MQSP - Chapter 73
Chapter 73
It had been a long time since any of them had let loose and had fun like this. From time to time, they'd form a circle, hold hands, and dance around the bonfire. Other times, they'd put on impromptu performances, each person showing off their unique talents.
After three rounds of drinks, everyone was a little tipsy. The wine didn't seem strong at first, but it had quite a kick.
They reveled boisterously late into the night, waiting for the new year to arrive.
As midnight arrived, the sky in the distance was illuminated by brilliant fireworks. Everyone looked up in unison. Because they were halfway up the mountain, the fireworks felt very close, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Lin Yuqing wrapped an arm around the little one's waist, letting her nestle into her embrace. Every so often, she would look down at her and kiss her forehead. The two shared a smile, the sweetness between them practically overflowing. The others behind them silently took in the public display of affection.
Lu Qing glanced at the person beside her and scooted a little closer, her shoulder brushing against Jiang Boyan's.
Jiang Boyan looked at her but didn't move or pull away, seemingly giving tacit approval to her small gesture.
Seeing this, Lu Qing was secretly delighted. She cautiously tested the waters by resting her head on Jiang Boyan's shoulder, only to hear a soft chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I'm laughing at how you're like a child. At your age, still playing at these little romantic games."
"What's wrong with my age? Look over there." Lu Qing jutted her chin toward Lin Yuqing. "That old fellow is shamelessly kissing Xiao Ye!"
Jiang Boyan glanced over, smiled, and said nothing more.
"Hey, Teacher Lu, you two are~~" Baiye happened to turn around and saw Lu Qing resting on Jiang Boyan, their heads close together in an intimate way. She was pleasantly surprised.
"Hm?" Lin Yuqing also turned to look. Something's going on here!
When Lu Qing saw everyone looking at her, she immediately sat bolt upright. "It's nothing. Don't talk nonsense. Watch the fireworks." She was even blushing a little.
"Hey, hey, hey, it's past midnight. Shouldn't certain people be giving their New Year's greetings to their elders? I even have the red envelopes ready." Xue Yuexian was at it again. It seemed she wouldn't rest until she heard Lin Yuqing call her 'Auntie'.
Lin Yuqing shot her a look and poured her another glass of wine. "Yes, yes, yes. Happy New Year to all my elders!" Utterly resigned, she went around pouring drinks for everyone.
"No sincerity."
"Exactly. So perfunctory."
"You should at least greet each of us individually."
"Alright, you guys, stop bullying Auntie Lin," Baiye stepped in to smooth things over.
"Happy New Year, Aunties! I'm so happy I could see you all today. This is the most meaningful New Year I've ever had. Thank you for coming. I'd like to propose a toast to you all!" Xiao Ye raised her water glass to thank them. This truly had been the most meaningful year of her life—not just because she had met so many aunties who doted on her, but also because she had learned about her origins and that she had two amazing mothers. Of course, most importantly, her Auntie Lin now belonged completely to her~
"Happy New Year~" Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together, celebrating this meaningful year.
On the mountaintop, the Flower Witch sat alone by a bonfire, her chin propped in her hand as she stared blankly at the brilliant fireworks in the distance. She had lived these lonely days for over a decade. The New Year held no special meaning for her; at most, it was a chance to watch a free fireworks show.
"Yilan, everyone cares so much about our daughter. They even came all this way to spend New Year's with her. You don't have to worry about her being bullied anymore."
"But…"
"That person came, too."
"I don't want to forgive her…"
"I know she must feel incredibly guilty, but I…"
"I can't be that magnanimous."
"If only I had been the one in trouble. Her target was only ever me." Gu Xinran couldn't help but clench her fists. She had spent so many years cultivating her temperament, but whenever she thought of this, she still found it impossible to let go, impossible to forgive.
Because of that person's jealousy, her and Yilan's relationship was exposed. Overnight, they were blacklisted across the entire internet and condemned by the public. One day she was being praised to the heavens by millions of fans, and the next, she was thrown to the ground and brutally stomped on. The higher you stand, the harder you fall. She wasn't even given a chance to explain; she didn't even have the right to speak.
She had already planned it all out. After finishing this film, she would retire completely to be with her family, travel the world with Yilan and their child, and live a quiet, simple life.
If only she hadn't insisted on shooting that film.
Gu Xinran heaved a heavy sigh. She picked up a twig, snapped it in two, and tossed it into the fire. The dancing flames reflected in her clear eyes. After sitting for just a moment longer, she threw herself back into the work of cultivating flower seedlings.
She couldn't let herself be idle. The moment she was, she would start reminiscing about the past. She didn't want to remember those beautiful memories; they made the present seem too cruel and robbed her of the courage to face life alone. Even after so many years, no matter how strong she was, no matter how she armored herself, Bai Yilan was ultimately her weak spot—a weakness that could not be mentioned.
As she worked distractedly, she heard the rustling of footsteps behind her. Gu Xinran glanced back and froze.
