As soon as Cheng Shuo and the others left, Bai Xiumei looked at Cheng Mingjiao with slightly reddened eyes, and finally only said—

“Mingjiao and Gu Xuejiao… they do clash…”

Old Master Cheng hadn’t spoken either, his eyes fixed on the hate-filled face of Cheng Mingjiao, letting out a light sigh, melancholic and pained.

“Second son, find someone to check on Mingjiao. Once her condition stabilizes, transfer her to a different school next semester. Don’t send her to Seventh Middle School anymore.”

With Cheng Mingjiao in this state, if she remained in the same school as Gu Xuejiao, the situation would only get worse.

In the future… it would be better to keep them far apart…

“Ah.” Cheng Kai responded with reddened eyes, gently embracing the terrified Cheng Mingyu.

What a mess this all was!

——

After walking out of the Cheng family’s front gate, no one in Cheng Shuo’s group said a word. When they got in the car, Cheng Shuo didn’t immediately start the engine.

He let out a soft sigh and turned his head: “Jiaojiao, don’t feel burdened. This has nothing to do with you. The ones who should take responsibility are my second brother and his wife. The second brother wanted to start a business, so he was never home to look after his children. Liu Yazhen… she didn’t look after the children either, just constantly indulged them. Mingjiao turning out this way isn’t your fault. You’re just more outstanding than she is.”

After Cheng Shuo finished speaking, he stared directly at Xuejiao, afraid she would take all the psychological pressure upon herself because of this.

She was still just a child herself; it wasn’t right for her to suffer this undeserved calamity.

Xuejiao gently bit her lower lip.

Not every stepfather could maintain Cheng Shuo’s level of rationality. Compared to the formerly immature Gu Xuejiao, Cheng Mingjiao was a child who had grown up right under his nose. The difference in intimacy and distance wasn’t just talk.

Hadn’t the old lady just now been unable to resist asking them to leave? She was afraid Xuejiao would trigger Cheng Mingjiao.

Even the Cheng family patriarch had been the same, not saying a word.

That Cheng Shuo could step outside of all this and view everything rationally…

Xuejiao’s eyes grew slightly moist.

Cheng Mingze reached out and gently patted her head: “Jiaojiao, you’re excellent, keep being excellent.”

Others’ jealousy and envy have nothing to do with you; just keep walking your path.

Li Sitong also nodded. Cheng Mingjiao’s condition certainly evoked sympathy, but constantly saying she wanted her daughter to die? On what grounds?

Should her daughter die just because she became excellent?

She genuinely wanted to maintain her position in the Cheng family and was willing to yield to Cheng Mingjiao, but that didn’t mean her daughter had to die.

Back when her daughter was immature, she never shouted every day that Cheng Mingjiao should die just because Mingjiao was excellent, did she?

Xuejiao nodded while holding back tears. Every family had all sorts of problems, but some moments warmed the heart from time to time.

Her chin lifted slightly.

I’ve earned my excellence through my ability; there’s no reason I should step aside for the weak.

——

Upon returning to the Cheng home, the family of four quickly prepared a table full of dishes. The New Year’s Eve dinner still needed to be enjoyed in a lively atmosphere.

Perhaps because of what had happened today, Cheng Shuo, fearing everyone’s mood would be affected, unusually opened a bottle of red wine and poured a full glass each for Cheng Mingze and Xuejiao.

“Come on, today is the last day of this year. Many things have happened this year, but overall, things keep getting better! Let me first report on my work: Pengcheng has been thriving this year. In the new year, I will work even harder, take on more orders, do bigger business, make our company better and better, and improve our lives. Happy New Year!” Cheng Shuo raised his glass and drank it in one go.

He smiled broadly, his eyes filled with expectations and confidence for the future.

Li Sitong smiled and said: “Congratulations to the children’s father! Dad has been working hard for our family’s comfortable life. Thank you for your hard work, Dad!”

“Thank you for your hard work!” Cheng Mingze and Xuejiao said in unison.

Xuejiao’s eyes were a bit moist. In the original story at this time, the Cheng family’s life had been in complete disarray, and all of Cheng Shuo’s energy afterward had been spent cleaning up troubles for Gu Xuejiao. How different from this life, where he had the energy to work hard, strive for his career, and to look radiant?

