Chapter 146: Celebrating the Little New Year with the Girls

On the day before the Lunar New Year, Ding Heng and Wen Jing got up very early.

The winter sky was not yet fully bright, and a fine drizzle was falling in the air.

When she went out, Wenjing couldn't help but shiver, even though she was bundled up.

Winters in the South are sticky and cold, with the chill seeping into your very bones.

After getting on the bus, Ding Heng glanced at the girl and asked, "Are you sleepy?"

"fine."

Wenjing loosened her down jacket slightly and yawned lazily: "Grandma said yesterday that she's going to fry meatballs today, so I have to go help her early."

"There's no need to be so early, it's only six o'clock."

"Shall we go soon... There's a lot going on around the end of the year, so let's help out as much as we can."

Ding Heng smiled and reached out his hand.

Wenjing immediately stepped forward and rubbed against the man's palm, obedient and docile.

The car stopped in an old street in the suburbs; it was already broad daylight.

The shop door was half open, and several boxes of newly arrived drinks were piled up at the entrance, their red and green packaging exuding a strong festive atmosphere.

Wenjing pushed open the door and entered, and the aroma of hot oil wafted towards her.

"grandmother!"

She called out cheerfully, rolled up her sleeves, and went into the inner room, "Let me help you!"

Grandma was standing in front of the stove, her apron covered in flour, and holding a ball of minced meat in her hand.

Hearing the noise, she turned around, her face beaming with a smile: "Come in and warm up, it's cold outside, isn't it?"

"It's not cold."

Wenjing tied on her apron and went to the stove: "Grandma, what are we frying today?"

"Meatballs, lotus root sandwiches..."

As she spoke, Grandma pushed the seasoned minced meat over, saying, "Try this; these are all things Ding Heng loved to eat when he was little."

Wenjing took the basin and skillfully began to roll the balls. She was always efficient and her movements were quick and steady.

Grandma looked at it with increasing satisfaction: "You little rascal, you're so skillful."

Ding Heng didn't join the commotion in the kitchen; instead, he stayed in the front to help his grandfather watch the shop.

As the year draws to a close, convenience stores are doing much better business than usual.

People coming and going are all neighbors, buying cigarettes, alcohol and drinks, and chatting about everyday things.

"Old Sun, your grandson's back?"

An old man carrying two cartons of cigarettes gestured towards Ding Heng with his lip: "Young man, you're in college now, aren't you?"

Grandpa chuckled and said, "It's holiday time, come back and stay for a few days."

The old man clicked his tongue twice: "Old Sun, you're lucky. Unlike me, my own grandson isn't even home for the New Year."

"Sigh, children and grandchildren have their own blessings. They're making a lot of money out there, ready to take care of you."

"Hey...sigh!"

After the old man left, the shop became quiet for a while.

Ding Heng leaned against the counter and began chatting with his grandfather.

"Grandpa, how have you been lately?"

"I'm fine, I can eat and sleep well."

"How about we don't open this shop next year? I'll arrange for you two to go on a trip and relax."

"I don't care, but I doubt your grandma will be happy to close the door."

The old man kicked the ball to his wife, which amused Ding Heng.

"Should I go and persuade Grandma?"

"Oh well, it's good to keep it running. It'll keep me occupied and prevent me from getting bored."

Grandpa sighed, "When people get old, they're afraid of being idle. Once they're idle, they start thinking about all sorts of things. It's better to find something to do; the days will pass faster that way."

Ding Heng nodded and said nothing more.

For the two elderly people, being busy is not a burden, but a way to enjoy life. Sudden changes, on the contrary, make them feel uncomfortable...

"Time to eat!"

A quiet, cheerful shout came from the inner room, interrupting the grandfather and granddaughter's conversation.

The four of them enjoyed a lively meal together, and after the meal, Wenjing insisted on washing the dishes.

The water was gurgling, and the girl's profile was softly illuminated by the light from the window. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her fair and clean forearms.

