I'm a senior in high school, and the system says I'm going on a blind date with my childho

Chapter 242 The Silly Boy at Li Zhi's Doorstep

Clutching his phone, Shen Yuan almost instinctively rushed down the stairs of Shen Ming's house and out of the yard.

Like a runaway colt, it galloped towards the Li family's small building not far away, which was the home of Li Zhi's grandparents.

However, in just a short distance, the eagerness he had felt to see Li Zhi immediately vanished almost instantly, as if doused with a bucket of cold water, when he actually stood outside the familiar iron gate of the Li family's courtyard.

The outline of the small building became clear in the winter morning light, with festive red lanterns and Spring Festival couplets hanging at the door, exuding a strong festive atmosphere.

Shen Yuan stopped a few steps away from the gate, his feet seemingly nailed to the ground.

A gust of cold wind blew by, swirling up a few withered leaves on the ground, which also made Shen Yuan shiver.

"Brother is probably tired..."

The message Li Zhi sent and that sly smiley face still lingered in his mind, carrying an intimate yet mischievous sweetness that urged him to come.

But now, looking at the tightly closed door in front of him, that impulsive courage receded like the tide, leaving only a beach-like sense of helplessness and inexplicable guilt.

The turtleneck sweater around her neck seemed slightly warm, concealing the "evidence" she had left behind.

Old Li's gentle yet insightful eyes flashed uncontrollably through my mind, and my heart inexplicably beat a few beats faster.

He subconsciously touched his neck, as if the hickey would show through his sweater.

Want to go in?

What should I say when I see Lao Li and Aunt Xu?
"Hello Aunt Xu, I'm here to play with Li Zhi?"

On New Year's Eve, when families are reunited, what's with this sudden appearance?

"I just happened to be passing by, so I thought I'd drop by to see Grandpa and Grandma Li?"

This is so fake!
Should we just call Li Zhi out?
Li Zhi will definitely come out, but what if it wasn't her who opened the door?
For a moment, Shen Yuan felt as if countless little people were fighting in his mind, with all sorts of possible dialogues and awkward scenes coming one after another.

He could even imagine the subtle smiles that might appear on the faces of Li Zhi's family members when the door opened, as if to say, "Oh, I knew it was you, kid."

The boy's cheeks flushed slightly, a strange shyness mixed with a guilty conscience gripping him.

The usual nonchalant attitude he displayed in front of Li Zhi completely disappeared, and he seemed to feel uneasy, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.

He stood in the cold wind, facing the tightly closed gate of the Li family, his fingers curling up and down, raising them several times as if to touch the icy door, but ultimately pulling them back each time.

Like a primary school student who has been called to stand as punishment at the teacher's office door but doesn't know why.

There seemed to be figures moving around in the courtyard. Shen Yuan immediately took a step back into the shadows by the wall next to him, holding his breath.

Then he realized how ridiculous he was, sighed heavily, and scratched his head in frustration.

The initial fervor of "not afraid of going through fire and water just to meet you" that I had when I rushed out has completely dissipated, leaving only a chaotic heart after the reality has calmed down.

His gaze drifted across the closed window, as if trying to catch a glimpse of that familiar figure, yet he was also afraid that she would see him in this cowardly state.

The wind rustled the lantern's tassel, making a soft rustling sound, which startled him and made him jump slightly.

go?
...I can't bear to part with it.

Enter?
...I dare not.

Shen Yuan stood there, just a few steps away from the Li family's door, unable to move forward or retreat, like an awkward sculpture forgotten by the world.

My inner monologue had already rehearsed eight hundred rounds of the "disastrous defeat during the visit" drama, but I had completely lost the courage to even take the first step of ringing the doorbell.

"Shen Yuan? What are you doing here?"

A slightly puzzled but powerfully aged voice suddenly rang out from above the courtyard wall, startling Shen Yuan so much that he almost jumped up on the spot.

He looked up abruptly and saw Grandpa Li leaning out of a window on the second floor, holding a teacup in his hand.

His gray eyebrows furrowed slightly as he looked down at the boy who hesitated in the cold wind outside the courtyard gate, his face full of confusion.

In that instant, Shen Yuan felt his head buzz and his face suddenly turn burning hot.

It's over! It's over!

