The Little Brat's Sweet And Sassy Chapter 1251 - Side Story 30: Let’s Watch Together, the Fireworks in the World (Final Chapter)

1251 Side Story 30: Watching the Fireworks of the World Together (Final Chapter)

The sky was clear, accompanied by a gentle, refreshing breeze.

Inside the Capital Sports Center.

Shen Li stepped out of her vehicle, dressed in a casual black outfit topped with a matching baseball cap. Near the road, she spotted He Xiaochen, who had arrived early, struggling to adjust her elegant white suit jacket. Seeing Shen Li, her face lit up with excitement as she clasped her hands together.

“Ah Li! I can’t thank you enough for making this happen! You have no idea how long I’ve been a fan of Ji Xiru! Being able to see her in person today feels like a miracle! Tell me honestly, do I look presentable?”

!!

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Shen Li’s mouth.

“He Xiaochen, you literally just finished your meeting and rushed over without even changing. Any artist would be deeply moved by your dedication.”

He Xiaochen, currently employed as a professional simultaneous interpreter, was constantly overwhelmed by her workload.

Yet, no matter how packed her schedule became, it never dampened her obsession with chasing stars.

He Xiaochen remarked with utmost sincerity, “Ah Li, you just don’t get it. Gazing at beautiful, talented women is the primary fuel that keeps us going in this harsh world.”

Shen Li raised her chin slightly.

“Let’s head in. The rehearsal should be starting momentarily.”

Lin Fengmian’s seventh-anniversary concert was fast approaching. For this special milestone, the team had secured an exclusive collaboration with the world-renowned cellist, Ji Xiru.

The moment He Xiaochen heard the news, she bombarded Shen Li with dozens of frantic voice messages expressing her pure joy.

That was exactly why today’s outing had been organized.

The pair made their way inside, and soon, a staff member guided them toward the rehearsal stage.

Security for the concert venue was incredibly tight. Aside from the necessary production crew, the space was virtually deserted, creating an atmosphere of vast emptiness.

However, this did not interfere with He Xiaochen’s high spirits in the slightest.

Watching the young man skillfully navigate the piano keys while the slender figure played the cello on stage, she pressed a hand to her mouth, fighting the urge to shriek with thrill.

A true beauty is always stunning to behold!

She felt as though her soul had been completely revitalized!

…

By the conclusion of the rehearsal, the evening sky had turned to dusk.

Shen Li guided He Xiaochen forward to offer their greetings.

“Sister.”

Lin Fengmian’s stardom had only continued to soar over the past few years. Having collected numerous music accolades, he was undeniably a top-tier superstar.

Yet, in the presence of Shen Li, he remained as humble and respectful as ever.

“Sister Xiaochen.”

He Xiaochen pressed her hand over her heart.

Wow.

Even though he had addressed her this way for years, she still grew giddy every single time she heard it!

Aware of the purpose behind their visit, Lin Fengmian took the lead in introducing Ji Xiru to them.

Dressed in a long white dress, Ji Xiru projected an image of gentle, refined intellect.

She greeted both Shen Li and He Xiaochen with a warm, welcoming smile.

“Greetings, I am Ji Xiru.”

He Xiaochen’s eyes sparkled with unhidden adoration.

“M-miss Ji, I’m a huge fan of yours! I truly admire your work!”

Ji Xiru’s eyes curved softly as she chuckled.

“Thank you,” she replied gracefully.

Ultimately, He Xiaochen managed to snap a photo with the beauty and even shared a meal with the group.

Shen Li noticed that Ji Xiru was every bit as patient and gentle as He Xiaochen had claimed. However... whether it was just a strange feeling or not, she couldn’t shake the impression that Ji Xiru’s gaze kept drifting in her direction a bit too frequently.

It hardly felt like the first time they had met.

He Xiaochen stared down at her plate, poking at her vegetable salad with a look of misery.

“Are you really planning on starving yourself?” Shen Li asked, glancing at her.

He Xiaochen let out a pathetic whimper.

“Our wedding photos are scheduled for next month.”

She had finally managed to shed the extra weight! Oh, forget it! She would just treat this as a feast for her eyes instead. She would be content just watching the beauty!

…

As the dinner was winding down, Shen Li was notified via message that Lu Huaiyu—accompanied by Suisui and Guoguo—was on his way to pick her up.

She sent back a short response: “Understood.”

However, Ren Qian made his entrance much sooner than expected.

He Xiaochen looked at him in total surprise.

“Wait, aren’t you supposed to be at the class president’s celebration party right now?”

Ren Qian held his suit jacket in his arms, his expression lazy and lighthearted.

“He lost the case.”

He Xiaochen’s eyes went wide in disbelief.

“Impossible! Is there actually a day where Pei Song tastes defeat?”

Her shock was justified. Ever since Pei Song graduated and joined the most prestigious law firm in the Capital, he hadn’t lost a single case. His professional reputation was pristine, and his career outlook was stellar.

