Each family is busy getting ready for the New Yr celebrations.   The streets are full of people who find themselves dashing round,operating errands and getting their final minute buying carried out. Everyone seems to be wanting ahead to the household reunion dinner on the final day of the 12 months. 

Jian Yao’s mom is a typical, conventional mother, and a really diligent one.   There’s lots of cooking and cleansing to be carried out earlier than New Yr’s eve.  Along with Jian Yao and Jian Xian, the three of them labored onerous for 3 entire days.  Lastly, every little thing is prepared.

New Yr’s Eve.

For the reason that first firecracker was set off in daybreak, the sound of those little explosions has not stopped.  You’ll be able to hear it throughout town.  And it’ll maintain going till late within the night time.  After lunch, the household goes to go to Jian Yao’s grandmother.  

The prolonged household gathers.  The adults sit round to speak and luxuriate in a drink or two. The energetic kids taking part in the yard.  After dinner, Jian Yao and Jian Xian escape the group.  They disguise in Grandma’s room and play with their sensible telephones.  

New 12 months blessing texts clog Jian Yao’s inbox. She scrolls down the checklist and notices one from Fu Ziyu: “To the mighty Ms Jian, please permit me to ship my greetings and blessings to you on this special occasion –  Might you turn out to be extra lovely every day. “

–  Mighty? Fascinating alternative of adjective.

Jian Yao smiles and responds to his textual content.  She hesitates, then she sends Bo Jinyan a easy “Completely happy New Yr’ message too.

The sky is darkish.  The sound and sight of fireplace crackers fill the city. Dazzling shows bursting within the sky.

– I’m wondering how Bo Jinyan is spending his New Yr’s eve. Jian Yao thinks to herself.  Will he spend it like every other day?  Consuming his fish quietly, accompanied by Chen Mo.  is Fu Ziyu with him?  However absolutely, Fu Ziyu must spend tonight together with his family. 

The telephone rings. It’s Bo Jinyan.

They haven’t been in touch since Jian Yao declined the assistant place. Jian Yao picks up the decision: “Good day.  Completely happy new 12 months.”

Bo Jinyan asks: “What are you doing?”

Jian Yao is baffled: “Uh… Nothing a lot.”

Bo Jinyan: “Then do you wish to come over and gather some fireworks? They’re of no use to me.” 

It should be a present.  He isn’t the sort to spend cash on fireworks. From Fu Ziyu? The police?  

Jian Yao smiles and says:. “No thanks.  You’ll be able to get pleasure from them your self.”

Bo Jinyan says coldly: “I’ve little interest in a bunch of stable that creates  foul scent and vivid patterns.”

Jian Yao: “…… Effectively, my sister and I’ll come round quickly.”

–

Earlier than receiving Jian Yao’s textual content, Bo Jinyan was sitting in entrance of a heat hearth, wrapped in a thick blanket, studying a guide. The TV is turned on, however he’s not watching it.

After he put down the telephone, he threw a blanket apart and walked to the storage room.  He took out two full bins of firework.  They had been items from Fu Ziyu, Tong Metropolis Police Division, Ministry of Public Safety Workplace …… He left them subsequent to the entrance door. 

–

Jian Yao borrows a automobile from one among her uncles and drives to his home.  As they’re driving in the direction of Bo Jinyan’s home. they will see lots of people standing on both facet of the river with their fireworks. The water within the river displays the colorful fluorescent rays from the shows. 

Bo Jinyan steps inside his home and see the quantity of fireworks on the ground. 

Jian Yao: “That’s an excessive amount of for us…”

Bo Jinyan: “When you don’t take it away, I’ll throw it into the garbage bin tomorrow.”

Jian Xian rapidly opposes: “ That’s too good to be wasted.  And it’s not secure to get rid of firework that approach.  Sis, we’ve bought to take all of them.”

Jian Yao seems at Bo Jinyan and asks tentatively: “Are you able to assist us to maneuver it right down to the riverbank?”

–

Increasingly more folks collect across the riverbank.  

The 2 sisters are carrying a field in entrance.  Bo Jinyan is  holding a field strolling behind them.  Jian Yao is somewhat shocked that he’s keen to assist. 

The firework Bo Jinyan gave them are premium high quality  Earlier than lengthy, they’ve attracted lots of  consideration, particularly younger kids.  Jian Yao notices that Bo Jinyan has placed on his masks, leaving solely a pair of slender black eyes to be seen.

