Early the next morning, Xinhai was awakened by Eevee's soft cries.
"Vee! Vee!" Eevee crouched beside his pillow, its brown eyes sparkling as its little paws gently patted his shoulder. "Vee, vee!" (Xinhai! Happy New Year!)
Xinhai opened his eyes and saw Eevee's furry little face right in front of him. He could not help but smile. "Happy New Year, Eevee."
He sat up and rubbed Eevee's head, his gaze sweeping across the room—Charmeleon and Fraxure were already awake, each stretching and moving about.
Gardevoir sat upright on the windowsill, her red eyes gazing at the crisp winter morning sunlight outside. Hearing the movement, she turned back and gave him a faint smile.
Breakfasts during the New Year were far more lavish than usual. Mom, Nami, carried all kinds of delicious food into the living room, filling the dining table.
The Pokémon each received plenty of treats in their bowls. Eevee took a small bite from a dumpling, and its brown eyes immediately lit up—the filling was its favorite: pickled cabbage and beef.
"Eat slowly. Don't burn yourself." Xinhai smiled as he reminded Eevee, seeing how impatient it looked.
After breakfast, the family changed into their new holiday clothes and began visiting relatives and friends.
Verdanturf Town was not large, and most households were related in one way or another. The New Year visiting route had long been fixed: first, they would sit for a while at Grandpa and Grandma's house; then visit several uncles; have lunch at Second Aunt's house; and in the afternoon, pay respects to several elders in town.
Xinhai headed out with Eevee, Gardevoir, and Charmeleon.
Eevee sat on his shoulder, clutching a red envelope in its little paws. Mom had given it the envelope before they left. It was plump with several hundred League Coins