Back at the branch helm, Wei He was in high spirits, and for no reason at all, everything seemed far more pleasing to the eye.
After sleeping soundly through the night, early the next morning, Lin Xiaoxiao brought her younger brother over to pay New Year's greetings.
Outside the branch helm gates, Wei He had someone bring out a string of long firecrackers. The red firecrackers trailed across the ground as they were lit with charcoal.
The crackling explosions immediately drew countless gazes from the surrounding area.
Children all ran out to watch the excitement, while adults hurried out to shield them, lest they be hurt by the firecrackers.
A few martial arts experts in brocade robes passing by on the rooftops in the distance paused in their movement techniques, startled by the blasts.
Lin Xiaoxiao covered her ears, her pretty face turned toward the exploding firecrackers. Her eyes seemed moist with nostalgia, as though she had thought of something.
She was clearly much fuller than before she had made the contract with Wei He, and one glance showed that her complexion was excellent.
Beside her stood a boy barely half a person tall. He wore a tiger-skin hat, with a round face and round eyes, his whole body bundled into a ball. From afar, he looked like a green leather ball.
Before long, the firecrackers had finished. Wei He cupped his fists toward the surrounding neighbors.
"Sorry for disturbing you! New year, new beginnings!"
"Master Wei is too polite!"
"Master Wei, we hardly ever see you come out. Don't always run off to the heights. We've all been hoping to visit with you, but we never get the chance," someone said with a smile.
"Mainly because I've been too busy with affairs. Yubei Town has had quite a few