Ding Heng stood at the door and asked, "Shall I take you back to your hotel later?"

Wenjing continued working: "No need, I'll stay with my grandparents a little longer, and then I'll take a taxi home later."

"OK."

Ding Heng walked over and reached out to pat her head: "I'll be going now, remember to text me when you get to the hotel."

"Um."

Wenjing turned her head and said in a soft voice, "Drive carefully on the road."

Ding Heng turned and walked out. As he passed through the living room, his grandmother was tidying up the shelves and glanced back at him.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes, I have something else to take care of."

"Go ahead, go ahead, it's good to have Xiaojing with me."

"Okay, I'll come another day."

Ding Heng walked out of the store and started the car. He saw Wen Jing running out of the store and waving at him from the rearview mirror.

The tiny creature, wrapped in a thick down jacket, hopped and skipped around like a little rabbit.

He honked his horn in response and turned out of the old street.

At 3 p.m., Ding Heng parked his car downstairs at Hua Qing's house and took out his phone to send a message.

[Ding Heng]: Senior, I've arrived.

Ten minutes passed, and there was no reply.

Ding Heng's lips curled slightly as he opened an app and flicked it with his finger.

Ten seconds later, the phone vibrated.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: I'm changing clothes! Can't you wait a bit?

Ding Heng could almost picture Hua Qing looking like this—her phone lying on the bed, standing in front of the wardrobe, frantically searching for clothes, her face flushed with anger and anxiety.

He typed slowly.

Ding Heng: Okay.

Putting away his phone, Ding Heng leaned back in his seat, gazing at the hazy sky outside the car window.

A few moments later, several young girls walked out of the building entrance.

Qianqian ran ahead, wearing a bright yellow down jacket. Recognizing Ding Heng's car in the distance, she waved excitedly, "Brother Ding Heng!"

Ding Heng rolled down the car window and nodded to them: "get out of class is over?"

"Uh-huh!"

Qianqian ran over and leaned against the car window: "Teacher Hua is still upstairs, let us go first."

Xiao Zhu and Peng Qi also came over and greeted them all at once.

"Thank goodness you came! Teacher Hua dismissed get out of class early!"

"How much longer will Teacher Hua be in?"

"It will probably take a while."

Qianqian said playfully, "Brother Ding Heng, you need to be patient. It's a lot of trouble for girls to put on makeup."

The girls walked away laughing and joking, while Ding Heng continued to wait.

About half an hour later, the unit door opened again.

Hua Qing's attire was as always, a bright yellow Song-style ruqun paired with a matching cape, the edges of which were trimmed with white fur, making her look both aloof and noble.

She opened the car door, sat in the passenger seat, glared at Ding Heng, and muttered as usual, "Scumbag."

Her tone was soft and weak; rather than expressing disgust, it sounded more like she was complaining that the man hadn't come to see her for several days.

Ding Heng naturally understood, but he didn't expose her. He just smiled and then gently swiped his phone screen in front of Hua Qing.

Hua Qing's body didn't react, but her expression was one of embarrassment and annoyance.

"Are you ever going to stop?!"

She raised her small fist and punched him: "You wouldn't want me to go out like this..."

Ding Heng laughed and dodged away, his tone smug: "I'm just worried that my senior might get addicted."

"Who would be addicted to that kind of stuff!"

Hua Qing was extremely embarrassed and threw punch after punch, but the force was light and weak, like tickling.

Ding Heng gripped her fist, squeezed it, and didn't let go.

Hua Qing tried to struggle, but couldn't, so she simply gave up.

While playing with Hua Qing's soft little hand, Ding Heng asked, "What are your plans for the New Year, Senior?"

Hua Qing withdrew her gaze and her tone returned to calm: "Tomorrow is the last class, and the day after tomorrow I'm going back to my hometown."

"Are you free for the next two days?"

"Um."

"Shall I keep my senior company?"

"casual……"

"However, I have one request."

"What?"

"I'm tired of your traditional Chinese style, senior. I want you to try a different style."

