「Early morning on the first day of the New Year.」
Xu Wuyi woke to the soft murmur of his parents' voices from downstairs, accompanied by the crisp clang of a spatula against a wok.
He got up, dressed, and went downstairs.
In the living room, Father Xu was fiddling with the TV, trying to find the morning news. Mrs. Xu peeked out from the kitchen, a smile on her face. "Ah Yi, you're awake? Go wash up. Breakfast is almost ready."
"Mom, Happy New Year," Xu Wuyi said.
"Happy New Year, Happy New Year." Mrs. Xu nodded again and again before turning back to her work in the kitchen.
After washing up, Xu Wuyi walked into the living room. The television screen showed the celebration in Xingjing, hosted by an announcer in festive red attire with a cheerful tone.
"Dad, Happy New Year."
Father Xu turned and smiled. "Happy New Year. Did you sleep well last night?"
"Yes, very soundly."
'It really was a sound sleep. No Cultivation, no Visualization—just a deep, dreamless sleep until dawn.'
