A year

Emerald Garden Residential Complex, Building 3, Unit 201.

Shen Heng raised his hand and slid it down onto the Spring Festival couplets, expelling the air from the couplets and the wall.

After confirming that it was properly pasted, he took two steps back and examined it.

First line: The sound of firecrackers brings good news; may the new year be a joyous occasion for all.

Second line: Plum blossoms Duoduo, smiling to welcome the early spring to the world.

Horizontal scroll: Spring Returns to the Earth

Looking at the brand-new Spring Festival couplets in front of him, Shen Heng couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

"Has it really been almost a year since I came into this world...?"

He experienced a lot this year: Calamity Beast, the Supervision Bureau, school...

Looking back now, I realize that most of these events happened in the first half of the year.

Although there were still things happening in the second half of the year, there were far fewer.

Of course, there were quite a few incidents involving Calamity Beast.

However, most of the Calamity Beast that appeared later were either not yet at the first or First Tier, with only a few at the Second Tier.

Given the current membership of the Linhai City Supervision Bureau, ordinary first or second-tier Calamity Beast would not have much impact on them.

but...

Shen Heng recalled another incident involving Calamity Beast that he had encountered two days prior.

The Calamity Beast that caused that incident wasn't anything special; it was just a Tier 2 Iron Web Spider.

but...

"Has Linhai City also seen five incidents of Calamity Beast within a month...?"

Shen Heng's expression turned slightly serious.

You should know that when he first arrived, Linhai City only had a stable two or three Calamity Beast Calamity Beast per month.

In less than a year, the number of items has increased from an occasional three to an occasional five.

If this trend continues, we might have to issue a task every two or three days after next year.

Thinking of this, Shen Heng couldn't help but whisper:

"If it really comes to that, I don't know if we can still keep it a secret..."

Inside the house, the voice of the mother, Xu Yuqin, could be heard.

"Xiao Heng, are you done putting up the couplets? If you are, come in quickly, the windows still need to be wiped clean!"

Shen Heng composed himself and responded with a smile.

"They're here!"

6:23 PM.

Shen Heng glanced at the four dishes and one soup on the table, then reached out and took the bowl and chopsticks that Shen Shuning handed him.

"Thanks!"

Shen Shuning nodded in response.

Xu Yuqin watched the scene unfold with a smile on her face.

She felt like this past year had been a dream.

Xiao Ning was as outstanding as ever, and after graduating from high school, she was admitted to Capital University.

Although Xiao Heng didn't continue his studies after graduating from high school, he found a high-paying job... though it wasn't very stable.

In short, everything is moving in a positive direction, as if all the suffering of the first half of my life has been made up for in this year.

that is...

"Cough cough..."

Xu Yuqing suddenly started coughing uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Shen Shuning quickly went to her side and gently patted her back.

"Mom, are you alright?"

Xu Yuqin breathed a sigh of relief and waved her hand, "Mom's fine, she probably just choked on something."

Shen Shuning glanced at Xu Yuqing with some confusion, but didn't think much of it.

Shen Heng sat to the side and slightly shifted his gaze.

Even medication isn't providing much relief...

"By the way, Xiao Ning, what does your school teach now?" Xu Yuqin asked.

Shen Shuning thought for a moment and said:

"Teaching things like mechanics, such as how long it takes for a plate to fall after being thrown..."

The New Year's Eve dinner quickly came to a close as the three chatted casually.

After tidying up briefly, the three of them watched the Spring Festival Gala for a while longer.

Xu Yuqin then felt a bit tired and went to take a shower and go back to her room to sleep first, while Shen Shuning followed her into the bathroom.

The living room, which had been bustling all night, returned to silence once more.

Shen Heng slowly walked to the window and looked out.

In the darkness, the lights outside flickered gently.

The cold wind howled, carrying with it scattered snippets of everyday conversation.

"Ding-dong!"

A notification sound came from my phone.

Shen Heng picked up his phone.

In the group chat of the Linhai City Supervision Bureau, Han Ling sent out a message.

Han Ling: Happy New Year everyone!!

Wei Leyang: Happy New Year!

Wu Cheng: Happy New Year! By the way, what are you having for your New Year's Eve dinner tonight?

Han Ling: That's all, basically chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

Han Ling: By the way, is everyone home?

Wu Cheng: Isn't that obvious? It's the Lunar New Year, who in their right mind would go out for no reason?

Wei Leyang: Except for the captain.

Shen Heng's gaze lingered on the words Wei Leyang had spoken.

Although today is a special day, just like the police station has staff on duty, the Supervision Bureau also needs to arrange for staff to be on duty.

The team leader then took over the shift without hesitation.

Should I go and take a look?... Shen Heng pondered.

While he was pondering, the group chat continued.

Han Ling: That's good!

Wu Cheng: That's good? What do you mean?

Le Gu Nan: Happy New Year everyone!

Le Gu Nan just saw the news.

Han Ling: Gu Nan, Happy New Year!

Wu Cheng: What's the New Year's Eve dinner like for wealthy families? Le Gu Nan

Le Gu Nan: Actually, it's not that different, it's just that my grandfather prefers it...

"Click!"

The bathroom door opened.

Shen Shuning paused at the edge of the living room, looked at Shen Heng standing by the window, hesitated for a moment, and said:

"I just finished showering with hot water. If you want to shower, you can do it later."

Under her gaze, Shen Heng slowly turned around.

He thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head:

"No, I'll be going out for a bit."

"Go out?"

Shen Shuning was somewhat surprised.

She turned her head and glanced at the wall clock, which showed it was a little past ten.

Just like Wu Cheng said in the group chat.

It's Chinese New Year, who in their right mind would go out?

Especially at this hour!

"Hmm." Shen Heng nodded.

Seeing that Shen Heng seemed to be really going to leave, Shen Shuning couldn't help but frown.

Where are you going?

"Go..." Shen Heng paused, swallowing the words "Supervision Bureau," and changed his words to "Go to the company."

"Aren't you on vacation?" Shen Shuning pressed.

"It's a holiday, but there are still people on duty at the company," Shen Heng replied.

Shen Shuning didn't reply. She looked at Shen Heng, her cherry lips slightly pursed.

"You can never earn enough money."

His voice remained cool, but it carried a hint of concern.

Shen Heng was slightly taken aback, then a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Does this mean the sibling relationship has been further repaired?

From initial dislike, to indifference, and now to slight concern.

Shen Heng chuckled:

"Don't worry, I know!"

Shen Shuning nodded gently, said nothing more, and turned to walk into her room.

Shen Heng returned to his room and put on a simple coat.

He walked out of the room, turned off the light, closed the door, and then went downstairs.

With the roar of the engine, Shen Heng skillfully drove towards the road he had driven countless times before.

Traffic lights did not take a break during the Spring Festival and continued to operate normally.

But the traffic flow was much less.

Shen Heng arrived at the Supervision Bureau building in just a few minutes.

He lifted his leg and walked towards the Supervision Bureau, but stopped just as he was about to step through the Supervision Bureau gate.