A decree had banned all fireworks on New Year's Eve, leaving the city quiet and bright with neon lights, yet entirely devoid of any festive atmosphere.
In the living room, the television played the Spring Festival Gala to an empty audience. Xu Han stood at the kitchen entrance, playing the role of a junior waiter as he carried dishes out to the dining room one after the other.
Younger paternal uncle's wife Bai Yun, eldest sister, and second sister were all busy in the kitchen, working together to prepare the New Year's Eve dinner.
Chapter 451