Chapter 270

Luna White was jolted awake by the crackling sounds outside her window. Rubbing her eyes, she noticed the faint light of dawn creeping through the curtains. Last night, they had stayed up late to welcome the New Year, but exhaustion had eventually claimed them all.

"Auntie! Auntie, wake up!" Hannah's cheerful voice called from the hallway.

Luna quickly threw on her coat and opened the door. Six eager children, dressed in their finest new clothes, crowded in, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Happy New Year, Auntie!" they chorused.

Luna smiled, ruffling their hair. "Happy New Year! You're all up so early?"

"We're waiting for our red envelopes!" Hannah blinked up at her, tiny hands already outstretched.

Luna chuckled and turned to fetch the prepared envelopes. Just then, Maya entered with a steaming tray of dumplings from the kitchen. "Patience, everyone. Eat first, then you'll get your gifts."

The children cheered and gathered around the table. Luna noticed the faint shadows under Maya's eyes—she must have risen even earlier.

"Sis, why didn't you sleep a little longer?" Luna asked, accepting a bowl.

Maya wiped her hands. "Who sleeps in on New Year's Day?" She pulled a red envelope from her pocket. "For you, Luna. Happy New Year."

Luna hesitated. "I'm working now—I shouldn't take—"

"Take it!" Maya pressed it into her hand. "To me, you'll always be the little sister I need to look after."

Luna's throat tightened as she clutched the envelope. Just then, Ethan, Iris, and Henry arrived, filling the room with lively chatter.

"Time to greet the elders!" Ethan announced. The six children knelt in a neat row, bowing three times in perfect unison.

"Happy New Year, Aunties and Uncles! May you be healthy and prosperous!"

The adults laughed, handing out red envelopes. The children tore into theirs immediately.

"Wow! Auntie Luna gave the most!" Hannah waved a crisp dollar bill triumphantly.

Maya frowned. "Luna, you're spoiling them."

"Sis, no lectures on New Year's Day," Luna teased, smoothing Hannah's hair. "Besides, it's motivation. Hannah, tell me—do you want to go to college someday?"

"Yes!" Hannah nodded fiercely. "I want to be as amazing as you!"

Ethan roared with laughter. "That's the spirit!" He turned to Maya. "Let them dream big. Don't fuss over a little money."

After breakfast, the children scampered outside to play. Maya lowered her voice while clearing the table. "Ryan said he's coming for lunch."

Luna winked. "Finally making it official?"

"We're leaving after the fifth anyway." A blush crept up Maya's cheeks. "Let people talk."

Just then, Ethan called, "Come on, let's visit Grandma."

At Clara's house, the courtyard was eerily quiet. Inside, the elderly woman sat alone on the cold bed, her breath visible in the unheated room.

"Grandma, why no fire?" Ethan hurried to add coal to the stove.

Clara sighed. "Your uncle left early to visit others..."

Luna and Maya exchanged glances—anger and heartache mirrored in their eyes. How could anyone abandon their elder on New Year's Day?

"Grandma, come stay with us," Luna urged, clasping Clara's icy hands.

Clara shook her head, tears glistening. "It's bad luck to visit others' homes today. Just seeing you is enough..."

Ethan stood abruptly. "I'm going to find Uncle Jack. This is unacceptable!"

Maya stopped him. "Not today. Let's keep the peace." She turned to Clara. "We'll bring you lunch, Grandma."

As they left, Luna glanced back at the once-lively home, her heart heavy. New Year's joy wasn't universal—but life marched on regardless.

She clenched her fists. This year, she vowed, her family would know nothing but happiness.