Chapter 2282


    J City


    Noon on New Year''s Eve, the streets of J City were alive with the buzz of celebration. Festive lights adorned every corner, andughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere ripe with holiday spirit.


    Following his family''s tradition of having dumplings for New Year''s Eve lunch, Robin boiled a bag of dumplings and absentmindedly ced the te on the dining table. He checked his phone again, but there was still no reply from Sophia.


    The thought of her cold indifference made his heart ache with disappointment, and he lost all appetite for the dumplings.


    He opened a bottle of wine instead and poured himself a full ss, downing it in one gulp.


    Where did he go wrong?


    Diana hade to J City seeking refuge with him; couldn''t he take care of her?


    Sophia used to be so understanding. He had fallen for her simplicity and kindness. Why couldn''t she see things from his perspective now?


    He continued to drink, quickly finishing half the bottle.


    "Knock, knock, knock!"


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. He frowned, wondering who could be visiting him, and got up to answer it.


    Opening the door, he was surprised to find Diana standing there, holding a thermal container, with a gentle smile on her face. "Have you eaten? I made some dishes and brought them over for you to try."


    "You didn''t go home?" Robin asked in surprise.


    "I couldn''t get a ticket; it''s so hard to book one this close to New Year''s!" Diana entered, ncing at him softly. "So, I had to stay back for the holidays. Knowing you were here too, I thought I''d spend New Year''s Eve with you."


    As she spoke, she made her way to the dining table, noticing the cold dumplings and the half-finished bottle of wine. She chuckled lightly, "You weren''t nning on having just that for lunch, were you?"


    "I wasn''t really hungry, just grabbed something quick," Robin replied.


    "But it''s New Year''s Eve; how can you just eat anything?" Diana''s softughter filled the room as she


    began setting the dishes she


    brought on the table. "These are


    dishes from back home, still warm. Let''s have a proper New Year''s Eve meal together!"


    Seeing the dishes from his hometown made Robin feel a warmth he hadn''t realized he was missing. "Thank you, Diana!"


    "No need to thank me. You''ve looked after me since I''ve been in J City," Diana replied, grabbing some utensils. "Let''s eat!"


    Sitting opposite her, Robin smiled. "I didn''t know you could cook this well. You''re really talented!"


    "Living on my own, I had to pick up cooking. It''s the only way to eat whatever I want!"


    Diana served Robin some food, eagerly watching him. "Try it and let me know what you think!" After tasting the dishes, Robin nodded, "Delicious, very authentic!"


    Diana beamed with happiness. "Thanks for thepliment!"


    She noticed the half-empty bottle of wine, poured herself a ss, and raised it with a smile. "Since it''s just the two of us for New Year''s, H toast to you first, to thank you for all your support over the past year!"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Robin clinked his ss with hers. "It''s mutual. You''ve been a great support at work too. Thank you!"


    They drank, and Diana poured


    another round. "This second ss is


    for your sess in theing year may your business thrive and your dreamse true!"


    Robin chuckled, "Quite the toast."


    After another sip, Diana continued to serve him. "Try this; it''s my first attempt. I called my mom for the recipe, and it should be a hit!"


    "Alright, but make sure you eat too. Don''t just take care of me!"