"Ding Heng! Don't go too far!"

Hua Qing subconsciously thought that Ding Heng would make her wear some embarrassing clothes, so she would inevitably have to raise her voice.

"Don't worry, senior, it's a proper outfit."

Ding Heng reopened his phone, swiped a few times, and handed it over.

Hua Qing took it and looked down at it.

A pink sweater, a white fluffy coat, a light gray pleated skirt, paired with white stockings and round-toed leather shoes.

The model had her hair in pigtails, and she looked both sweet and gentle.

Hua Qing's face darkened instantly, and she threw the phone back into Ding Heng's arms.

"You're a pervert."

"How is this so perverted?"

Ding Heng looked completely innocent: "These are all proper clothes, it's not like I'm asking you to wear anything improper."

"But...I..."

Hua Qing was speechless.

In her 21 years of life, she has never had clothes of a similar style in her wardrobe.

Hanfu, cheongsam, modified traditional Chinese style, and even occasional casual wear are all simple and elegant in style.

This kind of pink, girlish outfit is more embarrassing for her than wearing sexy lingerie.

Ding Heng persisted, "Can't your boyfriend even fulfill this small request?"

Hua Qing bit her lower lip: "Why don't you let Wen Jing or Yan hope wear this style for you? They both suit it better than me..."

Ding Heng's tone was serious, not like he was joking: "But I just want to see what my senior wears."

Hua Qing didn't say anything more and turned her face to look out the window.

As the car started, Hua Qing looked down and swiped her fingers across her phone screen, as if searching for something.

Ding Heng glanced at it out of the corner of his eye and could vaguely see the words in the search bar: "【Cute Outfit Recommendations for Cool Girls】".

He really is all talk and no action.

As the saying goes, men have two great loves: persuading young girls to be sexy and forcing mature women to act cute.

The fairy's potential remains to be explored...

The car drove into the villa area's garage, and Ding Heng went upstairs to open the door.

I haven't been here for a few days, and the living room has changed dramatically.

The once empty entryway now features a pair of blue and white porcelain vases, a thick wool carpet in a subtle smoky gray color, a mahogany sofa, and a set of purple clay teaware on the coffee table.

The overall style is calm and sophisticated, yet elegant.

Secretary Huang nodded as Ding Heng entered, saying, "Mr. Ding has arrived."

"Secretary Huang."

Ding Heng looked around and praised, "Your efficiency is amazing."

"I didn't dare delay what my boss asked me to do. Luckily, the real estate agency had a few sets of furniture on hand, so I bought them all at once."

Secretary Huang smiled slightly: "By the way, we're going to pick someone up from the airport later, the car is ready."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of hurried footsteps came from the second floor.

Baima poked half her head out from the stairs; her hair was a little messy, as if she had just crawled out of bed.

Upon seeing Ding Heng, her eyes lit up, and she ran downstairs.

"Brother!"

She was quite sweet-talking today, stopping in front of Ding Heng and looking up at him: "Where have you been these past few days? You're never home."

Ding Heng looked down at her: "I definitely have my own things to do. I can't stay home playing games all day like you."

Bai Ma pouted, about to retort, when her gaze suddenly fell on Ding Heng's back.

Hua Qing was standing in the entryway, quietly untying the sash of her cloak.

Bai Ma's eyes widened, and she blurted out, "What the heck? Why did Sister-in-law switch back again?"

Ding Heng retorted irritably, "What are you talking about? You've only ever had this one sister-in-law, where did this 'again' come from?"

Bai Ma snorted and rolled her eyes.

She quickly composed herself, skipped over to Hua Qing, and greeted her with a sweet and adorable smile: "Hello, sister-in-law! We meet again!"

Hua Qing felt a little embarrassed when Bai Ma called her "Sister-in-law," and her ears turned slightly red: "Bai Ma, it's been a long time."

Hua Qing felt a little embarrassed when Bai Ma called her "Sister-in-law," and her ears turned slightly red: "Bai Ma, it's been a long time."

