My girlfriend was reborn.

Chapter 182 New Year’s Eve
So, the three of you are indeed...

At the Jiangcheng local restaurant where Cheng Shuangjiang had celebrated her birthday, Xu Youyou looked at Zhou Heming and the other two sitting together and still found it hard to believe.

Whether Zhou Heming was with Lu Qian or Cheng Shuangjiang, they could imagine it, but the three of them together, and so harmoniously, was truly unprecedented.

"When I watched the variety show, I thought it was all scripted, but I didn't expect it to be real!"

Qiao Jinchen opened her mouth wide, her gaze shifting back and forth between the three people.

"A lot happened during that time, it's a long story."

Zhou Heming did not explain in detail.

Qiao Jinchen and Xu Youyou didn't pry into the details; they had a tacit understanding between them.

Moreover, these two were very familiar with Cheng Shuangjiang and Lu Qian. Even if they didn't know them inside and out, they at least knew what kind of people they were. They knew the two girls' feelings for Zhou Heming. Since none of the three of them said anything, Qiao Jinchen and Xu Youyou naturally had no reason to find out.

"Well, speaking of this, do you remember when I mentioned to you last time that my family wanted me to invest?"

Qiao Jinchen changed the subject.

"I remember, back in October you mentioned some kind of investment or financial management?"

Zhou Heming recalled that Qiao Jinchen had mentioned it before.

"Could we have lost everything?"

"Cough cough, how could that be? I only lost a little money on stocks."

Qiao Jinchen cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"A tiny bit?"

Zhou Heming showed no mercy.

"As long as I don't sell, I won't lose money!"

Qiao Jinchen earnestly explained why many first-generation wealthy individuals are reluctant to let their children start their own businesses.

"I lost about 100,000 yuan in the domestic stock market; to be precise, I'm stuck with it."

Xu Youyou adjusted her glasses and said with a slightly helpless expression.

"It seems like the domestic stock market is quite mysterious, isn't it? I overheard people on the set chatting when we were filming before, and they said that it doesn't make any sense at all, regardless of profit or loss."

Lu Qian wasn't sure if she was trying to comfort Qiao Jinchen.

"Ah, I should have reminded you beforehand."

Cheng Shuangjiang realized this too late.

When Qiao Jinchen said she wanted to invest, Cheng Shuangjiang wasn't present, and she never mentioned it again. If she had known earlier, she would have told Qiao Jinchen not to speculate in stocks.

"No, it's okay. At least I know that investing involves risks and one should be cautious when entering the market."

Qiao Jinchen remains relatively optimistic.

One hundred thousand yuan is not a small amount for a young person of this age, but it is nothing to his family. If being stuck with these 100,000 yuan worth of stocks can make Qiao Jinchen realize his own limitations and stay away from related investments in the future, then the losses he can avoid will be far greater than this amount.

So, are you still planning to invest?

Zhou Heming inquired.

"Didn't you say you made a movie? I was thinking, why don't I just invest the rest of the money in you?"

Qiao Jinchen answered.

"But we've already finished filming, all that's left is editing, it won't cost much."

Zhou Heming scratched his head.

Because of Du Ruo, they have almost zero cost for the more expensive equipment.

The scenes used were all at school and at home, and were completely free.

Lu Qian took care of all the clothing herself, including the school uniform and her own clothes, as well as her makeup.

The main actors are Zhou Heming, Lu Qian, and Cheng Shuangjiang; the others are guest appearances by members of the production crew.

Editing was handled by Yang Hongye and Su Hong, so there was no need for additional expenses.

All things considered, this movie only cost everyone's time, some travel expenses, and food money, so it can be said to be extremely low-budget.

Of course, if we want to submit it to a film festival later, we will definitely need to spend money to make a master tape, but a few people can always scrape together enough money.

To encourage student creation, the college student film festival here has reduced many expenses. As long as the film passes the judges' review in the early stages, it can be released in theaters during the festival at a very low cost.

"What? You guys are that efficient?"

Qiao Jinchen seemed very surprised.

"I saw online that it takes at least half a year to make a movie, right?"

"That's a professional film crew. We can finish filming in our spare time."

Lu Qian explained, then glanced at Zhou Heming.

"However, if we are able to successfully participate in the film festival this time, we may need some money for publicity and distribution. You can invest some money then, maybe tens of thousands of yuan."

She helped Qiao Jinchen make a plan.

"No problem, just remember to call me when the time comes!"

Qiao Jinchen said there was absolutely no problem.

The five of them chatted for a while about school and life.

Qiao Jinchen and Xu Youyou are not in the same school, but the campuses are not far apart. Naturally, they don't live outside like Zhou Heming. They still live in the dormitory. However, since they are locals, they can go home on weekends, which still feels a bit like high school.

After dinner, the five of them strolled around the mall.

The three girls got together, so naturally they went to a clothing store to take a look.

Qiao Jinchen and Zhou Heming, the two gentlemen, could only follow behind.

However, Zhou Heming discovered...

