"Wow, really made it on time, perfect timing—thank you, Chi-Chi, you worked hard!"
"Whinny~"
"Ah, so ticklish, hehe... Mmm—knowing you has really made me happy, you should head back early too, it's getting late, bye!"
"Whinny..."
"Oh right, Uncle Bo Yue said, next time I need to find you, I just need to whistle like this—shoo-whinny~"
"Whinny... Whinny!"
"Haha, okay, goodbye, my friend!"
Whinny—whoosh!
"Hey! Little Jun!"
"Ah... It's Deputy General Uncle—Uncle Da Qiang!"
"Hey! Child, you're finally back!"
"Mmm? Uncle Qiang, why are you still outside the city?"
"Hey! They told me to wait at home... But how could your Uncle Qiang, a rough man, sit still—thought I'd come to the city gate to wait for you!"
"Oh... Uncle Qiang, you've been waiting long!"
"Oh no! Not long not long, as long as you're back—let's go, everyone's waiting for you for New Year's Eve dinner!"
"Okay!"
"Ah! Little Jun, my boy is transferring to the academy to study, he really admires you... In the future, help Uncle Qiang look after him, that kid's as rough as me, poor grades, but fortunately got specially recruited!"
"Mmm! Sure... Little Qiang didn't come this time either?"
"Hey, same as always... With his mother in the hometown for New Year's, it's fine!"
"Oh! Uncle Qiang, but you're still working overtime during Spring Festival... Don't you miss them?"
"Ah! It's fine... Not too bad—don't we still have you guys, uncle is happy to see you, much better than my own boy! Haha!"
—Mmm, time to go back and report!
"Okay..."
"What's wrong, Little Jun!"
"Oh, nothing, Uncle Qiang, let's go back!"
—Thank you! Sister Ai... Happy New Year!
—Happy New Year!
After arriving at the wilderness outside the main city, Ah-Jun bid farewell to the horse Chi-Chi, then met Deputy General Uncle waiting at the city gate, Da Qiang... After uncle and nephew exchanged greetings, they prepared to immediately return home for reunion—just as they entered the city gate, Ai who was still waiting in the distance prepared to return... At this time, the child seemed to sense that sister's mood. Then Ah-Jun suddenly turned his head, greeting toward the forest!
After all, over these years, it was Ai who had been silently guarding him, and many accidental incidents in the past were also that sister secretly helping—how could Ah-Jun forget her with his grateful heart... Of course, his sincerity also received Ai's response, they mutually warmed each other's hearts!
In an instant, a gust of wind stirred... Then Ah-Jun turned around, under Deputy General Da Qiang's bewildered expression continued on their way, a few minutes later finally safely arrived at his own home—and at this moment, in that retro small house, everyone had been waiting for Ah-Jun for so long, over a month felt like three autumns, three springs, then three more autumns...
Tonight in the main city, Ga-Lang-Ge's bustling laughter and voices, the steaming New Year's Eve dinner on the round table, and the brilliant fireworks blooming and firecrackers performing in the New Year's Eve night sky... All of this was the scene Ah-Jun had been anticipating and missing for so long.
As the most important day in traditional culture, Spring Festival was the moment of reunion for the Suoluo Continent and all people, also a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new... From ancient times until now, it had always been so, the original intention unchanged—and the future would also continue this legacy, just like the guardians' will, becoming the unchanging spiritual core generation after generation!
"Brother Jun!"
"Brother~"
"Meow..."
"Ah, Wei-Wei, careful... Are you okay—next time, don't run so fast, what if..."
"Okay! I know... I missed you so much~"
"—Mmm? Little Fei, long time no see—ah, so ticklish..."
"Meow~"
"—Yun'er, come, let brother see... Mmm, you've grown taller, how were your final exam results this time?"
"Mmm... Still one point less than him, not as good as brother~"
"Haha, it's fine, if not this time then next time, don't be discouraged, our Yun'er is amazing—but looks like your rival is strong... No worries, keep working hard—come, walk with brother inside, I brought gifts for you!"
—Yay!
As usual, during New Year's, no one else had time to bother with Ah-Jun, so the child smoothly arrived at his doorstep...
