As New Year''s Eve approached, M had initially nned to invite her great-aunt to celebrate at her Bamboo Grove vi. However, with her head injury still healing and feeling exhausted from the past few days, she couldn''t muster the energy to prepare for the asion.


    Instead, she decided to spend the night before New Year''s at her great-aunt''s house, ying the part of a carefree rtive enjoying the festivities.


    This year, it was just the two of them, M and her great-aunt Jade, from the Suthend family. The simplicity of their holiday ns made for a cozy and intimate celebration.


    On the day of New Year''s Eve, they awoke early. Together, they cheerfully hung festive decorations and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Then they settledfortably in the living room, watching TV, snacking on treats and fruit they had prepared ahead of time, and chatting about anything and everything.


    For dinner that night, they had avish feast prepared by a hotel chef who came to their home to cook. Despite the professional help, Jade, who hadn''t celebrated with family in quite some time, was in high spirits and decided to cook a couple of her signature dishes and join M in cooking together.


    Inside, the TV buzzed with the vibrant New Year''s g, while outside, fireworks lit up the sky.


    Theyughed and chatted through dinner, then settled in front of the TV, snacking and watching the New Year''s show to wee the new year. However, M seemed distracted, frequently ncing at her phone.


    Earlier, she had messaged Eugene to ask if he had eaten his New Year''s meal. Given the situation with his grandmother, Eugene likely wasn''t able to return to Montgomery Manor this year, and she suspected he was spending New Year''s alone. She had mentioned Eugene''s situation to her great-aunt Jade before the holiday, but Jade''s disdain for the Montgomery family was well-known, and M hadn''t dared to press further.


    Her phone buzzed with a reply. "Sis, I''ve eaten. Happy New Year~" Eugene''s message read.


    Although he imed to have eaten, he hadn''t sent her a photo like usual. Remembering his recent hospital visit due to poor eating habits, M couldn''t help


    but worry.


    "What''s up?" Jade noticed M''s restlessness and asked casually.


    "Nothing, just chatting with a friend," M replied, avoiding Eugene''s name to prevent upsetting her great-aunt.


    Jade nced at her but didn''t press further.


    As the New Year''s g wrapped up and the night grew deeper, Jade, feeling her age, decided not to stay up with M and prepared to head upstairs to bed.


    M helped her to her room. As she was about to turn off the lights and leave, Jade suddenly spoke up, "Tell that boy toe over tomorrow to celebrate."


    M was taken aback, a surge of joy flooding her heart.


    She rushed over to her great-aunt, nting a kiss on her cheek as she nestled into bed. "Thank you, Aunt Jade!"


    "Get off me!" Jade grumbled with feigned annoyance. "If it weren''t for you, no matter how pitiful he is, I wouldn''t agree!"


    Knowing her great-aunt''s heart was softer than her words, M couldn''t help but sweet-talk her. "You''re the best, Aunt Jade."


    ...


    M went downstairs and immediately messaged Eugene, telling him toe over the next day to celebrate.


    After sending the message, she continued to keep vigil on the first floor, weing the new year.


    Around midnight, the doorbell rang.


    Checking the video monitor left her stunned. Eugene stood outside, armsden with packages.


    He hade so early.


    Worried he might be cold, M quickly rushed out to bring him inside.


    Seeing her, Eugene''s eyes lit up, his already striking features glowing with delight. His grin was infectious.


    "Sis!"


    "Why are you here so early? What if I had already gone to bed and didn''t hear you? You could have frozen out there."


    Eugene chuckled, "I really wanted to spend New Year''s with you. Besides, I know you have a tradition of staying up to wee the new year."


    He always had a way with words.


    M helped him carry the heap of items inside, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "Why did you bring so much stuff? You''re still in school; you don''t need to be so responsible."


    Eugene scratched his head, smiling, "I thought it might make Aunt Jade happy, and besides, I''m neen now!"