uninvited guest
The streets and alleys of the northern city were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the air was filled with the faint smell of gunpowder from firecrackers and the aroma of New Year's Eve dinner wafting from every household.
The cold wind seemed to be dispelled by the soaring joy. The sky was a clean, dark blue, and occasionally a cluster of brilliant fireworks would burst in the distance, instantly illuminating half the sky before quickly returning to silence, waiting for the next spectacular display.
At Sister Jin's house, however, it was a different kind of lively scene. The small living room was packed with people, and the festive Spring Festival Gala was playing on the TV at a high volume, but it couldn't drown out the laughter and chatter inside.
The round table was laden with food: chicken, duck, fish, meat, and various seasonal vegetables, all steaming hot and fragrant. Qin Zhou and Song Yungui moved between the kitchen and living room, serving dishes and setting out bowls. Lin Ye and Xiao Jue sat on the sofa, one peeling an orange, the other looking at his phone, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones, their eyes radiating warmth.
Unlike previous years, there are two more sets of bowls and chopsticks on the table this year.
One of them belongs to Tan Huaiyu.
He was wearing an apron and helping Sister Jin in the kitchen. Although his movements were not particularly skillful, he was serious and meticulous, washing and chopping vegetables and handing out seasonings. He was busy but not chaotic.
Occasionally, he would look up, his gaze passing through the kitchen door and landing on the tall figure sitting on the sofa, seemingly distracted despite being pulled along by Qin Zhou. A gentle smile would unconsciously appear on his lips.
Being able to spend the New Year here with Qi Shuo and these people who are like family to him is a scene he never dared to dream of in the past.
The owner of the other set of bowls and chopsticks created a slightly lower atmosphere in a corner of the living room.
Shen Ci, dressed in a light gray sweater, exuded a clean and gentle aura. He sat at the dining table, smiling as he watched Qing Ran, whose little face was flushed with excitement, snuggling up to him.
It was Qingran who insisted on bringing Shenci along for the New Year. Sister Jin saw that he was alone in Beicheng, had no relatives, and had a good personality. She also knew that he genuinely cared for Qingran, so she smiled and agreed.
However, this "harmonious" scene may not be so pleasant to some people.
Qi Shuo sat at the other end of the sofa, holding an orange in his hand, peeling it casually, his gaze sweeping across the other side of the sofa like a searchlight. He watched Qing Ran eagerly handing snacks to Shen Ci, chattering, "Brother Shen, eat this," "This is so delicious"; he watched Shen Ci smiling gently, occasionally lowering his head to listen to her, his eyes focused... Qi Shuo's orange peel was practically oozing juice from it, his brows furrowed so tightly they could trap a fly, radiating a low, unapproachable aura.
Qin Zhou whispered in Song Yungui's ear, "Shuo-ge's eyes look like he wants to devour Teacher Shen..."
Song Yungui suppressed a laugh and gently nudged him.
Shen Ci naturally felt those two rather unfriendly gazes, which seemed almost tangible. He smiled helplessly, knowing perfectly well what was going on.
Mr. Qi's protectiveness and "possessiveness" towards Qingran are something I've already experienced. This meal today might not be easy to digest.
But he couldn't refuse Qingran's enthusiasm and Sister Jin's kindness. He could only try his best to appear calm and ignore the sarcastic glances directed at him.
"Dinner's ready! Come and sit down!" Sister Jin called out as she served the last dish, "Abundant Fish Every Year."
Everyone took their seats. At the long dining table, Sister Jin sat at the head of the table, with Qin Zhou, Song Yungui, Xiao Jue, and Lin Ye to her left.
To his right was Qing Ran, and then... Shen Ci. Qi Shuo, who was originally next to Qing Ran, was now "separated" by Shen Ci, his face darkening further. He pursed his lips and sat down opposite Qing Ran. Seeing this, Tan Huaiyu naturally sat down next to Qi Shuo.
"Come on, don't be shy, make yourselves at home." Sister Jin raised her drink glass, beaming. "Our family is even more complete this year. Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year!"
"Happy New Year!" Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, the clinking of glasses creating a lively atmosphere.
The New Year's Eve dinner officially began. Qingran's attention was entirely on Shen Ci. She hadn't even taken a couple of bites herself when she was busy using serving chopsticks to put food on Shen Ci's plate: "Brother Shen, try this sweet and sour pork ribs, Aunt Jin makes them so delicious!" "And these four-happiness meatballs! They have a good meaning!"
The food in Shen Ci's bowl quickly piled up into a small mountain. He was both amused and exasperated, thanking them repeatedly and gently placing some shrimp, which Qing Ran liked, on his plate: "Qing Ran, eat more too. Eat slowly, don't just keep putting food on my plate."
The two interacted as if no one else was around, one attentive and considerate, the other responding gently. They were completely unaware that across from them, Qi Shuo's chopsticks were making a soft, strained "creaking" sound, his face as black as the bottom of a pot.
He barely touched the rice in his bowl, staring intently at Shen Ci. If looks could kill, Shen Ci would probably have been slowly sliced to death.
