Chapter 123: Approaching the New Year

“All right.”

There was a hint of grievance in her tone.

Zhong Yuxiu set down the platter and casually picked up some sunflower seeds to crack between her teeth.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo, unsure whether to be amused or annoyed, had always thought Comrade Zhong was steady and reliable; no one expected this childish side of her. Faced with snacks, she was utterly defenseless—truly a child at heart!

“Comrade Zhong, the New Year is approaching. Are you planning to visit the Yan family?”

Her hand paused mid-crack. “We’ll see.”

“Your New Year gift hasn’t been delivered yet; you could bring it along.”

“Oh.” Yan Rushan hadn’t mentioned visiting his family to her. The first meeting with the parents required solemnity. “Let me discuss it with Comrade Yan first.”

Hao Nan was momentarily stumped, then suddenly realized: this was a female comrade. Since they were dating but hadn’t officially met each other’s families, it would be improper to visit unannounced during the New Year. Such a move could offend the boy’s family and give the impression the girl was frivolous and unreliable, not suitable for marriage.

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

Yan Rushan arrived, dust-covered and weary. His handsome face was pale, with flecks of frost in his eyebrows and hair. Snowflakes clung to his clothes, lending an even colder edge to his already stern expression.

“Big Brother Yan, why are you here? Isn’t today for visiting relatives? Have you eaten lunch?” Zhong Yuxiu asked, puzzled.

“I ate. Nothing urgent there, so I came back. Grandpa hasn’t returned yet.”

Hao Nan quickly fetched a towel and handed it to him.

“Thanks.” Yan Rushan brushed the snow from his head and clothes outside before entering. “Yuxiu, you’re not busy these days, right? Any unfinished work?”

Zhong Yuxiu shook her head. “No, it was all done before the New Year.”

“Come, I have something to tell you.” Yan Rushan beckoned her.

She stood and followed him to a corner, speaking quietly. Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo quietly slipped into the kitchen, leaving them space.

“What’s the matter?” they whispered, curious.

Yan Rushan rubbed his cold hands, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “My parents said they want to meet you. It’s the holiday season; we can arrange a time. I’ll bring you to meet them. Would you be willing?”

“Your parents are back?” The Yan family elders spent most of the year in the military, seldom at home.

“They arrive tomorrow.” Yan Rushan looked at her earnestly. “Are you willing?”

“Don’t feel pressured. If you’re not ready, we can wait until next time. Your feelings matter most.”

Zhong Yuxiu pondered briefly. Under his slowly dimming gaze, she nodded gently.

Yan Rushan’s deep eyes suddenly brightened astonishingly. “You agreed?”

“What reason would I have to refuse?” They had been together for half a year. Yan Rushan had always treated her well—respectful, caring, and considerate. She knew his character intimately. Why wouldn’t she agree?

Overjoyed, Yan Rushan grasped her hand, rubbing it back and forth, breaking into his first broad smile—joyful and excited.

“That’s wonderful. Then tomorrow we’ll go to my home and have a meal together. My brother Ruhai and grandpa have met you before. Grandpa likes you very much; I think my parents will too.”

“You’re such a fool.” Zhong Yuxiu pulled her hand free and brushed a tiny snowflake from his brow. “You didn’t even bring an umbrella. If you keep this up, you’ll catch a cold. You’re often out and about; cold seeps into the body and is hard to dispel. Don’t take it lightly.”

“No worries. I practice military boxing daily to keep fit.” He took her soft hand again, rubbing it in his palm. “Yuxiu, thank you for agreeing to visit my family. I’ll always treat you well.”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. “Alright, sit over here. I’ll get you some water to soak your hands and feet.”

Yan Rushan had no supernatural protection; his military boxing was just fitness training, less effective than the interstellar “Chicken Elbow Silk Body Technique.”

“No need. I have to go home soon. Luo San and the others will come find me later.”

“It’s almost New Year, and the black market still hasn’t stopped?”

Yan Rushan nodded. “Two more days. I’m going once today. When my parents arrive tomorrow, I won’t go out anymore.”

“Alright, plan ahead and enjoy the holiday. Sit down; I’ll get a basin.” Zhong Yuxiu began to leave, but Yan Rushan quickly held her back, seating her on the sofa. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll get the basin and water. Just sit still.”

Watching Yan Rushan fetch the basin from the bathroom and bring hot water from the kitchen, she reached out to help. First, she let him soak his hands. His large hands slipped into the water held by her delicate ones—a stark contrast of black and white. Having spent so much time outdoors, even winter hadn’t brought much paleness to his skin.

Grasping the restless little hand on the back of his own, Yan Rushan held it tenderly. “Yuxiu, Xiaoxiu, a new shipment arrived downstairs. I haven’t had time to look yet. Want to come with me later? We can pick out some clothes for the New Year.”

“It’s so cold…”

“Wear more layers. We’ll have a car. It won’t be too cold,” Yan Rushan smiled. “You haven’t been out since Huada’s holiday started. A little exercise is good for your health. When you’re healthy, you’ll naturally feel warm.”

The man before her sincerely invited her, and she hadn’t been out much lately. “Alright then, I’ll go with you later. There’s nothing to do at home, and I’m bored.”

Besides reading medical books, she now had the new habit of snacking to keep her teeth busy. A walk would do her good.

“So obedient.” Yan Rushan smiled indulgently.

Zhong Yuxiu: “...” What nonsense!

“Speak nicely.”

Yan Rushan chuckled softly. “Don’t be shy. We’re a proper couple; anything we say is fine.”

“Stop fooling around.” Zhong Yuxiu shot him a side glance, unaware that the shyness in her eyes betrayed her. The glance was not harsh but carried a certain charm.

“Alright, alright, no more teasing.” Yan Rushan held her hand firmly, but as the water cooled to lukewarm, he had to let go and went to pour more hot water.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo appeared from the kitchen, carrying bowls and chopsticks. “Comrade Zhong, Comrade Yan, lunch is ready. You can eat.”

“Okay.” Without waiting to see if Yan Rushan had soaked his feet, Zhong Yuxiu rose and walked over.

Yan Rushan hurried after her. “I already ate on the way back. No need to prepare anything for me.”

“Want some more?” Hao Nan asked hesitantly.

Yan Rushan was about to decline but caught Zhong Yuxiu nodding subtly as she approached.

“Alright, I’ll help bring the dishes too.”

The three busied themselves, and once the meal was served, Yan Rushan accompanied Zhong Yuxiu, barely eating himself and focusing on serving her dishes.

After the meal, a cup of clear tea was brought out. They sat on the sofa, savoring the tea slowly.

“Want to rest a bit?”

“No. Didn’t you say Comrade Luo and the others will come find you? If I sleep now, it’ll delay things.” Yuxiu shook her head. She could go without sleep for a day. With no classes or work during the holiday, even without a nap, she still had energy and spirit.