"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
"Midnight!"
"Happy New Year!"
"It's a new year!"
At exactly midnight, the Spring Festival Gala's countdown ended.
Everyone in the villa applauded and celebrated. Xie Hao even eagerly ran outside to set off a string of firecrackers, which crackled loudly in the night. After the celebration, the Spring Festival Gala continued with more programs. Taking the opportunity, Xia Yanzhen and Ci Lifen went into the kitchen to cook dumplings. Though many people had eaten dinner around eight and were not hungry yet, it was the same every year—everyone had to eat a few New Year's dumplings.
Ring, ring, ring.
Ring, ring, ring.
The phones kept ringing.
Most of the people present were high-ranking leaders. Even Xie Jing was an official. This was the busiest time of night for New Year's greetings.
Everyone answered their phones, and the room immediately became bustling.
Dong Xuebin was much the same. He took several New Year's calls from old friends and subordinates he was close to. Those who called at this hour generally had especially close relationships with him.
For example, Luo Haiting.
"Director Dong, it's me, Old Luo."
"Sister Luo, Happy New Year."
"Same to you. Happy New Year, and may you rise step by step in the coming year."
"Heh, then I'll borrow your lucky words. Give my regards to your husband and child too."
"Alright. I know you're busy, so I won't disturb you any longer. I'll visit your home on the second day of the New Year."
After taking several calls, Dong Xuebin made a few himself—to his leaders at work, for instance, and to his mom and Yang Zhaode, Uncle Yang. Finally, he found an empty corner and secretly called Yu Meixia, Jiang Fangfang, Qu Yunxuan, Xu Yan, Zhang Longjuan, Geng Yuehua, and the others to