Tan Huaiyu suppressed a laugh and quietly reached out from under the table to gently pat Qi Shuo's tense thigh. His hand felt stiff.
Startled by the slap, Qi Shuo snapped back to reality and turned to look at Tan Huaiyu. Taking advantage of the fact that everyone was chatting and laughing and no one was paying attention, Tan Huaiyu quickly put a piece of steamed fish, which Qi Shuo loved, on his plate and mouthed, "Eat."
Looking into Tan Huaiyu's amber eyes, which were close to his and filled with a smile, Qi Shuo then looked down at the deboned fish in his bowl. The churning, inexplicable irritation and jealousy in his heart were strangely soothed.
He pursed his lips, withdrew his murderous gaze, lowered his head, and began to eat the food Tan Huaiyu had placed on his plate in a sullen voice. The food was actually quite good; Sister Jin's cooking skills were always impeccable, but he found himself tasting it rather blandly.
Seeing that he was willing to eat, Tan Huaiyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and served him a bowl of soup.
He ate quietly, but kept an eye on Qi Shuo out of the corner of his eye, adding food to his plate from time to time with practiced ease, as if he had done it a thousand times before.
The lively atmosphere at the dinner table continued. Qin Zhou recounted amusing anecdotes from his training sessions, eliciting laughter from everyone. Xiao Jue and Lin Ye occasionally whispered to each other and occasionally served each other food, displaying remarkable chemistry.
Looking at the table full of young people, Sister Jin wore a satisfied and gratified smile. Qing Ran was still full of energy, chirping around Shen Ci like a happy little bird.
As for Qi Shuo, under Tan Huaiyu's subtle "comfort" and "feeding", although he still didn't give Shen Ci a good look, at least he stopped radiating coldness, started eating normally, and occasionally responded to Qin Zhou and the others' questions.
Shen Ci took in all of this, watching Tan Huaiyu's meticulous care for Qi Shuo, and seeing Qi Shuo's profile soften noticeably despite his silence in front of Tan Huaiyu. He roughly understood the extraordinary bond between the two.
He chuckled to himself, completely dispelling his initial "hostility" towards Qi Shuo. This Mr. Qi had probably combined his overprotective nature towards his sister with his special interest in a certain boxer, turning it into a double dislike for him, this "outsider."
However, despite a minor "jealousy incident" during the New Year's Eve dinner, the meal was overall warm and fulfilling. Outside the window, the sporadic sounds of firecrackers gradually increased, and the Spring Festival Gala on television was lively and joyous.
The New Year's Eve dinner was drawing to a close amidst the lively atmosphere and subtle undercurrents. The sound of firecrackers outside the window had become continuous, crackling and popping, and the festive atmosphere, carrying the smell of sulfur, seeped in through the cracks in the window.
The Spring Festival Gala on TV was showing a skit with lots of laughs, and bursts of laughter erupted from the living room every now and then, easing the slight awkwardness that had been there at the dinner table.
Qingran ate until her belly was round and full, then leaned back in her chair contentedly, letting out a small burp. Her eyes were still bright as she stared at the TV screen, but her head was starting to feel sleepy.
Seeing this, Shen Ci whispered something to her, and Qing Ran nodded obediently, but her eyelids were already starting to droop.
"Qingran is sleepy, I'll take her to wash up and go to bed." Sister Jin stood up, looking at her daughter pecking at rice like a chick, feeling both amused and heartbroken.
"I'll help." Shen Ci also got up and naturally reached out to help the sleepy Qing Ran.
His hand had only reached halfway when his other hand reached out even faster, taking the initiative to gently pull the dazed Qingran into his arms.
It was Qi Shuo.
He had left the table at some point and walked to Qingran's side.
His movements weren't exactly gentle; in fact, they carried a certain force that left no room for refusal. But his grip on Qingran's arm was very steady. He didn't even glance at Shen Ci beside him, but simply said to Sister Jin, "Sister Jin, you rest. I'll take her there."
His tone was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable authority befitting an elder brother.
Shen Ci's hand paused in mid-air for a moment, then he casually withdrew it, his face still bearing a gentle smile, as if nothing had happened.
He understood that Qi Shuo was drawing a line and silently declaring his "sovereignty"—my sister, I will take care of her.
Jin Jie glanced at Qi Shuo's tense profile, then at the composed Shen Ci, and knowing exactly what was going on, smiled and nodded: "Okay, then go ahead. I've already turned on the heating in Ranran's room."
Qi Shuo hummed in agreement, then half-supported, half-carried the sleepy and swaying Qing Ran towards the bedroom.
Qingran seemed to sense a familiar presence. She groggily nuzzled Qi Shuo's shoulder, mumbled "Brother," and then leaned against him reassuringly, almost falling asleep.
After Qi Shuo led Qing Ran into the bedroom and closed the door, the atmosphere in the living room seemed to relax a bit.
