Why is the system taking my request to photograph a cosplayer seriously?

Chapter 257 A Lively New Year

On Lunar New Year's Eve, the sky over Changsha was overcast, unusually free of rain or snow, though the wind was blowing fiercely.

Ding Heng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of the duplex apartment, a dark face on his phone screen.

"Alright, that's enough, the signal's bad. Please wish your grandparents a Happy New Year for me."

Ding Wenjie hung up the phone hastily.

He's still the same as always, not going home on New Year's Eve, but hiding in a remote mountain village in southwestern China, belonging to a minority group.

"Ding Heng, is Uncle not coming back again?"

After hanging up the phone, Wenjing peeked out from the kitchen and sent out a question.

You'll get used to it.

Ding Heng put his phone in his pocket and asked, "Are you ready? It's time to go to Grandma's."

Wenjing hadn't even had time to take off her apron, and her hands were still covered in flour: "Okay, okay, Grandma just called to urge us, saying the dumpling filling is all ready and she's just waiting for us to come and wrap them."

"Then go change your clothes quickly."

"Um."

Wenjing responded and turned to walk towards the dressing room.

Footsteps echoed down the stairs, one after the other, as Hua Qing and Lin Man walked down the stairs.

"Sister Qing, don't be so tense, relax a bit."

"I didn't tense up."

Hua Qing wouldn't admit it, but she stood up straight, as if calmly going to her death.

"Isn't this what you call 'tight'?"

Lin Man laughed out loud: "It's just meeting an elder, not going to the execution ground."

"Ugh————"

Hua Qing didn't respond at all, but she couldn't hide her nervousness.

This was the first time she hadn't been with her parents on New Year's Eve, and it was also the first time she had met Ding Heng's maternal grandparents.

Ding Heng stepped forward and naturally took Hua Qing's hand.

"Let's go."

Hua Qing was pulled forward half a step by him before she regained her balance.

"What should I say when I meet your grandparents later?"

"Just tell the truth."

"Tell the truth?"

"What else?"

Ding Heng sighed, "The old couple are getting on in years; it's not good to lie to them. What if they hear something from someone else one day? That would be even more upsetting for them."

Hua Qing pursed her lips and remained silent.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Ding Heng reassured them, "My maternal grandparents are good people, and they're easily influenced. They certainly wouldn't make things difficult for you."

Lin Man came up from behind and smiled as she took Hua Qing's other arm: "Sister Qing, just think of it as a visit, a meal, a chat. Worrying too much will only make things awkward."

Hua Qing took a deep breath.

"Let's go."

The four people went downstairs and set off in two cars.

The car drove out of the residential area and merged into the traffic flow on New Year's Eve.

There were far fewer pedestrians on the street than usual, with only a few carrying large and small bags, hurrying along.

The car stopped at the entrance of an alley in an old street in the suburbs.

Ding Heng turned off the engine, opened the door, and got out of the car.

Wenjing followed behind him, carrying several gift bags.

Hua Qing was the last to get off the bus, and looked up at the brightly lit shop.

"Let's go."

Lin Man pulled Hua Qing inside.

As soon as everyone entered, they were greeted by a wave of heat.

Grandma was waiting early, a smile spreading across her face.

"Coming, coming! Come in quickly, it's cold outside."

She came forward, her gaze sweeping over everyone's faces, lingering longest on Wenjing, with the deepest smile on her lips.

"grandmother."

Wenjing called out obediently and handed over the gift bag in her hand.

"You're here, why did you bring anything?"

Grandma was polite, but she had already taken it and placed it on the counter.

Ding Heng stepped forward and naturally put his arm around his grandmother's shoulder: "Grandma, let me introduce you. Hua Qing, you've met her before, do you remember her?"

Hua Qing bowed slightly: "Grandma, Happy New Year."

"Okay, okay."

Grandma then turned to Lin Man: "Little Lin is here too?"

Lin Man greeted her with a smile, calling her "Grandma" much more naturally than the last time they met.

Grandma responded twice, her gaze shifting back and forth between Hua Qing and Lin Man, before finally turning her head to look at Ding Heng, her cloudy eyes revealing an indescribable expression.

"Come in and sit down. What are you standing outside for?"

She turned and walked inside, with Ding Heng following beside her.

Where is Grandpa?

"They're watching TV inside, not even offering to help out during the Lunar New Year."

Grandma kept rambling on and on as she pushed open the door to the inner room.

Grandpa was sitting on the sofa when he heard the noise and turned his head.

"You're here?"

His gaze swept over the girls as well.

"Sit down, everyone sit down, don't stand."

The elderly couple invited everyone to sit down.

The TV was showing Peking Opera; the gongs and drums were clanging, and the singing was melodious.

Grandpa stared at the TV screen, as if he were listening intently to a play, but his eyes kept glancing at Ding Heng out of the corner of his eye.

After sitting for a while, Grandma finally couldn't resist patting her husband first, and then beckoning to Ding Heng.

