Dawn gradually broke.
The fireworks and firecrackers that had echoed all night showed no sign of stopping. Their droning blasts formed a cacophonous symphony that reverberated beneath the dawn sky.
Creak.
Lin Qiye pushed open the door and walked out of the office. Behind him, the hall originally meant for "business consultations" was a complete mess, littered with empty bottles.
On the two sofas meant for guests, Wen Qimo and Wu Xiangnan were passed out like dead dogs. Hong Ying hugged the last bottle and lay sprawled across the dining table, muttering in her sleep and giggling foolishly.
Si Xiaonan had returned to her underground bedroom and gone straight to sleep. Only Chen Muye was still acting as though nothing had happened, washing dishes in the kitchen.
As for Leng Xuan... he had disappeared somewhere before Lin Qiye woke up.
Lin Qiye rubbed his temples. As a high school student who had just come of age, he seemed to have quite a good tolerance for alcohol. Even after drinking so much with that bunch of lunatics last night, he was still fairly clear-headed when he woke up today.
He walked outside the office and took several deep breaths of fresh air as he looked at the quiet street by Heping Bridge.
Today was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Even the air seemed to carry the scent of celebration. Firecrackers crackled continuously in the distance, and the streets were covered in Spring Couplets and the character for "fortune," overflowing with New Year cheer.
Lin Qiye reached behind the door for a broom and began sweeping the snow.
As he swept, his brow slowly furrowed.
The Training Camp's holiday this time was not very long. If nothing unexpected happened, tomorrow—the second day of the Lunar New Year—would be the