Qin Zhou pulled Song Yungui to start clearing the dishes, and Xiao Jue and Lin Ye also got up to help. Tan Huaiyu walked to the window, watching the dazzling fireworks blooming in the night sky outside, a faint smile on his lips.
Shen Ci didn't participate in tidying up. He walked to the sofa and sat down, his gaze fixed on the window, seemingly admiring the night view, or perhaps deep in thought.
After a while, Qi Shuo came out of the bedroom, his expression much more relaxed than before. Perhaps it was because he had settled his sister down, and the inexplicable irritation he felt because of Shen Ci had dissipated somewhat.
He walked into the living room, his gaze sweeping over Tan Huaiyu, who was wiping the table, and then glancing at Shen Ci, who was sitting quietly on the sofa. Without saying a word, he walked over to Tan Huaiyu and took the rag that he had just wrung out from his hand.
"I'll take care of it, you go and rest." His voice wasn't loud, and it carried a slightly commanding tone, but his actions were very natural.
Tan Huaiyu was stunned for a moment, but didn't argue. She obediently handed him the rag and then sat down at the other end of the sofa, right across from Shen Ci.
He picked up an orange and slowly peeled it, his gaze occasionally drifting to Qi Shuo, who was diligently wiping the edge of the table, his eyes filled with tenderness.
Qin Zhou and Song Yungui carried the dishes into the kitchen and began washing them. Xiao Jue and Lin Ye were discussing something in hushed tones. Sister Jin was making tea. On the television, the New Year's countdown was about to begin.
The living room was filled only with the soft clatter of dishes, the noise from the television, and the continuous sound of firecrackers outside the window.
Shen Ci suddenly spoke, his gentle voice breaking the surface calm, but he was speaking to Tan Huaiyu: "Attorney Tan, I thought about that public welfare project about the protection of the rights of teenagers that you mentioned last time, and I think it is very meaningful. Our school is also advocating related activities, so perhaps we can have some cooperation."
Upon hearing this, Tan Huaiyu raised his head and looked at Shen Ci, his eyes showing the focus he had when working and a hint of interest: "Does Teacher Shen have any specific ideas? I would like to hear them in detail."
The two began to converse quietly about this topic. Shen Ci's thoughts were clear, his speech was elegant, and the several points he raised were very practical.
Tan Huaiyu also put away the softness she showed in front of Qi Shuo, demonstrating the professionalism and keenness of a lawyer. Their conversation was peaceful and constructive.
Qi Shuo's wiping of the table slowed almost imperceptibly, as if he were listening intently to the conversation on the other end.
Hearing that they were discussing serious matters, and that Tan Huaiyu handled the situation appropriately while Shen Ci also maintained a proper attitude, his tense lips finally relaxed completely.
The lingering hostility towards Shen Ci seemed somewhat childish and unnecessary on this vibrant night, thanks to Tan Huaiyu's calm and professional response.
He was just a teacher, an ordinary teacher who was kind to Qing Ran and had no ill intentions towards Tan Huaiyu. Qi Shuo told himself. Besides... it seemed that Tan Huaiyu got along with him quite normally.
This realization eased his last bit of awkwardness. He quickened his pace, quickly finished wiping the table, washed the rag, and hung it up.
At that moment, deafening cheers erupted from the television, and the host and audience counted down together: "Ten, nine, eight, seven... three, two, one! Happy New Year!"
Brilliant virtual fireworks exploded on the screen, and festive music resounded through the sky.
"Happy New Year!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and exchanged New Year's greetings with smiles.
Qin Zhou burst out of the kitchen with a yelp, carrying a plate covered in dish soap. Song Yungui followed helplessly behind. Xiao Jue and Lin Ye exchanged a smile and raised their teacups. Sister Jin brought out the freshly brewed hot tea and distributed it to everyone.
Qi Shuo walked over to Tan Huaiyu's side. Tan Huaiyu also stood up, looking at him with bright eyes and undisguised happiness on her face.
Outside the window, the real fireworks reached their climax at this moment, turning the dark night sky into a kaleidoscope of colors. The light shone through the window, flickering on everyone's smiling faces.
"Happy New Year, Qi Shuo," Tan Huaiyu said softly, her voice drowned out by the noise, but Qi Shuo heard her clearly.
Looking into his amber eyes, brightened by the fireworks and brimming with smiles, Qi Shuo felt as if the frozen wasteland in his heart had been completely illuminated and melted away by the dazzling light and warm blessings.
He nodded almost imperceptibly, his voice low but clear: "Yes, Happy New Year."
His gaze passed over Tan Huaiyu's shoulder and glanced at Shen Ci, who was also smiling and looking out the window. This time, there was no sharp hostility in his eyes, only a calm look, as if he were looking at an ordinary guest.
Then, he looked away and focused his gaze back on Tan Huaiyu.
Year after year, perhaps this is how it will be.
There were arguments, adjustments, and unexpected "uninvited guests," but in the end, they all transformed into a bright color in our memories amidst the warm lights, lively gatherings, and silent closeness, heading together towards the next spring.
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