Chapter 147: Chapter 147: The Festive Courtyard

Chapter 147 -147: The Festive Courtyard

He Xing missed Fu Han so much that he wished he could sprout wings and fly back to the He family; naturally, he was unwilling to stay any longer, and thus the Xia family had no choice but to let him go.

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On the other hand, Bai Wei was much like Xia Ning, shamelessly insisting that Luo Qinghe stay at the He family for a while, but she had an extra helper. With Fu Han coordinating, Luo Qinghe was almost helpless to refuse.

The old Master He had already received news from Fu Han and had the servants prepare a rich midnight snack.

Moreover, the old man had a particularly keen eye; even before Fu Han and Bai Wei said anything, he guessed that Bai Wei liked Luo Qinghe. He was exceptionally warm towards Luo Qinghe and even invited him to attend a ball hosted by the He family in a few days.

Luo Qinghe had been notoriously rebellious since childhood, and since the Li family did not count on him to take over the family business, everyone was especially indulgent towards this youngest son. He never attended any balls he did not wish to, and nobody would force him.

That’s also why the upper-class society in City A knew there was such a young master in the Li family, but few knew what he looked like.

When Bai Wei heard Luo Qinghe had agreed, she cheered joyfully, grabbing Old Master He’s arm and jumping up in excitement.

The three had almost finished their late-night snack when He Xing finally returned. As soon as he entered the door, he heard bursts of joyful laughter, among which Fu Han’s laughter, though not loud, was very clear.

His expression unconsciously softened, “Such a long-lost laughter” — as long as he could hear such laughter every day, he felt he would be the happiest person in the world.

As He Xing walked towards the dining room, he unconsciously slowed his pace. Standing at the entrance to the dining room, he looked at the four people inside. What a harmonious family scene it was.

Old Master He was the first to spot He Xing, waving to him: “Why have you only just come back? Hungry from the trip, aren’t you? Come in and have something to eat.”

He Xing responded with a yes, but his eyes were fixed on Fu Han, who just happened to turn around and look at him.

When their gazes locked in midair, it was as if the zap of an electric current passed between them. Something had changed, and yet it seemed as if nothing had at all.

Suddenly, a scene appeared in Fu Han’s mind: she was sitting at the dining table, feeding their child, who suddenly burst into laughter, “Daddy’s home,” and as she turned her head, it was indeed He Xing’s face she saw.

…

Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Fu Han slept until she woke up naturally. This room was where she had grown up, and even if she hadn’t lived here for a while, her body still remembered the room. She had a rare good night’s sleep the previous night without any disturbances.

She casually slipped on a robe and pushed open the balcony window. The warm sunlight poured down, dazzling her a little, and she raised her hand to shield her eyes.

Even in winter, the garden downstairs was, as ever, beautiful. Several green plum trees blossomed splendidly, with countless flowers dotting the branches. That light green color was full of vitality, with a faint fragrance wafting in.

She turned back into the room and came out moments later with a camera, beginning to click away at the courtyard.

Suddenly, laughter came through. Following the sound, she saw He Xing and Bai Wei emerging from the storage room, each holding a large bag in their hands.

Looking closer, Fu Han realized they were carrying lanterns, couplets, and other New Year decorations.

The two below were busy and laughing, and during this Old Zhou had brought a few servants over to help, only to be chased away by Bai Wei.

Because they were not very close, Fu Han couldn’t hear what they were saying, only faintly hearing her own name mentioned frequently.

After taking a few more photos, she changed her clothes and went downstairs, only then realizing that Old Master He had instructed someone to place a rattan chair in the corridor for him to enjoy the sunshine and supervise the work.

Seeing Fu Han, they immediately called her over to help. When she took the first string of lanterns, the long-lost feeling of New Year surged in her.

As a child, a month before the New Year, her parents would start preparing for it. Food, entertainment, and clothing were all purchased in advance.

On New Year’s Day, the family would hang couplets. Back then, without tape, her mother would cook paste to stick the couplets, and she would ride on her father’s neck, following her mother’s instructions to hang them properly.

That atmosphere of a family together during New Year’s — since her parents passed away, she had not enjoyed it again. It wasn’t that the He family treated her poorly, but only Old Master He and He Xing were there, the family was thin, and it was hard to have that feeling of togetherness.

But now it was different. She had a premonition that this year’s festivities would be very happy.

After over two hours of busy work, the three of them had finally hung up all the New Year decorations Old Zhou had bought, and the large courtyard was completely transformed.

The two begonias in the yard had colored lights the size of soybeans, the parasol tree was adorned with large red lanterns that did not light up; even the grape trellis was wrapped with countless tiny Chinese knots.

Fu Han rubbed her slightly sore back, stretched a big lazy stretch: “Finally done. Indeed, beauty comes at a price.”

He Xing indulgently approached her from behind, naturally massaging her shoulders: “Not entirely, you are beautiful at all times.”

His broad palms lay on her shoulders, transferring warmth and strength like a heating pad, and along with his words, they softened her heart.

Bai Wei called out exaggeratedly from the side, “He Xing, how can you say such cheesy things? My teeth are about to fall out listening to you.”

Old Master He pretended to scold with a stern face: “Xiaowei, don’t be disrespectful. Should your brother hear this?”

“He Xing is older than Fu Han, so how come Grandpa never makes Fu Han call him brother?” Bai Wei, not satisfied, pouted as if she could hang an oil pot on it.

“That’s not the same,” Old Master He’s expression suddenly became serious, and he said earnestly, “Xiaohan will one day be He Xing’s wife. Of course, she won’t call him brother. You’ll always be He Xing’s sister, understand?”

“Oh… So that’s how it is,” Bai Wei looked at Fu Han with meaningful eyes, and seeing Fu Han’s face turn bright red, she laughed even more happily, “Grandpa, when He Xing and Fu Han actually get married, I’ll change how I address them to brother and sister-in-law then.”

Old Master He burst into a hearty laugh, glowing with health and looking ten years younger.

Fu Han felt both shy and awkward, blurting out “I’m not talking to you anymore” as she covered her face and ran off.

Bai Wei glared at He Xing and said irritably, “Aren’t you going to chase her?”

He Xing had also turned a bit red, but ignoring Bai Wei and Old Master He’s laughter, he quickly followed after Fu Han.

Just as Fu Han was about to close her room door, He Xing caught it in time, and the next second he was inside.

Seeing He Xing, Fu Han’s face grew even redder, and she muttered, “Get out,” but those two words held no power to deter him.

He Xing closed the door behind him, then stretched out his long arm to encircle Fu Han in his embrace, “Xiaohan, I…”