For the officers on patrol, tonight's New Year's Eve event was a great success.
Only two kids got lost, and they were found right away.
Only one person lost a phone.
There were a few minor squabbles, but they were all restrained enough to be limited to shouting insults about each other's families.
This was the best possible outcome.
At the stroke of midnight, the enormous light show on the facade of Zhongteng Mansion, opposite Xingning Square, began its countdown.
Shen Xin was in the crowd, listening as everyone around him shouted in unison.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
As the countdown hit zero, amid the roaring cheers of the crowd, countless balloons rose from every corner of the square.
They filled the sky, looking as beautiful and dreamlike as a fantasy under the flashing lights.
Shen Xin felt a grip tighten on his arm.
It was Zhang Qian to his left, her face flushed with excitement as she looped her arm through his.
Then he sensed someone approaching on his right.
