Chapter 648 - 646: Little New Year’s Eve No Longer Alone

After a brief silence, the atmosphere seemed a bit subtle.

At this moment, Xue Xing suggested:

"Sister Si Wen, would you like to play a game to relax? Though time is tight, I can still squeeze in a game."

Hearing this, Si Wen couldn't help but smile, and she said:

"You still have time to play games? Well, since you said so, I'll play a round with you."

As they spoke, the distance between the two seemed to quietly close due to this simple interaction,

and the awkwardness vanished with it.

The game soon began amid their laughter and joy,

the screen's glow reflected on Si Wen's face, adding a bit of liveliness to her.

She concentrated fully on controlling her character,

occasionally expressing admiration at Xue Xing's brilliant moves,

or laughing softly at her own mistakes,

the pure joy echoed in the quiet room,

making it feel exceptionally warm.

In the game, Xue Xing revealed a side of him that people normally didn't see,

both a strategist's careful deliberation and a youthful impulsiveness and passion.

Meanwhile, Si Wen acted like a patient guide,

always able to offer encouragement and support at critical moments,

and their coordination gradually became seamless.

A round of the game ended as if only a few minutes had passed,

but both were immersed in that rare relaxation and joy,

reluctant to exit for a long time.

Xue Xing said with a smile:

"Sister Si Wen, your skills are really impressive. It feels like time flies when playing games with you."

Si Wen smiled slightly, feeling warmth in her heart:

"Really? I haven't played so relaxed in a long time. Thank you, Xue Xing, for making this holiday feel special."

They continued chatting, from games to their dreams and future.

Xue Xing talked about his yearning for university and the new things he wanted to try after the college entrance examination;

while Si Wen shared her insights on life,

and those busy yet seemingly missing something days.

In their listening and sharing, both found resonance and understanding.

The night deepened, with the occasional sound of distant fireworks adding a festive touch to the tranquil night.

Si Wen gazed at the night sky outside, filled with emotion.

She realized that sometimes,

true warmth and companionship do not require grand occasions,

it might just be hidden in these ordinary yet warm moments.

Finally, when they reluctantly ended the call, Si Wen softly said:

"Xue Xing, hang in there, your exams will surely go smoothly. After they're over, we can play games together again or do more fun things."

Xue Xing beamed on the other end of the phone:

"Okay, it's a deal! Sister Si Wen, you also take care, don't wear yourself out."

After hanging up, Si Wen sat quietly by the window, gazing at the starry sky,

filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and fulfillment.

The New Year's Eve, at that moment, was no longer lonely.

Si Wen also fell into contemplation after hanging up the phone.

She recalled her conversation with Xue Xing, and a warmth surged in her heart.

This young and hardworking boy always managed to easily touch her heartstrings.

After some thought, Si Wen used her spare time to prepare some study materials and methods,

planning to send them to Xue Xing by mail or courier.

And when the faint click of the disconnected call reached Xue Xing,

his phone seemed tethered by an invisible force, unable to let go for a long time,

as if the small screen still held the lingering warmth of the other's voice, making him reluctant to part.

He gazed at the phone screen,

his eyes shimmering with complex emotions—apprehension about the upcoming exam,

as well as the rare ease and warmth after talking to Si Wen.

He sighed softly, bringing the phone gently to his chest,

as if by doing so, he could be closer to that faraway care and encouragement.

"Sister Si Wen..."

Xue Xing silently recited in his heart, a smile naturally forming at his lips,

the tender feelings like early spring grass, quietly sprouting unnoticed.

He knew that this half-year would not only be a sprint in his studies,

but also a crucial phase of spiritual growth.

With Sister Si Wen's encouragement and companionship,

even during the toughest times, he would muster the courage to keep moving forward.

He then gently placed the phone back on the table,

his gaze becoming firm and determined.

He stood up, walked to the desk, and spread out the thick review materials,

starting to plan his upcoming study schedule.

With each page turned, each problem solved, it was like taking another small step towards his dreams.

He knew that only by putting in enough effort could he live up to Si Wen's expectations,

and stand alongside her at a higher place in the future.

...

In the Lin Family Villa, the laughter and joy of the family feast extended deep into the night,

only then gently drawing to a close.

What was initially a quiet time for Lin Zhenhai and Xue Yuanqing to drink together,

unwittingly turned into a grand feast for three,

the atmosphere lively and warm, intoxicating.

Lin Xi had gone back to the room with Zhong Hailan to rest early after dinner.

The two talked in the room for quite a while.

When they emerged, Lin Xi's eyes were filled with joy.

At that moment, Xue Yang also staggered back to the room, tipsy.

As soon as he entered, Lin Xi caught a whiff of alcohol,

and the moment she stepped into the doorway, a strong aroma of wine wafted in,

causing Lin Xi to furrow her brows slightly, muttering to herself:

"He said he'd only drink a little, how much did he actually drink?"

Her steps were graceful, as if she were stepping on lotus petals,

slowly making her way to the bedside.

There she saw Xue Yang leaning diagonally on the bed, his fingers restlessly tugging at his collar buttons,

looking rather frustrated, perhaps due to his drunken state, the buttons seemed to resist him, refusing to come undone.

Finally relinquishing the futile struggle, Xue Yang slowly sat up,

his eyes meeting Lin Xi's gaze full of concern and inquiry.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to be filled with a subtle tension.

Xue Yang's gaze shifted from initial confusion to clarity,

a smile gradually forming to mask his embarrassment and inebriation.

"Xiao Xi, you're back." His voice was low and gentle, tinged with a hint of imperceptible apology.

Lin Xi approached lightly, her eyes filled with both reproach and tenderness,

as she gently held Xue Yang's hand which was about to reach for the buttons again,

softly saying:

"Don't move, I'll help you."

With that, she carefully undid those stubborn buttons for Xue Yang,

her actions exuding an irrefutable gentleness and care.

After loosening the collar, Lin Xi thoughtfully helped Xue Yang adjust his clothing to ensure he could lie comfortably.

She sat by the bed, gazing at Xue Yang's slightly weary yet still handsome face,

a mixture of emotions in her heart.

"Remember your promise next time, okay?"

Her voice carried a hint of coquettishness, yet serious.