Chapter 130: The New Year's Kiss

December 31st.

There are less than fifteen hours left until the new Gregorian New Year.

As an expensive private school, Chenhui Middle School is filled with luxury cars at its gates during holidays, making Ding Heng's beat-up Chang'an car stand out conspicuously.

Wenjing sat in the passenger seat, almost with half her body pressed against the windshield, her eyes fixed on the school gate.

"Don't worry, they get off at 10 a.m. today, there are still a few minutes left."

Ding Heng leaned back in his chair and yawned lazily.

"I know……"

Wenjing agreed verbally, but her eyes never left the school gate.

Finally, the bell rang to signal the end of get out of class.

A few minutes later, people began to pour out of the school gate.

Boys and girls in school uniforms came out in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, and ran to their parents' cars.

"Xiao Shu!"

Wenjing spotted her younger sister immediately and quickly got out of the car to wave.

Wen Shu, carrying her schoolbag, was chatting and laughing with several classmates, her spirits as high as ever.

Looking up, I saw my older sister. She smiled, said something to her classmate, and then quickly ran over.

"sister!"

The two sisters hugged each other, and Wenshu snuggled against Wenjing, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

"Did you miss me?"

"think!"

Wenjing released her, looked her up and down, and reached out to straighten her collar: "Are you used to the school cafeteria?"

"Don't worry, the school food is great! I've even gained two pounds!"

Wen Shu responded with a smile, then turned to the car.

Ding Heng leaned against the car door and nodded to Wen Shu.

"Brother-in-law!"

Wen Shu shouted loudly, without the slightest hesitation.

"Get in the car."

Ding Heng opened the back door of the car: "I still have to go to the supermarket with your sister to buy things."

Wen Shu turned around and waved to her classmates, "I'm leaving now, see you in the New Year!"

Several classmates waved to her and greeted her warmly, but their eyes kept glancing at the dilapidated Changan SUV, their expressions subtle.

Wen Shu got into the car and closed the door.

The car started and slowly merged into the traffic.

Wenjing turned around and asked, "Xiaoshu, are you adjusting well to the new school?"

Wen Shu sighed and honestly replied, "I'm not used to it."

Ding Heng glanced at her in the rearview mirror: "What?"

"Their families are all quite wealthy."

Wen Shu spoke directly, without any pretense: "My dad owns a factory, my mom owns a shop, I went to a certain country for summer vacation... that's all we talked about, so I felt a bit strange being among them."

Wenjing frowned slightly: "Xiaoshu, don't think like that. Our family's circumstances are average, but you're no worse off than them. Work harder in your studies, be more sincere in your friendships, and stop thinking about these trivial things..."

"sister!"

Wen Shu interrupted Wen Jing, smiling helplessly, "I was just saying, why are you starting to chant scriptures again?"

Wenjing choked.

Ding Heng chuckled: "The fact that Xiao Shu can tell you this so frankly means she doesn't take it too seriously. As her older sister, you shouldn't worry too much."

"My brother-in-law understands me best."

Wen Shu met Ding Heng's gaze in the rearview mirror and chuckled.

Wenjing pouted and stopped nagging.

Wen Shu suddenly spoke up again: "Brother-in-law, what kind of big meal are we having for New Year's Eve tonight?"

"Your sister said she wanted to cook it herself, so she went to the supermarket to pick out ingredients."

"My sister will do it?"

Wen Shu's eyes lit up: "Great! It's been so long since I've had a proper meal cooked by my sister, I'm so hungry!"

Wenjing complained, "Didn't we just have dumplings last time?"

"Dumplings are dumplings, but that doesn't really show how good my sister's cooking skills are."

"Another instance of flattery..."

Wenjing muttered something, but she seemed quite happy.

It was a holiday, and the supermarket was quite crowded.

Wenjing pushed the shopping cart at the front, Wenshu followed beside her, and Ding Heng trailed slowly behind.

The little rabbit had a clear goal and headed straight for the fresh produce section.

She picked up a large cabbage, examined it from all angles, then put it down and picked up another one. After carefully comparing them, she confirmed, "This one is good."

Ding Heng leaned closer for a look: "How did you figure that out?"

"The leaves are tight, they feel heavy, and they're fresh."

Wenjing put the cabbage into the shopping cart and then went to pick out radishes.

