Time flew by quickly… by the time Qinran noticed, it was already New Year.
It had been a bit more than half a year since she came here. Her past memories felt like a blur — well, other than Beichuan, nothing seemed worth remembering unless you consider the late night overtime.
"Mom!" a little voice squealed, pushing a candy toward her face.
Qinran blinked and snapped out of her daze. "Oh… thank you sweetie" she said, smiling.
She took a bite. The candy felt especially sweet.
The café was louder than usual — fairy lights strung across the ceiling, paper lanterns near the counter. The scent of pastries and instant noodles mixed together in the warm air.
Looking around, she watched everyone cheering happily. Hmm… spending New Year at the café was a good choice.
She got up, holding Luoli in her arms. The café's business was booming, her salary had increased, and she even had freelance projects to work on. Things had gotten better — at least she didn't have to worry about finances.
"Happy New Year Boss, Nana!"
The Boss gave a small nod from behind the counter, though her eyes softened.
"Work harder this year," she said dryly.
Nana leaned over dramatically. "Happy New Yearrr~"
She looked down at Luoli and gently prompted, "Say… Happy New Year!"
"Happy neu yerar!!!" he shouted, grinning from ear to ear.
Everyone laughed.
"Happy New Year to you too little one" Nana said, ruffling his hair.
Qinran walked around, grabbed a pastry from the table, and fed some to Luoli. "Good boy say ahh."
"Mom, down! I want down!"
"Okay okay…" She gently put him on the floor, and he ran off laughing.
"Happy New Year, Qinran!" a familiar voice called.
"Oh, happy New Year Mr. Shen" she replied with a smile.
Mr. Shen a regular quiet and polite man. Always booking the same PC near the window.
Mr. Shen looked at Luoli kindly, then turned back to Qinran.
"By the way… how's your game going? I saw you making it a few days ago," he asked casually.
Qinran just smiled.
He hesitated a little, scratching the back of his neck. "The… um… visuals of your game really caught my eye. I hope you don't mind me peeking" he said, a faint blush on his cheeks.
"Good" Qinran said lightly. "I just completed my part… it was a freelance project"
He nodded, then handed her a business card. "This is for the company I work at. I'm a visual designer there… and, well, you seem like a good fit. You should apply sometime"
Qinran took the card, tucking it carefully into her pocket. Maybe this was the opportunity she'd been waiting for.
Across the room, the Boss watched quietly.
Just for a second.
Then she looked away.