Yuan Qi immediately got the hint and turned to leave, not forgetting to close the door behind her.

This was Chloe Shaw's break room here, not as comfortable as home, but it had heating, and once Bryce Shaw stepped inside, he quickly felt much warmer.

Chloe Shaw made a cup of hot tea and handed it to him, her tone gentle. "Why didn’t you let me know ahead of time that you were coming? I could’ve had Xiao Qi go pick you up."

Bryce Shaw took the cup but didn’t drink it, setting it on the table. With a single, long-armed motion, he pulled her into his embrace.

"I haven’t seen you for half a month. I missed you."

His low, magnetically deep voice murmured at her ear, making her heart flutter wildly.

She’d been on set this whole time, while Bryce Shaw had been tied up with the company. Now that he finally had a free day, he came straight over to see her, barely resting at all.

Feeling the stubble on his chin, she immediately knew he hadn’t been sleeping well these days. He’d just recovered, yet he dove right back into work—being a CEO really wasn’t easy.

Nestled in his arms, Chloe Shaw closed her eyes and listened to the steady beat of his heart.

After a tender moment, Bryce Shaw lowered his gaze and looked at her intently. "Come back to the Shen house with me tonight for New Year’s Eve dinner."

At his words, Chloe Shaw pulled away a little, looking uneasy. "I’m not sure that’s a good idea… I’m worried—"

"Worried about what? I’ll be with you. Or do you not want to go?"

"It’s not that. I just don’t want your parents to be upset." True, last time she visited, his parents treated her well, but barging in on New Year's—wasn’t that too sudden?

"They won’t be upset, they’ll be thrilled," he said. "Finally, their daughter-in-law's coming home—they can stop worrying about my orientation."

Chloe Shaw hesitated.

Bryce Shaw added, "If you really don’t want to, I’ll stay and keep you company. There’ll be my big brother and Yancy Shaw at home, so it’s not like it’ll be lonely."

She hurriedly said, "No, if you do that, your parents might hold it against me. They’ll probably say 'With a wife, you’ve forgotten your own mother.'"

He grinned. "Then come with me back home."

"Alright, but let’s pick up a few gifts on the way," Chloe Shaw relented.

"No need, I’ve already prepared everything. They’re all in the car," Bryce Shaw replied. He’d planned to bring her home all along and already had the gifts covered.

As they left the break room hand-in-hand, their joined hands were spotted by Ruan An’an. She didn’t quite catch Bryce Shaw’s face but snapped a quick photo with her phone, a smirk lifting her lips.

"Heh, pretty bold, bringing a man in here," she muttered. After all those slaps earlier, she’d still been fuming, and now she’d caught them red-handed. With this photo, let’s see how Chloe Shaw handles the fallout.

On New Year’s Eve, every home was brightly lit as families gathered for the big reunion dinner.

Mrs. Chen stood at the door waiting, with Lauren Shaw by her side, trying to calm her. "Mom, it’s cold outside—come wait inside. They’re probably on their way back already. Don’t worry."

Bryce Shaw said he was picking up Chloe Shaw; who knew if they’d made it back yet?

Meanwhile, Yancy Shaw and Shen Wenting were playing chess in the study. Unlike Mrs. Chen, who was visibly anxious, Shen Wenting was unfazed. "They’re adults, not kids. Maybe the two lovebirds want some time alone before coming back."

And it wasn’t just Bryce Shaw—Nathan Shaw was running late too, his flight delayed by an hour.

As dusk fell, the house felt a bit empty with only the four of them. Mrs. Chen’s mood soured—she’d hoped for a lively reunion, yet both those rascals were still missing.

But when she spotted Bryce Shaw’s car pulling in, her smile finally returned.

Chloe Shaw got out, and Lauren Shaw greeted her warmly. "Qiu Chi-jie, second brother!" She seemed to realize Chloe Shaw’s awkwardness and welcomed her with extra enthusiasm.

After all, this was only Chloe Shaw’s second visit and she wasn’t very close to the Shen elders yet. Plus, she’d always been distant from family, so all this festivity felt a bit overwhelming.

Naturally, Bryce Shaw took her hand.

Mrs. Chen encouraged her with a gentle smile. "Just think of this as your own home. No need to be nervous—you’ll get used to it soon." In her heart, she’d already accepted Chloe Shaw as a daughter-in-law.

Warmth surged in Chloe Shaw’s heart. Ever since her mother died, no one had cared for her like this. The affection she’d been craving for so long suddenly felt soothed.

Not long after they arrived, Nathan Shaw came home as well. The once-empty Shen house was suddenly bustling with life.

With his two younger brothers coupled up while he stood alone, Nathan Shaw looked a tad lonely.

Pulling out a stack of red envelopes from his briefcase, he smiled gently, "Shengsheng, Qiu Chi, here’s your lucky money."

Lauren Shaw immediately rushed over to accept her envelope. "Thank you, big brother!"

Chloe Shaw took hers and echoed, "Thank you, big brother."

Bryce Shaw and Yancy Shaw eyed his briefcase hungrily. "Big brother, what about us?"

Nathan Shaw rolled his eyes at the pair, feigning disdain. "Aren’t you a bit old for lucky money? Isn’t it embarrassing?"

So only the sisters-in-law got envelopes this year? No way!

"Here, everyone gets one." Mrs. Chen handed out the prepared red envelopes to each of them. No matter their age, in her eyes they’d always be her children.

The family gathered around, warmth and laughter filling the room—the real meaning of New Year’s.

After the festive dinner, they set off fireworks outside in the courtyard.

Beneath the dazzling display lighting up the night sky, Lauren Shaw nestled in Yancy Shaw’s arms, her hands wrapped around his waist.

His voice sounded above her head. "Shengsheng, what’s your wish for the new year?"

"A new year’s wish?" Lauren Shaw blinked mischievously. "Do you really want to know?"

He pinched her cheek affectionately, unable to hide his joy. "Tell me."

She tiptoed up to whisper in his ear. "I want a baby."

Yancy Shaw choked a little. She’d brought this up at least ten times now.

He could only laugh in defeat. "Anything else?"

She pondered sincerely, then shook her head. "That’s all."

He chuckled. "Then let’s make your wish come true tonight."

"Okay." Lauren Shaw beamed up at him, her smile as brilliant as the fireworks overhead.

…

The city’s skyline glittered with fireworks, and most shops had closed early so everyone could eat their New Year’s meal at home.

In an old apartment building, someone knocked at the door.

Hong Kun opened it, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of the visitor.

"Peng-ge?"

Qian Peng strode inside, took off his hat and slumped onto the sofa.

He’d been laying low for days to avoid Uncle Lu, couldn’t even go back to the docks. With no money and nowhere else to turn, he’d come to Hong Kun for help.

"You got any cash on you?"

Hong Kun hesitated, shaking his head. "No, Peng-ge. My little brother has all the money. How much do you need? I can have someone send it over."