The plane touched down in Suzhou in the middle of the afternoon, sliding across the cold runway like a long sigh. Wen walked out quietly, a hand-carry in his right hand and a black scarf wrapped around his neck. No one was waiting for him—no one ever was. He took a taxi, watching through the window as rooftops still held traces of snow.
At his apartment, he opened the windows, letting in the icy air. Silence greeted him like an old companion. He put away his bag, boiled water, prepared tea. Leaning on the balcony, he drank slowly, letting the city breathe before him. He was back. But, as always, alone.
The next day, he went to campus to settle unfinished work before the holiday. The corridors were half-empty, already softened by the mood of the New Year. Li Cheng appeared with a folder full of reports and a wide smile.— At last, the wandering professor. I thought you'd hide in another province until winter ends.— No. Wen adjusted his glasses. The trip was enough.Li laughed, clapping his shoulder.— Well, I leave early tomorrow. My mother said if I don't show up, I don't get a seat at the table. New Year is law.
Their talk was light, but before leaving, Li added in a quieter tone:— Don't lock yourself in too much, Zhaonan. Too much silence weighs heavy.Wen only nodded.
That afternoon, heavy clouds promised snow. Yuyan and Xiaoqing were walking home from the hospital, each carrying shopping bags for the festive days ahead. Red lanterns already decorated windows and doors, but the cold still clung deep into the bones.
At Yuyan's home, her mother was still at the market. In the quiet living room, Xiaoqing set down her bag on the sofa and turned to her friend.— Li told me something before he traveled. Wen… always spends New Year's Eve alone.Yuyan froze in the hallway, her hand still on the strap of the bag.— Alone…?— Yes. He says he likes silence. Xiaoqing crossed her arms, serious. But some silences aren't a choice.
Yuyan's heart tightened. She sat slowly on the edge of the bed, her gaze lost in the pale quilt. Her fingers tapped on her phone as if they knew what they wanted before she could think.— You're thinking about calling him, aren't you? Xiaoqing asked.Yuyan looked up, cheeks flushed.— I don't know if I should… What if it feels intrusive?— Yuyan, listen. Xiaoqing sat beside her, firm. What's worse: him finding it strange to get an honest invitation, or spending another New Year alone thinking no one remembered him?
The words sank deep.— Maybe… I could invite him to dinner. With us. My mother wouldn't mind, and your family is already like ours.Xiaoqing smiled.— Exactly. Do it. If he comes, wonderful. If not, at least he'll know someone thought of him.
Hesitation lingered, but Yuyan took a deep breath, unlocked her phone, and pressed the call button. Her heart pounded so loudly it seemed Xiaoqing could hear it too.
The line was answered far too quickly.— Hello? His voice was low, grave, slightly hoarse.— Professor Wen… Yuyan said softly. Sorry to disturb you.A short pause.— You're not disturbing me, he replied.Her breath steadied, courage swelling in the middle of her fear.— The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve. My family and Xiaoqing's always have dinner together… I thought it would be good if you came too.
On the other side, silence. Not refusal, but surprise. She could almost hear his restrained breath before he answered:— …Thank you. If it's not a burden, I would be honored to come.Yuyan pressed the phone to her chest for a moment, cheeks burning.— It's no burden at all, Professor Wen. It will be a joy.— Then I'll be there. His voice was steady, yet gentle. Thank you, Yuyan.She smiled without meaning to.— I should be the one thanking you.
When she hung up, Xiaoqing was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, her grin barely contained.— So he's really coming? she teased.Yuyan covered her face with both hands, blushing.— I can't believe I did that…Xiaoqing laughed, sitting beside her.— You did. And you did right. I bet it's the first New Year's invitation he's accepted in years.— What if it feels awkward? Yuyan whispered, nervous.— Awkward would be him spending it alone again. Xiaoqing squeezed her hand. The hard part's done: he said yes.
Yuyan's heart still raced, but there was a new light in her eyes. For the first time, it felt like this New Year might hold something different.
That night, fabrics were spread across her bed: pale dresses, wool coats, even a simple hanfu her grandmother had sewn years ago. Xiaoqing examined each piece like an appointed stylist.— Not the blue one. That was before. Tonight is New Year. It needs to be something else.She pulled out a cream-colored dress, light fabric embroidered with small red branches at the hem and sleeves. She handed it to Yuyan with a triumphant smile.— This one. It has the tone of the night, but stays delicate.
Yuyan brushed her fingers over the fabric, feeling its cool touch.— I don't know if… isn't it too much?— It's never too much when your heart has already decided, Xiaoqing replied.
When Yuyan tried it on before the mirror, her mother entered carrying a tray of steaming tea. She stopped, surprised, then smiled warmly.— You look beautiful, my daughter. That embroidery seems made for you.Yuyan blushed. After a pause, the words slipped out before she could hold them back:— Mother… I invited Professor Wen to spend New Year with us.
The room fell quiet. Xiaoqing folded her arms, waiting, but let Meilan answer.She set the tray down gently, her gaze calm.— You did well. A full table always has room for one more.— You don't mind…? Yuyan asked.— How could I? Her mother brushed a strand of hair from her face. New Year isn't meant to keep silence, but to share warmth. If he comes, he will be welcomed like family.
Xiaoqing laughed, satisfied.— See? I told you. Now relax and trust it.Yuyan nodded slowly, her heart lighter. Yet when she looked back into the mirror, her cheeks flushed again, imagining him walking through the door.
Outside, voices called to light the lanterns. Evening was falling, and the New Year was about to begin.
When the knock finally came, the room was alive with children's laughter, clattering dishes, and the fragrance of freshly cooked fish. Yuyan went to open the door.
Wen stood there, scarf still around his neck, holding two carefully wrapped packages: a box of aromatic tea for the family, and a smaller parcel.— Good evening, he murmured softly. Happy New Year.
He offered the tea first. The mothers accepted it with smiles. But before Yuyan could close the door, he held out the smaller package.— For you, he said, almost in a whisper.
Surprised, she opened it slowly. Inside lay a slender silver bracelet, with a tiny plum blossom pendant, delicately carved. Simple, yet chosen with quiet care.
Her heart raced as she realized it wasn't just courtesy — it was meant only for her.
Right then, Xiaoqing appeared behind her, eyes sparkling with mischief.— Well, look at that… I didn't get anything. Seems someone here has special treatment.
The aunts laughed knowingly. Yuyan flushed scarlet, closing the box in both hands like a secret. Wen only adjusted his glasses, but the faint red on his cheeks betrayed him.— Xiaoqing… Yuyan murmured, embarrassed.Her friend only grinned wider.— I didn't say anything wrong. Just pointing out the facts.
Laughter filled the room until Meilan stepped forward, restoring the warmth of the moment:— Professor Wen, welcome. The table is ready. No one spends New Year's Eve alone here.
Wen bowed his head in gratitude. The lantern light caught on his glasses, but when he looked up, his eyes found Yuyan's — who clutched the little box to her chest like a private confession.
He smiled briefly. She did too.