Chapter 62: New Year’s Eve

Hearing his words, Ming Can quickly averted her gaze and sat properly on the sofa.

Not long after, she secretly turned her head again, her eyes following Chi Xiao as he walked to the cabinet against the wall, opened the door, and took out a large object.

At that moment, Ming Can quickly turned her head back.

It was a violin case.

A gift she had expected, yet it made her inexplicably nervous.

The sound of footsteps slowly circled from behind to in front of her, stopping leisurely in front of Ming Can.

The white triangular case had her English name printed on the side, reflecting a soft glow under the light.

Chi Xiao gently placed the case on the coffee table and opened it, revealing a deep amber violin nestled inside.

The wood was likely aged Bohemian maple, with natural flame patterns, a smooth and delicate finish, and an elegant, flowing shape. The strings and bridge fit perfectly, and at first glance, it could rival the work of a master.

Ming Can unconsciously held her breath and asked, even though she already knew the answer, “Did you make this yourself too?”

“Yeah,” Chi Xiao said. “I’ve wanted to give you a handmade violin for a long time.”

It’s just that, back then, you didn’t want it.

Ming Can curled her lips into a smile: “Not bad craftsmanship.”

Chi Xiao was modest: “It’s alright.”

Ming Can, still sitting on the sofa, hugged the case to her chest, her fingers brushing over the violin’s surface. She smiled: “At least you’re sensible enough to know to give me a gift.”

“Am I an idiot?” Chi Xiao casually sat on the arm of the sofa, looking down at the violin in her arms. “That day in the music room, you suddenly suggested exchanging handmade gifts, then asked me what I thought of your violin and even played a piece on the spot. It would’ve been hard not to get the hint.”

Ming Can was stunned, almost forgetting how sharp this guy’s mind was.

He wasn’t as slow as she had imagined.

Although her actions that day were indeed meant to hint that he should give her a violin, having him lay it all out so plainly made Ming Can feel a bit embarrassed. She shot him a dissatisfied look: “If you hadn’t lied earlier and hidden the fact that you wanted to give me a violin, why would I have gone through all this trouble?”

Chi Xiao: “I was just afraid you wouldn’t like it.”

“Why wouldn’t I like it?” Ming Can had just said something nice, but her face flushed, and she immediately turned proud again, scolding, “You’re blind and ungrateful.”

“Yes, it’s all my fault,” Chi Xiao readily admitted. “But I have another question.”

Ming Can: “What?”

Chi Xiao: “How did you know I made a violin to give to you?”

The confession from high school was a long time ago. Later, she had even forgotten that he had confessed to her. How could she still remember so clearly what gift he had intended to give her?

At this point, Ming Can saw no need to hide it: “I went to visit Teacher Leting recently. She told me about you and some things from when we were kids. That’s how I guessed that you probably planned to give me a violin back in high school.”

Hearing this, Chi Xiao nodded very slowly.

In his memory, Teacher Leting had a terrible memory. Years ago, when Chi Xiao had asked her about Ming Can’s name, Teacher Leting couldn’t even remember what Ming Can’s Chinese name was.

Thinking of this, Chi Xiao asked again: “Teacher Leting remembers me so well that she brought up the fact that I made a violin?”

“…” Ming Can’s throat tightened.

She didn’t really want to tell him that she had been the one to ask Teacher Leting, and it had taken Teacher Leting a long time to remember.

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Ming Can evaded. “Anyway, the gift you wanted to give is finally delivered. You should be secretly happy.”

Why secretly? Chi Xiao was directly amused by her, his lips curving into a smile as he said boldly, “I have one more question.”

Ming Can: “Why do you have so many questions?”

Chi Xiao: “Since you met Teacher Leting, you must have remembered the things from our childhood, right?”

Ming Can: “Yeah. So?”

Chi Xiao’s gaze dropped, glancing at the violin in her arms, then lifted to look at her, openly stating, “I’ve fulfilled my promise. What about you?”

Ming Can: “…”

She had almost forgotten about that.

