Shao Ke brought Yan Yiheng home, and a flicker of realization crossed his eyes as he looked at the transformed house.
He had not experienced an atmosphere like this since his parents died. New Year, the most important holiday in Country Z, had been nothing more than an ordinary day to him.
He had always felt that even without dumplings, a New Year's Eve dinner, fireworks, or the Spring Festival Gala, time would pass all the same, and life would keep going.
There was no difference.
"You're back?"
Yan Ningke wore no apron. His bright red sweater made him look even fairer and sweeter. Rolling pin in hand, he smiled brightly. "Perfect timing. Come make dumplings with us."
The moment Yan Yiheng saw his brother, he rushed over and hugged his legs, tilting his head back with his clear, innocent eyes curved in a smile.
One grown, one small, their matching smiles brought warmth to the proud, solitary house.
"Brother, come on."
A faint smile spilled from the corners of Shao Ke's eyes. How could life stay dull forever? From the moment Yan Ningke came here, the umbrella meant for him had finally opened over his head.
The setting sun sank into a radiant field of stars, and dusk suddenly fell over the world's mountains and rivers.
With steady, powerful steps, he walked into a modest fullness of life. Shao Ke chuckled softly, his gaze gentle. "Coming."
Night gradually descended, and scattered fireworks appeared on the horizon. Figures moved about inside the house. Though Yan Ningke had invited them to make dumplings together, he shooed them away before they even got their hands wet.
Yan Yiheng sat obediently in the living room watching television. Occasionally, he ran into the kitchen to feed Yan Ningke a piece of fruit, earned a