Caught red-handed! And it was Grandpa Li Zhi!
He opened his mouth, but his throat felt blocked by something, his mind went blank, and all the prepared and unprepared words were stuck in his throat.

Time seems to have frozen.

Shen Yuan stood frozen in place, looking up at Grandpa Li through the window with wide eyes, his face filled with embarrassment and helplessness at being caught doing something wrong.

A cold wind blew by, and all the energy he had just mustered completely dissipated. He even wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Through the window, Grandpa Li's cloudy yet sharp eyes took in Shen Yuan's guilty and nervous appearance.

Looking at the boy's flushed cheeks and his hesitant expression, he seemed to understand something instantly. He was slightly taken aback at first, then shook his head helplessly.

What's that good-for-nothing fool doing standing at the door like a gatekeeper?
The old man picked up his teacup, took a sip to clear his throat, and his strong voice clearly penetrated the second-floor window, reaching the living room downstairs: "Zhizhi! Come out quickly! There's a silly boy standing at the door waiting for you!"

The shout was loud and clear, with a hint of barely perceptible laughter, like a stone thrown into calm water, instantly breaking the frozen atmosphere inside and outside the courtyard.

Silly boy?
Shen Yuan felt as if he had been struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, and his whole body went numb!

Grandpa Li's resounding "Silly boy," filled with undisguised laughter, pierced through the cold wind and entered Shen Yuan's ears with crystal clarity.

In that instant, Shen Yuan felt as if his forehead had exploded.

My cheeks, which had just calmed down a little, suddenly started burning again, ten times hotter than before!
Your voice is so strong!
The noise was so loud that even the dog gnawing on a bone in the yard could probably hear it, let alone Li Zhi!

Shen Yuan's body stiffened, his mind buzzed, and only one thought was frantically scrolling through his screen.

His image is ruined! He's been personally certified as a "silly boy" by Li Zhi's grandfather!

Shen Yuan looked at the old man, opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word for a long time.

I wish I could turn into a wisp of smoke on the spot and evaporate from this incredibly embarrassing scene that makes my toes ache!

Meanwhile, in the warm living room of the Li family.

On the sofa, Li Zhi was watching TV with her grandmother, her legs curled up comfortably, her fingertips twirling a segment of fruit she had just peeled from a tangerine, ready to put it in her mouth.

Grandpa Li's thunderous voice boomed in through the doors and windows without warning: "Zhizhi! Come out quickly! There's a silly boy standing at the door waiting for you!"

"——!!!"

Li Zhi's fingers, which were holding the fruit, trembled suddenly, and the golden orange segment fell to his knee with a "plop".

She seemed to be paused, then suddenly looked up, her beautiful cat-like eyes wide with disbelief.

Foolish...foolish boy?!
At the doorway?!
Almost without thinking, the name popped into my head—Shen Yuan!
How did this guy end up in front of her hometown?!

Li Zhi suddenly remembered that she seemed to have flirted with Shen Yuan a little while they were chatting just now...

That Seran!

Even so, Grandpa!

How could you shout so loudly!

A surge of heat rushed from her neck to her cheeks, instantly turning Li Zhi's fair skin a deep blush that even her sweater couldn't conceal.

Grandma was amused by her appearance, her gentle eyes full of understanding: "Oh, is it Xiaoyuan who came to play with you? Go open the door, it's cold outside."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the elders and siblings in Li Zhi's family turned their attention to him.

"Zhizhi?"

Li Zhi turned her head and saw Ms. Xu Chan looking at her with a half-smile.

Being scolded by her grandfather and watched with smiles by her family, Li Zhi felt utterly ashamed and indignant.

The scene of social death!
She hurriedly picked up the orange segments that had fallen on her, practically leaping off the sofa with a "whoosh".

Ignoring the knowing expressions on her family's faces, she rushed towards the door, feeling a mix of panic and tension from being suddenly attacked.

He roared inwardly, feeling both angry and ashamed.

Shen Yuan, you damn idiot! What are you doing standing in front of my house like a stupid pillar during the New Year?!

Now look what's happened! The whole family knows that some silly boy came looking for me! You just wait!

With a soft click, the heavy courtyard gate was suddenly pulled open.

The cold winter air swept in, instantly penetrating the warm interior.

On the steps at the entrance, Li Zhi's figure appeared in the door frame.

