Not long after the black-clad figure left, Su Muyu leaned against the corner and fell asleep. He dreamed of several years ago, just after the shocking Eastern Campaign of the Demon Sect had ended. They had bid farewell to Li Hanyi in Snow Moon City and were preparing to return to Dark River.
As the sun set, the two of them grew tired from their journey and stopped to rest under the eaves of a house.
"This isn't right," Su Changhe frowned slightly, looking at the empty streets. "It's only dusk, yet there's not a single person on the main road."
"Haha," Su Muyu laughed.
Su Changhe was puzzled. "What are you laughing at?"
"Today is New Year's Eve. Naturally, the streets are empty. Even the most diligent vendors have gone home by now," Su Muyu shook his head with a smile. "So there's nothing strange about it."
"Oh. Today is New Year's Eve," Su Changhe said flatly.
The two fell silent. Su Muyu looked up at the evening clouds, while Su Changhe took out a water pouch and began to drink.
"It smells so good," Su Muyu suddenly sniffed the air.
"It really does," Su Changhe also noticed. "What is it?"
"It's the smell of fried tofu," Su Muyu said quietly. "A common food made by ordinary families during the New Year. It's a type of fluffy tofu fried in oil. Wealthier families might even stuff it with meat filling."
"I want some," Su Changhe licked his lips. "Should we go grab some?"
"New Year's Eve is one of the few good days for poor families. Let's not bring them trouble on such a day," Su Muyu shook his head and dusted off his clothes. "Let's keep going."
"Did you look forward to the New Year when you were a child?" Su Changhe suddenly asked.
Su Muyu nodded. "Of course. The New Year period was the happiest time of the year. No matter how many troubles there were in the past year, it felt like everything could be reset when the New Year arrived. Everyone would happily share a meal, and when the sky brightened again, it was a fresh start."
"You sound too scholarly. I heard people like the New Year just because they get to eat things they usually can't afford," Su Changhe said.
"That's true for ordinary families. But my childhood home was well-off, so I didn't feel much about that aspect," Su Muyu replied.
Su Changhe stretched. "I forgot you used to be a rich young master."
"Have you never celebrated the New Year?" Su Muyu asked.
Su Changhe gave a self-deprecating smile. "From what I remember, my brother and I were always wandering. Later, we were brought into Dark River. There's no concept of New Year celebrations in Dark River, so naturally, I've never experienced it."
"That's a shame. It's too bad no taverns are open now, or I'd treat you to a drink," Su Muyu replied.
As they spoke, the wooden door nearby suddenly opened. A hunched old woman stood there, looking surprised. "You are..."
"Don't be afraid, grandma. We're just travelers stopping to rest. We'll be on our way now," Su Muyu said gently.
"Still traveling on New Year's Eve?" The old woman studied Su Muyu carefully—a handsome young man with a kind face."Yes, we came out to handle some matters and got delayed on the way." Su Muyu nodded. "Chang He, let's go."
"Ah. On New Year's Eve, only the inns in big cities are still open, and the nearest one will take you four or five hours to reach. Come in and have a New Year's Eve meal first." The old woman tugged at Su Muyu's sleeve.
"Hmm?" Su Muyu paused slightly.
"Oh?" Su Changhe chuckled.
Su Muyu looked at the old woman. For some reason, her eyes didn’t show enthusiasm but rather... a plea.
"Alright." Su Muyu nodded.
The two followed the old woman into the house. The interior was dim, lit only by a single oil lamp. A fire burned in the kitchen. After pouring them each a cup of hot water, the old woman returned to the kitchen. Su Changhe glanced around the room and murmured, "Aren’t you afraid it’s a trap?"
"Even the most shameless assassin wouldn’t choose to kill on New Year's Eve." Su Muyu also surveyed the room. It was clear the owner was poor—barely any furnishings to speak of. Su Changhe found a seat and sniffed the air. "It’s the fried tofu you mentioned."
"Mm." Su Muyu noticed two memorial tablets in the corner, each with an egg placed before them.
"On a day like this, you should sit down and have a warm meal. Why rush on the road? If your parents knew you had nowhere to rest tonight, they’d surely be sad." The old woman emerged with two dishes—one a simple stir-fried greens, the other the fried tofu Su Muyu had mentioned.
Su Muyu quickly stepped forward to take the dishes from her and set them on the table. "Granny, do you live here alone?"
The old woman hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."
"Where are your children?" Su Changhe suddenly asked.
The old woman turned away. "Died in the war with Nanjue."
"My apologies." Su Muyu shot Su Changhe a glance before bowing his head slightly to the old woman.
"It’s nothing. They said he’d come back for New Year’s once the war ended this year. When I heard movement at the door earlier, I thought maybe his comrades had brought the wrong news—that he’d actually returned. But instead, it was you two. I’ll just pretend you’re here on his behalf to celebrate with me." The old woman wiped her tears and headed back to the kitchen. "Eat first. I’ll fry a couple of eggs."
"Su Muyu, you didn’t lie. This fried tofu is delicious." Su Changhe was already seated at the table, having finished one piece. "But it’s not quite as you described. Though Granny is poor, she still put meat in it."
"She made it for her child, who was supposed to come home this year. They had a promise." Su Muyu sighed softly. "Even though she’s been told her child is dead, she still clings to a sliver of hope."
"This is the first New Year’s Eve meal I’ve ever had in my life." Su Changhe smiled, then called out cheerfully, "Granny, hurry and join us!"
Late at night, the firecrackers outside finally quieted.
Su Muyu and Su Changhe left the room the old woman had prepared for them. Before departing, Su Changhe placed a silver ingot on the dining table."Such generosity," Su Muyu laughed.
"Surprising, isn't it? The ever-gracious Su Muyu left nothing behind, while the bloodthirsty Undertaker left a silver ingot." Su Changhe raised an eyebrow.
"After the meal, I gave the old woman the five copper coins I had on me," Su Muyu replied.
"Only five copper coins?" Su Changhe scoffed.
"Because I only had six in total—I needed one to buy a steamed bun," Su Muyu answered honestly.
"Tsk. Poor man." Su Changhe pushed the door open and walked out. After a dozen steps, he suddenly stopped and turned around.
Su Muyu also halted. "What is it?"
"Happy New Year's Eve, Su Muyu." Su Changhe grinned.
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