Evan Lin headed toward Mooncrest Manor.
Tonight, what made Evan happiest was still hanging out with Hank Chu and Ken Feng.
As for Ivy Deng and the others' attitude toward him, Evan couldn't care less, and he had zero interest in responding to Ivy's sudden burst of goodwill.
He walked slowly, enjoying the cool night breeze in the small county town.
Just as he was about to reach Mooncrest Manor, Evan saw a black Bentley drive over from that direction, passing right by him.
Evan glanced at the car, not paying much attention. But a few steps later, from a distance, his sharp eyes spotted Joy Zheng standing at the entrance to the complex, about to turn and go inside.
"Mom!"
Evan called out.
Joy Zheng, standing there, was startled when she heard him. She quickly took a deep breath and wiped her eyes before turning around to face Evan, putting on a smile as she asked, "Why are you just getting back? How was tonight? Did you have fun?"
"It was pretty fun. Mom, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Evan noticed something odd about Joy Zheng's expression and frowned slightly.
"No, I'm perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with me—I'm healthy as can be." Joy Zheng shook her head. "Come on, let's head home."
Joy Zheng walked ahead, and Evan Lin quickly caught up.
"Oh, right—Mom, this is for you." As they walked, Evan Lin took out a porcelain bottle and handed it to Joy Zheng.
"What is this?" Joy Zheng asked, curiosity in her voice as she took the bottle.
"It's called the Foundation-Cultivating Pill. My master made it specially for you. Just take one every two days."
"But I'm not sick—why would I take this? You shouldn't just take medicine for no reason." Joy Zheng shook her head, looking skeptical.
"This pill was made just for you by my master. It's even better than the Youth-Preserving Beauty Pill you and Auntie Lu took last time. Not only will it help your skin, it'll make you healthier overall."
Hearing Evan mention the Youth-Preserving Beauty Pill, Joy Zheng finally accepted the bottle. She was still a little doubtful, but she trusted Evan wouldn't hurt her, so she agreed in the end.
"Evan, do you have anywhere you'd like to spend New Year this year?" Once they got home, Joy Zheng suddenly turned to Evan and asked.
In past years, Joy Zheng and Evan Lin would spend New Year's just the two of them in their tiny shantytown room. After a simple dinner, they'd watch the Spring Festival Gala, and after midnight, Joy would go to bed while Evan would run out with Hank Chu and Ken Feng to set off fireworks, or sometimes sneak off to the internet café to play games.