Chapter 6 New Year’s Eve Video Call
I was setting the bowls and chopsticks when I received Chen Yanzhou's video call.
My mom had prepared a huge table for New Year's Eve Dinner.
I wiped my hands and went to the balcony to pick up the video.
On the video, Chen Yanzhou was wearing an apron.
Behind him was a room full of lights and a table of food.
His expression rarely carried a hint of shyness and anticipation.
"New Year's Eve Dinner is already done. When are you coming back?"
He couldn't help complaining again. "What's up with your company? Still working overtime on New Year's Eve. I'll pick you up in a moment."
I frowned.
Only then did I realize the message I sent him that morning about going home might not have been delivered due to bad network.
I said softly, "Chen Yanzhou, I went back to my hometown. I'm not coming back for dinner."
The smile on Chen Yanzhou's face froze.
After staring blankly for two seconds, he pretended to be relaxed.
"Yeah, you've been away from home for several years too. It's good to go back and visit. What do Uncle and Auntie like? Tomorrow is the first day of the new year anyway. I should pay them a visit."
"No need."
"Tang Ning, what are you doing? Come eat quickly—"
"My mom is calling me."
"Okay. Go ahead." Chen Yanzhou stood there quietly.
Though the lights behind him were bright, he looked extremely lonely in that instant.
It seemed Chen Yanzhou wanted me to go back. But with his personality, he couldn't say it.
Since we got together, I had never left him to spend the New Year alone.
In the past, I was always the one in charge at times like this.
I pasted the Fu characters and couplets, made a table of his favorite dishes, and watched the Spring Festival Gala on TV while we ate together.
I teased him to talk and laugh.
Although he always told me it wasn't necessary, I enjoyed doing it every year.
I suppressed my habitual softening.
Chen Yanzhou probably didn't like the liveliness anyway.
Spending New Year by himself probably wouldn't bother him.
"Yeah," I nodded. "Happy New Year. I'll hang up now."
...
During breakfast on the first day of the new year, my mom couldn't help nagging me again.
"The colleague's kid has a second child who's almost in kindergarten this year. You've been dating that guy for so many years with no progress. If you're breaking up, do it sooner."
She said mysteriously, "Mom recently met a really great guy. I'll introduce him to you."
"Mm-hmm." I replied perfunctorily.
My mom's idea of "really great" was probably just a stable job and male.
"Really! Not like before." My mom put down her chopsticks. "The boy who just moved in next door. I've asked around. He's two years older than you. His family runs a company, and he's already inherited the business. He's super handsome, more handsome than a movie star, and still single!"
I tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Mom, is it possible for a guy like that to be single? Either he's gay, or why would a rich person live here? Isn't a big villa better?"
"Aiya, you'll know when you see him. The boy is really nice. When the faucet at home broke before, he came to fix it. He said he likes the lively vibe here and moved here on purpose!"
My mom was probably fooled again. It might be pyramid selling or health products.
I was about to argue with her properly when the door was suddenly knocked.
"Uncle, Auntie, it's me. Cheng Nuo. I'm here to pay New Year's greetings!"
"See how polite he is? He even knows to come pay New Year's visit. I knew you wouldn't believe it. Just look!"
He actually came.
What was even more ridiculous was that I felt the voice sounded a bit familiar.
I stood up and followed my mom to open the door.
When I saw the smiling face outside, I was completely stunned.
"Cheng Nuo?!"
"What are you doing here?!"