“Next is Mom’s turn,” Cheng Shuo smiled and looked toward Li Sitong.

Li Sitong blushed and took a sip of wine before saying: “I haven’t worked hard enough this year. There were some issues with how I educated both children, especially… Jiaojiao. But I’m learning to cook for you all and to understand the children. Um… in the new year, I’ll work harder to understand the children’s thoughts and change my problems…”

As she spoke, she drank her wine in one gulp, then smiled somewhat bitterly.

Jiaojiao actually… still resented her, didn’t she? She could feel that Xuejiao treated her and Cheng Shuo no differently in daily life.

But one was a stepfather, the other the mother who had raised her from childhood—to be so distant from one’s mother must mean something.

Because in her heart, her mother was the same as a stepfather with whom she had no blood relation.

“Yes, Mom still has some small issues, but she’s already striving to improve. Jiaojiao, give Mom a chance. Whether you forgive Mom depends on her performance in the new year!” Cheng Shuo said with a smile, then looked at Xuejiao seriously.

Xuejiao lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly. So… they all knew about her distance from Li Sitong…

But forgiveness wasn’t a simple matter… Li Sitong hadn’t yet shown her real trust, and it was hard for her to extend a hand that had once been hurt when offered.

Seeing Xuejiao’s silence, Li Sitong drank another full glass of wine bitterly.

Cheng Mingze glanced at both of them and quickly said with a smile: “Let me also report on my studies this past year. My grades haven’t changed much; I’ve maintained first place, made it to the final round of the mathematics competition, and have declined early admission to C University. But in the new year, I’ll strive for better early admission opportunities or achieve good results in the college entrance exam!”

With that, Cheng Mingze drank his red wine in one gulp.

“Great!” Cheng Shuo led the applause. “Brother has done very well this year. In the new year, my brother will take the college entrance exam. I hope brother keeps his grades stable and achieves a good score!”

He then looked at Jiaojiao: “Next, it’s time for our sister who has made the biggest progress this year to report!”

Xuejiao blushed, her action resembling Li Sitong’s earlier gesture about seventy percent, plus their similar appearance—blood ties… truly were a magical thing.

“I… I achieved first place in our grade this year and made it to the final round of the mathematics competition. I was immature before, but won’t be in the future. In the new year, I’ll work harder, secure first place, and strive to improve!”

“Great!” Cheng Shuo led the applause. “This year’s best family member is our sister. This is a reward for our sister!”

As he spoke, Cheng Shuo took out two passbooks. He handed the first one to Xuejiao. “Jiaojiao, this is a reward from your mom and me. Mingze has one too, but his reward is half of Jiaojiao’s. When you both get into your ideal universities, I’ll prepare more startup funds for you. You need to learn how to manage your finances.”

Xuejiao reached out to accept it but didn’t open it.

In her previous life, Xuejiao had never experienced what having a family felt like. In this life, despite various problems, at this moment, Xuejiao experienced what family warmth truly meant.

Perhaps it was that feeling that no matter how big the world was for you to explore, there was always a direction behind you, giving you support and advice. There were conflicts too, but overall, it was warm.

The feeling of having a family was the feeling of having someone to back you up.

The man before her, not her biological father but no different from one, and this mother with many flaws who had made many mistakes but still loved her… because of them, she could study and work hard without worries.

“Thank you, Mom. Thank you… Dad,” Xuejiao slowly opened her mouth.

Cheng Shuo froze, as if he had heard something unbelievable, then looked at Li Sitong and asked in a shaky, hoarse voice: “Jiaojiao… is calling me?”

“Yes…” Li Sitong’s eyes reddened slightly as she nodded vigorously. “Jiaojiao is calling you Dad!”

“Ah! My good daughter!” Cheng Shuo’s eyes completely reddened, and he hurriedly rubbed them, hoping the tears hadn’t flowed out yet.

Then, all three looked at Cheng Mingze.

Cheng Mingze: “…”

He looked at Li Sitong, who was gazing expectantly at him, and after a good while, slowly opened his mouth: “Thank you… Mom.”

“Ah! Wuwuwu…” Li Sitong responded by crying.

Then Li Sitong and Cheng Shuo hugged each other and wiped their tears, while Xuejiao and Cheng Mingze exchanged glances and smiled at each other.

Fine, just let these two be happy.