As for the journey through the main city, when passing the game store, the child met the old granny—the gift he brought her was an exquisite tea set... Because long ago, Ah-Jun had discovered that the old woman loved drinking tea, but her tea set was already worn... So the old granny happily accepted it, repeatedly admiring it with affection;
And at a corner not far from home, the child met his school's homeroom teacher... Ah-Jun had always kept it in mind and actually found a rare original manuscript of a literary work, the treasure the homeroom teacher had been desperately seeking... This child was truly thoughtful—but as for how Ah-Jun got it? In the imperial palace, what didn't they have, and moreover, when Ah-Jun wanted it, he really got it;
As for Aunt Zhang, he didn't encounter her—because usually at this time, this kind person would be at the door with Ah-Jun and the others setting off fireworks, but this year... he only saw the younger sisters playing at the door—
"By the way, why are you setting off fireworks here by yourselves, it's not safe... Where's Aunt Zhang? Not home?"
"Yes, yes, yes... Oh my! Little Jun, you're finally back—Aunt is right here!"
Suddenly, the child heard a familiar call from afar—Ah-Jun followed his sister's hand and looked carefully, it was Aunt Zhang, she was in the courtyard right now, waving at Ah-Jun!
"Aunt Zhang... I'm back, here—this is a gift I brought for you!"
"Oh, good child, so well-behaved—ah, let Aunt see... Mmm, you look much better—come, go inside quickly, your master has been waiting for you all this time!"
—Everyone, I'm back!
"Counselor Grandpa... Long time no see—this is a gift for you!"
"Your grandpa, didn't we just meet—oh, how did you know I wanted this thing... Haha, Little Jun, come—hey! Oh, my old back!"
"Big Sister... Brother-in-law, I'm back—this is a gift for you both!"
"Ah... Little Jun, how come only she gets one, what about your brother-in-law's?"
"—Didn't you hear, the word 'both'!"
"Oh... Haha—ah, long time no see, come, brother-in-law wants a hug..."
"Okay, wait a moment... Here, Little Jun, hurry and go!"
"Oh!"
"Oh my... How come when it's my turn, the treatment all changed!"
"Haha, who told you Little Jun was raised by your older brother!"
"Ugh! Even fighting for favor!"
—Hehe haha hehe...
After hearing Aunt Zhang's reminder, Ah-Jun couldn't wait to pass through the curtain and walk into the living room. At this moment, before his eyes were familiar and dear faces, everyone smiled welcoming the child home—except for brother-in-law Yi... This person's mouth was twitching with emotion, tears streaming, he kept wiping his face... This made Big Sister Qing on the side both happy and annoyed, she welcomed the little child while comforting the big child, her head was spinning. As for the Counselor, regarding his brother's reaction, he was also used to it, he calmly came to the child's side, smiling and greeting.
Of course, for Ah-Jun, the first person he looked for when arriving home was definitely his master—only after seeing the elder, the child was surrounded by other people, the family's enthusiasm was irresistible, he could only communicate with the old man through the gaps using eye contact... And also received the elder's confirming nod.
"Master, your disciple did not fail your expectations, completed the training!"
"Mmm... Good... Good, cough cough cough!"
"Are you alright?"
"No problem, come, Jun'er, sit—come, everyone sit!"
"Come, come, come... Cheers!"
New Year's Eve dinner, New Year's Eve thirtieth, New Year's Eve reunion dinner, a family sitting around the round table, eating a sumptuous feast—there was aromatic, tender and not dry Eight Treasure Duck with fresh meat and glutinous rice balls embedded in it, this was the little sweet girl's dish; there was also braised with pork belly for a long time, fragrant and tasty, smooth and bouncy sauce-braised eggs, the Deputy General loved this dish, if the Counselor wasn't watching, he alone could eat several, saying they looked just like ingots, the more the merrier; of course, the main dishes also included fish for surplus every year, home-style small dishes, cold appetizers and dim sum and other delicacies, and that which had been stewing for half a day...
"Oh no, I forgot—my old hen soup is still stewing on the stove... Don't let it burn!"
"Oh my, I say, little brother, you even forget this—look at your family's one, worse memory than this old man..."
"—Look at you, go quickly!"
"Oh—Little Jun, eat slowly... Today brother-in-law will give you good nourishment!"
