Snowflakes drifted gently down, covering the earth with a white, fluffy blanket. The whole world was transformed into a silver-white wonderland.

A gust of wind swept through the bamboo grove in the backyard, occasionally scattering black hems of clothing. The young man was practicing his swordplay in the bamboo forest, his movements sometimes swift, sometimes graceful, sometimes flamboyant, sometimes restrained. Each sword strike was beautifully executed, yet retains its strength and grace.

As the final sword strike landed, the snow on the bamboo tips cascaded down with a "whoosh," settling beside the boy and blending into the white snow on the ground.

A round of applause rang out. Shu Lan, dressed in a moon-white robe, emerged from the side of the bamboo grove. "In just two months, you have completely mastered the 'Raging Wind Enters the Tide' sword technique. Your talent is truly remarkable; I am proud of you."

"Thank you for the praise, Master. It's all thanks to your excellent teaching." Qin An walked up to Shu Lan, hugged her waist, and rubbed his head against her chest.

"That's also inseparable from your efforts." Shu Lan habitually reached out a hand and ruffled Qin An's hair. She picked up Qin An's soft hair.

After several months of practice and a significant increase in nutrition, Qin An is no longer as thin as before. His face is now chubby like other children's, and he has grown taller.

Now Qin An's face feels much more comfortable to pinch. For example, Shu Lan, after touching Qin An's head, immediately pinched his little cheeks.

Qin An did not resist, but instead enjoyed letting Shu Lan pinch him, experiencing the intimacy from Shu Lan.

"The New Year is almost here. Is there anything you want this year?" Shu Lan asked, pinching Qin An's cheek.

It's already deep winter, and with the Lunar New Year approaching, every household has hung up big red lanterns and pasted up peach wood charms, exuding a festive atmosphere everywhere.

"I don't know. I lack nothing. I'm already very fortunate to have my master by my side." In the past, the concept of the New Year didn't exist in Qin An's mind. He endured hunger every day, even more so during the New Year. Over time, he stopped looking forward to the New Year.

But now, Qin An looked at Shu Lan. Now, he had his master brother. His master brother fed him, clothed him, taught him cultivation, and kept him company. He truly lacked nothing.

Looking into Qin An's bright, dark eyes, Shu Lan felt a pang of sadness. He, too, thought of Qin An's past and knew that Qin An must have had a terrible New Year. But from now on, with him by his side, he would make sure Qin An had a wonderful New Year every year.

Thinking of this, Shu Lan tightened her grip on Qin An's arms. Qin An, feeling even more at ease, buried his head in Shu Lan's embrace, inhaling the cool fragrance of the magnolia blossoms, feeling incredibly happy.

"How about this year, brother, take Xiao An out to play during the Spring Festival?"

"Okay! Thank you, Master!" Qin An's eyes sparkled with joy, and he was overjoyed.

New Year's Eve arrived quickly. Shu Lan and Qin An finished their New Year's Eve dinner and accepted the lucky money their parents gave them.

Shu Lan, pulling the excited Qin An along, stepped out of the Shu residence.

The streets of Jing'an are filled with vendors selling New Year's goods. There are also dragon and lion dances. Many roadside stalls sell lanterns.

People were all smiles and gathered together. The place was bustling with activity.

Shu Lan held Qin An's little hand as they strolled through the streets, enjoying the annual grand event.

"Candied hawthorns for sale! Candied hawthorns for sale! Fragrant and sweet candied hawthorns!" Just then, a vendor selling candied hawthorns walked over.

"Xiao An, do you want to eat candied hawthorns?" Shu Lan shook Qin An's little hand and pointed to the strings of crystal-clear candied hawthorns.

"Candied hawthorns..." Qin An looked at the strings of candied hawthorns, and his thoughts drifted back to the past.

He had eaten candied hawthorns once, and it was a memory that remained vivid in his mind. His mother had saved up money for a long time to buy him a string of candied hawthorns from the street. At that time, his mother often went hungry and cold, but she still cared about him and always gave him the best things.

The candied hawthorn skewer I tasted back then was both sweet and sour. My mother was smiling as she held me.

Just as Qin An's memories were drifting away, Shu Lan had already led him to the candied hawthorn vendor. "I'll buy a skewer of candied hawthorn," he said, giving the vendor one tael of silver.

"Sir, you've given me too much. I don't have change." The candied hawthorn vendor said somewhat awkwardly.

"It's alright, don't bother looking. Take this money and go home to reunite with your family during the New Year, have a good holiday."

"Thank you, sir! Thank you so much! My family thanks you on behalf of everyone. May good fortune be with you!" The candied hawthorn vendor was overjoyed and bowed several times to Shu Lan. He happily carried his candied hawthorns home.

"Here, Xiao An, have some." A candied hawthorn appeared in front of Qin An, handed to him by Shu Lan.

"Thank you, Master Brother." Qin An carefully accepted the candied hawthorn, but didn't eat it immediately. Instead, he held it to Shu Lan's lips. "Brother, eat first."

"This is for you, your brother doesn't need it," Shu Lan quickly waved his hand. But seeing Qin An's stubborn little eyes, Shu Lan finally gave in. He took a bite of the candied hawthorn, his mouth filled with a mixture of sour and sweet.

"Brother, is it delicious?" Qin An looked at Shu Lan expectantly.

"It's delicious, both sour and sweet," Shu Lan said between chews. "Can you eat it now?"

"Mmm." Qin An continued nibbling on the spot where Shu Lan had bitten. It was sweet and sour, exactly the same taste as he remembered. But it seemed even tastier than he remembered. Qin An let Shu Lan hold his hand while looking at her gentle profile, feeling a warm glow in his heart.

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