New Year's Day Fireworks

Huang Laosan knew many people from all walks of life, so handling this reselling business was very efficient for him. His notorious reputation actually saved him a lot of trouble, and he was now cautious in his dealings, selling many goods at low prices and sharing some of the profits with those who resold them.

This could temporarily sustain them, but he wondered how long it would last. The black market never lacked ruthless individuals, so it seemed necessary to arrange for him to recruit some "underlings"!

There's strength in numbers!

Zhao Dongchuan thought this as he ate his meal.

A short while later, Zhao Dongchuan, undisturbed, finished his food.

He patted his stomach, feeling about 70% full. That's enough~ Time to go!

.........

The next day, New Year's Day, a holiday!

Zhao Dongchuan had the rare luxury of sleeping in and skipping his morning exercises.

On this day, he felt as if he had returned to his days in Magic City, becoming a lazy homebody, lounging in bed all morning on a weekend.

When he was hungry, he took out pre-preserved food from his storage ring. The space's time-stasis function kept the food steaming hot, truly miraculous!

"It's a shame there are no food delivery orders right now. Otherwise, if I registered as a delivery driver and used this space function, I could definitely become a king-level delivery driver!" Zhao Dongchuan muttered to himself, patting his full stomach. (System: You better act like a human being!!!)

After being a lazy homebody all morning, Zhao Dongchuan did a carp-like sit-up and got out of bed!

He quickly washed up, changed into work clothes, and styled his hair into the popular middle part, instantly transforming back into a presentable "writer," as if the lazy homebody from moments ago was just an illusion!

He took out malted milk essence and canned fruit from his space, stored in a net bag, and also packed some loose biscuits and candies, making a total of four items before heading out.

Today, he was going to Jia Bing's house for dinner, so he wanted to go early to help out and bring some gifts as a gesture.

Hanging the items on the handlebars, Zhao Dongchuan pushed his bicycle, started pedaling with both feet, and off he went!

He arrived at Jia Bing's house, familiar with the way. The little black dog "Baron" happily ran over, wagging its tail nonstop.

"Baron, you're quite clever, running to greet me from so far away!" Zhao Dongchuan squatted down, patted the dog's head, and said with a chuckle.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!" The little black dog "Baron" barked a few times, as if saying, "All talk and no action, give me a bone!"

"Little Zhao, you're here, quite early!" Jia Bing heard the commotion and came out.

"I came early because I wanted to help out!" Zhao Dongchuan stood up and said with a smile.

"Oh dear, quickly let Little Zhao come inside!" Sister-in-law Shufen said as she walked, holding her big belly.

"Sister-in-law Shufen!"

"My aunt's family is also here today, and with their help, you don't need to trouble yourself..." Shufen said.

Zhao Dongchuan followed Jia Bing and Sister-in-law Shufen into the house and saw a woman in her forties, dressed like a farm wife, busy cooking in the kitchen.

Three other people were sitting inside~ an older man, presumably Sister-in-law Shufen's uncle-in-law, and two young boys, likely his children.

"Aunt, Uncle-in-law, this is Little Zhao, Old Jia's colleague!"

Zhao Dongchuan greeted everyone and chatted for a while before leaving the inner room. It was quite crowded inside, and he still preferred to sit outside.

"Want one?" Jia Bing also followed him out, pulled out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, and offered him one.

Zhao Dongchuan didn't refuse, took the cigarette, pulled out his lighter, lit Jia Bing's cigarette first, then his own.

"Marriage is like that; there's always give and take in relationships. Her aunt coming to take care of Shufen is a kindness, and her aunt's family coming along to celebrate the holiday is also perfectly normal!"

"Marriage is the union of two families; you can't avoid facing these things!" Jia Bing exhaled a smoke ring.

"Teacher Jia, when did you become so melancholic!" Zhao Dongchuan laughed.

"Nothing much, just some thoughts I've had these past few days!" Jia Bing took a drag from his cigarette, then smiled and said.

"Teacher Jia, if you have any difficulties, let me know. After all, I'm a single man!"

"Alright, I won't be polite then! *Cough~ Cough~ Cough!*" Jia Bing took a deep drag and choked a little.

Afterward, Zhao Dongchuan and Jia Bing went inside and chatted with everyone. Learning that Sister-in-law Shufen's aunt's two children were currently in junior high, he took out two notebooks from his satchel and gave them to them, urging them to study hard.

Zhao Dongchuan might have developed an occupational hazard from teaching Sun Shaoping, always liking to advise other people's children to study hard.

Sister-in-law Shufen's aunt and uncle-in-law were naturally profusely grateful. They had heard from Teacher Jia that Zhao Dongchuan was an extraordinary writer, and notebooks given by a great writer carried literary essence, which was always good for children to acquire.

Soon, the dishes were ready. There were many people today, and it was a holiday, so Jia Bing had spent a lot of money. The table was filled with "hard dishes," including meat, vegetables, and soup, with plenty of white steamed buns.

The uncle-in-law's family, having come from the countryside, already had their eyes gleaming at the sight of these dishes. However, due to the occasion, being guests in someone else's home, they naturally had to restrain themselves. The two children were also older and had a sense of shame, so they certainly wouldn't grab the food, but their bobbing Adam's apples couldn't hide their inner desire!

Seeing this, Jia Bing didn't delay. He raised his wine glass and briefly said, "Happy New Year's Day, and may everyone's wishes come true!"

Zhao Dongchuan and the others also raised their glasses and drank together. Even the two children were poured small cups of wine and clinked them together. Sister-in-law Shufen also pretended to raise her bowl and took a sip of soup as a gesture.

Then the meal began, and the aunt's family immediately became avid eaters, devouring their food ravenously.

Jia Bing watched with a chuckle, occasionally putting food on the plates of the two children.

Sister-in-law Shufen also patted her belly and chatted cheerfully with her aunt.

As they were talking, fireworks suddenly went off in a nearby playground or courtyard.

Bang! Bang! Bang! They exploded in the sky!

Suddenly, the sky became vibrant and colorful!

Fireworks at this time were a rare commodity, not something everyone could get their hands on.

Immediately, everyone in the surrounding houses came out of their homes with their bowls to watch the fireworks.

"Looking at this direction, it seems to be from the government compound!" Jia Bing said, standing at the doorway with his bowl.

"So beautiful!" Sister-in-law Shufen said dreamily, holding Jia Bing's arm.

"We'll buy some later and set them off in our courtyard!" Jia Bing said.

Zhao Dongchuan watched the fireworks, but remained silent.

And so, amidst the dazzling fireworks and the cheers of the crowd, New Year's Day passed...

.........

Once New Year's Day passed, it was the new calendar year, January 2nd, 1976.

Zhao Dongchuan sat in his office, bent over his desk, writing and revising with a pen, constantly trying to recall and record any poems, lyrics, novels, and comics he vaguely remembered. As his physical fitness continuously improved, the memories deep within his mind gradually became clearer. These were all valuable materials that might be useful in the future.

At this moment, Du Lili walked in with a complicated expression and called out, "Little Zhao, Director Wang wants to see you in his office!"