"Brother Jun, this Eight Treasure Duck's glutinous rice is really delicious... Come, you eat some too!"
"Okay! Come, Yun'er, you eat more too—and Little Fei..."
"Thank you, brother!"
"Meow~"
"Hey, my favorite ingot sauce-braised eggs... Wow, phew—so hot!!"
"Come... Little Jun, try this, Big Sister specially bought it for you!"
"This is... ah, chocolate cream strawberry cake—mmm? That... that cake?"
"Oh... That one, didn't we think to change it this year—your body is stable now, you wanted it so much before but didn't dare—come, here's a big piece for you!"
"Oh... Thank you Big Sister—Master, you eat first!"
"Mmm... This child, truly a good child!"
—Look quickly, the Spring Festival Gala is starting!
Besides, on this New Year's Eve evening, how could the Spring Festival Gala be missing... Look, now Ah-Jun and his family, eating while watching the show, laughter and warmth filling the house!
"Grandmother, Happy New Year!"
"Mmm, good—come, Yun'er, red envelope!"
"Grandmother, Happy New Year, hehe!"
"—Sigh! Wei-Wei, why are you also calling grandmother..."
"Ah~ Aunt Zhang, I'm Brother Jun's future girlfriend, why not!"
"—Alright, no problem, all family—come, child, red envelope!"
"Master, Happy New Year!"
"Mmm, good—come, Jun'er, red envelope!"
"...Master, Jun'er has grown up and is no longer a child, you don't need to give me red envelopes anymore!"
"—Sigh! Little Jun, giving children New Year's money red envelopes is our traditional culture, and no matter how much you grow, in our eyes, you're still a child! Take it quickly..."
"Mmm, your Aunt Zhang is right, come!"
"Oh, thank you Master!"
"Aunt Zhang, Happy New Year—Big Sister, Brother-in-law, Happy New Year—Uncle Da Qiang, Happy New Year—and Counselor Grandpa..."
"Your grandpa... Ugh, Little Jun, am I that old!"
"—Isn't he!"
"Hey, Da Qiang, you... Your brother, I'm a post-90s."
"—Huh?"
"That... Born in '90, went to college!"
"Hey, that's not young either!"
—Hehe haha
"Wow, Little Fei, look, so many red envelopes..."
"Meow!"
"Tomorrow, I'll go to the bank to save them, plus these years'—there's a lot... Mmm, if I get a chance to see her, I want to invite her to eat roast duck together!"
New Year's Eve on the thirtieth, reunion time, how could New Year's money be missing—putting the elders' love for the younger generation into those auspicious red envelopes. Children paying New Year's respects and receiving red envelopes, sleeping with them under their pillows, this was also a longstanding tradition.
Although he believed that after growing up he shouldn't take them anymore, looking at the New Year's red envelopes from the elders now, Ah-Jun's heart was still sweet. And moreover, the amount didn't matter, what mattered was the sentiment—he counted while chatting with the little cat, while thinking of that friend he hadn't met yet.
"Meow..."
"Mmm? You want to eat too, isn't there some... Here!"
"Meow~"
"You also want to go eat at the shop together—okay, bring Little Fei along..."
"Brother Jun, what are we going to eat, I want to go too!"
"Okay, when the time comes, bring everyone along to try it!"
"Yay—by the way, who is she, Sister Lan right!"
—Right, Lan'er!
"Ah!? Mmm, that..."
"Hey, I knew it, it's fine, I don't mind, Sister Lan is so nice!"
"Meow?"
However, with the little sweet girl's reminder, Ah-Jun's heart tightened—oh, right... Mmm, I haven't forgotten! Tonight, he planned to tell Lan'er everything he had hidden in his heart for years. Thus, their relationship should gradually improve, and this was not only because of that promise, but also a bond of years.
"—Brother Jun, why hasn't Sister Lan come even now... What time did you agree with them?"
"Mmm... Lan'er said she still has something urgent, asked us to come later—around 8 o'clock... Anyway, there's still time before midnight crossing into the new year... We'll finish eating, then set off some fireworks!"
—Okay!
...
"Oh dear, Little Jun, what happened to you? Quick, children, come inside quickly—Wei-Wei, what's going on, weren't you going to celebrate New Year with friends—ah, that child, don't run away, come eat dumplings..."