Unlike before, Qiao Jinchen was no longer carefree. Even when chatting with Xu Youyou behind him about random things, Qiao Jinchen was able to give a reply when Xu Youyou turned around and asked if the clothes looked good. And it wasn't the kind of perfunctory "looks good" or "not bad," but rather genuinely constructive opinions.

This kid learns really fast.

"Is it pretty, A-He?"

While he was thinking, Zhou Heming saw Lu Qian and Cheng Shuangjiang standing in front of him, each wearing a thick, forest-style dress.

Cheng Shuangjiang's outfit is predominantly blue, while Lu Qian's is red. At first glance, their styles seem the same, but upon closer inspection, they are quite different. The only thing they have in common is that both suit them perfectly.

"looks nice."

Zhou Heming gave a simple and direct answer.

"How beautiful is it~"

Cheng Shuangjiang had probably overheard Qiao Jinchen and Xu Youyou's conversation earlier, and, somewhat unwilling to admit defeat, pressed for an answer.

"It's like, one autumn morning, we went on a picnic together, and the fallen leaves made a crisp crunching sound as we walked hand in hand through the pine forest. We came to a clear and calm lake, camped by the lake, and fished. A gust of wind blew by, and the lake surface rippled."

Zhou Heming described the scene.

"That's quite pleasant."

Lu Qian seemed to imagine it for a moment.

“You guys are perfect for wearing this outfit in this kind of scenery.”

Zhou Heming continued.

"Great, then I have to buy it."

Lu Qian turned her body slightly and gently lifted the hem of her skirt.

"If you like it, buy it. After you buy it, we can go to Nanhu Lake in Jiangcheng or Beihu Lake in Ningjiang."

Zhou Heming was naturally not disappointed.

"If the timing is right, I can drive us there together."

Qiao Jinchen made the suggestion.

He got his driver's license during the summer vacation before his senior year of high school, and then his family gave him a car, which he often took Xu Youyou to play in the surrounding counties.

I'm considered a seasoned driver now.

They were just saying they would take Zhou Heming and the others home.

"Okay, no problem. We'll arrange it in advance, and we can have a barbecue outdoors."

Zhou Heming nodded and walked towards the cashier.

While the two girls went to change their clothes, he planned to quietly go to pay the bill.

However, the sales assistant told him that the two girls had already paid, and Zhou Heming was not given a chance to pay.

As for Xu Youyou, she also paid for it herself. She received a scholarship this semester, so she was relatively well-off.

After wandering around for a while, from the upstairs dining area to the first floor, Zhou Heming immediately spotted the transparent piano in the lobby.

It was quite a coincidence.

Cheng Shuangjiang was initially discovered by Ningjiang Entertainment because the three of them played the piano together here on her eighteenth birthday.

Then, with the airing of the variety show, this past footage was dug up again online.

As a result, this transparent piano has become a popular spot for online influencers to take photos and videos. Many music performance content creators like to come here to film, and there are even piano tuning content creators who come to tune the piano for free.

Now, people go up and play every now and then, making it the background music in the mall lobby. "Want to try?"

Lu Qian glanced at Cheng Shuangjiang beside her.

"Does A-He still remember how to play it?"

Cheng Shuangjiang turned to look at Zhou Heming.

"It's just a little unfamiliar."

Zhou Heming didn't practice much after that, but the muscle memory from that time should still be there.

"Then let's give it a try, the three of us."

Cheng Shuangjiang said.

"Go ahead, we'll help you carry your things."

Qiao Jinchen took the shopping bag containing the dress from Zhou Heming and gestured for the three of them to go upstairs.

The three of them went to the piano.

Cheng Shuangjiang was in the middle, Zhou Heming was on the left, and Lu Qian was on the right.

This time, without Zhou Heming's guidance, Cheng Shuangjiang pressed the piano keys and produced the first note.

Lu Qian pressed the second note.

Zhou Heming followed up, somewhat awkwardly adding the third note.

Canon in D major.

This is the bond between Cheng Shuangjiang and her family.

Unlike a year ago when she was so weak, Cheng Shuangjiang is now able to play melodious tunes, although she is still not strong enough.

The three notes intertwined, outlining a melody as mundane as the continuous flow of daily life.

Many passersby stopped to watch.

At first, they thought it was just like before, another internet celebrity coming to film a video.

But soon, someone recognized Lu Qian, Cheng Shuangjiang, and Zhou Heming.

People took out their phones to film and capture the moment the three were playing.

Having filmed variety shows and movies, Zhou Heming no longer cared much about these shots. He was only immersed in his performance, feeling as if he had slightly touched upon some of the thoughts that Cheng Shuangjiang and Lu Qian had while playing.

Every note, every chord, is like a silent outpouring of countless longings.

Only the three of them could understand the meaning behind it.

This is their code.

No wonder the ancients spoke of "high mountains and flowing water" and "Bo Ya and Zi Qi" (a legendary friendship between Bo Ya and Zi Qi). Sometimes, the exchange of music is the exchange of hearts.

The song is over.

Applause erupted from all around.

Zhou Heming exchanged a glance with the two girls.

Everything seemed to be understood without being said.

*
Winters in Ningjiang are very cold.

