Shi Yang’s father turned to look at Shi Yang, his gaze slightly lifted: "Son, you’re still young. Young people have plenty of drive and courage, but what they often lack is perseverance. There’s nothing in this world that can’t be accomplished with effort. In life, besides charging forward, sometimes you need to stop and reflect. Many things often reach a standstill because of entering a wrong path. Occasionally, taking a detour or changing direction can bring you closer to success."
Shi Yang silently followed his father home.
Zhao Meimei, dressed in brand-new clothes, squeezed onto the sofa with her parents to watch the New Year’s Eve Gala, occasionally popping a piece of candy into her mouth. Every now and then, she glanced at the wall clock, planning to call her Brother Yangyang at the stroke of midnight, becoming the first person in the new year to wish him well.
The skit on TV was particularly amusing, making Zhao Meimei burst into hearty laughter, rocking back and forth, sometimes leaning on her dad’s shoulder, sometimes falling onto the sofa’s armrest.
The landline at home rang, and Zhao Meimei was closest. She grabbed the receiver, just as she was laughing with her mind blank.
Zhao Meimei said, then laughed twice more, tears flying from her eyes.
There was no sound from the phone.
Zhao Meimei said hello again, she took the receiver away to check, feeling puzzled, then put it back to her ear, and heard a low voice: "It’s me."
Zhao Meimei was so surprised that she froze, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of that voice.
Zhao Meimei hurriedly exclaimed: "Brother? How come you thought to call me?"
Shi Yang: "It’s New Year’s, if you don’t call me, I’ll call you instead."
Zhao Meimei quickly explained: "I was timing it, planning to call you to wish you a happy new year as soon as the clock struck midnight!"
Shi Yang: "You wanted to call to wish me a happy new year?"
Zhao Meimei: "All I can do is call; I can’t see you in person."
Shi Yang: "You want to see me too?"
Zhao Meimei sensitively caught that "too" in his words, suddenly her usually quick tongue couldn’t find the right words.
Glancing at her parents sitting beside her, Zhao Meimei suddenly felt a bit guilty, not knowing what to say next.
Shi Yang: "Meimei, listen to me. Can you find an excuse to come downstairs now?"
Zhao Meimei was stunned for a bit, before finding her voice: "I can."
Shi Yang: "I’m waiting downstairs at your place. Don’t alert your parents. I don’t want to go upstairs. I have to leave soon; you can tell your parents I’ll call back to wish them a happy new year once the clock strikes midnight."
Zhao Meimei was completely shocked, almost unable to believe her ears.
"Hmm, okay, sure, uh, got it."
Holding the phone, Zhao Meimei sat there dazed, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, not even realizing the call had ended.
Zhao Meimei took a deep breath, then placed the receiver back.
Liu Xiue casually asked: "Was that Yangyang on the phone?"
Controlling her emotions, though feeling as if every muscle in her face was out of control twitching, Zhao Meimei forced a smile: "Ah, it was my brother. He said he’ll wait until the clock strikes midnight to call and wish you a happy new year."
Liu Xiue and Zhao Dazhuang laughed at the news: "What a thoughtful kid."
Zhao Meimei felt like pins were poking her from underneath, unable to stay still, desperately thinking of an excuse.
After a few minutes, Zhao Meimei suddenly stood up from the sofa: "Oh! Right! I promised Da Bao and the others to set off fireworks together; I almost forgot."
Hurriedly she started putting on clothes.
Liu Xiue didn’t quite agree: "What fireworks at this late hour!"
Zhao Meimei pulled up the zipper while saying: "The little sprout from Building Three’s family bought lots of firework blossoms, and Da Bao is helping out."
Upon hearing it was the little sprout’s family, Liu Xiue didn’t stop her, advising: "Be careful when playing, keep away from the fireworks, don’t get too close!"
Zhao Meimei hastily unlocked the door, answering casually: "Okay, got it!"
She grasped the handrail and flew down the stairs two or three steps at a time.
As she dashed out of the building, she immediately saw Shi Yang standing across the street.
Seeing Shi Yang for the first time, Zhao Meimei felt like she was dreaming.
"Brother!" Zhao Meimei called in a hushed tone.
Shi Yang didn’t say a word, just opened his arms, a warm smile on his face.
Filled with excitement at seeing Brother Yangyang’s smile, Zhao Meimei ran over and jumped on him.
Shi Yang caught her, just like when she was little, letting her perch on his waist, though struggling a bit, he quickly supported Zhao Meimei’s round, plump bottom, which he could feel as plushy even through the thick pants.
Without thinking much, Shi Yang gave a few playful squeezes, and said with a laugh: "Hey! You really have grown up; your butt is all round now, and pretty nice to squeeze!"
As soon as he said it, Shi Yang abruptly shut his mouth, both of them staring at each other in surprise.
The noisy night seemed to fall silent for a moment, and the quiet atmosphere was broken only by the faint sound of their racing heartbeats, a bit awkward.
Shi Yang quietly let Zhao Meimei down, realizing his joke went too far.
Jokes he would casually toss around with Qu Chaozong, bantering without noticing, but saying it in front of Zhao Meimei felt clearly inappropriate.
The timely burst of fireworks broke the frozen atmosphere, and Zhao Meimei turned to look at the sky where the colourful blooms lit up the dark night, splendid and beautiful.
Both raised their heads, watching the fireworks. When the last blossom vanished, they looked back at each other in tacit understanding, smiles spreading as the previous awkward atmosphere instantly vanished.
Zhao Meimei turned her head to ask: "Brother! Why did you suddenly come to find me?"
Shi Yang laughed: "I’ve been busy for so long, never finding time to come and see you. I missed you."
Zhao Meimei gave a silly grin, her voice carrying a sweetness typical of someone in love.
She clasped her hands together, bowing in New Year’s greeting to Shi Yang: "Brother, Happy New Year! May your wishes come true this year, and you become more handsome. Always have just me as your favorite."
Shi Yang burst into laughter: "Is that your blessing for me?"
Giggling, Zhao Meimei hugged Shi Yang’s arm, beaming at him.
Looking at Zhao Meimei’s innocent smile, Shi Yang sighed deeply into the dark, letting go of all the exhaustion and dissatisfaction from the past six months.
Suddenly, Shi Yang asked: "Meimei, do you think your brother will succeed one day?"
Without hesitation, Zhao Meimei nodded: "Of course you will! There’s nothing in this world you can’t accomplish!"
Shi Yang’s eyes warmed, his previously discouraged heart now fully revived, beating strongly once more.