Wen Shu followed beside her, watching her sister skillfully select items. Suddenly remembering something, she asked softly, "Sis! Will I get a reward if I'm in the top 300 in my final exams this semester?"

Wenjing continued working: "What place did you get last time?"

"Around 350..."

"You only plan to improve by fifty places?"

"It gets harder the further you go! You've been through this, sister, don't you understand?"

"Talk to me again if you score 150 or higher."

"You make it sound so easy, sis..."

"You have to learn, even if it's not easy."

Wenjing's tone turned serious: "Xiaoshu, it wasn't easy for you to transfer to this school; so many people want to get in but can't. If you don't cherish this opportunity, you'll be letting yourself down, and you'll be letting yourself down too..."

In the end, Wenjing didn't continue, but Wenshu knew what her sister wanted to say—that she was sorry for the money Ding Heng had spent.

She didn't reply, and turned her gaze back to Ding Heng.

The man was standing in the seafood section, looking down at the fish in the glass tank, as if he was hesitating whether to steam or braise them tonight.

From Wen Shu's perspective, her brother-in-law looked roguish and handsome, but when he was with her sister, he seemed quite down-to-earth and treated her exceptionally well.

He must be an honest and good man...

After picking out the radishes, Wenjing went to pick out the meat.

She picked up a box of pork belly and turned it over to check its appearance.

Ding Heng walked over and habitually reached out to pinch the girl's cheek.

Wenjing paused in her movements, her face instantly turning bright red.

"Well……"

She mumbled something indistinctly and turned her head away as if to dodge, but she didn't actually manage to.

Ding Heng squeezed it quite easily, and then kneaded it a bit more before letting it loosen.

"Winter is coming, remember to apply more face cream, otherwise your hands won't feel nice."

"Ding Heng..."

Wenjing was so embarrassed that she subconsciously looked at Wenshu.

Wen Shu stood two steps away, looking down at her phone, completely unaware of the two of them.

Wenjing breathed a sigh of relief and muttered softly, "Xiaoshu is here today!"

In front of her younger sister, Wenjing tried to maintain her authority as the older sister, but it was too much for Ding Heng to dote on her like that...

Ding Heng laughed: "She didn't see it."

"What if they see it..."

"So what if you see it?"

"Well……"

Wenjing had no choice but to blush and continue picking out meat.

Wen Shu had actually caught a glimpse of her sister and brother-in-law's interaction out of the corner of her eye, but her expression remained as natural as if nothing had happened.

The three of them came out of the supermarket with their trunk completely full.

The car drove into Ding Heng's residential compound and parked in front of the familiar building.

The three of them went upstairs and opened the door.

"Hua Yue, please, can I get a chicken dinner?"

In the living room, Zhao Yanxi sat cross-legged on the sofa, her fingers flying across the tablet.

Hua Yue was in a similar position, the two of them head to head, muttering to themselves.

"No way, it's your fault for blocking my three-star, five-cost unit last game!"

"Can't you be reasonable? I need to build up my bonds, you know!"

"Here it comes, here it comes, three stars and five cost... Holy crap, Zhao Yanxi, what do you mean by surrendering without letting me have a good time?"

"snort!"

Zhao Yanxi put down her tablet and waved to Wen Shu: "Little Shu Shu! You're here!"

Wen Shu leaned closer: "Sister Yan hope? Sister Hua Yue? Are you playing with a golden shovel?!"

"Can you?"

"good."

"Come on, teach me! I've only been playing for two days, and Hua Yue has already bullied me terribly!"

Wen Shu joined the shovel-shoveling army, while Wen Jing carried the things into the kitchen.

Hua Qing happened to come out of the restroom and went up to her to ask, "Do you need any help?"

Wenjing shook her head: "No need, no need, Sister Huaqing, you can rest."

Hua Qing didn't insist, nodded, and went back to sit down in the living room.

Wenjing tied on her apron and began to prepare the groceries she had bought.

Ding Heng leaned against the door frame, watching her busy herself with a smile.

Wenjing turned to look at him: "What are you doing standing here?"

"It's up to you."

"What's so interesting about cooking..."

Wenjing muttered something to herself, turned back to continue chopping vegetables, but her ears turned slightly red.

Ding Heng walked over and gently hugged Wen Jing from behind.

"what……"

Wenjing paused in her movements, her voice soft.

"Nothing."

