Chapter 182: Excuses to Greet

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Qiao Ranran and Yu Feifei exclaimed, “No!”

Even though they were already married, they still felt shy when discussing these topics.

Jin Nian had always thought that her relationship with Lu An had come about by chance. It was rare for her to admit, even to herself, that in that department, Lu An had indeed introduced her to new horizons.

Although Lu An was typically arrogant and domineering, he was always the one who took care of things in that aspect. Thanks to him, Jin Nian often acted reluctant verbally, but her body’s response couldn’t deceive anyone.

She enjoyed it very much, but at the same time, she was conflicted. It seemed as if she and Lu An hadn’t had the opportunity to formally date before jumping right into intimacy.

Qiao Ranran asked curiously, “You don’t like Lu An?”

Jin Nian replied, “How could 1 not like him? It’s just that we’ve known each other for so long that 1 can’t distinguish whether I like him as a person or just enjoy spending time with him.”

Feifei Yu chimed in, “Is it possible that you liked him a long time ago, but you didn’t realize it?”

Jin Nian shook her head vigorously, denying it.

Qiao Ranran added, “1 think it’s quite possible. Jin Nian is usually pretty oblivious. Even if she did fall for him, she might not have realized it herself.”

Yu Feifei said, “If it weren’t for Lu Feng’s aversion to discussing other people’s private affairs and gossip, I would have asked him about Lu An.”

Jin Nian asked, “Ask him about what?”

Yu Feifei raised an eyebrow mischievously, “Of course, I’d ask about his thoughts. Maybe he’s liked you for a long time.”

Jin Nian shook her head as if shaking a tambourine, “That’s even more impossible. Please don’t ask.”

Qiao Ranran concurred, “I think so too. If he’d liked you for a long time, why didn’t he say anything?”

Jin Nian nodded.

During this time, Jin Nian had been keeping company with the bride-to-be, so her encounters with Lu An had become less frequent.

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, Lu An promptly sent her a WeChat message, “Wifey, happy New Year, may you always be happy.”

As Jin Nian read the message, her thoughts drifted back to the past.

During the years Lu An spent abroad, he would always send Jin Nian a New Year’s greeting at midnight. The messages were cold and seemed like generic mass texts. At first, Jin Nian would reply, but in the subsequent years, she stopped responding altogether.

At 1:30 AM on New Year’s Day, after reading Lu An’s message, Jin Nian decided to give him a call. She suddenly had a strong desire to hear his voice, without considering whether he might already be asleep.

The phone rang several times, and then he picked up. His tone was slightly hoarse as if he had been awakened from a dream. He let out a soft “Hmm,” and if one listened carefully, there was a hint of indulgence in his voice.

Hearing his voice, Jin Nian’s heart inexplicably softened. “Lu An, 1 wish you a happy New Year.”

On the other end, he chuckled, “What time is it now?”

“1:30,” Jin Nian replied.

There was a rustling sound from Lu An’s end, likely indicating that he had sat up in bed. He cleared his throat and asked, “Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

“I’m chatting with Ranran and Feifei. I’m not tired at all,” Jin Nian replied.

Lu An, in a playful tone, said, “So, you’re still awake, but you ignored your Hubby’s WeChat message?”

Jin Nian teased, “Are you mad? If you’re mad, 1’11 hang up.”

“Don’t hang up,” a certain someone said shamelessly in front of her. “Let’s chat a little longer, you heartless little thing.”

“About what?” Jin Nian inquired.

“Anything will do,” Lu An replied. “Have you missed me?”

Jin Nian answered honestly, “Yes.” She found it rather strange because despite spending so much time together, they had only been apart for two days.

On the other end of the call, Lu An laughed contentedly. Then he suddenly asked, “Did you think those New Year’s greetings 1 sent before were mass messages?”

Lu An hadn’t expected this sudden question. After a brief pause, he replied, “What do you think? Did 1 send them to you individually?”

Jin Nian already had an answer in her heart but still felt a bit disappointed. “It should be a mass message. You probably didn’t have time to individually edit New Year’s greetings.”

Lu An didn’t say anything more. He didn’t explain that he had sent New Year’s greetings to her exclusively for six years. Jin Nian was right. He didn’t have the time to edit individual messages, and he found even copying and pasting too troublesome.

It was only for her that the long strings of messages had been reduced to short sentences. Each one had been carefully considered before sending.

In the following years, as they drifted apart, Jin Nian rarely initiated calls or messages, and even when Lu An did, her responses lacked enthusiasm.

Additionally, upon learning of her romantic involvement, Lu An had receded to the role of a normal and considerate friend. He didn’t disturb her or initiate contact, except during holidays when he had an excuse to send greetings..