The next second, she was like a small cannonball whose tail had been stepped on and whose anger was burning. She rushed down the stone steps in front of the door in a few steps!

Her pretty cheeks had a rosy glow from the heating, which looked even more radiant in the cold wind outside, as if she had applied the finest rouge.

She charged straight at Shen Yuan, who was still by the wall, with a murderous aura.

The two were only a few steps apart.

In the blink of an eye, Li Zhi rushed to Shen Yuan, her footsteps bringing with them a gust of cold wind, her little face tense.

Before Shen Yuan could fully react, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, almost crashing into his arms.

The pretty girl, with a tone that suggested she wanted to bite him, growled at him through gritted teeth in a low voice.

"Shen Yuan! Are you made of wood?!"

Li Zhi's fair fingers clenched his sleeve tightly, as if only in this way could she control herself from raising her hand to hit him.

"Where's my phone?! Is it just for decoration?! Is it just standing there at the door like a plague?! Can't it even send me a message?! Huh?!!"

Each word seemed to carry sparks, crackling and popping in the cold air.

Her chest heaved slightly with anger, and the turtleneck sweater exposed at her neck swayed with the movement, making her face appear even redder than if it were about to bleed.

Shen Yuan was stunned by the series of low growls.

The awkwardness of being interrupted by Grandpa Li's shout just now was somewhat dispelled by her fierce and charming rebuke.

He met her eyes, glistening with anger and shyness, and her lips parted slightly as she reprimanded him.

Shen Yuan's Adam's apple bobbed, and the prepared defense turned into a somewhat unsuccessful, silly grin.

He subconsciously raised his hand to touch his nose to cover it up, but was glared back by Li Zhi's fierce eyes.

Seeing his expression only fueled Li Zhi's anger, and she tugged hard at his sleeve.

She continued her accusation in a low voice, each syllable trembling with shame and indignation:
"Making such a big fuss..."

"Now look what's happened! My whole family knows!!"

"Are you stupid or just plain dumb?! Would sending a message kill you, Shen Yuan?! Huh?!"

You've completely disgraced me!

Her chest heaved with anger, her pearly white teeth biting her lower lip, her eyes glaring at him with intense shame and indignation.

The blush on her cheeks appeared even more vibrant and striking against the backdrop of the cold winter air, spreading all the way to her ears and neck.

Her eyes held a mixture of anger, anxiety, and shame—a desire to bury the foolish boy who had caused her death right there on the spot.

Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat when she glared at him, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

The awkwardness and bewilderment from being scolded just now strangely subsided when I met those beautiful eyes filled with shame and indignation.

He suddenly grinned, revealing a set of neat white teeth. His smile contained a hint of resignation, yet also a touch of cunning.

Shen Yuan suddenly reached out and hugged Li Zhi.

The arm around her waist tightened slightly, pulling the beautiful girl closer to him.

Shen Yuan leaned slightly closer to that angry little face.

The young man's cool yet scalding breath rushed towards her nose, held very low, his voice slow and deliberately coaxing, yet also a little cheeky:
"Zhizhi..."

Shen Yuan spoke as if soothing a ruffled little animal, his gaze fixed intently on her blushing face, his voice low and hoarse:

"It's too late now, we've already lost all face..."

"Then how about..."

His lips moved closer to her cheek, he could almost feel the astonishing heat emanating from her skin, and the curve of his lips carried a seductive and wicked charm.

"...Shall we go for a walk together?"

Li Zhi was so shocked by his matter-of-fact suggestion that she froze in his arms!
Her eyes widened as if she couldn't believe her ears, and she stared up at Shen Yuan's face, which was adorned with a slightly mischievous grin.

His face clearly said, "Come on, come on."

This guy's courage... it must have been inflated by that cold wind just now!
Li Zhi felt a surge of heat rush straight to the top of his head!

This is simply... pushing your luck!

Has he forgotten who's sitting inside? His grandparents, his parents, and those cousins ​​who love to watch the drama unfold...

The lingering power of her grandfather's shout of "Silly boy!" still lingered, and she could almost imagine the intense gossip atmosphere burning brightly in that room!

If you say that no one is peeping now, Li Zhi will be the first to disbelieve you.

