The Young Nobles of Wuling East of the Golden Market, Silver Saddle and White Horse Riding the Spring Breeze Chapter 103: The Grand Fireworks Festival (2)
The office was staffed by a few workers, all in high spirits, preparing to welcome the New Year. Seeing a handsome young man, they couldn’t help but become curious.
“Hello, this is the Park Management Office. How can I help you?” a middle-aged woman approached.
“Oh, it’s like this. The fireworks show just now was too short. I was wondering if there’s any way to make it last longer?”
The woman’s expression immediately soured.
“Tsk, the young man looks quite handsome, but how can you speak without thinking? Fireworks are expensive. A hundred shots cost over ten thousand yuan. We’re already showing them for free, and you still complain it’s too short?”
Fang Yu relaxed and waved his hand.
“Hmph, I thought it would cost hundreds of thousands. Bring me a few more; it’s not enough to watch. I’ll pay whatever it costs!”
A bespectacled middle-aged man stood up to size him up.
“Hey, young man, you’ve got quite the attitude. These fireworks aren’t cheap. Our park only bought about ten sets, planning to use them again over the New Year.”
Fang Yu grew impatient and pulled a bank card from his wallet.
“Alright, just tell me—how much per set?”
The middle-aged man thought for a moment, exchanged a glance with a few colleagues behind him, then said, “Young man, you can buy them if you want, but let me be clear: these fireworks cost ten thousand yuan each. Young people, be sure to spend within your means.”
“Fine, give me three then. Thirty thousand, right? Swipe the card!” He waved the card confidently.
The middle-aged woman’s eyes widened in surprise; she accepted the card with a bright smile.
“Tsk tsk, young people these days are incredible. You didn’t bring your girlfriend by any chance?” she teased, then hurried indoors to fetch a card machine.
“Wow, young man, you really have money. Buying on the spot, huh? Alright, the park will throw in a free blessing. Come on, tell us what you want to write; we’ll broadcast it repeatedly,” the middle-aged man said enthusiastically as he fetched paper and pen.
Fang Yu thought for a moment, took the pen, and quickly jotted down a few lines. At that moment, the middle-aged woman returned with his card.
“Here you go, young man, keep this receipt. We’ll reserve a good spot for you; just come by later.”
He nodded and put his wallet away.
“Alright, I’m off for now. Thanks in advance.”
The staff politely escorted him out of the office. When he returned to Xia Churan’s side, the young girl tugged at him, displeased.
“Fang Yu, where did you go? You’ve been gone so long!”
“Hahaha, just looked like he fell into the restroom,” Cheng Chen joked.
Fang Yu patted the girl’s head.
“I went to buy something good. Come on, let’s find a nice spot.” Without waiting for her response, he pulled her along.
“Hey, where are we going?” Xia Churan was puzzled as she was tugged along.
“You’ll see once we get there.” He led her and the others to a viewing platform specially prepared by the staff—normally off-limits to visitors.
“Huh? I thought this place was off-limits?”
“Shh, let’s get inside first.”
As they arrived at the viewing platform, the staff was just broadcasting a looped announcement.
“Today, a lucky lady, Miss Xia Churan, has had her friend purchase fireworks for her here in the park. For visitors who felt the earlier show was too short, you may continue watching here. Wishing Miss Xia Churan great fortune, long life, and a timely meeting with her true love…”
“Hey, Fang Yu, you bought the fireworks?” Li Jing immediately caught on.
“Damn, as soon as you have money, you turn into a spender!” Cheng Chen grumbled.
Only Xia Churan stood frozen, stunned. Before she could react, a grand display of fireworks exploded overhead.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Fang Yu smiled warmly, pulling the girl close so she could lean comfortably against his chest.
“Did you prepare all this?” Xia Churan murmured. Fang Yu couldn’t quite hear her over the roar of the fireworks.
Tears welled in the girl’s eyes, spilling down her cheeks. This fireworks display lasted much longer than the previous one—over half an hour. Many visitors whistled in admiration, searching for the generous man who had spent so lavishly just to bring a smile to his beloved.
Even when the fireworks ended, Xia Churan remained dazed. Fang Yu took her hand and led her down from the viewing platform. Cheng Chen and Li Jing naturally walked ahead, leaving the two alone.
After a long moment, the girl slowly turned her head.
“Fang Yu, are all these for me?”
He nodded.
“Of course. Didn’t you say you hadn’t had enough? Now, have you?”
Seeing him act as if it were only natural, she suddenly grew angry and bit his hand hard.
“Hey! Why did you bite me?” Fang Yu yelped, pulling his wrist away. He could have easily escaped, but seeing her angry, hurt expression softened his heart, and he hesitated.
“You jerk!” The girl finally burst into tears, turning away without looking at him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, smiling as he gently stroked her black hair.
“You jerk, you jerk! How am I supposed to forget now? And wishing me fortune and longevity? Do you even know what you’re reading?” Xia Churan kept her hands pressed against his chest.
“Damn, good intentions taken for granted.” He rubbed his chest where she had just struck him. The girl’s tears fell like rain, enchanting and delicate. It was hardly the moment to walk away, so he pulled her to a bench by the path.
“Ding-dong, ding-dong,” the large clock in the park chimed. Midnight had struck. The year 2006 had arrived!
“Alright, stop crying. Look, it’s the New Year. Are you really going to cry through it?” He wiped the tears from her eyes.
Xia Churan didn’t respond, still sobbing softly, burying herself against his chest, clutching him tightly.
After a while, sensing the cold, the girl shivered. She wiped away her tears and silently stood up to leave.
Fang Yu was momentarily stunned, unable to keep up. After a few steps, Xia Churan saw he was lagging behind, turned back, and smiled.
That smile was like a hundred flowers blooming, colorful clouds swirling around the moon—a glance that could captivate a thousand hearts.
“Let’s go!” Xia Churan hooked her arm through his, expertly slipping her hand into his pocket, their fingers entwined tightly.
“Damn, girls’ thoughts are really hard to understand,” he muttered, standing up and following her through the path.
By now, many visitors had begun to disperse. With the clock’s chimes heard, couples were presumably heading to hotels around the city to continue their celebrations.
“Hey, here they come.” Cheng Chen stubbed out his cigarette and waved at them.
“Let’s go. It’s too cold tonight.”
“Alright, back to the internet café?”
“I’m going to sleep. Li Jing can’t stay up late,” Cheng Chen grinned.
He glanced at Xia Churan.
“Are you going to the internet café too?”
The girl shook her head softly.
“I’m tired. I want to sleep.”
“Oh, but your dorm’s locked now. How about I book you a room?” He checked his watch.
“No, I want to sleep in your bed!” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“Fine, fine. I’ll take you there.” He couldn’t understand what had come over Xia Churan tonight. He thought he was just spending a bit of money for a fresh experience.