After a morning class finished, Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan left school and drove to the hotel where his mother was staying.
Su Xia was already there. Old Xia had brought her along when he was on his way to handle some business.
After picking up the two mothers, Qin Tian drove them to visit the two new houses that were currently under renovation.
The renovation progress on both houses was similar, having reached the carpentry stage, including ceilings, wardrobes, doors, and windows. Following Qin Tian's design blueprints, the carpentry master recommended by the career elite Sun Yi was diligently working with his apprentices.
This phase of the project was nearing completion. Next would be the installation of appliances and furniture, followed by purchasing some green plants and potted plants. After airing out the spaces for two to three months, they would be ready for occupancy.
Both mothers expressed their satisfaction after touring the houses. The first meeting between Tang Xiuxia and Old Xia yesterday, as well as today's visit to the children's new homes, were among the main purposes of their trip to Jiangcheng.
"Sister Xiu, didn't I tell you? It's definitely no problem with Xiao Qin in charge of this," Su Xia said with a gentle smile as they walked out of the apartment building. She was completely at ease; it was mainly Tang Xiuxia who wanted to see for herself.
Tang Xiuxia glanced at her son beside her and nodded with a smile, "It's done quite well."
"Auntie, my brother is really amazing," Xia Nuannuan said, linking her arm through Tang Xiuxia's. Her face lit up with admiration as she added with a smile, "He learned all those design blueprints by reading some books recently, and the renovation workers were all amazed!"
"Mm, Nuannuan, don't praise him too much. Men can't handle too much praise, or they'll get a big head," Tang Xiuxia reminded her earnestly.
Hearing this, Qin Tian rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Hehe... Alright, I'll remember," Xia Nuannuan chirped, nodding happily. She then gave Qin Tian a playful wink.
"It's past twelve o'clock, let's go get something to eat first!" Qin Tian suggested to change the subject. Xia Nuannuan and the two mothers all agreed.
The four of them found a Hunan cuisine restaurant nearby and ordered a few dishes to their satisfaction.
After leaving the restaurant, Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan wanted to accompany the mothers for a tour of Jiangcheng, but they were politely declined.
"Today is your first Christmas together. Why are you two sticking with us? Go on, go on!" Tang Xiuxia said, waving them off with a smile.
Xia Nuannuan's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling a bit shy.
"Sister Xiu is right. You two should go on a date. We'll just wander around on our own," Su Xia chimed in with a light laugh.
"Then... shall I leave the car with you?" Qin Tian gestured to the car parked nearby, offering.
"No, no, it'll be more convenient for us to take a taxi. The traffic in Jiangcheng is too complicated, and there are too many cars. I can't drive well," Su Xia quickly refused.
Qin Tian glanced at his mother again and nodded, "Alright then. If anything comes up, just call us anytime."
"Oh, you're being too naggy. Hurry up and take Nuannuan out!" Tang Xiuxia feigned impatience, urging them to leave.
Qin Tian exchanged a helpless smile with Xia Nuannuan and then got into the car, preparing to leave.
"Auntie, we're leaving now. Have fun!" Xia Nuannuan rolled down the window and said to Tang Xiuxia with a sweet smile.
"Alright, you two too. Don't worry about us, your mothers will have fun on our own," Tang Xiuxia replied with a doting smile.
"Mom, Auntie, we're off then," Qin Tian said.
"Go ahead. Drive slowly; there are a lot of cars on the road today."
"Got it!"
...
...
As his mother had said, this was their first Christmas together. Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan naturally had dating plans. However, with their mothers' unexpected arrival in Jiangcheng, they had put their plans on hold to spend time with them. Now that they were no longer needed, they could proceed with their original agenda.
Driving their car, they arrived at Happy Valley, a large amusement park that opened in Jiangcheng in April of that year. They had already purchased their tickets in advance. Since there were activities at the amusement park for Christmas and many people would be visiting, it was best to buy tickets early.
After parking the car, they walked hand in hand to the amusement park entrance and joined the queue for ticket inspection, just like many other young couples around them. This was actually their first time visiting an amusement park.
Xia Nuannuan was clearly in high spirits, her delicate face adorned with a sweet and charming smile, her curious eyes frequently scanning her surroundings.
"Nuannuan, we agreed, remember? No super-thrilling rides," Qin Tian said earnestly. Even the strongest men have their fears, and Qin Tian was no exception. Rides like roller coasters and drop towers were completely beyond his tolerance. Many men felt the same, while most girls were enthusiastic about them. This wasn't to say that most men were more timid than women, but rather a matter of willingness. Compared to roller coasters and drop towers where one loses control and feels manipulated during the descent, men found it difficult to derive mental pleasure from them. Rides like car racing, off-roading, adventures, and skydiving, despite often being more dangerous, were willingly undertaken by men because they involved personal control. For girls, it was generally the opposite. Of course, there was also the simple matter of "saving face." When girls were scared, they could scream without hesitation, releasing their fear and discomfort. However, men would generally feel embarrassed to do so, having to suppress the discomfort internally. Afterward, they might feel dizzy, or even throw up, which would be too embarrassing.
"Okay, okay. If I really want to ride something, I can go by myself, and you can wait for me down here," Xia Nuannuan replied with a smiling nod, being very understanding.
"Nuannuan."
"Hm?"
"Why are you so lovable!" Qin Tian said seriously.
Xia Nuannuan's small face blushed, and she playfully rolled her eyes.
"Come here, let me give you a reward." Qin Tian leaned down, intending to kiss her.
"No!" Xia Nuannuan turned her head away with a blush, whispering, "There are so many people, don't mess around!"
"Who cares about them!"
"You're thick-skinned and a scaredy-cat, I'm too embarrassed!"
"Oh, you're making fun of me now, hurting my fragile heart. I must have a kiss, no, two kisses!"
"Oh dear!" Xia Nuannuan, unable to resist, leaned her flushed cheeks forward and said, "Only on the cheek, or forget it."
Having a kiss was better than no kiss, so Qin Tian decisively lowered his head and planted two firm kisses on her cheek.
"Really now." Xia Nuannuan feigned a look of disgust and raised her other hand to wipe away the non-existent drool from her face. Qin Tian grinned. The smug look on his face made the young men around them watch the scene with envious and jealous teeth-grinding.