The little kids are in awe.  They’re clapping their arms and exclaiming: “Too lovely!”  “Wow, that is so cool!” 

Jian Yao notices Bo Jinyan is elevating his eyebrows.  It’s signal that he’s about to make a remark.  

Earlier than he utters something, Jian Yao says to him “Please.  Don’t say something.” 

No matter he’ll say is prone to destroy the ambiance.

Bo Jinyan turns to have a look at her and retains quiet.

–

Quickly, they’ve grown from a bunch of three to nearly twenty folks taking part in fireworks collectively. 

One of many boys  proposes to line up rows of fireworks and set them off concurrently.  Everybody agrees that it’s a good suggestion. He takes a bunch of fireworks and arranges them in a number of rows.  A boy standing subsequent to Jian Yao asks her: “Your pal is so ‘cool’.  Why is he standing so far-off?  Is he afraid?”  Everybody laughs.

Jian Yao smiles and turns round to have a look at  Bo Jinyan: “ Bo Jinyan, are you able to come and assist mild a number of fireworks?”

–

Twenty fireworks to be lighted up by 5 folks.  Timing is essential.  Everybody has to mild them collectively.    Jian Yao and three others begin to mild the fuses and angles their our bodies to allow them to run away instantly after they’re carried out.  

However Bo Jinyan is taking his personal candy time. He squats earlier than the fireworks, one hand resting on his knee.  Slowly he lights every fuse one after the other with the cigarette lighter that’s in his different hand. 

“Are you able to please hurry up?!” Jian Yao urges him as they squat down collectively.

He lifts his eye to have a look at her: “Are you nervous?”

All of the fuses are lighted.  Jian Yao and the others runs away from the fireworks. 

Inside a number of seconds, the fireworks begin to explode.  Bo Jinyan continues to be amongst the fireworks.  He slowly emerges from the smoke and lightweight. 

He goes as much as Jian Yao: “All carried out.”  

Jian Yao’s consideration is on the fireworks show.  She casually solutions: “Thanks in your assist.”

Jian Yao all of the sudden remembers one thing.  She turns round and finds Bo Jinyan strolling in the direction of the little child that commented he was afraid earlier.  As Jian Yao will get nearer, she hears him say: ”Hey child.  Do you suppose I’m afraid of those mixtures of sulphur, charcoal powder and potassium nitrate? in reality, I’ve dismantled a bomb that may be a hundred instances the affect of those pathetic toys earlier than…”

Jian Yao pulls him away, whereas apologising to the dad and mom: “I am sorry.  Please ignore him….”

–

In lower than half an hour, all of the fireworks are gone.   Jian Yao’s mom calls to induce the ladies to go dwelling quickly. So that they pack up the garbage and prepare to go dwelling.  

Jian Yao turns to Bo Jinyan: “Thanks for the firework.  We have to go.”  

Jian Xian: “Thanks, thanks!”

Bo Jinyan:”Don’t point out it. Bye. ” He turns to the path of the villa and walks away.

As he disappears, Jian Xian sighs: “Sister.  It’s New Yr’s Eve, and he’s on their own. I really feel sorry for him.”

Jian Yao seems in his path for a second, and smiles:. “. Consider me, he doesn’t really feel sorry for himself.  He most likely thinks that tonight was noisy and boring”

–

Time flies when one is having enjoyable. Jian Yao spends the New Yr holidays visiting pals and relations.  She has not seen Bo Jinyan since New Years’ Eve.

It’s only some days until she returns to the college.  

That afternoon, some sudden company came visiting Jian Yao.  It’s the safety guard Lao Xiao and his son.

They’ve come to precise their gratitude to Jian Yao.

Lao Xiao offers her a number of packages.  They’re all produces from his backyard.  Jian Yao politely declines however Lao Xiao insists she should settle for it as a token of their appreciation.  She lastly accepts their items.  Jian Yao’s mother invitations them to remain for dinner. 

Jian Yao’s mom is busy cooking within the kitchen.  Jian Xian is taking part in a board video games with the son in her room. Jian Yao, her stepfather and Lao Xiao is chatting within the lounge.  “We owe all of it to Professor Bo.  I heard from the police, he’s like a fortune-teller, the bastard is precisely as he had described!”