In this situation, he actually wanted to "kidnap" her?!
What's the difference between this and leading a prey that's just been caught in a net out of the zoo? Are they afraid everyone won't know that this little brat was kidnapped by Shen Yuan?!
A wave of overwhelming shame mixed with incredulous astonishment engulfed Li Zhi instantly, like a tidal wave.

She felt that her face was not just hot, but almost burning!

Even her waist, which was held by his arm, subconsciously tried to break free from this "conclusive evidence" of guilt!

What kind of idiot is in this guy's head?
How dare you?!

Li Zhi looked up at Shen Yuan and jabbed his chest hard with her finger.

"Where's your brain? Where's your brain?!"

"When? Huh? What time is it now?"

"It's New Year's Eve! I'm staying home. You... if you want to play, go play by yourself!"

Li Zhi stared at Shen Yuan, her cheeks flushed red all the way to her ears, and her neck turned pink.

Just as Shen Yuan was about to say something more,
Li Zhi glanced warily in the direction of his own front door.

The next second, as if she had made up her mind, she leaned forward slightly and whispered something very quietly in Shen Yuan's ear:
"Hmph...Let's set off fireworks tonight!"

Shen Yuan was taken aback, his eyes instantly lighting up. He was about to ask for confirmation when he heard, "I know..."

Before she could finish speaking, Li Zhi, as if afraid of being noticed by anyone in the yard or behind the window, nervously glanced towards the front door while quickly and vaguely adding a single word:

"good!"

The word "乖" was short and soft, almost like a muffled breath, carrying a slight tremor of feigned composure that betrayed a hint of shyness.

As soon as she finished speaking, she was so embarrassed by the word "good girl" that she blurted out that her ears burned so hot they could practically fry an egg on them.

Like a startled rabbit, the beautiful girl suddenly broke free from Shen Yuan's slightly loose arms that were still wrapped around her waist.

"Get out of here, you idiot!"

Li Zhifei turned around quickly, let out a low roar, and rushed back to his own courtyard gate with his feet barely touching the ground, slamming the gate shut with a "bang".

Shen Yuan was left standing alone outside the cold courtyard wall.

Several seconds later, he belatedly raised his hand, his fingertips slowly brushing against the edge of his ear that had just been touched by that soft breath.

Shen Yuan stared at the tightly closed door, his lips parting into an uncontrollable grin that grew wider and wider.

First, he laughed silently, his chest vibrating, and then finally he chuckled softly.

"Okay, good boy."

After a moment, Shen Yuan finally suppressed his excitement, tightened his collar, and turned to walk towards his own courtyard.

As soon as I pushed open my own courtyard gate, I bumped into Yang Yishui, who was eating sunflower seeds at the door.

"Yo--"

Upon seeing Shen Yuan, Yang Yishui drew out her words, raised her eyebrows, and scanned her cousin, whose brows were clearly beaming with joy.

My older cousin's tone was full of teasing: "Look, who's come back from their stroll? The scenery in the direction of Li Zhi's house is quite nice, isn't it?"

She deliberately gestured with her chin towards Li Zhi's house, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Shen Yuan's smile vanished almost instantly, but the light in his eyes remained undisguised.

He didn't bother pretending and just gave her a cold, unceremonious glare.

"Hmph, I want you to take care of it."

Shen Yuan muttered something in annoyed, then turned and walked past her into the house, his pace noticeably quickening, as if he couldn't be bothered with her.

Yang Yishui watched his retreating figure, which was practically fleeing in panic, and chuckled, arms crossed: "Tsk tsk tsk, little brat, you know how to be shy now? Grab me a handful of sunflower seeds!"

"Zhao Yueyang! Get to work!"

"no……"

My little cousin came out with a long face.

Here, some sunflower seeds.

Yang Yishui took the melon seeds: "Smile."

My little cousin gave a smile that looked more like a grimace.

Time slipped by quietly amidst the noise and a subtle sense of anticipation.

While playing cards with Yang Yishui and the others, Shen Yuan was also chatting with Li Zhi on his phone.

The adults were either watching TV, chatting at the coffee table, or busy in the kitchen.

Shen Yuan could hear Zhang Yuyan asking him to get her various things from time to time.

The sunlight outside the window slowly slanted through the intermittent noise, lengthening the shadows inside the room.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Shen Ming and Shen Yuan received a summons.

"Shen Ming! Shen Yuan! Go and close the door!"

Shen Yuan immediately put down his cards and sent a message to Li Zhi.

