"We're off, we're off!"
As Eldest Female Cousin departed with the younger boy, the winter night seemed to instantly regain its former tranquility.
From the distant villages came the sporadic crackle of firecrackers.
Shen Yuan sighed in relief, glancing helplessly at the shadow of the departing car before looking down at Li Zhi in his arms, who was still secretly pursing her lips in amusement.
The last firework blossomed in the night sky, showering flecks of molten gold light upon the boy's faintly flushed ears and into the depths of the girl's mischievous eyes.
A breeze swept past their embracing forms. Li Zhi snuggled deeper into the warm crook of Shen Yuan's neck, soaking in the warmth they shared.
Even the faint, lingering scent of gunpowder in the air seemed to be tinged with a hint of sweetness.
Shen Yuan's arm around Li Zhi's back tightened.