“Your violin is good, but it’s not worth eight million,” Ming Can said haughtily. “But I, Ming Can, keep my word. When I have some spare money, I’ll naturally pay you.”

Chi Xiao: “When exactly?”

Ming Can: “Are you short on money?”

“No,” Chi Xiao said. “I just don’t want you to run away.”

“I won’t run,” Ming Can said irritably. “Senior, back when you confessed to me, were you planning to ask me for money after giving me the violin?”

Chi Xiao shook his head: “You hadn’t remembered back then.”

If she hadn’t remembered the childhood promise, he would’ve given it to her for free.

But now that she remembered, she had to pay, right?

Ming Can was both angry and amused. She really wanted to throw the violin forward and leave it, but she couldn’t bear to part with it.

She lowered her head, closed the violin case, zipped it up, and slung the strap over her shoulder, acting all businesslike: “I’ll take the gift, but the money will have to wait. Or are you going to take it back if I don’t pay upfront?”

“You can keep it,” Chi Xiao said, looking agreeable. But then, he quickly added, “But eight million isn’t a small amount. If you’re going to owe me, I’ll need some interest.”

Truly the young master of a top-tier business group, always thinking like a businessman, unwilling to take any losses.

Ming Can asked coolly, “What kind of interest do you want?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she looked up and saw a large, well-defined hand land on her head, giving it a firm but gentle rub.

In an instant, Chi Xiao withdrew his hand and chuckled softly: “Interest received.”

“Happy New Year.”

After saying this, Chi Xiao took a few steps closer, suddenly half-kneeling, bending down to gently retrieve Ming Can’s missing slipper from under the sofa.

…

Late at night, when everything was quiet, Ming Can, holding the preserved flower Miaomiao had made in her arms and the violin on her shoulder, tiptoed into another villa and returned to her own room.

She couldn’t help but think of Chi Xiao’s “Happy New Year” to her.

It wasn’t even New Year’s yet. He was way too early.

Then it occurred to her that on the actual New Year’s Eve, which was tomorrow, she probably wouldn’t have time to spend it with him and his son.

She would have to get up early to get ready, leave Jingyu Garden before noon to attend a charity luncheon hosted by the Ming family, and return to Jingyu Garden in the evening for the family dinner, where relatives and friends would gather. She really wouldn’t have a moment to spare.

Ming Can sighed, walked over to the floating table against the wall, and placed the two gifts she had received that night side by side. She took a few carefully angled photos, picked the best one, and after some thought, decided to post it on her social media with a string of firework emojis as the caption.

It wasn’t too late, and many people were still on their phones. Shortly after posting, she received over a dozen likes.

Ming Can glanced at the message list and, of course, there was no avatar from that social media-averse caveman.

Putting down her phone, Ming Can couldn’t resist taking out the violin Chi Xiao had given her.

The feel of it was even smoother and more refined than it looked.

She placed the violin on her shoulder, stood by the window, and played a few simple notes.

The sound was bright and clear, with excellent resonance and a lingering tail, comparable to the violins made by Teacher Leting. Most importantly, she had never gone to Chi Xiao’s place to test the sound, yet many details of this violin perfectly matched her playing habits.

At this moment.

A thought suddenly crossed Ming Can’s mind—

He couldn’t have made just this one violin.

How many violins had he made before this one? Successful ones, failed ones—each one must have been a step in his journey, slowly honing his skills over time to reach the level of this violin.

Ming Can stood by the window, slightly adjusting the tuning of the strings, gazing at her reflection in the glass. She gently drew the bow across the strings, and a stream of notes flowed into the air. Ming Can had initially planned to play just a measure or two, but once she started, she couldn’t stop. She turned slightly, her cheek pressing against the violin, gradually closing her eyes. Her loose hair swayed with her movements, lightly brushing her back. She was immersed in the music, her thoughts rising and falling with the notes, like the snowflakes dancing outside the window.

It wasn’t until more than half an hour later, when beads of sweat formed at her temples, that she finally put down the bow. Only then did she realize how long she had been playing.