Shen Yuan: "Time for New Year's Eve dinner!"

After closing the doors and windows, Shen Yuan turned on all the lights in the house.

A loud voice rang out in the restaurant: "Come and eat!"

"I'm coming."

Yang Yishui nestled on the sofa, peeling tangerines, and responded without looking up.

My older cousin raised her hand and said, "Help me up."

"Coming right up~" My little cousin immediately rushed over.

Shen Yuan looked at the tightly closed main door. Light shone through the small window above the door, casting a small, hazy patch of light on the floor.

Behind the door, only the warm, noisy sounds of family and the increasingly rich aroma of food remained. The patches of sunlight gradually thinned as the sun set.

The sense of social stagnation he felt about the "silly boy" and the secret expectation he had for Li Zhi's words, "Let's go out and set off fireworks tonight," were temporarily covered by the warm noise, leaving only a heavy sense of security and the tranquility of waiting for night to fall.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, the thick doors tightly sealed this small, warm space.

The daylight outside the door gradually sank into a cold, inky blue.

As Shen Yuan entered the restaurant, the room was instantly filled with a warm, bustling atmosphere and an even richer aroma of food, as if the entire festive spirit had been tightly wrapped up in this small space.

Under the warm yellow incandescent light, the huge round table was almost entirely filled with bowls and plates of various colors.

Shen Yuan immediately took a liking to his favorite reunion cake.

There are no particular rules about seating; the main point is to just sit down and be done with it.

There were 14 people at the table, which seemed a bit crowded, but they were all having a great time.

Shen Yuan poured himself a drink, and then he saw his older cousin put the cup down for him.

Shen Yuan rolled his eyes at her.

"You don't have hands, do you?"

However, despite saying that, Shen Yuan still poured Yang Yishui a glass.

But when it came to my younger cousin, he just let him spill it himself.

At this moment, Shen Yuan's uncle picked up his wine glass: "Come, everyone, raise your glasses! It's another year of family reunion dinner. May the whole family be safe and healthy, and may the coming year bring you good fortune!"

"Happy New Year!"

"In good health!"

"May all go well with you!"

The clinking of glasses and the exchange of blessings mingled together, and the atmosphere of the New Year's Eve dinner began amidst toasts and the care and concern of elders for the younger generation.

Shen Yuan was busy picking at his food, while on the other side, his little cousin was happily munching on a chicken leg, his older cousin and Shen Ming were chatting, Old Shen and his mother were talking quietly, and Grandpa was sipping his rice wine with a cheerful smile...

Everything was just like the Lunar New Year's Eve he remembered—a warm and comforting feeling of home.

Just then, my phone vibrated very slightly through my thick sweater.

Shen Yuan paused almost imperceptibly as he picked up some food.

You don't have to think twice to know who it is.

He used the act of bending down to drink soup as a cover to quickly pull out his phone from under the table and swipe open a corner of the screen.

Sure enough, there was a small red dot next to the pinned profile picture.

Shen Yuan couldn't help but smile slightly, the lingering embarrassment from Grandpa Li's earlier "silly boy" completely dissipated.

This message made Shen Yuan feel as if someone had gently tickled his heart, leaving him feeling both tingly and itchy.

The warm yellow light reflected in his eyes, shimmering with a secret and dazzling expectation unique to the boy and this night.

The hustle and bustle of the New Year's Eve dinner continued, but for him, his night was just beginning.

Time flowed slowly, and the warmth and rich aroma of food in the house dissipated slightly.

The elders put down their chopsticks, leaned back in their chairs, sighed contentedly, and began to chat about everyday matters.

The Spring Festival Gala on TV... well, there isn't one.

Shen Yuan listened absentmindedly to his older cousin urging his younger cousin to improve his English, his fingers unconsciously touching his phone in his pocket under the table, feeling the eager anticipation of touching it.

Just then, my uncle cleared his throat, and stopped his quiet conversation with my father and aunt's husband, his face showing the kind smile that is special to the New Year.

He rummaged around in the inner pocket of his coat hanging on the back of the chair and pulled out a stack of brand-new red envelopes.

"Alright, alright," Uncle's voice boomed, "Come on! Let's give out red envelopes!"

As soon as his uncle finished speaking, Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously sat up straighter, his gaze falling on the striking red stack.