Everyone in their circle was certain he would emerge victorious.

Who could have predicted he’d actually lose?

“Just who on earth is powerful enough to beat him?”

Ren Qian flickered his eyes.

“Tong Yin.”

“Tong Yin? The name rings a bell... Wait! Wasn’t she in the Law Department at Xijing University? She was a year behind us, right?”

“Not only was she our junior, but she also spent time interning at Brother Pei’s firm. She used to work right under him.”

He Xiaochen suddenly caught on.

“Wait, is that the girl who got wasted, called him an evil capitalist, and threatened to sue him for labor exploitation?”

“...”

Ren Qian massaged his temples.

“The very same.”

He Xiaochen’s memory was as eccentric as ever.

Once the initial shock faded, her curiosity flared.

“This little junior is impressive! So, the apprentice has finally outdone the master—what do they call this? The peasants have risen up to celebrate! You really are an inspiration to our entire generation!”

“...”

Ren Qian looked visibly uncomfortable.

He Xiaochen paused and poked his arm.

“What’s the matter? Did I miscalculate the situation?”

Ren Qian sighed.

“You might not know this, but Tong Yin actually held her celebration party directly across from Brother Pei’s law firm.”

“...”

“And what’s more...”

Recalling how Tong Yin had once drunkenly barged into the office, vomited on Pei Song, and subsequently forced him to drag her away with a stern, icy expression, Ren Qian decided it was safer to keep his thoughts to himself.

In a sense, He Xiaochen was entirely right. Tong Yin had indeed conquered Pei Song.

On many different levels.

Ren Qian opened the car door and smiled, “I’m finished with my business. May I have the honor of driving you home?”

He Xiaochen nodded with a grin.

“Thank you for your service, my darling!”

She hopped into the vehicle and waved goodbye to the others through the window.

“Ah Li! Younger brother! Miss Ji! See you at the concert!”

Ren Qian started the ignition and teased, “Looks like you’ve had a busy day.”

He Xiaochen finally turned her gaze away with reluctance, shifting her focus to him.

Feeling incredibly happy, she replied with a flourish, “Don’t worry, this empress will bestow her favor upon you tonight.”

Ren Qian shot her a playful glance.

“I am honored by your grace. I shall strive to earn such favor.”

...

As everyone began to disperse, Shen Li turned her head to see Ji Xiru standing behind her.

“Miss Ji?”

Ji Xiru cleared her throat softly.

“Actually, there is something I wanted to say...”

“Mother!”

Before Ji Xiru could finish, two high-pitched voices echoed through the air.

Shen Li spun around to find a black G-Wagon parked nearby. Lu Huaiyu emerged, carrying Guoguo under one arm while firmly grasping Suisui’s hand.

The two little ones shrieked with joy at the sight of her.

Shen Li was momentarily stunned.

This car...

As she processed the situation, a tall figure stepped out of the driver’s seat: Lu Yuxiao.

She was so startled that she missed how Ji Xiru’s entire body went rigid the moment she laid eyes on him.

Ji Xiru felt that coming here today had been a massive mistake. Not only had she run into an ex-boyfriend at a blind date earlier that afternoon—mistaking his younger brother’s children for his own—but now she had stumbled directly into the entire family tonight!

Marvelous.

Truly marvelous.

The heavens were clearly plotting her humiliation.

Shen Li patted Suisui’s head and took Guoguo from Lu Huaiyu. She then asked, “Why is Big Brother here?”

Lu Huaiyu stated, “Big Brother dropped the kids off. We happened to cross paths, so we traveled the rest of the way together.”

The two children had insisted on coming, no matter what he said. In the end, he hadn’t even realized they would be stopping here, but he had simply followed along.

Shen Li nodded.

It was convenient, at least, since she had driven here herself.

Looking down at the two children, she asked, “Did you two behave while you were out with your uncle today?”

“Yes, we did!”

Lu Guoguo bobbed her head vigorously. Suddenly, she caught sight of a familiar face behind Shen Li and began waving with excitement.

“Sister!”

Shen Li turned around in confusion. Did she know her?

Ji Xiru desperately wanted to pivot and run, but doing so now would only invite more scrutiny. Besides, her resolve crumbled as soon as the child called out to her.

She offered a soft smile to the duo. “How have you two been?”

Lu Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, questioning simply, “What did you call her?”

Lu Guoguo pouted innocently.

“The pretty auntie is actually a big sister!”

Lu Yuxiao stepped forward, his military gait instantly recognizable.

It was the cadence she had known so well, and now, every heavy footfall seemed to echo against her heart.

In the few moments it took to bridge the distance, Ji Xiru frantically rehearsed a dozen ways to speak to him in her mind.

‘Captain Lu, hello. I am profoundly sorry for mistaking your niece and nephew for your own children.’

‘Captain Lu, what a coincidence.’

‘Captain Lu.’

