Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

The meal was enjoyed by both host and guests, and the atmosphere was just right—warm and inviting.

After the meal, Lin's mother and Lin Xiaoyu quickly and efficiently cleared away the dishes, their movements skillful and their teamwork seamless.

Xiaoya immediately stood up, wanting to help tidy up.

"Hey, Xiaoya, sit down quickly!" Lin's mother reacted swiftly, pressing her back onto the stool with a sincere and warm smile.

"You're a guest, how can I let you do it?"

"Go talk to your brother and uncle. We'll be all ready in a bit!"

Xiaoya insisted, "Auntie, it's okay, I'll help wipe the table..."

"Listen to me, sit down!" Lin's mother's tone was gentle but firm as she turned to her daughter:

"Xiaoyu, quickly pull Xiaoya away, don't let her get involved."

Lin Xiaoyu smiled, then gently took Xiaoya's arm.

"Alright, Xiaoya, just relax and be a guest."

"My mom and I can finish this little bit of work in no time."

Seeing this, Xiaoya had no choice but to give up, but her heart was warmed.

She could sense that the Lin family genuinely liked her and her siblings, and that it wasn't just politeness.

At this moment, the sky outside the window had completely darkened.

Yang Fan checked the time on his phone; it was almost 8 p.m.

He stood up and politely began to speak:

"Uncle, Aunt, Xiaoyu, it's getting late. We're so sorry to have bothered you today. My brother and I will head back now."

"Oh? You're leaving already?" Hearing the voice, Lin's mother hurried out of the kitchen, her hands still damp from washing dishes, her face full of pleading.

"Xiao Fan, look, it's getting dark, and driving isn't convenient. Why don't we stay here tonight?"

"Anyway, it's the first month of the lunar year, so there's nothing to do when we go back."

"There are spare rooms in the house, and the blankets and mattresses are all ready. I'll have Xiaoyu prepare them for you; they'll be very warm!"

As she spoke, Lin's mother turned to get the bedding, her enthusiasm almost overflowing.

"Auntie, you're too kind, there's really no need for you to go to such trouble!"

Yang Fan quickly stepped forward and stopped her.

With just the right amount of apology and gratitude on his face, he explained:

"Auntie, Uncle, we really appreciate your kindness."

"Logically speaking, we shouldn't refuse your hospitality."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xiaoyu, who stood quietly to the side, his tone becoming even more sincere:

"But you see, Xiaoyu is a girl, and Xiaoya and I are outsiders, especially since I'm a young man."

"It's the Lunar New Year, and my brother and I are staying at your house overnight. If those gossipy people in the village see us and spread rumors, it will be bad for Xiaoyu and your family's reputation."

"Don't you two agree?"

These words were reasonable and appropriate, fulfilling the Lin family's hospitality while also taking into account the importance placed on the reputation of unmarried girls in rural society and the traditional concept of separation between men and women. They were both prudent and thoughtful.

Upon hearing this, Lin's mother opened her mouth, but her pure enthusiasm for persuading them to stay was slightly suppressed by practical considerations. Her eyes were still full of reluctance, but even more so with understanding.

"This...you child, you're too thoughtful."

Mr. Lin nodded, tapped his cigarette ash, and spoke calmly:

"Xiao Fan is very thoughtful. It's a kind gesture, we should accept it."

"Okay, be sure to drive slowly on the road. It's dark, and some sections of the road don't have lights, so be especially careful."

Yang Fan nodded: "Okay! I understand, Uncle."

Xiaoya also came over and took Lin's mother's arm, affectionately comforting her:

"Auntie, I really enjoyed the meal today, thank you and Uncle!"

"We live nearby, so I can come anytime."

"I'll definitely come to play with Xiaoyu again in a couple of days, so please don't find me annoying then!"

Lin's mother was amused by Xiaoya and patted her hand:

"You silly girl, Auntie would love for you to come every day! Okay then, be careful on the road, and let me know when you get home safely!"

Xiaoya nodded: "Yes! Auntie, definitely."