Ding Heng rested his chin on her shoulder as he watched her chop vegetables.

The only sound in the kitchen was the thud of a knife hitting the cutting board.

After a while, Wenjing shyly muttered, "Xiaoshu and the others are all here..."

"Um."

"Aren't you going out to keep them company?"

"Wait a minute."

"Oh……"

Wenjing didn't say anything more, but the knife in her hand slowed down.

After she finished cutting a carrot, she turned her head slightly and gently rubbed it against Ding Heng's face, like a pet begging its owner for a reward.

Ding Heng tightened his arms a little, and gently rubbed his forearm against the girl's two big, soft mounds.

In the living room, Zhao Yanxi finally won the game with Wen Shu's guidance and cheered excitedly.

"Wuhu, awesome!"

She stretched and yawned, glancing towards the kitchen, where she saw Ding Heng walking out.

"Brother Ding Heng!"

She immediately jumped up from the sofa, intending to rush over and grab Ding Heng's arm as usual.

But then he suddenly realized Wen Shu was there, so he could only obediently stand still and ask, "What are the plans for tonight?"

Ding Heng responded simply, "Wenjing is cooking, we'll talk after we eat."

"After we finish eating, we'll celebrate the New Year."

Zhao Yanxi blinked, then lowered her voice suggestively, "I want to be number one in the New Year..."

Don't even think about it.

Ding Heng lightly flicked her forehead, gesturing to Wen Shu that she was watching.

Zhao Yanxi was obedient and well-behaved. When she turned around, she saw Wen Shu looking at them curiously, probably wondering what was going on.

Are the interactions between the older sister's best friend and her boyfriend a little too intimate?

Dinner was very plentiful.

Eight dishes and two soups, a perfect meal.

Wenjing had been busy all day, and her face was flushed from the cooking fumes.

Zhao Yanxi was unusually diligent: "Xiao Jingjing, you rest! I'll serve the rice!"

Hua Qing exclaimed, "Wenjing, you've worked so hard!"

"It's alright..."

Wenjing smiled shyly and first put a piece of food on Ding Heng's plate.

Ding Heng patted the little white rabbit's head. He saw and remembered the girl's virtuousness, so there was no need to nag her further.

After finishing dinner and cleaning up the dishes, it was almost nine o'clock.

Zhao Yanxi began organizing New Year's Eve activities: "Come on, come on, let's explore the infinite possibilities of fantasy novels, all at p>"

Hua Yue was the first to respond: "Sure, you think I'm afraid of you?"

Wen Shu got excited too: "I want to play too!"

Wenjing wanted to say she didn't want to play, but Zhao Yanxi forced her to sit down.

"Little Jingjing, don't even think about running away!"

"I...I don't know how to play..."

"It's okay, I'll drink it for you if you lose!"

"It's not a matter of whether or not to drink..."

Several people sat around the coffee table and began to draw cards.

Ding Heng didn't participate; he quietly acted as a cushion for Wen Jing, occasionally glancing at his phone.

Hua Qing didn't participate either. She sat on a single sofa, holding a cup of hot water, and quietly watched them make a fuss.

The game is in full swing.

Zhao Yanxi was lucky and won several rounds in a row, making Hua Yue and Wen Shu complain bitterly.

"No, no! You definitely cheated!"

"You need evidence to back up your arguments at the poker table!"

"I don't care! Let's do it again!"

Wenjing lost two rounds and was punished by having to tell the truth.

Zhao Yanxi's eyes lit up, and she leaned closer to ask, "Xiao Jingjing, tell me! What do you like most about Ding Heng?"

Wen Jing was so embarrassed she could hardly contain herself: "W-What kind of question is this?!"

Wenjing lowered her head, her fingers clutching the hem of her clothes, and it took her a long time to finally manage to utter a sentence.

"He...he's good to me..."

"That's too general! Be more specific!"

"It's...it's..."

Wenjing's voice grew softer and softer, the last few words almost muffled in her mouth.

"Did you hear me?"

"No!"

"I didn't hear you clearly either!"

"Be quiet! Speak louder!"

Wenjing was so embarrassed that she buried her face in her knees and refused to look up.

Zhao Yanxi laughed so hard she slapped her thigh.

Hua Yue chimed in from the side, "How about we switch to Truth or Dare! Truth or Dare!"

A quiet, muffled voice came from between her knees: "What kind of dare...?"

