Chapter 5

Jiang Huaiyang took me to the riverside, where a large crowd had gathered. Sipping my milk tea and chewing on the tapioca pearls, I asked, "Why are there so many people here?" He turned his head and replied, "Because there's going to be a fireworks show soon!" My voice went up an octave. "Fireworks?" I couldn't help but be excited. Ning City had banned private fireworks for the past two years, and I assumed this year would be no different. But surprisingly, there was an exception. "Weren't you in the hospital? How are you so well-informed?" I nudged his shoulder playfully. He immediately played along, puffing up with pride. "Of course! You should know who you're talking to!" "Impressive, impressive!" "Stay humble, stay humble." I eagerly waited for the fireworks, completely missing the deep meaning in his gaze. Jiang Auntie and Uncle had already prepared for New Year's Eve in the hospital, but Jiang Huaiyang overheard a nurse mentioning that there might be fireworks this year. He recalled how I had grumbled just days ago, "No fireworks again?! What's the point of celebrating New Year like this!" And just like that, he insisted on going home. Jiang Auntie was puzzled. They had already planned to celebrate in the hospital, so why the sudden change? "Why are you so determined to go back?" Jiang Huaiyang didn't hide anything. He smiled brightly and said, "I want to take Jingyue to see the fireworks. Mom, this might be the last time." "Don't say such things!" Jiang Auntie immediately knocked on wood. "No saying unlucky things. I'll go ask Dr. Lin. If he agrees, we can go back." Jiang Huaiyang nodded obediently. He didn’t see the moment she turned away, tears instantly streaming down her face as she forced herself to walk out of the hospital room. As the door clicked shut, Jiang Huaiyang's smile faded, his voice carrying a deep sorrow. "I hope this isn't the last time either." He exhaled and gazed out the window at the moon suspended in the night sky. Dr. Lin arrived, teasing Jiang Huaiyang before asking, "Do you really want to go home?" Jiang Huaiyang's eyes lit up. He sensed a chance. Immediately, he raised three fingers and swore, "I promise to behave, no messing around. I'll be back right after New Year's!" Dr. Lin stroked his chin and added, "And you must take your medicine and sleep on time!" Jiang Huaiyang nodded furiously, and with a wave of Dr. Lin's hand, he was granted permission. He threw his arms up in the air, grinning like he had won the lottery. "Thank you, Dr. Lin!" Dr. Lin ruffled his hair, his eyes meeting Jiang Auntie’s. She was quietly wiping her tears away. Jiang Huaiyang sighed. Overthinking wasn’t his style. Each day should be cherished. He pulled my hand out of my pocket. His palm was warm and dry. I raised an eyebrow and said seriously, "You know, this is starting to feel a bit ambiguous." Jiang Huaiyang glanced at me and, with a straight face, spouted nonsense. "So what? Besides, we got married as kids! By now, we're practically an old married couple." Listen to him. Just listen to this nonsense. "What a ridiculous argument!" "It’s called solid reasoning! You can’t argue against it!" The winter air by the river was biting cold. The wind had turned Jiang Huaiyang’s nose and cheeks red, and his eyes glistened from the chill. I tried to take my hand back from him but failed. "Let go of my hand first." "Why?" I handed him my milk tea, then took off my hat and put it on his head. I was about to give him my scarf, but he stepped back, refusing. "I don’t want it. I won’t wear it." I stepped forward; he retreated further. "If you keep backing up, you're going to bump into someone." He glanced back, nodded politely at the person behind him, then turned to me and kept insisting, "I won’t wear it!" I stomped on his foot, making him wince. "Ow! What are you doing?!" "Lower your head." He refused, standing stiffly. "No way. You wear it." "It's for you! Put it on, or I’ll get mad!" I glared at him. Under my threatening gaze, he grudgingly lowered his head and mumbled, "A real man shouldn't take a hat and scarf from a girl. It's always the other way around. How did we end up like this?" After wrapping the scarf around him, I cupped his face in my hands. He stopped mid-sentence as I squeezed his cheeks, making his lips pout. I couldn’t help but laugh. "Because you're my little softie!" He immediately pulled my hands away, looking incredulous. "What?! What softie? Me? Have you ever seen a 1.83-meter-tall softie?!" "I have. You." He huffed in frustration. "Hmph, then I’ll show you my true strength!" He put me in a playful headlock and waved his fist menacingly. "Haven’t I told you? I’m a great fighter!" Knowing when to surrender, I blocked his fist. "Big bro, I was wrong." He smirked. "Good." He let go and placed the hat back on my head. "One for you, one for me. Fair." Fine. I handed him a hand warmer from my pocket to keep his hands warm. We stood side by side by the river, waiting for the fireworks. He chattered on about hospital gossip, his battles of wit with Dr. Lin, and how he charmed the elderly patients so much that they beamed with joy every time they saw him. Listening to his clear, bright voice, I looked up at him. His eyes were stunning, like an entire galaxy was trapped inside them. "Xu Jingyue." "What?" "Look up." Tonight’s moon was almost full, its pale light gentle and serene. The river shimmered under its glow, the trees by the riverside standing tall like silent guardians of the city, their branches adorned with moonlight. Everything tonight was just right. Just as I turned my head, I was caught in a gaze filled with infinite tenderness. He smiled slowly, his eyes locked on mine. "Tonight’s moon is beautiful." The soft glow illuminated his face, adding a delicate shimmer to his already captivating eyes. I was momentarily stunned. He subtly adjusted his gaze to match mine, a faint smirk on his lips as he teased, "Xu Jingyue, what are you looking at?" "…You." "Do I look good?" Of course. How could you not? Fireworks exploded across the sky, lighting up half the horizon. But none of that mattered anymore. In the glow of the fireworks, I saw myself reflected in his eyes—so small, yet so significant. My heartbeat quickened, almost as if it would jump out of my chest. I hastily lowered my gaze, avoiding his eyes. Jiang Huaiyang’s smile froze for a second. Then, he straightened up and flicked my hat. "Xu Jingyue." "Hmm?" "Didn’t you want to watch the fireworks? Look up, dummy…" The wind blew, cold against my face. I silently wished it could cool my burning cheeks. Then, he took my hand, interlocking our fingers.