“Suisui and Guoguo have had a long day and are exhausted. Huaiyu, take Ah Li and the children home so they can get some rest.”

His voice was deep and steady.

He didn’t even glance in her direction.

Ji Xiru stood frozen. She finally looked up, though she deliberately avoided eye contact with Lu Yuxiao. She prepared her scripted apology, intending to turn and flee immediately after.

He really hadn’t spared her a second glance.

Ji Xiru pursed her lips tightly.

“Little Ru?”

A young man approached with a warm smile. “It’s getting late, shall I drive you home?”

He was the orchestra’s conductor—gentle, refined, and kind. However, they had only recently met, and...

Ji Xiru instinctively looked toward the car and caught Lu Yuxiao’s gaze.

Her heart skipped a beat, and out of pure reflex, she turned the conductor down.

“Thank you, but there’s no need. I... I don’t live very far away. I’ll make my own way back.”

Lu Yuxiao had already turned his back and begun walking across the street.

Ji Xiru hesitated for a heartbeat before gritting her teeth and marching after him. She hadn’t apologized yet!

“Captain Lu!”

Lu Yuxiao walked with the long, brisk strides of a soldier, effortlessly outpacing her.

By the time she reached him, he was already opening his car door.

“Captain Lu! Wait up!”

Ji Xiru called out desperately.

He paused and turned back.

“Is there something else, Miss Ji?”

Ji Xiru said nervously, “I... I had a misunderstanding this afternoon. Regarding Suisui and Guoguo... I truly apologize!”

Lu Yuxiao stared at her for a long, silent moment before replying, “Miss Ji, there is no need for apologies. The ignorant are innocent, after all. Furthermore, we have been apart for many years. If Miss Ji were to keep track of my personal life so closely, well...”

He paused, and a hint of a laugh sounded in his voice.

“I’m afraid that might lead to some rather awkward misunderstandings.”

Ji Xiru felt a lump in her throat, unable to conjure a rebuttal. Silently, she cursed him in her mind. If nothing else, his talent for being overbearing had certainly sharpened over these last few years.

She decided to let it slide. She had said what she needed to say.

More importantly, the sheer embarrassment of this reunion after so many years made her desperate for the ground to swallow her whole.

She only wished to vanish.

As she clutched the cello case strapped to her shoulder and turned to leave, Lu Yuxiao suddenly spoke.

“Get in the car.”

Ji Xiru stopped dead in her tracks and stared at him. “What?”

Lu Yuxiao frowned, unimpressed.

“Do you plan on walking home with that cello strapped to your back?”

Ji Xiru instinctively wanted to shake her head, but then her eyes widened slightly as the implication hit her.

“...Do you actually know where I live?!”

“No, I don’t,” Lu Yuxiao replied flatly.

Ji Xiru was on the verge of refusing when she heard him say in a cold, detached tone, “Just don’t damage my cello.”

Ji Xiru was overcome with a sudden sense of guilt.

Oh.

The cello had, in fact, been a gift from Captain Lu long ago.

He was just reclaiming his property.

The instrument was clearly more precious to him than she was.

“Oh,” she whispered.

A long, powerful hand reached out, and she instinctively gripped his wrist as she climbed into the vehicle.

Getting into the G-Wagon was surprisingly difficult.

Lu Yuxiao remained stoic, though his expression tightened.

“Hand over the cello.”

Ji Xiru finally understood that she had misunderstood him again and rushed to pass him the instrument case.

“I’m... I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to order you around, Captain Lu.”

Lu Yuxiao ignored her entirely.

With a loud thud, the door slammed shut.

The black G-Wagon roared to life and quickly vanished into the darkness.

...

Shen Li watched the scene unfold with wide, blinking eyes.

After a moment, she turned toward Lu Huaiyu.

“Second Brother, should I start calling Miss Ji... sister-in-law?”

The two brothers had clearly orchestrated this encounter tonight.

Lu Suisui and Lu Guoguo exchanged curious looks.

Lu Suisui pondered this for a moment and whispered, “...Is that going to be our aunt?”

Lu Guoguo covered her mouth in shock, her grape-like eyes bulging.

“What?!”

Lu Huaiyu offered a faint, mysterious smile.

“Are you truly that curious?”

Shen Li gave a slight nod.

It stood to reason that Lu Huaiyu, who possessed the memories, was the only one who truly knew if Lu Yuxiao and Ji Xiru eventually found their happy ending.

Lu Huaiyu understood exactly what she was asking.

However...

His gaze drifted toward the distance for a split second.

In reality, even he wasn’t entirely sure.

But she didn’t need to know that.

He gathered his thoughts and leaned in closer, his deep, phoenix-like eyes looking into her own with a gentle, playful smile.

“Shen Tangtang, what’s the point of spoiling the ending?”

“Isn’t it much better to wait with me and see how it all unfolds?”

Her eyelashes fluttered, and her bright, peach-blossom eyes curved into a sweet smile.

“Alright.”