"Child, feeling better... Mmm, good as long as you're okay! Come, hurry... The countdown is about to start, ten nine eight... three two one, Happy New Year!"
—Whoosh boom... Whoosh la la... Crackle pop bang!
This night, the entire city, everyone was immersed in the lively spectacle of New Year's Eve... And Ah-Jun also finally fulfilled his wish, returning to his hometown, on New Year's Eve, eating dinner with his family, watching the Spring Festival Gala, chatting freely about all the experiences and insights from his cultivation journey.
Although this training was quite difficult, perhaps in the eyes of those in the know, it should have been an impossible mission to complete—but as the child of destiny in the guardian world, didn't he ultimately achieve his wish... Ah-Jun not only successfully completed the mission, also met the elder's expectations, and successfully reversed the situation!
Now he was no longer alone, no longer needed to be strong by himself; no longer suppressed, no longer sad and dejected; no longer weak, no longer anxious and worried...
Because this child chosen by fate had finally emerged from the cocoon as a butterfly, those wings had already formed—of course, as the child of destiny, in the future, Ah-Jun would still encounter all kinds of difficulties and obstacles... But don't forget, those invisible wings would carry this pitiful child, flying over despair... To meet new hope!
And Ah-Jun always firmly believed that as long as his original intention remained unchanged, he studied diligently, worked tirelessly... One day, he would definitely grow into an excellent guardian, and in the future would also be like his predecessors, climbing toward the legendary highest peak of the Suoluo Continent!
This was not only his own personal belief, but also the guardian world's primordial will, and everyone's original dream—just as Counselor Grandpa taught that day, as the second half of that ancient saying goes... When successful, benefit all under heaven!
As the saying goes, a great hero acts for country and people—oh hey, not bad! In fact, since childhood Ah-Jun had fantasized that in the future he could become a great hero, only...
—Only, when exactly will the academy's admission notice arrive? Ugh... What's wrong with me, my heart is so tired, better not think about it... Mmm! Listen to her, wait a bit longer!
"Wow, really made it on time, perfect timing—thank you, Chi-Chi, you worked hard!"
"Whinny~"
"Ah, so ticklish, hehe... Mmm—knowing you has really made me happy, you should head back early too, it's getting late, bye!"
"Whinny..."
"Oh right, Uncle Bo Yue said, next time I need to find you, I just need to whistle like this—shoo-whinny~"
"Whinny... Whinny!"
"Haha, okay, goodbye, my friend!"
Whinny—whoosh!
"Hey! Little Jun!"
"Ah... It's Deputy General Uncle—Uncle Da Qiang!"
"Hey! Child, you're finally back!"
"Mmm? Uncle Qiang, why are you still outside the city?"
"Hey! They told me to wait at home... But how could your Uncle Qiang, a rough man, sit still—thought I'd come to the city gate to wait for you!"
"Oh... Uncle Qiang, you've been waiting long!"
"Oh no! Not long not long, as long as you're back—let's go, everyone's waiting for you for New Year's Eve dinner!"
"Okay!"
"Ah! Little Jun, my boy is transferring to the academy to study, he really admires you... In the future, help Uncle Qiang look after him, that kid's as rough as me, poor grades, but fortunately got specially recruited!"
"Mmm! Sure... Little Qiang didn't come this time either?"
"Hey, same as always... With his mother in the hometown for New Year's, it's fine!"
"Oh! Uncle Qiang, but you're still working overtime during Spring Festival... Don't you miss them?"
"Ah! It's fine... Not too bad—don't we still have you guys, uncle is happy to see you, much better than my own boy! Haha!"
—Mmm, time to go back and report!
"Okay..."
"What's wrong, Little Jun!"
"Oh, nothing, Uncle Qiang, let's go back!"
—Thank you! Sister Ai... Happy New Year!
—Happy New Year!
After arriving at the wilderness outside the main city, Ah-Jun bid farewell to the horse Chi-Chi, then met Deputy General Uncle waiting at the city gate, Da Qiang... After uncle and nephew exchanged greetings, they prepared to immediately return home for reunion—just as they entered the city gate, Ai who was still waiting in the distance prepared to return... At this time, the child seemed to sense that sister's mood. Then Ah-Jun suddenly turned his head, greeting toward the forest!
