Chapter 296 Crossing into the New Year

Chapter 296 Crossing into the New Year

The sky gradually darkened as the three of them busied themselves.

Lights came on in homes one after another, and the crisp sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time in the distance, making the festive atmosphere of the New Year even stronger.

In the kitchen, the aroma of the last dish was gently spreading.

Arthur came out carrying the final dish.

"All the dishes are ready, let's eat."

He called out cheerfully, his voice carrying a smile.

Hearing Arthur's voice, Jasper immediately let go of Aria's hand and ran over on his little legs, looking up at him with his small face. "Arthur, are there lots of yummy things today?"

"Yes, all your and Mom's favorites."

Arthur bent down, scooped him up, and kissed his soft cheek.

Aria stood by the dining table, watching the big one and the little one before her, a gentle smile unconsciously spreading in her eyes.

The table was full of New Year's Eve dinner dishes, a mix of meat and vegetables, elaborate and abundant.

The three sat down one by one, warm light enveloping the small dining table.

Arthur naturally picked up the serving chopsticks and first placed a piece of braised pork rib, stewed until tender with rich bone flavor, into Aria's bowl. "Try this, your favorite."

He then turned to ladle a spoonful of chicken soup for Jasper, carefully blowing on it to cool it down before bringing it to his lips. "Drink slowly, don't burn yourself."

Jasper sipped the chicken soup in small mouthfuls, smacking his lips contentedly, and praised in a sweet childlike voice, "Arthur's soup is the best! Even better than restaurant soup!"

Arthur's eyes softened with affection, full of adoration. "If you like it, drink more."

Aria took a bite of the pork rib. It tasted great.

She looked up and happened to meet Arthur's gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and she said softly, "It's delicious. You should eat too."

As she spoke, Aria also placed some fish into Arthur's bowl.

Arthur looked down at the fish in his bowl, eating contentedly.

Outside the window, fireworks shot up and bloomed one after another, very brilliant.

Inside the house, the atmosphere was very warm.

The meal lasted nearly two hours. The table full of dishes gradually diminished, but the warm atmosphere grew even stronger.

When clearing the dishes, Arthur took them into the kitchen to wash alone, while Aria stayed in the living room playing with Jasper.

Since Jasper had taken a nap at noon, he was unusually energetic now.

When Arthur finished washing the dishes and came out, the mother and son were watching the Spring Festival Gala. He naturally walked over and sat down beside them, then took out two gifts from his pocket.

"Come here, Jasper. This is Arthur's New Year's gift for you. I wish you good health and progress in your studies in the new year."

Arthur first gave the gift to Jasper.

Jasper excitedly took it and planted a kiss on Arthur's face. "Thank you, Arthur."

Arthur's lips curved up at Jasper's happy expression. He ruffled his hair, then handed the other gift to Aria. "Here, Aria, this is yours. May we have today every year, and this moment every year."

Aria hadn't expected Arthur to prepare one for her too. She was a bit stunned and didn't know how to accept the gift for a moment.

Seeing that Aria didn't take the gift, Arthur raised his eyebrows slightly and said softly, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm not a child anymore. Why do I get one too?"

Aria came back to her senses, looking a bit embarrassed.

Arthur's lips curved up. "Why aren't you a child? In my eyes, you're also a child."

Aria glared at him with some annoyance. The smile in Arthur's eyes deepened. "Take it."

Aria didn't act coy anymore. She reached out and took the gift from his hand, her lips curving up. "Thank you."

The three didn't continue chatting, just sat together watching the Spring Festival Gala.

Originally they planned to ring in the New Year together, but since Jasper usually went to bed very early, he couldn't stay up that late today. After watching the gala for just over an hour, he started yawning.

Seeing this, Arthur raised his eyebrows slightly and said softly, "Sleepy?"

Jasper nodded his little head lightly. Seeing this, Aria said, "Then I'll take him to bed first."

But Arthur said, "Let me do it. I'll help him wash up. You go wash up too, otherwise it'll be very late."

Arthur often did this normally, so Aria didn't think too much about it and just nodded. "Okay."

Arthur took Jasper straight to his room to wash up, then changed him into pajamas and told him a bedtime story.

By the time he fell asleep, it was already quite late.

When Arthur came out of the room, Aria had already changed into pajamas and was sitting on the sofa watching the Spring Festival Gala.

She seemed to be watching something funny and was laughing happily.

Watching this scene, Arthur suddenly felt it was very beautiful. This was what he had always wanted.

However, at the moment, he had something more important to do.

Perhaps his gaze was too intense. Aria noticed and looked over. "Is Jasper asleep?"

Arthur nodded lightly. "Yes, I'll go wash up and come back to ring in the New Year with you."

Aria didn't think much of it and just nodded. "Okay."

Arthur saw that Aria's attention was mostly on the Spring Festival Gala. He felt a bit helpless but didn't linger. He went back to his apartment to wash up, then came over directly in his pajamas.

After Arthur entered the living room, he locked the door. Tonight, he didn't want to sleep alone.

Arthur walked straight over and sat down beside Aria. A fresh scent of shower gel came from him, and only then did Aria shift her attention to him.

She was fine not looking, but once she did, her gaze was directly drawn to him. At this moment, the man's collar was slightly open, and his collarbone looked very sexy under the light.

Aria unconsciously thought of their close encounter that afternoon. Her breathing tightened involuntarily, and she quickly turned her head back to watch TV.

Arthur took in her small movements, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He said in a husky voice, "Is the show good?"

Aria's expression became more reserved. She nodded lightly. "Not bad."

The living room was very quiet, with only the laughter from the Spring Festival Gala faintly flowing. Occasionally the sound of fireworks exploding came from outside the window, very brilliant.

The two sat side by side, occasionally chatting softly about the gala programs. The atmosphere was very warm.

The clock hands gradually approached midnight. The new year was about to arrive.

Aria yawned a little, drowsiness gradually washing over her.

She usually kept a regular schedule and rarely stayed up to ring in the New Year. At this moment, forcing herself to stay alert, her head unconsciously nodded lightly.

Seeing this, Arthur instinctively supported her head to lean on his shoulder and said gently, "Sleepy? Why don't you go to bed first."

"No need."

Aria shook her head, rubbed her eyes, and said seriously, "I haven't celebrated New Year's in many years. I don't want to miss it this year."

Watching her stubborn yet serious expression, Arthur's heart warmed. He didn't say more, just reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Aria didn't struggle and leaned against his chest. Listening to his steady and strong heartbeat, her drowsiness seemed to fade a bit.

This intimate distance allowed their breaths to completely merge.