"..."

The family of three escorted Yang Fan and his sister all the way to the gate of the courtyard.

Lin Xiaoyu stood beside her parents, watching Yang Fan skillfully unlock the car door, the headlights flashing twice.

She felt as if the afternoon had been stolen away, passing by so quickly it made her uneasy.

The hazy, sweet anticipation and subtle tension hadn't even had a chance to be fully savored before it abruptly ended.

She wanted to say something, even just a few more seconds, but her girlish reserve and the presence of her parents prevented her from speaking.

In the end, all the words were reduced to a single, feather-light piece of advice:

"Brother, Xiaoya... please drive slowly on the road and be careful."

Her eyes appeared exceptionally bright in the dim light, and her gaze involuntarily followed Yang Fan's figure, revealing a lingering attachment and reluctance that even she herself was not fully aware of.

"Yes, don't worry." Yang Fan nodded and smiled at her and Lin's parents.

"Uncle and Aunt, Xiaoyu, please go back inside, it's cold outside. Thank you for your hospitality today!"

After saying that, he and Yang Ya got into the car.

The engine started, its sound low and steady. The headlights came on, two bright beams piercing the darkness, illuminating the path in front of the door and the blurry outline of the fields in the distance.

Lin Xiaoyu stood still, not moving immediately.

She watched as the black car slowly reversed out of the yard, adjusted its direction, and then smoothly drove onto the village road.

She didn't look away until the red taillights disappeared completely into the deep night and shadows of the trees after rounding a bend.

"Let's go back inside, girl, don't get cold," Lin's mother said softly, putting her arm around her daughter's shoulder.

She's been through it all herself, so how could she miss her daughter's subtle changes in expression?

……

The car was quiet on the way home.

Unlike her initial excitement upon arrival, Xiaoya seemed still immersed in the warm atmosphere of the Lin family home, or perhaps she was pondering something.

"Brother." She cleared her throat, breaking the silence in the car.

"Hmm?" Yang Fan responded, his gaze still fixed on the road ahead.

"I'm serious, I'm not joking," Xiaoya turned around to face Yang Fan, her tone more earnest than ever before:

"I genuinely think that Xiaoyu is exceptionally wonderful."

"If she could be my sister-in-law, I'd be laughing in my sleep, really!"

Yang Fan's fingers on the steering wheel twitched almost imperceptibly, but his face remained expressionless, and he didn't say anything.

Seeing that he didn't refute her, Xiaoya continued:

"And, bro! I bet Xiaoyu definitely has feelings for you!"

"Didn't you notice?"

"Her actions during the meal...isn't that obvious enough?"

She got more and more excited as she spoke: "And the uncles and aunties! My goodness, their satisfaction with you is practically overflowing from their eyes!"

"Especially Auntie! When you told her you and Xiaoyu were a couple, her eyes lit up instantly. But after you explained, she couldn't hide her disappointment!"

"They practically have 'This young man is really great, I wish he could be my son-in-law' written all over his face!"

"Brother, this is absolutely perfect timing! The God of Love has practically handed you the red thread of fate; you can't just ignore it!"

Yang Fan, on the other hand, was well aware that Lin Xiaoyu was a good girl.

Marrying a girl like that would mean a lifetime of happiness.

But deep down... he never knew how to express that inner turmoil...

Just then, Xiaoya's voice rang out again:

"Brother! I'm serious! Xiaoyu is really perfect for you!"

"Look, you're only three years older than her, the perfect age!"

"If you two could get together, support each other in the city, and work hard together, what a promising future that would be!"

Do you think what I said is right?

Yang Fan listened as his younger sister, like a little megaphone, tirelessly promoted her best friend, her words filled with protectiveness of her friend and anticipation for her brother's future.

Isn't that what he yearns for?

As if guided by some unseen force, Yang Fan nodded:

"Um!"

"Huh?" Xiaoya was startled, thinking she was hallucinating.

"Brother, what did you say?"

"Is that what I think it means? You're not kidding me, are you?"