Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest-Chapter 1161: True Proof (37)

The steps of time are hurried, never pausing for anyone.

In the blink of an eye, the last day of 2012 had arrived.

At sunset, Wang Chen pedaled his old bicycle away from Shangma Old Village, riding toward the city.

There was no other way—he was still under eighteen and couldn’t get a driver’s license, so his bicycle was his only means of transportation.

As the city lights began to glow, Wang Chen stopped by the roadside near a residential neighborhood.

He sent a text message, and within just a few minutes, a lively and charming figure appeared beside him.

Tian Tian jumped onto the back seat of the bicycle with practiced ease, naturally wrapping her arms around Wang Chen’s waist. "Let’s go," she said.

The two had agreed earlier to spend this New Year’s Eve together.

Curious, Wang Chen asked, "What did you tell your family?"

Spending New Year’s until after midnight meant she wouldn’t be home until late. For a teenage girl, it was surprising her parents weren’t worried or opposed.

"I told Mom and Dad that I’ll be spending New Year’s with Xiaomeng tonight," Tian Tian said, smiling coyly. "Xiaomeng will cover for me!"

But just as she finished speaking, Wang Chen’s phone dinged with a message.

It was from Wang Xiaomeng: "Hey, big bro, I’m helping you two cover tonight—where’s my red envelope?"

The tone was nothing short of bossy.

Wang Chen had no choice but to deploy a sugary bribe and sent her two hundred yuan.

Wang Xiaomeng was instantly appeased: "Haha, big bro, you’re the best. Love you! Have fun, you two!"

Shaking his head, Wang Chen pocketed his phone and started pedaling once more.

He first took Tian Tian to Yintai Mall.

Being New Year’s Eve, Yintai Mall was bustling; countless young people had flocked there, creating a sea of humanity!

Since the crowd inside was overwhelming, Wang Chen reached out and held Tian Tian’s small hand, fearing they might get separated.

Blushing, Tian Tian obediently stayed close to him.

The two hadn’t eaten dinner yet, so they headed to the fourth-floor dining area. But even the eateries with the quietest regular business were packed to capacity, and the popular spots had queues stretching hundreds deep.

Situations like this were entirely expected.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Chen said to Tian Tian, "How about we head to the snack street below instead?"

"Sure," Tian Tian replied.

She had no objections.

Being with someone you like makes it equally joyful whether you’re dining on expensive gourmet sushi or snacking on budget-friendly spicy hot pot.

The basement floor of Yintai Mall housed the snack street, with over a hundred stalls selling all sorts of snacks, milk tea, and finger foods. Business here was just as booming.

But at least it was possible to find something to eat without starving while roaming about.

Tian Tian didn’t have a big appetite but loved trying new things and exploring fresh flavors.

Thus, Wang Chen naturally took on the task of finishing any leftovers. This way, Tian Tian could try more of the delicacies she fancied without wasting food.

Such gestures were undeniably couple-like behavior.

Tian Tian ate joyfully, her crescent-shaped eyes glowing with happiness throughout.

After eating their fill, the two went to the fifth floor’s Movie World to watch a film.

They had pre-booked the tickets: a newly released Hollywood blockbuster.

During the movie, Tian Tian lightly rested her head on Wang Chen’s shoulder, and their intertwined hands didn’t separate for the entire duration.

When the movie ended, it was already past nine at night.

Meanwhile, Yintai Mall’s New Year celebration was just kicking off.

By then, the grand hall on the first floor was packed with people, all staring up at a massive net hanging in mid-air, filled with countless pink balloons.

This was Yintai Mall’s annual New Year tradition. Every balloon contained a prize coupon, ranging from grand prize to first, second, third, and consolation prizes.

The grand prize was singular this year: a premium brand laptop worth over ten thousand yuan.

When Wang Chen and Tian Tian made their way down, the center of the hall was already overflowing; they could only stand on the fringes.

But their timing was perfect.

"10, 9, 8, 7..."

As the countdown ended, the net high above released its load, causing the balloons to rain down.

A chaotic scramble ensued.

Tian Tian watched excitedly, clapping her little hands in delight.

Due to their position far out on the periphery and the sheer number of people, they hadn’t expected to catch any balloons—they were there just to enjoy the atmosphere.

However, two balloons collided in mid-air after dropping, bouncing off others and miraculously floated toward where the two stood.

Nearby individuals tried reaching for them, but Wang Chen’s quick reflexes allowed him to seize both balloons.

Pop! Pop!

The two balloons burst simultaneously, revealing two prize coupons.

Wang Chen handed one to Tian Tian with a grin, saying, "This one’s yours. Let’s see how your luck fares."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Tian Tian was thrilled, nodding repeatedly, then carefully scratched off the silver coating on the prize coupon.

"Ahhh!"

The next moment, she let out an excited shriek: "Brother Chen, I got the grand prize!"

Her shout instantly drew the attention of everyone nearby!

"Really?"

Wang Chen looked down and chuckled. "Yep, it’s truly the grand prize—what a lucky start to the year!"

After her moment of joyful celebration, Tian Tian offered the prize coupon to Wang Chen. "Brother Chen, this was your catch—you should have it!"

Wang Chen shook his head and led her to claim the prize.

Amid congratulatory remarks from the mall staff, the two were handed a brand-new laptop.

And one stuffed plush doll.

Tian Tian’s coupon had earned the grand prize, while Wang Chen’s had won the consolation prize. Tian Tian tried to exchange the laptop for Wang Chen’s doll, but he firmly refused: "This was your good fortune—it’s not transferable, and I won’t take it!"

Tian Tian insisted, but Wang Chen overpowered her protests: "You have to listen to me!"

If he accepted the laptop, wouldn’t it undermine his intentions entirely?

Tian Tian pouted in mock dismay but eventually yielded, obediently snapping photos of the prizes and posting them on her social media.

Within minutes, Wang Xiaomeng’s call came through: "Well, look at you, Tian Tian, scoring the grand prize! You have to treat me tomorrow, or I’ll spill the beans about you two!"

Previously, she’d extorted two hundred yuan from Wang Chen; now she was blackmailing Tian Tian for dinner—pure mischief!

Tian Tian giggled and cheerfully agreed.

The merry moments whisked by, and soon it was close to midnight.

The two exited Yintai Mall and joined the crowd at the large plaza outside, watching the massive LED screen hanging on the front of a skyscraper.

As the New Year countdown reached "0," the entire plaza erupted with thunderous cheers.

"Happy New Year!"

At that instant, Tian Tian snuggled in Wang Chen’s embrace, turned toward him, and tiptoed to plant a kiss on his cheek.

Under the glowing fireworks, her eyes sparkled brightly, rivaling the stars above.

At this magical moment, another layer of Wang Chen’s Divine Soul Sealed quietly broke, causing his Spiritual Energy to surge significantly.

---------

First Chapter delivered.