Chapter 91: A Conversation

With Wen Jiu by his side, Gu Zehuai’s foul mood quickly dissipated. A little after ten, Wen Jiu pulled him downstairs to buy fireworks.

Fireworks and firecrackers were banned in the city, and although they were allowed in the suburbs, a whole day’s play had left Wen Jiu exhausted and reluctant to travel any farther. Besides, New Year’s Eve would surely mean crowds everywhere.

Downstairs, after picking out several kinds of fireworks, the two of them headed to the lakeside in the park.

By the time they arrived, many people were already lighting up fireworks, including quite a few young couples.

Wen Jiu lit a handheld pinwheel firework. Her bright smile, illuminated by the bursts of light, made her appear even more delicate and charming.

Gu Zehuai raised his phone and captured the moment Wen Jiu grinned radiantly at him.

They hadn’t been playing long when Gu Zehuai received a call from Pei Yi, asking where they were celebrating the New Year. After sending Pei Yi their location and a video, Pei Yi insisted on joining them for fireworks.

Soon enough, Pei Yi arrived at the park, carrying even more fireworks from his car.

He said with a grin, “I was planning to join you two anyway. This works out perfectly. Qi and Hanhan are on their way too—let’s ring in the New Year together!”

Pei Yi’s enthusiasm was infectious, and both Gu Zehuai and Wen Jiu agreed that the more, the merrier.

Before long, Lin Youqi and Lin Lehan joined them. As soon as she got out of the car, Lin Lehan darted over and hugged Wen Jiu. “Jiu Jiu, I missed you! Let’s set off fireworks together!”

Though they could only use small fireworks, everyone felt content; moments like this were precious.

At eleven fifty-nine, the five of them began counting down. Pei Yi held up his phone, watching the time tick by.

At the stroke of midnight, all of them exclaimed in unison, “Happy New Year!”

Truthfully, the act of crossing into the New Year only lasts a moment, but the anticipation leading up to it is worth cherishing.

People always say that it’s the moments closest to happiness that are the happiest of all—this was Wen Jiu’s realization tonight.

After saying this, laughter bubbled up among them.

Pei Yi then suggested their next adventure: drinks together.

Knowing that Wen Jiu couldn’t drink during her special time, Gu Zehuai was about to decline with her when Wen Jiu spoke first. “You all go ahead. I’m not feeling well, so I’ll sit this one out.” She nudged Gu Zehuai’s arm, signaling for him not to worry and to join the others.

After a moment’s thought, Gu Zehuai said, “Why don’t we just have drinks at my place?”

No one objected. They stopped by the supermarket to pick up several kinds of light alcohol before all heading upstairs.

In truth, it was the collection of rare spirits at Gu Zehuai’s home that Pei Yi and Lin Youqi were really after. Now that they had the chance, the two decided to indulge themselves—after all, it was Gu Zehuai’s stash.

Lin Lehan wasn’t much of a drinker, so she spent the evening chatting with Wen Jiu over fruit juice.

By a little past two in the morning, Pei Yi and Lin Youqi were both thoroughly drunk, yet still insisted they could handle more. Lin Lehan had seen enough and put a stop to their drinking.

In the end, it was Gu Zehuai and Lin Lehan who helped the two men downstairs. Lin Lehan drove Lin Youqi home, while Gu Zehuai called a driver for Pei Yi.

When Gu Zehuai finally returned home, it was very late. Wen Jiu was tidying up the empty bottles. At once, Gu Zehuai sent her off to bed and finished the cleaning himself.

By the time he entered the bedroom, Wen Jiu was already asleep.

After washing up, he climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around her, falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.

When he woke, it was to natural light. Checking his phone, he saw a new message from an unknown number:

“Eight o’clock tonight, private room 205 at Goland Bar. Let’s talk.”