The Christmas reunion always felt too short. Upon returning, everyone had their tasks. Some were busy in the kitchen, while others engaged in various activities, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
On New Year's Day, everyone lounged on the couch, immersed in their phones, snacking, watching TV, and playing cards.
On the second day of the New Year, the plan was to visit relatives, but some distant ones weren't in Clodston. Instead, they settled for video calls to exchange greetings.
That day, Ivan paid a New Year's visit to the Crawford Mansion, bringing a bunch of things. Ivan and Blake had a lot to talk about, with Blake expressing frustrations about handling everything while Ivan seemed carefree.
Meanwhile, Melody, Bettany, Lisa, and Quinnie engaged in lively chats and gossip.
As for the children, they entertained themselves with separate play activities.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIvan sat up straight, and Lilly's uncles appeared less than pleased.
Edward remarked, "Kid, you're here for a New Year visit pretty early!" Anticipating Ivan to make excuses, possibly saying he came "with" his parents, Edward was surprised when Ivan simply nodded, saying, "Yeah." This left Edward puzzled, and Josh, crossing his arms, commented, "I told you my sister is impressive." Drake narrowed his eyes, studying Ivan to discern his thoughts.
Ivan raised his hand, magically producing a cup of tea from the air. "Here, have some tea." Josh was surprised and said, "Wow, when did he become so impressive!" Drake was shocked as well and added, "Why does it feel like he's taking control?" Although Ivan sat upright, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor. He adeptly navigated the scrutiny from his uncles and brothers at the Crawford Mansion.
On the fourth day, Lilly planned a New Year visit to the Shaw family. Everyone from the Crawford family wanted to join her.
Josh chimed in, "I'm a kid, so I'll go with my sister.” Edward added, "I'l accompany Lilly and say hello to the commander." Bryson volunteered, "I'll drive." Jonas offered, "I'll carry things." Max suggested, "I'l go and install a smart butler for them, the latest version for free." Gilbert smiled. "I happen to have a patient over there; I'll take a look on the way." Cloud pondered, "Then, what about me? I'll take a walk while it's snowing..." Blake was silent, and Bettany intervened by pulling out a magical pan. She said, "Okay, everyone, disperse. Why are you all crowding around?" The uncles and brothers promptly dispersed.
Jean playfully pinched Lilly's cheeks. "You and Dad can go ahead. Mom will stay at home with your grandmother.” Blake drove away with Lilly, stealing a glance at the MacNeil villa before heading to the Shaw family.
Blake's subordinates, led by Monkey, were surprised by their arrival.
"Sir, what brings you back?" "Sir, you remembered there's such a family here?" "Sir doesn't care about us. We're like unwanted children." Faced with these grievances, Lilly, on behalf of her dad, gave them one gift bag after another.
Blake's subordinates were pleased. The gift bags from him were seen as regular wages. However, her gifts were different— those were the true New Year gift bags.
After leaving the MacNeil villa, Lilly checked her balance and felt a pang in her heart! Blake smirked. "It's fine. When we visit the Shaw residence later, your uncle will surely give you a generous one." Lilly sighed. "Then, we should also give Ivan a gift bag when we return!” Blake raised an eyebrow. "No worries, we won't be at a loss.” After all, it was a tradition for adults to give gift bags to the other party's children. Naturally, the gift bag Ivan received was the one Blake had prepared, containing five bucks.
This was an excellent traditional custom from the neighboring province of his hometown that should be promoted in Clodston.
Later, when Ivan opened the gift bag and saw the five bucks, his mouth twitched.
The final stop for Lilly's New Year greetings was the Woods family. After the Shaw family's return on the second day of the New Year, Jonas sent Quinnie and their child back to the Woods family to celebrate the New Year with their maternal family.
Lilly visited the Woods family on the fifth day of the New Year, accompanied by Polly and the small ghost beast sticking close to her. After exchanging greetings, the adults engaged in conversation while the children played independently.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLilly carefully observed the Woods family from top to bottom. Grace, dressed in an all-black down jacket with hands in her pockets, looked cool as she followed along.
"Don't bother; I've checked everything," Grace calmly stated. "My sister has gained weight due to her reasons." After double-checking multiple times without finding any issues, Grace concluded her skill wasn't incompetent. If Grace couldn't spot any problems, then Quinnie must be dealing with post-birth injuries or some form of illness—perhaps endocrine disorders, diabetes, or other conditions that contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing it.
Polly clicked her tongue. "Well, in that case, | believe you're incapable!" Lilly glanced at her and smiled innocently. "Grace, you look really cool in all black, but your abilities are a bit lacking!" Grace grew furious. "What do you mean! Are you saying I'm not capable?" How could a woman admit she's not up to the task? Lilly's words infuriated Grace. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying! Grace, you're not capable! Pfft!" After speaking, they made a quick getaway.
Grace, no longer keeping her hands in her pockets, was furious. She angrily chased after Lilly, shouting, "Stop right there!" The two found themselves in the backyard garden, where a layer of snow had accumulated.
Lilly effortlessly ran on the snowy ground, almost appearing to float due to her incredible speed.
Grace struggled to keep up, taking shallow and uneven steps but failing to catch Lilly. Frustrated, Grace scooped up a handful of snow, molded it into a snowball, and swiftly hurled it at Lilly's head.
"Oh my!" Lilly was surprised by the unexpected snowball.
In response, she quickly rolled the snowball into a massive, unbeatable one. With both hands raised, Lilly forcefully launched it towards Grace, hitting her directly and burying her underneath.
Grace was speechless. Furious, she couldn't believe Lilly had resorted to cheating in a simple snowball fight.
Did she really have to go to such lengths by exploiting the laws of space?