Dinner was prepared with extra care tonight, including Chi Chi’s favorite coconut pumpkin mash.

After watching the fireworks, the two strolled back hand-in-hand, taking their time.

The crowd was thick, so Fu Zhiyue gathered her into his arms, not letting anyone bump into her at all.

Because of the art exhibition, Aunt Xu had been looking after Little Rice Cake these past few days.

Little Rice Cake was just over four months old. The moment he saw his mother, he let out joyful babbles, giggling with delight.

Together, they carried their son back to the bedroom and placed him on the bed. Little Rice Cake reached out, trying to grab his mom’s hair.

Mom smelled so nice—he loved his mom so much! Chi Chi leaned down and kissed him lightly.

“Baby, Merry Christmas Eve. I wish our Little Rice Cake will always be safe and happy.”

A tall figure came up behind her and wrapped Chi Chi in his arms. Reaching out to tease their son, he said, "Why aren’t you talking yet, Little Rice Cake?"

Little Rice Cake thought Daddy was playing with him. He grabbed onto Daddy’s finger and giggled even louder.

"Song Ying said it'll be at least another eight months."

"Oh, that’s good."

That way he wouldn’t be calling for Mom all day long!

Satisfied, Fu Zhiyue nodded. "Go take a shower. I’ll put him to sleep."

"Mm." Passing her son to Fu Zhiyue, Chi Chi headed for the bathroom.

——

Elsewhere, Song Ying was still at the hospital, working the night shift until midnight.

After being hounded by Fu Sen for two days straight, Song Ying finally told him she was dating someone.

Of course, Fu Sen didn’t believe it. He’d known Song Ying for years and had never seen her accept a single suitor.

Tonight was Christmas Eve and—hmph—even with a boyfriend, she was still pulling a night shift. After finishing his own work, he'd wandered up to the twelfth floor again.

Song Ying sat in her office reviewing patient charts. It was already past eleven. She’d told Julian Jarvis last night that she’d be working overtime.

‘Let’s each do our own thing on Christmas Eve,’ she’d thought. ‘We’ll spend Christmas Day together instead.’

The trouble with hospital work was that, no matter how good everything else was, schedules were always unpredictable and you had to be on call anytime.

She checked WeChat on her phone. No messages from Julian Jarvis. After their chat last night, he’d seemed displeased.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door. Without looking up, Song Ying said, "Come in."

"Senior, not heading home tonight?"

Fu Sen set an apple on her desk. "Hmph, it’s Christmas Eve—you have to eat an apple."

("Eating an apple on Christmas Eve is a Chinese custom; the word for ‘apple’ sounds like ‘peace’ in Mandarin.")

"Thanks, I’m off at midnight."

"Senior, are you really dating? And you’re not even going on a date?" Fu Sen craned his neck daringly to peer at her.

Setting the chart aside, Song Ying turned and looked up. "I am. That’s the thirteenth time you’ve asked. Still don’t believe me?"

"Who is it? Do I know him? You always said you liked someone already—is it the same person?"

To Song Ying, Fu Sen was still a kid. Crushes came and went quickly for him, so the direct approach was best. "It’s him."

...

Fu Sen instantly fell silent. He knew just how much Song Ying liked that person.

Knock, knock.

There was another, softer knock. Both looked up and saw a tall figure at the door.

Julian Jarvis leaned lazily against the doorframe in a fog-blue coat, a white sweater underneath. He looked like he’d been standing there a while, quietly watching.

He glanced at his expensive watch and said gently, "Time to clock out."

Song Ying hadn’t expected him to pick her up. She stared in surprise. "Okay—wait a minute."

Outside, Da Hua was handing out Christmas cakes and hot drinks she’d brought up to the night-shift nurses, leaving just one double portion in her hands.

Clearly, these were meant for Julian Jarvis and Song Ying. Julian Jarvis took them and waved Da Hua off for the night.

Song Ying headed inside to change her clothes.

Fu Sen shot Julian Jarvis a cold look and scoffed, "Are you Song Ying’s boyfriend?"

The man by the door stood up straight, a faint smile at his lips as if to say, ‘Who else?’

"Coward!"

Fu Sen spat the word and strode out.

To Fu Sen, the person Song Ying liked had always been a coward and never deserved her devotion all these years.

Julian Jarvis just smiled, saying nothing. Song Ying came out, freshly changed.

She was wrapped in a white coat with a blue scarf. Together, the two looked unexpectedly perfect.

She lowered her head, fiddling with her scarf, hiding a sweet flutter in her heart. She smiled, "You didn’t tell me you’d come pick me up—this late, too."

She’d only ever liked Julian Jarvis. Technically speaking, she'd never dated before. Strictly speaking, he was her first love. She was still getting used to these little surprises and romantic moments.

Handing the cake to her, "Let me help," Julian Jarvis said softly, bending down. His hands, elegant and cool, were careful as he adjusted her scarf snugly.

"Didn’t we agree to spend Christmas together? It’s already past midnight, Dr. Song."

He smiled as he reclaimed their cake, then took her hand and tucked it into his coat pocket.

"It’s cold outside."

"Mm."

The two walked slowly toward the elevator, passing the nurses’ station.

The nurses on duty, munching on their Christmas cake, looked up with mischievous grins when they saw the couple leave. One bolder nurse chimed, “Happy date night, Dr. Song!”

Song Ying shot her a cool glare; the nurse quickly shrank back, giggling with the others.

Inside the elevator, Julian Jarvis was still chuckling. "So our Dr. Song is pretty fierce at work, huh?"

"What’s wrong? Scared?" Song Ying arched her brow, the cool contours of her face lighting up with animation.

She really could be unapproachable when she wasn’t smiling—and when she was angry, she’d make anyone think twice about approaching, which was why the 12th-floor nurses feared her.

Julian Jarvis leaned in, looping an arm around her waist. "Not scared."

They got into his car and headed toward the city’s clock tower. But because of the Christmas festivities, the area was blocked off, so they had to park on the roadside.

Neither minded the wait. The streets would open again in half an hour, once the crowds cleared.

Soft piano music floated through the car. Outside was quiet and still.

From the distant clock tower, the chimes struck 12:30.

And as if on cue, snow began to fall in large, feathery flakes, drifting down without a sound.

"It’s snowing, Julian Jarvis… It’s the first snow…"

Song Ying gazed out the window, her eyes curving with joy.

In the frozen sea of cars, with only a gentle, warm lamplight inside, Julian Jarvis looked over at her.

"Yeah, it’s snowing."

"Song Ying."

He called her name. When she turned, he leaned in and kissed her.

His lips were warm and soft, infinitely gentle. The instant they touched, her heart fluttered and tingled.

She parted her lips just a little, and his tongue gently swept in, tender but unyielding.

Mid-kiss, Julian Jarvis undid his seatbelt and pulled her closer, no longer content with a fleeting touch.

His kiss deepened, and only after a long moment did he let go—her lips flushed bright red from his ardor.

He rested his forehead against hers and spoke softly.

"Merry Christmas."