Chapter 41 Fireworks and Moonlight Romance It's New Year's Day...

On New Year's Day, Yan Chao woke up to cheers from his dream.

These past few days have been so comfortable that Yan Chao has also had a few rare good nights of sleep. But sleeping too much inevitably leads to dreams, so much so that when he first wakes up, he can't immediately distinguish between dreams and reality.

She rubbed her face and stepped out of the tent, a gust of dry wind instantly waking her up.

Seeing Yan Chao come out, Ak, who was standing not far away, ran up to her with a smile, grabbed her hand, and said, "Sister Chao, Happy New Year!"

During this time, Ak led the four of them on a tour of Keqiang.

Yan Chao was taken aback upon hearing this, thinking to herself, "Another year has passed." She patted Ak's head and smiled, "Ak, Happy New Year!"

Ak said, "Sister, sister! It's New Year's Eve today. The tribespeople are slaughtering sheep. Xi Abu and Xu Abu have gone to help. Let's hurry over too!"

Yan Chao looked around. There was no one else besides her and Ak. She asked, "Where is Mi Qing?"

Ak said, "Sister Qing went to the sacred tree with the grandmothers to tie the blessing knot. Do you want to go, Sister? I'll take you!"

Yan Chao suddenly remembered that she had learned to make a "Fu" knot with her grandmother a few days ago. At the time, she was only told to save it for New Year's Eve, but she was not told how to use the knot. Her grandmother smiled strangely and asked, "Is there any custom in tying a 'Fu' knot?"

Ak put his hands on his hips and explained, "There are many different interpretations of this."

The knot of blessings has different meanings at different times and among different people.

On the eve of Lunar New Year, at dawn, people tie a "福结" (Fu Jie, a knot of good fortune), which can be tied by people of all ages and genders, signifying bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new. As the first rays of sunlight shine down, new hope is born. On the morning of Lunar New Year's Eve, tying a "福结" is believed to bring good fortune to young men and women, and to bring joy to the elderly and their families. Tying a "福结" on the first day of the Lunar New Year is a way of offering blessings to heaven and earth, to all the gods and spirits, and thus beginning the new year.

Yan Chao laughed. No wonder she was told to save it for New Year's Eve; it turned out she wanted her to find a good husband, but she didn't need one now. Then she regretted going to bed so early last night, missing the whole New Year's celebration – what a pity!

Why did Ke Miqing go? Doesn't she already have Yao Xu?

Yan Chao then asked, "If you have already found a good partner, can you still go to tie the knot today?"

Ak said, "Of course! You can pray to the divine tree to bless the two of you to be happily married and stay together forever; you can also pray for each other's well-being, so that even if you are not able to stay together in the future, you will not forget your past feelings and will not become enemies."

Upon hearing this, Yan Chao remained silent for a long while before finally asking, "If I go to the temple today only to pray for blessings, and not for marriage, would that be inappropriate?"

Ak tilted his head, looking at Yan Chao with a puzzled expression, and said, "There's nothing wrong with it, but sister, you don't..."

Yan Chao interrupted him, saying, "If there's nothing wrong, let's go!" With that, he pulled Ak towards the sacred tree. After taking only a couple of steps, he stopped and added, "I can go by myself. You go and slaughter the sheep with everyone. I'll be there in a bit."

Upon hearing about slaughtering a sheep, Ak's eyes lit up, and he said, "Great! Then you'd better hurry up, sister! If you're late, you won't get any good meat!"

Yan Chao watched his figure disappear into the distance and shook her head helplessly, but when she thought of what Ak had said about sharing the meat, she quickened her pace.

When she arrived at the sacred tree, many young men and women came to tie blessing knots. Under the witness of the sacred tree, they tied the knots together and prayed together. The bells on the blessing knots jingled in the wind, as if the sacred tree had heard and received their prayers. In the not-too-distant future, every devout couple here will achieve their happy ending and fulfill their wishes.

Yan Chaomiqing stood alone in a relatively secluded spot, staring at Fujie in a daze, lost in thought.

Yan Chao stepped forward, tying his lucky knot as he said, "Mi Qing, Happy New Year! What are you thinking about all alone here?"

Mi Qing snapped out of her daze and smiled, "Ah Chao, Happy New Year."

Yan Chao said, "I heard from Ak that Feng Xi and the other two went to help slaughter sheep. Why didn't you go?"

Mi Qing said with a hint of pride, "I told him I wanted to stay here for a while, so after he finished tying his shirt, he went with everyone to slaughter the sheep. He even said that when it was time to divide the meat, he would pick out my favorite leg of lamb for me."

Yan Chao clicked his tongue and said, "I really didn't expect that you immortals would believe in these things."

Mi Qing said seriously, "Gods also came from humans. Gods only grant people's wishes, so who says gods can't have wishes? Besides, it's not just us; Feng Xi has also tied the knot of good fortune. I've known him for so long, and this is the first time I've seen him so serious about marriage. I wonder which woman has won his favor?"

Yan Chao felt inexplicably guilty seeing her serious expression, but Mi Qing's appearance was really funny. He said, "You really only have Yao Xu in your eyes and heart!"

