Chapter 164: Fireworks

The gala proceeded smoothly as planned, and the first four groups of guests were invited onto the stage one by one.

The audience and tourists were focused on the beautiful women and handsome men on stage.

But several informed individuals sitting in the front row already showed worried expressions. They knew that the originally scheduled fifth group of guests had encountered an issue and couldn’t come.

"I wonder how Ethan and the others solved it. It would be bad if it turned into an awkward situation."

"I heard Ethan found a group of guests at the last minute. Apparently, it’s quite a young couple."

"How can that work? What if something unexpected happens? It would have been better to have the male and female hosts fill in as the last group of guests."

"That wouldn’t work either, based on what you said. Wouldn’t that disrupt the rhythm?"

—

Several informed leaders whispered among themselves.

An uncle suddenly mentioned Andrew and Scarlett beside him. "I think it’s better to ask this young couple next to me to go up."

His remark made the others look over, and they all thought it was a good idea at first glance.

"This young couple is a perfect match. It really works."

"They are wearing one black and one white coat, which matches well. I think it’s fine too."

Upon hearing everyone agree, the uncle immediately said to Scarlett and Andrew, "Could you two do this old man a favor?"

"Um... about that..."

Andrew and Scarlett had heard the conversation just now and were about to explain when Sweety, on stage, smiled and announced loudly,

"Next, please welcome our final group of guests, Mr. Xia and Miss Luo, to the stage."

Hearing this, the leaders who had been whispering were stunned, all wondering to themselves, "Who are these two people?"

Just as they were wondering, Andrew and Scarlett stood up. The two smiled and waved at them before heading toward the stage.

"This???"

Several senior leaders watched Andrew and Scarlett walk toward the stage with shocked expressions.

They had never expected the young couple who had seemed like such a perfect match to turn out to be the last-minute confirmed guests.

Andrew held Scarlett’s hand as they made their way through the crowd toward the stage.

Many audience members who had originally been focused on the hosts were also drawn to them.

"Look! The last pair of guests is the couple we saw earlier!"

"No wonder that beauty has such an outstanding presence. It turns out she was one of the confirmed guests!"

"Miss Scarlett is really beautiful, almost like a celebrity. But why have I never seen her before?"

—

For a while, the crowd buzzed with discussion, most of it centered on Scarlett’s beauty.

They were also curious why such an outstanding girl seemed to be completely unknown. Apparently, no one present recognized her.

Andrew and Scarlett stepped onto the stage. Sweety smiled at them and moved aside to give them some room.

At that moment, if Sweety and her co-host had handed their microphones to Andrew and Scarlett, no one would have questioned them taking over as the hosts.

The two of them were simply more suitable, both in terms of presence and how well they complemented each other.

Although Andrew was young, his handsome face was far more memorable than that of the rather ordinary male host.

According to the arrangements, Andrew and Scarlett, as guests, only needed to wave and greet the audience before standing beside the fireworks launch button. When the time came, all the guests would press it together.

However, this left many audience members feeling somewhat disappointed. They had all wanted to hear Scarlett speak.

Unfortunately, that wish was destined to remain unfulfilled.

Andrew and Scarlett stood quietly beside the button without saying anything else. At a moment like this, they had to remain silent.

Even so, they still had plenty to say to each other. In the end, their thoughts were conveyed through the subtle movements of their fingers.

Andrew gently touched Scarlett’s soft, rosy hand before pointing toward the fireworks switch.

"Teacher, how about we press the fireworks switch together later?"

Scarlett understood immediately. She drew a circle in Andrew’s palm with her index finger, indicating her agreement, then tightened her grip on his hand.

"Okay, but don’t move around. If you accidentally press it, there could be serious consequences."

Andrew held her hand in return. "Don’t worry. I would never do something that foolish."

"I know you wouldn’t, but we still need to prevent accidents."

"Teacher, why are you acting like a mother, worrying about every little thing?"

"I am your Mother Scar. If you dare disobey me, just wait and see how I’ll deal with you."

The two continued communicating through their private sign language. Others might not have understood a single gesture, but they could grasp each other’s meaning without even needing to look directly at one another.

"Alright, get ready to press the button."

"Mm."

Once everyone was in position, Sweety returned to the center of the stage with her microphone. Together with her co-host, she delivered the final opening remarks for the fireworks display.

