It snowed again on Christmas Day. Gotham was blanketed in silver, and the temperature had fallen to its lowest point of the year. But people's spirits had not dimmed in the slightest. They had spent more than half a year amid tension and panic, exhausted every day and living in constant dread, which made this holiday after total victory seem all the more wonderful.
Many people took to the streets for victory parades. Large-scale celebrations sprang up spontaneously everywhere. Human heroes took turns delivering televised speeches. The symbols of "Brainiac" and "Earth" appeared in every public place. Lights and decorations adorned the streets amid laughter and cheers.
At the moment when the old century was about to end, on the day the new century was about to begin, Earth welcomed a brand-new era—an era that cast aside the gloom and worries of the past and wholeheartedly embraced a dreamlike new life.
After adjusting the star atop the Christmas tree so that it faced the door, Schiller climbed down from the ladder. Victor hurried in excitedly and said, "Why are you still here? They've already started exchanging gifts in the office. Come on!"
Schiller brushed the dust from his suit. Victor paused, then said, "So you finally aren't wearing that old-fashioned black suit. This one looks much more lively."
Schiller was wearing a dark gray suit today. Its cut was no longer so old-fashioned; instead, it featured the recently fashionable double-breasted style, with tighter cuffs as well. It made him look considerably younger.
"Don't rush me. I need to get my gift box." Schiller walked around behind his desk and took a box from his cabinet.
"What did you prepare?" Victor asked curiously.
"It wouldn't be interesting if I told you." Schiller headed for the door. "Come on, let's go exchange