After recording the embarrassing states of Zhou Zhiyun and Li Xudong, Zhong Chuxi immediately grabbed Zhou Ying and rushed outside the villa, preparing to set off fireworks and sparklers.
Seeing the crowd gradually disperse, Jiang Cheng turned to look at Zhou Zhiyun, only to find him already dead drunk and unconscious, slumped motionless on the table.
Jiang Cheng shook his head helplessly and gently patted his shoulder. "Stop drinking; Li Xudong has already passed out."
Hearing Jiang Cheng's voice, Zhou Zhiyun dizzily raised his head and muttered, "I'm fine, I'll go outside and take a look too."
After saying that, he stood up unsteadily and staggered toward the door.
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng wanted to advise him further, but before he could speak, a familiar WeChat video call ringtone rang from his phone.
Looking down, the video call popping up on the screen was actually from An Xin.
Rather than An Xin, Jiang Cheng felt it was more likely Annie.
As the video connected, a cute little face soon appeared on the screen; it was indeed Annie.
Annie had two playful pigtails and was holding a small brown bear in her arms, looking very well-behaved.
As soon as she saw Jiang Cheng's face appear on the screen, Annie immediately burst into a happy smile.
A voice as crisp as silver bells came from the phone: "Brother Jiang Cheng!"
Her enthusiasm could be felt even through the screen.
If Annie were in front of him right now...
Jiang Cheng felt he would definitely have to reach out and squeeze those tender, cute cheeks a couple of times.
"Annie, aren't you asleep yet?" Jiang Cheng asked with a smile.
Hearing Jiang Cheng's voice, Annie's lips immediately curled up high.
Like a happy little crescent moon: "I'm about to go to sleep. I saw Mama was showering, so I secretly sent you a video! Brother Jiang Cheng, the fireworks are so loud on your end. Are you setting off fireworks?"
Jiang Cheng nodded with a smile, then flipped the camera to the rear and aimed it at the floor-to-ceiling window facing the side of the kitchen.
Through the window, the brilliant and colorful fireworks could be clearly seen blooming in the night sky like flowers in full bloom.
"Yeah, they're setting off fireworks outside," Jiang Cheng explained.
Seeing this, Annie's eyes instantly lit up.
She leaned closer to the screen and said with a face full of envy, "Wow, Brother Jiang Cheng, your house is so lively! There are so many big sisters! You haven't come to play with me for so long. I really want to play with you!"
Looking at Annie's aggrieved expression, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile.
"Why didn't you go out to play?" Jiang Cheng asked softly.
Annie first nodded, then quickly shook her head and muttered, "There are so many guests at home, but they're all people I know. No one is playing with me. Will you play with me, please?"
Jiang Cheng smiled helplessly, thinking that this little girl really knew how to act spoiled.
"Then, have you finished your winter break homework?" He deliberately straightened his face and asked seriously.
Annie seemed prepared; she immediately switched to a well-behaved look, nodded vigorously, and answered crisply, "I finished it a long time ago. Aren't I good?"
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but praise her, "Mm, you really are good. How about this? I'll send you a big red envelope later to your mother's phone. Remember to click it for me."
Hearing the words "big red envelope," Annie's eyes clearly lit up, but only for a split second before she quickly shook her head again.
Obviously, Annie remembered what her mother, An Xin, had told her after Jiang Cheng bought her clothes last time.
"No... I don't want money. Mama said I can't take other people's money." Although Annie's voice wasn't loud, it was exceptionally firm.
"This is a red envelope..." Before Jiang Cheng could finish, An Xin's voice came from the other end of the line.
"Annie, who are you talking to..." Along with An Xin's words, a faint sound of footsteps approached, as if she were walking toward Annie.
"Mama, I'm on a video call with Brother Jiang Cheng." Annie's voice was a bit low, sounding somewhat guilty.
There was silence on the other end for about three seconds, then the screen suddenly shifted slightly.
Clearly, An Xin had taken the phone from Annie.
The next moment, An Xin's exquisite face appeared on the screen.
Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall over her fair shoulders, and her slightly damp strands emitted a faint scent of shampoo.
She was wearing only a black silk camisole nightgown.
Her delicate skin was partially visible, and having just finished bathing, she exuded a languid and charming aura.
Jiang Cheng couldn't help but stare blankly.
Even through the screen, he could still sense that faint fragrance.
It was as if An Xin were standing right in front of him.
"Jiang Cheng, Happy New Year." An Xin's voice was soft and pleasant, with a faint smile on her lips.
"Happy New Year."