"Give Ding Heng a kiss!"

Wenjing turned her head abruptly, her face turning even redder.

"I...I..."

She hesitated for two seconds, then quickly leaned in and gave Ding Heng a light kiss on the cheek before quickly pulling back.

"Wow!!!"

"One more! One more!"

Wenjing buried her face even lower, her ears turning as red as if they were about to bleed.

Ding Heng reached out and pinched her cheek again, without saying a word.

Hua Qing's gaze fell on Ding Heng's hands.

That hand that always seemed to be playing tricks on me was gently pinching Wenjing's cheek, the movement natural and tender.

She lowered her eyes, took a sip of water, and felt a deep sense of resentment.

You scum! Why did you pinch her so hard...?

Despite her student-like schedule, Wen Shu couldn't stay awake until the New Year's countdown and went to bed early.

With ten minutes to go before the New Year, everyone moved to the balcony.

The wind was chilly on the winter night, making one feel more awake.

In the distance, the light show in the city center of Xingcheng has already begun its pre-show preparations, with colorful beams of light crisscrossing against the sky.

Zhao Yanxi stood to Ding Heng's right. After Wen Shu fell asleep, she could finally snuggle into the man's arms without any problem.

Are you cold?

"A little."

Ding Heng pulled his coat open a little and pulled Zhao Yanxi inside.

Wenjing stood to Ding Heng's left, avoiding any overly intimate contact, simply sitting quietly beside him.

Her hand hung at her side, and her fingertips touched the back of Ding Heng's hand, which was immediately grasped firmly.

After hesitating for a moment, Wenjing grasped Ding Heng's hand and they intertwined their fingers.

Hua Qing stood a little further away, leaning against the balcony railing, quietly observing Ding Heng and the other two.

The wind lifted her long hair, which swayed gently in the night.

Finally, she turned her gaze away and continued watching the light show in the distance.

It seems I've already gotten used to it...

The countdown starts.

"Ten—Nine—Eight—"

The light and shadow in the distance began to flicker, and cheers could be faintly heard from downstairs.

Zhao Yanxi tiptoed and gently kissed Ding Heng's cheek.

"Seven, six, five..."

Wenjing gripped Ding Heng's hand tightly and joined in the countdown.

"Four, three, two, one!"

A huge cheer came from afar, and fireworks exploded in the night sky, scattering colorful light on everyone's faces.

Happy New Year, Ding Heng.

The two girls spoke in unison.

Ding Heng didn't speak, but lowered his head and gently left a kiss between Wen Jing's lips.

Zhao Yanxi immediately objected, puffing out her cheeks slightly: "What about me! What about me!"

Ding Heng turned his head and planted a kiss on his lips as well.

Hua Qing stood at a distance, wrapping her coat tighter around herself.

The night breeze was cool.

……

The New Year's Eve event lasted until after 2 a.m.

Hua Yue was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open. She had intended to spend the night on Ding Heng's sofa, but Hua Qing dragged her away in the end.

"Sis...I'm sleepy..."

"Even if I'm tired, I have to go back. I'll come back tomorrow."

"Well……"

After the two sisters left, the room became completely quiet.

Wenjing yawned and rubbed her eyes: "I'm sleepy too..."

Zhao Yanxi was still full of energy, her eyes bright: "Xiao Jingjing, you go to sleep first, I'll wait a bit!"

Wenjing glanced at her, then at Ding Heng, said nothing, and turned to go into the guest room.

The door closed.

Only Ding Heng and Zhao Yanxi remained in the living room.

Zhao Yanxi leaned over and hugged Ding Heng's waist, looking up at him.

"Brother Ding Heng~"

Her voice was soft, with a coquettish tone at the end.

Ding Heng looked down at her.

The girl's eyes were bright, her face was smiling, and her lips were slightly pouting, giving off a "come kiss me" expression.

Ding Heng did not do as Zhao Yanxi wished, but instead reached out and gently flicked her forehead.

"Ouch!"

Zhao Yanxi looked aggrieved: "What's wrong...?"

Go to bed early tonight.

"But……"

"There's always tomorrow."

Zhao Yanxi pouted and walked sullenly towards the master bedroom.

She knew in her heart that Ding Heng was afraid that she would make too much noise and wake Wen Shu up.

After all, she herself wasn't confident that she could hold back her screams.