"Heng Yazi, come here for a moment."

Ding Heng stood up and followed his maternal grandparents into the inner room.

As soon as the curtain was drawn, Grandma's expression immediately fell.

"Heng Yazi, tell me the truth, what exactly happened to these girls?"

"Didn't I tell you? Lin Man is my secretary."

"Why is she coming here on New Year's Eve instead of spending it at home?"

"She can't leave work, so she'll spend the Lunar New Year with me, and I'll give her triple overtime pay!"

"Alright, alright—I'll leave the secretary for now, but what about Hua Qing?"

"Spend the New Year with me too."

"Want me to spend the New Year with you?"

Grandpa chimed in, "Who is she to you? Why should she spend the New Year with you?"

Ding Heng shrugged: "Didn't you two already guess? Why are you asking me?"

Grandma was stunned, and it took her several seconds to react.

"You—you—"

She raised her hand, as if to hit him.

Ding Heng did not dodge.

The slap landed on Ding Heng's shoulder, neither too hard nor too soft.

"You child, how could you—how could you—"

Grandma was so angry she couldn't speak.

Ding Heng reached out to help the old man up, softening his tone.

"Grandma, you've already hit her, so be polite when you go out later, and don't chase her away."

"you----"

"It's the Lunar New Year, and this young lady has come all this way to spend it with you. You can't just refuse her, can you?"

Grandma choked and glared fiercely at Ding Heng.

"What a terrible thing—what a terrible thing—"

But after all, he was his own grandson, so the old man had no choice but to lift the curtain and go out, sighing repeatedly.

Back in the living room.

The atmosphere began to become subtle.

Hua Qing sat up straight, her heart beating even faster than when she participated in the competition.

Lin Man remained calm and was slowly peeling oranges. She handed the peeled oranges to Hua Qing and then picked up another one to continue peeling.

Grandma hesitated for a moment, then finally pointed at Wenjing.

"Jingjing, come help me make dumplings."

"Why."

Wenjing obediently responded, stood up and followed her grandmother into the kitchen.

The curtain swayed, and rustling sounds came from the kitchen.

Grandma tied on her apron, took out the pre-seasoned minced meat from the refrigerator, and then brought out a bowl of rested dough.

Wenjing washed her hands and stood in front of the work surface to start kneading the dough.

Grandma, who was helping out from the side, suddenly spoke up.

"Quietly."

"Um?

""

"Tell your grandmother the truth."

37

Grandma tentatively asked, "What exactly is Heng Ya's relationship with those girls?"

Wenjing paused briefly, then continued rolling out the dough.

"grandmother----"

"Tell your grandma the truth, she won't blame you."

"Grandma, I—"

Wenjing began to dodge the question: "I'm quite happy with Ding Heng."

I wasn't asking if you're happy or not.

Grandma put down the rolling pin and bluntly asked, "What I'm asking is, how many girlfriends does he actually have?"

Wenjing bit her lower lip and remained silent.

Grandma looked at her with a complicated expression.

"Jingjing, you're a good child. Grandma liked you the first time she saw you; she thought you were diligent, sensible, and had a good temper—Ding Heng—how could he—"

The elderly person simply couldn't continue, and their mindset made it even harder to accept.

"grandmother."

Wenjing raised her head and met the old man's gaze: "I know you think I'm not worth it, that I'm foolish. But I really—"

I'm quite content. Ding Heng treats me better than anyone else. From childhood to adulthood, no one has ever treated me as well as he has.

Grandma was speechless.

"Grandma, please don't blame him."

Wenjing said softly, "It was my own choice, and Huaqing and the others were willing too."

The kitchen quieted down, and Grandma picked up the rolling pin again.

"Silly child, don't you think you're being taken advantage of?"

No, it won't.

Wenjing shook her head, her tone firm.

"Ding Heng won't let me suffer."

In the living room, Grandpa finally picked up his teacup and took a sip, as if it were none of his business.

-

Compared to the old lady, the old man was too lazy to worry about such trivial matters; his children and grandchildren had their own blessings to offer.

Moreover, ever since his grandson became successful, he's become much more confident when playing chess with other old men.

The kitchen door curtain was lifted, and Wenjing peeked out.

"It's almost time. Grandma wants you to go set off the New Year's firecrackers first."

"it is good."

Ding Heng stood up and picked up the firecrackers and lighter that he had prepared in advance.

Lin Man also stood up: "Boss, I'll go with you."

The two walked out the door one after the other.

A cold wind blew in, and Lin Man wrapped her coat tighter around herself and jogged a few steps to catch up with Ding Heng.

"Boss."

"Um?"

Is Grandma unhappy?

"A little."

Ding Heng took out a lighter from his pocket: "But it should be alright."

Lin Man didn't ask any more questions.

Firecrackers exploded in the open space, crackling and popping.

Once the dust had settled, Lin Man spoke again.

"Boss."

"Um?"

