Chapter 146: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 145: Bonfire Banquet

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After a while, Qianqian asked curiously, "Xi Xi, how come I didn't see the three of you at the lantern riddle guessing area? Could it be that you all left there very early?"

Qi Xi said with a grin, "We actually just came out too. Originally, when passing by the lantern riddle guessing place, I wanted to go join in the fun, but then I thought of the existence of someone as exceptionally clever as Sister Shuang'er, and my own blockheaded Elder Brother, and felt it would be boring!" As she spoke, she even playfully made a face at Qi Yu.

Qi Yu looked at this younger sister who always ruthlessly tore down his stage with a face full of helplessness; although he felt a bit stifled in his heart, he had long since grown used to it. He turned his head to look at Yan Shuang'er, his eyes revealing admiration. After all, the wit and talent Yan Shuang'er had displayed along this journey were truly astonishing.

At this moment, Yan Shuang'er's cheeks had already flushed with a hint of red because she had received admiring gazes from everyone one after another. Just then, Ai Jiao and Qi Xi, the two little ones, seemed to have finally had their fill of touching and exploring, and stopped their groping movements with satisfaction. Afterwards, the three children gathered together, chattering away in discussion.

"Hey, stop dawdling, the bonfire banquet is about to start! We have to hurry forward!" one of the children urged anxiously. So, everyone quickened their pace and walked forward together.

Ai Jiao, walking in the group, sneakily slipped over to Yan Wang's side like a little imp, blinking her big eyes and asking curiously, "Brother Yan Wang, are you tired in the military camp? Is it fun there? How long until you can rest once? I haven't seen you in such a long time!"

A string of questions popped out of Ai Jiao's mouth like a machine gun, leaving Yan Wang momentarily overwhelmed and even feeling a bit unable to cope.

It must be said, the military camp is alright, only one day of rest per month, a bit tiring! Despite few words, every sentence conveyed genuine feelings. Afterwards, Ai Jiao, like a curious baby, continued to stay by Yan Wang's side asking this and that non-stop. Facing Ai Jiao's machine-gun-like questions, Yan Wang actually answered each one very patiently.

Just as they were chatting, they had unknowingly arrived at the exceptionally lively bonfire banquet venue. Raising their eyes to look, they saw a huge stove as tall as a person placed in the very center of the venue, with a large amount of coal stacked in a pyramid shape on top.

At this very moment, the flames in the stove were already burning fiercely, and on top of the coal were placed all kinds of colorful paper. These colored papers had been carefully cut, presenting the shape of the four large characters "Fu Lu Shou Xi".

Before long, the fire grew even more fierce, instantly devouring those exquisite colored papers completely, leaving only a stretch of red firelight.

The vigorous flames leaped and danced, as if joyfully celebrating something. The people present all surrounded the bonfire and began to rotate, first turning three circles clockwise, then immediately turning three circles counter-clockwise.

It is said doing this has a special meaning, able to burn away all evil and filthy things. Even Qianqian and the other ladies were no exception, joining this procession and rotating along with everyone.

After completing this ritual, everyone sat around the bonfire and chatted enthusiastically, laughter and joy echoing in the night sky.

On this bitterly cold winter day where water froze into ice, the blazing bonfire was like a small scorching sun, emitting warm and bright light, baking the surrounding people until they were warm and cozy. Everyone sat around the bonfire, fully enjoying this rare warmth and comfort.

When the bonfire gradually died down and the temperature became just right, the splendid activities kicked off. In the distance, a lion dance troupe composed of two people was walking slowly toward the left front with vigorous steps.

This lion dance troupe had two lions, one a brilliantly dazzling yellow lion, the other a passionately fiery red lion. Their round big eyes kept blinking, as if acting cute and coquettish toward the audience, truly adorable to the extreme!

At first, the two lions walked side by side, like intimate partners, steps neat and uniform, movements coordinated and consistent. Immediately after, they suddenly changed their way of advancing, facing each other with a silk ball on their heads, back and forth, neither yielding to the other, the splendid performance drawing bursts of cheers from the surrounding crowd.

Subsequently, an astonishing scene appeared: the two lions actually both stood up, and then the people at the back even worked together to lift the people in front high up; instantly, the lions were like giants towering into the clouds, standing there majestically, a spectacular scene.

The several children present were deeply attracted by the wondrous sight before them, each excitedly dancing hand and foot, faces brimming with innocent smiles.

After the lion dance troupe slowly passed, a group of dancers holding pink fans appeared, twisting their bodies to a cheerful rhythm. They wore colorful clothes, the fans in their hands like blooming flowers dancing gracefully in the air, beautiful beyond compare.

Simultaneously, there was also an exquisitely decorated flower sedan chair passing through the crowd; the sedan bearers walked steadily, the sedan chair swaying gracefully, like a flowing scroll painting. For a moment, the scene was filled with the clamor of gongs and drums, laughter and joy rising and falling in succession, extraordinarily lively!

Unknowingly, night had quietly fallen, but everyone was still immersed in the joyful atmosphere, unwilling to leave for a long time. However, as time passed, the "gurgle" sounds from stomachs reminded everyone it was time to go home and enjoy the sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner. So, people bid farewell to each other and set off on the return journey with hearts full of joy.

Qianqian walked home bouncing and jumping, muttering, "Third Elder Sister, Qianqian is so hungry, feels like I could eat a whole cow right now!" Yan Shuang'er couldn't help laughing upon hearing this, teasing, "Is that so? Then you'll have to perform well later, really eat a whole cow for me to see!"

Qianqian pouted her little mouth and complained, "Third Elder Sister is mean, hmph!" At this time, Yan Jie at the side also chimed in, "I'm hungry too, really want to get home and have a big meal!"

Just like that, the three of them talked and laughed all the way; after all, everyone had not eaten since the noon meal until now, a very long time had passed, and their stomachs were already growling with hunger. So they tacitly sped up their steps home, hearts full of anticipation for the delicious food at home.

Just as they stepped through the front door, a tempting aroma of food assaulted their noses, instantly arousing everyone's appetite. As it turned out, the Princess Consort had long anticipated the children would return hungry enough that their front chests stuck to their backs, and had the kitchen meticulously prepare a sumptuous dinner in advance……