The New Year felt more festive in a small town.
Ding Ding refused to stay at home, and the seaside market opened early. His sisters thought nothing of the trouble, traveling back and forth every day to drag Ding Ding out of the inn, where he was sleeping in.
Though his nieces and nephews had never met this uncle before, children were simple: they naturally grew close to anyone who treated them well.
The New Year red envelopes alone, so thick they could barely hold them, were enough to send the children into raptures.
The seaside was lively in the early morning, but cold. A gust of wind would leave a layer of damp, chilly frost on their eyelashes.
Vendors called out, plenty of people asked prices, and the children pestered Ding Ding for this and that. It was a feeling he had not experienced in a long time.
There was satisfaction, but it did not stand up to close scrutiny. He kept feeling that something was missing, until he opened his phone and saw Bai Congming getting up, washing his face, and brushing his teeth. Then Ding Ding understood.
Behind that hazy, helpless feeling, he had actually been missing home.
Ding Ding sent him a voice message, saying he was outside and could not call him, then reminded him to dress warmly and remember to eat.
On the screen, he saw Little Bai read his message, then put down his phone, add a scarf, and say something to the phone.
His sisters exchanged knowing looks, teasing Ding Ding for looking so hopelessly smitten without even realizing it.
"Brother Ding! Dress warmly, and eat plenty of good food!"
The day seemed less cold.
"Uncle! Uncle! I want to eat that!"
"We'll buy it!" Ding Ding put his phone away. "Whatever