Going home for the New Year during the winter break, I encountered a cool school girl on the high-sp

"Was that Qin Yao who called earlier?" Chen Chen asked softly.

"Yes," Lin Muxi nodded, briefly expressing Qin Yao's envy and longing.
"She said she would work hard to build up her network and expand Fantasy Studio overseas."

Upon hearing this, Chen Chen couldn't help but laugh: "She's still the same as ever, always so energetic. But I'm really looking forward to the day when she takes Huanman to the international stage."

“Yes,” Lin Muxi looked up at Chen Chen’s profile illuminated by the streetlights, her eyes filled with tenderness, “Then our team will be even stronger.”

The two didn't say anything more, they just walked quietly.

The hustle and bustle of the city seemed to be isolated in another world, leaving only the sounds of each other's breathing and footsteps.

Chen Chen tightened his grip on Lin Muxi's hand, the warmth of his palm conveying a silent promise and strength.

As Chen Chen reached the bottom of the apartment building, he stopped and looked intently at Lin Muxi:
"Xiaoxi, thank you for your hard work these past few days."

Lin Muxi tiptoed and gently kissed his cheek, her smile as radiant as a flower.
"Silly girl, what are you saying? We're a couple, and your dream is my dream too. I'm happy to be able to fight alongside you."

Chen Chen felt a warmth in his heart and hugged her tightly.

The night breeze lifted her long hair, carrying a faint fragrance that lingered around his nose.

At this moment, all the fatigue, stress, and uncertainty seem to vanish in this warm embrace.

"Come on, go home."

After a long while, Chen Chen let go of her, took her hand, and walked home.

Chen Yuanyuan was a summer worker and finished work promptly at 5:30.

Upon hearing the sound of them opening the door, Chen Yuanyuan's voice immediately came from the living room.

"Brother, sister-in-law, you're back?"

She was nestled on the sofa, hugging a cushion and watching an old movie. The light from the TV screen reflected on her face, making her look exceptionally serene. "Yuanyuan, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Lin Muxi was somewhat surprised.

"I've been waiting for you!" Chen Yuanyuan turned off the TV, skipped over to them, and proudly held up a thermos.

"Look! I saved some midnight snacks for you! I learned how to make a white fungus and lotus seed soup, which is good for your skin, calms the nerves, and helps you sleep! Try it!"

Lin Muxi and Chen Chen sat down at the dining table.

She ladled out a small bowl, handed it to Chen Chen, then ladled one for herself, and sat down on the sofa next to Chen Yuanyuan.

"How is it? Isn't it super delicious?"

Chen Yuanyuan stared at the two of them nervously, like a primary school student waiting for a teacher's grade.

Chen Chen blew on it, scooped up a spoonful, and put it in his mouth.

Sweet and soft, with a hint of bitterness from lotus seeds and a lingering sweetness from rock sugar, it's just the right amount of sweetness, instantly relieving the dryness in your throat and the fatigue of the day.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes as he looked at Chen Yuanyuan: "Hmm! Not bad, Yuanyuan, your skills have improved a lot! It tastes even better than the desserts sold in outside dessert shops."

"Really?" Chen Yuanyuan's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands happily. "I knew I could do it! I specifically looked up tutorials after I got back and tried it several times!"

Lin Muxi also took a bite and nodded approvingly:
"It really tastes great, sweet but not cloying, and the cooking time is just right. Our Yuanyuan is becoming more and more capable."

Having received Lin Muxi's affirmation, Chen Yuanyuan was practically strutting around with pride.

The three sat around the dining table, slowly sipping the warm white fungus and lotus seed soup, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

The television was off, leaving only the occasional sound of traffic outside the window and the soft conversations between them. (End of Chapter)