Zui’Er nervously pinched the incense stick, cautiously igniting the fuse of the firecrackers.
Crackle, pop.
The sound of the firecrackers suddenly erupted, and Zui’Er hurriedly ran down the steps, covering her ears, grimacing at the sight.
Zhao Ya couldn’t help but smile at the scene.
This little girl is both timid and playful.
Today is the first day of the New Year.
Counting it up, this was already Zhao Ya’s third New Year in this world.
Last year, he celebrated the New Year at the Song Family in Wuxiang City, whereas this year he was in Yunxiao County.
He wondered how the people of the Song Family were doing in Wanshou County, whether they were having a good time.
As Zhao Ya was deep in thought, Miao Shaocheng and Xu De arrived.
"Happy New Year, Fifth Junior Brother!" Miao Shaocheng said with a smile.
"Happy New Year to the two Senior Brothers as well," Zhao Ya quickly replied, clasping his fists in salute.
"Here, Zui’Er, take a red envelope!"
Miao Shaocheng and Xu De each gave Zui’Er a large red envelope.
Both of them were fond of Zui’Er’s sweet and adorable nature. Xu De often said that he would want a wife as endearing as Zui’Er one day.
"Thank you, Senior Brothers!" Zui’Er felt grateful as ever.
"Come, let’s first go pay respects to the master, then we’ll call on the Second Senior Brother and Senior Sister to have a good drink at Feixian Inn," Xu De suggested with a grin.
"Alright!"
Zhao Ya took Zui’Er to the Martial Arts Hall, surprised to find Shen Dao already there, who handed Zui’Er a red envelope as well.
However, what surprised Zhao Ya the most was Senior Sister Meng Shiwen.
Today, she wore a new outfit—a red dress that accentuated her slim figure, making her look less cool and more vibrant.
She, too, drew out a red envelope and handed it to Zui’Er.
"Zui’Er, this is your New Year’s money."
Zui’Er hesitated, not daring to accept it.
After all, she felt somewhat intimidated by the ever-cold expression of her Senior Sister.
She glanced at Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya smiled, "Take it, it’s the Senior Sister’s heartfelt gesture."
Only then did Zui’Er reach out to accept it, murmuring a soft thank you to Senior Sister.
Meng Shiwen smiled faintly, "There’s no need to be so formal."
Seeing her smile, Zui’Er was subtly stunned.
It was the first time she had ever seen Meng Shiwen smile, and she was unexpectedly captivated.
Senior Sister Meng’s smile... is truly beautiful!
Lu Dingtai naturally noticed the scene, feeling quite gratified.
He had always thought this disciple was excellent in every way, with the sole flaw of being too aloof.
Seeing her transformation now, he was quite delighted.
"Master, I’ve reserved a table at Feixian Inn, please join us!" Xu De invited.
"I’ll pass. You brothers have your gathering; my presence would spoil your fun. Just bring me back a jar of Feixian Brew," Lu Dingtai chuckled.
"Yes, Master!"
Lu Dingtai’s refusal was expected, so the five brothers, along with Zui’Er, set off grandly for Feixian Inn.
Feixian Inn was even more lively than usual today, with a pair of large red lanterns hanging at the entrance, adding a festive New Year atmosphere.
Fortunately, Xu De had booked a private room in advance; otherwise, there would have been no space.
With the dishes served, everyone drank heartily, even Zui’Er, who normally refrained from alcohol, made an exception today with a small cup of fruit wine.
Just as everyone was having a great time, suddenly, they heard someone laughing outside the door, "I thought I recognized the sound outside, and sure enough, it’s you."
With these words, the door swung open.
The newcomer was of medium height, dressed in blue, with a rather charming appearance, though the clearness of his eyes stood out most, akin to the sincerity of a child.
Seeing him, Shen Dao burst into laughter.
"I was wondering who it could be; it’s you, come, have a seat and join us for a drink."
Zhao Ya didn’t recognize him, so Xu De whispered an introduction.
"This is Nie Jingnian, the top senior brother of Ren Yong Martial Arts Hall, who has a good relationship with our Second Senior Brother. He’s quite decent though a bit quirky, but still a notable figure among the younger generation in the commandery."
Zhao Ya had heard of Nie Jingnian, but it was his first time meeting him, prompting him to take a closer look.
Nie Jingnian seemed to notice and turned to smile at Zhao Ya.
"You must be Zhao Ya, Junior Brother Zhao."
Zhao Ya clasped his fists, "Greetings, Senior Brother Nie!"
"I’ve heard rumors of a remarkable young hero from Dingtai Martial Arts Hall, and indeed the reality surpasses them."
These words, coming from others, might have been dismissed as insincere flattery.
But Nie Jingnian was different. His tone was genuinely earnest, and his eyes never wavered from Zhao Ya.
It left Zhao Ya feeling somewhat embarrassed.
"Senior Brother Nie, you overpraise me."
"I’m merely stating the truth; there’s no overpraise," Nie Jingnian replied earnestly.
"Uh...," Zhao Ya didn’t know how to respond.
Seeing this, Shen Dao intervened with a laugh, "Don’t mind him, Ya. That’s just how he is."
Then he addressed Nie Jingnian, "Alright, enough talk, sit down and drink."
At that moment, the waiter brought a chair and some dishes over.
Nie Jingnian made himself comfortable and began to eat.
Through the conversation over the meal, Zhao Ya finally understood what Xu De meant by Nie Jingnian having a strange personality.
Nie Jingnian spoke very frankly, never concealing anything and saying whatever came to mind.
Strangely, his candor was not off-putting but instead made him seem very sincere.
Of course, Zhao Ya also noticed Nie Jingnian’s supple and fair skin, signaling he had successfully completed Skin Grinding, marking him as a genuine Fourth Realm Martial Artist.