After all, over these years, it was Ai who had been silently guarding him, and many accidental incidents in the past were also that sister secretly helping—how could Ah-Jun forget her with his grateful heart... Of course, his sincerity also received Ai's response, they mutually warmed each other's hearts!
In an instant, a gust of wind stirred... Then Ah-Jun turned around, under Deputy General Da Qiang's bewildered expression continued on their way, a few minutes later finally safely arrived at his own home—and at this moment, in that retro small house, everyone had been waiting for Ah-Jun for so long, over a month felt like three autumns, three springs, then three more autumns...
Tonight in the main city, Ga-Lang-Ge's bustling laughter and voices, the steaming New Year's Eve dinner on the round table, and the brilliant fireworks blooming and firecrackers performing in the New Year's Eve night sky... All of this was the scene Ah-Jun had been anticipating and missing for so long.
As the most important day in traditional culture, Spring Festival was the moment of reunion for the Suoluo Continent and all people, also a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new... From ancient times until now, it had always been so, the original intention unchanged—and the future would also continue this legacy, just like the guardians' will, becoming the unchanging spiritual core generation after generation!
"Brother Jun!"
"Brother~"
"Meow..."
"Ah, Wei-Wei, careful... Are you okay—next time, don't run so fast, what if..."
"Okay! I know... I missed you so much~"
"—Mmm? Little Fei, long time no see—ah, so ticklish..."
"Meow~"
"—Yun'er, come, let brother see... Mmm, you've grown taller, how were your final exam results this time?"
"Mmm... Still one point less than him, not as good as brother~"
"Haha, it's fine, if not this time then next time, don't be discouraged, our Yun'er is amazing—but looks like your rival is strong... No worries, keep working hard—come, walk with brother inside, I brought gifts for you!"
—Yay!
As usual, during New Year's, no one else had time to bother with Ah-Jun, so the child smoothly arrived at his doorstep...
As for the journey through the main city, when passing the game store, the child met the old granny—the gift he brought her was an exquisite tea set... Because long ago, Ah-Jun had discovered that the old woman loved drinking tea, but her tea set was already worn... So the old granny happily accepted it, repeatedly admiring it with affection;
And at a corner not far from home, the child met his school's homeroom teacher... Ah-Jun had always kept it in mind and actually found a rare original manuscript of a literary work, the treasure the homeroom teacher had been desperately seeking... This child was truly thoughtful—but as for how Ah-Jun got it? In the imperial palace, what didn't they have, and moreover, when Ah-Jun wanted it, he really got it;
As for Aunt Zhang, he didn't encounter her—because usually at this time, this kind person would be at the door with Ah-Jun and the others setting off fireworks, but this year... he only saw the younger sisters playing at the door—
"By the way, why are you setting off fireworks here by yourselves, it's not safe... Where's Aunt Zhang? Not home?"
"Yes, yes, yes... Oh my! Little Jun, you're finally back—Aunt is right here!"
Suddenly, the child heard a familiar call from afar—Ah-Jun followed his sister's hand and looked carefully, it was Aunt Zhang, she was in the courtyard right now, waving at Ah-Jun!
"Aunt Zhang... I'm back, here—this is a gift I brought for you!"
"Oh, good child, so well-behaved—ah, let Aunt see... Mmm, you look much better—come, go inside quickly, your master has been waiting for you all this time!"
—Everyone, I'm back!
"Counselor Grandpa... Long time no see—this is a gift for you!"
"Your grandpa, didn't we just meet—oh, how did you know I wanted this thing... Haha, Little Jun, come—hey! Oh, my old back!"
"Big Sister... Brother-in-law, I'm back—this is a gift for you both!"
"Ah... Little Jun, how come only she gets one, what about your brother-in-law's?"
"—Didn't you hear, the word 'both'!"
"Oh... Haha—ah, long time no see, come, brother-in-law wants a hug..."
"Okay, wait a moment... Here, Little Jun, hurry and go!"
"Oh!"
"Oh my... How come when it's my turn, the treatment all changed!"
