This winter, it rarely snowed in District 25.
Pure white, crystalline snowflakes drifted down from the sky, their hexagonal outlines gently stirred by the wind, like sacred feathers falling from an angel's wings after it flew past. The cold wind howled, the snowflakes swayed, and this winter was exceptionally cold. The biting wind blew against the faces of pedestrians leaving the restaurant, slicing the joy of the New Year, the mellow warmth of wine, and the sorrows of the past into neat, icy shivers. Though the cliffs stood frozen a hundred zhang deep, the streets were alive with the sound of flutes and pipes, the glow of jade kettles turning, neon lights flickering, and the tassels of lanterns fluttering like playful fish and soaring dragons, setting off the bustling, crowded atmosphere with even more warmth.
"Jingle-jingle!"
"Thank you... boss! Hehe, boss, you're so generous!"
The bell rang out abruptly as the door was pushed open, and with it came a thank-you laced with drunkenness, intimate yet offensive-the intoxicated Miss Shiyu Ryoko was clearly no longer capable of telling north from south. All that remained in her mind was the good news Jonas had delivered: "No annual party, budget paid out in cash." The girl, still clutching her bottle, stumbled along with the gaggle of beauties around Jonas. After entering the carriage, she collapsed onto the seat like spring mud, snoring most inelegantly, drawing a round of laughter from her fellow passengers.
"Look at this Ryoko, she's such a lightweight!"
"So that means you're tough, huh?"
"Ha↗, I'm super tough, a super heavy drinker!"
"Oh? Then how about we settle it tonight-winner takes all?"
"No way! If I get drunk like Ryoko, I won't be able to grab the first round of the New Year!"
"But haven't we already drawn lots