He wants to adopt a younger sister, but his aloof wife disagrees.

Jiang Che changed his shoes, walked over, and naturally kissed Shen Qingge on the forehead.

Su Xiaoruan followed behind, watching this scene unfold.

Although there was still a hint of envy in her eyes, the sharp jealousy was gone.

"Sis! I'm hungry!"

Su Xiaoruan threw down her bag and pounced on Shen Qingge, grabbing her arm.

"I want a midnight snack! I want the noodles you cooked!"

Shen Qingge looked at her eyes, which were still red and swollen even after removing her makeup, and seemed to understand something.

She neither asked nor exposed it.

He simply reached out and ruffled Su Xiaoruan's hair, his eyes as gentle as water:

"Okay, I'll cook you noodles. How about two poached eggs?"

"Okay! Add some ham sausage too!"

"Alright, whatever you say."

Shen Qingge got up and went to the kitchen.

Jiang Che sat on the sofa, looking at the busy figure in the kitchen, and then at Su Xiaoruan who was lying on the sofa playing with the cat.

He felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

For Su Xiaoruan, this night was a night of "heartbreak," but also a night of rebirth.

For this family, it was a hidden storm that ultimately transformed into an even stronger bond.

Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water.

The room was filled with the aroma of noodles.

No matter what the future holds, at least for now, they are by each other's side.

...

...

In late December, the temperature in Jianghai City had already dropped to around zero degrees Celsius.

The damp, cold air was pervasive, and the sky was always overcast, as if it had been splashed with a layer of thick, indissoluble ink. Pedestrians on the street were all bundled up in down jackets, hurrying along, with only the warm light emanating from the convenience stores along the roadside offering a sliver of comfort.

Inside the main building of the Clear Lane Manor, the underfloor heating system operated silently, maintaining the room temperature at a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows blocked out the biting winds from outside, and a thin layer of condensation formed on the window frames.

At seven o'clock in the morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

The desk lamp in the study on the second floor had been on for a long time.

Su Xiaoruan, wearing a set of fleece-lined coral fleece pajamas with two long rabbit ears on the hood, was lying on the large desk, holding a pen in her hand, scratching her head at the mountain of review materials in front of her.

As the end of the semester approaches, it's a hurdle that freshmen who have just entered university must overcome. Although it's a performing arts major, the academic requirements are still quite high, especially the dreaded "Introduction to Art" and the required college English.

"ah--"

Su Xiaoruan let out a long, desperate sigh, slamming her head heavily against her book. She muttered listlessly, "What is the essence of art? What is the social function of art? All I know is that I want to sleep right now..."

She studied until 2 a.m. last night, and now her eyes are bloodshot. Her usually energetic face is now a little puffy, and there are two dark circles under her eyes, making her look like an abused panda.

"Knock knock".

The study door was gently pushed open.

Jiang Che walked in.

He was wearing a dark gray turtleneck cashmere sweater and black casual loungewear. His hair looked clean and fresh, indicating he had already washed up. He was carrying a tray with a steaming cup of milk and a plate of freshly toasted whole wheat bread.

"What's wrong? Having an existential crisis again?"

Jiang Che walked to the desk, put down the tray, reached out and ruffled Su Xiaoruan's messy curly hair. His voice was warm and deep, with the unique magnetism of early morning.

Su Xiaoruan raised her head, looking at him pitifully, resting her chin on the table like a puppy begging for food:

"Brother... I can't memorize it. I recognize all the words, but when they're put together, I have no idea what they mean. I feel like my brain isn't filled with brains, it's filled with mush."

"That's because your mind isn't calm."

Jiang Che pulled out a chair next to him and sat down. He casually picked up the book "An Introduction to Art" and flipped through it, his slender fingers lightly tracing the pages: "This chapter is about the origin of art. Just remember a few keywords: imitation theory, play theory, and witchcraft theory. Don't memorize them by rote; try to understand them."

As he spoke, he tore off a small piece of toast and fed it to Su Xiaoruan's mouth: "Eat something first, your brain won't work if it's lacking sugar."