But probably… the boy (girl) in front of them would forever be their brother (sister)!

Ah.

——

Li Sitong was too happy, which led her to drink too much and get drunk. Cheng Shuo carried her back to their room.

“Jiaojiao, your mom is drunk. Let’s stay up for the New Year, the three of us!” Cheng Shuo said with a smile.

Xuejiao touched her forehead and said softly: “Dad, I think I’m a bit drunk too.”

“Ah? Then hurry up and go rest!” As soon as he heard the word “Dad,” Cheng Shuo immediately smiled dizzily.

Xuejiao nodded and walked upstairs.

Sure enough, half an hour after she closed her door, there was the sound of a car starting downstairs.

Xuejiao didn’t turn on the light but gently walked over to pull back the curtain and take a look.

She knew Cheng Shuo and Cheng Mingze were going to Cheng Kai’s place. After all, that was their cousin and niece. Old Master Cheng wouldn’t have a good New Year’s Eve tonight, and Cheng Shuo and Cheng Mingze couldn’t possibly ignore the situation.

They had originally planned to stay up with the women, and after the women were resting, go to the Cheng family.

Li Sitong was asleep, and Xuejiao was “drunk,” so they could go earlier.

Xuejiao smiled gently.

She wasn’t angry at all. If Cheng Shuo wasn’t a person who valued relationships and loyalty, he wouldn’t have treated his stepdaughter with genuine care.

Xuejiao fell back onto the bed and blinked.

It was almost eleven o’clock now. Should she go straight to sleep, or… do some problems and stay up for the New Year before sleeping?

Forget it, let’s do a few problems.

Getting up, turning on the light, and taking out the paper, about an hour later, her phone vibrated.

Xuejiao opened her phone to a WeChat message from Lin Zhihua—

[Are you at home? Staying up for the New Year?]

Xuejiao’s fingers typed—

[Mm-hmm, at home, planning to do problems while staying up for the New Year.]

On the other end of the phone, Lin Zhihua looked up to see the lit window, only Xuejiao’s window was lit.

He had seen Cheng Shuo and the others drive out earlier. Tonight, she was probably the only one staying up for the New Year.

Thinking about this, Lin Zhihua felt somewhat sorry for her.

He slowly typed—

[I heard there will be fireworks at Yu Ying Mountain City tonight.]

Xuejiao was startled. Wasn’t Yu Ying Mountain City the residential complex where she lived?!

[Really?!]

[Lin Zhihua: Really, isn’t there a river behind you? They’ll set off fireworks there tonight, at noon.]

It was eleven fifty-eight.

Xuejiao almost instinctively ran upstairs, standing on the top floor’s back balcony, looking around.

It was noon, and Xuejiao was slightly startled.

[There’s nothing?]

After a few more minutes, her phone vibrated—

[Lin Zhihua: Look down.]

Xuejiao looked down from the balcony in confusion.

“Boom—” Fireworks erupted.

Five large characters spread out on the ground—Happy New Year, Jiao.

Xuejiao covered her mouth, eyes wide.

After a while, the light on the ground went out, and Xuejiao still covered her mouth, her heart racing.

“Bang bang bang—” By the riverside, fireworks shot into the sky, then instantly exploded.

The bright light of the exploding fireworks illuminated the entire world. Xuejiao couldn’t help but look down to the ground where someone was standing. Seeing her looking, he waved at her.

Xuejiao couldn’t help but smile, lifting her head to look at the sky where gorgeous flowers bloomed in the air, breathtakingly beautiful.

[You—how are you setting off fireworks here…]

Lin Zhihua replied quickly—

[Spending New Year’s alone today, bought a car full of fireworks to set off for myself. But thinking you’re also on the mountain, that’s perfect, keep me company for the New Year. Then I won’t be alone.]

Xuejiao’s heart skipped a beat, a strange feeling rising within her.

After a moment, she replied—

[You’re not alone for the New Year anymore. Happy New Year!]

Putting away her phone, she continued to watch the magnificent display.

Not far away, downstairs, Lin Zhihua turned his head to look at her.

Mm, you won’t be alone either.

Xuejiao watched the fireworks, finding them so beautiful they touched her heart, making her forget everything.

Lin Zhihua looked at Xuejiao, feeling that his hour spent going everywhere to buy fireworks, no matter how tiring, was worth it.

