Chapter 160

**Summer's Story**

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Calvin's journey to college wasn't detailed much in the novel. Nevertheless, he was the only college student from the alley, still the subject of everyone's praise.

Summer pondered for a while, filling in some details, and realized Calvin was actually a student of the late 1970s, not 1977. This implied he took the college entrance exam twice. But since no one in the alley compared him with others, being the sole college student, it didn't affect him much, and no one brought it up later. This made sense—Calvin indeed failed this time. After this, he would probably have a more objective view of himself. However, this year's New Year would be tough for his family.

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After the commotion of the admission letters, the year came to an end. Starting from the thirteenth of December, every household began preparing for the New Year. By New Year's Eve, everyone had bought all the necessary food, drinks, and clothes, marking the start of the most festive days of the year.

On New Year's Eve, Summer was busy with Shaw and Carman, pasting couplets and window decorations. In the afternoon, the three of them prepared the New Year's Eve dinner at home, including a variety of dumplings along with other festive dishes.

The entire city was bustling with excitement. The alleys were filled with people, each family busy celebrating the New Year. However, the atmosphere was different in Calvin's house. His family wasn't in the mood for celebration, and they preferred staying indoors. Adam and Becky came out to paste the couplets, but then they went back inside.

In Henry's house, although they missed Henry, Alston, and Dana kept up the festive spirit since the family was still together. The happiest household, of course, was Summer's. They had many reasons to celebrate this year, and it was impossible not to be joyful. Despite their small family size, their New Year's Eve dinner and the time spent together were lively and happy. Being with the closest ones was the greatest happiness.

Last year, Summer celebrated the New Year in a rural village. She and Logan were keeping their distance back then. Leonardo, not wanting them to spend a lonely New Year in the teachers' dormitory, invited them to his house, which was quite lively. However, seeing other families reunited made her homesick. This year, she was finally celebrating at home. In the festive atmosphere, she didn't have to face the dark night missing her family. She stayed up with Shaw and Carman, talking about all the happy things until eleven o'clock.

Summer received a big red envelope from them, joyfully put it away, and went out to set off fireworks with them. Other families were also out, filling the alley with laughter and the sound of firecrackers. The sky lit up with bursts of colorful fireworks.

Summer watched the fireworks, her face and eyes glowing. She glanced around, and her gaze met Logan's from a distance. She excused herself to Carman and walked towards the end of the alley. Logan stood there in the dim light of the fireworks. Summer, still in the festive mood, smiled brightly at him. "Why are you here?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Given his family situation, he wouldn't want to stay home for the celebration. Logan replied, "After dinner, I had nothing to do, so I came out for a walk." He looked her over and added with a smile, "You look like a fairy." Summer was wearing a new outfit Carman had made for the occasion, with two fluffy flowers in her hair. She twirled around, asking, "Does it look good?" Logan nodded, "Yes, it does."

Satisfied, Summer suddenly remembered something. "Wait here," she said, running back to the alley. She returned with two fireworks in hand. "Let's find a quieter place to set these off," she said, leading the way. While looking for a spot, she continued, "I bet you didn't set off any fireworks at home. It's not a proper New Year without them. They drive away all the bad luck from the past year."

Logan didn't respond, following her to a secluded spot. Summer, feeling brave, decided to light the fireworks herself. She placed one on the ground, struck a match, and cautiously extended her hand. Seeing her nervousness, Logan offered, "Let me do it." Summer shook her head, "I've got this. Just watch." She took a deep breath and lit the fuse, then quickly stepped back. In her haste, she tripped and fell into Logan's arms. The firework exploded overhead, startling her. She buried her face in his chest, then quickly stood up, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't mean to. Here, you do it," she said, handing him the matches. Logan took the matches, smiling slightly. "It's okay. I'll do it," he said.