Zhao Yueyang's eyes lit up instantly, like searchlights, and even Yang Yishui, who was about to continue arguing with her younger cousin, stopped talking.

Grandpa Shen Songde's wrinkled face beamed with undisguised joy and satisfaction as he slowly pulled out several bulging red envelopes. Grandma Zhao Qin also smiled and took out hers.

Everyone prepared their red envelopes.

The atmosphere instantly shifted from a contented leisure to a subtle, slightly expectant, and slightly excited heat.

Even Yang Yishui, who is 28 years old, completely shed her usual competence as a teacher at this moment, and a hint of expectation belonging to a child was revealed in her eyes.

In the eyes of elders at home, as long as you are not married, you seem to be a child forever.

"One at a time! Don't rush!" the uncle said with a smile. "Grandpa and Grandma first! You guys wait a bit!"

As the red envelopes were handed out one by one, the atmosphere around the dining table was filled with the passing of red envelopes, words of blessing, smiling eyes of elders, and joyful expressions of younger generations.

Under the warm yellow light, the brand-new red paper wraps up the elders' heartfelt wishes and best wishes for the New Year, conveying warmth and connection among family members.

Shen Yuan tucked his bulging pockets into his pocket and listened to the hearty laughter of his uncles and aunts, but his heart was pounding like a little rabbit, becoming increasingly restless.

"Alright, time to set off firecrackers! Shen Ming, take Shen Yuan to set them off!"

"Me too! Me too!" Zhao Yueyang immediately stood up.

Shen Yuan slipped out the door carrying a roll of firecrackers: "I'll set them off first!"

Holding a firecracker with ten thousand shots, Shen Yuan pushed it all the way from outside the door to inside the gate.

"give it to you!"

Zhao Yueyang's eyes lit up as he looked at the lighter in his hand.

Soon, my little cousin's voice came running over, accompanied by the crackling sound of firecrackers.

After the opening cannons were fired, fireworks began.

Shen Ming was clearly stunned when he saw Shen Yuan effortlessly lift a box of large fireworks.

"This kid is so strong?"

Shen Yuan carefully placed the heavy fireworks box on the open ground in front of the door. Just as he straightened up, a few crisp sounds, "whoosh—bang!" broke the tranquility of the village in the night sky.

He subconsciously looked up and saw fireworks from some unknown house in the distance soar into the sky and explode with a bang against the high, dark blue sky.

The fireworks instantly transformed into countless golden and silver specks of light, cascading down brilliantly and illuminating the eaves of several houses and the bare treetops in the surrounding area for a moment.

The dazzling light reflected in Shen Yuan's eyes, as if igniting a spark in a corner of his heart.

The dazzling light entered Shen Yuan's eyes, instantly illuminating the image in his mind—the person he had promised to set off fireworks with tonight.

His fingers reached into his bulging pocket almost without thinking and pulled out his phone.

The cold metal casing was quickly warmed by the palm of my hand. The screen lit up, and I unlocked the phone.

The pinned contact's profile picture sits there quietly.

With a swift tap of the finger, the camera app opens.

The boy took two steps back, looked up, and framed the dazzling, exploding fireworks display in the night sky, which cascaded like a golden waterfall, into his viewfinder.

Click.

With a barely audible click of the shutter, this moment of brilliance was captured.

Almost without pausing, Shen Yuan opened the chat box and sent the photo showing the sky ablaze with fire.

After doing all this, he lowered his head, his fingertips rapidly tapping on the cold keyboard, a smile unconsciously curving his lips as he wrapped his eager invitation into seemingly casual questions.

Shen Yuan: [Fireworks photo.jpg]

Shen Yuan: Look! Fireworks!
The message was sent successfully.

The cool white light from the phone screen illuminated Shen Yuan's well-defined jawline.

He held the phone in his palm, not immediately putting it back in his pocket, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the screen.

The boy's gaze once again fell upon the fading embers of the fireworks in the distance, as if waiting for a response, or perhaps looking in the direction where Li Zhi was.

The night wind, carrying smoke and chill, brushed against Shen Yuan's hair, but Shen Yuan felt as if that familiar little cat had gently scratched his heart again.

After Shen Ming finished setting off the fireworks, he skillfully lit the flares, and Shen Yuan quickly ran back to the eaves.

