Chapter 445

After Sienna finished laughing, her expression turned serious, "Among the rescued people, some show clear antisocial personality traits, and others are having a hard time adjusting to normal life. It's a shame the previous Q died too early to be brought to justice. Now we have Finnian in custody, but helping these people return to normal life is the hardest part."

"One step at a time," Simon exhaled softly. "We'll do our best."

Sienna walked backward, "Elise has confessed to a lot recently. A couple of days ago, she said she wanted to see you, but I refused."

"Good that you refused."

Simon was satisfied with her decision, "I don't want anything to do with the past, and I have nothing to say to her."

Elise said she liked Simon, but Sienna knew clearly that wasn't love—it was more a mix of admiration and jealousy, a sense of unwillingness. Besides, Simon would never fall for someone like her.

His past had been too hard. He deserved a girl as warm as the sun, happy, carefree, kind and lovely like an elf—only such a girl would be good enough for someone as wonderful as Simon.

As they walked, they reached their destination. Simon pulled her over to stand properly.

"Plum blossoms."

Sienna's face lit up, pointing at several rows of plum trees, "Tonight, make sure you bring my Kelvin to me—don't bring the wrong one."

Simon didn't understand at first, then remembered that she'd been staying up late with Chris these past few days, watching TV dramas when she had nothing else to do. This was a line from the show.

"Okay," he said. "When spring comes..."

Simon pictured the scene, "This will be a sea of flowers—the roses you love, cosmos, all of them. I've also planted birds of paradise over there. When you're ready to get married, we'll hold your wedding here."

Sienna's nose tingled, "Kelvin and I agreed to wait a couple more years before getting married."

"I know," Simon smiled. "I just wanted to tell you, little sunshine, I'll protect you for life."

Sienna blinked rapidly, not wanting tears to fall on this day, "How did I get so lucky?"

Simon ruffled her hair, "We really need to find a school for Chris—he's spoiled you silly."

Over there, Chris couldn't stop smiling. He ran over from a distance, waving at Sienna, "Thea and the others are here."

"Go ahead," Simon said. "I'll be right there."

Sienna ran off, then stopped after a couple of steps. She called out, "Simon."

Simon turned to look at her.

She said, "I'll protect you too, protect you for life. As long as I'm here, you have a home."

Simon said, "I know."

"Simon, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, little sunshine."

In the evening, snow began to fall from the sky.

The people from Seaside City were incredibly excited.

Several elders had come too. Alton and Thea were chatting with Ronan and Ruben. Hearing about the snow, they couldn't wait to run outside.

Sienna had wanted to invite Uriah over, but Kelvin told her that Reid had already dragged him back home—from now on, he'd spend every New Year with Reid.

Rhett and Raven were hanging the last two large lanterns at the main gate under Sloane's guidance.

Veda had caught a cold these past few days and was sensitive to the cold. Plus, worried that Henry's grandmother might feel shy, she stayed in the kitchen helping Benjamin and the others cook.

Henry ran outside for a bit, then inside to keep company, running back and forth happily.

As for Isadora and Steven, they'd finally finished their conversation and moved to the kitchen.

Sienna thought this snow came at just the right time.

Kelvin came out from inside, flour still on his hands. He walked up to Sienna, "Ms. Taylor, this is my first Spring Festival with you."

Sienna looked at him. She'd just cut his hair a couple of days ago. Though it was a bit of a failed attempt, he still looked handsome.

Today he wore a red sweater Emma had bought, his features showing determination and righteousness, yet tender when he looked at her. Watching him, Sienna's heart filled with joy.

The snow fell heavier. The lights in the estate all came on. Sienna looked at the white snowflakes dotting his head, "Kelvin, how can you be so beautiful?"

"Beautiful?"

Kelvin smeared some flour across her face, "Mr. Brown is called handsome. Ms. Taylor is called beautiful."

Sienna's smile made her eyes crinkle at the corners. She looked around—everyone was busy in their own world, no one paying attention to them. She grinned mischievously and leaned in to kiss Kelvin, "Kelvin, Happy New Year."

Kelvin brushed the snow from her hair, "Sienna, Happy New Year."

Rhett and Raven held up some fireworks, calling to everyone, "Everyone, time for fireworks!"

In Emerald City tradition, on New Year's Day, you first honor your ancestors—set up memorial tablets, offer fruits and food, then set off fireworks.

But most of these people didn't know where they came from. All those steps had been simplified down to just setting off fireworks.

"Let's go set off fireworks."

Sienna grabbed Kelvin's hand. Seeing Simon and Chris approaching, she waved at them, "Simon! Chris, come set off fireworks!"

The group gathered together. Fireworks burst into red flowers in the snow. Benjamin and the others called loudly for them to come inside and eat.

Everyone headed in, brushing snow off each other at the door, then rushing inside together.

"Bring out the dishes! Bring out the dishes! Everyone, come help!"

Veda shouted, "We've got every kind of dish—eat whatever you want!"

At the dinner table, everyone's glasses clinked together, "Happy New Year!"

Outside, snow swirled. Inside, steam rose, filled with laughter and voices. Some were already dancing with arms around each other's shoulders.

Starting from the evening, the sound of fireworks outside hadn't stopped. Now Russell was itching to join in too.

Seeing his expression, Simon had Chris take them to the warehouse to get fireworks.

Everyone had eaten their fill. Hearing about more fireworks, they all put on coats to go outside.

Chris and Rhett brought out some fireworks from the warehouse, along with small items Simon had specifically asked him to buy, saying Sienna would like them.

Gentle light fell on everyone. Fireworks burst into brilliant fairy-tale blooms in the sky. Flying snowflakes landed on each person. All these elements together spelled out peace.

"Time for gifts." After this round of fireworks finished, Simon smiled, "Don't you all want your New Year gifts?"

The crowd got lively again, playfully clamoring to grab New Year gifts.

The elders had prepared gifts long ago, handing them out one by one.