet potatoes. "Let’s go." "Long Aotian, this way—it’s shorter." Hu Yuying pointed toward the village square. Long Aotian chuckled and took her hand. "Let’s go this way. We can walk it off after eating." With his phone’s flashlight guiding them, they followed the narrow path uphill. Since it hadn’t snowed in the past two days, the path was much easier than the first time they’d climbed it. Soon, they reached the platform. Long Aotian skillfully lit a fire and placed the sweet potatoes on a piece of tile. "Long Aotian, what were you doing all day? You were gone so long." Sitting on the platform, the glow from the fire and the phone’s light made the darkness feel less oppressive. "I was preparing something." Long Aotian sat beside her. "Didn’t expect it to take this long." Just then, fireworks burst from somewhere below. At this height, the explosions looked especially dazzling. "Long Aotian, look—more fireworks!" "It’s New Year’s Eve. Of course people are setting them off. Celebrating the year’s end." The sporadic bursts, though few, were breathtaking in their fleeting beauty. When Long Aotian decided it was time, he sent a text from his phone. Then he stood and pulled Hu Yuying up. "Are we going home?" she asked. She had wanted to leave an hour ago but stayed quietly by his side since he hadn’t seemed ready. Now, assuming he meant to leave, she let him guide her. "Wait one more minute." He pulled her close and covered her eyes. "Three, two, one." As he finished counting, he lowered his hand. A deep, resonant sound echoed as countless fireworks shot upward, exploding in the sky. No longer sporadic—this was a synchronized spectacle. The dark night was painted in vibrant colors. Some fireworks streaked like meteors, vanishing in an instant. Others erupted like volcanoes, cascading downward. Some bloomed like chrysanthemums, radiant and dazzling. Each firework displayed its own unique brilliance. Under the shimmering lights, the sky seemed fragmented into countless pieces. Every explosion cast a radiant glow on her face. Every fading spark left her features soft and enchanting. "Fireworks fade too quickly, their beauty fleeting—but all for this one moment of brilliance." "Hu Yuying, Happy New Year." Long Aotian wrapped his arms around her from behind, whispering the heartfelt wish in her ear. Hu Yuying turned to face him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Her voice was tender, filled with warmth. "Long Aotian, Happy New Year. I love it. Thank you." Then she felt something cool against her finger. Lifting her hand, she saw a ring. Under the fading fireworks, the gemstone shimmered with reflected light. Long Aotian’s voice was soft. Hu Yuying gently took his hand. The matching rings gleamed exquisitely under the firelight and fireworks. Looking at the rings, she pressed her lips together, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hm?" Long Aotian tilted her chin up, seeing her slightly reddened eyes. He rested his forehead against hers. "Should I hit you?" Hu Yuying burst into laughter, gazing at him with tender vulnerability. "I’m so moved, and you still want to hit me?" "Don’t think being moved will save you..." Then he pulled her close, murmuring, "This is perfect..."