After washing up in the bedroom and drying her hair, it was past ten at night, and the world outside was quiet.

Opening WeChat, she immediately saw the commotion in the group chat with her friends.

Rui Yiqing: 【Oh my, oh my, oh my, Miss Ming is showing off gifts, and it’s not from me!】

Zhuang Fu: 【Ahhh, it’s not from me either. Heartbroken.】

Rui Yiqing: 【@SunMoonVolcano, was the rose from a man? Is it the one we guessed?】

Ming Can’s eyelids twitched as she typed a reply: 【The rose wasn’t from him.】

It was from his son.

Rui Yiqing: 【Then the violin next to it was from him, right?】

Ming Can, still warm from her shower, fanned herself as she replied: 【Maybe. I forgot.】

Rui Yiqing: 【Hmph.】

Rui Yiqing: 【Just tell us, are you happy? You’re setting off fireworks on your social media.】

Zhuang Fu copied and pasted: 【Just tell us, are you happy? You’re setting off fireworks on your social media.】

Ming Can didn’t know how to respond. She grabbed her phone, flopped onto the bed, and hugged her blanket tightly.

Indeed, she was quite happy.

Alright.

Very happy.

She switched to her social media feed, her eyes scanning through a long list of profile pictures that had liked her post, when suddenly she spotted a familiar snowy scene.

A snow-covered ski resort, with cable cars stretching endlessly into the distance.

Clicking into the profile, she confirmed the username was cx.

The caveman who hadn’t even set up his social media had liked her post.

Ming Can tossed her phone onto the bedside table and pulled the blanket over her face.

The thick, soft down comforter wrapped tightly around her.

Curled up under the covers, she let the oxygen slowly deplete, her face and chest feeling like they were on fire.

Second by second, she was captivated by this suffocating sensation.

–

New Year’s Eve.

Outside, sleet mixed with snow, the weather cold and gloomy. Inside the banquet hall of Jingyu Garden’s main building, separated by just a wall, the atmosphere was lively and festive. Ming Can followed her father, greeting wave after wave of relatives, some familiar, some distant. The New Year’s Eve dinner was lavish, but she had little appetite.

Finally breaking free from the tedious socializing, Ming Can pulled out her phone and opened the group chat titled 【Has Chi Xiao Learned to Cook Yet?】

Tonight, Ming Shu had taken Luo Sheng to the banquet, leaving only Chi Xiao and Miaomiao in the villa.

Miaomiao had taken a photo of the table full of dishes, all made by Chi Xiao. At first glance, they looked delicious, with great color, aroma, and flavor.

Following the photo was a string of voice messages.

Miaomiao: “Mom, Dad made so many dishes tonight, and they all taste pretty good!”

Miaomiao: “Dad also said he’s going to make me a cake, using the rice cooker.”

Miaomiao: “It’s finally done! I’ll show you! It’s a total failure!”

Miaomiao: “Ugh… this tastes so evil, bleh…”

Ming Can held her phone to her ear, listening to the messages. She felt sorry for her son but couldn’t stop laughing.

It had been over half an hour since Miaomiao sent the last message. They must have finished their New Year’s Eve dinner by now.

Walking to a quieter spot, Ming Can tapped Miaomiao’s profile picture in the group chat and sent a voice message: “At midnight, there’s going to be a fireworks show outside. Do you want to watch it, sweetie?”

Every Lunar New Year, the developers of Jingyu Garden hosted a grand fireworks show for the residents. The Ming family’s estate was located in the heart of the community, offering the best view.

Miaomiao replied quickly: “I want to watch it! Will you come watch it with me, Mom?”

Ming Can sighed helplessly: “I’m not sure. Mom might not have the time. Let Dad watch it with you, okay?”

Miaomiao’s voice sounded dejected: “Alright then.”

The banquet ended a little past nine.

Ming Can returned to the villa with her father. After washing up and changing clothes, she quickly went back downstairs.

Every year on New Year’s Eve, after having the family dinner at her grandparents’ place, Ming Zheng would invite Ming Can to stay up with him to “guard the night.”