He had never before imagined that one day he would waste time on New Year’s Eve knocking on doors and paying high prices for fireworks. Everything he had done before had been carefully calculated for time—was it worth it, was it a waste?

But today, he had done something wasteful to cheer someone up, and seeing her smile, he smiled like a fool himself.

Usually mature beyond his years, today he was like a child, showing signs of youth.

With only one hour, Lin Zhihua’s limited fireworks were all used up within half an hour.

He looked up at Xuejiao.

Xuejiao also looked down at him.

The fireworks were gone, and the light had dimmed. The streetlights only allowed them to see each other’s silhouettes, not expressions.

The two looked at each other for two minutes, then Lin Zhihua waved.

Xuejiao also slowly extended her hand and waved.

Downstairs, Lin Zhihua had many things he wanted to say, but in the end, he just opened his mouth and silently mouthed a few words.

Xuejiao vaguely felt he was saying something and took out her phone—

[What are you saying?]

Lin Zhihua replied—

[Gu Xuejiao, keep going, study hard, and realize your wishes.]

Xuejiao’s lips curled into a smile as she replied—

[I will.]

Lin Zhihua, you too, keep going.

The two looked at each other once more, then Lin Zhihua turned around, waved, and his figure quickly disappeared from view.

After another while, when the smell of fireworks had disappeared from the air, Xuejiao slowly went downstairs.

This year Xuejiao was in her second year of high school. On the last day of this year to the first day of the new year, many unexpected things had happened.

Unhappy ones, happy ones, all of them.

Xuejiao had gained a father and spent the New Year with her best friend—or rather, mentor.

She was very happy.

——

Cheng Shuo and the others returned at daybreak, just squeezing in a brief nap.

After lunch, Cheng Shuo and Li Sitong took Cheng Mingze and Gu Xuejiao to Ice Snow City and had a good day of fun.

As soon as they entered Ice Snow City, Li Sitong immediately bought Xuejiao a red, childish pompom hat.

But she still happily wore it and followed them in.

There were indeed many people on the first day of the year. They looked at ice sculptures, then walked into the snow world.

“Gu Xuejiao, hurry up!” Cheng Mingze called from ahead, wearing ice skates.

Xuejiao slowly “inched” along, her eyes fixed straight ahead, focusing intently, not daring to move randomly, just slowly inching forward.

Cheng Shuo and Li Sitong sat on observation chairs in the distance. Li Sitong smiled and said—

“Who would have thought Jiaojiao was such a scaredy-cat!”

Cheng Shuo’s eyes crinkled with laughter.

Cheng Mingze skated another circle, coming up behind Gu Xuejiao, and reached out to grab her hand—

“Ah—” Xuejiao screamed inelegantly, pulled far away by Cheng Mingze.

Cheng Mingze held one hand tightly, extending the other to protect her, ensuring her safety.

After sliding quite a distance, Xuejiao finally stood straight, steadied herself, and then turned to chase after Cheng Mingze, who had already run away.

“Cheng Mingze, I’m not done with you!!!”

“Come on, come on! Hahaha!”

Cheng Shuo sat back down. Just now when Cheng Mingze had reached out, he had instinctively stood up, terribly frightened. Seeing that both children were fine, he finally sat back down.

“This Mingze, becoming more and more playful!”

Li Sitong covered her mouth and laughed: “Isn’t it good that the siblings have a good relationship?”

“That’s true.” Cheng Shuo sighed. “When I think about how they used to be…”

“Ah, let’s not talk about it anymore.”

Cheng Shuo nodded, stood up, and called out:

“Jiaojiao! Mingze! Do you want to go skiing?”

The two who had been laughing and fighting immediately looked up and shouted together: “Yes!!”

Then they glared at each other.

——

On the first day of this year, even though Cheng Shuo and Cheng Mingze had just returned from Cheng Mingjiao’s place, they didn’t mention her at all.

Instead, the family of four went out and had fun for an entire day.

On the second day of the year, Xuejiao finished reciting her textbooks in the morning, did a math problem, and then, along with a reluctant Cheng Mingze, was taken by Cheng Shuo and Li Sitong to visit relatives and friends.

Meanwhile, at the Lin family home.

“The old man’s angry again…” Lin’s father hung up the phone with a troubled expression.