"You look so beautiful today, sister-in-law!"

Baima's words were as sweet as honey: "I'd also like to try Hanfu. Sister-in-law, could you recommend some for me sometime?"

Hua Qing replied dryly, "Okay, I'll go with you to my house to order one another day."

Secretary Huang glanced at the time and cleared her throat: "Bai Ma, go change your clothes and get ready to go to the airport."

"Okay..."

Baima, drawing out her long melody, took her short legs and ran upstairs.

About ten minutes later, footsteps were heard again on the stairs.

She was wrapped in fluffy, soft gray and white polka-dot fur, like the fur of a small animal covered in snow mist, exuding a lazy yet sweet warmth.

The short jacket has just the right amount of fluffy fur, with tiny gray and black spots spreading out on the pure white velvet base, perfectly cinching the waistline and making the skirt look even lighter.

The matching patterned fur leg warmers covered her slender calves, echoing the coat, and were paired with shiny black leather shoes.

It's sweet to the perfect degree, yet it also exudes a touch of innocent charm.

Ding Heng glanced at Bai Ma's bare thighs, hesitating whether, as her "elder brother," he should say something.

Secretary Huang spoke first: "It's cold at the airport; you'll get chilly when you get off the car."

Bai Ma pouted and ran upstairs again.

When she came down, she was wearing a thick pair of white leggings that covered her calves completely.

"Let's go! Let's go!"

Baima walked out the door first, glancing at Secretary Huang and giving him a "Is this okay now?" look.

A black van appeared in the garage. Since a suitable driver had not yet been hired, Secretary Huang was preparing to drive herself, but Ding Heng stopped her first.

He pointed to the high heels on Secretary Huang's feet: "Let me open it. It's inconvenient for you to change your shoes."

Secretary Huang rarely showed a hint of embarrassment: "Mr. Ding, I'm sorry to trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all."

Ding Heng got into the driver's seat and adjusted the seat and rearview mirror.

Secretary Huang got into the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt.

In the back row, Baima and Huaqing sat side by side. Baima chattered on and on, while Huaqing occasionally chimed in. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.

The airport arrival hall was quite crowded.

Ding Heng spotted Ding Wenjie and Qu Zhen from afar.

Qu Zhen took Ding Wenjie's arm and whispered to him. Ding Wenjie tilted his head slightly, a gentle smile on his face.

Ding Heng walked over: "Dad, Aunt Qu Zhen."

Ding Wenjie stepped forward and patted his son on the shoulder: "You're here?"

"Um."

Ding Heng nodded, his gaze lingering on his father's face for a moment.

After not seeing him for several months, Ding Wenjie looked much better than last time, and he had also gained a little weight.

Qu Zhen released Ding Wenjie's arm, stepped forward, and said gently, "Little Ding, we meet again."

Baima emerged from behind Ding Heng and grabbed Quzhen's arm, crying, "Mom!"

Qu Zhen looked down at her daughter, a smile in her eyes, but her tone was still habitually questioning: "Have you been good these past few days?"

"Good boy! Very good boy!"

Baima immediately straightened her back and said in a loud voice, "If you don't believe me, ask your brother!"

As she spoke, she desperately tried to wink at Ding Heng.

Ding Heng received the signal and nodded without changing his expression: "Yes, Bai Ma has indeed been quite well-behaved these past few days."

Bai Ma secretly breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a thumbs up.

Seeing her daughter's guilty look, Qu Zhen knew that she was probably up to something again.

But in front of so many people, she didn't expose him, she just gave a faint "hmm".

Qu Zhen then turned to Hua Qing, recognizing the girl she had seen before: "Xiao Qing is here too?"

Hua Qing stepped forward and greeted them generously: "Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunt."

Qu Zhen took out a small brocade box from her bag and handed it to Hua Qing: "We met in a hurry last time, so I didn't have time to prepare anything. Here, take this as a gift."

