Jingle bells

Jingle bells

Jingle all the way

………………

………………

Stepping outside, that song followed me everywhere.

Every shop and entertainment spot seemed to have conspired to play it nonstop, all to create a Christmas atmosphere. The only thing missing was snow this year—robbing the scene of its magic.

Some richer stores even placed Christmas trees at their entrances, drawing wandering eyes…

Because I write novels, everything takes on a deeper meaning in my mind.

Take Christmas: to others, it might be just another holiday.

But to me, it’s more complex. Originally a religious festival, it had little to do with ordinary lives.

Not until the 19th century, with Christmas cards and Santa Claus, did it slowly gain popularity.

If asked who the shrewdest people on earth are?

Undoubtedly, merchants!

Christmas’s recent global spread owes much to their push. It’s nearly become a second Valentine’s Day—all to boost spending.

So I’ve never liked these foreign holidays. No religious ties, no urge to shop. If not for promising Fang Yiyi, I’d rather sleep at home…

“Boss…”

See? Exactly what I meant!

Usually buried in drafts, I rarely get to stroll with her. Today, since we finally had the chance, Fang Yiyi’s smile hadn’t faded since we left home…

Next holiday, I’ll take her out properly. She’s cooped up with me too long, pouring all her heart into me. Sweet, yet guilt gnawed at me…

“Give me one of these!!!”

Fang Yiyi pointed a fair finger at the reindeer antlers on the stall.

Gone was her usual calm grace at home. Outside, she finally showed a playful spark—just like any young girl…

If I had to define it: a black headband with red plastic antlers, topped with blinking LEDs…

“Husband! Do I look good?”

She snatched it up and popped it onto her head. The lights blinked cutely, adding charm to her already stunning beauty…

Sorry!

I take back what I said earlier. The genius who invented this thing deserves all praise!

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Christmas!

“Of course you do. My wife is the most beautiful in the world!”

I pinched her warm cheek gently. No flattery—just truth. Yet those honest words flushed her face crimson…

“You’re not lying?”

“Why would I lie? My lady is the prettiest!”

I released her cheek and straightened the crooked antlers on her head.

She always smoothed my clothes so carefully, not missing a wrinkle. Why did she fumble so badly with her own?

“Flatterer! Then what gifts should we buy for Mom and Dad?”

Pleased by my praise, she snuggled closer after I fixed the antlers, looping her arm through mine. She asked a question I couldn’t answer…

“You’re asking *me*?”

I echoed in disbelief. Fang Yiyi and I weren’t new to each other. Married this long, I was hopeless at gifts. Why ask *me*?

But since she’d asked… I couldn’t say “I don’t know.” With her, I never wanted to say no. Always willing. Always giving…

“Just your opinion. You’re their son—you know their tastes best…”

Her breath puffed white with each word. Her lips were turning pale from the cold.

“You’re their daughter too!”

I tugged her scarf higher, covering her mouth and nose, leaving only her big eyes visible.

Then I grabbed her hand and stuffed it into my coat pocket, squeezing tight to warm her.

“I mean—you’re their *biological* son! Of course I know they’re my parents and sister…”

Fang Yiyi bristled like a scolded cat, digging her nails into my fingertip. Clearly blaming me for that remark!

“That’s better!”

I huffed, refusing to let her squirm freely in my pocket. I laced our fingers, gently trapping her soft palm. She could only cling to my side…

“Don’t overthink it. They’ll love anything you give.”

Gifts weren’t my strength, but this was true. Who ever measured joy by a gift’s price?

*A feather sent a thousand miles still carries deep meaning.*

What matters is the heart behind it.

Even if Fang Yiyi gave me a rock, I’d cherish it all day—because it’s from her. That’s enough.

To me, she’s already given herself. That’s the greatest gift.

As long as I live, I’ll treasure every second with her…

“Ugh… such a lazy answer. I wanted your advice. Totally useless…”

She leaned against my arm, cheek pressed to my sleeve, dissatisfied.

