Chapter 53 Chapter 53 Year after year, always

On New Year's Eve, the world seemed to be filled with joy. Pei Shuyu got up early for a rare occasion and put up the Spring Festival couplets with Ji Yan.

A light snow fell outside. Pei Shuyu was bundled up tightly. She breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her hands together as she said, "It's almost done. Just put these blessing characters on."

Ji Yan took off her hat and put it on Pei Shuyu's head. After adjusting the brim, she handed the "Fu" characters to the eager person and asked, "Where should I put them?"

Pei Shuyu looked around, selected a few spots, and carefully pasted the "Fu" character. He took a few steps back and adjusted the hat with satisfaction: "It's done."

After a busy morning full of energy, Pei Shuyu ran to Ruan Zhuangjing and asked for a reward: "Mom, look at what Ji Yan and I have accomplished this morning."

Ruan Zhuangjing had just finished a phone call and praised, "Not bad, it's quite useful."

Pei Shuyu crossed her arms and said, "Suppressive education is prohibited."

Ruan Zhuangjing laughed out loud, hugged Ji Yan, who was sitting nearby, and said affectionately, "Okay, okay, no repressive education. Thank you both for your hard work. Have a good rest after the New Year's Eve dinner tonight."

Ji Yan's body stiffened slightly, she was restrained in Ruan Zhuangjing's arms, her breathing slowed down a bit due to tension. She tilted her head slightly, putting some distance between herself and Ruan Zhuangjing. "Godmother, I'll prepare with you."

Although there were only three of them at home, the people in this city attached great importance to the New Year's Eve dinner and could not be careless. It was really too much work for one person to prepare it.

Pei Shuyu nodded: "I can help."

Ruan Zhuangjing smiled and said, "Okay."

The three of them sat together chatting and laughing, and time passed quickly. Before they knew it, they were talking about college entrance examination choices. Pei Shuyu and Ji Yan looked at each other.

Pei Shuyu took the initiative to answer, "Mom, didn't I tell you this earlier? I plan to apply to the Art College of A University, and Ji Yan is also applying to A University."

As one of the top universities in the country, it is naturally the first choice for countless students.

Ruan Zhuangjing pondered: "Don't you have any intention of studying abroad?"

Pei Shuyu was stunned: "What?"

Ruan Zhuangjing had never talked about sending her to study abroad before, and she had no idea about it.

Ruan Zhuangjing smiled and said, "It's okay, just a casual mention. Just think it over. A university can also take care of it." She paused and said helplessly, "Xiaoyan will have to take time off to take care of you."

Ji Yan's tongue slid across her teeth. She didn't know if it was because her nerves were too tense these times, but whether it was Chen Ye's words or Ruan Zhuangjing's casual remarks, they would make her think too much.

Did he notice something was going on between her and Pei Shuyu?

Ji Yan clenched the water cup tightly, and the warm liquid flowed into her mouth, suppressing her anxiety.

Pei Shuyu stretched out her tone: "I'm not a child anymore, Mom. Maybe I'll be the one taking care of Ji Yan then."

Ruan Zhuangjing: "That's even better. Hasn't Xiaoyan taken care of you enough over the years?"

Pei Shuyu said confidently, "Ji Yan volunteered." She sought Ji Yan's opinion, "Isn't that right?"

Ji Yan nodded slightly, a smile on her lips: "Yes, I volunteered."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Yan's cell phone on the table rang, and at the same time, the name of the caller appeared on the screen.

He is Ji Yan's uncle.

Pei Shuyu resisted the urge to roll her eyes and whispered, "Bad luck."

Ruan Zhuangjing glanced at her.

Ji Yan pursed her lips, said "sorry", and went to the bedroom to answer the phone.

Pei Shuyu leaned back in annoyance, cursing Uncle Ji Yan in his heart. Such a good New Year was ruined like this.

I don’t know what Ji An is going to do next.

She grabbed a pillow and hugged it, staring longingly at the closed bedroom door.

Ruan Zhuangjing suddenly asked, "Xiao Pei, do you have someone you like?"

Her sudden question caught Pei Shuyu off guard. He uttered an "Ah" and looked away, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Ruan Zhuangjing said, "I'm curious, can't I ask you about this?"

Pei Shuyu touched his nose and said, "Even if I want to talk, I will talk after the college entrance examination. Why are you asking these questions now?"

Ruan Zhuangjing heard her avoidance, so this meant that she had someone she liked.

Ruan Zhuangjing asked again: "Where is Xiaoyan? Is there anyone pursuing her at school?"

Pei Shuyu was a little furious: "How should I know?"

Ruan Zhuangjing raised an eyebrow: "Why such a big reaction?"

Pei Shuyu casually pounded the pillow a few times: "Ji Yan is focused on studying. Even if there are people pursuing her at school, she will turn a blind eye."

Except her, of course.

Pei Shuyu's little tail was raised.

Ruan Zhuangjing didn't ask any more questions.

The bedroom door opened and Ji Yan walked out.

Pei Shuyu threw down the pillow and went forward: "Ji Yan?"

Ji Yan forced a smile: "It's okay, Ji An asked me to go back today, but I refused."

Ji An asked her to go back tonight to have the New Year's Eve dinner, claiming that she was her elder.

If it were a few years earlier, she might have agreed because of the blood relationship, but over the years, she has become more and more disappointed, and her desire for blood ties has disappeared due to the various operations of Ji An's family.

Even if I go back tonight, the chances are that we'll talk about something related to the house.