Su Xiaoruan opened her mouth and took a bite of toast. After chewing a few times, she said indistinctly, "Brother, were you in this much pain when you were in college?"

"Me?" Jiang Che chuckled, picked up the milk and handed it to her. "I was busy making money back then and hardly ever spent any time at school. But with a little cramming before the exams, getting a perfect GPA wasn't too difficult."

"Versailles! This is a blatant Versailles!" Su Xiaoruan angrily took a big gulp of milk, leaving a ring of milk stains on the corner of her mouth.

Jiang Che looked at her with eyes full of doting affection. He took out a tissue and carefully wiped away the milk stains from the corner of her mouth, his movements as gentle as if he were polishing a precious jewel.

"Okay, stop complaining. There are only three days left until the exam is over."

Jiang Che looked into her eyes and threw out a huge bait:

"After you finish your exams, let's go on a trip."

"Travel?!" Su Xiaoruan's eyes lit up instantly, like a light bulb that had been switched on. Her previous dejection vanished. "Where to? Where to? Are we going to Sanya to sunbathe? Or to Paris to shop till we drop?"

"Keep it a secret."

Jiang Che smiled mysteriously and stood up: "Finish memorizing this chapter first. If you don't finish memorizing it, you're not going anywhere."

"Memorize it! Memorize it now! I can memorize it forever!"

With renewed motivation, Su Xiaoruan instantly revived, grabbed a book, and began reading aloud with fervor.

Jiang Che looked at her energetic appearance, smiled and shook his head, then turned and walked out of the study.

……

The restaurant downstairs.

Shen Qingge was already seated at the dining table.

She was going to the company today to preside over the final year-end summary meeting, so she was dressed very formally.

She wore a black velvet fitted suit jacket over a white silk blouse with a flowing ribbon, paired with sharply tailored wide-leg trousers. On her feet were ten-centimeter red-soled high heels, exuding a sharp yet elegant queen-like aura.

Her long hair was neatly styled in a bun, revealing her slender, fair neck. Her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, and her bright red lipstick made her complexion look radiant, showing no trace of the haggard appearance she had recently taken due to illness.

Seeing Jiang Che come downstairs, she put down her tablet, looked up, and her usually icy phoenix eyes softened instantly.

"Is Xiao Ruan still struggling with her books?" Shen Qingge picked up her coffee, took a sip, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Yeah, they're really hyped up."

Jiang Che walked behind her, placed his hands on the back of her chair, leaned down and kissed her cheek: "I heard we're going on a trip, and I'm instantly wide awake."

"You should just spoil her."

Shen Qingge reached out and took Jiang Che's hand, gently stroking the back of his hand with her fingertips: "Have you arranged the itinerary for this trip to Hokkaido? There's a lot of snow there, so flights might be affected."

"Don't worry, it's a private flight, flying directly to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo. I've had Han Xiao take care of the airport pickup and accommodation there."

Jiang Che took her hand in his and kissed it: "You've been too tired this year. This trip is mainly to take you to a hot spring to relax."

Shen Qingge felt a warmth in her heart. She turned around and looked up at Jiang Che.

The morning light shone on Jiang Che's face, outlining his deep features.

Jiang Che.

"Um?"

"It's so good to have you."

Shen Qingge's voice was soft, yet firm.

Jiang Che laughed and reached out to gently pinch her nose: "Eat quickly, or you'll be late for work. It's big news if President Shen is late."

……

three days later.

As the bell rang to signal the end of the last English exam, Su Xiaoruan burst out of the examination room like a mythical beast released from its cage.

"We're liberated! Completely liberated!"

She stood at the entrance of the teaching building, opened her arms, took a deep breath of the cold air, and felt that the whole world had become beautiful.

At the school gate, the familiar black Cullinan had been waiting for a long time.

Su Xiaoruan opened the car door, jumped into the back seat, and gave Shen Qingge, who was reading documents, a big bear hug.

"Sis! I finished my exam! I think I passed the CET-6 this time!"

