The dumplings went into the pot, then were served piping hot.
Chen Siyao had also bought a bottle of fruit wine. She poured a glass for herself and another for Chen Hao.
"Happy New Year, Hao."
"Happy New Year."
They clinked glasses.
After their New Year's Eve dinner, Chen Siyao pulled Chen Hao into the courtyard to set off fireworks.
She had bought a whole pile—Sparklers, Sky Rockets, Red Crackers, and several large Aerial Fireworks.
"Hao, you light them!"
Chen Hao took the lighter and lit the fuse.
Whoosh—
The fireworks shot skyward and burst in the night sky, their brilliant light illuminating the entire courtyard.
Red, green, gold, purple.
Chen Siyao tipped her head back, the fireworks lighting her face as she smiled like a little child.
Chen Hao stood beside her, looking up at the night sky too.
Ten thousand years.
This was the first time in ten thousand years that he had celebrated the New Year with family.
Dawn broke on New Year's Day, and everything felt renewed.
The quiet old alley shed the stillness of New Year's Eve. Scattered bursts of firecrackers sounded here and there as people exchanged New Year greetings, filling the air with festive cheer.
The door to the Chen family's old house stood open. The courtyard was clean and tidy, bathed in warm morning sunlight.
The siblings had just finished washing up and were about to have a simple New Year's breakfast when a gentle, respectful knock came from outside.
Knock, knock, knock!
The knocking was steady and courteous, neither hurried nor slow.
Chen Siyao looked puzzled. "It's New Year's Day, and we don't have any relatives visiting. Who would come to wish us a happy New Year?"
Chen Hao's gaze remained calm. He already knew who had come. "Open the door