Mu Wan hurried to pull him out.
“You’ve already tried on so many outfits. Let’s go, or we’ll be late for the New Year’s Eve dinner.”

Kuang Ye sighed regretfully, “I should’ve tried on all the clothes yesterday.”

Mu Wan reassured him, “You’ve already been to my mom’s birthday before. Why are you still so nervous?”

During the New Year celebrations, the Mu family traditionally gathered together as a large family. This meant that Mu Wan’s uncles and other relatives would all come to the Mu family villa for dinner.

Kuang Ye, with a mysterious expression, replied, “You don’t understand; it feels different this time.”

During the last birthday visit, he was still somewhat considered a guest. This time, however, he felt like he was half a host. He would have to hand out red envelopes to the younger generation and endure the scrutiny of Mu Wan’s relatives.

Mu Wan shrugged, not fully understanding his perspective.

They loaded the prepared New Year gifts into the trunk and soon arrived at the Mu family villa. Even before they entered, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air.

This time, more relatives had come compared to Mu Wan’s mother’s birthday party. Even those working or studying abroad had returned to celebrate the New Year.

As they carried the gifts into the house, Kuang Ye nervously asked again, “Wan wan, is this outfit really appropriate? Maybe the first one looked better.”

Mu Wan grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.
“Stop overthinking! Let’s go in.”

Kuang Ye protested, “Wait, I’m not ready—”

The moment they stepped through the door, Kuang Ye’s nervousness vanished. Seeing all the relatives’ eyes turn toward him, he began to greet them politely one by one.
“Hello, Uncle, Auntie, Second Aunt, Little Aunt…”

“This is the New Year gift I brought with Wan wan; we’ll just leave it here.”

“What are you all playing? Bridge? Oh, I don’t know much about it, but I can watch and learn.”

Watching Kuang Ye effortlessly blend into the crowd, chatting and laughing with the relatives, Mu Wan was stunned.
What happened to the person who was so nervous just now? Was he a Sichuan opera master capable of changing faces so fast?

The Mu family relatives were delighted with Kuang Ye. He was confident, polite, and well-mannered, earning glowing reviews for coming home with Mu Wan for the New Year.

“Xiao Ye, I heard you’re the CEO of Su You?”
“Yes, but I don’t manage the company directly.”
“The competition you played in almost won the world championship, right? Keep it up and aim to win for the country!”
Kuang Ye: …We didn’t get close at all, but okay.
“Sure, Uncle. I’ll work hard next year.”

“Mu Wan, your company is doing great; everyone around me talks about it!”
“Yes, it’s going well. My colleagues are excellent…”

With so many relatives catching up, Mu Wan soon felt her throat drying up. Suddenly, a glass of water was handed to her. She quickly took it and continued chatting with the others.

Meanwhile, Kuang Ye sat beside her, occasionally answering questions, sometimes just listening. He even found time to peel a mandarin orange for Mu Wan, drawing knowing smiles from the others, who teased them about their sweet relationship.

Soon, the chef in the kitchen announced that dinner was ready, and everyone moved to take their seats.

This year, the Mu family had hired the most renowned chef specializing in local Suzhou cuisine to prepare the feast. However, when Kuang Ye sat down, he noticed that the dishes around him were mostly spicy Sichuan and Hunan cuisine.

He glanced at Mu Wan, who leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“Mom knows you’re not used to local dishes, so she specifically asked the chef to make a few that suit your taste.”

“She said it’s important to enjoy the New Year’s Eve dinner.”

Looking at the seemingly ordinary dishes, Kuang Ye’s heart swelled with emotion. He lowered his head, on the verge of tears.

Since he was born, no New Year’s Eve table had ever included a dish just for him.

“Ah Ye, what’s wrong?” Mu Wan immediately noticed something off about him.

Kuang Ye gently held her hand under the table, shook his head slightly, and blinked back the tears.
“Nothing, something must’ve gotten in my eye. I’ll be fine in a moment.”

Though he tried to hide it, Mu Wan still detected the tremble in his voice. She held his hand tightly, offering silent comfort.

After a while, Kuang Ye whispered softly, “Wan wan, I’m so happy.”
So happy it felt unreal, as if he might wake up from a dream and lose all this warmth.

Mu Wan whispered back, “Of course you’re happy; you’re my boyfriend.”

—

After dinner, everyone gathered again to chat or play mahjong.

Kuang Ye and Mu Wan sat on the couch, pulling out a stack of red envelopes. Kuang Ye called to the younger children in the room.
“Line up, it’s time for red envelopes. Jiejie is handing them out!”

A group of kids immediately ran over, each remembering to say festive blessings after receiving their envelopes.
“I wish Jiejie and Gege-in-law happiness every day!”
“I wish Jiejie and Gege-in-law joy every day!”
“I wish Jiejie and Gege-in-law a baby soon!”

“Pfft—” The adults burst into laughter, and both Kuang Ye and Mu Wan turned bright red.
They weren’t even married yet; what baby were they talking about?