Shen Qingge was jolted off balance by the bump, nearly dropping the documents in her hand, but instead of showing any anger, she smiled and put her arm around her: "So confident? Looks like our family is about to produce another academic genius."

"That's right! We have to make our brother proud!"

Su Xiaoruan released Shen Qingge, then leaned forward and shouted to Jiang Che, who was driving, "Brother! When are we leaving? My luggage is all packed! Three whole suitcases!"

Jiang Che glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Let's go now."

"Huh? Now?" Su Xiaoruan was taken aback. "Don't you need to go home to get your luggage?"

"They're all in the trunk."

Jiang Che turned the steering wheel, and the car smoothly entered the traffic: "Straight to the airport."

……

2 PM, Jianghai International Airport Business Jet Terminal.

The Gulfstream G650ER is ready to go.

Su Xiaoruan excitedly ran onto the plane. This wasn't her first time on a private jet, but the experience of "going wherever she wanted" in a wealthy family still felt fresh and exciting.

The plane took off, passed through thick clouds, and flew northeast.

Inside the cabin.

Shen Qingge changed out of her serious business attire and into a beige cashmere knit suit, with a Hermès wool shawl draped over her shoulders. She leaned back in her leather chair, a glass of champagne in her hand, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window, her expression languid and relaxed.

Su Xiaoruan leaned against the window, watching the world below gradually turn white, chattering incessantly with questions.

"Brother, is there really a lot of snow in Hokkaido? Can we build a snowman there?"

"Are those crabs over there really big? I want to eat king crab!"

"Where should we stay? Is it one of those Japanese-style inns with tatami rooms?"

Jiang Che sat to the side, holding a book, patiently answering her questions and occasionally handing her some fruit and snacks.

After a four-hour flight, the plane landed smoothly at New Chitose Airport.

As soon as I stepped out of the cabin, a biting cold wind mixed with snowflakes hit me in the face.

"Wow! It's so cold! But it feels so good!"

Su Xiaoruan wrapped her white down jacket tighter around herself, put on fluffy earmuffs, and excitedly twirled around in the snow as she watched the snowflakes fluttering in the sky.

At this time of year, Hokkaido is in the depths of winter, and everything in sight is covered in a blanket of white. The distant mountains are covered in snow, and the pine trees nearby are laden with heavy snowballs, making the whole world seem like a giant fairytale crystal ball.

A black Toyota Alphard minivan was parked next to the helipad, with snow chains on its wheels.

The three got into the car, which was well-heated.

"To Niseko," Jiang Che said to the driver.

This time, they booked a top-tier, secluded hot spring inn called "Zaborin," located deep in the mountains of Niseko.

This hotel has only fifteen rooms, each with its own private hot spring bath facing the primeval forest, offering excellent privacy and making it a true retreat from the world.

The car drove for more than an hour on the winding mountain road, and the surrounding scenery became more and more serene, with nothing but snow.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a birch forest covered in snow.

The hotel's design is very Zen-like, with its understated concrete architecture blending perfectly with the surrounding natural environment.

A female housekeeper dressed in a kimono knelt at the entrance to greet us, her smile gentle.

Welcome!

Jiang Che held Shen Qingge's hand, with Su Xiaoruan following behind, and the three of them entered this warm haven.

They booked the largest detached villa, named "Flying Snow".

The room was furnished with tatami mats that smelled of rush, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows faced the snow-capped mountains and forests outside. Outside the window, a steaming open-air stone hot spring pool was emitting white smoke, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding icy and snowy landscape.

"Oh my god! This is so beautiful!"

Su Xiaoruan took off her shoes, stepped barefoot onto the tatami mat, ran to the French windows, pressed her face against the glass, and looked at the snow scene outside, her eyes full of stars.

Shen Qingge was also very satisfied. She walked to the recliner by the window and sat down, watching the snowflakes falling outside. She felt that all the fatigue of the past year had dissipated at this moment.

"Take a break and change your clothes."

Jiang Che put his luggage away and said to the two of them, "We've ordered kaiseki cuisine for tonight, starting at seven o'clock."

……

It was 7 p.m. in a private room at the hotel.

