Chapter 199 "Happy New Year!"

New Year's Eve.

The streets were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and most people had changed into red coats. Children's braids were tied with cheerful red ribbons. With everyone dressed up and the atmosphere in full swing, the entire city of Fanzhou was immersed in the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year.

Even Ms. Hu Shulan specially wore a fuchsia coat when she came in, carrying two stacks of lunch boxes. "I asked the doctor yesterday, and she said that I don't need to have anti-inflammatory IV drips starting today, so I came a little late. I went to the nearest state-run restaurant, waited for them to open, and ordered a few dishes. Today is the Lunar New Year, so they are only open for lunch. In the evening, I took them to the hospital cafeteria and asked them to reheat them in a steamer."

Hu Shulan walked to the table by the window, placed the lunchbox steadily on it, turned around, and said, "There's no other way. The conditions are a bit simple, so my daughter and I will have to make do like this for the New Year."

Meng Youyou looked at Hu Shulan and praised, "Mom, you look so good in this red!"

Hu Shulan blushed slightly and said a little embarrassedly, "It's the New Year, so I'm asking for a lucky number."

"Oh, right," Hu Shulan took out a lipstick from her pocket and walked to Meng Youyou's bedside, "You too, spending the New Year in the hospital, put on some lipstick, get some good luck and get rid of bad luck, and in the new year, I guarantee our Youyou will be healthy and have a smooth year!"

As she spoke, she twisted off a tube of lipstick, lifted Meng Youyou's chin with her left hand, and carefully applied the lipstick to her daughter.

Meng Youyou obediently opened her mouth, and after she finished applying the cream, she hurriedly asked, "Does it look good?"

Hu Shulan laughed: "It's very pretty. Youyou was already very pretty, but after wearing this lipstick, she looks even more beautiful with a healthy complexion."

……

The mother and daughter sat by the window, eating their simple New Year's Eve dinner. As dusk settled, people started setting off fireworks, some near and some far. Looking out the window, the inky sky was dotted with countless tiny points of light, some fiery red, some dazzling gold, and some beautiful purple, one after another, creating a scene of splendor.

Even the slightly deserted ward, which only had two people, felt lively. The sounds of firecrackers and fireworks exploding were constant, and a colorful fireworks show was in front of us. Looking down from the fourth floor, it seemed as if we could smell the smoke and aroma of food wafting from the streets and alleys.

After the meal, Meng Youyou helped clean up the lunchboxes. Hu Shulan told her to sit still and not move, saying she could do it by herself. Meng Youyou said it was fine, and that it was good to get some exercise.

Hu Shulan took the lunchbox to the hot water room, while Meng Youyou sat alone by the window looking at the scenery outside. Suddenly, a red, unidentified object appeared in her field of vision. She looked closer... and it was a red envelope!

Meng Youyou's eyes lit up, and she accepted the package with a smile. Only when she held it in her hand did she realize that there were actually two. She asked in surprise, "Why are there two?"

"Even though your dad isn't here, you can't forget the red envelope. He reminded me on the phone yesterday that you should also give him his share."

"Thank you, Mom, and thank you, Dad. Happy New Year!"

……

As midnight approached, Meng Youyou lay alone in bed. Ms. Hu Shulan had originally said she would stay at the hospital with her that night, but Meng Youyou felt sorry for her mother having to spend the whole night on a folding recliner during the Lunar New Year, so she urged her to go back to the hotel.

At this time of year, people generally start their nighttime routine earlier, and nightlife isn't as vibrant. The outdoor area isn't as lively as it used to be.

Meng Youyou covered herself with the blanket, closed her eyes, and tried to fall asleep.

"Thump...thump thump, thump...thump thump," came the sound of tapping on the glass from the window, a specific rhythm that we had agreed on long ago, one heavy tap followed by two light taps.

Meng Youyou suddenly threw off the covers, almost forgetting to wear slippers, and ran to the window, pulling open the curtains.

What I saw was... a cluster of burning sparklers, crackling and sputtering sparks, with tiny sparks spraying outwards, dazzling and dreamlike.

But she couldn't see anyone. The hospital windows were sliding windows with safety railings on the lower half, so Meng Youyou couldn't see where the person holding the fairy wand was at all.

Meng Youyou took off her shoes and stood on the wooden chair. Just as one of her hands touched the iron railing, she heard a sharp voice stop her: "Don't climb the railing, it's dangerous!"

Meng Youyou didn't stop; instead, she grabbed the railing with her other hand. Just as she was about to tiptoe and peek over the railing, a dark figure suddenly darted out and appeared at eye level with her.

"Go down," he said, looking into her eyes, his tone slightly serious before softening, "Slow down, I need to come in from here."

Meng Youyou nodded hesitantly and finally obediently slid off the chair.