But for Zhou Heming and his colleagues, this winter has been quite warm.

This time last year.

Zhou Heming had just lost Cheng Shuangjiang, and Cheng Shuangjiang had distanced herself from him. Lu Qian, on the other hand, silently stayed by Zhou Heming's side. They were physically close, but their hearts were not connected.

On New Year's Eve, the three of them were all alone.

Zhou Heming even had a fever on the first day of the Lunar New Year and was taken care of by Lu Qian, who played Cheng Shuangjiang, for the entire day.

And this year.

The three of them, carrying large and small bags, took a taxi to the Jiangcheng City Funeral Home.

The gloom of the past two days was swept away, and now the bright sunshine has brought some warmth to this originally gloomy place.

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve. The funeral home is closed in the afternoon, and most funeral companies are also on holiday. But Zhou Jianjun and his group, who have nowhere else to go, have gathered here to have a New Year's Eve dinner together.

"You're back, and you seem to have grown taller."

When Zhou Jianjun saw Zhou Heming, he patted him on the shoulder with a sense of relief.

"It's probably just my imagination; I'm past the age of growing taller."

Zhou Heming placed the gift on the table.

"These are New Year's gifts we bought for our uncles and aunts; they're all things that they can actually use."

"Good good."

Zhou Jianjun glanced at the gifts casually; they were mostly hand creams and the like, things that people like him often needed.

"Hello, Uncle!"

Lu Qian quickly greeted him, which made Zhou Jianjun beam with joy.

"Ah Bai is here! Everyone's been talking about you for ages."

Last Chinese New Year, Lu Qian's arrival did bring a touch of youthful energy and vibrancy to these older men and women. In this place where death is a constant companion, a girl like Lu Qian was like a ray of sunshine, making people want to get closer to her.

Not to mention, the episode of the web series that Lu Qian and Zhou Heming filmed was repeatedly promoted by Zhou Jianjun in his work circle, which garnered widespread praise. Putting aside everything else, most people in this circle in Jiangcheng City know Lu Qian.

"Hello, Uncle~"

Cheng Shuangjiang, standing next to Lu Qian, also smiled and greeted her.

Zhou Jianjun hesitated for a moment, but still replied.

"Frost's Descent has arrived; it's been a long time since I've seen it."

Although Zhou Heming had given Zhou Jianjun a heads-up via WeChat yesterday so he could be mentally prepared, Zhou Jianjun still felt a jolt of surprise when he actually met him.

After all, it was a bit unexpected that his nephew brought home two girlfriends during the Chinese New Year.

The Zhou family isn't exactly wealthy, and these two girls are so outstanding.

Could it be that the debt owed by Zhou Heming's father has been paid off by Zhou Heming?
However, the people working in funeral homes have lived for so long and have been in places where life and death intersect; they've seen all sorts of things.

The other uncles and aunts were only slightly surprised, and did not pursue the details further, simply assuming that Zhou Heming had brought two classmates back to play.

At noon, the three of them helped each other prepare a simple lunch.

After dinner, everyone chatted while preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.

Just before he was about to start cooking, Zhou Heming made a video call to his grandmother.

My grandmother is playing mahjong with some familiar old men and women from town. She said the community organized a New Year's Eve dinner for the elderly.

Zhou Heming also asked about Lu Qian's father. This middle-aged man was actually quite normal when Lu Qian wasn't around, and he even helped with the New Year's Eve dinner.

Lu Qian secretly glanced at it through the screen.

Cheng Shuangjiang also made a video call to her uncle in Altay, and together with Zhou Heming and Lu Qian, wished Teacher Fu a Happy New Year in advance.

After finishing all this, Zhou Heming glanced at the lingering twilight outside.

"Come with me and see Mom."

He said this to the two girls.

The three climbed up the hill behind the cemetery and soon arrived at the grave of Zhou Heming's mother.

Zhou Heming lit incense and candles, solemnly offered prayers, and then lit incense.

"Mom, these are Lu Qian and Cheng Shuangjiang, my lovers. I brought them to see you."

Zhou Heming led the two girls to the tomb and then spoke to the serene portrait.

Lu Qian and Cheng Shuangjiang exchanged a glance across Zhou Heming, and then lit incense and candles as well.

“Auntie, you met me last year. I am Lu Qian, and I am Zhou Heming’s future wife.”

Lu Qian said solemnly and firmly.

"Auntie, this should be my first time meeting you. I am Cheng Shuangjiang, and I am Zhou Heming's future wife."

Cheng Shuangjiang, on the other side, spoke with equal solemnity.

After he finished speaking, all three of them fell silent for a moment.

It's like communicating with the deceased in silence.

Three incense sticks were placed in the incense burner in front of the tomb, and the smoke swirled around them.

The last rays of the setting sun fell on the portrait on the tombstone, like a bright smile.

"Mom, I've finally found my own family."

Zhou Heming looked at his mother's face under the golden glow of the sunset.

he knows.

From this day forward, I will protect these two girls for the rest of my life.

There is nothing more wonderful than this.

*
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(End of this chapter)