Chapter 210: Giving Red Envelopes
Xu Fang eventually agreed, though she kept in mind that she would consult Xu Youyou before deciding whether to act on it.
At the front, Xu Youyou tilted her head slightly, glancing at Lu Jingyao. She noticed that the umbrella he held was carefully positioned over her head, shielding her completely from the falling snow. Whether she walked fast or slow, the umbrella remained steady, ensuring not a single snowflake landed on her. Meanwhile, Lu Jingyao himself was covered in wind and snow.
For a fleeting moment, she recalled a phrase she had read in her youth: Love is an umbrella tilted in your direction.
Lu Jingyao was not someone adept at dealing with women. At this moment, he simply said, “The road is slippery in the snow. Walk steadily.”
Xu Youyou responded softly with an “Mm.”
Seeing that she didn’t seem very talkative, Lu Jingyao felt a slight panic. His mind flashed to his assistant Liu’s frequent reminders—modern women disliked men who acted too much like a controlling father figure.
Was his tone just now too overbearing? Did he accidentally make Xu Youyou upset?
“I’m just concerned about you. I wasn’t trying to lecture you,” Lu Jingyao quickly clarified.
Xu Youyou turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of the flicker of panic in his eyes.
On impulse, she asked, “You seem to care a lot about my emotions?”
Lu Jingyao, who had grown more straightforward since confessing his feelings, replied directly, “I care about you, so of course, I care about your emotions.”
Xu Youyou was momentarily taken aback. Lu Jingyao, who always gave off the impression of a proud, dominant man, was suddenly so perceptive and considerate.
Because of her past life’s experiences, she had always been extremely cautious about relationships, afraid of investing everything only to be betrayed again.
Yet now, seeing someone as proud as Lu Jingyao willingly lowering himself for her, she felt an unexpected impulse.
No matter what he might become in the future, at least at this moment, his feelings were genuine.
Did she like Lu Jingyao?
She asked herself this question.
Being adored and cherished by such an exceptional man—how could she truly feel nothing?
She had been given a second chance at life. She should move forward boldly, enjoying everything to the fullest. She shouldn’t be held back by past wounds.
“Lu Jingyao, maybe we can give it a try,” Xu Youyou said.
The hand holding the umbrella suddenly tightened. Lu Jingyao turned to her, his eyes filled with uncontrollable joy.
“I don’t care if the snow messed with your head or if you just had a moment of confusion—now that I’ve heard it, it counts,” Lu Jingyao said quickly, his tone faster than it had ever been before.
Xu Youyou couldn’t help but laugh, tilting her chin up slightly. “I’m just giving you a chance. If you don’t perform well, I might look elsewhere.”
Lu Jingyao, always brimming with confidence, immediately replied, “I won’t let you have such thoughts.”
Compared to the quiet meal at Qing Yatou’s house, the New Year’s Eve dinner at the orphanage was lively and bustling.
The orphanage’s dining hall was quite large, and tonight, with everyone gathered, it was more lively than ever.
Before even stepping inside, Xu Youyou could hear the children’s laughter from a distance.
“Are they performing?” she asked.
Lu Jingyao shook his head. “The kids did prepare some performances, but they’re saving them for after dinner. They like you the most, so they wouldn’t start without you.”
A warmth spread through Xu Youyou’s heart. She had made a last-minute decision to visit Qing Yatou, yet everyone was so understanding.
“The snow is heavy outside. Hurry in! We’ve been waiting for you two,” Mother Lu called out cheerfully from afar.
Without hesitation, Lu Jingyao grabbed Xu Youyou’s hand and led her inside.
Mother Lu shot him a glare, as if scolding her own son for being too forward.
Meanwhile, Father Lu gave his son an approving nod and discreetly stopped his wife from intervening.
“You know what kind of person our son is. And Xiao Xu didn’t pull her hand away. Maybe they’ve already talked things through. You should start preparing to welcome a new daughter-in-law,” Father Lu said.
Mother Lu was stunned for a moment before breaking into a grin. Clapping her hands, she said, “Maybe they’ve even kissed behind our backs!”
Father Lu glanced at her mischievous smile and shook his head. Lowering his voice, he added, “I just hope they get married soon so I can have a grandchild.”
“What’s the rush? Our son may be older, but Xiao Xu is still young. If you dare pressure them and scare her away, I won’t let you off!” Mother Lu warned.
Father Lu quickly waved his hand. “Relax, I won’t push. But you should also remind your parents not to rush them either.”
Mother Lu thought of how eager her own parents were about Lu Jingyao’s marriage and wisely fell silent.
Inside the dining hall, as everyone gathered, Dean He beamed with joy.
This year was the best year yet. With the orphanage’s improved facilities, the children no longer lacked food or warm clothing. Compared to other children outside, their material conditions were no longer so different.
Understanding how excited the children were about the feast before them, Dean He kept her speech brief before announcing the start of the meal.
On the new, large television in the dining hall, the Spring Festival Gala was playing. Steam rose from the hot pots on the tables, and everyone ate heartily. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy.
Mother Lu, seated close to Xu Youyou, kept urging her, “I made this dish just for you, Youyou. You have to try it.”
Father Lu, pointing at another dish, added, “Jingyao said you like spicy food and strong flavors. Try my Sichuan boiled beef. See if it’s to your taste.”
Xu Youyou tried each dish one by one, smiling. “Uncle, Auntie, everything is delicious. Thank you for putting in so much effort.”
Food made with care and sincerity always had a unique taste. Xu Youyou couldn’t help but envy Lu Jingyao—he was truly blessed with such wonderful parents.
Meanwhile, Lu Jingyao, using a separate pair of serving chopsticks, kept adding food to Xu Youyou’s bowl.
She wasn’t picky, but her preferences were straightforward. Just from observing her a little, Lu Jingyao remembered exactly what she liked. The whole evening, he never once gave her something she didn’t enjoy.
Dean He noticed their interactions and understood that Xu Youyou had finally opened her heart. A smile spread across her face, nearly overflowing with joy.
Not long after dinner, the children eagerly took the stage to perform. Their acts were simple and childish, but everyone cheered enthusiastically. Laughter and applause filled the air, carrying joy far beyond the orphanage walls.
By nine o’clock, many of the younger children had started yawning.
The adults hadn’t intended for the kids to stay up all night, and seeing the time was right, Mother Lu had a large basket of red envelopes brought over.
“There’s enough for everyone! Take a red envelope, and may you have a smooth, healthy, and happy new year,” she said warmly.
