Chapter 434

"Sophia, Happy New Year."

His voice was deep and rich, like a cello flowing through the night.

Everything was quiet, only his voice softly vibrating in her ear.

Sophia's ears felt slightly warm. She gently rubbed them and switched the phone to her other side.

"Professor, Happy New Year."

The countdown voices of the Spring Festival Gala hosts came through the phone—

"Five, four, three, two—"

The moment "one" fell, Alexander spoke softly. "Sophia, look up."

She instinctively looked out the window.

Fireworks bloomed across the sky, their falling light like stardust scattering towards the earth.

"Kyoto is setting off fireworks this year?"

"They're electronic fireworks! Didn't they say the technical challenges hadn't been overcome yet?"

"They must have solved them! Otherwise, how could they be displayed?"

"They're so beautiful! And no gunpowder smell!"

"Electronic fireworks last longer and fall closer. It feels like you could almost reach out and catch them…"

"Will we see them every New Year's Eve from now on?"

"Of course! Once the technology is developed, it's meant to be used!"

Neighbors came out to watch the fireworks. Exclamations of awe mixed with the sound of the displays, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sophia was completely captivated.

Fireworks bloomed and faded in her clear pupils, a moment of extreme, breathtaking beauty.

There were no regrets after such a magnificent display. Blooming and fading each had their time.

On the other end of the phone, Alexander said softly, "Sophia, our third year has arrived."

Sophia smiled, gazing at the night sky fireworks and murmuring, "Time flies… It's already been two New Year's Eves…"

"Are you free for a video call?" he asked.

"Okay."

The video request came quickly. Sophia accepted.

Alexander was wearing a turtleneck sweater. His profile was soft under the light, the usual coolness gone, replaced by a touch of gentleness.

Fireworks continuously bloomed behind them, illuminating half the night sky.

Alexander suddenly laughed.

Sophia asked, "Professor, what are you laughing at?"

"Can't I laugh if I'm happy?"

She nodded. "You should laugh."

"I thought you would ask me why I'm happy."

"Of course you're happy because it's the New Year."

Was that even a question?

But Alexander shook his head. "No."

"Hmm?"

"Not happy because of the New Year."

"Then why?"

"For you."

Sophia was stunned.

Alexander spoke again. "Sophia, I…"

"Sophia! Come in quickly! It's cold outside. Watching through the glass is just the same!" Florence's voice called out.

"Okay, Grandma— coming right away!"

After responding, she looked at Alexander. "Professor, what were you going to say just now?"

Alexander was silent for a moment. "...It's nothing. Go inside."

"Okay."

"Goodnight."

"Goodbye."

...

"Third Brother, who are you on the phone with? And you came outside?"

Xun came out for a smoke and saw his younger brother standing in the garden. He was only wearing a thin sweater but didn't seem cold at all, smiling at his phone.

He had wanted to get closer to hear the conversation.

But before he could approach, the call ended.

Alexander frowned. "Why did you come out?"

Xun shook his cigarette case.

"Smoke less. It's bad for your health."

Xun looked at his serious expression and couldn't help laughing. "Not smoking hurts more."

"Where does it hurt?"

"The heart yearns. It's agonizing."

Alexander: "...Wait until Mom deals with you."

"That's why I came out. Who were you talking to just now? You looked so happy."

Alexander: "None of your business."

"Third Brother, that's no way to talk. Do me a favor?"

"No." Alexander shook his head.

"Keeping it all secret? A girlfriend?"

"Don't talk nonsense."

"It really is a girlfriend!"

"You're making things up!"

"Mom— Third Brother has a girl—"

Alexander spoke at the same time: "Mom— Brother is smoking aga—"

They both fell silent.

"Yo, what are you two doing here staring each other down?"

Yan came over, grinning at his older and younger brothers.

"What were you shouting just now? You stopped halfway?"

Alexander & Xun: "What's it to you?"

Yan: "...?"

"Don't walk away! Explain! Why do you run as soon as I show up? What secret can't I hear?!"

The three brothers entered the house one after the other.

They ran straight into Sylvia.

All three stopped simultaneously.

Sylvia glanced over her three sons. "What were you doing outside?"

In unison: "Getting some air."

Sylvia: "?" Was the house that stuffy?

"Xun, come with me to Uncle Qi's house the day after tomorrow."

"For what?"

"New Year's visit."

Yan saw right through it. "And incidentally meet Miss Qi Ru for a blind date. See if you hit it off."

Xun frowned. "I'm on a business trip the day after tomorrow. No time. Mom, take Second Brother. He's interested."

"Don't," Yan waved his hand. "I have to go to the Temple of Divinity to get the first incense. Our family's luck this year depends on me. No time for blind dates. Maybe the Qi family just wants to get the first incense and is using their daughter as a smokescreen."

"You rascal, what nonsense are you talking?!" Sylvia raised her hand to hit him.

"I think Alexander is suitable. Polite and well-mannered. Miss Qi would definitely like him."

Xun nodded. "There's potential."

Sylvia looked at her youngest son expectantly.

Alexander said nothing, turning and going upstairs.

The silence was deafening.

The refusal was utterly blatant.

"Look at him! He infuriates me! You two are just the same—" Sylvia stamped her foot.

Xun and Yan quickly made their escape.

This happened every year. They were long used to it.

...

Under the brilliant city lights, some were reunited, while others were alone.

The Roscente family estate—

The banquet had long ended. Guests had gradually left.

Victoria sat on the sofa, watching the fireworks outside the window. Her eyes held no surprise, only melancholy.

Ethan had gone into his study to work after the reunion dinner and hadn't emerged since.

Her daughter had been despondent since being expelled from MIT, shutting herself in her bedroom all day, unwilling to go out.

She was even more afraid relatives would ask about her withdrawal from school.

Victoria had called her twice tonight.

The first time, there was a response: "Not hungry. You eat."

The second time, there wasn't even a reply.

Victoria looked at the closed door and left disappointed.

As for her son, Ethan Roscente…

On New Year's Eve, he hadn't even come home.