"Flower Auntie! Happy New Year~ We've come to give you our New Year's greetings~" Baiye waved and called out to her.
The Flower Witch dusted off her hands and stood up. She subconsciously looked behind Xiao Ye and saw only Lin Yuqing, which put her slightly at ease. But then she grew puzzled. Had the two of them just left the others behind?
"Why… why are you here?"
"To see you, of course! We promised we'd spend New Year's together. We can't go back on our word!"
"Flower Auntie, have you eaten? We brought you some delicious food~" Baiye held up the dishes she was carrying, along with a leg of lamb roasted especially for the Flower Witch.
"Don't you have guests?" the Flower Witch asked, looking at Lin Yuqing.
"Mm, Auntie Lin was worried you'd be too lonely spending New Year's by yourself, so she was determined to get the other aunties drunk. Right now, they're all passed out and sleeping." Baiye and Lin Yuqing exchanged mischievous glances. Neither of them wanted to break their promise, as they had already agreed to spend New Year's with the Flower Witch. But since everyone else had come, they couldn't just ignore them. After thinking it over, this was the only plan they could come up with: celebrate with the others first, and once they were knocked out, slip away to be with the Flower Witch!
Then again, everyone was probably just really happy and drinking with gusto. Besides, that fruit wine seemed harmless, but it really packed a punch.
"Hey, Flower Auntie, haven't you eaten?" Baiye took a look around the kitchen and saw that nothing had been prepared at all.
"This is no way to celebrate New Year's. It's a good thing we brought food." After a gentle complaint, she and Lin Yuqing quickly got busy.
Watching the two of them bustle about, it would be a lie to say she wasn't moved.
"Th-thank you." Her voice was choked with emotion.
"Don't be so formal with us."
Seeing the little one so enthusiastically occupied, Lin Yuqing felt a great sense of relief. She looked up at the Flower Witch and gave her a small smile. The latter nodded back. A thousand words were exchanged in that single glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
"Flower Auntie, I already ate a lot just now, so I really can't eat anymore. Can I just watch you eat, please?" Baiye rested her cheeks in her hands and sat across from the Flower Witch, watching her with a grin.
"Alright."
She agreed and picked up the roasted vegetables Xiao Ye had prepared for her.
Xiao Ye's eyes widened as she watched. She had thought that the Flower Witch would finally take off her scarf to eat, letting her see her face. But unexpectedly, she only lifted a corner of the scarf, revealing just her mouth.
Mm~ her lips have such a beautiful shape. But there's a burn scar next to them, and it looks pretty severe. Flower Auntie must have been gorgeous before she was disfigured!
"Flower Auntie, can you let me see you?" Baiye was extremely curious, especially after seeing the Flower Witch's mouth. She felt that her lips were somehow familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere before.
The Flower Witch shook her head. "No, I'm too ugly. I'll scare you."
"Of course not! I think Flower Auntie is a great beauty~"
The Flower Witch's eyes curved into crescents, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly, forming a lovely arc. Xiao Ye couldn't help but tilt her head, trying to peek under the scarf.
"Xiao Ye, you can't be so rude."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" She immediately sat up straight and obediently apologized.
The Flower Witch paused at her words, then smiled, not knowing how to explain.
"Perhaps you two are fated to be close. Why don't you ask Flower Auntie to be your godmother?" Lin Yuqing seized the opportunity to suggest.
"Huh?" Baiye froze for a moment and looked at the Flower Witch, who was also clearly stunned. But in her beautiful eyes, a look of anticipation appeared.
"Auntie Lin, do you feel like you don't have enough people bullying you?" Baiye said with a smile, looking at Lin Yuqing.
The Flower Witch lowered her head, realizing she had lost her composure.
Lin Yuqing smiled, also realizing she had been too hasty. She desperately wanted Xiao Ye and Xinran to grow closer, but she hadn't considered whether Xiao Ye would accept. If she refused, wouldn't that just end up hurting Xinran's feelings?
Just as she was about to change the subject, she saw the little one get up, move next to the Flower Witch, and crouch in front of her. Blinking her big eyes, she looked at her and asked expectantly, "Can I?"
"What?" The Flower Witch looked up at her.
"Can I ask you to be my godmother? Would you mind?" she asked earnestly.
"I… I wouldn't…"
"So I can't…?"
"No, I wouldn't mind…" the Flower Witch stammered, clearly still processing what was happening.
"Godmother!" Baiye called out without hesitation, her voice crisp and clear. An unconscious smile spread across her face, her dimples appearing.
The Flower Witch, on the other hand, was stunned. She was silent for a long time before she managed a flustered, "Mm…"
Watching from the side, Lin Yuqing was overcome with emotion. She silently turned away to wipe a tear. One step closer. Before long, she would have Xiao Ye drop the 'god' from that title! She would let Xinran and her daughter have a true reunion!
"Auntie Lin."
"Hm?" She quickly turned back, pretending nothing had happened.
"You need to greet my godmother. You can't be rude."
"…" You're just asking for a spanking!
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