Zhao Yanxi walked to the door, then turned back.

Good night.

"Good night."

The door closed.

Ding Heng stood there, gazing at the empty living room. In the distance, the city lights shone brightly, and occasionally, sporadic fireworks rose into the sky.

He chuckled softly, recalling that the house was empty last New Year's Day; he never imagined it would be so lively this year.

Life is unpredictable, so we should cherish what we have...

Noon the next day.

Wenjing groggily opened her eyes, reached for her phone and glanced at it; it was already 11:47.

She sat up, rubbed her eyes, put on her slippers, and walked out of the guest room.

In the living room, Zhao Yanxi was curled up on the sofa scrolling through her phone, her hair disheveled and still wearing her pajamas.

Wenjing yawned and asked, "You just woke up too?"

Zhao Yanxi didn't even look up: "Yeah, shall we go out for lunch?"

"Don't waste money, there are leftovers from last night, I'll heat them up."

"Do you need any help?"

"You wash the rice."

Wenjing went to the bathroom to wash up quickly, then put on her apron again and went into the kitchen.

Hearing the noise, Ding Heng, who had gotten up early, came out of his study.

Zhao Yanxi immediately put down her phone and jumped up from the sofa.

"Ding Heng, Happy New Year! Happy New Year!"

"Ding Heng, Happy New Year! Happy New Year!"

"Didn't we talk about that yesterday?"

"Can't you say it again?"

"Okay, okay, okay."

Ding Heng was both amused and exasperated.

After Wen Shu woke up, the four of them quietly finished their lunch.

Ding Heng put down his chopsticks: "I have to go out of town this afternoon."

Zhao Yanxi and Wen Jing looked up at the same time and blinked.

"Going out of town? Today?"

"Um, something came up."

"Oh……"

Zhao Yanxi looked at Wen Jing, raised her eyebrows slightly, and gave her a knowing look—See, what did I tell you?

Unlike Zhao Yanxi, Wenjing didn't overthink things and asked frankly, "Ding Heng, you'll be gone for a few days. Won't that interfere with your birthday celebration?"

"No, I'll be back by tomorrow night at the earliest, and the day after tomorrow morning at the latest."

"Xiaojing and I have prepared a birthday surprise for you! Don't miss it!"

"What surprise?"

"Would it still be a surprise if I told you?"

Ding Heng smiled, didn't ask any more questions, and got up to leave.

"Ding Heng".

Wenjing suddenly called out to him.

Ding Heng turned around.

Wenjing ran into the bedroom and came out holding a scarf.

Dark gray, with fine stitches, neatly folded.

She walked up to Ding Heng, stood on tiptoe, and gently put the scarf around his neck.

Ding Heng suddenly realized...

The scarf was a gift from Wenjing during summer vacation. We agreed that he would wear it in winter, but it had been sitting in the closet for a long time and I almost forgot about it.

I found it in the closet while I was cleaning your room yesterday.

Wenjing straightened the wrinkles in Ding Heng's scarf, feeling a little aggrieved.

Ding Heng's eyes softened: "Don't worry, I'll wear it until spring."

"Um!"

Once assured, the little rabbit's grievances vanished instantly, and she smiled sweetly.

Ding Heng took out his car keys from his pocket and handed them to Zhao Yanxi: "You can keep the car. Yanxi, you can drive it if you need to, but be careful."

Zhao Yanxi took the keys and blinked: "You really want me to drive it?"

"Didn't you get your driver's license?"

"I took it, but I did..."

Zhao Yanxi took the keys, feeling inexplicably guilty.

Ding Heng turned and went out, then took out his phone and sent a message.

[Ding Heng]: I'm going downstairs.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: I'm at the back gate of your residential complex.

Ding Heng arrived at the back gate of the residential area and spotted the white new energy vehicle in the distance.

He stepped forward and got into the passenger seat: "Happy New Year, senior."

"new year……"

Just as Hua Qing was about to respond, Ding Heng suddenly leaned over.

A very light kiss landed on her lips... warm, soft, and fleeting.

Caught off guard, Hua Qing's eyes widened: "W-what are you doing!"

Ding Heng stepped back, a slight smile playing on his lips: "I owe you, senior, for last night."

Hua Qing turned her face away, staring at the road ahead, her ears burning red.

"Hate……"

She muttered complaints, but her voice had a hint of sweetness.