"The kids said this was the first one. Does that mean it'll be an annual thing from now on?"
"I think so. Our factory director was all smiles. I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to hold it every year."
"That would be great! I'll have to learn something so I can perform on stage next time!"
"I'll learn something too!"
The children's energy was contagious, and the adults agreed that the party had been a lot of fun. Everyone helped clean up the factory grounds before heading their separate ways.
When Xie Changning got home, she saw Yue Yihan was back.
"I didn't think you'd be back for the New Year," Xie Changning said, hanging her frosty coat on the rack by the door.
Instead of going straight inside, she sat on a chair to let the chill wear off.
Yue Yihan nodded. "There aren't any urgent missions right now, so I got two days' leave. I'm heading out on the first."
Soldiers' lives weren't their own, so Xie Changning didn't think there was anything wrong with his short stay.
