Time flew by, and in just a few days, it was the Little New Year. The sound of firecrackers echoed endlessly throughout the village. On this day, people worshipped the gods, and every household had prepared offerings. A cut of meat, a bowl of rice, a chicken, a fish, a bowl of lotus root, and some rice cakes were what most families prepared.
Those who were well-off prepared more, while those with less prepared what they could. All that mattered was sincerity.
The Thorne family's preparations were, of course, lavish. On this day, Raina was generous. She would do her best to place the finest food on the offering table for the gods to enjoy.
After lighting incense, burning paper ingots (not to be confused with their dog, Dollar), setting off firecrackers, and kowtowing to the gods, the ritual of worship was finally complete. Then came the Little New Year's Eve feast. After that, all that remained was the wait for New Year's Eve.
