Haji Chun actually plays this kind of game—quite interesting indeed.

Shen Nian was secretly cuddling with Haji-Chun over here.

On the other side, the adult group was chatting passionately, already discussing how high the stakes should be for their upcoming card game.

Shen Yue was watching TV alone on the second floor, feeling inexplicably a bit lonely. As it neared midnight, she also came down to play with fireworks.

The streets were already filled with the gunpowder scent of fireworks, smoke permeating the air. But this level was nothing; once midnight passed, that would be truly enveloped in smoke and fire.

Eleven thirty.

Teachers started sending red envelopes in the high school class group chat. Shen Nian casually grabbed one. Out of a twenty-yuan red envelope split into twenty pieces, he accidentally snatched four point two yuan, ranking second. The luckiest one was Loli Girl, who grabbed exactly six yuan.

She snatched his inner thoughts right out. In Shen Nian's eyes, this Loli Girl was also an overpowered hero.

The two of them grabbed ten yuan, meaning the remaining eighteen people had to split the other ten.

With the two of us joining forces, how could there be any worthy opponent?

Eleven fifty-five.

Shen Shi brought a stepladder from the house and had Shen Nian unroll a ten-thousand-ring firecracker, hanging it in circles around the ladder.

The Xia family next door did the same.

As everyone knew, the white fuses of these firecrackers burned incredibly fast. Xia Yanchun didn't dare light them; every time, she would hide behind the house door and let Xia Herui light them.

On Shen Nian's side, lighting the firecrackers was naturally his responsibility.

Not to criticize you, but you're so grown up and still don't dare to light firecrackers. You don't show any consideration for Uncle Xia at all, Shen Nian teased with a grin.

Xia Yanchun didn't speak, just rolling her eyes repeatedly.

Looking ugly, not like a human.

Shen Nian wasn't annoyed. He timed it perfectly, waiting until the firecrackers in front of the opposite and surrounding neighbors' doors all went off at once, then quickly lit the fuse in front of him and bolted toward the house.

The fuse burned very fast. Before he even entered the house, the firecrackers were already exploding with a crackling roar behind him, and small flying stones hit his back.

The first day of the Lunar New Year had arrived.

It smells so bad, close the door quickly, close the door, Shen Yue urged, covering her nose as she couldn't stand the thick smoke.

Shen Nian conveniently closed the door. Sister, Happy New Year. When we wake up early to worship the ancestors, I'll definitely pray for you to find a rich second-generation boyfriend. With the two of us siblings joining forces to make a wish, I don't believe the ancestors would fail to appreciate the favor.

Crazy guy, you've played too many games.

Looks like I can only curse you to never find a boyfriend. Shen Nian's smile vanished.

Shen Yue couldn't hold back and kicked Shen Nian on the pant leg.

Tell me, whose younger brother is this infuriating?

The firecrackers outside were deafening. If you didn't speak loudly, you couldn't hear a thing. It didn't seem to quiet down even after a long time, and even Shen Nian felt uncomfortable and covered his ears.

After a while, Shen Shi opened half the door, and a puff of white smoke surged in. He fanned his nose in disgust and warned, Don't go out yet. Some of them might not have gone off, and they'll explode right as you walk over.

Chen Minyue: Another year! May the breeding farm's business go smoothly and make a big fortune this year!

Shen Yue: Then I will continue to get promoted and get rich this year!

If Lord New Year can hear me, could you blow a strong gust of wind and send me a hundred thousand or so? Shen Nian began to make a wish with utmost sincerity.

Shen Yue, Chen Minyue, Shen Shi: ...

Everyone was just asking for good luck, but you're actually making a real wish.

It should be fine now. I'll go next door to take a look. Shen Nian slipped out.

Next door, Xia Yanchun's house also opened its door. The three of them were chatting and laughing at the doorway about something. The sound of firecrackers was chaotic, and Shen Nian couldn't hear clearly.

Uncle Xia, Auntie Wen, Happy New Year.

Oh my, coming over to play with Little Chun so soon. Wen Zhining smiled and greeted him. Are you done with things on your side? If so, bring a table out, we're getting ready to play cards!

I'm completely free. I'll go help you carry the chairs.

