As the year drew to a close, everyone on the streets seemed to be in a hurry.
Fang Lele got into the car that had come to pick him up and blew on his fingers, red from the cold.
"Young master, Mr. Ji has an honored guest to entertain over the next few days. He asked you to get some proper rest at home."
The driver's words made Fang Lele pause. Once a habit had sunk into his bones, it was hard to change.
For the past two years, Ji Fengyao had brought him along, rain or shine, patiently teaching and guiding him. Whether he was working or attending social engagements, he had never left him behind.
Everything at Sui Garden was as usual. After dinner, Fang Lele had a video call with his mother. When he mentioned that he might not be able to come home for the New Year again, he lowered his head guiltily.
Holding her phone, Aunt Fang immediately raised her brows. "Come home for what? Winter break is short enough as it is. Studying hard is how you make your dad and me proud!"
"But you'll be all alone..." Fang Lele said in a muffled voice.
The Spring Festival was a holiday that symbolized reunion.
Just imagining his mother making dumplings all alone and eating a New Year's Eve dinner that tasted of nothing made his heart twist painfully.
"Who says I'll be alone?"
On the other side of the screen, Aunt Fang gave a dismissive huff and said animatedly, "There are several families in our village whose kids aren't coming home. We've agreed to celebrate the New Year together!"
"Today I went to your Aunt Chen's to fry dough twists, and tomorrow I'm going to Aunt Zhang's to steam vermicelli balls. I'm busy every