Spring Festival (2)

The New Year has arrived!

Listening to the bells on the Spring Festival Gala, a new year has come!

"Dad, Mom, Happy New Year!" Jiang Cheng was the first to speak as the bell rang.

"Uncle Jiang, Auntie Gao, Happy New Year!" Yuan Hong and Sun Xiao also said.

"Good, good! Everyone, be well!" Jiang Dejun and Gao Linlan smiled with eyes nearly closed, "Come, here are your red packets, take them!"

As they spoke, Jiang Dejun and Gao Linlan took out the red packets they had prepared in advance, one for each of them, and handed them to Jiang Cheng and the others.

"We really can't accept this, Uncle Jiang, Auntie Gao. We can't take these red packets!" Yuan Hong and Sun Xiao repeatedly declined.

"Hey, take it! You've called us uncle and auntie, and as elders, we must give something for the New Year. Take it!" Jiang Dejun insisted, "If you don't take it, we won't be happy!"

"This..." The two were hesitant and looked towards Jiang Cheng.

"Take it. It's all my parents' kind intentions. A gift from the elders should not be refused. It's a New Year's blessing!" Jiang Cheng said.

"Thank you, Uncle, and Auntie!" The two gratefully accepted the red packets.

"Ah, that's more like it!" Gao Linlan laughed.

"Quickly call your families, so they don't worry," Jiang Dejun suggested.

"Oh right!" "Almost forgot!" The two hastily pulled out their phones and began calling their families. Not going home for the New Year was already hard to justify, and not calling home first thing would only make their families worry more!

Seeing them hurriedly making calls, Jiang Cheng smiled knowingly and also took out his phone to start sending New Year's blessing texts.

But at that moment, a knock on the door was heard.

Someone knocking?

Everyone in the room frowned simultaneously. Who would come knocking at this time during the New Year's celebration?

Curious, Jiang Cheng got up to open the door, only to see a young man about 21 or 22 years old standing outside. He was dressed in a black coat, about the same height as Jiang Cheng, wearing black-framed glasses, with a slightly fair complexion, looking somewhat refined, like a typical college student. The man was also pulling a suitcase, seemingly a traveler. Upon seeing Jiang Cheng, he immediately said, "Happy New Year!" His voice carried a heavy Western accent, suggesting he was a foreigner.

"Happy New Year! And you are?" Jiang Cheng was even more puzzled. A foreign-looking individual visiting at such a special time on New Year's Eve – what did he want?

The young man smiled and said, "Hello, I know you must be wondering who I am. Let me introduce myself. My surname is Lin, and I'm from the United States. I just got off the plane. I actually arrived here ten minutes ago, but it wasn't the New Year yet, and it wouldn't be auspicious, so I waited another ten minutes before knocking on your door, bringing New Year's greetings!"

Jiang Cheng's brows furrowed even more. What exactly did this guy want? "Mr. Lin, are you sure you're not at the wrong house? My family doesn't have any relatives in the U.S.!"

"Are you Jiang Cheng?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'm here specifically to see you."

"To see me? Mr. Lin, I didn't hear you wrong, did I? You've come all the way from the U.S., even on such a special day as New Year's Eve, to my house, saying you're looking for me. I don't recall ever having any interaction with you. Are you sure you've got the right person?" Jiang Cheng asked.

The young Mr. Lin calmly stated, "We've indeed never met before, but I'm indeed here to see you. I'm here to discuss a matter with you."

"What matter?"

"About Apex Films Studio"

The young man named Lin said, his eyes shining with a hint of excitement and determination.

Jiang Cheng's expression changed slightly, a mix of surprise and caution now evident on his face. The Apex Films Studio was his venture, a detail not widely known outside his immediate circle. "Mr. Lin, how are you aware of my company, and what exactly do you want to discuss about it?"

Mr. Lin, standing at the doorstep with his suitcase still in hand, looked earnestly at Jiang Cheng. "I have come a long way to discuss a potentially beneficial proposal for both of us concerning Apex Films Studio. It's about a collaboration that could expand your company's reach and influence, especially in the American market."

Jiang Cheng was silent for a moment, analyzing the situation. This unexpected visit from a foreign stranger on New Year's Eve, talking about his company, was unusual, to say the least. He was naturally cautious but also intrigued by what Mr. Lin had to say.

"I understand this is unexpected, and you have every right to be cautious," Mr. Lin continued, sensing Jiang Cheng's hesitation. "I assure you, my intentions are genuine, and I have the necessary credentials to prove my identity and the legitimacy of my proposal. If you allow me, I'd like to discuss this in more detail."

Jiang Cheng considered his options. The man's proposal did sound intriguing, and if what he said held any truth, it could present a significant opportunity for his company. However, he was also aware of the risks involved in dealing with an unknown entity.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Jiang Cheng stepped aside, gesturing for Mr. Lin to enter. "Alright, Mr. Lin. We can talk, but I hope you understand that I'll need more than just words to convince me. Please come in."

Mr. Lin nodded appreciatively, stepping into the house, his eyes briefly taking in the festive decorations and the warm atmosphere inside. As he entered, the curious and slightly anxious faces of Jiang Cheng's family and friends greeted him. The New Year had brought a most unexpected visitor, and the night, it seemed, was about to get even more interesting.