Lin’s mother sat on the sofa, looking helpless: “Sigh, the old man is something, introducing a match during the New Year holiday, driving Zhihua away.”

“Is that just any match?” Lin’s father glared. “She’s also a psychologist. Zhihua has psychological issues. If he gets a psychologist girlfriend, your wish to hold a grandchild might be fulfilled soon!”

Lin’s mother also glared: “Don’t you want to hold a grandchild? And why are you glaring at me? If you have the courage, go glare at the old man or Zhihua! Really.”

Lin’s father covered his forehead: “Lin Zhihua is something too, running off somewhere during the New Year. It’s just a girl, if he doesn’t want to meet her, he doesn’t have to run…”

At this moment, Chen Yan brought in several people.

“What are you doing? What are you all doing?” Lin’s father stood up.

“The boss instructed us to quickly arrange immigration residences for you both. Here are several livable places I’ve selected. Please choose the one you like best,” Chen Yan said.

As Chen Yan’s words fell, four men behind him each opened a picture.

“The first place is in the United States, a manor that’s conveniently located, the closest manor to Chinatown. The boss has already purchased it.”

Ignoring the two’s dumbfounded expressions, Chen Yan pointed to the second paper and said—

“This second place is in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, a seaside villa with beautiful scenery.”

Next, Chen Yan pointed to the third and said—

“This is located in the Maldives…”

“We’re not going!” Lin’s father interrupted Chen Yan, looking furious. “Has the world gone mad? What is this? Sending us out of the country?!”

Chen Yan remained expressionless: “The boss said he already gave you chances before. If you interfere with Old Master Lin’s affairs again, you will be asked to relocate abroad.”

Lin’s mother stepped back, shocked: “Zhihua… how could Zhihua send us out of the country?”

“That’s what the boss said.” Chen Yan bowed slightly, his voice still emotionless.

“No! Get Zhihua here! I don’t believe it!” Lin’s mother began to deceive herself.

Chen Yan respectfully lowered his head: “The boss has already purchased these four places. Please make your decision soon.”

“What if I simply refuse to move?” Lin’s father smashed a cup from the tea table onto the floor.

“Then I would have to force you both to move.”

Chen Yan raised his hand and pointed at Chen Yan in fury: “Chen Yan! You were recruited into the company by me!”

Chen Yan said nothing, keeping his head down like a robot.

He had indeed joined the company during Lin’s father’s time, thinking it was a promising company, only to discover upon entry that internal corruption was already evident.

Sure enough, the Lin Corporation soon began to collapse.

Chen Yan had been torn at that time between switching jobs or enduring until his contract expired.

During that period, Chen Yan’s mother fell ill, and he had less money than face.

It was at this time that Lin Zhihua returned to the country.

At the time, Lin Zhihua said: From now on, you’ll work for me, only listen to me, be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no time off.

Looking at the young Lin Zhihua with his stern face, Chen Yan instinctively wanted to refuse, but after hearing the annual salary Lin Zhihua offered, he withdrew his refusal.

Since then, he had only one boss: Lin Zhihua.

He hadn’t backed the wrong person these years. Lin Corporation had become a legend in the industry.

The boss worked diligently every day, fighting at the forefront for Lin Corporation. For these people dragging things down from behind, Chen Yan had no sympathy whatsoever.

Lin’s father’s words fell on his ears without provoking any emotion.

The boss didn’t intend for them to stay abroad forever. His exact words were to send them out for half a year, to reflect on themselves, and not to interfere in his affairs afterward.

But Chen Yan only mentioned going abroad, without revealing the part about returning after half a year, allowing the couple before him to turn pale with fear.

Seeing that Chen Yan was unmoved, Lin’s father suddenly clutched his chest and gasped heavily.

He tilted his head slightly, giving Lin’s mother a look.

Lin’s mother had a sudden realization and rushed over, looking anxious: “Old Lin! Don’t be angry! What if something bad happens to you? Don’t worry, Zhihua cares about you as his father, he wouldn’t force us to move without considering your health. Old Lin!”

Lin’s mother wailed without tears, looking at Chen Yan after each wail.

Chen Yan remained expressionless as he clapped his hands, and a doctor wearing a white coat and carrying a medical box walked in.

“Please rest assured, I’ve brought the boss’s doctor.”