“Haven’t you ever given gifts to Mom and Dad before?”

Her question hit a sore spot.

I wished I’d learned this habit as a kid.

For Fang Yiyi? I never missed a holiday or anniversary. All marked in my calendar.

“Nobody reminded me back then. How could I remember these days?”

I only recalled traditional festivals like Mid-Autumn or Dragon Boat. Those were for family reunions—not gifts.

New gift-giving holidays? I’d only celebrated them with Fang Yiyi. No experience…

“Sigh! I almost pity Xiaoxi. Stuck with such a clueless brother?”

Fang Yiyi shot me a look, shaking her head like a disappointed blacksmith.

“That’s why we have you, dear sister-in-law! You’ll handle it. Your gift is my gift!”

I grinned sheepishly. Gifts couldn’t measure my love for Xiaoxi…

Every holiday, I dropped work to see her. Didn’t that prove my heart?

Only worry: she’s nearly graduated, yet no boyfriend in sight. Acting like she’ll never date. Please don’t turn into another Auntie Zhou…

“Pfft! When did you get so shameless?”

“How else would I have won you?”

No grand confession ever happened. Back then, we’d silently agreed to this love.

Wasn’t that shamelessness?

“Stop joking. Let’s walk and talk. Standing here looks weird…”

Fang Yiyi secretly pinched my palm and nodded sideways.

I followed her gaze. The stall owner stared at us oddly…

Since buying the antlers, we hadn’t moved. He’d heard everything.

So what? What’s the big deal!

Never seen couples flaunting love on Christmas Eve?

“Tomorrow we visit your parents. Today we buy gifts for Dad, Mom, and Xiaoxi…”

Only three people, yet she counted them off on her fingers.

Fine, count if you must—but use your own fingers! Why mine?

“Don’t bother with Dad. He cares even less than I do. Anything simple shows thought…”

I reclaimed my hand from her grip, shoving it back into my pocket. She never listened…

“That’s exactly why Dad’s gift matters most!”

Fang Yiyi didn’t agree. She flatly refused, leaving me stunned…

“…”

But… my dad truly didn’t care about gifts…

“How many years has Dad lived abroad?”

Fang Yiyi tilted her head up, scolding me.

“Over a decade…”

Chasing culinary dreams, I’d rarely seen him growing up. Only holidays. Sometimes Mom took Xiaoxi and me to visit…

“Christmas is huge overseas—like our Spring Festival. After so long there, wouldn’t he keep some habits?”

“…”

Ah! Light dawned.

So that’s what she meant. No wonder girls notice these things. I’d completely missed it.

“My brilliant wife!”

I dipped my head and brushed my lips against hers. Warmth vanished too soon—not from lack of want, but…

“You idiot! So many people watching!”

Fang Yiyi hissed, nails digging into my fingers. At home, she’d kiss freely. Outside, she still shrank from attention…

“Think being my wife makes you untouchable?”

Ow! Ow! Ow!

I threatened half-heartedly. I wanted to beg mercy, but male pride held me up.

“Oh? Then try it.”

Fang Yiyi narrowed her eyes, grinning wickedly. She knew I’d never hurt her.

“If I don’t discipline you, you’ll never know who’s head of this household.”

I slid right, pressing her against the wall, pulling her into my chest. Let them stare at me. My wife’s shy blush was mine alone to see.

“Husband, I’m sorry! Forgive me?”

Seeing my move, she knew what came next. Her defiance vanished. She pleaded instantly.

“No way!”

With all my strength, I tightly locked Fang Yiyi’s still-struggling body against me, closed my eyes, and pressed my forehead to her trembling face.

One hand slowly slid to the back of her head, yanking off her scarf before my lips crushed hers—silencing her desperate pleas. A wave of sweet fragrance crashed against my nose, my cheek…

Fang Yiyi froze, utterly unprepared. She swallowed lightly—a tiny, involuntary motion that felt like she was sucking my tongue.

