"So many people, yet we can’t liven things up? Conditions are much better than before, there’s plenty to play, even without me."

Qin Yize’s voice was calm, without much emotion, but Chu Chengfeng on the other end sensed something amiss. "Ah Ze, what’s going on? Can you talk to me?"

Qin Yize was silent for a moment, then chuckled and spoke, "You kid, how come you seem to be getting more childlike as you age? I just said I’m not going, there’s not that much to it. Besides, Xiao Bao and Xiao Bei are still young."

Chu Chengfeng didn’t speak on the other end, seemingly feeling a bit overly sensitive himself.

In previous years, it was either Qin Yize alone or with Qiaoqiao, but this year the family has children, and naturally, they can’t leave them at home to go out playing.

But then again, it’s just a few hours, and someone can watch them at home for a bit since both of them aren’t missing work.

Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to say these things.

For some reason, it felt like he couldn’t communicate freely with Qin Yize like before, as if there was something between them, but he couldn’t grasp this feeling. He could only say somewhat disappointedly, "Alright then, if you’re not coming, you’re not coming."

"Hope you all have a great time!"

After speaking, Qin Yize hung up the phone.

Gu Qiaoqiao, at the side, looked at Qin Yize in surprise, "You’re not going to the party, is it really because of Xiao Bao and Xiao Bei?"

Then she added, "It wouldn’t be an excuse, right? What’s really going on? Are you having a tiff with Chu Chengfeng?"

Qin Yize shook his head, smiling as he said, "It’s not quite a tiff, it’s just that I won’t make things easy for him."

"...What does he want then?" Gu Qiaoqiao asked curiously.

"This year’s party is different from previous years; the woman beside him has changed. If you and I go, it’ll naturally ease Liu Ling into our circle."

Gu Qiaoqiao blinked, not too surprised. Chu Chengfeng has always been a very calculating person, but plotting against a close friend is a bit unkind, she said displeased, "I’ve noticed Chu Chengfeng has changed a lot recently."

"People change, going through so many things and not changing would be abnormal."

"However, he’s truly more composed than before and has become much more scheming." Gu Qiaoqiao sighed.

Qin Yize smiled lightly, "Chu Chengfeng might be thinking that since he’s already wronged Sima Xiaowen, he shouldn’t wrong Liu Ling as well, but some things aren’t just wishful thinking. He simplifies human nature too much."

"...You make it sound so complicated."

Gu Qiaoqiao said with amusement.

By this time, they had tidied up, Qin Yize cradled Xiao Bei in his left arm and Xiao Bao in his right, gazing at his pair of children, sharp eyes softening, unwilling to discuss Chu Chengfeng any further, and shifted the topic, "...Qiaoqiao, I’ve found the kids have grown much heavier."

"Yeah, soon enough, you might not be able to carry them."

"When I’m unable to carry them, they might already not need me anymore."

Qin Yize said, slightly emotional.

Gu Qiaoqiao patted his back, "Alright, let’s get going, or we’ll be late for lunch."

After informing the old master, the family of four left the Qin Family’s Courtyard, driving towards Gu Garden.

Meanwhile, at Gu Garden, Sima Xiaowen received a call from the manufacturer, the very one they customized the fireworks with.

Because Chu Chengfeng’s place lacks suitable storage, after paying in full, the manufacturer was asked to deliver the fireworks to the designated location on the afternoon of the first day.

Chu Chengfeng had been the one in contact all along.

Before setting off, they naturally needed to contact Chu Chengfeng to ensure the time and delivery location; otherwise, what happens if they can’t find anyone for this truckload of stuff?

Plus, they’re not allowed to park within the city; they need a safe location, so it’s essential to make arrangements in advance. Who would’ve thought the phone would go unanswered, luckily Chu Chengfeng also left Sima Xiaowen’s number.

The manufacturer was delighted when someone finally picked up on the other end.

Delivery time was set for late afternoon. It takes two hours to drive from their factory to the Imperial Capital, but the timing works out fine; they could head out after lunch and deliver, then get back in time for dinner without delays. Plus, given the day’s special nature, Chu Chengfeng gave them a one thousand yuan bonus, equivalent to half a year’s salary, so they naturally had no issue working on New Year’s Day.

Yet it’s problematic if no one picks up, fortunately, there’s Sima Xiaowen’s contact.

Initially, Xiao Wen was taken aback, then remembered that a few months ago, Chu Chengfeng indeed customized a batch of fireworks; the two planned to launch them at a safe place on the first evening.

Sima Xiaowen had watched fireworks many times; they weren’t novel. They’ve existed since ancient times, the past New Year celebrations were much richer and livelier than now, just that launching them in person was unprecedented, so back then, Sima Xiaowen happily agreed. It’s just that with so much happening in recent months, she’d completely forgotten about it.

But the fireworks were fully paid for, Sima Xiaowen thought for a moment, then asked, "Where can you drive to?"

Xiao Wen knew the city is off-limits.

"I’ve arranged with Director Chu, it’s the Ding Family Garden Villa in the Suburbs of the Capital."

"What time?" Sima Xiaowen continued asking.

"Five o’clock in the afternoon."

"Then send them over. I’ll be waiting at the Ding Family Garden Villa."

"Alright, we won’t be late."

They then hung up their respective phones.

Sima Xiaowen considered calling Chu Chengfeng but then gave up the idea, realizing the person was rather anxious earlier, having called repeatedly, and besides, she truly didn’t want to talk to Chu Chengfeng.

Especially now!

But the truckload of fireworks won’t be handed over to him.

After dinner, Sima Xiaowen didn’t go out with Gu Qiaoqiao and the others but rather drove off from Gu Garden alone.

Gu Qiaoqiao didn’t know what she was up to but sensed Sima Xiaowen’s mood seemed a bit down. But some matters only the involved can bear themselves; others truly can’t help.

Moreover, with so much time having passed, whatever needed saying had already been said.

No matter how good the sisters are, they need to leave some space for each other.

And Gu Qiaoqiao trusted Sima Xiaowen would handle her own affairs.

While she and Qin Yize planned to take Xiao Bao and Xiao Bei to see lanterns, as it was the children’s first New Year in this world.

Plus, today’s temperature was pretty nice.

The outside was brilliantly lit, sure to delight the two little babies.

And with many people at home.

The couple ended up empty-handed.

Since Zishu was holding Xiao Bao, Qianqian and Luo Fan were with Xiao Bei.

Naturally, Gu Qiaoqiao and Qin Yize walked hand in hand at a leisurely pace, admiring the surrounding scenery and whispering to each other.

In the twilight, the couple added a touch of color to the landscape around.