Chapter 258 Couple Outfits

On the afternoon of the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lu Er was curled up on the living room sofa, looking through the company’s financial reports.

Song Jingmo was out on the balcony, watering and fertilizing the few pots of trailing jasmine that Lu Er had impulsively bought but never quite managed to keep alive.

The sky outside was a little overcast, and the air carried that unique pre–New Year bustle.

The phone on the coffee table rang.

Lu Er picked it up, his voice lazy. “Hello? President Lu, what can I do for you? Don’t tell me the year-end bonus is being paid early?”

“Watch your tone.”

Lu Chen’s voice came through the receiver, tinged with a smile before turning serious. “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. If you’re free, come home early and have the reunion dinner with us.”

The words “reunion dinner” instantly wiped the nonchalance off Lu Er’s face. He straightened unconsciously.

Last year, because he had insisted on being with Song Jingmo despite Leng Qinghua’s strong opposition, she had angrily thrown him out of the house on the spot.

That New Year’s Eve, he spent it with Song Jingmo.

The two of them cooked a simple meal and watched fireworks from other people’s homes through the window, unable to avoid a bitter feeling in their hearts.

Although after he left the entertainment industry, Leng Qinghua’s attitude had softened somewhat.

The last time he brought Song Jingmo home for dinner on the weekend, she didn’t say anything harsh, but she hadn’t smiled the entire time either.

But tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. During such an important holiday, Lu Er couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

He was afraid of upsetting his mother, afraid that Song Jingmo would be slighted, and even more afraid that their relationship—just barely improved—would freeze over again.

“Brother…”

Lu Er’s voice dropped, tinged with hesitation and a trace of nervousness. “How’s Mom been lately? I’m worried she might…”

Lu Chen sighed. “What do you think? She doesn’t say it, but of course she misses you.”

“After you left last time, she stared at your childhood photos for a long while. Bingbing and I will both be home tomorrow. If you want to bring Jingmo, then bring him. There’s no such thing as a grudge that lasts overnight in a family.”

“Alright, I’ll think about it.”

Lu Chen’s words gave Lu Er a bit of reassurance.

After hanging up, Lu Er remained in the same position, brows slightly furrowed, his face full of indecision.

Song Jingmo had clearly heard the conversation. He set down the watering can, walked over, and sat beside Lu Er.

“Doctor Song… tomorrow is New Year’s Eve…”

Lu Er licked his slightly dry lips and asked tentatively, “My brother wants me to go home for dinner. Do you want to come with me?”

Song Jingmo didn’t answer immediately. He reached out, took Lu Er’s hand, and gently squeezed it.

“Do you want me to go?”

“Of course I do!”

Lu Er answered without hesitation. “How could I be so heartless as to leave you alone at home for the New Year?”

But as soon as he said it, he deflated again, leaning his head on Song Jingmo’s shoulder.

His voice turned muffled. “But I’m afraid my mom will give you a hard time again. It’s New Year—I don’t want you to be unhappy.”

Feeling the weight on his shoulder, Song Jingmo’s heart softened.

He tilted his head slightly, brushing his chin gently against Lu Er’s hair, his voice warm and patient. “Er’er, I’m not afraid of being scolded. I’m afraid of putting you in a difficult position.”

“If you’re worried things will turn unpleasant, I’ll stay home and wait for you. Go back and have a proper meal with your family. If you miss me, just come back early.”

“When you get home, we can eat something simple together and stay up for the New Year. That’s nice too.”

After a pause, he added, “Give your mother some time. We’ve got plenty of time ahead of us. There’s no rush.”

There wasn’t a trace of complaint or disappointment in Song Jingmo’s words—only complete understanding and support.

And the more he was like this, the worse Lu Er felt, his heart swelling with a mix of soreness and emotion.

Song Jingmo was always like this—putting his feelings first, quietly absorbing all the grievances and pressure himself.

On New Year’s, leaving Song Jingmo alone in an empty house, waiting for him to return from a reunion dinner—just imagining it made Lu Er feel suffocated.

Why should it be like that?

What had Song Jingmo done wrong?

Such a wonderful person—why should he, because of someone else’s family issues, not even get to have a proper New Year’s Eve dinner?

Last year, Lu Er had been upset—but Song Jingmo had been even more so.

He didn’t want that to happen again.

After thinking it through, Lu Er finally made up his mind. “I’m taking you home. Worst case, we get kicked out together. It wouldn’t be the first time anyway.”

“If we really do get kicked out, we’ll go to a hotel for dinner—order the most expensive set menu. Then we’ll go watch fireworks. I just don’t want to leave you alone at home.”

Seeing his determined, all-in expression, a gentle smile spread across Song Jingmo’s eyes.

The faint unease brought by the unknown was smoothed away by this heartfelt sincerity.

He raised his other hand and ruffled Lu Er’s hair.
“Alright, then we’ll go together. Just treat it like an ordinary meal. Even if we have to endure a little unpleasantness, it’s nothing.”

The next morning, both of them changed into festive red sweaters.

Lu Er wore a loose one with cute cartoon patterns, while Song Jingmo’s was a simple, fitted solid-color design.

They each paired it with a white long coat in the same color scheme. Standing together, they looked harmonious and striking—perfectly matching couple outfits.

Song Jingmo hesitated. “Er’er, are you sure about dressing this… conspicuously? Your mother…”

To him, it felt less like they were going to a reunion dinner and more like they were going to declare war.

Lu Er looked at their reflection in the mirror—elegant and refined, perfectly matched like a pair straight out of a New Year’s greeting card.

“For the New Year, of course I’m wearing couple outfits with you. Who cares whether she likes it? As long as we’re happy.”

With a resigned, carefree attitude, he added, “Besides, with my brother there, it won’t be too bad.”

Song Jingmo chuckled softly and picked up the gifts he had prepared in advance. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

An hour later, as soon as the car stopped, Lu Chen and Luo Bingbing were already waiting at the door.

Lu Chen wore a dark gray lounge outfit, his demeanor steady and composed.

Luo Bingbing, on the other hand, was dressed in a festive red dress with a white fur coat draped over her shoulders, looking radiant.

Seeing them get out of the car, Luo Bingbing walked over with a smile.

“Finally! Mom’s been up since early morning preparing. She’s been in and out of the kitchen several times. She even asked just now why you hadn’t arrived yet.”

Then she turned to Song Jingmo and smiled. “Jingmo, welcome to our home for the New Year.”

Lu Chen also stepped forward, patting Lu Er on the shoulder before saying to Song Jingmo, “Must’ve been a tiring trip. Come inside first—it’s cold out here.”

A servant came forward respectfully and took the gifts from Song Jingmo’s hands.

Lu Er looked a little incredulous. “Did Mom really ask about us, or are you just saying that to make me feel better, Sister-in-law?”

Luo Bingbing hooked her arm through his and whispered, “Relax. She seems to be in a pretty good mood today. And besides—it’s the New Year. Even if not for your sake, she’ll keep up appearances.”

The group entered the house. Inside, the heating was warm, and the place was decorated with a strong festive atmosphere.

Chinese knots, “Fu” characters, and fresh flowers adorned the walls. The servants respectfully took their coats.

Lu Chen led them toward the tea room. “Mom’s in the tea room. She’s already brewed tea—just waiting for you to arrive.”