The Sickly Fake Daughter, But a Beloved Darling of All - Chapter 124

The wedding date for Xu Chengjin and Si Yu was set for after the Lunar New Year. They planned to take advantage of a relatively quiet period to travel and spend the New Year holiday abroad. Xu Chengjin’s health had never been particularly strong; although she had been recuperating for a long time and was no longer as fragile as before, she still required careful looking after.

“I’m going back inside to pack a few things. Are you getting out of the car?”

Xu Chengjin unbuckled her seatbelt and turned her head to look at Si Yu. The latter shook her head. Xu Chengjin lifted her phone and gave it a little wave. “I’m making a call, you go on up.”

“Alright.”

Xu Chengjin knew that Si Yu was still somewhat reluctant to interact with the Xu family—or rather, she wasn’t quite sure how to handle overly enthusiastic friends and relatives. Xu Chengjin’s parents had accepted Si Yu long ago and were always very happy whenever she visited, but it was precisely that warmth that often made Si Yu feel restless and ill at ease. Consequently, Si Yu chose not to go inside at all.

“I’m going in then.”

Seeing that Si Yu was on the phone, Xu Chengjin mouthed the words silently. After seeing Si Yu nod, she walked toward the house.

She planned to take some of her favorite clothes and daily necessities, as well as things like her old diaries and photo albums; it would be nice to have them to flip through when she had the time.

A while ago, she had purchased a house. It was still being renovated, and ever since then, Si Yu would often say to her, “Little President Xu, I’m relying on you to support me now.”

From the interior design to the furniture shopping, Xu Chengjin had handled everything herself. Si Yu had given her a complete sense of security.

“You’re back.” Xu’s mother knew why Xu Chengjin had returned today. She smiled and said, “Stay for lunch in a bit; your father is cooking for you.”

“I can’t, Mom.”

Xu Chengjin took off her scarf and set it aside, then removed her overcoat to reveal a white sweater. Her complexion looked good, and her tone was upbeat as she spoke: “We’re setting off this afternoon!”

“Have a good time. Mama will be waiting for your photos.”

Xu’s mother returned to watching the news. She didn’t meddle much with Xu Chengjin; after all, at this age, it was time to let go.

Xu Chengjin’s steps were light and cheerful as she headed upstairs. She had taken many photos over the years and amassed several albums, along with a few outfits she particularly loved that were now out of print. She wanted to take them all!

“Xiaojin.”

Xu Chengjin was in the middle of packing when she heard her name. She looked up to see Xu Jing leaning against the doorframe, watching her. “One would think you’re never coming back.”

“I’ll be back.”

Xu Chengjin placed the album in her hand onto the desk. She took a breath and picked out a few of her favorite accessories. She said softly, “I’m just gathering some things I really want to take with me. Once my little house is finished being decorated, putting these things inside will make it feel like home.”

She turned to face Xu Jing, her lips curving into a slight smile. “Sister, you should wish me a happy trip.”

“Are you really going to…”

“I really am.”

Xu Chengjin cut Xu Jing off before she could finish. She looked at her sister earnestly. “Not only do I truly love her, but I also want to marry her.”

“I used to think marriage was terrifying, but after meeting Si Yu, that thought changed. I want to take this chance.”

Xu Chengjin finished packing her things. Clutching her backpack, she prepared to head out. As she brushed past Xu Jing at the bedroom door, her arm was grabbed. Xu Chengjin didn’t turn around or make a sound. The two remained in a deadlock until, finally, Xu Jing loosened her grip…

“I’m off, see you later!”

After saying those words, Xu Chengjin never looked back, leaving Xu Jing standing there for a long time, unmoving.

It seemed… there was no longer any way to go back to the past.

Xu Chengjin and Si Yu traveled north this time. Because the weather was excessively cold, they both wore many layers—especially Xu Chengjin, who was wrapped up like a ball by Si Yu every time they went out.

However, they had a wonderful time and bought many things to bring back with them.

“It’s almost New Year’s Eve.”

The heating in the room was turned up high. Xu Chengjin lay on a soft lounge chair facing the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, falling snow covered the earth; the boundless white did not seem lonely, as the lights of ten thousand homes flickered to life at that moment.

Si Yu was boiling dumplings. She turned off the stove and brought out two bowls. “Xiaojin, come and eat.”

“Okay.”

Xu Chengjin stood up and carried her bowl to the table. After setting the bowls down, both of them immediately pinched their ears to cool their fingers from the heat. Xu Chengjin looked at Si Yu and couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think there will be fireworks tonight?”

“There should—”

Bang…

Before Si Yu could finish her sentence, the sound of fireworks echoed from outside. Brilliant fireworks blossomed in the sky, painting the clouds with vibrant colors.

The two leaned against each other. The hot steam from the dumplings rose into the air, quickly dissipating under the light. Xu Chengjin and Si Yu looked at each other, seeing a deep, soul-stirring love in each other’s eyes.

“It’s almost the New Year.”

Xu Chengjin rested her head on Si Yu’s shoulder. Their fingers were intertwined, and their two rings constantly brushed and clinked against one another.

“Si Yu.”

Xu Chengjin turned her gaze toward Si Yu, meeting her eyes perfectly. Her breathing was steady, but her heart was racing at that moment. She said, “Happy New Year.”

As soon as twelve o’clock passed, the clamor outside did not cease. It was the sound of longing and joy for the future, sounding like a blessing gifted to them.

Si Yu slowly lowered her head and kissed the person she had loved for five years. Amidst the lingering kiss, she whispered softly, “Happy New Year.”

“—I love you.”

It was already impossible to tell who was the one professing love, but someone was always expressing it.

The heavy snow fluttered down, as if their story was still being written. Even after many years, it remained scalding and passionate.