Liu Ji and Qin Feng took firecrackers to the entrance to set them off.
Their family was the first to start eating in Kuanzheng Square.
As soon as the firecrackers sounded, the sound of fireworks from neighboring houses quickly followed.
In the midst of this uproar, Ma Yang stood up with a wine glass in hand, took a deep, emotional breath, and said:
"All my deepest thoughts are in this wine, so I'll spare you the mushy words. Being able to spend New Year's Eve with you all is truly the happiest moment of my modest life."
"Mr. Liu!" Ma Yang toasted Liu Ji, "May we all make the honors roll come spring exams!"
These words pleased Liu Ji, who raised his glass and drank with Ma Yang.
Once the two sat back down, the New Year's Eve banquet officially began.
They were all ordinary folk, not overly concerned with formalities, everyone relaxed and indulged, speaking freely.
