Chapter 557: One Hundred Days Anniversary

After dinner, the TV kept playing a program, with no one paying attention.

Outside the living-room window, the night had completely fallen; faint sporadic firecracker sounds came from afar, probably someone celebrating early.

The people inside seemed not to notice, their chatter and laughter blending together.

Mu Youyu silently counted down in her heart.

When she reached the last count, she turned her head, smiling brightly at the person beside her, "Happy New Year."

Their ten fingers laced together, eyes meeting, Jiang Liangjin whispered along with her, his gaze scorching, "Happy New Year."

Year after year, seeing off the old and welcoming the new.

In the new year, she remained by his side, and this time he had gained an honorable status.

The next day after the gathering dispersed, others gradually returned to their own lives.

Mu Youyu spent most of her time in Lin Tingsong's studio, finishing ahead of schedule the several pieces she needed to submit for the term.

Thinking that once winter break came, she could finally have fun.

On Jiang Liangjin's side, after his third uncle finished the New Year's Eve and fled to M Guo, he returned to the routine of shuttling between company and school, occasionally being dragged by Jiang Su to attend unavoidable business banquets.

But before going, he first picked up Mu Youyu, and they attended together.

Mu Xi accepted an invitation to a New Year concert, to perform at A City at year‑end, and began practicing piano half a month in advance.

Mu Nian and Mu Xin remained busy as usual.

Song Lujing entered winter training, leaving early and returning late each day, often staying overnight at the training base, so Mu Youyu could hardly see him at home for several days in a row.

The other brothers also had their own arrangements, hurrying about.

On January 10, Mu Youyu and Jiang Liangjin had been together for 100 days.

They discussed how to celebrate the anniversary.

Mu Youyu tossed and turned the night before, unable to sleep well, and when she woke in the morning there was still a faint bluish tint under her eyes.

Seeing this, Jiang Liangjin both laughed and felt sorry, ruffling the top of her head and saying she should go to bed early tonight.

She agreed verbally, but her mind had already begun to work out the details of the afternoon gathering.

Not many people, but all were those she wanted to see; just thinking that made her feel today was a good day.

The venue was chosen by Jiang Liangjin—a private restaurant in the suburbs, with the whole small building rented out.

In October this year they had happened to come here once; Mu Youyu casually remarked that the setting was lovely and the food suited her taste, and he remembered it.

Later she herself forgot about it, until yesterday when he sent her the location, she recalled having said that.

At 4:30 p. m., Mu Youyu changed into her outfit and went downstairs.

Jiang Liangjin was already waiting in the living room, his outfit perfectly matching hers, a fresh bouquet placed before him as he carefully arranged it with downcast eyes.

Hearing footsteps, he lifted his head, offered the bouquet, and naturally reached out his hand, "Ah Yu, let's go."

When they arrived, the little lights in the courtyard were already on, warm yellow glow spilling from under the eaves onto the stone tiles, casting mottled shadows.

Yu Ci and Gu Xingnan were the first to arrive; Yu Ci sat in the courtyard eating off‑season fruit, saw them enter, wiped his hands and stood up, "You finally came—I'm almost starving."

Gu Xingnan looked up at the words, "Yes, he started urging me to leave at three."

Yu Ci glared at him, "I'm not just worried about traffic—if we get stuck on the road today, Saturday, and miss dinner, you'll be responsible."

Mu Youyu said gently, "Thank you for your effort."

Jiang Liangjin replied lightly, "Thank you."

"With those words from you, it's not hard at all."

Leng Yueyou and Mo Song entered shoulder to shoulder; the latter headed straight for Mu Youyu as soon as she came in, eyes sparkling, "Sister Yu! Long time no see!"

Mu Youyu smiled and called out, "Song Song."

Leng Yueyou's gaze fell on their matching outfits, and she laughed, complimenting, "Long time no see, you two look too perfectly matched."

"Youyou looks especially pretty today."

Jiang Liangjin lifted his eyes, "Thank you."

Bai Yun and Xia Chao‑yi paused at the doorway before entering.

Bai Yun had changed into a new coat, her hair restyled, and she carried a white bag.

Upon entering, she first scanned the surroundings, confirmed the decor was quite romantic and photo‑worthy, nodded satisfied, then turned her gaze to her close friends, "Little Yu, congratulations on your 100 days!"

Xia Chao‑yi followed behind her, holding a box of snacks, "This is something Xiao Yun specially bought."

Bai Yun lifted her chin, "Wishing you lasting happiness."

"And may Xiao Yun grow ever more beautiful." Mu Youyu stepped forward and guided the two to sit down.

Leng Anzhi was the last to arrive, still holding a big bunch of flowers; once seated she said with a hint of regret, "I've noticed we F4 hardly get together lately, and Ran Ran isn't here either."

If she were here, the six of them would surely meet often.

"Anzhi." Mu Youyu smiled, "Haven't you been busy whenever I try to meet you lately?"

"My fault, my fault." Leng Anzhi merely blinked.

Mu Youyu said nothing more, looking at the people in the room, her heart warm.

Now those four are in university, while the others remain in Lan Lin; though they're in the same city, it's rare for them all to gather like this.

Dishes and cake were served one after another; Yu Ci started eating as soon as he sat down, but Gu Xingnan lightly tapped the back of his hand, prompting him to slow down.

The table buzzed with lively chatter, the dishes exquisite; Bai Yun moved the cake in front of Mu Youyu and Jiang Liangjin, "Come on, let my camera eat first!"

The two main characters smiled at each other, naturally drew closer, constantly posing; Bai Yun eagerly took out her backpack camera and began clicking away.

After the camera had its fill, the others finally picked up their chopsticks; Mu Youyu began cutting the cake, giving herself the first piece.

Bai Yun sat beside Xia Chao‑yi, ate a piece of osmanthus cake, and suddenly a flash of inspiration struck.

"Little Yu, I just recalled that last year I came to wish you a perfect score on the college entrance exam—it was just a joke, but I never expected it to come true; last year I had to pretend for a long time!"

Mu Youyu gripped Jiang Liangjin's hand and laughed lightly, "Mainly because last year's exam questions were even easier than Nan Feng's usual mock papers."

Leng Yueyou interjected from the side: "If you keep spouting nonsense, Xiao Yu will become a millionaire this year."

Bai Yun spread her hands, "She's already a millionaire."

Xia Chao Yi puzzled, "Can't you say I'll get full marks on the college entrance exam next year? I also want to get full marks."

Bai Yun gave him a merciless glance, "You? You wouldn't even dare dream of that."

Laughter on the table blended into one.

Xia Chao Yi: "……"

Mo Song sat beside Mu Youyu, occasionally glancing sideways, then quickly looking away.

She was poked on the arm by Leng Yueyou, "What are you looking at?"

Mo Song lowered his voice, his tone brimming with uncontainable excitement, "I'm looking at their rings."

Leng Yueyou glanced at their hands, then withdrew her gaze, "Couple style, indeed pretty; I heard it was designed by Young Master Jiang himself."

"Right, right, they look especially pleasing together, a perfect match."

"Exactly." Leng Yueyou echoed.

Leng Anzhi had the bouquet she brought placed before her, head down playing with the petals, only smiling without speaking.