"Haha, who told you Little Jun was raised by your older brother!"
"Ugh! Even fighting for favor!"
—Hehe haha hehe...
After hearing Aunt Zhang's reminder, Ah-Jun couldn't wait to pass through the curtain and walk into the living room. At this moment, before his eyes were familiar and dear faces, everyone smiled welcoming the child home—except for brother-in-law Yi... This person's mouth was twitching with emotion, tears streaming, he kept wiping his face... This made Big Sister Qing on the side both happy and annoyed, she welcomed the little child while comforting the big child, her head was spinning. As for the Counselor, regarding his brother's reaction, he was also used to it, he calmly came to the child's side, smiling and greeting.
Of course, for Ah-Jun, the first person he looked for when arriving home was definitely his master—only after seeing the elder, the child was surrounded by other people, the family's enthusiasm was irresistible, he could only communicate with the old man through the gaps using eye contact... And also received the elder's confirming nod.
"Master, your disciple did not fail your expectations, completed the training!"
"Mmm... Good... Good, cough cough cough!"
"Are you alright?"
"No problem, come, Jun'er, sit—come, everyone sit!"
"Come, come, come... Cheers!"
New Year's Eve dinner, New Year's Eve thirtieth, New Year's Eve reunion dinner, a family sitting around the round table, eating a sumptuous feast—there was aromatic, tender and not dry Eight Treasure Duck with fresh meat and glutinous rice balls embedded in it, this was the little sweet girl's dish; there was also braised with pork belly for a long time, fragrant and tasty, smooth and bouncy sauce-braised eggs, the Deputy General loved this dish, if the Counselor wasn't watching, he alone could eat several, saying they looked just like ingots, the more the merrier; of course, the main dishes also included fish for surplus every year, home-style small dishes, cold appetizers and dim sum and other delicacies, and that which had been stewing for half a day...
"Oh no, I forgot—my old hen soup is still stewing on the stove... Don't let it burn!"
"Oh my, I say, little brother, you even forget this—look at your family's one, worse memory than this old man..."
"—Look at you, go quickly!"
"Oh—Little Jun, eat slowly... Today brother-in-law will give you good nourishment!"
"Brother Jun, this Eight Treasure Duck's glutinous rice is really delicious... Come, you eat some too!"
"Okay! Come, Yun'er, you eat more too—and Little Fei..."
"Thank you, brother!"
"Meow~"
"Hey, my favorite ingot sauce-braised eggs... Wow, phew—so hot!!"
"Come... Little Jun, try this, Big Sister specially bought it for you!"
"This is... ah, chocolate cream strawberry cake—mmm? That... that cake?"
"Oh... That one, didn't we think to change it this year—your body is stable now, you wanted it so much before but didn't dare—come, here's a big piece for you!"
"Oh... Thank you Big Sister—Master, you eat first!"
"Mmm... This child, truly a good child!"
—Look quickly, the Spring Festival Gala is starting!
Besides, on this New Year's Eve evening, how could the Spring Festival Gala be missing... Look, now Ah-Jun and his family, eating while watching the show, laughter and warmth filling the house!
"Grandmother, Happy New Year!"
"Mmm, good—come, Yun'er, red envelope!"
"Grandmother, Happy New Year, hehe!"
"—Sigh! Wei-Wei, why are you also calling grandmother..."
"Ah~ Aunt Zhang, I'm Brother Jun's future girlfriend, why not!"
"—Alright, no problem, all family—come, child, red envelope!"
"Master, Happy New Year!"
"Mmm, good—come, Jun'er, red envelope!"
"...Master, Jun'er has grown up and is no longer a child, you don't need to give me red envelopes anymore!"
"—Sigh! Little Jun, giving children New Year's money red envelopes is our traditional culture, and no matter how much you grow, in our eyes, you're still a child! Take it quickly..."
"Mmm, your Aunt Zhang is right, come!"
"Oh, thank you Master!"
"Aunt Zhang, Happy New Year—Big Sister, Brother-in-law, Happy New Year—Uncle Da Qiang, Happy New Year—and Counselor Grandpa..."
"Your grandpa... Ugh, Little Jun, am I that old!"
"—Isn't he!"
"Hey, Da Qiang, you... Your brother, I'm a post-90s."
