Before Xue Rui arrived, the room was filled with laughter and joy. But when he appeared at the door, an eerie silence fell over the gathering.
*Has the sun risen from the west today? Why is this lord gracing us with his presence?*
Only Lady Xue, seated to the side, smiled so warmly that fine crow’s feet appeared at the corners of her eyes.
*How wonderful. My Rui’er has grown up—he actually came to join the New Year’s Eve gathering.*
Old Lady Xue quickly regained her composure and gestured with a smile, “Since the year is coming to an end, let’s dispense with formalities on this last day. Come, Rui’er, take a seat. It’s been a while since I last saw you.”
With Yao Zuizui’s help, Xue Rui settled into the carved lacquer chair, still slouching lazily, his entire demeanor bordering on the absurd.
Old Lady Xue, in her old age, had grown less concerned with rigid propriety. She gazed at Xue Rui with a benevolent smile, studying him from head to toe.
Lady Xue, for her part, wouldn’t dream of reprimanding him. His mere presence was cause for celebration—so much so that she might even visit the temple in the coming days to offer thanks. Why would she bother him with trivial rules?
Only the second wife of the Xue family’s second branch suddenly pulled out a handkerchief and began dabbing at her eyes.
Yao Zuizui stood behind Xue Rui, her eyes downcast, feigning indifference. None of this concerned her.
Hearing faint sobs, Old Lady Xue frowned and shot a disdainful glance toward the source. “Tonight is New Year’s Eve. If you must cry, do so in your own room. Don’t spoil the festive mood for everyone else—how inauspicious!”
The second wife wasn’t truly weeping. At Old Lady Xue’s reproach, she immediately stifled her tears and whimpered softly, “Old Lady, I… I was just heartbroken to see Rui’er in such a state. You always say he’s handsome and perfectly healthy, so why must he sit in that wretched wheelchair? It pains me to see him like this…”
Both Old Lady Xue and Lady Xue frowned simultaneously, thoroughly exasperated by the second wife’s constant attempts to use Xue Rui as a pretext for drama.
Xue Rui, however, couldn’t have cared less. His mind was untroubled, utterly indifferent to others’ opinions.
*As long as I’m comfortable and unburdened, that’s all that matters.*
Old Lady Xue shot the second wife a withering look. “Rui’er is merely a bit lazy. Once he marries in the spring, he’ll naturally mature. The fact that he came tonight to observe the New Year’s Eve customs shows his filial piety. Must you say such things to chill my heart?”
Xue Er, the second branch’s master, quickly stepped in to mediate. “Yes, Old Lady is absolutely right. My wife has caught a chill and isn’t thinking clearly. She spoke nonsense, and I’ll discipline her properly when we return.”
The second wife shot Xue Er a resentful glance, her delicate beauty instantly reducing him to a besotted fool.
Yao Zuizui watched the exchange like a comedy act, thoroughly amused. As for Xue Rui, he was nearly asleep…
Seeing that the hour was growing late, Old Lady Xue called for the maids to bring out the red envelopes she had prepared in advance.
Inside were the New Year’s Eve money—small ingots of gold and silver, heavy and substantial.
Yao Zuizui took them on Xue Rui’s behalf and tucked them into the pouch on his wheelchair.
Xue Rui didn’t even bat an eyelid. Such material wealth held no interest for him.
Surveying the noisy, crowded room, Xue Rui regretted coming tonight.
*At this hour, I should have already eaten, bathed, had a massage, and be lying in bed with soft bedding beneath me—nothing could be more comfortable.*
The New Year’s Eve feast was served, with men and women seated separately at two tables each.
Xue Rui sat upright at the table, but his hands rested idly on his lap, showing no intention of lifting them to eat.
The table was laden with delicacies: Tusu wine, Hehuan soup, auspicious fruits, and Ruyi cakes—all traditional New Year’s treats.
Old Lady Xue presided at the head of the table, with the rest arranged in order of seniority.
Accustomed to seeing Xue Rui being fed by maids, no one batted an eye.
Only Xue Qi couldn’t resist teasing, “Brother Rui truly lives a charmed life.”
