The rest of my life
During the Lunar New Year holiday in February, the southern cities rarely felt a chill, but the white breath carried a festive warmth. The "safe haven" closed early, a handwritten blessing affixed to the door, and a hazy mist of condensation formed on the glass windows, insulating the cold outside while amplifying the bustle and warmth within.
The room was bustling with activity. Gu Yan served his secret New Year's dishes, while Lin Shuyin and Lin Wanqing huddled on the sofa, checking the program for the evening party, their laughter bubbling. And this time, Lu Ziyi was among the crowd.
He may not be good at making dumplings, but when Gu Yan needs to hand him tools, he can always reach out accurately; when Lin Wanqing chatters about interesting things at school, he will listen quietly, occasionally with a slight smile on his lips.
"Master Lu, please pass me the oyster sauce over there." Gu Yan was busy in the kitchen and gave orders naturally without even raising his head.
Lu Zi didn't say anything. He stretched out his long arm and handed the bottle over accurately. His movements were surprisingly skillful.
Lin Wanqing lay on the back of the sofa, watching in amazement: "Brother Ziyi, you can actually tell the difference between light soy sauce and oyster sauce?"
Lu Ziyi raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "Look at the label."
Xu Yan, who was peeling garlic nearby, couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. Who could have imagined that Master Lu, who could make things happen with a flick of his hand outside, would now be being bossed around in this tiny kitchen?
The dining table is fully packed and the hot pot is bubbling with steam, which is the most authentic feeling of life.
"May our 'safe haven' last us another year in peace!" Gu Yan, as the head of the family, was the first to raise his glass.
"For Yanyan and brother!" Lin Wanqing added with a smile.
Lin Shuyin gently touched her cup, her eyes gentle: "I've grown another year older for you."
Xu Yan looked at the smiling faces in front of him, and his heart was filled with warmth. He turned his head to look at Lu Ziyi beside him. Lu Ziyi was also looking at him. The glasses touched lightly in the air, making a crisp sound, and everything was said without words.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more lively. Lin Wanqing's eyes rolled, and she suddenly put down her chopsticks, clasped her hands together, and made an extremely well-behaved expression. She looked at Lu Ziyi, who was sitting at the main seat, with a sharp gaze: "Brother! Happy New Year! Wishing you great fortune!"
Her shout stunned everyone. Gu Yan was the first to react. He suppressed his laughter and followed suit, clasping his fists solemnly: "Master Lu, Happy New Year!"
Even Lin Shuyin smiled and joined in the fun, saying softly, "Master Lu, where's the red envelope?"
Xu Yan looked at this group of friends who were obsessed with money, feeling both amused and helpless. He nudged Lu Ziyi with his elbow and whispered, "Ignore them."
Lu Ziyi's face remained expressionless. He picked up a napkin and wiped the corners of his mouth. His gaze swept across the three pairs of eyes in front of him that were full of "expectation", and finally fell on the face of Xu Yan, who was a little embarrassed beside him. A very faint smile flashed across his eyes.
He said nothing, but calmly took the coat that was placed beside him. He did not take out the thick public envelope first, but first took out a red envelope with a more ancient style and a separate seal from another inner pocket.
He gently placed this single red envelope in front of Xu Yan.
"This," he looked at Xu Yan, his voice a little gentler than before, but loud enough for everyone around him to hear clearly, "my father asked me to give it to you."
He paused, then added: "He said, 'Happy New Year to you.'"
Xu Yan was stunned, staring at the unexpected red envelope before him, motionless for a moment. Lu Yu… what did this mean? A belated apology, or some kind of silent approval? He subconsciously glanced at Lu Ziyi, hoping to find the answer in his eyes.
Lu Ziyi's eyes were calm and certain, as if saying: Take it, this is what you deserve, and it is what he should do.
Gu Yan and the others exchanged glances and fell silent with understanding. The playful atmosphere just now became somewhat warm and solemn.
Under Lu Ziyi's gaze, Xu Yan finally reached out and touched the red envelope with his fingertips. It was very thin, and the contents seemed more like a card or check than a banknote. He didn't open it, but simply held it tightly in his hand, feeling the indescribable weight. He whispered, "...Thank Uncle Lu for me."
Lu Ziyi nodded almost imperceptibly. Then, he took out the thick official envelope and placed it in front of Xu Yan again, his tone returning to its previous calmness:
"housekeeper."
I mean, it's distributed by you.
"Wow! Thank you, Brother Ziyi! Thank you, Shopkeeper Yan!" Lin Wanqing was the first to cheer.
Lin Shuyin also smiled and said to Xu Yan: "As expected of Mr. Lu, this operation is perfect. It seems that we will have to cling to Yanyan's thighs from now on."
Xu Yan looked at the heavy envelope before him, then at Lu Ziyi's calm, "It's none of my business" demeanor and his friends' cheering faces. The last bit of alienation from the past finally melted away in this worldly yet warm atmosphere. He picked up the envelope and smiled with a helpless yet indulgent smile: "You guys..."
The clamor of the Spring Festival Gala on TV faded into the background, while the true flavor of the New Year permeated the clinking of wine glasses, the banter of friends, and the steam rising from the hot pot. Xu Yan watched all this, his heart filled with a rich, almost unreal sense of happiness.
As dawn approached, a group of us, wrapped tightly in our coats, chatted and laughed as we climbed to the rooftop of a nearby high-rise building with a panoramic view. The city's New Year's bells were about to ring, but the chilly night breeze couldn't dispel our anticipation. In the distance, the city lights shone like a sea of stars.
"Look! It's about to start!" Lin Wanqing shouted, pointing to the sky.
Xu Yan and Lu Ziyi stood side by side at the railing, overlooking the glittering city below. He turned his head and saw Lin Shuyin carefully tightening Lin Wanqing's scarf not far away. Then, in anticipation of the sky about to bloom, she lowered her head and kissed Lin Wanqing naturally.
At this moment——
"Bang--!"
The first bunch of fireworks exploded, spreading golden light all over the sky.
The light illuminated Xu Yan's face. He subconsciously turned back, only to meet Lu Ziyi's deep eyes, which had been fixed on him. Lu Ziyi reached out and carefully adjusted his scarf, which had been messed up by the wind, with gentle movements.
Xu Yan looked at him, his heartbeat suddenly accelerating as if he had a premonition of something.
Lu Ziyi lowered his head, his warm lips touching his. It was a kiss that carried the spirit of the New Year and boundless promise. And just as Xu Yan closed his eyes, lost in the kiss, he felt a ring-shaped object, warm from his partner's body temperature, being placed on his left hand's slightly cool ring finger.
Fireworks exploded above their heads, illuminating the night sky like daylight. When Lu Ziyi ended the kiss and pulled away slightly, Xu Yan raised his hand in a daze. A platinum ring, simple yet elegant in design, sat securely on his finger, reflecting a delicate yet resolute light beneath the dazzling fireworks.
He looked up at Lu Ziyi, whose eyes were filled with smiles and undisguised love.
"Happy New Year, Xu Yan." Lu Ziyi held his ring-wearing hand, interlocking their fingers. "For the rest of my life, you'll be my life."
In the distance, the figures of friends cuddled together, the city lit up by fireworks; before him, the eternal vows made by his lover. Xu Yan held him tightly in his arms, his words melting into tears and a smile of immense relief and happiness.
Their story, at the stroke of midnight on this New Year's Eve, amidst the dazzling lights of the sky, finally came to a perfect conclusion. Xu Yan shook her hand tightly, his thousands of words turning into tears of happiness in his eyes.
--end
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com