Lao Xiao tells Jian Yao what occurred yesterday.  They paid Bo Jinyan a go to.  They introduced the identical presents they gave to Jian Yao right this moment.  However Bo Jinyan didn’t invite them into his villa.  The truth is, he didn’t even open the door for them.  He merely talked to them from the within of the home: “Thanks.  I don’t want the reward.  Goodbye.”  And after they insisted, he added:”Please don’t hassle me anymore.” 

……

Lao Xiao sigh: “All I needed is to thank him for saving my baby’s life.  I don’t know find out how to repay his kindness…”

Jian Yao’s stepfather, Mr.Xie, says to him: “You do not need to fret.  Plenty of consultants are considerably eccentric….”

Jian Yao nods.

Jian Yao’s mom walks out from the kitchen: “Jian Yao, Professor Bo lives alone, proper?  How about inviting him over for dinner tonight?”

Jian Yao: “I will attempt. Mother, are you able to please add a steamed fish to tonight’s menu?” 

–

Jian Yao didn’t count on Fu Ziyu to reply the telephone.  Clearly, he has come to go to Bo Jinyan.

Fu Ziyu:  “He is shut himself inside a room the entire day. I’m not certain what he’s as much as.  He didn’t take his telephone with him.…  go over to your home for dinner?  You might be so good…. Certain… Don’t fear, I’ll drag him out of his cave.”

–

They arrive.  Fu Ziyu is carrying a bottle of purple wine and a field of lanterns.  Bo Jinyan follows behind him, sporting his typical black swimsuit.

Jian Yao’s dad and mom are barely shocked after they met the legendary Professor Bo.  Maybe they didn’t suppose he can be so younger.

Everyone seems to be seated.

Fu Ziyu is a pleasant and social character: ”Auntie, Uncle, Lao Xiao (Xiao Senior) , Xiao Xiao (Xiao Junior) !!” He greets everybody as if they’re lengthy misplaced pals.  In distinction, Bo Jinyan is reserved and quiet.  He simply nods and says Good day.

As the top of the household, Mr. Xie speaks first: “Now we have heard loads about you.  My pal says it’s not simple to turn out to be a professor in America.  You’ve got carried out nicely to realize an affiliate professor standing at your age.”

Bo Jinyan says in a flat voice: “The truth is, I’m ok for professor degree and above, however they refused my software as a result of I’m too younger.” 

Mr. Xie: “…… Oh, sure, you’re extra certified than we thought!”

Bo Jinyan smiles: “Thanks.”

Fu Ziyu offers Jian Yao a “I knew this may occur” look.  Jian Yao smiles.

After some time, Lao Xiao takes his son, holds up a glass of wine.  He stands and faces Bo Jinyan.  With tears in his eyes, he says: “ Professor Bo,  We’ll always remember what you’ve gotten carried out for us.  Thanks for saving my son.”

Bo Jinyan replies: “I’m simply doing my job.  It’s nothing private.  You don’t should thank me.”

Jian Yao instantly reaches for his glass and shoves it into his hand. Fu Ziyu provides: “Bo Jinyan is so modest.  He doesn’t need you to really feel that you simply owe him something…”

……

Fu Ziyu is clearly a grasp at altering the temper.  He casually leads the dialog to a special subject, akin to Jian Yao’s new work. 

“Sure, I’ll begin after the New Yr holidays. ” Jian Yao smiles.  She may be very a lot wanting ahead to it. It’s  her first correct full time job.  it’s a brand new chapter in her life.

Like all moms, Jian Yao’s mother is somewhat involved for her daughter: “We’re not going to be shut by to you when you find yourself in B metropolis.  It’s a must to watch out.  Have you ever discovered a flat but?”

When Fu Ziyu hears this, he raises his eyebrows: “You might be searching for a flat? I’m serving to Bo Jinyan to discover a place in B metropolis, so I can look out for you too.” He seems at Jian Yao’s mother: “I’ve checked out a number of flats already.  They’re in a superb and secure suburb, near town centre.  Any one among them will swimsuit you fairly nicely.”

Jian Yao seems at Bo Jinyan.  He’s additionally going to B Metropolis?

As if he’s conscious of her doubts, Bo Jinyan says to her: “I’ll be working there.”

Jian Yao’s mother and step father may be very happy with Fu Ziyu’s supply: “Thanks a lot for taking good care of our Yao Yao.”

Fu Ziyu waves his hand: “Go away it to me.  I’ll be sure that she finds a pleasant place.”