Xue Rui ignored him, focusing solely on the food Yao Zuizui brought to his lips.
*This girl is remarkably considerate.*
Amid the feast’s many dishes, every morsel she selected was something he enjoyed—without him having to say a word.
*Today’s trip wasn’t wasted on her account.*
Having traversed so many realms together, how could Yao Zuizui not know Suhei’s preferences? Most of his words and actions were things she could anticipate with a single glance.
This was precisely why she had so quickly become Xue Rui’s most valued maid.
After the feast, Old Lady Xue ordered the tables cleared, and the family gathered in the courtyard to watch the fireworks and performances.
Since they would return to this room afterward for the New Year’s Eve vigil—a journey of roughly fifteen minutes—Yao Zuizui assumed Xue Rui wouldn’t want to go.
She leaned down and whispered, “Where would Young Master prefer to rest?”
Xue Rui looked up at her in surprise. “Aren’t we watching the fireworks?”
Yao Zuizui instantly understood, her bright eyes sparkling with joy. “Young Master wants to see the fireworks?”
“Whatever.” Xue Rui resumed his usual detached demeanor.
Suppressing a smile, Yao Zuizui pushed him out the door.
Night had fallen, and the wind outside had grown stronger.
Yao Zuizui tightened her collar and continued pushing Xue Rui.
Seated in his wheelchair, Xue Rui complained lazily, “This hand warmer is too heavy. You carry it for me.”
He couldn’t be bothered to hold it himself.
“Young Master, you should keep it. Be careful not to catch a chill,” Yao Zuizui urged softly. Given his lack of sunlight and exercise, his immunity was surely weak.
Xue Rui frowned. “No. You take it.”
“…” Knowing she couldn’t win, Yao Zuizui reluctantly accepted it.
*He’s bundled up thickly anyway. He should be fine.*
The hand warmer pressed against her chest, its heat radiating in waves, combating the biting wind and bringing her unexpected comfort—at least she no longer felt the cold’s sharp sting.
When they reached the courtyard, maids and elderly servants already lined the periphery, eager for the spectacle.
Upon seeing Xue Rui, they naturally bowed and greeted him.
Xue Rui couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge any of them. Even nodding seemed too much effort. He simply closed his eyes and let Yao Zuizui push him forward.
Old Lady Xue had ordered a platform erected, lined with carved lacquer chairs draped in gray squirrel fur covers and equipped with large bronze foot warmers—identical to the furnishings indoors.
After settling Xue Rui in place, Yao Zuizui turned her eager gaze toward the distance.
Not far from the courtyard wall stood rows of fireworks and performance props purchased by the Xue family from Linxiang, a region famed for such novelties. Even the imperial court sourced its annual fireworks from there.
Truthfully, Yao Zuizui wasn’t particularly enthralled by fireworks. As an immortal who had witnessed countless wonders across realms, what spectacle could possibly impress her?
But she knew Xue Rui had brought her here specifically for this. She couldn’t disregard his effort.
*If he treats me well, I mustn’t reject his kindness.*
Though Suhei had killed her mother, Xue Rui knew nothing of this. She couldn’t project her pain onto him.
Yao Zuizui had always been this way—if someone treated her well, she either rejected them outright or reciprocated in kind.
Fireworks burst in the distance, illuminating the ink-black sky.
Dazzling yet fleeting, their breathtaking beauty left an indelible mark on the soul.
Yao Zuizui stared fixedly at the display, as if entranced, her lips slightly upturned, her expression frozen in awe.
Xue Rui, ever lethargic, found even this magnificent spectacle uninteresting.
After a few seconds, his attention waned.
Then, struck by a thought, he mustered the energy to turn his head and look at Yao Zuizui behind him.
The little maid gripped the back of his chair, her fingers whitening from excitement.
Her delicate face, bright eyes, and radiant smile were alight with the fireworks’ reflection—dazzling, resplendent, almost blinding.
*So this is what makes fireworks beautiful.*
*When they’re reflected in her eyes.*
Xue Rui turned back, squinting, an unconscious smile tugging at his lips.
