「Two days later, New Year's Eve.」
As snow began to drift down, the lively crackle of firecrackers echoed from outside the house.
Inside the cozy room, he sat with his aunt's family around a table laden with food. They ate and chatted while a festive New Year's program played on a nearby radio.
The only regret was his cousin, Nian Qian. He had been deployed with the army to an Outer Ocean Island last year and could only send a telegram home again this year.
After the meal, Chen Chuan walked outside, hands stuffed in his pockets. He stood in the courtyard, looking up at the falling specks of snow and the colorful fireworks that soared and twinkled in the sky.
The sights of Central City were dazzling and magnificent, but even up close, it felt like peering into another world. These occasional flashes of fireworks, however, allowed him to feel the pulse of vibrant life and a tangible reality from afar.
"Cousin, cousin, let's light the firecrackers!"
