On the twenty-fifth of the lunar month, Yu He gave each of her clinic employees six months' worth of year-end bonuses, commissions, and profit shares. They then had a year-end dinner together and were given early leave.
On the twenty-sixth, Qin Beiting finished his work and accompanied Yu He and their two children shopping.
It was the children's first Chinese New Year celebrated in China. Yu He abandoned her usual online shopping habits and specifically brought the children to a bustling mall to experience the festive atmosphere of the approaching New Year.
"Wow, so this is how festive Chinese New Year is!" Duoduo exclaimed happily, looking at the red lanterns and couplets hung everywhere in the mall.
Her mother had spoken about Chinese New Year before when they were in Country F, but she couldn't feel the festive spirit there.
Even Yueyue, who was usually very composed, was captivated by the joyous atmosphere and looked around with interest.
"Daddy, Mommy, this parent-child outfit is so beautiful. Can we buy this to wear as our New Year clothes?"
Duoduo had her eye on a set of modified Chinese-style bright red padded jackets worn by a mannequin in a shop window.
The parent-child set featured a design for a family of four, with a bright red base embroidered with golden peony patterns. It was exquisitely designed, not tacky at all, and particularly festive.
The sales assistant immediately approached them, saying, "You have excellent taste. This parent-child outfit is our pride and joy, a limited edition that just launched. If you like it, you can come in and try on sizes."
"Lu Cheng is experiencing summer, so we can't wear such thick clothes. We should buy some summer wear," Yu He reminded them.
"But I just like this one," Duoduo pouted.
"If you like it, we'll buy it. You can wear it back in Jingcheng," Qin Beiting said, taking Duoduo's hand and walking into the store.
He was also looking forward to seeing his family of four dressed in matching outfits.
"Yay, I love Daddy the most~" Duoduo cheered, skipping joyfully. Upon entering the store, she realized it was a parent-child brand store.
Besides the set in the window, there were many other beautiful clothes. After trying on the window set, Duoduo tried on several other styles.
Yueyue found it boring, but under Duoduo's fist-wielding threat, he cooperated and tried them on.
"Pack up everything we just tried on according to the sizes," Qin Beiting said, placing a black card with gold lettering on the counter while Yu He was helping the children change.
The sales assistant had initially felt that this family of four had an extraordinary aura. Although both adults were wearing black masks, they couldn't hide their striking good looks. They wondered what incredible looks lay beneath their masks to have produced such beautiful children.
Seeing the black card with gold lettering now, the sales assistant was even more startled. Such black cards were very rare, indicating an even more distinguished identity.
"Yes," they dared not slack off in the slightest.
When Yu He came out after helping Duoduo change, the sales assistant had already efficiently packed all the tried-on clothes. They respectfully asked Qin Beiting, "Sir, the clothes are all packed. Would you like to carry them, or shall we deliver them to your home?"
"Deliver it to our home," Qin Beiting replied, giving her an address.
Yu He saw a row of gift bags on the counter. "So many!"
Qin Beiting put his arm around her waist. "I think you look good in everything, so I had them all packed."
"But we don't need so many! Just pick one or two styles. Who wants to wear parent-child outfits with you every day!" Yu He chided playfully.
Qin Beiting: "I do."
"I do too," Duoduo chimed in. "And brother."
Yueyue: "I..."
"Brother, look what this is. Think before you speak," Duoduo whispered, raising her fist with a smile and threatening him.
Yueyue: "...I...think."
Yu He was amused and helpless, so she let them have their way.
After a day of shopping, Qin Beiting wished he could buy everything in the mall. Anything Yu He glanced at twice was packed up and sent back.
That evening, the yard was piled high with goods, and it took a whole day just to sort them.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, after breakfast, the family of four, pulling their suitcases, departed from home for the airport to meet everyone before heading to Lu Cheng.
The airport had a specially cleared runway for private jets. A modified Boeing 747 belonging to XS Group was waiting.
By the time the family of four arrived at the boarding gate, the Ye family was already there, touring the aircraft's facilities. They weren't new to flying, but this was their first time on a plane converted into an airborne hotel.
"Great-great-grandmother, Grandma, Grandpa, eldest uncle, youngest uncle, Happy New Year's Eve~" After greeting the elders, Duoduo followed them inside to explore the cabin.
"I have some ideas about that checkpoint and will be able to break through it soon. What's your progress?" Ye Zizheng asked Yueyue.
Yueyue was surprised by his speed. "Mine is coming along too. If nothing unexpected happens, I should break through today."
Ye Zizheng was also surprised by Yueyue's speed. "Not bad, but I'll break through before you!"
Yueyue: "That's not necessarily true."
So, losing interest in touring, they sat down in the office area and took out their laptops from their respective backpacks, starting to work.
This wasn't Yu He's first time on this plane. After settling her family and children, she saw a message from Ruan Tianxin on WeChat saying she had arrived. Yu He went out to meet her.
"Little Sprout, long time no see." Ruan Tianxin saw Yu He from afar and ran towards her, hugging her and kissing her cheeks several times before letting go.
They had already communicated via WeChat. Ruan Tianxin had been busy on set and only had time to come out and play today.
"Let me see my godson and goddaughter quickly," Ruan Tianxin said eagerly.
Yu He took the suitcase from her assistant, handed it to a flight attendant, and led her into the cabin, calling Yueyue and Duoduo over.
"Godmother," Yueyue and Duoduo said politely in unison.
"Oh, so cute! Come, let's take a picture, Godmother wants to post it on her Moments," Ruan Tianxin said, taking the children aside and taking many photos.
Seeing her taking pictures, Yu He remembered how Qin Beiting had taught her to take photos here. It had been five or six years in the blink of an eye.
A short while later, Shi Ban and Nan Ou also arrived.
"Boss! It's really you, sob sob, I thought I'd never see you again. I've missed you so much." Shi Ban rushed towards Yu He upon seeing her.
However, before he could get close, he was blocked by Qin Beiting, who suddenly stepped in front of Yu He. At the same time, Nan Ou grabbed Shi Ban by the back of his collar.
"Boss, it's not that I didn't look for you, but these two bad men stopped us from meeting," Shi Ban said aggrievedly.
Yu He was speechless. She patted Qin Beiting and whispered, "Why are you jealous of a gay guy?"
"I'm afraid you'll turn him straight," Qin Beiting replied.
Yu He found it both amusing and exasperating. "Stop fooling around!"
She emerged from behind Qin Beiting and asked Shi Ban, "How have things been these past few years?"
Shi Ban looked dejected. "Not good at all. You disappeared without a word for five years, you have no idea how sad I've been. I've been pining for you day and night, losing my appetite."
"You mean you're upset because the outstanding commissions from before haven't been settled and are now gone?" Yu He exposed him unceremoniously.
Shi Ban's act broke down in an instant. "Haha, you're speaking the brutal truth. Since you're back, settle the commission from last time that hasn't been paid."
Yu He: "..."