Ming Mei, with Xizeer, saw the fireworks in the courtyard, all lit up, and felt as happy as a child, pulling him to run in the snow.
This was the happiest New Year Ming Mei had ever had; everyone missing from her life was now complete.
Standing under the fireworks, Ming Mei picked up Xizeer and kissed him on the cheek: "Happy New Year, son."
Xizeer's cheeks flushed; it was unclear if it was from running earlier or feeling shy.
He lowered his head and kissed Ming Mei on the cheek and said, "Happy New Year to you too, Mom."
Kang Chen, standing nearby, couldn't take it anymore. As a husband, he felt like an outsider, with no one paying attention to him.
Kang Chen coughed unhappily twice: "Cough, cough..."
Ming Mei and Xizeer looked at him.
Suddenly, Ming Mei, holding Xizeer, pounced on Kang Chen, frightening him into quickly reaching out to catch both of them.