She didn't want to ruin her good mood during the New Year.

Pei Shuyi was filled with indignation: "It's really like a weasel paying New Year's greetings to a chicken."

Ji Yan was amused by her and stroked her hair: "Yeah, you are right."

Ruan Zhuangjing came over and changed the subject: "Okay, I'll go prepare the ingredients for the New Year's Eve dinner first. Xiao Pei, you and Xiao Yan go buy some seasonings. I remember we're out of vinegar and soy sauce at home."

Pei Shu said, "Okay."

It’s a good time to take Ji Yan out for a walk to relax.

Snowflakes floated on my face, melting into a pool of liquid the moment they touched me, hanging on my skin wetly and coolly, bringing a bit of warmth.

Pei Shuyu held Ji Yan's hand, pressed his thumb on the back of her hand, and tapped lightly: "Want some candy?"

When she is in a bad mood, she always puts a piece of candy in her mouth. It tastes sweet, and it seems that her mood will also become sweet.

Ji Yan shook her head: "I don't want to eat."

Pei Shuyu didn't force it and continued to ask, "Is there anything you want to eat?"

Ji Yan: "You."

Pei Shuyu coughed dryly: "Be serious," she said lightly, "It's not impossible, wait until we get back."

It's very lively outside today, and things are very busy. Secret things should be done in secret places.

Ji Yan's eyes softened: "Okay."

After selling the things Ruan Zhuangjing asked them to do, the two bought some hand-held fireworks.

"Mom, I bought the things." Pei Shuyu howled as soon as she entered the door, and put the bag in the kitchen carelessly, "Put it here."

Ruan Zhuangjing was washing vegetables and said, "Okay, I'll come back to help after a break."

Pei Shuyu: "OK."

Ji Yan's nose was frozen red and looked much more fragile. She sat quietly on the sofa in the living room, holding warm water with her slender fingers and taking small sips.

The light white mist blurred the girl's face, making her look even more fragile.

Pei Shuyu's heart was aroused. She glanced towards the kitchen, walked quickly to Ji Yan, put her arms around the girl's waist, and put her cheek against hers.

Both of their faces were cold, but because Ji Yan drank some warm water, their faces had a little warmth.

Pei Shuyu's movements were too intense, and some of the water in the cup was knocked out. Ji Yan had no choice but to put the cup down and whispered, "Godmother is in the kitchen."

Will be seen.

Pei Shuyu said, "No." She grabbed Ji Yan's hand and put it into her down jacket. "Will it be warmer here?"

Ji Yan's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she lowered her eyes in response.

Pei Shuyu licked her lower lip and whispered, "Didn't you say you wanted to eat me outside? I'm right here."

Ji Yan: "Go to the bedroom."

Pei Shuyu: "It doesn't matter."

It's just a kiss, it won't be discovered.

She was too lazy to move, and glanced at the kitchen again. She grabbed the back of Ji Yan's head, brought her to her arms, protected the back of her head, tilted her head upwards, and kissed her thin lips.

Very light and fast, like a feather floating across the lips.

Pei Shuyu restrained herself from making any unnecessary moves, after all, Ruan Zhuangjing was not far away.

But the thrill was more intense, even with just a kiss.

Ji Yan's eyes were filled with tears. She grabbed Pei Shuyu's clothes and said in a rolling voice, "You are so bold."

Even bolder than her.

Ji Yan: "Aren't you afraid of being seen by your godmother?"

Pei Shuyu's face flushed. "Let's talk about it after we find out." She swallowed. "Is it exciting?"

Ji Yan: "...Yeah." She stood up, afraid that the two would do something more outrageous, "I'm going to help godmother prepare the New Year's Eve dinner."

Pei Shuyu: "Together."

Ruan Zhuangjing looked helplessly at the two people who appeared side by side. These two children were really busy and ran over to help her as soon as they finished buying things.

"Why are your eyes so red?" Ruan Zhuangjing finished assigning tasks to Pei Shuyu and turned to see the unusual color of Ji Yan's eyes. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Pei Shuyu waited for Ji Yan's answer with great anticipation.

They knew exactly what was going on.

Ji Yan was thin-skinned. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tangled together. "It's okay, godmother. I guess I got caught in the wind when I went out."

Ruan Zhuangjing didn't doubt her: "That's good."

After two hours of busy work, the hot New Year’s Eve dinner was ready.

Ruan Zhuangjing opened a bottle of red wine: "Cheers."

Pei Shuyu took a few photos as usual and buried her head in the dining table.

After the meal, Ruan Zhuangjing took out the red envelopes she had prepared early in the morning from her pocket and handed them to the two of them: "Here, New Year's red envelopes."

Pei Shuyu was delighted: "Thank you, Mom."

Ji Yan: "Thank you, godmother."

Ruan Zhuangjing waved her hand: "Happy New Year."

After clearing the table, Ruan Zhuangjing's phone continued to ring. It was a business partner.

Pei Shuyu and Ji Yan ran to the open space outside to set off fireworks.

Large fireworks are prohibited, and most people turn a blind eye to these handheld ones.

The sparks illuminated Pei Shuyu's face, and her smile was bright and sunny.

Ji Yan was dazzled.

"Ji Yan."

Ji Yan came back to her senses: "Hmm?"

Pei Shuyu asked with a smile: "What is your New Year's wish?"

Ji Yan said: "My wish has been fulfilled."

Even if it has not been blessed by more people.

Pei Shuyu understood: "Make a new wish."

Ji Yan: "Then it will be there year after year, always."