"Yeah, during the New Year, things can get pretty hectic... those darn people, they just love to cause trouble when it's the holidays," Ye Chen said with a hint of annoyance. "When can we ever have a peaceful New Year?"
"There will be, once you retire. Then, you'll have peace during the New Year."
Lin Xiao grinned. "Hope we can retire gracefully."
Ye Chen suddenly thought of something. He looked at Lin Xiao for a moment. Was Brother Xiao planning to retire?
Then...
He didn't dare say anything, nor did he continue to speculate. He kept all his thoughts to himself.
Even if Brother Xiao were to retire, he would still hold the Northern Border.
When they arrived at the New Year goods market, it was different from how Lin Xiao remembered it.
He had been here twice before, in his childhood, out of sheer curiosity.
Each time, the market was bustling with people, a constant stream of activity. Everyone had a look of fatigue, yet also joy on their faces.
But now...
He could barely see a few faces.
The vendors in the market were mostly wearing masks. Some were setting up stalls, trying to attract customers, while others seemed worried about the passersby.
There weren't as many people as before.
Various masks covered their faces, and their voices were not as loud as they used to be. Some, when they spoke, had hoarse voices.
This year's New Year was inevitably going to be similar to the one three years ago.
And...
Most importantly, he saw several closed shops. A large white sign was posted on the door: "Urgent family matter, closed for three days."
Seeing these words, Lin Xiao's mind raced, and he thought of a possibility.
The elderly had passed away.
Some elderly people hadn't survived this winter...
They should have been healthier and stronger.
But fate wouldn't allow them to remain so.
Many people in Dragon Country couldn't hold on, so they were allowed to go free. Many places weren't prepared, the impact was too great, and these elderly became the casualties.
Lin Xiao hated that he couldn't protect more people.
These elderly... most of them had worked hard for most of their lives. Yet, when it was time for them to enjoy their retirement, they passed away without enjoying anything...
"Brother Xiao, how about we get some firecrackers? The kids love them," Ye Chen, not noticing Lin Xiao's expression, pointed to a nearby fireworks and firecrackers shop and asked softly.
"Yes, we can."
Lin Xiao replied. As he spoke, he and Ye Chen suddenly heard some commotion.
They followed the sound and saw several people in protective suits.
"What is this..."
Ye Chen frowned. Seeing the protective suits, he instinctively thought something serious had happened here.
But Lin Xiao shook his head. "It's unlikely to be a situation like this now."
Since everything was relaxed, no one would be doing such things.
After observing for a moment, the two realized that these people in protective suits were also there to buy New Year goods...
Their cautious demeanor made it clear that they hadn't contracted the illness during this upheaval. However, now that it was time to buy New Year goods, they were going to great lengths to avoid infection.
"Let's go."
Lin Xiao said with a wry smile. He bore some responsibility for this situation.
"Such a fuss."