SW - 70

Tang Yin didn’t expect Lu Chi to agree either.

They were only in the first semester of their freshman year, with three full years ahead of them. Knowing Lu Chi’s personality, he might not agree until after graduation.

Unexpectedly, she heard his answer.

Seeing her stunned, Lu Chi reached out to pinch her palm—it was icy cold—and then slipped it into his pocket.

Frowning slightly, Lu Chi said, “I haven’t bought a gift yet.”

It was customary to bring something when visiting someone’s home, especially his girlfriend’s family—at the very least, he wanted to leave a good impression.

Tang Yin dismissed it casually. “It’s fine. My family doesn’t care about these things.”

Her parents already knew Lu Chi, so whether he brought a gift or not didn’t matter much.

But Lu Chi shook his head firmly. “It’s necessary.”

With lowered eyes, he added, “Maybe I’ll come again next time.”

Tang Yin widened her eyes and muttered, “This is such a rare chance… Let’s just buy something at the supermarket. My mom really doesn’t care about this kind of thing.”

Lu Chi shook his head and kissed her forehead. “After you’ve finished your New Year’s Eve dinner... I’ll come back.”

Tang Yin stood there, speechless and frustrated by his stubbornness.

He was so formal—what harm could one visit do?

Softening his tone, he cupped her face and slowly explained, “I… want to make a good impression.”

Tang Yin couldn’t force him. “Alright, call me when you’re ready.”

Lu Chi nodded. “Okay.”

Watching Tang Yin finally push the door open, he lingered for a moment before turning to leave.

Tang Yin stepped inside. “Mom, here are your dumplings.”

“How long does it take to buy dumplings?” Jiang Qiuhuan’s voice came from the kitchen.

A few seconds later, she appeared in the living room.

Tang Yun descended the stairs with messy hair, yawning. “She must have run into Lu Chi. I saw him outside the window earlier.”

Thankfully, Lu Chi hadn’t done anything to her; otherwise, he would have chased him away.

Jiang Qiuhuan asked suspiciously, “Is that true? Why didn’t Lu Chi come in?”

Tang Yin grinned. “He didn’t bring anything, so I invited him in, but he refused. He said he’d come back after we finish our New Year’s Eve dinner.”

Tang Yun remarked, “You think everyone is as casual as you.”

Jiang Qiuhuan took the dumplings and walked off, saying, “Then he can come later. It’s a good chance to see him properly.”

Her daughter had been making waves since high school, and Jiang Qiuhuan hadn’t spoken much to Lu Chi during that time. A proper meeting now wouldn’t hurt.

Judging by their current relationship, they might last until graduation.

Still, who could predict the future? Jiang Qiuhuan simply wanted to see what Lu Chi was like now.

When it came to her daughter, she needed to meet him personally to feel reassured.

Tang Ywei also came downstairs, curious. “Who’s coming over on New Year’s Eve?”

Tang Yin teased, “Your son-in-law.”

Tang Ywei nodded. “Oh, my son-in-law… Is Lu Chi coming today? Why isn’t he coming in now? Is he still outside?”

Finally realizing what was going on, Tang Ywei burst into laughter.

After a while, Tang Yin recovered and explained, “Lu Chi said he’d come back after we eat our New Year’s Eve dinner.”

Tang Ywei had a good impression of Lu Chi. “Having dinner together wouldn’t hurt. Why is this child so stubborn?”

But perhaps he was nervous.

Aunt Sun began setting dishes on the table, so they stopped discussing and went to help with the utensils.

Taking the opportunity, Tang Yin sent Lu Chi a message: Mom and Dad are waiting for you, hahaha.

She deliberately omitted the word “I.” After all, they would be a family soon, and Lu Chi wouldn’t be able to escape.

A moment later, Lu Chi replied: Soon.

Tang Yun tapped her head. “Stop playing. It’s time to eat.”

Tang Yin glared at him. “Don’t ruin my love life just because you’re heartbroken.”

Tang Yun: “...”

He was practically fuming like a blowfish.

Before sitting down to eat, the Spring Festival Gala had just begun.

For a lively atmosphere, Tang Yun turned on the TV. From the dining area, they could catch glimpses of the screen, even though the programs were boring.

But the sounds alone created a festive vibe, comforting and warm.

The table was laden with many dishes, each a favorite of the family, along with various symbolic dishes.

Though Tang Yin ate well at school, nothing compared to home-cooked meals. Tonight was her chance to indulge.

Tang Yun even pulled out a bottle of red wine, mixing it with Sprite, and poured a glass for everyone.

By the time dinner ended, it was already past nine o’clock.

With the air conditioning on, Tang Yin no longer wore thick clothes.

She sprawled on the couch, watching the gala for a while, rubbing her full stomach, and sent Lu Chi a message.

TangTangTang: We’re done eating.

Lu Chi put away his phone and turned to say, “Mom, I’m leaving.”

Wang Ziyan paused, then smiled. “Go ahead. Be polite and don’t leave a bad impression.”

After Lu Chi left, the house fell completely silent.

Their New Year’s Eve dinner was just the two of them. Though the table was full of dishes, it felt lonely. Lu Chi wasn’t talkative, and Wang Ziyan didn’t strike up unnecessary conversations either.

The meal was eaten quietly.

While other families celebrated joyously, theirs was a modest happiness—at least there were no unpleasant issues.