So sensible, Haji-Chun said sarcastically.

Muttering what kind of bird language? I'll come find you in a bit.

Tch! You're not allowed to come!

...

The New Year for the two families couldn't do without a deck of poker cards.

It was like this every year.

Moving a small table outside the courtyard, the four adults perfectly formed a card game. Putting out some sunflower seeds and drinks, they could play right until five or six in the morning, and when the time came, they would start preparing to worship the ancestors.

Shen Yue preferred sitting by the side and watching. Of course, when she wanted to play, the fixed four-person game would turn into an elimination system, where the one at the bottom had to give up their seat.

This kind of card game generally didn't involve Shen Nian and Xia Yanchun.

In the past, it was because they were minors and couldn't play these gambling-nature card games. Before, Shen Nian really craved it, just hoping someone would go to the bathroom so he could take over. Now that he was an adult... Shen Nian had something he cherished and liked even more.

Xia Yanchun carried a bottle of beverage and disposable cups, pouring everyone a cup of orange juice.

Another cup, please, Shen Nian finished his in one gulp.

Considering it's the first day of the New Year, I won't scold you today.

I just asked you to pour a drink. Would you really scold me if it wasn't New Year's Day?

Yes, I'll scold you whenever I want, Xia Yanchun said righteously.

I think you're looking for a righteous duel between samurai.

Xia Yanchun didn't want to pay him any mind. Suddenly, the wind blew, bringing not only the gunpowder scent from elsewhere but also a chill, making Xia Yanchun, who was only draped in a jacket, shrink her body.

I'm going to change my jacket.

Xia Yanchun turned and entered the house. When she came back down, she was already wearing a warm hoodie.

Although there was firelight everywhere, winter was still so cold...

Xia Yanchun breathed into her palms, rubbed her hands together, and quietly leaned toward Shen Nian.

What's wrong? Shen Nian looked sideways.

Take this! Xia Yanchun pressed her cold hands against Shen Nian's neck.

Holy crap...! The large hand with +5 agility exerted its force. Shen Nian dodged it, narrowly avoiding the attack. Hehe, you missed.

Heh, I wasn't planning on freezing you anyway.

Then who yelled 'Take this'? You're crying from frustration.

I'll hit you. Xia Yanchun gave Shen Nian a slap.

Shen Nian took advantage of the momentum, grasping the young girl's cold little hands into his palms, rubbing them together to help warm her up.

Chunbao, Happy New Year.

Hmph, Happy New Year. A little peony bloomed in Xia Yanchun's heart as she lowered her eyes. Happy one-year dating anniversary.

Then where is my gift?

It's on the third floor. I'll go get it for you.

Let's go up together.

Sure.

The two hugged each other and blatantly went upstairs.

Although Wen Zhining noticed, she didn't say anything.

The two kids had already confirmed their relationship, so it was only natural for them to be affectionate now. She and Xia Herui had talked about this quite a bit before bed. As long as it didn't result in an out-of-wedlock pregnancy or a little life being created during these college years, they wouldn't interfere with how Shen Nian and Little Chun interacted.

...Of course, the main reason was that Shen Nian was trustworthy. They had watched him grow up and usually treated him like a godson.

Going up to the third floor, Xia Yanchun took out a small black and gold gift box from a drawer, hid it behind her back, and flashed Shen Nian a proud smile.

Mhm, do you want it? Call me big sister and I'll give it to you.

Haji-Chun is actually playing this kind of game, quite romantic.

You... hmph, so speechless. Here, your one-year anniversary gift. I won't put it on for you, lest you have to take it off again.

Then I'll just accept it. Shen Nian grinned. You stay right here and don't move. I'll go get my gift too.

Hurry up.

Xia Yanchun let out a soft hum, pulled out an armchair, and went out to sit on the balcony.

Bundled up in warm clothes, feeling the slight chill of the winter breeze, and admiring the colorful fireworks blooming not too far away—it was an absolute delight.

Because no one nearby was setting off aerial fireworks, Xia Yanchun wasn't the least bit worried about ashes falling into her hair. She kicked off her shoes, propped her feet against the railing to gently rock herself, and hugged a hot water bottle to her chest. It couldn't have been any cozier.