As evening fell, Huaxi Town grew quiet.
Red lanterns hung outside every home along both sides of the road. A group of children ran laughing past, each carrying a lantern, filling the streets with a cheerful air.
"Shopkeeper, is there some kind of festival or event going on here?"
After ordering a table of small dishes, Lin Yiqing gazed at the lively street and couldn't help asking the innkeeper.
The whole town was steeped in such a festive atmosphere that, even in his previous life, he could think of only a handful of holidays that could compare. The thought made him feel a little eager.
"Oh, you're a visitor, so you wouldn't know. These two days happen to be our annual Lantern Festival. You might as well stay a few more days.
"The local Lantern Festival is quite lively. Tomorrow night there'll be a lantern display and a night market. You can go take a look."
The innkeeper cheerfully told Lin Yiqing about Huaxi Town's Lantern Festival. Their town was one of the few relatively peaceful corners in this troubled world.
"Oh, I see. Then we've arrived just in time."
Lin Yiqing hadn't expected to catch Huaxi Town's very own festival. After a brief discussion with Little Fatty, he decided to stay another two days before setting off again.
The next day.
Since the Lantern Festival was Huaxi Town's grand annual celebration, the streets were already packed even though it was still early.
Lanterns of every color hung outside every home, and seven-colored ribbons fluttered among the treetops. The town's children ran and played around Huaxi, everywhere presenting a festive scene.
The ten-mile main street blazed with lights, and the market bustled with crowds. Calls from lantern vendors rose and fell without pause, while all kinds of lanterns made the