NFBE Chapter 292 [Empire] Christmas Eve
Chapter 292 [Empire] Christmas Eve
The atmosphere on Christmas Eve was unusually quiet, with the city lights and snowflakes interweaving into a dreamy picture. Although the city did not celebrate holidays in the traditional sense, the atmosphere of Christmas was permeated in every street corner.
To avoid looking out of place, I casually picked up some "Christmas decorations" from the roadside. These small ornaments looked particularly warm in the snow, their bright colors and festive atmosphere. Anyway, they would be automatically recycled by the urban environment simulation system the next day, so I didn't think much about it and just casually stuffed them into my bag.
Thinking of Wen Ya's family, I felt a sudden sense of relief. Although we weren't related by blood, he was undoubtedly one of the closest people to me on this strange planet. During holidays, especially quiet moments like Christmas Eve, I always feel an indescribable sense of belonging. This home, though simple, is my warmest haven.
Walking through Wen Ya's door, a familiar aroma greeted me. The lights were soft. Wen Ya was sitting on the living room sofa, his head bent over, sorting through documents. The air was quiet, as if lightened by the approaching holiday. He looked up at me, his gaze gentle yet a touch of surprise, as if a bit surprised I'd arrived so early.
"Are you back?" His voice always carries a soothing warmth, as if all the noise around him has nothing to do with him.
"Well, I saw these decorations on the road and couldn't help but pick some." I explained lightly and put the decorations in the bag on the table.
He looked at the little decorations and smiled. "What an interesting custom. Christmas is just an excuse. It gives us a reason to do some little things that make people happy."
I sat down next to him, leaned gently against the back of the sofa, and whispered, "I don't have any other plans. I just want to spend this night with you."
Wen Ya's eyes softened, as if he understood the meaning of my words. He didn't answer immediately, but reached out and picked up a cup of warm drink and handed it to me. "Although we don't have a special way to celebrate, this kind of quiet company is just right."
I took the cup, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. This is what it's like to be home on Christmas Eve.
When Wen Ya handed me the paper ticket, I was a little stunned. After all, in this digital and virtual age, paper tickets have become extremely rare, and being able to receive one in person even felt a little strange to me.
The ticket had an exquisite pattern printed on it, with a star-shaped design surrounding it and a gorgeous violin pattern in the center, with the words "Christmas Theme Violin Recital - Mysterious Guest Special" written below.
"Mysterious guest?" I couldn't help but repeat these words, feeling extremely curious.
Wen Ya looked at me and smiled faintly, her eyes carrying a hint of mystery. "Just think of it as a surprise. Go directly after school tomorrow and wait for me after you enter."
I still didn't fully understand what he was trying to say, but my mind was already full of questions.
"Aren't you coming with me?" I asked, a hint of joking unconsciously on the corner of my mouth. "Are you planning some big event, planning to give me a surprise?"
Wen Ya's eyes were gentle and deep. She lowered her head slightly, as if thinking about something, and then she spoke slowly: "I have some work to take care of tonight, so I may not be able to accompany you in time." His voice was not impatient, but still had that familiar steady feeling. "But you should go by yourself, I think you will like it."
Although Wen Ya's words were brief, they were thoughtfully considered. Perhaps this really was a little surprise prepared for me.
I pursed my lips and took the ticket, feeling a warm feeling deep down. Although we weren't celebrating Christmas like a traditional family, this subtle arrangement made me feel more attentive. Perhaps, days like this are truly "holidays."
At least, here.
"Okay, wait until I come back and you can tell me who this mysterious guest is." I teased with a smile, stood up and prepared to leave.
"You'll like it." Wen Ya still smiled faintly, but an elusive light flashed in her eyes.
I nodded without asking any more questions, and left Wen Ya's house feeling unexpectedly relaxed and happy. Although I was a little confused as to why, my anticipation was palpable.
I walked into the villa and gently closed the door. The cold wind was still howling outside, bringing a hint of chill. I looked around this familiar yet somewhat strange place and couldn't help laughing. On Christmas Eve, I was back here, staring at that man.
Tonight, the atmosphere felt off. Normally, he'd prepare dinner, even if it was for Shan Qi. But tonight, there was nothing on the table except seven or eight bottles of wine, piled haphazardly on the table, their necks lined up in a row, as if waiting in line—to be drunk. And he, sitting at the table, staring at the wine, seemed to be wrestling with some kind of mental struggle.
I couldn't help but frown slightly. As I approached, I saw his shoulders shrug slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He was still thin, wearing the same black windbreaker, the hem of which fluttered unnaturally, as if something had been overlooked. He seemed particularly silent tonight, so silent that it almost made me feel uneasy.
I couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you cook tonight? You drank so much, are you planning to get yourself drunk?" The atmosphere tonight was really unusual, as if something was quietly accumulating and could explode at any time.
He didn't answer my question directly, but just smiled faintly: "I don't really want to do it." His tone was still calm, but that cold and empty feeling seemed to fill the space in an instant.
Perhaps, because today is Christmas Eve, he has some special emotions, or there are some inexplicable things tangled in his heart.
I looked down at the bottles and felt a sense of unease. They looked unusual, covered in tiny scratches, as if each one had experienced some kind of violent impact.
The oppressive atmosphere became even thicker, as if something was quietly growing.
"Do you... want to drink more?" I asked, feeling inexplicably anxious.
He raised his eyes and glanced at me, a look that was filled with silent heaviness. Then he lowered his head again, as if in deep thought, and stopped answering me.
I sighed, walked to the table, picked up a bottle of wine from the bottle, smelled the wine, and felt that the smell was familiar, but also a bit pungent. I turned away.
"I understand you don't want to talk today," I said softly, putting the bottle back where it belonged. "But I don't mean to bother you, it's just... you have to take care of yourself, or else it'll really make me worry."