Jiang Che changed into a dark blue Japanese yukata, with a haori over it, making him look exceptionally refined and casual.

Shen Qingge wore a light purple kimono embroidered with a few elegant bellflowers. Her long hair was pulled back, revealing a section of her snow-white nape. She looked gentle and graceful, yet with a touch of aloof nobility.

Su Xiaoruan also changed into a yukata with a pink cherry blossom pattern and a red belt around her waist, looking lively and cute.

Kaiseki cuisine emphasizes eating seasonally, and each dish is as exquisite as a work of art.

The hairy crabs, sea urchins, and botan shrimp from Hokkaido are so fresh they seem to have just been pulled from the sea. And then there's the Wagyu beef, slow-grilled over charcoal, melting in your mouth with an explosion of rich, savory flavor.

"Come on, have a drink."

Jiang Che poured a cup of warm sake for the two of them.

"Celebrating the end of the software engineering exam, and also celebrating our New Year together."

"Cheers!"

The three clinked glasses.

Su Xiaoruan took a sip of sake, her face instantly turning rosy. She looked at Jiang Che, then at Shen Qingge, her eyes filled with happiness.

"Brother, sister, I feel like the happiest person in the world right now."

Su Xiaoruan, biting her chopsticks, mumbled, "There's delicious food, snow to watch, and all of you by my side. I wish it could always be like this."

Shen Qingge smiled and picked up a piece of sashimi for her: "As long as you want, we'll come every year from now on."

After we finished eating, the snow outside started falling even harder.

"Let's go soak in a hot spring," Jiang Che suggested. "In this kind of weather, soaking in a hot spring while watching the snow is the ultimate enjoyment."

……

Back in the room.

Su Xiaoruan couldn't wait to experience that open-air private hot spring.

"I want to go first! I want to play in the snow!"

Su Xiaoruan took off her bathrobe and changed into a simple white swimsuit.

The swimsuit was a one-piece, conservative in style, but its close-fitting cut perfectly accentuated her youthful, slender curves. Her skin, against the backdrop of the white snow, glowed like a freshly peeled lychee.

She pushed open the French doors, and a blast of cold air hit her.

"Ouch—it's so cold!"

Su Xiaoruan screamed, her bare feet stepping on the snow, and rushed into the steaming hot spring pool.

"Wow—that feels so good!"

When her body was immersed in the 42-degree spring water, the sensation of being both hot and cold made her let out a long sigh.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge also came out after changing their clothes.

Jiang Che was only wearing black swim trunks, his muscular upper body exposed to the air. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and smooth, yet not exaggerated, muscle lines, with clearly defined abs.

Shen Qingge wore a black bikini with a white bath towel draped over it. Only when she reached the poolside did she untie the towel, revealing her breathtakingly beautiful figure.

She took long strides and gracefully stepped into the water, sitting down next to Jiang Che.

The three of them were soaking in the hot spring.

Snowflakes danced in the air overhead, landing on my face with a cool sensation before instantly turning into water droplets. My body, however, was enveloped in warm spring water, feeling cozy and comfortable.

Jiang Che brought over a floating plate with a pot of sake and a few sake cups on it, and let it float on the water.

"This is life..."

Su Xiaoruan lay on the rock by the pool, reached out and caught a snowflake, watching it melt in her palm.

She turned her head and looked at Jiang Che and Shen Qingge, who were leaning against each other.

In the rising steam, Shen Qingge's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were unfocused, and a few strands of wet hair clung to her face, making her breathtakingly beautiful. Jiang Che had his arm around her shoulder and whispered something in her ear, making Shen Qingge chuckle softly.

This scene is so beautiful.

It was so wonderful that the slight bitterness in Su Xiaoruan's heart became insignificant.

She swam over and squeezed between the two.

"I want to hear too! What are you whispering about!"

Su Xiaoruan slithered into Jiang Che's arms like an eel, looking up at him.

Jiang Che smiled helplessly and reached out to wipe the water droplets off her face: "We were talking about how a certain little pig ate so much for dinner, and now it might not be able to float in the water."