As he watched the fireworks rise into the sky, Shen Yuan's phone vibrated slightly.

Shen Yuan picked up his phone and saw Li Zhi's message.

Li Zhi: "We just finished eating and are getting ready to set off firecrackers."

Just as Shen Yuangang finished reading the message and was about to reply, a cluster of bright tracer lights suddenly rose from the ground not far away, accompanied by a familiar sharp sound, and accurately pierced the dark sky.

"Whoosh—Bang!!"

Huge pink and gold flowers bloomed freely in the night sky, illuminating the rooftops and treetops of that area.

Fine, shimmering light, carrying the chill of a winter night, poured down like flowing gold.

That direction led directly to Li Zhi's house, and Shen Yuan recognized it instantly.

The fingers gripping the phone tightened slightly, and the sudden burst of brilliant light illuminated their eyes.

After the firecrackers were set off, everyone could go out.

Shen Yuan will be able to go set off fireworks with his Li Bao!
Shen Yuanfei quickly turned to look at his older cousin: "Sis, did you buy it?"

Yang Yishui spread his hands towards Shen Yuanyi: "500 yuan, transfer the money!"

"Consider it New Year's money!" Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, took out his phone, and sent Yang Yishui a 500 yuan red envelope.

"Thank you, little brother~"

After receiving the money, Yang Yishui put his phone in his pocket with satisfaction, then led Shen Yuan to the car and showed off his "arsenal".

"We have everything, buddy!"

Shen Yuan gave his older cousin a thumbs up, and his younger cousin's eyes lit up instantly.

A whole bunch of fireworks, it made everyone's heart itch with excitement.

"Wait! I'm going to pick up Li Zhi!"

The night was as dark as ink, and the noise of firecrackers and fireworks throughout the village had not yet subsided, with the familiar and pleasant smell of gunpowder filling the air.

Shen Yuan walked briskly through the paths in front of and behind the houses.

He soon found himself standing outside the familiar gate of Li Zhi's house again.

Bright lights streamed in from the living room windows, outlining the courtyard, from which the sounds of television programs and family members chatting could be faintly heard.

Shen Yuan stopped in his tracks, his heart pounding faster in the cold air.

That special feeling of guilt and nervousness that I had when facing the Li family quietly crept back into my heart.

He subconsciously touched the collar of his turtleneck sweater to make sure it was still firmly protecting the "secret" on the side of his neck.

Go in?
How do I start the conversation?
"Aunt Xu, I've come to ask Li Zhi to set off fireworks?"

The thought flashed through Shen Yuan's mind, but he immediately rejected it.

No, that's too deliberate; it'll only draw the whole family's attention and that knowing smile again.

He could almost picture Li Zhi blushing and giving him a reproachful look.

The phone is in my pocket, within easy reach.

Send her a message and she'll sneak out quietly—it's that simple.

but……

Looking at the courtyard gate and the windows letting in light, a more direct thought popped into Shen Yuan's head.

In the night wind, he took a deep breath, his chest filled with the cold air and a certain impulse.

at this point……

Anyway, he can't shake off the "silly boy" label he has during the day, so why should he care about this?
Instead of sending messages secretly, why not...

The boy's eyes flashed, as if he had made up his mind.

Shen Yuan cleared his throat and straightened his back.

The next second, he raised his head and, facing the brightly lit courtyard, shouted clearly in a clean and clear voice, with a hint of tension and a do-or-die frankness.

"Li Zhi—!"

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly pierced through the noise of the night, like a pebble thrown into a calm pond, instantly creating ripples in the light shining through the Li family's window.

Li Zhi, who was sitting next to her grandmother and putting the last segment of a tangerine into her mouth, suddenly stopped.

"——!!!"

Her beautiful eyes widened suddenly, filled with disbelief and astonishment, as she looked sharply towards the direction from which the sound came from outside the window.

Shen Yuan? !
Is he crazy?!
You called her from her doorstep on New Year's Eve?!
Wasn't that "silly boy's" social misbehavior during the day enough?!
A wave of immense embarrassment and unbelievable panic washed over her instantly, her cheeks flushing from pink to bright red.

In an instant, Li Zhi felt the marks he had left on his neck and shoulders, which were tightly covered by the turtleneck sweater, burning at the same time.

