Song Ciwan stood on an unnoticed street corner, watching as the doors of the houses ahead opened one after another.
Joyful smiles adorned everyone's faces. They greeted the morning sun, exchanged congratulations, and whenever they met someone, they would clasp their hands in a salute and say, "A most auspicious New Year!"
CRACKLE, POP went the firecrackers.
All sorts of celebratory noises echoed through the neighborhood, and children shouted with glee, "Oh, New Year's is here, time for candy! The candy is so sweet, so very sweet!"
"New Year's is here, we wear new clothes! Grandpas and fathers don't get angry, grandmas and aunties are all smiles!"
"Oh, time for red envelopes!"
"I want two handfuls of melon seeds, and two handfuls of fruit! A pocketful for the left, a pocketful for the right! Let's go, time to set off firecrackers!"
...