Had it not been so exhausting to crane his neck, he might have gazed a little longer.
===
After the fireworks, having achieved his purpose, Xue Rui no longer felt obliged to humor Old Lady Xue.
In the courtyard, he yawned extravagantly, his face pale with exhaustion, as if on the verge of collapse.
Old Lady Xue and Lady Xue were so alarmed they nearly summoned a physician on New Year’s Eve.
Yao Zuizui swiftly intervened. “Old Lady, Madam, this lowly one dares to suggest that Young Master has never stayed up so late before. He is likely merely tired—nothing more serious.”
Xue Rui conveniently closed his eyes, his head drooping slightly, feigning drowsiness.
Old Lady Xue’s heart ached at the sight. She waved hurriedly. “Then let Rui’er return to rest. He’s still unmarried, after all—a child at heart who needs his sleep. It’s no trouble. Go on back.”
“Yes.” Yao Zuizui, inwardly delighted, pushed Xue Rui back to his courtyard.
*Today’s duties are done, and I don’t have to stay up for the vigil. Perfect.*
Moreover, she had gleaned Xue Rui’s intentions—even if he himself might not yet realize them.
As they walked, faint laughter and merriment drifted from various courtyards, the festive spirit permeating the entire estate.
Xue Rui’s mood lifted, especially when he recalled the fireworks—a sweet, tingling sensation blooming in his chest.
But Xue Rui couldn’t be bothered to dwell on such thoughts. Watching the moonlight glint off the smooth stones lining the path, he mused how they resembled Yao Zuizui’s forehead—clean, unblemished, soothing.
*Why am I thinking of Huahua again?* He dismissed the thought, too lazy to ponder it.
Closing his eyes, he let Yao Zuizui wheel him back to his quarters.
“Young Master, thank you for taking me to see the fireworks today!” Yao Zuizui faced him with a beaming smile as she returned the hand warmer to its stand.
“Mmm.” Xue Rui responded dismissively, unsure how to reply.
A direct answer felt beneath him, but elaborating was too much effort. Best to leave it.
*She did keep pestering me about fireworks. I only went to indulge her.*
Since she catered to his every whim so perfectly, granting her this small wish was no great sacrifice.
While helping Xue Rui into bed, Yao Zuizui noticed his hands were icy.
*He was freezing—yet he gave me the hand warmer.*
*He’s perpetually lazy—yet he fought sleep to watch fireworks with me.*
Her heart swirled with conflicting emotions.
*Why is Suhei so kind to me in every realm…*
*Yet he killed my mother…*
===
After New Year’s Eve came the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month—the occasion for the Xue family’s grand banquet.
Xue Rui had no intention of attending.
But Lady Xue, emboldened by his presence at the New Year’s Eve gathering, once again pressured Yao Zuizui to persuade him.
Left with no choice, Yao Zuizui resorted to her old tactics, whispering daily about the wonders of lantern displays into Xue Rui’s ear.
Fortunately, as his head maid—and one whose service consistently pleased him—Xue Rui tolerated her nagging.
Eventually, he agreed to attend the banquet and see the lanterns for himself.
===
On the evening of the fifteenth.
Old Lady Xue had tables set in the flower hall and hired a troupe to perform on a makeshift stage in the courtyard.
Throughout the estate, lanterns hung in abundance, creating a jubilant atmosphere.
Yao Zuizui wheeled Xue Rui to the flower hall, already packed with guests, resplendent in their finery, laughter filling the air.
Languidly, Xue Rui allowed her to help him onto a carved lacquer daybed, complete with backrest, pillows, and fur blankets—everything to his liking. He leaned back and promptly dozed off.
Yao Zuizui stood guard behind him but sensed intermittent glances directed their way.
After careful observation, she identified the source.
More precisely, the gaze lingered on Xue Rui—furtive, fleeting, almost imperceptible.
Following it, Yao Zuizui spotted a delicate beauty.
Her face was slender and petite, with willow-leaf eyebrows and almond eyes, every inch the noble young lady. She sat primly before a gilded tea table.
But when their eyes met, the girl’s gaze toward Yao Zuizui was unmistakably hostile.
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