The sound of firecrackers echoed from near and far, and the air was laced with the smell of nitrate and sulfur. It wasn't too pungent—just enough to remind people that the old year was passing and a new one had arrived.
New Year's Eve in the village was simple. Breakfast, pasting Spring Festival couplets, and walking around to greet neighbors. But today, things were much livelier.
"She's a good one, that Xiaoyu," a plump middle-aged woman said. "Always been sensible since she was little. I told you she was blessed. Looks like she really married into a great family."
"Absolutely blessed," another chimed in. "Her ancestors must be smiling on her. I just told my niece—her man owns a major company and he's a billionaire!"
"A billionaire? Are you sure? I mean, does a billionaire even get to meet national leaders like that?"
…
A group of gossiping village aunties sat together, chatting animatedly while occasionally glancing at Chen Mo, who was seated nearby—helplessly surrounded.
It felt like being a baby panda in the zoo—everyone staring, commenting, murmuring. He was used to strange looks and people talking, but this was next level. Still, he didn't show any discomfort, just helpless resignation.
"Hello, are you Chen Mo? Can I take a picture with you?" a girl asked shyly, holding up her phone with an excited, starstruck expression.
She was Xiao Yu's cousin—her uncle's daughter, if Chen Mo remembered right from the introductions earlier.
"Sure," Chen Mo nodded.
After one photo, another girl came over. Then a couple more. Even a few young men joined in. After the impromptu photo session, Chen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With New Year's Eve in full swing, Chen Mo and Xiao Yu were preparing to head back to Binhai soon. But news of Xiaoyu's "very rich, very capable" boyfriend had spread through the village like wildfire. Curious neighbors and long-lost relatives poured in just to catch a glimpse of him.
Chen Mo was sure he had just met all the "three aunts and six sisters" of the region. Thank goodness the yard was big enough to seat everyone. Still, it felt more like an exhibit than a visit.
And it would be rude to hide in a room, so all he could do was smile and play games with the local kids who had no idea who he was.
Inside the house, the vibe was... different.
"Xiaoyu," a middle-aged woman with flashy makeup and curled hair said with a grin, "your boyfriend is the CEO of Marching Ant, right?"
Her designer bag was placed prominently on the table—clearly meant to be noticed.
"Could you ask him to arrange a manager or vice president role for my son?"
"I mean, why stop there?" Xiao Man muttered under her breath as she peeled an apple. "Just ask to be president."
Xiao Yu sat there unsure how to respond. She had never even met this woman before. Turned out she was her dad's cousin, someone who had never visited or even stayed in touch before today.
"Auntie," Xiao Yu said politely but firmly, "our company hires based on qualifications and interviews. It's not something that can be arranged casually."
The woman scoffed. "Come on, your boyfriend owns the company. What's the point of being the president's assistant if you can't even arrange one small position?"
"I may be his assistant, but I don't interfere with hiring. That's the HR department's responsibility. And Chen Mo doesn't involve himself in these details either."
Xiao Yu wasn't being rude, but she was firm. She knew Chen Mo's principles—and Zhao Min's temper. There was no way they would allow nepotism or favoritism. And she certainly wasn't about to bend the rules and put Chen Mo in a difficult spot.
"What's the big deal?" the woman pressed. "Can't he just say the word?"
He Zhenghua, watching nearby, didn't look pleased. He knew this cousin all too well—married rich, flaunted it, and never interacted with the family since. Now that Chen Mo was in the picture, she suddenly showed up looking for favors.
"If your son needs work, why not have him help out at your own company?" he said calmly. "Didn't you say you run one?"
"We're family. Isn't it just a small favor?"
Her voice had gotten loud enough that people in the yard looked toward the house curiously. No one said anything, but the interest was obvious.
Chen Mo, who had been entertaining the neighbors outside, heard everything. With a calm smile, he politely excused himself and walked into the house.
The argument immediately died down.
Wang Lan and He Zhenghua looked concerned, but the woman's eyes lit up.
"Mr. Chen," she said warmly, standing up and plastering on a smile, "hello!"
"Hello," Chen Mo returned the greeting, taking a seat next to Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu shot him a worried glance.
"It's fine," Chen Mo reassured her with a soft pat on the back.
Sensing the tension, He Zhenghua and Wang Lan tactfully left the room—no doubt to let Chen Mo handle the situation directly.
"Mr. Chen, you're very talented," the woman said sweetly. "Would you be interested in coming over to our place sometime? My daughter's a huge fan and would love to meet you."
"Thank you for the invitation," Chen Mo replied with a polite smile. "But we're heading back today—I won't have time."
"Ah, maybe next time then," she said, undeterred.
She tried again: "Xiaoyu mentioned your company is doing great. My son's looking to change jobs. Maybe you could help him join your company? After all, family can be trusted."
Chen Mo looked calm. "Our company doesn't make backdoor hires. But if he's really interested, he's welcome to apply like anyone else. Or…" He turned to the woman and smiled. "I could personally help."
The woman's face lit up. "Really? Thank you, Mr. Chen! I knew you'd understand!"
"Does your son have any management experience?" Chen Mo asked. "We're expanding into Africa and opening branches there. It's an important market, and I need someone reliable. I can't trust just anyone. But if he's your son, I'm sure I can count on him."
The smile on her face froze instantly.
Africa?
That far?
Her pampered son would never survive there. She'd heard stories—instability, poor infrastructure, and general discomfort. No way he could handle that.
"What's wrong?" Chen Mo asked, feigning innocence.
"He… doesn't speak any foreign languages," she said awkwardly. "Couldn't he work somewhere… closer?"
"Languages can be learned," Chen Mo nodded seriously. "No one's born fluent. Besides, we offer translators. It's a great opportunity to improve his skills."
Xiao Man nearly choked on her apple trying to hold in laughter. Xiao Yu also stifled a giggle.
"Why don't you give him a call?" Chen Mo continued. "If he's ready, I'll arrange for him to start at our African branch after the holidays."
"N-no need, really," the woman said quickly, flustered. "I'll ask him and get back to you. Can I have your number?"
"Of course."
After receiving the number, she left the house, clearly disoriented by how her plan backfired.
"Does your company offer foreign language lessons too?" Xiao Man finally burst out laughing.
"Nope," Chen Mo grinned, glancing at Xiao Yu. "And I'm not planning to take any either."
Just then, He Zhenghua and Wang Lan returned.
"Xiao Mo, you're heading home now?" He Zhenghua asked.
"What's going on, Dad?" Xiao Yu sensed something in his tone.
"I'm afraid the rest of the relatives might start showing up next. You know your uncles… I don't want to cause you two more trouble. Xiao Mo, you've brought Xiao Yu home and we've had our say. You have my blessing. Now take care of her."
Everyone has those quirky relatives.
The villagers and neighbors were friendly enough—just curious, a bit gossipy maybe, but harmless.
But the richer relatives... those were the ones who pushed boundaries.
And so, Chen Mo and Xiao Yu were gently—but firmly—"evacuated" from the house.
As they sat in the car, both were silent at first.
Then they looked at each other and burst out laughing.