This year was no different. Father and daughter sat in the living room, the TV playing the Spring Festival Gala. Ming Zheng was constantly on the phone, while Ming Can quietly stayed by his side, watching TV and playing on her phone.

On the coffee table was a set of car keys—Ming Zheng’s New Year’s gift to Ming Can this year, a Porsche coupe.

Besides this gift, Ming Can had also asked Ming Zheng for a position in the company—a mid-level role in the Green Finance Department of Ming Financial Group. Ming Zheng had agreed without hesitation.

Ming Can had a two-pronged plan: external entrepreneurship and internal power-building. Green Finance was the sector she planned to develop within the group. This department wasn’t currently a priority for the company, and with her status, she could easily manage it.

With such grand plans in mind, Ming Can acted even more obedient and humble. This year’s New Year’s Eve was probably the most harmonious one she had ever spent with her father.

The later it got, the more New Year’s calls Ming Zheng received.

Ming Can suddenly wondered if she could coax him to leave.

“Dad, you go handle your calls. You don’t have to stay with me,” Ming Can said, pretending to yawn. “I’m a bit sleepy, and this year’s show is so boring. I think I’ll go to bed.”

Ming Zheng: “What about the fireworks show at midnight? Aren’t you going to watch it?”

“No,” Ming Can said. “I’m a bit tired from dinner tonight.”

The socializing at the banquet had indeed been exhausting, and Ming Can had performed well, which showed she had put in effort.

Ming Zheng nodded and stood up, heading toward the study: “Then I’ll go make my calls in the study. If you want something to eat, just ask the staff. If you’re tired, go upstairs and sleep.”

Ming Can: “Mm-hmm. Thanks, Dad.”

After watching Ming Zheng enter the study, Ming Can immediately turned off the TV and pretended to go upstairs to sleep.

It was already 11:15.

Ming Can returned to her room and stood in front of the mirror, examining herself.

A loose sweater and pants, no makeup, her hair down—was it too casual?

But putting on makeup and dressing up in the middle of the night seemed even stranger.

Ming Can sat at her vanity, took out a curling iron, and lightly curled the ends of her hair.

She applied some nude lipstick and spritzed on a light perfume.

This would do.

She was naturally beautiful and didn’t need excessive embellishment.

Ming Can put on her down jacket, quietly slipped out of her room, and closed the door, pretending she was already asleep.

Then, like a thief, she went downstairs, walked out of the house, and arrived at the villa where Ming Shu lived. She entered the passcode and opened the door.

In the distance, firecrackers could be heard from the residential area. Midnight was approaching.

The spacious first floor of the villa was quiet, with no one in sight.

Ming Can walked into the bedroom where Chi Xiao and Miaomiao were staying but found no one. She lowered her head and called Chi Xiao.

“Hello, Ming Can?”

The man’s deep, magnetic voice came through, making Ming Can’s heart skip a beat. She took a deep breath and asked, “I’m here. Where are you guys?”

“You’re here?” Chi Xiao sounded surprised. “Miaomiao and I are on the rooftop, getting ready to watch the fireworks.”

The rooftop had a sunroom with glass walls on three sides, offering a clear view—perfect for watching the fireworks show.

“Oh,” Ming Can walked into the living room, about to hang up, when her gaze caught the wine cabinet diagonally ahead. She paused and casually asked, “Do you want something to drink?”

Chi Xiao thought for a moment: “Whiskey?”

“Sure,” Ming Can’s ears burned, and she hurriedly hung up. She walked to the wine cabinet, took down what looked like the most expensive bottle of whiskey, then went to the dining room to grab some juice and a few glasses. Holding everything in her arms, she took the elevator to the rooftop.

In the center of the sunroom was a large swing sofa.

It could easily seat three people.

The sturdy chains holding the sofa swayed gently.

Ming Can saw the back of Chi Xiao’s head, lazily resting against the sofa back. Hearing her footsteps, he turned around, and their eyes met unexpectedly in mid-air.