Jian Yao isn’t so certain about this: “Mother, it’s an excessive amount of trouble for Mr. Fu.”

“Simply let him provide help to.” Bo Jinyan interrupts her. “Taking care of folks is sort of a passion to him.”

Jian Yao: “…… oh.”

–

The meal ended round 9 o’clock.  Lao Xiao most likely had somewhat an excessive amount of to drink.  His son needed to maintain on to him after they left.   Shortly after Lao Xiao left, Fu Ziyu and Bo Jinyan went dwelling.

Jian Yao is washing the dishes within the kitchen.  Her mother is buzzing away. 

Jian Yao: ” Mother, you’re in a superb temper.”

Mom seems at her: “Yao Yao, I believe …… Fu Ziyu is an effective man.”

– No surprise she inspired Fu Ziyu to search for a flat for her.  It’s not in her character to bother others or ask for favours. Jian Yao laughs: “Mother.  There may be nothing between us.  We’re simply pals.”

“I do know, however you’re twenty two years previous already, it’s okay to have a boyfriend. Simply be pals first.  All relationships begin with friendship.”

Jian Yao: “Mother.…”

Mother continues: “Fu Ziyu is a health care provider.  He’s pleasant, charming, accountable and thoughtful. It’s onerous to seek out good bachelors like him nowadays…”

Jian Yao asks: “What about Bo Jinyan? I imply, they got here collectively. Why are you not ‘promoting’ him to me?”

Her mom pauses and solutions: “He’s fairly a pleasant younger man too. However he’s a forensic knowledgeable.  He offers with brutal criminals and psychopaths.  It’s a excessive threat occupation.  I used to be apprehensive for you if you assisted him with the kidnapping case.  All dad and mom are egocentric on the subject of the protection of their kids.  I might slightly you be with somebody not belonging within the subject of regulation and order.”

Jian Yao understands the place her mom is coming from.  Shedding a husband when she was younger isn’t an expertise she needs her daughter must undergo too.       

–

On the highway again to the villa.  They’re strolling alongside the riverbank.  Bo Jinyan is strolling leisurely together with his arms in his pants pockets. 

Fu Ziyu’s face is barely purple, most likely from all of the wine he had tonight.  He tells Bo Jinyan :” I believe Jian Yao’s mother likes me.  She desires me as her son-in-law.” 

Bo Jinyan takes a look at him.

Fu Ziyu sighs and shakes his head: “Sadly, Jian Yao isn’t my cup of tea. I don’t like women that’s so…. mature.”

“Not possible.” Bo Jinyan says to his pal.

Fu Ziyu is aware of him too nicely.  What Bo Jinyan means is that “I’m taller, smarter, extra good-looking, and earns more cash than you.., there is no such thing as a approach Jian Yao’s mom would fancy you over me. This defies primary logic.”

He nods: “You’ve got a degree, my superior pal. Hey, I’ve one thing to indicate you..” He pulls out a folded doc from his overcoat pocket.

“While you talked about you wish to rent Jian Yao to be your assistant, I did the usual background test on her, in accordance with the routine procedures.  That is what I discovered.”

Bo Jinyan takes the piece of paper and reads it rapidly. Fu Ziyu:  “Why do you suppose I supply to assist discover a flat for her.  I really feel a bit sorry for her.  Her father died when she was six years previous.  He’s the crime investigation vice-captain.  He caught a gang chief and despatched him to jail.  When the gang chief was launched, he took revenge.  He went to his home.  She and her sister had been within the bed room on the time.  The daddy locked the door in order that the gang members had been capable of get in and hurt the 2 women. The police got here in time to rescue the ladies, however Jian Yao’s grandparents and her father had been already lifeless.” 

——

(Word from TB: The creator generally features a quick story on the finish of the chapter…)   

New Yr’s Day. Fu Ziyu calls Bo Jinyan.

“Completely happy new 12 months! How was New Yr’s Eve?”

“Regular.”

“Uh …… What’s that suppose to imply?”

“I used up the fireworks you gave me.”

Fu Ziyu is shocked: “With whom?”

“Jian Yao, Jian Xian, and a bunch of those that I have no idea.”

Fu Ziyu can’t imagine what he’s listening to.  

Bo Jinyan: “It is higher than staying dwelling to look at the TV. There’s nothing value watching.” 

– Yeah, no matter you say, Mr. Bo.  Fu Ziyu thinks to himself.