Chapter 19

The person in front of the car had disappeared without a trace. Lu Wei unbuckled his seatbelt.

Deng Tian covered his knee, the snow on his hair had melted into tiny, crystal-clear droplets hanging on the ends. He tilted his face upward, his eyes slightly red, resembling a child who had been wronged, carrying an expression of pitiful fragility, “President Lu…”

For a fleeting moment, Lu Wei thought of Lin Si.

When Lin Si cries, the tip of his nose would turn red, and the redness would spread to the sides of his cheeks, softening the hearts of even those who disliked him.

But the person in front of him now resembled a melted piece of malt candy.

Lu Wei’s upbringing kept him from cursing out loud. Instead, he asked coldly, “Where did you get the address?”

“I…” Deng Tian couldn’t gauge Lu Wei’s mood, unsure whether to put on a smiling face or continue playing weak. “I asked someone to find it for me…”

“Send the medical bills to Duan Yang.”

Deng Tian smiled happily and started to get up from the ground. “Thank you, President Lu… I…”

Suddenly, Lu Wei leaned down, towering over him. The light from the car’s headlights hit the side of his pupils, making them gleam like transparent amber.

“Next time, I won’t step on the brakes.”

Deng Tian’s smile froze on his face. His eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively grabbed Lu Wei’s jacket.

Lu Wei straightened his back, ignoring the hand gripping his jacket. He got back into the car and slammed the horn, making Deng Tian reflexively recoil, trembling as he stumbled to the side.

The access system recognized Lu Wei’s car, and the barrier slowly opened. The car disappeared into the passageway, and the heavy gate closed once again.

Before entering his home, Lu Wei took off the jacket Deng Tian had touched and threw it into the trash bin.

The city lights stretched endlessly, the glow seeming as though it would seep into the windows.

Lu Wei sat on the sofa, dazed for two seconds, before his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Forgotten Love: [Are you home?]

---

Lin Si had made himself three dishes.

Two dishes felt too lonely, but three looked more presentable when set on the table.

“Alright, alright, happy New Year! Take a look at the latest creations from Chef Lin’s private kitchen.”

Lin Si recorded everything on his phone before picking up his bowl. He ate slowly, watching the Spring Festival Gala while sighing, “There are only a few days a year when I can truly indulge.” He held his phone, waiting for Y’s reply.

He had planned to spend the evening chatting with Y and watching the show together. That’s why he had confidently told Liao Ji earlier that he wouldn’t feel lonely during the New Year.

But Y vanished without a trace, leaving no message the entire evening.

The more Lin Si watched, the sleepier he became. His head drooped, and soon he was lying down.

When the hosts gave their New Year’s speech, Lin Si woke up wrapped in his blanket. He opened his bleary eyes to glance at the screen—and instantly became alert.

He quickly sent a message to Y: [Are you home?]

Y hadn’t responded. Lin Si, sensing the host’s words picking up pace, scrambled to send another: [The New Year is almost here!]

“5—4—3—2—1!”

Y: [Happy New Year.]

Lin Si’s eagerly beating heart skipped a beat.

He didn’t even hear the hosts wishing everyone a happy New Year.

But he knew that Y’s [Happy New Year] had appeared at the exact moment of the final countdown.

Y followed up: [Wishing you health and all the best in the new year.]

Y’s greeting was plain and straightforward. Lin Si stared at it for a while, then burst into laughter, his legs stretching out straight into the air.

What an old-fashioned blessing!

Lin Si: [Happy New Year!!]
Lin Si: [You too—stay healthy, have a smooth year, and don’t work overtime!]

Y: [Okay.]

Lin Si pressed further: [Are you at home now?]

Y: [Just got home not long ago. Had things to deal with this afternoon, sorry.]

Lin Si: [It’s fine, no need to be so formal. Did you get everything sorted out?]

Y: [More or less.]

Lin Si didn’t dwell on it and said: [You missed a lot of the show. This year’s comedy sketches were hilarious!]

Y: [Really?]

Lin Si thought Y’s response sounded somewhat confused and asked: [You don’t usually watch the Spring Festival Gala?]

Y: [No, I don’t have time.]

Lin Si: [That’s tough—you’ve got it rough.]
Lin Si: [Fluffy pet pic.jpg]

Y: [Can I still catch it now?]

Lin Si: [It’s almost over, but if you start now, there’s still a bit left.]

After a while, Y replied: [They’re singing now.]

Lin Si: [Two more songs, and it’ll end.]
Lin Si: [If you’ve never watched the gala before, how do you usually spend New Year’s Eve?]

Y: [Out.]

Lin Si: [All night?]

Lin Si: [You’ve been busy so late. Did you eat?]

Y: [I’ve eaten.]
Y: [What about you?]

