Chapter 31 New Year's Celebration

This was not the Yuxiu she knew!

She had always called him “brother,” but somehow, when the word came from his lips now, it took on an entirely different flavor. Lin Xi felt a sudden tingling at her chest, as if a cat’s paw had gently scratched her—ticklish, electric, making her heart pound uncontrollably.

Now she simply couldn’t look the word “brother” in the eye!

When had Yuxiu become so... outrageously flirtatious?

Lin Xi quickly turned her head away, her brows knitted tightly. She wondered just where her Yuxiu had picked up such mischief. The first time she met him, he had been so aloof and noble—could it be that spending time with her and the others had changed him? That couldn’t be; after all, they were all quite proper!

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Yuxiu’s words from earlier suddenly echoed in her mind.

“Of course, it’s different when it comes to a girl I like.”

Lin Xi fell silent. Could it really be as she was thinking?

Watching the changes on her face, Lu Yuxiu noticed even her ears were flushed red with nerves. He understood what she was thinking and dared not press too hard—a rare chance to have her back by his side, he couldn’t afford to rush.

He had consulted with headquarters and read many books, and today seemed the perfect opportunity—a gentle shift to make his intentions a little clearer, to give her a sense of certainty, so it wouldn’t be too hard for her to accept. He had already given her enough space and time; now she needed room to process it all.

He reined in his smile, gently smoothing her long hair, his eyes full of tenderness. “Enjoy the New Year. I’ll teach you next year.”

With that, he picked up his phone and walked away.

Like the wind—leaving not a single cloud behind.

After Lu Yuxiu left, Lin Xi sat on the sofa lost in thought. Was this what he felt for her...?

It couldn’t be... She truly couldn’t say what she felt for Lu Yuxiu anymore. He was perfect, without a single vice or flaw; to say she felt nothing for him would be a lie—of course she did. But she had never thought in that direction before, or perhaps she had never dared to.

Back when she was abroad, many had confessed to her—people in Country Y were always so direct. She had always refused, clearly and firmly. She could never quite say why; perhaps it was simply that none of them were the one.

If he were to confess his feelings today, she asked herself honestly—she wouldn’t outright reject him, for she didn’t truly resist the idea.

Lu Yuxiu had been hailed since his debut as “the man most women in China want to marry.” In terms of looks, he easily outshone many male stars—his features were exquisite, his bearing otherworldly, exuding the charm of a mature man.

Such an outstanding man had always been indulgent and loving toward her—so gentle and considerate, what girl could possibly refuse him?

It didn’t take much for Lin Xi to persuade herself to let things unfold naturally. She knew herself to be easygoing, not one to court trouble.

For now, she set these thoughts aside, picked up her phone, and called her elder brother. “Brother, are you still busy at work?”

“Mm, you’re back? There’s just some year-end work to wrap up—almost done,” came Lin Tianyou’s slightly hoarse voice.

Lin Xi felt a rush of tenderness for her brother. Since she’d returned to China, he always seemed impossibly busy.

“Brother, wait for me at the office—I’ll come have dinner with you! Wait for me!” Lin Xi said cheerfully, grabbing her bag in a flurry.

“Alright, I’ll wait. Be careful on the road,” Lin Tianyou replied with a smile.

Lin Xi hurried to Aiyou. With the New Year approaching, there weren’t many people left at the office.

Everyone knew Lin Xi, the nominal shareholder, and nodded politely before returning to their work.

Lin Xi sighed in admiration—her brother’s management was truly impressive, his methods ironclad. The staff were all so diligent; after all, those high salaries weren’t paid for nothing.

“Brother?” Lin Xi poked her head into Lin Tianyou’s office.

He looked up from his computer and couldn’t help but laugh. He rose to greet her, and Lin Xi flew into his arms like a gust of wind.

These past days, Lin Tianyou had been working hard to sideline the Wen family, and most had already jumped ship. The effort of the past two months was all worth it. Now, seeing his sister’s smile, all his fatigue melted away.

“Brother, you need to relax more!” Lin Xi pulled him down to sit, her hands kneading his shoulders. “You sit here all day—I’ll give you a massage.”

Lin Tianyou enjoyed the pampering from his little sister.

“How have you been lately? Eating well?” he asked, always concerned.

“Of course! You don’t know how Yuxiu watches over me—it’s like having a second you!” Lin Xi pulled a comically aggrieved face.

Hearing that, Lin Tianyou felt much reassured. With Lu Yuxiu around, things were fine.

“You two get along well,” he probed.

Lin Xi blinked, sidestepping the question. “It’s alright. Oh, by the way, you’d never guess—Fourth Brother is chasing after my best friend!”

She changed the subject, and Lin Tianyou didn’t mind, though he was surprised that the family’s troublemaker was courting someone.

“You’re surprised too, right? But he’s being really serious about it. It’s the first time I’ve seen him act gentle with a girl!” Lin Xi tilted her head, smiling.

“Hard to imagine,” Lin Tianyou nodded. “Isn’t your Fourth Brother good to you as well?” he couldn’t help but defend Gu Yao.

Lin Xi pouted. “Please! All he ever does is argue with me!”

Despite her words, she knew full well that he treated her well—they just bickered every time they met. That was simply their way.

Lin Tianyou understood, smiling it off.

