Miao Zhu was discharged from the hospital the next day.
Jiang Jingjing’s wound ached, especially piercing her heart in the dead of night, so she had to take sick leave, cursing the culprit several times a day in frustration.
Tao Anhe, who had brushed past death’s door, finally passed the critical period smoothly and was transferred to a regular ward for treatment. The attending doctor optimistically estimated she would need to stay in the hospital for two months. Miao Zhu and Jiang Jingjing, as friends who had shared hardships with Tao Anhe, promised to visit her often.
On the last day of December in previous years, the Sheng Family always went to the temple on the mountain to pray and welcome the new year. After Miao Zhu’s attack, Ni Xiaoying took the initiative to invite the Miao Family along this year to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, dispelling the bad luck.
Miao Ling gladly agreed. However, the Cloud City Symphony Orchestra had two performances on New Year’s Eve, with the New Year’s one not ending until midnight. Miao Ling was firm and ordered Miao Zhu to either withdraw entirely or only perform in the first show that night, so they could head into the mountains overnight without missing the first incense of the new year.
Miao Zhu withdrew from the orchestra’s New Year’s concert New Year’s show and only performed in the first one that night.
“I might not make it back in time to go to the temple with you.” A well-known home furnishing brand greatly admired Sheng Xingran’s style, especially the award-winning piece she had done in France, and wanted to discuss a collaboration. Through an intermediary, Sheng Xingran was out of Cloud City for those two days to attend the brand’s cultural salon.
Miao Zhu said, “You don’t need to rush back either. I’ll get to the temple close to dawn, and after burning incense, we’ll head back down soon.”
Sheng Xingran said with some regret, “New Year’s Eve… I wanted to ring it in with you.”
Miao Zhu suddenly realized this was Mu Shanyi’s first New Year’s Eve back in Cloud City, and Ni Xiaoying would almost certainly invite Mu Shanyi to the temple too.
After sharing locations that night at the university music festival, she hadn’t received any messages from Mu Shanyi for nearly half a month. Deliberately leaking clues to Sheng Xingran, being arranged to soak in the hot springs at Carp Moon Manor, the accident at the music festival… Miao Zhu’s recent days had been packed with events. Only now, after more than a month without seeing Mu Shanyi, did the withdrawal symptoms finally creep in late.
The grievances and disappointment had been diluted by time, but once the floodgates of longing opened, memories of Mu Shanyi’s respect and thoughtfulness flooded back vividly, making her yearning grow even stronger.
Sheng Xingran had been clingy lately, including that series of questions about the mint allergy at Carp Moon Manor, which was very out of character. Maybe she suspected something but lacked evidence. A countdown now hung over Miao Zhu’s head—every future meeting with Mu Shanyi could be their last as lovers.
She wanted to see Mu Shanyi, yet because she cherished it too much, she didn’t want that day to come too soon.
Were people all this contradictory?
Craving freedom yet dragging their feet, reluctant to face the impending farewell.
Knowing it was poison-laced wine to quench thirst, yet unable to resist a taste of sweetness for comfort.
Jiang Jingjing’s hand was still in recovery, so she paused work, but on New Year’s Eve, she wrapped herself in the uniform red scarf and loyally came to the theater to keep her colleagues company. During the intermission, she pulled Miao Zhu to video call Tao Anhe, wishing her health and all the best in the coming new year!
Tao Anhe’s good friend Wu Yueran had returned to the country immediately after the incident and was now at the hospital bedside. The video frame held four distinctive faces, but only Jiang Jingjing and the frail but highly expressive Tao Anhe chatted nonstop.
“Teacher Miao Zhu, I could say it a million times and never get tired—truly, thank you so much to your Sheng and especially Sheng’s older sister! Mercy Grace not only saved my life but took extra care of me! Once I’m recovered and discharged, I must thank you all properly, cough cough cough!”
Tao Anhe coughed as she got excited, and Wu Yueran handed her a straw cup. Jiang Jingjing, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, said, “You’re still in the hospital, but already thinking so far ahead—focus on recovering first!”
Miao Zhu smiled faintly, lowering her eyes to check the New Year’s message from Emma.
Emma wished her a happy new year and said she was simmering porridge.
[Emma: If I say I’m at Wen Jie’s house simmering seafood porridge for her right now, would you think I’m just rambling dreamily?]
[Emma: But it’s true.]
[Emma: [Voice message 46”]]
Miao Zhu held the phone to her ear to listen to the voice message.
Emma explained the whole story of why she was at Tang Yuwen’s house simmering porridge. Miao Zhu knew the backstory—Emma had owed Tang Yuwen favors more than once. So that evening, she sent Tang Yuwen a perfunctory New Year’s greeting. Tang Yuwen called back, and Emma noticed her voice was off—stuffy nose, hoarse throat—so she took the chance to show concern, asking if she’d seen a doctor and if she’d eaten dinner. Tang Yuwen said weakly it was just a cold and fever, no big deal; she’d get up soon to cook some porridge. Emma thought, how could she miss this golden opportunity to repay the favor!? Her seafood porridge had unanimous praise from everyone, including Tang Yuwen!