Hua Qing was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Ding Heng.

Ding Heng nodded slightly.

Hua Qing took the brocade box with both hands and opened it. Inside was a white jade pendant, with exquisite carving and a warm, lustrous texture.

"This is too valuable..."

"It's not worth much money, just wear it for fun."

"Please accept this; it's a token of your Aunt Quzhen's affection."

"Thank you, Auntie..."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hua Qing calmly accepted the gift.

It was already 8 p.m. when we got back to the villa.

Sister Jiang spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen, and the dining table was piled high with food.

Baima sat down first, her chopsticks flying as she deftly grabbed a large shrimp.

Qu Zhen glanced at her, smiled helplessly, and turned to Ding Heng: "Xiao Ding, Bai Ma will be transferring to Xingcheng after the New Year. I'll have to trouble you, as her older brother, to take good care of her."

Ding Heng replied politely, "Of course, has the school made all the arrangements?"

"Secretary Huang is in contact; it's almost finalized."

Qu Zhen then turned to Ding Wenjie, "Also, your father and I have discussed it, and we plan to go on a trip after the New Year."

"Where to?"

"It's not decided yet; it could be domestic or international."

Ding Wenjie chimed in, "Your Aunt Qu Zhen has been busy with work these past few years and hasn't had much rest. Luckily, she won't have much to do next year, so she can travel around a bit."

Ding Heng looked at his father, then at Qu Zhen, and roughly understood what was going on.

Qu Zhen lost her husband when she was young and has worked hard all by herself to raise her children and build her career.

Now I want to take a break and make up for the scenery I missed in my youth.

It's a time when people reach middle age and can finally have a love affair that isn't about daily necessities or future prospects.

Hua Qing was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Ding Heng.

Ding Heng spoke up for her: "Auntie, Hua Qing has to prepare for the competition after the New Year, so she can't leave."

Qu Zhen nodded, not pressuring him: "Then come again next time you have the chance."

Hua Qing lowered her eyes, secretly relieved.

While I felt relieved, I also felt a little lost that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

After dinner, Qu Zhen and Ding Wenjie went out to see their old friends.

Bai Ma dashed upstairs and into her gaming room.

The living room fell silent, leaving only Ding Heng and Hua Qing.

"Let's go back inside, wash up, and go to sleep."

Ding Heng stood up.

Hua Qing hummed in agreement and followed the man back to the room.

The bathroom on the second floor was very large. After taking a shower, Hua Qing changed into the pajamas that Secretary Huang had prepared in advance.

A light gray cotton maxi dress, simple in style, soft in texture, and very comfortable to wear.

She sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at the river view outside the window.

The Xiang River flowed quietly in the night, and Hua Qing's mind was in turmoil.

What will Ding Heng do to her after he finishes showering?

After all, there was only one last unspoken understanding between them.

But if he really wants to do something, should she refuse? Can she refuse?

Hua Qing's face flushed slightly, and it took her a while to suppress the chaotic thoughts.

The bathroom door opened.

Ding Heng was wearing the same dark gray pajamas, his hair was still a little wet, he casually wiped it a couple of times with a towel and threw it aside.

He walked to the bedside, lifted the blanket, crawled in, and reached out to pull Hua Qing into his arms.

"Thank you for your hard work, senior."

"fine."

Ding Heng rested his chin on her head and said lazily, "Go to sleep."

Hua Qing hummed in response, her body stiffening slightly before slowly relaxing.

In the past, when Ding Heng hugged her, she would turn her back to him and curl up into a small ball, like a snail hiding in its shell.

But this time, Hua Qing gently turned over to face Ding Heng.

The man's chest was warm, and his heartbeat was steady and strong, each beat reaching her ears.

"Good night."

"Good night……"

Hua Qing snuggled closer to Ding Heng, her forehead resting against his collarbone, her nose catching a faint scent of shower gel.

She closed her eyes.

A gentle breeze blew outside the window, causing the curtains to sway slightly.

It's very quiet.