134 Sacrifice Corridor 38 || Friendly Lights
The seasons change, the cycle repeats itself. It is both an end and a new beginning.
After finishing his last game and returning to his peaceful daily life, January had already passed in a blink of an eye. Jing Ning naturally moved into Yan Shuang's small home, which was not spacious but exuded warmth everywhere. He even confidently claimed the study as his own, turning it into a temporary office.
Therefore, during the morning and evening rush hours every day, Jingning had an additional unshakable task: to serve as Yan Shuang's exclusive driver.
At six o'clock in the afternoon, the black SUV would always stop downstairs of Yan Shuang's company on time, without a second's delay.
"bite--"
The phone screen lit up, and it was a message from Jing Ning, concise and to the point: downstairs.
Yan Shuang looked at these two words, and the fatigue of the day melted away. He quickly cleaned up his desk, turned off his computer, and slipped towards the elevator. In the past, he usually worked overtime until late at night before going home, filling his empty time with endless work. But now it was different. Someone was waiting at home.
Ye Jing'an was very curious why this person seemed busier than him, who was about to get married.
Ye Jing'an hadn't been idle this month either; he'd done something significant. His mood had dramatically improved, reaching a state of living life to the fullest. He'd already successfully proposed, and the wedding was scheduled for May of this year.
I opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. The car was filled with soft music and Jing Ning had the same scent as me.
"Did everything go well today?" Jing Ning asked naturally as he turned the steering wheel and merged into the traffic.
"Well, the project has finally come to an end, and I'll be on holiday soon." The car was well heated, and Yan Shuang leaned back in the chair, relaxed, and looked at his well-defined profile. "So, Comrade Xiao Jing, where are we going next?"
Jing Ning raised the corner of his mouth slightly: "Purchasing, the refrigerator at home is almost empty."
As the New Year approaches, the atmosphere becomes more and more lively. Red lanterns are hung everywhere on the streets. People who work far away from home are rushing back home one after another in these days, making the usually deserted city seem lively.
The supermarket is their unspoken stop on their way home.
As soon as they entered, most of the people were buying New Year's goods. Jing Ning naturally took his hand and pushed the shopping cart with his other hand. So, Yan Shuang only had to walk leisurely beside him and give him instructions.
"The ribs look fresh. How about making sweet and sour tonight?"
"good."
"Wow, these shrimp are on sale! Want to buy some?"
"Well, I'll choose."
"Jingning, look, that ice cream has a new flavor!"
Yan Shuang, who was walking in front, turned around and pointed at the freezer with sparkling eyes. The light fell on his smiling face. Jing Ning looked at him, and a corner of his heart softened. He pushed the cart and followed, his tone full of indulgence that he himself didn't realize: "You can only take one box. My stomach was upset a few days ago."
At such times, Jing Ning's porter nature would fully awaken. Whether it was a heavy load of vegetables or a bag of snacks stuffed full, it would eventually land safely in his hands.
Yan Shuang tried to share the burden several times, but he always stopped her with his eyes: "I'll do it."
The street lights stretched the shadows of the two people very long, overlapping behind them.
Yan Shuang looked at his back as he carried all the things and walked steadily in front of him. An unprecedented sense of security and belonging quietly enveloped him.
The fear of being in danger of losing one's life at any time in the game seems to be gradually soothed by the daily life full of fireworks.
After returning home, Yan Shuang sorted the purchased spoils into categories and put them into the refrigerator, then put on an apron and began to work in the kitchen in an orderly manner.
Jing Ning would not really be idle either. Since he could not squeeze into the position of head chef, he would lean against the sink, help peel garlic, wash vegetables, or just chat about interesting things.
The kitchen was filled with the aroma of food, the sizzling sound of spatulas colliding with each other, and the soft laughter of the two people.
A simple dinner is the most direct and warmest way for them to reward each other for a day's hard work.