"—Huh?"
"That... Born in '90, went to college!"
"Hey, that's not young either!"
—Hehe haha
"Wow, Little Fei, look, so many red envelopes..."
"Meow!"
"Tomorrow, I'll go to the bank to save them, plus these years'—there's a lot... Mmm, if I get a chance to see her, I want to invite her to eat roast duck together!"
New Year's Eve on the thirtieth, reunion time, how could New Year's money be missing—putting the elders' love for the younger generation into those auspicious red envelopes. Children paying New Year's respects and receiving red envelopes, sleeping with them under their pillows, this was also a longstanding tradition.
Although he believed that after growing up he shouldn't take them anymore, looking at the New Year's red envelopes from the elders now, Ah-Jun's heart was still sweet. And moreover, the amount didn't matter, what mattered was the sentiment—he counted while chatting with the little cat, while thinking of that friend he hadn't met yet.
"Meow..."
"Mmm? You want to eat too, isn't there some... Here!"
"Meow~"
"You also want to go eat at the shop together—okay, bring Little Fei along..."
"Brother Jun, what are we going to eat, I want to go too!"
"Okay, when the time comes, bring everyone along to try it!"
"Yay—by the way, who is she, Sister Lan right!"
—Right, Lan'er!
"Ah!? Mmm, that..."
"Hey, I knew it, it's fine, I don't mind, Sister Lan is so nice!"
"Meow?"
However, with the little sweet girl's reminder, Ah-Jun's heart tightened—oh, right... Mmm, I haven't forgotten! Tonight, he planned to tell Lan'er everything he had hidden in his heart for years. Thus, their relationship should gradually improve, and this was not only because of that promise, but also a bond of years.
"—Brother Jun, why hasn't Sister Lan come even now... What time did you agree with them?"
"Mmm... Lan'er said she still has something urgent, asked us to come later—around 8 o'clock... Anyway, there's still time before midnight crossing into the new year... We'll finish eating, then set off some fireworks!"
—Okay!
...
"Oh dear, Little Jun, what happened to you? Quick, children, come inside quickly—Wei-Wei, what's going on, weren't you going to celebrate New Year with friends—ah, that child, don't run away, come eat dumplings..."
"Child, feeling better... Mmm, good as long as you're okay! Come, hurry... The countdown is about to start, ten nine eight... three two one, Happy New Year!"
—Whoosh boom... Whoosh la la... Crackle pop bang!
This night, the entire city, everyone was immersed in the lively spectacle of New Year's Eve... And Ah-Jun also finally fulfilled his wish, returning to his hometown, on New Year's Eve, eating dinner with his family, watching the Spring Festival Gala, chatting freely about all the experiences and insights from his cultivation journey.
Although this training was quite difficult, perhaps in the eyes of those in the know, it should have been an impossible mission to complete—but as the child of destiny in the guardian world, didn't he ultimately achieve his wish... Ah-Jun not only successfully completed the mission, also met the elder's expectations, and successfully reversed the situation!
Now he was no longer alone, no longer needed to be strong by himself; no longer suppressed, no longer sad and dejected; no longer weak, no longer anxious and worried...
Because this child chosen by fate had finally emerged from the cocoon as a butterfly, those wings had already formed—of course, as the child of destiny, in the future, Ah-Jun would still encounter all kinds of difficulties and obstacles... But don't forget, those invisible wings would carry this pitiful child, flying over despair... To meet new hope!
And Ah-Jun always firmly believed that as long as his original intention remained unchanged, he studied diligently, worked tirelessly... One day, he would definitely grow into an excellent guardian, and in the future would also be like his predecessors, climbing toward the legendary highest peak of the Suoluo Continent!
This was not only his own personal belief, but also the guardian world's primordial will, and everyone's original dream—just as Counselor Grandpa taught that day, as the second half of that ancient saying goes... When successful, benefit all under heaven!
As the saying goes, a great hero acts for country and people—oh hey, not bad! In fact, since childhood Ah-Jun had fantasized that in the future he could become a great hero, only...
—Only, when exactly will the academy's admission notice arrive? Ugh... What's wrong with me, my heart is so tired, better not think about it... Mmm! Listen to her, wait a bit longer!