The snow fell heavily.
As the year drew to a close, Shashi, surprisingly, led many northern cities with its heavy snowfall.
In just one night, the ground was covered in a thick layer of snow.
Lin Xiao stood before the Lin family's graves, holding a broom, sweeping away the snow from the front of the tombs.
"Mom, Dad."
He paused, picked up the paper money he had prepared, and lit it. He gazed at the flames, lost in thought, "Your son is here to see you."
The flames burned fiercely.
"Do you know," Lin Xiao said slowly, "Qinghan and I have a great relationship. She has forgiven me, and our daughter is growing up well."
"I have avenged you... every wrong has its source, and every debt has its owner. The mastermind and the executioners all received their just punishment."
"I didn't go on a killing spree because I know that if I did, it would only create countless more wandering souls, and more children like me... I couldn't eradicate them completely."
"I hope you won't blame me..."
As Lin Xiao spoke, he unceremoniously sat down on the ground. He picked up a few bottles of special liquor he had acquired, opened them, and poured them out before his father's grave.
"Dad, your favorite liquor. You used to spend a lot of money to get it from others every year. Now, you can drink as much as you want. I have plenty, and people send it to me every year."
Then, Lin Xiao took out a package of lipstick and cosmetics. "Mom, it's a bit bad for the environment to burn these, but I'll show them to you. I'll pack them up later and bury them next to you. If you can use them, let me know. There's a lot of skincare products. I remember you always complained about getting old too fast. Don't worry, in your son's eyes, you will always be the youngest and most beautiful."
"Uncle..."
For each person, Lin Xiao brought the things they loved most in life. He called out to them one by one, his voice starting with a slight choke and becoming hoarse as he continued.
These were all in the past.
Outside the cemetery, Ye Chen stood obediently at the entrance, listening silently to Lin Xiao's words.
Everyone in Beijiang had their own story.
But none in Beijiang could compare to Brother Xiao's suffering.
Half an hour later.
Lin Xiao had regained his composure and walked out.
"Brother Xiao."
"Let's go get our New Year's goods."
The serum had been distributed, the vaccine was being rolled out nationwide, and many people had recovered from their illnesses. Most places had returned to normal life.
It was time for them to prepare for the New Year.
At least, this year, he hoped to have a good New Year with his family.
"Ye Chen, you can go home to visit these days, or find an opportunity to return to Beijiang, or you can take your annual leave if you need it," Lin Xiao suddenly said. "Doctor Ming is in seclusion at home, so you can go back."
"We'll see, Brother Xiao. You still have a lot of troublesome matters that require my assistance. It wouldn't be right for me to leave now," Ye Chen quickly replied.
"It's precisely because things are too troublesome that you shouldn't be here."
Lin Xiao looked out the window. Despite the heavy snowfall, many people hurried along the streets, and electric bikes carefully zipped through the snow.
It was all life, it was all work.