The spark inside me erupted into wildfire.

My palm clamped harder against her skull as I devoured her lips. Amidst our tangled breaths, I gently sucked her lower lip, then her upper, before my tongue slipped past her parted lips, swirling deep inside…

My other hand, tangled in her short hair, pressed her down firmly—no escape. I only pulled her tighter, as if trying to melt her into my chest.

A tingling wave crashed over my spine again and again, drowning me in bliss. I couldn’t let go…

“Shameless flirt!”

How long had we kissed? My lips were numb before I finally, reluctantly, pulled away from her flushed face.

Fang Yiyi seized the chance to weakly scold me, her eyes heavy-lidded and smoldering.

Our gazes held nothing but raw, unhidden love for each other…

“Who else’s wife are you? I’ll flirt today, tomorrow, and every damn day for the rest of my life!”

I rewrapped her scarf, leaving only her eyes exposed, then pulled her hood up too.

Not for warmth—I knew she’d never dare take a step otherwise…

“Let’s go.”

Fang Yiyi whispered, shoving her hand into my pocket. She kept her head down, silent. Probably too flustered to speak.

………………

………………

“What about this one? Dad should like it, right?”

After *that*, Fang Yiyi lost all interest in sightseeing. She dragged me straight into a mall, marching deep inside to hunt for gifts.

Her cheeks still flushed, she was already consulting me about presents for my dad. Her eyes had locked onto a watch…

Men rarely wear accessories. Ties were for office workers—useless for Dad in his kitchen.

And casual wear…

We were father and son. Painfully similar in hating fuss. Why wear formal suits when track pants worked fine?

Bracelets or necklaces? Too flashy for my stoic dad…

Only watches worked—as both tool and statement.

A man’s watch spoke of his taste, his worth.

When we married, Fang Yiyi’s father gifted me his treasured “Louis Monette” as her dowry.

He’d joked it was the first watch made from Mars meteorite. “Cherish it,” he’d said.

I’d never heard of the brand, but assumed a man like him wouldn’t own anything under six figures.

I’d missed one word: *treasured*.

When Fang Yiyi later told me its price, my worldview shattered. “Poverty limits imagination,” I’d muttered.

“This one’s perfect.”

The color, style, design—all suited my dad. Fang Yiyi’s choice was flawless.

“Okay! If you say so—checkout!”

“Here.”

I automatically handed over my card.

I never cared about money, wanting Fang Yiyi to manage it all. But she refused my card fiercely.

So among married friends, I was the only one who still paid. A weird pride swelled in me…

“Hey…”

Fang Yiyi frowned, pulling out her own card. It glittered with tiny diamonds. *Capitalist excess!*

“Forgot who your wife is? When have I ever paid here?”

I froze. *Right.* This was Rong Sheng territory. As the heiress, paying for her own company’s goods was absurd.

“But… it’s still your—*our* dad’s store. Isn’t that… weird?”

I choked on my slip under her glare.

Awkward. Buying my dad a gift with his own company’s resources felt like stealing flowers to give back.

“And I’m not his daughter? You took his watch just fine. Should I return you tomorrow too?”

“Absolutely not!!!”

I straightened instantly. No way. I’d give up everything—but never her.

“Exactly. *I’m* buying this for Dad. What’s it to you, piggy?”

Ignoring the rushing manager and staff, Fang Yiyi looped her arm through mine. Bag in one hand, she dragged me out—no resistance allowed.

Just like I’d done to her earlier…

………………

………………

“Give it here.”

I bent to take the bag from her. Even a watch was too heavy for her to carry.

“Dad’s gift is done. Now Mom and Xiaoxi’s…”

Fang Yiyi tapped her chin, thinking hard.

Right. *Their* gifts were the real challenge.

“How about clothes?”

The clothing section was upstairs. Best idea I had.

Couldn’t just grab cheap trinkets off the street.