Oh no! They've been publicly executed again!
She could clearly feel that everyone's gaze in the living room was like a searchlight, instantly focusing on her.

Ms. Xu Chan put down her teacup, raised an eyebrow at her daughter, and gave a meaningful smile.

"Zhizhi, hurry up! People are getting impatient!" one of the cousins ​​said with a laugh.

This teasing was like a fire that completely ignited Li Zhi's sense of shame.

She didn't even dare to look anyone in the eye, feeling a chill run down her spine, and her toes awkwardly curled up inside her slippers.

"Shen Yuan! You big idiot!!!"

Li Zhi let out a silent scream in her heart, so ashamed and angry that she just wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Just then, that loud voice rang out again.

"Li Zhi—!!"

“I…I’ll go check it out!”

Li Zhi almost screamed as she said those words, her voice trembling slightly with embarrassment.

Under the smiling gaze of her family, Li Zhi quickly ran out the door in her shoes.

"boom!"

A dull thud sounded as the door slammed shut.

The night wind carried the smell of gunpowder and chill, but it could not extinguish the burning flames of shame and anger on Li Zhi's cheeks.

She practically stomped her feet as she rushed out of the warmly lit house, instantly spotting the culprit standing in the winter chill.

"Shen Yuan! You big idiot!!"

Li Zhi's anxious and angry voice, like a lit firecracker, lashed out at the boy with intense shame and indignation.

She rushed to him.

However, just as she raised her hand to point at him, and that fierce question was about to burst from her teeth, her gaze met Shen Yuan's eyes.

The shadows cast by the courtyard wall cast blurry light and shadow, but they could not obscure the light in those eyes.

It was a pure, transparent expectation, like the light from all the fireworks of the night, focused solely on her.

The embarrassed "silly boy" at the door during the day was gone, and the smug rascal in the study who kept pestering her to call him "brother" had also disappeared.

Standing in the cold night, Shen Yuan was now just a pure young man with eyes full of anticipation for her arrival.

That gaze was like an invisible electric current, instantly striking the taut string in her wildly fluctuating emotions.

With a soft "bang".

All the clamor of shame and anger, the embarrassment of being watched, and the accusations of his recklessness vanished in an instant.

The thought of confronting him, which had just been simmering with anger, vanished instantly, like snowflakes falling on hot coals.

The night wind was still blowing, stirring the hidden, unspoken marks beneath their turtlenecks.

Her fingertips curled in the cold air, and the arm she had raised to point at him slowly fell down.

The world seemed to fall silent instantly.

The sounds of family members chatting and laughing, and the distant sound of firecrackers, all blurred into the background.

Li Zhi stared blankly at Shen Yuan's incredibly bright eyes.

A corner of my heart softened completely.

An impulse even stronger than the shame and anger she had felt earlier swept over her.

All questions and accusations seem so irrelevant at this moment.

All she wants now is to run into that warm, waiting embrace.

"hug me……"

A muffled sound, clearly piercing through the lingering embarrassment, escaped from Li Zhi's slightly pursed lips.

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yuan stretched out his arm towards her.

The moment Shen Yuan's fingertips brushed against the wide sleeves of her down jacket, Li Zhi pounced on him!
The beautiful girl plunged headfirst into the embrace that had already been opened to her.

Her cheek pressed against Shen Yuan's neck, which was wrapped in a turtleneck sweater, without any gap, as if she wanted to crush and embed all the shame she had just endured in front of her family and the overwhelming affection that was now surging into her.

The cool surface of the down jacket pressed against the fabric on his chest, making a reassuring rustling sound.

Shen Yuan felt a sudden weight in his arms, followed by a warm and soft embrace.

The arms around her waist tightened almost instinctively, locking this precious woman who had offered herself to him in a secure embrace.

Suddenly, a burst of fireworks light flashed in the night sky, falling like shards of gold into their bright eyes.

Shen Yuan gently rested his chin on the top of Li Zhi's head, his nose filled with a sweet fragrance.

He loosened his embrace slightly, lowered his head, and allowed their eyes to meet in the flickering light and shadow.

Looking at Li Zhi's face illuminated by the fireworks, Shen Yuan's voice was filled with uncontrollable anticipation.

"Shall I take you...to set off fireworks?"

Li Zhi looked at Shen Yuan and nodded heavily.

"Ok!"

(End of this chapter)