Chapter 66.3

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This had He Cuizhen written all over it. Only her wildly unpredictable mother could turn Christmas into a full-fledged wedding night.

Shaking her head, she punched in the passcode and pushed open the door—only to be met with an unexpectedly warm and harmonious sight.

Jiang Shu was curled up next to Grandma, watching TV. In the kitchen, Chi Yin, He Cuizhen, and Chi Qilan bustled about, chatting and laughing as they prepared dinner together.

The moment the door clicked shut behind her, all three turned their heads in unison, their faces lighting up with smiles. And in perfect sync, they greeted her—

“Qiao Qiao/sister-in-law, Merry Christmas.”

For a brief moment, Qiao Ziman’s eyes stung, the warmth in the room threatening to overwhelm her. She took a slow breath, steadying herself before replying, “Merry Christmas.”

Chi Yin, noticing her lingering at the door, set down the spatula and walked toward her. “Was it cold outside?”

Qiao Ziman shook her head and pulled out the bouquet she had prepared, holding it out. “For you.”

Chi Yin took the flowers with a small smile but, without hesitation, set them down on the table. Instead, she turned back to Qiao Ziman, taking her hands in her own.

Qiao Ziman frowned. “You don’t like them?”

Chi Yin said nothing at first, simply wrapping Qiao Ziman’s cold fingers in her palms, rubbing them gently to warm them. Only after a moment did she murmur, “The flowers aren’t as important as you.”

“You—” Qiao Ziman scoffed, her face heating up. So annoying.

Such a smooth talker.

Yet, she couldn’t stop the smile from tugging at her lips.

“Sis-in-law! Sis-in-law!”

Jiang Shu suddenly ran up, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her toward the dining table. “Sis, go do your work! Sis-in-law is the main character tonight, she needs to rest properly!”

Qiao Ziman blinked. “What do you mean, ‘main character’?”

Silence.

Four sharp gazes snapped toward Jiang Shu in unison.

Jiang Shu froze, realizing her mistake, then stuck out her tongue and laughed awkwardly. “Aiya, you’ll find out soon enough,” she said, before spinning around and bolting from the room.

Qiao Ziman watched her disappear, eyes narrowing.

Something was up.

Before she could dwell on it further, the table was set, the rich aroma of home-cooked dishes filling the air. Qiao Ziman pulled out a bottle of red wine, pouring a glass for everyone—except Grandma and Jiang Shu.

Then, with a knowing smile, she raised her glass. “Ahem, let me say a few words first.”

The room fell silent.

“Today is the first holiday we’re all celebrating together, and first, I’d like to say something to Yin Yin—”

She turned, only to find the seat beside her empty. Frowning, she asked, “Where’s Yin Yin? She was just here.”

Before anyone could answer, Chi Yin appeared at the top of the stairs, carrying a large package. She had changed into a red Christmas dress, a pair of small reindeer antlers perched on her head. With every step, the antlers swayed slightly.

Adorable.

Qiao Ziman’s heart melted on the spot.

Chi Yin sat down and ruffled her hair. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Qiao Ziman grinned. “Because you’re cute.”

“Do you like it?”

She studied Chi Yin again, admiration unmistakable in her gaze. “I do.”

Chi Yin leaned in, her voice a teasing whisper. “You’ll like what comes next even more.”

Qiao Ziman blinked. “???”

Before she could react, Chi Yin smoothly changed the subject. “Weren’t you about to say something to me?”

Snapping back to attention, Qiao Ziman lifted her glass, meeting Chi Yin’s gaze. “There’s a card inside the bouquet I gave you. It has everything I want to say—you can read it later.” She paused, then added, voice steady, eyes soft, “But I’ll tell you the most important part now.

“I love you.”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh—give her a kiss, give her a kiss!” Jiang Shu and Grandma banged their chopsticks against the table, egging them on.

Qiao Ziman: “…”

This was embarrassing.

She cleared her throat. “Not appropriate for minors.”

Jiang Shu grinned. “No worries, no worries. You can save it and kiss all you want later.”

Qiao Ziman: “???”

“Jiang Shu!” The four adults at the table turned to glare at her in unison.

Jiang Shu shrank back, clamping a hand over her mouth. “Sorry.”

Qiao Ziman: “???”

In an attempt to escape, Jiang Shu quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, it’s my turn, Sis-in-law.”

Fine. Qiao Ziman took a sip of wine before raising her glass. “I wish you—”

“Sis-in-law, if you dare wish me ‘good grades and academic success,’ I’ll cut ties with you right now.”

Qiao Ziman: “…” Called out.

She rephrased. “Then I wish you to be as outstanding as your sister in the future.”

“…Ugh, another round of PDA, but I’ll allow it,” she muttered before downing her drink.

Qiao Ziman turned to the others. “Mom, I wish you wealth.”

He Cuizhen beamed with satisfaction.

“Auntie, I wish your company continued success.”

Chi Qilan clicked her tongue, shooting Qiao Ziman a sharp look. “You might as well wish me a daughter sooner.”

Qiao Ziman: “???”

The last toast was for Grandma. Everyone raised their glasses in unison.

“To Grandma’s happiness, every single day!”

“Merry Christmas!”

After a satisfying meal, Chi Yin set down her chopsticks and reached behind her, pulling out the large package she had brought earlier.

“Santa Claus is here with gifts!”

Qiao Ziman pinched her smooth, soft cheek and corrected, “Who’s calling you old? You’re clearly Santa’s little beauty.”

“Alright, alright, whatever you say,” Chi Yin said smoothly, playing along. “Santa’s little beauty is here to hand out presents!”

“Ugh.” Jiang Shu wrinkled her nose. “Sis, don’t you feel even a little embarrassed calling yourself that?”

Chi Yin arched a brow. “Not at all.”

Jiang Shu: “…”

Ignoring her, Chi Yin started handing out the gifts one by one.

First up was Jiang Shu. She tore open the wrapping to reveal the camera she had been longing for. Hugging it to her chest, she spun around in excitement. “Thank you, Sis! You’re the most beautiful!”

Next was He Cuizhen. Chi Yin handed her a handcrafted sandalwood mahjong set, made with exquisite detail.

Then came Chi Qilan’s turn. Her gift was a custom-designed haute couture dress.

Finally, Grandma. Chi Yin presented her with a pair of reading glasses—claiming, with a playful smile, that they would make it easier for her to enjoy all the gossip in the future.

With their gifts in hand, everyone happily headed outside to admire the snowy landscape, leaving the two of them alone with plenty of privacy.

Qiao Ziman glanced at the now-empty gift bag.

Wait… where’s mine?