Lin Si: [Of course I’ve eaten! I made several dishes, though I couldn’t finish them all.]

Y: [Even during New Year’s, you don’t eat more?]

Lin Si: [I’m used to it. I can’t eat that much. Do you want to see what I cooked? My cooking skills are great—I can handle both simple and fancy dishes.]

Y: [Sure.]

Lin Si jumped off the sofa, raised his phone, and started recording a video of the leftover dishes.

“Since I’m eating alone, I only cooked three dishes,” he narrated, adjusting the phone and squatting a bit lower. “This one is new for me—Squirrel Fish. Looks festive, right? Though it’s my first attempt, so there’s room for improvement. Next is pan-fried tofu, better than any restaurant you’ve been to,” Lin Si backed up a little, “and lastly, just a basic stir-fried vegetable.”

He sent the video to Y. By the time the gala ended, he received Y’s praise.

Y: [They all look delicious.]

Lin Si: [You’ve got good taste! Next time, I’ll cook for you if there’s a chance.]

After a pause, Y replied: [Okay.] Then he added: [The show’s over.]

Lin Si checked the time and asked: [Are you going to sleep now?]

Y: [I need to take a shower first.]

Lin Si, putting the leftovers into the fridge, told Y, “Alright, go take your shower first.”

Once he finished cleaning up, he noticed a video message on his phone—from Y.

Lin Si covered his mouth, then his eyes. “No way! Did he send me a… shower video?!”

His heart racing, hands trembling, Lin Si opened the video, only to be greeted by complete darkness.

“…”

“???”

He watched as the progress bar moved. At seven seconds, the screen finally brightened.

The video showed white marble flooring and a pair of deep gray house slippers, half visible, walking forward.

It seemed Y had walked for a while before turning on the light.

Lin Si suddenly recognized something familiar in the frame.

A piano.

Y’s right hand rested on the piano keys, its joints distinct and fingers long and elegant. Forget the simplest octave—Lin Si was certain that even a tenth interval would be effortless for Y.

Lin Si was excited, wondering what piece Y was about to play for him. In his mind, he quickly picked out several romantic songs.

Then, the speakers poured out a smooth piano melody. Y, using just one hand, played a short segment of—

《Gong Xi Fa Cai》 (May you have a prosperous year.)

“…”

This wasn’t following the script!

Where was the romantic ballad? Where was the sweetness?

The video ended, and Lin Si swallowed his disbelief before praising him, full of “appreciation”: [Thank you, it was really wonderful.]

Y was probably in the shower and didn’t reply for a long time.

Lin Si climbed into bed, played games for a while, and kept returning to Y’s video, rewatching it so much it was almost burned into his mind.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, Y finally replied: [Mm.]

Lin Si snapped awake and asked: [Why did you suddenly play that for me?]

Y: [Last time, you sent a voice message asking me to send one back.]

Lin Si: “…”

So Y thought I sent him a video and might ask for one in return, so he preemptively reciprocated?

Lin Si: [Seal clapping.gif]

Actually, I didn’t think that far ahead! I’m not that petty or childish. I’m not that kind of person!

But Y had made notable progress, deserving some praise!

Y: [I chose a style I thought you’d like.]

Lin Si: [???]

This is my style? My fans say I’m super fashionable!

Lin Si: [Then can you play something else for me next time?]

Y: [What do you want to hear?]

Lin Si: [Something sweet, the kind that makes you feel like falling in love.]

Y was silent for a while before replying: [Any other styles you’d like?]

Realizing Y was reluctant, Lin Si had to compromise: [I haven’t decided yet, but could you owe me one? When I think of something, I’ll let you know.]

Y: [Consider it a New Year’s gift.]

Lin Si: [Thank you, handsome, for the New Year’s gift!]
Lin Si: [You’re so handsome, so handsome, the most stunning guy ever!]

Y: [Go to sleep.]

Lin Si laughed so much his face burned: [You can’t handle compliments, can you? Hahahahaha!]

Y: [Busy tomorrow.]

To Lin Si, Y felt like a stubborn elder who, when embarrassed, resorted to talking about something else, pretending nothing had happened.

Lin Si: [Alright, let’s chat when you’re free tomorrow.]

Y: [Goodnight.]

Lin Si: [Goodnight.]

Perhaps Lin Si hadn’t realized that saying goodnight had already become a habit for them.

Perhaps Lin Si hadn’t realized that his New Year’s Eve wasn’t lonely after all.

Author’s Note:
The romance of elderly aka old souls—probably only Lin Si can appreciate it (hhhhhhhhhh).

T/n: New chapter is up ❤️. If you want to support me buy me a Ko-Fi or go to my paypal page. Happy Reading ❤️🎆😀!