I wasn’t a student anymore—those gifts wouldn’t cut it.

Gifts needed weight. Meaning.

And women loved clothes. Mom, Xiaoxi, Fang Yiyi—all had wardrobes bigger than Dad’s and mine combined.

Fang Yiyi kept buying me outfits too—even though I was a homebody writer. She’d make me model every single one.

“No. Picking clothes is too much trouble…”

“What?”

Did I hear right? Fang Yiyi—*avoiding* shopping?

“Look at your eyelids. They’re glued shut. If I drag you clothes shopping, you’ll collapse right here.”

“…”

*That’s* why? She noticed that tiny detail?

I’d planned to push through the exhaustion. To make her Christmas perfect…

“I’m fine! Walking woke me up. See?”

I shook my head hard, forcing my eyes wide open.

“Stop pretending. Just listen to me. I’m happy you came out with me.”

“Let’s grab two practical perfumes here. If you feel guilty, we’ll properly pick gifts for Mom and Xiaoxi tomorrow—after you rest.”

Her worried eyes held only care for me…

“Yiyi, sorry. I’ll take you out tomorrow. Today… I’m really tired.”

I gave her an apologetic smile. Arguing was pointless—she was stubborn about this.

“Apologizing to *me*? We’re married. This is normal.”

“Yes! Best wife ever!”

I didn’t care who watched. Heart swelling, I crushed her against my chest, pouring all my love into the embrace…

“Let go, Mr. Ye! Go sleep properly. Rest up to deliver gifts tomorrow—or Mom will think I starve you…”

Blushing fiercely in public, she buried her face in my chest and patted my back.

“Fine! Perfume for Mom!”

I didn’t care about facing Mom anymore.

After years of her nagging, what was one more scolding?

I released Fang Yiyi and scanned the floor. Where was the perfume counter?

I’d seen it earlier… this way?

“But *I’m* paying this time! No arguments!”

I grabbed her hand and strode off.

“Pig! Wrong way—it’s *here*! How did I marry such a silly husband?”

Fang Yiyi yanked me back, exasperation written all over her face. My cheeks burned.

“Ah… sorry!”

I scratched my head sheepishly. Another blunder in front of my wife.

………………

………………

“You sleep first. I’ll shower…”

Fang Yiyi shrugged off her puffy coat, revealing a shoulder-baring sweater. Her pale shoulders glowed in the winter chill, warming me instantly.

“Wait here. Be good.”

I kissed her cheek hard, then dashed into the study before she could react. I dug through book piles until my fingers closed around a small box.

Fang Yiyi kept our home spotless. I only helped occasionally. If I didn’t hide gifts in weird spots, she’d find them instantly!

Her sharp eyes left me zero chances. This hiding spot had cost me serious brain cells.

“Wifey~”

Fang Yiyi sat on the bed, bewildered as I approached with my hands behind my back.

“Husband! You’re grinning like a villain!”

She wrinkled her nose in mock disgust…

*Ouch.* My heart actually ached.

Did I look that sly? Even as a joke, her words stung.

“Here. Yiyi. Merry Christmas!”

He took out the small box hidden behind his back, pried open Fang Yiyi’s hand, and firmly placed it in her palm.

“Your Christmas gift… I was afraid I’d forget, so I bought it a month early. See if you like it?”

Who said I forgot Christmas?

After marrying Fang Yiyi, I’ve remembered every gift-giving day.

Especially birthdays—I’ve already started secretly writing another novel.

Though it’s a campus romance I’ve never tried, everything’s based on our real moments. It flows smoothly.

I’ll record every little thing since we met, and give it to her for tomorrow’s birthday.

I want everyone to cheer for the leads ending up together—that’s my selfish wish!

I want the world to know my wife’s name is Fang Yiyi!

“I thought you weren’t buying me one?”

“How could I not? If you like it, I’d buy you one every day!”

Hearing that, he quickly spoke up.