The lights outside the window were just beginning to light up, and the lights inside were friendly. In this small world built by them together, peace itself was the most moving reward.
"Everyone, what are your plans for the Chinese New Year this year?" Ye Jingan sent a message in the group, followed by a series of emoticons.
Yan Shuang: At home.
Lin Haichen: I’m an empty-nest elderly person and I don’t have any plans. What about you?
Tian Yiyi sent an emoji of herself lying on the bed.
Ye Jingan: Why don’t you two come over and we can celebrate the New Year together!
Yan Shuang: I think it’s okay. You can come to my house. Jing Ning and I will be celebrating the New Year together this year anyway. It will be more lively if you come over.
Ye Jingan: Yes, yes! ! When we went to Yan Shuang’s house, we were already craving his cooking. (Drool, drool…)
Yan Shuang: (Shit) Do you want to eat it or not?
Ye Jingan: (Run! There's something dirty.)
Lin Haichen: Sure, I’ll book the ticket for the 29th.
Tian Yiyi: ok.
The plan was happily finalized. This was a customized New Year exclusively for the players.
Yan Shuang got up early that day and took out the food he had bought yesterday to prepare. Ye Jingan also set out early to go to the station to pick up the two people who had come from afar.
"Wow, it's so cold! The cold wind penetrates into my bones." Lin Haichen only exposed his neck after getting into the car.
"It's like this in the south, cold and damp." Ye Jing'an rubbed his hands. "It snowed on Christmas this year, and it got even colder."
"Yiyi should be here soon. I remember she bought her ticket at about the same time as me." Lin Haichen said.
"It's almost time, ten minutes left." Ye Jing'an glanced at the time, "Let's go get some milk tea."
On the other side, Yan Shuang, who was fighting with pots and pans, was trying his best to make everyone have a good New Year.
The doorbell rang, and three people stood outside the door carrying large and small bags, and looked into the eyes of Jing Ning in the house, who was wearing a yellow apron given as a gift when she bought soy sauce from the supermarket.
Ye Jingan: Is this still the boss I know?!
Lin Haishen frowned: I think we can eat dinner tonight.
Tian Yiyi: This dress... is Yan Shuang’s style.
Yan Shuang poked her head out from the kitchen. "Why are you standing there? Come in. The food will be ready soon."
The three of them came to their senses, put down the things in their hands, and smelled the fragrance that filled the room.
The small room became more lively. Lin Haichen and Jing Ning were sitting on the sofa talking about something. Ye Jingan saw Tian Yiyi bringing out the dishes and hurried over to help.
Yan Shuang prepared a table full of dishes, and Ye Jingan finally tasted the flavor he had been thinking about day and night. "I suggest that we get together every year in the future."
"I agree." Tian Yiyi drank a bottle of wine generously and took a bite of a piece of braised beef. "Oh my god, Xiaoshuang's cooking skills are amazing. The beef is stewed just right and full of flavor."
"Boss, you're in for a treat." Ye Jing'an lowered his head and laughed.
Lin Haichen poured himself a glass of wine and raised it, "Let's drink together. I wish you all the best in the new year, and may you and I be safe."
The crisp sound of the wine glasses blended in with the fireworks outside.
"Where's the wine! Fill it up!" Ye Jing'an shouted.
Lin Haichen stumbled and muttered, "I know where it is..."
"What? This is mine!" Tian Yiyi knocked away Ye Jing'an's outstretched hand, hugged the wine in her arms, and took out the camera, "Come and take a picture."
The photo is frozen in a happy moment, without any worries, with a few people playing and joking. It is a lively New Year after a long period of silence.
After drinking two bottles of wine, Yan Shuang's face turned slightly red. Jing Ning hugged him from behind, with his chin resting on his neck, feeling warm.
He held Yan Shuang's hand without saying a word. Yan Shuang turned around drunkenly and suddenly felt a chill on her fingertips. A strange touch appeared on the ring finger of her left hand.
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