Ming Can bit the inside of her cheek and calmly met his gaze.

As she walked to the front of the swing sofa, the excited greeting she had expected didn’t come.

Miaomiao’s head was resting on Chi Xiao’s arm, his eyelids half-open, drooping heavily.

It wasn’t until Chi Xiao nudged him that he woke up a little, his eyes lifting to see Ming Can. His lips curled into a smile: “Mom’s here~”

“Little sleepyhead, you just noticed me?”

After speaking, Ming Can placed the whiskey, juice, and glasses on the round table nearby. She lowered her eyes and slowly sat down next to Miaomiao.

Chi Xiao said in a low voice, “He fell asleep at nine and asked me to wake him up at midnight to watch the fireworks.”

Ming Can laughed: “He’s awake, but he’s as limp as mud. Poor thing.”

Chi Xiao also smiled slightly: “Didn’t you say you couldn’t come?”

The room was quiet, making his voice sound deep and slightly hoarse, like a bonfire burning in a deep forest.

Ming Can: “I said I wasn’t sure, not that I couldn’t come.”

She ruffled Miaomiao’s hair, her peripheral vision catching Chi Xiao’s casual outfit for the night—a blue crewneck sweatshirt and gray pants, plain and simple, looking clean and relaxed.

He must have just taken a shower, as he carried a faint scent of soap, which was quite pleasant.

Ming Can sniffed. Logically, this glass room should have been colder than downstairs, but she felt stiflingly hot. Shortly after sitting down, she uncorked the whiskey bottle and poured a thin layer of golden liquid into a glass, mixing it with juice.

At 11:45.

With a loud boom, a cluster of golden-red fireworks shot into the sky, instantly blooming into a dazzling display. Countless petals sparkled with silver light, falling like rain.

“The fireworks show has started!” Ming Can shook Miaomiao gently. “Sweetie, look!”

Miaomiao tilted his head back, his mouth wide open, murmuring sleepily, “Wow—so—big—fireworks—”

His voice grew softer and softer, eventually turning into a yawn. After the yawn, he smacked his lips and rested his head heavily on Ming Can’s arm.

One after another, fireworks of various shapes rose into the sky, lighting up the dark night.

Chi Xiao picked up his glass, which contained about a third of the whiskey. He swirled it gently, the rich aroma of alcohol filling his senses.

Glenmorangie single malt whiskey, 30-year reserve.

The alcohol content wasn’t low.

Chi Xiao took a small sip and set the glass back on the table.

Turning his gaze, he noticed Ming Can’s glass was already empty.

The crackling sound of fireworks echoed throughout the estate, but it didn’t seem to bother the little one sleeping.

After seeing the fireworks, Miaomiao seemed satisfied and no longer fought to keep his eyes open. He quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Ming Can nudged him a few times, but there was no response. She finally gave up and let him sleep soundly.

Miaomiao’s head slid down, resting on Ming Can’s lap.

Not long after, his legs curled up against his stomach, as if he was feeling a bit cold.

The rooftop glass room was separated from the cold night by just a window. Although Miaomiao was wearing a thick sweater, his body temperature dropped as he slept, and without a blanket, it was natural for him to feel cold.

Neither Chi Xiao nor Ming Can had brought a jacket upstairs.

They couldn’t let him sleep here for long. Chi Xiao stood up decisively, bent down, and draped Miaomiao’s arm over his shoulder, easily lifting him up to take him downstairs to the bedroom.

Ming Can also stood up, casually tidying the glasses on the table.

Chi Xiao stopped and looked down at her, asking softly, “Are you still watching?”

The fireworks show had just started.

Ming Can was stunned.

Before she could answer, Chi Xiao said, “I’ll take him down. You stay.”

The fireworks continued to bloom in the sky, trailing streams of light and smoke, dreamlike and surreal.

Ming Can stood still, watching as Chi Xiao carried Miaomiao away, his figure disappearing around the corner.

He was taking Miaomiao downstairs, leaving her here to wait.

Which meant…

The rest of the fireworks show would be just the two of them?