I Deserve A Second Chance - Chapter 264

Hustle and bustle of families and children were around them. It was still bright and early, but everyone was either singing, dancing or lighting up the fireworks to participate in the festivities.

The young and the elderlies were looking bright and cheerful as they spent their days hanging out with their loved ones. Lunar New Year songs were played in every household as the doors to everybody’s houses were opened to welcome friends and families who wanted to visit. Hampers of snacks and herbal drinks were exchanged with one another.

This was the third New Year celebration that Shao Yan had had ever since she was back in Shanghai. When she just got back from New York, Qi Ling brought her to spend the New Year week with her family back in her hometown.

The second year, the two women spent their days together while staying put in Shanghai because Qi Ling was sick. They ended up binging a lot of South Korean drama series while staying cooped at home.

But this year was different.

Shao Yan had never had so many meals during her whole life.

Starting from yesterday which was the New Year’s meal; also known as a Reunion meal.

The first meal she had was with Li Xiqing and his family. Axel managed to get a flight out of Singapore and joined them at lunch time. The six of them crowded the small dining table at his parents’ apartment, but no one voiced any complaints over the packed space. Every heart was warm and joyful; three hours passed just like that – in a blink of an eye.

The second Reunion meal was with her Grandma and Risa. Shao Yan and Li Xqing went to Grandma Wu’s house and spent another three hours there.

All they did was eat; and more eating. Luckily, both Mother Li and Grandma Wu preferred to cook more vegetables dishes. Shao Yan felt a little less guilty for eating a lot more than usual.

———-

When the New Year’s day arrived; Li Xiqing was the first one to wake up.

“Yan Yan,” he shook her gently, “Wake up, we need to get ready.”

“Nngh,” She stirred lightly recognizing the bright sun that was seeping through the curtains; but she refused to open her eyes.

“What time did you come back last night?” Shao Yan asked him drowsily.

When they had just reached their apartment after dinner with Grandma Wu and Risa, Axel, who had just got back from Singapore, called him over for a late night drink.

“Hm..” Li Xiqing paused as he tried to remember the time, “Maybe around two?” His fingers swiped the soft fringe in her forehead, “I only had two glasses of Whiskey; we just spent the rest of the time talking about his business deal and also what to do next with Kanagawa Industries.”

“Hmm..” She paused while her eyes were still closed and then she snuggled closer to his warm embrace. Li Xiqing let out a soft chuckle while looking at her sleepy face. He leaned down closer and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Wake up now, my sleepy princess, or we will be late for the lunch reservation.”

When she remembered that they still had to do a lot of traditional stuff before going to the restaurant; her eyes snapped open immediately and she blinked furiously to gather her consciousness.

Shao Yan groaned as she buried her face into the pillow. She felt so sleepy and wished she could sleep more. But she knew herself better; her sense of responsibility would not let her to even slack today.

———-

As the youngest in the family, Shao Yan and Li Xiqing had to be the one doing all the visits to their families.

When Shao Yan was getting ready, Li Xiqing was in the kitchen boiling some hot water to make some tea. The first thing to do on Lunar New Year day was the tea ceremony. The young in the family would offer a cup of tea as a sign of respect to the elder ones.

Li Xiqing carefully prepared enough tea for everyone; he selected the premium Pu Erh tea and added a little sugar for a hint of sweetness. When the tea was ready, Li Xiqing carefully capped the ceramic tea container and put them aside. They would bring this to his parent’s house soon.

He was about to walk back to the bedroom to check on Shao Yan when he heard her steps coming out of the bedroom. Li Xiqing walked out of the kitchen and he was immediately frozen in his steps.

Elegant steps in bright red stilettos shoes were coming towards him. The red crystal beads on her shoes were shining on her every step. The woman’s long hair was twisted into a simple ponytail that she tied with a black velvet scrunchie.

She was wrapped in a long red Qipao dress with short sleeves. The A line dress fell just right above her ankle.

The red dress was so bright, the tiny crystal beads sewn all over the silk material were glittering like stars.

At the front of the dress, a magnificent peacock was embroidered with gold threads onto the silk material along her torso. Eighteen beautiful feathers were spread proudly on the dress. And every time she moved, it was as if the legendary bird was strutting along with her.

His eyes swept along her body; going from her tiny feet, to her slim waist and finally his eyes were fixated at her stunning neckline. The mandarin collar around the neckline was giving a demure accent to her face. Three holes, each in the shape of a single teardrop, were decorating the neck area; giving the dress a heightened attractiveness.

Shao Yan had put on a simple make up on her face. Her ivory skin matched the red dress so well, she only added a touch of mascara and soft pink blush on her cheeks. She put a finishing touch of a tinted lip balm instead of red lipsticks, making her supple lips look more alluring than before.

When he met her eyes, Li Xiqing lost all of his words.

The beauty of the woman in front of him was really out of this world. He felt as if he had encountered a fox spirit that was sent down to the human world to seduce the innocent mankind such as himself.

———-

Seeing him looking like a little lost lamb, Shao Yan slowly let out a small smile.

“Xiqing,” Her soft voice rang melodiously in the empty living room, “Why are you looking at me that way?”

She brought her head down and started to look all over her dress, “Is something wrong?” She asked.

Hearing her question, Li Xiqing was snapped back into the reality, “Uh, no… not at all.”

His voice was so hoarse and deep. He quickly cleared his throat and continued, “You look … really amazing, Yan Yan.”

He walked closer and gently took both of her hands and held them, “Red is really your color. You look stunning.”