"You're the pig!"

Su Xiaoruan, unconvinced, splashed water all over Jiang Che's face.

"Dare to splash me?"

Jiang Che raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He scooped up a handful of water and splashed it back at Jiang Che.

"Ah! Sis, help! My brother is bullying me!"

Su Xiaoruan screamed and hid behind Shen Qingge.

Shen Qingge was also caught in the crossfire, her clothes soaking wet. Looking at these two childish kids, she couldn't resist joining the fray.

For a moment, water splashed everywhere in the hot spring pool, and laughter echoed in the quiet snowy night.

Exhausted from playing, the three of them rested by the pool.

Su Xiaoruan leaned against Jiang Che's left, and Shen Qingge leaned against his right.

Jiang Che opened his arms and embraced both women.

At this moment, he was the richest man in the world.

"Brother." Su Xiaoruan rested her head on his shoulder, her voice very soft.

"Um?"

"Do I still stand by what I said before?"

Jiang Che was stunned for a moment, then realized which sentence she was referring to.

That day at the masquerade ball, she said, "When I grow up, I'll still pursue you."

Jiang Che turned his head and looked into her eyes, which were moist in the steam. The despair from before was gone, replaced by a calm determination.

"count."

Jiang Che said in a low voice, "Anything you say counts."

Su Xiaoruan smiled.

She secretly reached out from underwater and grasped Jiang Che's fingers.

Hold on tightly.

Jiang Che did not break free. He took her small hand in his own, enveloping it in his palm.

On the other side, his other hand was also tightly holding Shen Qingge's hand.

Shen Qingge seemed to sense something. She turned her head, glanced at Su Xiaoruan, and then looked at Jiang Che.

She didn't speak, but simply pressed her head closer together.

On this cold winter night, deep in the snow-capped mountains of this foreign land.

The hearts of the three people were connected in a wonderful and harmonious way.

……

The clock is about to strike midnight.

A deep, resonant bell rang out from a distant shrine.

"Thump—"

"Thump—"

That's the New Year's Eve bell, which strikes 108 times, symbolizing the elimination of 108 kinds of troubles in the world.

"Happy New Year."

Jiang Che looked at the sky and said softly.

"Happy New Year, my husband." Shen Qingge kissed him on the left cheek.

"Happy New Year, brother." Su Xiaoruan kissed him on the right cheek.

Jiang Che closed his eyes, feeling the warm touch coming from his left and right cheeks.

The snow is still falling.

It fell in abundance, covering everything.

But this hot spring inn, surrounded by snow, was filled with the feeling of spring.

The next morning.

Su Xiaoruan was awakened by the sunlight shining through the window.

Snow stopped.

The whole world was a dazzling white.

She got up and saw Jiang Che standing on the terrace, his back to her, looking at the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

He was wearing a bathrobe, his back view was upright yet lonely.

Su Xiaoruan's heart skipped a beat.

She jumped out of bed, ran barefoot over, and hugged him from behind.

"Good morning, brother."

Jiang Che turned around, saw it was her, and a gentle smile appeared in his eyes: "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, it's really good."

Su Xiaoruan pressed her face against his back, listening to his heartbeat:

"Brother, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for bringing me here. Thank you... for not pushing me away."

Jiang Che turned around and pulled her into his arms.

"Silly girl."

He gazed at the distant, snow-capped mountains, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Because you are Su Xiaoruan. You are someone I... don't want to let go of."

These words, spoken softly, carry great weight.

Su Xiaoruan's heart skipped a beat.

She looked up and met Jiang Che's eyes.

In that instant, she seemed to see a ray of light called "hope".

"Alright, go wash up." Jiang Che ruffled her hair. "After breakfast, I'll take you skiing."

"good!"

Su Xiaoruan happily ran back into the house.

Jiang Che watched her retreating figure, a helpless yet doting smile curving his lips.

He knew that some boundaries were slowly becoming blurred.

But he didn't want to stop it.

Life is short. If one can spend a lifetime with these two women whom one cherishes, wouldn't that be a kind of fulfillment?