Small Talk

The new year was a fairly good one for the Federation, whose economy had begun to recover somewhat. At least people were no longer like they had been in previous years, without the slightest sign of vitality—nothing more than a group of living corpses.

The employment rate had already risen considerably. Although the average unemployment rate was still around ten percent, things were far better than they had been two years ago, and people were extremely grateful to the Federal Government.

Having a little money in their hands meant that this was destined to be a lively night. Bu Peien's skies remained awake throughout the night.

The sounds of firecrackers rang out everywhere, while some people dressed in bizarre celebratory outfits and paraded through the streets in groups.

The Federation's people had a strange way of thinking. When they encountered something unpleasant, such as their freedom being threatened or their rights being violated, they would express their demands and dissatisfaction through parades.

But when they encountered something joyful and wanted to share their happiness with others, they would also express their attitude and position through parades.

That made it somewhat... strange. It was difficult to say whether parades were ultimately a good thing or a bad thing.

Then again, at least their way of expressing themselves wasn't to shoot someone. Otherwise, something as foolish as "I was so happy that I killed him" might actually happen.

After everyone watched some programs together, Sera and Koman went to the rooms on the second floor. Neil then sent the two girls to the guest room, while he and Lin Qi continued chatting.

The father and son each held a wineglass as they sat in the attic, gazing at the prosperous city below the mountain. The air was thick with the scent of