The man gripped the top of the railing firmly with one hand, nimbly flipped over, and landed straight on the floor tiles of the room.

Meng Youyou was very puzzled: "Is there no one on duty on the first floor of the inpatient department tonight? Have you become addicted to climbing walls? Battalion Commander Huo!"

Huo Qingshan stood up, faced her, and briefly explained, "Fireworks and firecrackers are not allowed indoors." "Why do you insist on setting off fireworks? Two hours ago, they were everywhere! I've been watching them all night."

"You..." Huo Qingshan stammered for once, "You said before that people who watch fireworks together on New Year's Eve will stay together for the whole year to come."

Meng Youyou frowned and thought back, her tone puzzled: "When did I say that? Did I say that? I don't remember it."

Huo Qingshan pursed his lips. "It was Shen Xi who said it. When he first came to the army, you two had dinner together. He said you two have been together since you were little and have almost never been apart. He said you two would spend New Year's Eve together every year, except last year. As a result, you were transferred to such a far place this year, and the two of you haven't seen each other for a long time."

Meng Youyou finally remembered that there seemed to be such an incident, but... who would remember it so clearly?

And this New Year's Eve should refer to the Gregorian New Year, right?

Meng Youyou suppressed a laugh, but didn't intend to correct this beautiful little misunderstanding. As long as the two of them were willing, what did it matter if it was the Gregorian New Year? She just said meaningfully, "How do you remember so clearly a casual remark Shen Xi made?"

"I'm a little jealous of him," Huo Qingshan rarely opened up about the dark side of his heart, and frankly said, "He got to know you so early."

Meng Youyou laughed: "But you're so much older than me. Even if you met me earlier, when you were in elementary school, I was still breastfeeding, and when you're in college, I'm still in elementary school. Would you really be willing to play with me then?"

Huo Qingshan fell silent.

Meng Youyou walked closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, laughing even more happily: "Battalion Commander Huo, did I tell you before that we have a custom where we live, that boyfriends give their girlfriends red envelopes during the Lunar New Year? Have you prepared any?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Qingshan lowered his head to reach into his pocket and actually pulled out a bulging red envelope, stuffed it into her hospital gown pocket, and then reached out to hug the person in his arms.

"Yo yo, Happy New Year!"

"Commander Huo, Happy New Year!"

They looked at each other, and at that moment, they had only each other in their eyes.

"I applied for leave to visit my family after the New Year. After you are discharged from the hospital, I will take you to visit your grandparents, how about that?" Huo Qingshan asked softly.

While Meng Youyou was still thinking, Huo Qingshan continued, "Your six-month transfer to Fanzhou City is almost over. I'll go back to the capital with you then and visit your family."

Hearing this, Meng Youyou had a pretty good idea of ​​his intentions, but she still chose to ask, "What do you want to do?"

Without hesitation, Huo Qingshan said, "We need the permission of both sets of parents before we can file for marriage. I don't want to wait any longer."

Meng Youyou teased him, "Are you afraid that after I return to the capital, I'll change my mind and dump you?"

After a two-second silence, Huo Qingshan softly hummed in agreement.

Unexpectedly, he admitted it, and Meng Youyou was somewhat taken aback. She asked seriously, "Why would you think that?"

The man tilted his head slightly forward, pressed his forehead against the girl's, rubbed it against her, and then said softly, "Your dad told me that there are tons of outstanding guys pursuing you, too many to count, and I'm a little scared."

Meng Youyou chuckled, cupping the man's face in her hands and pinching it. "Really?" she asked cheerfully, as if she thought he was joking or saying something nice to cheer her up. She couldn't imagine what kind of situation Huo Qingshan would lack confidence or lose control over.

Huo Qingshan simply chuckled, neither denying nor confirming. He then asked, "Is it alright? Come with me to see Grandma?"

“Okay,” Meng Youyou readily agreed, and continued to joke, “Since you can’t live without me, I’ll condescend to be Mrs. Huo.”

Huo Qingshan lowered his head and kissed the girl's forehead, saying, "Thank you." This was the most sincere time Huo Qingshan had ever uttered those two words.

Remembering something, Meng Youyou pushed away his face that was pressed against her forehead, then stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips, her lips chasing his and rubbing against his.

As she left, the girl smiled broadly and said, "My mother said that if you wear something red on New Year's Day, you'll have good luck in the coming year. I'll share some of my lipstick with you."

“Not enough,” the man replied.

Meng Youyou was about to ask what wasn't enough when she was suddenly silenced. Because she was about to speak, her lips were parted, which gave the man an opportunity to take advantage of her.

Huo Qingshan seized the opportunity and smoothly rode in. His large hand left the girl's waist and instead gripped the back of her head. He tasted a novel flavor in his mouth, which must have come from the lipstick she had mentioned. It was sweet peach flavor.


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