Cheng Lang chuckled softly, wrapped his arms around Qin Mu's neck, and pulled him down.
There was no need to dry their hair. No need to bathe. Tonight, they would be completely sleepless.
Early the next morning, Cheng Lang was awakened by an enthusiastic barrage of firecracker sounds. Squinting, he glanced at the window, tightly covered by the curtains. "Whose family is setting off firecrackers?"
With his eyes closed, Qin Mu pulled him back into his arms. "They're not setting off firecrackers. The butler is playing a recording of burning firecrackers."
Cheng Lang: "..."
Qin Mu explained, "Grandfather insists on it. He said firecrackers had to be set off during the New Year to ward off evil and misfortune." Since X City prohibited fireworks and firecrackers, they played recordings to intimidate evil spirits instead. The Qin Family had kept up this tradition for many years.
Cheng Lang: "..." What an idea.
Cheng Lang laughed. "Old Master Qin really knows how to adapt."
Qin Mu said nothing, merely holding Cheng Lang as they continued sleeping.
But that was clearly an ill-advised move. The firecracker sounds outside were like a pot boiling over, rising and falling without end. They went on for more than half an hour, completely driving away any lingering sleepiness.
Left with no choice, Cheng Lang got up to wash and get ready, then went to breakfast with Qin Mu.
"Good morning, Young Master. Good morning, Mr. Cheng." The butler greeted them with a beaming smile and ushered them toward seats in the main hall.
Old Master Qin and everyone else had already arrived. Aside from a few elders, everyone was yawning and listless. The hands holding their bowls and chopsticks seemed ready to let them slip at any moment. Clearly, none of them had slept well.
Qin Mu