"Thank you for your support, distinguished guests. May the splendor of these fireworks illuminate our tomorrow."

As her voice faded, Andrew and Scarlett placed their hands on the button together, setting off the evening’s fireworks.

On the first night of the New Year, brilliant fireworks burst across the night sky.

After the opening ceremony, the crowd dispersed and began enjoying the various activities at the gala.

Andrew and Scarlett also left the stage area early to look for food, drinks, and something fun to do.

Not long afterward, they ran into Sweety, who had changed into a down jacket and come out to enjoy herself.

"Why are you out so early? I thought it would take you a while to remove your makeup and change clothes."

Andrew asked as he ate barbecue. Scarlett also handed Sweety a cup of hot milk tea to warm her up.

"Change my ass! Of course I’m taking advantage of the nonstop fireworks and the liveliest part of the evening to come out and have fun!"

The moment she was no longer acting as a host, Sweety returned to her usual mischievous self—a personality she had picked up from her boss, Andrew.

"By the way, where’s the male host you were paired with earlier? I thought you two got along pretty well."

"Bullshit!"

Sweety took a large gulp of milk tea before loudly denying it. "It was freezing up there! I was wearing a gown that left my arms and shoulders exposed. I nearly froze to death! How could I have had the time to care about anyone else? And if I catch a cold, you’re fully responsible! Give me more money!"

"Alright, alright! I’ll cover your expenses tonight, okay?"

Andrew reluctantly agreed, though paying out of his own pocket was out of the question. "Just remember to keep the receipts and submit them to Hannah for reimbursement."

"Damn it! I still have to get the company to reimburse me? Are you even human? Can’t you give me some personal compensation? It would at least show that you care about your employees."

"Can’t help it. I’m poor!"

Sweety rolled her eyes at him, but as long as she could get reimbursed, she wasn’t too bothered.

Afterward, she didn’t interrupt Andrew and Scarlett’s time together. She left them to continue their stroll and went off to wander around on her own.

After Sweety left, Scarlett asked Andrew, "By the way, where did you learn to be so stingy?"

Andrew immediately looked offended. "Teacher, don’t make things up. When have I ever been stingy with you?"

"Not with me, but you seem pretty stingy with everyone else."

Hearing this, Andrew’s mind quickly turned, and he leaned close to Scarlett’s ear before whispering, "Because I want to spend all the money I save on Teacher."

Scarlett’s heart swelled with happiness at first, but she soon realized that Little Fellow Andrew’s words carried another meaning.

"So, according to you, I’m the one who taught you to be stingy?"

"No, no."

Andrew grinned as he slowly backed away, already thinking about making his escape.

Just as he was about to run, Scarlett grabbed him by the arm.

"Where do you think you’re going? You Little Thing, how dare you secretly make fun of me? You’re asking for a beating!"

"It’s a misunderstanding, Teacher. I was wrong."

"Wrong your head! I’ll deal with you today."

The two playfully chased each other all the way to the riverside.

When Scarlett finally caught up with Andrew, she gave his cheek a hard pinch and let out a satisfied breath.

Then, holding her milk tea, she leaned against the railing beside him as they watched the magnificent fireworks reflected over the river.

"These fireworks are really beautiful. No wonder they organized such a grand gala," Andrew said casually as he gazed up at the sky.

Scarlett didn’t answer immediately. After a moment, she softly said, "Thank you."

Her voice was so quiet that Andrew didn’t hear her clearly. He turned toward Scarlett, who was standing beside him and gazing at the fireworks, with a puzzled expression.

"Hmm???"

Scarlett turned to him with a smile and said happily, "I said thank you for bringing me so much joy."

Andrew laughed as well. "Hey, Teacher, there’s no need to thank me. Didn’t you used to say the same thing to me? Saying thank you feels too formal between us."

Scarlett pursed her lips and smiled.

Just then, a snowflake slowly drifted down from the sky and landed on her dark, beautiful hair like a tiny star.

Gradually, more and more snowflakes began to fall.

"Huh? It’s snowing?"

Andrew looked up at the night sky as snowflakes drifted down on the wind.

Suddenly, a pair of slender arms wrapped around him. A moment later, he felt something warm and moist against his cheek.

On that snowy night, Scarlett gently embraced Andrew and kissed him on the cheek.

"If you don’t want me to say thank you, then I’ll give you a kiss instead."

---

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