“By the way, how’s your little company doing?” He hadn’t had time to check in lately.

Lin Xi’s face lit up with pride. “It’s doing great! Our brand’s sales are looking fantastic!”

“Good.” Lin Tianyou patted her head. “But remember, a company can’t rely on just one fashion label. It’ll stagnate. You need new blood and innovation to keep it thriving.”

Lin Xi smiled and nodded. “I know! My manager mentioned it too. If you come across a good designer, you have to recommend them to me!”

“Of course, I’ll keep an eye out.” Lin Tianyou pinched her fair cheek dotingly.

“President Lin, dinner is here.” The secretary entered, setting a bag on the table.

“Great! You all should stop working and eat too!” Lin Xi began unpacking the food.

The secretary was touched—Miss Lin truly had no airs about her. The higher one rises, the more gracious and cultured they become, she thought. “Thank you, Miss Lin!”

With that, she left.

“Brother, come eat!” Lin Xi set the dishes and handed him chopsticks.

The two of them enjoyed a relaxed, cozy dinner.

“Brother, are we spending New Year’s at Uncle Gu’s again this year?” Lin Xi asked.

Lin Tianyou nodded. “Yes. If we don’t, he’ll definitely have something to say.”

Lin Xi’s smile faded, and she spoke hesitantly. “Brother, what about our parents?”

At her words, Lin Tianyou’s hand, holding the chopsticks, froze. Pain flickered in his dark eyes.

“Brother, you still won’t tell me what happened back then?” Lin Xi bit her lip, her hands clenching into fists.

She hadn’t wanted to bring it up, but last night she’d dreamed of their parents—smiling, warm, her brother ruffling her hair, the whole family happy and whole.

She woke in agony.

Lin Tianyou forced a smile. “Xiao Xi, it’s better if you don’t know what happened. No need for another person to carry that pain...”

“But, brother, I don’t want to be kept in the dark. I can share the burden with you! Besides, I can control my emotions now—I can handle it!” Lin Xi insisted, determined for answers.

Lin Tianyou reached out and gripped her fist tightly, silently refusing her request. He wouldn’t take that risk—he couldn’t let anything happen to his one and only sister.

For a long moment, the two sat in tense silence.

At length, Lin Tianyou sighed, finally breaking the impasse. “On New Year’s Day, I’ll take you to visit our parents’ graves.”

Lin Xi was startled, her voice trembling. “Alright.”

She understood—her brother had finally relented.

-------------------------------------

New Year’s Eve.

“A little more to the left!” Lin Xi directed Gu Yao cheerfully as he hung the blessing character.

“Be careful, Xiao Yao! Don’t fall!” An Shiying called, squinting up at him.

“Why did you buy such a huge blessing knot? Where are you going to hang that?” Gu Jue came over, gesturing at the enormous decoration occupying the sofa, then looked in surprise as Gu Yao hammered in a nail.

“It was all Xiao Xi’s idea—she insisted on buying the biggest one,” Gu Yao complained as he worked.

Mother Gu emerged from the kitchen, calling everyone to dinner.

“Children, stop fussing—come eat!”

“We’re coming!” “Godmother, we’re here!” “Alright, time to eat!”

Everyone responded, abandoning their tasks and heading for the table.

“Everything looks delicious!” Lin Xi eyed the feast, practically drooling—this was her paradise.

Twice-cooked pork, kung pao chicken, pickled fish, shredded pork in garlic sauce, sweet and crispy ribs... and many other dishes she couldn’t even name. It was a veritable imperial banquet.

To eat well was the greatest thing in the world.

When Father Gu sat at the head, the family raised their glasses in a warm, harmonious toast. “Happy New Year.”

“This year, Xiao Xi is back and working in the entertainment industry. You all have to take good care of her—our little princess mustn’t be wronged, understand?” Father Gu’s brows arched with authority as he directed his command at her three brothers.

“Yes, sir.” Gu Jue and Lin Tianyou both nodded solemnly.

Only Gu Yao, ever the scoundrel, quipped, “Dad, you should worry about the fools who cross her. With her temper, our princess won’t be wronged by anyone.”

Lin Xi pouted, turning to Father Gu in mock complaint. “Godfather, see? Fourth Brother always bullies me!”

Father Gu shot a glare at Gu Yao, who instantly wilted.

The others laughed, enjoying the spectacle, while Lin Xi lifted her chin, proud and regal.

The family finished their meal in joy and harmony.

“Come on, Third Sister-in-law, let’s go set off fireworks! I even bought sparklers!” Lin Xi exclaimed, dragging An Shiying to the courtyard.

The three gentlemen joined them, of course.

Tonight, the stars were especially bright. The moon gathered the scattered light of the stars into a gentle glow—unlike the sun’s warmth, but pure and dazzling in its own right.

At his sister’s command, Gu Yao took up the lighter and set off the fireworks.

Boom—boom—boom—

With each sudden explosion, the stillness of the courtyard was shattered. Bursts of colored light shot skyward, trailing wisps of gray smoke.

Fireworks blossomed in the air, petals falling like rain, seemingly within reach. They bloomed in clusters, then faded away with trailing rainbows, reluctant to disappear.

Lin Xi gazed up, then turned to look at those around her, all lined up together, their faces aglow in the colored light.

How wonderful it was, to have all her loved ones by her side.