“But I didn’t get you anything. I thought as old married folks, it wasn’t needed…”

Fang Yiyi looked troubled holding the box.

“It’s fine! I don’t care!”

As long as Fang Yiyi liked his gift, that was enough. What did a man need with presents?

“That won’t do. I always reciprocate gifts. Wait here!”

Fang Yiyi didn’t open the box. After a pause, she dashed out and returned holding—an apple?

“An apple?”

He took it. Definitely an ordinary apple. Was this really her gift?

What to say? Admit he was shocked?

“Well? Do you like it?”

“Huh? Of course! Whatever you give me, I’ll love it!”

Just like he’d said: whether apple or pear, if it’s from Fang Yiyi, he’d cherish it.

This apple must taste sweeter than any other…

“Liar! You hesitated!”

Fang Yiyi flicked his nose, as if it had grown longer.

“No! I really do like it!”

His secret exposed, he flusteredly explained.

“Cut it out—I know you. But I truly couldn’t find a gift…”

Fang Yiyi looked guilty, her voice low.

“Wife! Don’t worry! I’m a little disappointed, but having you is enough…”

His parents and even Xiaoxi got gifts. He didn’t care, but it stung inside.

But he was the man. No need to nitpick. Fang Yiyi by his side was all that mattered.

“Husband… what did you think my apple meant?”

Fang Yiyi wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm.

“What do you mean by an apple?”

He stared puzzled. What else could it mean?

Wasn’t it just that she had nothing else?

Could there be a hidden meaning? He couldn’t guess…

Fang Yiyi didn’t answer. She smiled faintly, then gently pushed him onto the bed.

She straddled his waist, gazing silently with narrowed eyes. Her smile widened, hinting at something…

Apple… apple… apple…

“You?! Don’t tell me?!!”

His eyes widened, voice rushed, breath ragged. If it’s about an apple, it had to be that…

Could it be…

“Congratulations! Ye Xi, you’re going to be a father!”

“Holy shit…”

Ignoring Fang Yiyi on him, he shot up, flipped her down, and pinned her arms.

“Is it true? Are you tricking me again?”

If she lied this time, he’d make her regret it!

If he didn’t take her now, he wasn’t Ye Xi! Sleep could wait!

Fang Yiyi didn’t reply, just smiled happily.

But he felt no joy. Her silence made him more anxious…

“Is it really true?”

He didn’t notice his urgent tone, so unlike his usual self.

This news was earth-shattering—his wife pregnant! How could he not be excited?

“We’re married—I wouldn’t lie. The baby’s two weeks old. The report’s under your pillow!”

Too impatient to talk, he scrambled off her, tumbled to the bedside, and pulled out a report…

“Fang Yiyi, confirmed pregnancy, two weeks along.”

Like the first one she’d shown, but this time…

She really wasn’t lying!

“Well, husband? Like this Christmas gift?”

Fang Yiyi shifted into his lap, head on his shoulder, body against his thigh. She looked up at his chin. He smelled her faint fragrance…

“Yiyi! Thank you! Truly! Best Christmas gift ever.”

His eyes moistened, voice trembling slightly with tears.

I never expected this. Never!

Fang Yiyi giving me this tear-jerking surprise today!

“Don’t cry! Don’t cry!”

Seeing his tears, Fang Yiyi flusteredly wiped his eyes…

“Thank you! Yiyi! Really…”

He composed himself, hugged her tighter, wishing never to let go…

“Since you love it, reward me? Husband?”

Fang Yiyi smiled faintly, closing her eyes as if expecting something.

“I asked the doctor—only two weeks, it’s fine!”

“Yiyi, thank you for this lifetime! I hope next life, I meet you again!”

From his heart: meeting Fang Yiyi, no regrets ever.

“Me too. I wish we’re together next life too…”

His fingers ran through her hair. He pressed their lips together fiercely. If he could, never part…

For this life and the next, always with Yi Yi.