359. Fireworks
The night gradually deepened, and on the TV, a skit from the Spring Festival Gala played. Black Bean sat on the floor, chuckling at the antics on screen.
In the distance, the faint sounds of fireworks could be heard, but peering out the window yielded nothing but a tranquil night sky.
Mother was blissfully tipsy, her cheeks flushed a rosy red. She rested her chin on one hand, head tilted to the side, looking adorably dazed.
“Back then… back then, what were you thinking? Just chatting online a bit… and you really dared to come find me.”
She mumbled a little incoherently, turning to the uncle seated beside her.
The uncle, clearly better at holding his liquor, had only a hint of red on his cheeks. Feeling a tad awkward, he glanced at the wide-eyed youngsters at the table and cleared his throat. “Xiao Juan, let’s discuss this later…”
But Mother stared at him unwaveringly, refusing to give up until she got an answer.
With a resigned sigh, the uncle leaned back in his chair, stuck a cigarette in his mouth, and said, “I didn’t think too much back then. We lived close by, just wanted to make a friend.”
Ning Chu and Ning Yuan turned in unison to look at their mother, eagerly awaiting an embarrassing revelation from their tipsy mom.
Wen Yang, munching away at hotpot, perked up his ears to catch the gossip.
“Finish this drink and don’t have any more. Getting drunk in front of the kids…”
“Oh~” Mother softly slumped onto the table, nearly dozing off.
Ning Chu couldn’t resist and curiously asked, “Mom, when did you two meet?”
“Probably when you were in sixth grade.”
That was about twelve years ago, roughly six or seven years back.
“And how did you meet?”
“Just a shake here and a chat there, and voila.”
Mother, in her drunken state, answered Ning Chu’s questions reflexively.
“Oh~ You were really something back then!”
So, six or seven years ago, Mother was already online dating, and she even found a reliable boyfriend! They had quite the long-distance relationship!
And she hid it so well!
Though technically, Mother wasn’t divorced yet, so it could be considered an affair. But that ungrateful father had been missing for nearly twenty years, dead or alive, it was anyone’s guess. Mother felt like a widow, so finding someone new was pretty normal. Ning Chu totally got it.
Plus, everyone has their needs, and Mother was a succubus… who knows how many kids that missing father has out there.
Excited, she was about to ask more when she noticed Mother had already passed out on the table.
“She’s sleeping now…” Ning Chu sighed, feeling a touch disappointed.
The uncle stood up and helped Mother to her feet. “I’ll take her to bed. You two head to sleep early.”
“Okay.” Ning Chu looked at her mother, mumbling, “I’ve never seen her like this before…”
She knew Mother occasionally had a drink during holidays, but it was usually just enough to get a little tipsy.
“Must be because she’s happy today?” the uncle replied, helping Mother toward the bedroom. As they passed by Black Bean, he reminded, “Finish watching the gala and sleep early; don’t make your mom angry.”
“Got it!” Black Bean, ears perked up like a cat, was glued to the TV.
Once they disappeared into the main bedroom and closed the door, quiet returned.
Ning Chu jumped up excitedly. “Wen Yang! Stop eating! Let’s go!”
Seizing the moment while Mother was in a drunken slumber, she sprinted to the front door, skillfully wrapping herself in a scarf and gloves, slipping on her shoes.
Seeing Wen Yang wipe his mouth and get up to leave, Ning Yuan hurriedly asked, “Wait, where are you guys going?”
“To see fireworks!”
“Fireworks…” Ning Yuan mumbled enviously.
“Brother! Don’t tell Mom!” Ning Chu peeked out from behind the shoe cabinet. “We’ll be back after the fireworks!”
“Got it, got it.”
“Oh right, the car keys…”
…
Riding the family’s electric bicycle, Wen Yang sped down the nearly deserted road with Ning Chu clinging tightly to his waist. Her face pressed against his back, she tucked her petite frame behind him to evade the chilly breeze.
“We’re almost there!”
Wen Yang glanced up at the sky ahead; fireworks were already bursting in the dark night, illuminating the heavens with brilliant colors.
“It’s already started!” Ning Chu fretted. “If we don’t hurry to the park, we won’t get a good spot!”
“Then let’s change spots.”
“What? Why are you turning back?”
The electric bicycle stopped by a long river.
Although it was quite a distance from the park, there were no towering buildings around, allowing for a clear view of the dazzling fireworks.
Ning Chu eagerly hopped off, hurrying to the riverside. She leaned over the stone railing, gazing up at the sky.
“Why the rush?”
Wen Yang strolled leisurely after her. He stood beside her, casting a glance at the splendor above while his eyes lingered on her excited, flushed face.
The fireworks lit her rosy cheeks, and in her bright eyes, the reflections of the fireworks sparkled.
“This spot isn’t too bad, huh?”
“Yeah, not too far, and we can see clearly.”
The shimmering river mirrored the exploding fireworks, and Ning Chu relaxed, leaning her upper body over the stone railing, enjoying the New Year’s Eve atmosphere.
Before long, she noticed Wen Yang staring at her. “Why are you staring? Look at the fireworks!”
“You’re more beautiful than the fireworks.”
Ning Chu was stunned by Wen Yang’s rare compliment, her cheeks heating up faster than a firecracker. In a flurry, she turned her gaze back to the sky, muttering, “Pervert…”
With the booming sounds of fireworks filling the air and the sky ablaze with colors, her thoughts drifted to the person beside her, and she shyly scooted closer to Wen Yang.
As his arm gently wrapped around her waist, she leaned against his broad chest, tilting her head like a cat gazing at the shimmering sky above.
The scent of smoke filled the air as Wen Yang leaned down, inhaling the fragrance of Ning Chu.
He closed his eyes, his embrace tightening around her waist, bringing her even closer.
Through the fabric, he could feel her soft breaths, heartbeats, and pulses.
“Happy New Year,” Wen Yang whispered.
“Mm! Happy New Year!”
Ning Chu gazed up at his handsome, chiseled face, tiptoeing to reach his chin.
“Ugh! Your stubble is so rough!”
Wen Yang instinctively lowered his head, only to find Ning Chu had turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck.
A gentle breeze swept by, and her soft lips found their way to his.
Having never had Ning Chu take the initiative like this, he froze for a moment, but quickly sank into the sweet kiss.
After what felt like an eternity, her toes began to tingle from standing on tiptoe, and she finally released Wen Yang’s neck.
“What do you want for New Year’s?”
Wen Yang leaned down, gazing into the eyes of the girl who lay back in his arms, overflowing with affection.
“Next year at this time! Come watch the fireworks with me again~”
