Xia Feng returned to find that everyone had already set up the stage.
A long table was laid out below, laden with delicacies and drinks.
As guests began to arrive, Jack Ma, holding a microphone, stood on stage and said, "Today is the last day of 2021. On this special occasion, I first want to thank Young Master Xia for allowing me to experience a different life."
"I used to think I had reached the pinnacle of life, but looking back, it was all ephemeral. My pursuits were merely spiritual satisfaction and material needs. It's different now; I have discovered my faith. Here, I sincerely thank Young Master Xia for leading me to open the door to a new world."
Jack Ma stood on stage, looking at Xia Feng seated below, his gratitude heartfelt.
Clap, clap, clap...
The applause was thunderous. Jack Ma spoke to their hearts; everyone felt the same way. Before interacting with Xia Feng, they had believed him to be merely a capable young man.
Slowly, they realized they were mistaken; Xia Feng was a true immortal.
Ascending to the heavens, descending to the earth, and reviving the dead were mere trivialities to him.
Such a person, approachable to everyone, devoid of any pretense. Who among them could possess such a magnanimous heart?
Xia Feng stood up and waved to everyone, saying, "We have known each other for some time, and we have brought joy to each other. I will not say much more. If, one day, you are willing to leave Earth with me, I will bestow upon you an opportunity."
"You don't need to answer me immediately. After all, you are not like me, unburdened and free. You have your families and friends on Earth, and many things you cannot let go of. It is still early; consider it for a while."
Xia Feng still had twelve elixirs, enough to grant cultivation to twelve individuals. As for Long Aotian, Du Labipeter, and others, they were already cultivators and did not require them.
Xia Feng's words silenced everyone. This was momentous news for them.
Xia Feng's announcement told them there was a chance to become immortal, to follow him to another world and pursue a different life.
However, Xia Feng was right about one thing: they were not unburdened like him. Everyone had families and careers.
Many people depended on them for their livelihood; they could not simply leave on an impulse.
"Alright, it's still a bit early to discuss this. The main thing is to have fun tonight," Xia Feng interjected.
"That's right, Jingru and I will go up and sing a song first," Xia Lin said, pulling Liu Jingru to her feet.
"That's great! Hearing Lin'er sing is a once-in-a-millennium event," National Little King immediately chimed in.
"Then I will sing 'A Millennium Wait'," Xia Lin replied with a smile in her eyes.
Could "A Millennium Wait" be considered a cultivation song?
As they spoke, so it was done. Xia Lin chose "A Millennium Wait." It was her first time singing this old song. As a child, she had watched "The Legend of White Snake" countless times and envied Bai Niangniang's magical abilities, dreaming that she too would one day possess such powers.
Now that her dream was about to come true, Xia Lin felt it was appropriate to reminisce about the past, as a farewell to 2021.
As the familiar melody began, everyone's memories were evoked.
Past events vanished like smoke, time flew by like a fleeting white steed. Once passed, it felt like a different era, and the beautiful childhood could never be recaptured.
Life was better now, and family conditions had improved, but the carefree joy of childhood was lost forever.
As children, they eagerly awaited the New Year. The countryside was bustling, families set off fireworks that ten households watched, and walking through the fields, one could encounter neighbors everywhere.
This feeling could no longer be found, and the festive spirit of the New Year had faded.
Perhaps they had all grown up and could not find that past feeling, but somewhere deep within, a constant longing remained.
"This song is dedicated to all of you. I wish you all a Happy New Year and to our departed youth," Xia Lin said into the microphone after her song with Liu Jingru concluded.
Clap, clap, clap...
Regardless of the quality of Xia Lin's singing, the song had indeed brought everyone back to their childhood.
Everyone applauded Xia Lin wholeheartedly, without any forced flattery.
Except for Xia Feng, Long Aotian, and Du Labipeter, everyone else had taken to the stage to sing.
The lively celebration continued until 00:00 AM, marking the official start of 2022. Outside, bells chimed and fireworks lit up the sky.
This signaled the arrival of the new year, bidding farewell to 2021 and welcoming a new, beautiful life. Keep pushing, 2022.
"Happy New Year to all. May Xia Guo prosper, and may its people be happy and healthy."
Everyone raised their glasses together, celebrating the arrival of the new year.
On the first day of the new year, everyone flew to France in the morning.
In France, at Château Sarceas in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, this was a winery Jack Ma had purchased. It covered an area of 85 hectares and was built in the 18th century.
Jack Ma bought it for two reasons: to brew fine red wine for his acquaintances and for vacationing.
The winery was renowned for its unique scenery and its status as an ancient estate, making it an ideal vacation spot.
Upon arriving at the winery, despite being in France, Jack Ma felt as if he had reached his home ground.
This was the first time he had visited his home turf, and he couldn't help but put Penguin Ma in his place.
"Do you remember what I told you before we left the country? You've come to my territory now. Even if you were a dragon, you'd have to crawl before me. And you're not even a dragon. Offend me, and you won't even get dinner."
Jack Ma had the butler arrange accommodation for everyone, while he pulled Penguin Ma aside to show off.
"If you're itching for a fight, I'll challenge you right now," Penguin Ma said nonchalantly.
People like this were best dealt with by a good beating, and there was no need for wasted words.
"We are civilized people. Let's not talk about fighting all the time," Jack Ma immediately conceded and tried to change the subject.
"When you were chasing and hitting me back then, you didn't say this. Are you coming or not?" Penguin Ma seized the opportunity.
"No, I can't be bothered with you," Jack Ma, having been hit where it hurt, prepared to slip away.
Seeing this, Penguin Ma grabbed Jack Ma, covered his mouth, and dragged him towards the nearby bushes.
Muffled sounds came from the bushes, followed by Penguin Ma emerging with an indifferent expression, adjusting his glasses.
...
(PS: The overseas storyline is nearing its end. The more I write, the more chaotic it becomes. I don't even know what I'm writing. It might be related to my mood these past few days.)
(Important matters said thrice: Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Wishing all the young men a prosperous 2022, always being groomsmen, and mothers-in-law everywhere.
And wishing my female friends to become more beautiful, forever 18, and never gain weight no matter how much they eat.)
Finally, a New Year's wish: I want to be a Great God (✪w✪).