Mi Qing exclaimed "Huh?" and looked at Yan Chao with confusion.

Yan Chao smiled and shook his head, saying, "What I mean is, you're quite cute like this."

Mi Qing said in a serious tone, "And what about you? Which gentleman do you have in mind? I think Feng Xi is quite good, but unfortunately he already has someone he loves. Otherwise, given Yao Xu's personality, he would definitely have already started to match you two up."

Upon hearing this, Yan Chao choked on a mouthful of air, coughed violently a few times, and was speechless for a long time.

Mi Qing was startled and quickly patted Yan Chao's back, asking worriedly, "What happened? Are you alright?"

Yan Chao bent down and shook his head, wiping away the tears that had seeped from the corners of his eyes. After a long while, he finally managed to catch his breath and said, "I hung this not to pray for a marriage, but just to pray for good fortune. If I like someone, I will try to win them over myself. Mutual affection is wonderful, but if it doesn't work out, I'll just find someone else."

No sooner had the words been spoken than a horn sounded, and someone in the crowd said, "It's almost time to distribute the meat, let's hurry over!"

Yan Chao took Mi Qing's hand and said, "Let's go! Let's see if your Yao Xu left you your favorite lamb leg!"

The two followed the crowd to the open space in front of the sheepfold. Labutan stood at the front, with ten slaughtered sheep hanging on a wooden frame behind him. Next to each sheep stood a butcher, holding a knife and ready to go.

Yan Chao spotted Feng Xi standing not far away at a glance. His sleeves were half-rolled up, and his hair was tied in a slightly crooked way, making him look very casual. He always had a smile on his face, but he looked more relaxed and more like a young man than before.

Feng Xi seemed to sense the gaze and turned her head slightly. Their eyes met, and Yan Chao was taken aback. Feng Xi chuckled softly and said something to her without making a sound.

"Happy New Year, Chaochao."

Yan Chao smiled and replied accordingly.

"Feng Xi, Happy New Year."

Mi Qing looked at Yan Chao and said, "Ah Chao, what are you laughing at?"

Yan Chao: "..."

Labtan suddenly spoke up: "Fellow tribesmen! As we celebrate the New Year, we welcome four more Layes to join us in celebrating. This year is destined to be extraordinary! It will surely be a year full of hope!"

Upon hearing this, the tribespeople raised their arms and shouted, their cheers lingering for a long time.

Looking at the scene before him, Yan Chao recalled the dream he had that morning; it was truly a coincidence of reality and dream.

Labtan said, "In previous years, we used a game called 'Galaha' to see who got the most mutton, and we're doing the same this year. But after discussing it with the elders of the tribe, we decided to change the game this year so that it wouldn't seem like we won unfairly!"

Everyone burst into laughter. Yan Chao and Mi Qing were ushered forward, and the four of them stood together. Yao Xu put his hands on his hips and said, "Even if you don't switch, the rest of us might not necessarily lose!"

Feng Xi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Yes, you shouldn't hold back either. Why not try and see who gets the most of this fresh mutton?"

Yan Chao and Mi Qing exchanged a glance and said, "Bring it on!"

Upon hearing this, everyone became even more excited and clamored to be the first to compete with them.

Labutan chuckled twice and said, "Please be patient, everyone. Let me explain the rules." He then pointed to two long wooden tables on the right and took out a kalachakra, explaining, "We will place five marked kalachakra on the table. Participants must flick one of them with their finger, causing it to collide with the fifty kalachakra neatly arranged behind it, moving them into the net bag under the table. Marked kalachakra cannot be put into the net bag; if they are, it's invalid. The first person to put fifty kalachakra into the net bag within half an incense stick's time will get priority in receiving the mutton."

This game seems simple, but it's actually quite difficult. First, there's the wooden table; its texture is rough and uneven, with many shallow cracks. If you don't control your strength properly, it's easy to get it stuck in the cracks or send it flying. Furthermore, everyone can only use their hands to flick the wood, without any tools. Add to that the weather—although the sun is shining brightly today, it's still winter—and after this round, your fingers will be either frozen or aching from flicking so much.

Groups of four took turns competing. Since it was a fair contest, no magic was used, and the Keqiang people also sent two men and two women. However, this game was indeed less familiar to them than to the Keqiang people.

In the first round, Mi Qing volunteered to fight, but failed to grasp the key points and was defeated. The other three were not idle either, carefully observing the process, and when Yao Xu took the stage, they fought to a draw.

In a best-of-four series, the team must win the next two games to gain the right to choose first.

Yao Xu said, "Feng Xiyanchao! The hopes of the four of us are all on you two, you two have to live up to our expectations!"

Mi Qing also said, "That's right! My lamb leg depends on you guys!"

The two exchanged a smile, and Feng Xi said, "Chao Chao, it seems our mission is quite challenging."

Yan Chao blinked and laughed, "We're going to win!"

When it was Feng Xi's turn in the third round, he changed his usual casual demeanor and became serious and focused. He walked back and forth in front of the long table, and when only half an incense stick had burned, he was the first to flick fifty Galaha into the net bag.