"Thanks."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for taking me home for the Chinese New Year."

Lin Man spoke with utmost seriousness.

Compared to last year when I was alone and huddled in a quiet apartment, this year's liveliness feels all the more precious.

Ding Heng turned around.

The streetlights came on just then, casting their light on Lin Man's face, her foxy eyes sparkling with a touch of warmth and tenderness.

"Don't talk nonsense. Let's go back and eat dumplings."

During the Lunar New Year, Ding Heng didn't want to be too sentimental.

The New Year's Eve dinner consisted of seven dishes and three soups, plus steaming dumplings, while the Spring Festival Gala was just starting on TV.

"Eat up, eat up, eat it while it's hot."

Grandma picked up her chopsticks to call everyone over, but she herself didn't touch them much.

Grandpa would occasionally have a couple of drinks with Ding Heng and chat about everyday things.

Grandma spent most of her time urging everyone to eat, occasionally saying a few words to Wenjing, but rarely speaking to Huaqing and Linman.

It wasn't that I was deliberately ignoring you, but rather that I didn't know what to say.

She had lived for over seventy years and seen many things, but this was the first time she had ever encountered something like this.

After dinner, Grandpa deliberately dragged Ding Heng to the backyard to check the inventory.

Wenjing took the initiative to clear the dishes, and Huaqing wanted to help, but was stopped by her grandmother.

"You sit down, Jingjing will handle it."

Hua Qing had no choice but to sit back down, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Lin Man immediately understood the situation and rolled up her sleeves: "Grandma, I'll help Wenjing tidy up."

Grandma glanced at her and nodded.

The two were busy in the kitchen, the water was running, and occasionally a few words of laughter could be heard.

Grandma sat down on the sofa, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and looked Hua Qing up and down.

"Xiao Qing".

"Um?"

Hua Qing raised her head and met the old man's gaze.

"You study in the capital?"

"Yes, Beijing Dance Academy, graduate student."

"Dancing?"

"right."

"Beautiful—so beautiful—you dance so well, you dance so well—girls have such great poise when they dance."

Grandma let out an unconscious murmur of sighs, unable to think of any other words for the moment.

Wenjing was the perfect granddaughter-in-law she had always dreamed of—beautiful, gentle, and with a good figure for bearing children.

But Hua Qing's aloof and ethereal aura made her grandmother feel that she was unapproachable.

But now, this angelic girl is becoming a concubine for her grandson—

Hua Qing didn't know what to say in response, so she could only nod with an awkward laugh.

Grandma seemed to have made up her mind.

"Xiao Qing, how long have you and Heng Yazi been together?"

"More than a year."

"More than a year —"

Grandma repeated herself and asked again, "So—you don't mind?"

Hua Qing lowered her head and gazed quietly at the tea leaves floating in the teacup.

"I did mind."

She said softly, "I stopped caring about it later."

97

Why?

"I'm used to it, and besides—he's good to me."

Her answer was almost identical to Wenjing's.

The living room fell silent.

The Spring Festival Gala on TV was still going on, and a skit was reaching its climax, with the audience laughing in waves.

"Never mind, never mind—"

Grandma stood up and went into the inner room.

Half an hour later, she came out of the room with three red envelopes in her hand.

"Come on, it's Chinese New Year, Grandma will give you lucky money."

She walked up to Wenjing first and stuffed the red envelope into her hand.

Wenjing quickly declined, "Grandma, I don't need it—"

"Take it."

Grandma's tone left no room for negotiation: "You all come and spend the New Year with this old woman; it will make her happy."

Wenjing had no choice but to accept it, and whispered, "Thank you, Grandma."

Grandma walked up to Hua Qing and handed her the red envelope.

Hua Qing looked up and met the old man's gaze.

"Take it."

Grandma's tone was softer than before: "Don't be so polite with Grandma."

After hesitating for a long time, Hua Qing accepted the red envelope with both hands and respectfully.

"Thank you, Grandma."

Grandma nodded and walked up to Lin Man.

Lin Man accepted it generously, smiling broadly, and said, "Thank you, Grandma. I wish you a Happy New Year, good health, and all the best."

"Alright, alright, stop being so sweet."

Grandma finally smiled again. During the Lunar New Year, the elderly always want to hear a few auspicious words.

As the clock struck midnight, a cacophony of firecrackers erupted outside the window.

Ding Heng led several girls out the door to a vacant lot in the suburbs to set off fireworks.

Grandma stood at the door watching them leave, and sighed softly.

Grandpa walked up behind her at some point and patted her on the shoulder.

"Old woman, children and grandchildren have their own blessings, don't think too much about it."

"I hope so —"

With most of her body buried, the old lady was overwhelmed by the unexpected surprise from her grandson.

"Old man, what if our girl were still alive and saw her son surrounded by a bunch of women—"

"They're probably overjoyed."

"It can't be that bad."

"You don't know how heartless your daughter is."

"————"

The old lady sniffed, her eyes reddening.

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