Gu Jingran shook his head at his parents' suggestion.
"Between us, neither of us needs to compromise. I can't let her give up what she wants to do."
Huo Yunlan wanted to say something more, but Gu Jingran interrupted, "You don't need to persuade me. I've already made my decision."
"Mom, don't forget that back then, you defied all opposition and resolutely moved to Beijing to develop your career. You were willing to give everything for your ideals back then, so why should Xiaochen have to give up hers now?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Huo Yunlan paused for a moment, his eyes flickered, and his tone softened.
"So over the years, I've always regretted it. If I hadn't been so stubborn back then, maybe I wouldn't have missed your growth and could have stayed by your side all this time."
"And do you know what? Back then, to support me, your dad gave up his stable job and came to Beijing with me to work hard. Jingran, if it really comes to that, are you willing? Are you willing to give up your current company for Xiaochen?"
Gu Yuanshan sighed and continued, "Yes, Jingran. The reason we advised you is because we saw how hard you worked to start your business. You were so hard-working that you didn't even have time to eat. We don't want you to give up the career you've built up over the years, and we don't want to see you suffer setbacks because of relationship problems."
Gu Jingran raised his head: "Mom and Dad, why don't you understand? When Xiaochen and I are together, neither of us needs to sacrifice for the other. We walk side by side. She has her ideals, and I have my career. We enjoy our current relationship and this state of fighting side by side."
Huo Yunlan frowned: "That's because you two haven't really settled down yet. Once you're married and have children, you'll both be busy with your careers. What will you do then? Do you want your children to lack parental companionship like you did when you were a child?"
Gu Jingran tapped his fingers lightly on his knee, feeling as if something had struck his heart.
He paused for a moment, then said, "Mom and Dad, I know what you're worried about. But Xiao Chen and I will think about this slowly. At least for now, we won't negate our current choices because of the unknown future."
Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan wanted to persuade him further, but Gu Jingran refused to give them another chance to speak.
He pursed his lips, suppressing his discomfort, and said only, "Mom and Dad, it's the New Year, and Xiaochen is here too. I just want her and me to be happy. Please don't bring up these things again, and don't tell her either. I don't want her to overthink it. We have our own plans for our lives."
Although Gu Jingran's tone wasn't harsh, it was very resolute.
Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan exchanged a glance. Seeing their son's firm attitude, they had no choice but to swallow their words.
Neither of them spoke again.
The living room fell silent, with only the sound from the television. The festive drumbeats and the host's lively laughter seemed somewhat out of place.
No one spoke again. Everyone pretended to be watching the TV intently, but their thoughts were all different.
Not long after, footsteps were heard at the bottom of the stairs.
Ye Linchen had almost finished sleeping and went downstairs in a daze.
She was still a little sleepy, but as soon as she entered the living room, she was struck by the unusually quiet atmosphere.
She walked over and sat down next to Gu Jingran, lowering her voice to ask softly, "What's wrong? Why do you sound so heavy?"
Gu Jingran paused slightly, then replied calmly, "The show isn't good."
Ye Linchen followed his gaze to the television.
Just then, a comedic skit came on, and the actors on stage were talking nonsense with a straight face, which made the audience burst into laughter. She couldn't help but laugh too.
"What's wrong with it? Isn't it quite interesting?" she asked with a smile.
But I was even more puzzled. I could hear laughter from the TV upstairs, so why did everyone seem so somber when I came down to check on them?
Seeing her puzzled look, Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan felt a pang of anxiety, fearing that the girl might notice something.
The two exchanged glances, and Huo Yunlan spoke first, smiling as she smoothed things over, saying, "Xiao Chen, even the show has become more interesting since you came back. You wouldn't believe how boring it was just now; we almost fell asleep."
Although Ye Linchen still felt something was off, she didn't think much of it and just smiled and casually replied, "It's probably because it's almost midnight and the best shows are all being shown as the finale."
With her words, the atmosphere in the living room finally came alive again.
Gu Yuanshan chuckled in response, and Huo Yunlan nodded in agreement. The family's awkward silence was finally broken by her laughter.
Ye Linchen quickly put aside her doubts and focused on watching the program.
Before we knew it, the clock struck midnight.
Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan got up and led Ye Linchen and Gu Jingran to the small courtyard outside.
The air was so cold it was almost white, but fireworks were already set up in the yard.
Gu Yuanshan personally lit the first one. With a "whoosh," a beam of light shot straight into the sky, exploding into a sky full of fiery blossoms.
Ye Linchen looked up, his eyes shining brightly in the light, and couldn't help but take a soft breath.
"So beautiful," she murmured.
Gu Jingran looked at her profile, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved up.
Several people took turns lighting fireworks, making the courtyard lively and bustling.
Ye Linchen covered his ears and laughed as he backed away, but couldn't resist leaning forward to take a closer look. Huo Yunlan saw this and was even more delighted.
After the fireworks ended, Huo Yunlan took out the red envelopes she had prepared beforehand.
She handed the thick envelope to Ye Linchen with a smile: "Xiao Chen, this is your lucky money for the first time you're celebrating the New Year at our house, for good luck."
Ye Linchen quickly declined, "Auntie, this is too much, I can't accept it."
"Silly child, this is the rule. It's bad luck not to accept it." Huo Yunlan forcefully stuffed the red envelope into her hand, her smile gentle.
Ye Linchen had no choice but to accept it, but his heart was filled with warmth and a bittersweet feeling.
She had never truly experienced this kind of New Year's atmosphere before; the warmth of family made her feel somewhat overwhelmed.
The family exchanged auspicious greetings and laughed and joked for a while before returning inside to rest.
Before leaving, Huo Yunlan specifically instructed, "I slept in late tonight, so everyone should sleep in a little longer tomorrow. I have some colleagues coming to visit during the day, and I'll take you out to play the day after tomorrow."
Ye Linchen obediently agreed and went back to his room.
After she went upstairs, Huo Yunlan also returned to her room.
The couple lay in bed, but neither of them was in a hurry to sleep. Huo Yunlan turned over and couldn't help but say, "Jingran is getting more and more stubborn. I wonder who she takes after."
Gu Yuanshan sighed, "Since he's already said so, let's not worry about it anymore. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; we can't force them."
Huo Yunlan shook her head: "You make it sound so easy. How could I not worry about it?"
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