The game was over. The opponent was initially quite pleased with their victories in the first two games, but after Feng Xi's game, they immediately became cautious again.

Success or failure hinges on the final game.

Keqiang sent out a woman of similar stature to Yan Chao. This woman had sharp eyes and a steady, powerful gait, clearly indicating her strength.

Yan Chao was equally eager to take on the task.

One moment she was giving her opponent a friendly smile, the next she was completely focused on the game. Having watched the first three rounds, she was already familiar with the positioning and techniques. In addition, she had played similar games when she was young, so she picked it up quickly, but she did not let her guard down.

In the end, after a fierce competition, Yan Chao won the match.

At this moment, her temples were already damp with a thin layer of sweat.

Rabutan shouted, "I declare! Our four Rabjam warriors have won!"

These words were met with cheers and applause.

Yan Chao finally breathed a sigh of relief. She first stepped forward and hugged her opponent, saying "Thank you for your concession," and then gave a high five to the other three, asking, "How did I do?"

Feng Xi took out a handkerchief and handed it to her to wipe her sweat, saying, "Chao Chao is the best!"

Yao Xu gave two thumbs up and said excitedly, "You're absolutely amazing! You have no idea how nervous I was watching!"

Mi Qing stepped forward and gave Yan Chao a big hug, saying, "Ah Chao, you're amazing! My lamb leg is taken care of!"

Yan Chao was a little unaccustomed to seeing Mi Qing like this for the first time, and simply said, "Alright, alright! The lamb leg is all yours!"

The four men chose their favorite from the ten sheep. They originally intended to select their own and have the butcher divide the meat for them, but Labutan gave them the whole sheep instead. After discussing it, they decided to have a whole roasted lamb.

The competition was just a formality; everyone enjoyed the festivities and hoped for good luck in the New Year. The remaining nine sheep were all butchered and distributed among the tribe members, ensuring everyone received a share.

At night, everyone gathered around the campfire, singing, dancing, eating meat, and drinking wine.

The four sat together, and Mi Qing raised her glass first, saying, "It's the New Year, what are everyone's wishes?"

Yan Chao drank the cup, his expression indifferent, and said, "My wish is to get a good night's sleep."

Feng Xi looked at her, his eyes sparkling, and said, "My wish is that the one I love and cherish may sail through countless journeys and live a life of carefree joy."

Mi Qing looked at Yao Xu and asked, "Yao Xu, what about you?"

Yao Xu smiled and said, "My wish is very simple, as long as the four of us stay together and are well."

The three of them were taken aback upon hearing this. Mi Qing said, "What a coincidence, me too."

Yan Chao couldn't stand it anymore and said, "You two are really going too far! This makes our wishes seem very petty!"

Before he could finish speaking, Ak ran over and called to them, "Sister Abu, let's go! Let's sing and dance!"

The crowd gathered in a circle around the huge bonfire, holding hands. Labtan's powerful and expansive voice sang the praises of the Keqiang people, and everyone danced and sang along with the song.

Whether it was the infectious atmosphere or a sudden epiphany, Yao Xu's singing was surprisingly on tune, and Feng Xi's dance steps became coordinated.

This was the most special and unforgettable year of their lives.

At midnight, the people went to the open space to light fireworks. Colorful and dazzling sparks bloomed in the sky, and people exchanged New Year's greetings under the fireworks. The fireworks witnessed their smiles and happiness.

Despite the warm and harmonious scene, Yao Xu left first, and Mi Qing followed him.

Yan Chao asked, puzzled, "What's wrong with him?"

Feng Xi said, "After all these years, he still doesn't like watching fireworks."

Yan Chao asked with some concern, "Are you alright?"

Feng Xi said, "It's alright, Mi Qing is with him."

Yan Chao nodded. Feng Xi suddenly grasped Yan Chao's arm, her voice trembling slightly, and asked, "Chao Chao, is there someone you care about?"

Yan Chao was taken aback by his words. Seeing his earnest gaze and the firm yet unwavering grip on his hand, she felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Yan Chao chuckled, tilted her head, and blinked, saying truthfully, "Yes, I've been thinking about him for many years. Besides, we've known each other since we were little."

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Author's Note: Dear readers, I apologize for the power outage and lack of internet! Volume 1 is almost finished. I will try to write as quickly as possible in the next couple of days. After I finish, I will post a two- to three-day leave notice to revise the previous chapters, and then I will begin Volume 2!

I suddenly had this thought: what if I had a week's worth of drafts saved up (that's impossible right now), and published them all in one day so everyone could read them all at once? Would that work? But not right now, OMG!

Galaha is a bone located at the hind leg joint of an animal. Have you ever played with it? After writing this, I realized that this game is similar to billiards.

By the way, I named Yan Chao and Feng Xiqi's pairing "Whispers of the Wind" (sorry, just kidding); but my friend named Mi Qing and Yao Xu's pairing "Previous Recap" (well, I think it's a pretty good match).

I hope you enjoy watching! Have a happy day!