Wang Ziyan smiled and continued watching the gala.

...

When Lu Chi arrived at Tang Yin’s house, it was already past 9:40 PM.

Outside, fireworks lit up the sky in dazzling colors, accompanied by loud explosions. The festive atmosphere was palpable.

Tang Yin ran to the door to greet him, immediately planting kisses on him.

Lu Chi let her enthusiasm run its course before gently pushing her away. “Aren’t we going inside?”

Snapping out of it, Tang Yin tiptoed to kiss him again. Her lips were cool, but his face was warm—a stark contrast.

Unnoticed in Lu Chi’s gaze was a hint of tenderness.

Tang Yin nodded. “Let’s go in.”

The snow in the courtyard hadn’t been cleared yet, crunching underfoot. The sound blended subtly into the cacophony of firecrackers in the night.

Just before opening the door, Tang Yin couldn’t help but warn, “If my brother gives you a hard time, ignore him. He’s been heartbroken lately and has a short temper.”

Lu Chi obediently agreed. “Alright.”

He couldn’t help but recall the time in high school when Tang Yin’s brother likely disliked him for taking away his sister.

It was understandable. Lu Chi could empathize.

However... he glanced at her exposed nape as she opened the door, swallowing nervously before averting his gaze nonchalantly.

Tang Yin turned her head. “There are slippers here.” She handed him a pair of cotton slippers.

Lu Chi dutifully changed into them.

Jiang Qiuhuan and Tang Ywei sat on the couch, upright and eager to see what Lu Chi looked like after half a year.

As Lu Chi followed Tang Yin inside, an unexpected wave of nervousness hit him.

If Principal Tang disapproved of him, Tang Yin wouldn’t be able to defy her father. Their future wouldn’t look bright...

He understood marriages without parental blessings.

Tang Yin led Lu Chi into the living room and formally introduced him. “Mom, Dad, this is Lu Chi, my boyfriend.”

Tang Yun coughed, earning a glare from her.

Lu Chi placed the gift on the coffee table, standing tall and composed. “Uncle, Auntie. Sorry to disturb you tonight.”

They both knew him, so it was just for show.

Soon, they reverted to their usual relaxed state. The Tang family wasn’t particularly strict—they were casual at home.

Finally, Tang Ywei suddenly said, “Lu Chi, come with me for a moment.”

With that, he stood up and headed toward the study.

Tang Yin started to get up but was stopped by Jiang Qiuhuan. “Your dad wants to talk to Lu Chi privately. What are you getting excited about?”

Lu Chi gave Tang Yin a reassuring look, signaling that everything was fine, and followed Tang Ywei to the study.

What could they possibly talk about? Tang Yin wanted to eavesdrop.

But before she took a few steps, Jiang Qiuhuan stopped her again. “Be careful your dad doesn’t catch you. Go help Aunt Sun wash the dishes.”

Aunt Sun had eaten her New Year’s Eve dinner at home early and came over to help afterward. She did an excellent job, and Jiang Qiuhuan usually pitched in too.

“Let me check,” Tang Yin whispered, sneaking to the study door. Finding she couldn’t hear anything, she reluctantly went to the kitchen.

Aunt Sun was washing dishes. Seeing her enter, she smiled. “What’s wrong, Yin Yin?”

Tang Yin quickly put on a smile. “I’m here to help you wash the dishes.”

There weren’t many people in the house, so there weren’t many dishes. Tang Yin monopolized the sink, washing while wondering what her dad could be talking to Lu Chi about.

Her dad must be satisfied with Lu Chi. After all, Lu Chi was well-behaved, academically excellent, and obedient—the ideal child in adults’ eyes.

The only downside might be his family situation.

Tang Ywei had always known about the Lu family. He knew when Lu Chi transferred schools, and the divorce had caused quite a stir.

But Lu Chi never strayed from the right path.

By the time the dishes were washed, Lu Chi finally emerged.

Tang Ywei walked ahead, his expression normal. Both appeared calm. Tang Yin scrutinized them for a long time but found nothing unusual.

Tang Yun, lounging on the couch, sprang up to pull Lu Chi aside for a chat but was swatted away by Jiang Qiuhuan and sent back to his room.

As for her and Tang Ywei, they made an excuse of taking a post-meal stroll and went outside, leaving only Lu Chi and Tang Yin in the living room.

Unable to resist, Tang Yin asked, “What did Principal Tang say to you?”

Thinking about their private conversation behind her back, she was itching to know but couldn’t overhear anything.

Lu Chi pursed his lips, refusing to tell her.

Tang Yin reached out to tickle him, but with thick winter clothes, it had little effect after much effort.

Finally, she withdrew her hand, thought for a moment, and leaned in again. “Do you want to go to my room?”

Lu Chi turned his head, seeing her eyes sparkling mischievously, unsure of what scheme she had in mind. His mind froze for a moment, unable to respond immediately.

Tang Yin scooted closer. “Don’t worry, my brother is still here as a chaperone. I won’t do anything to you.”

Lu Chi: “...”

He detected an underlying meaning in her words.

Though Tang Yin desperately wanted to strip his clothes off, she would restrain herself... Or if she couldn’t, well, fate would decide.

She whispered softly, “Are you going? Are you going?”

Lu Chi lowered his head, staring at her restless hands as she sat there. After a moment’s thought, he finally responded, “Alright.”