The Sweet Litte Fulang (SLF)

Chapter 92 - Firecrackers

After the sound faded, Lu Gu opened his tightly shut eyes. Shen Xuanqing stood just behind him, almost embracing him, his large hands still covering Lu Gu's.

As Lu Gu shifted slightly, intending to uncover his ears, Shen Xuanqing released him first.

The red lantern hanging at the door cast a warm glow over them. When Lu Gu turned around, he was greeted by the smile in Shen Xuanqing's starry eyes. His heart, which had leaped with the firecracker's explosion, now settled firmly back in his chest.

"Why did you run so fast? Were you scared?" Shen Yaoqing teased Shen Yan with a laugh.

It wasn't just their house lighting fireworks—nearly every family in the village had stepped outside to set off firecrackers. Across the way, Miao Chunsheng's family had come out too. Catching sight of them, Miao Chunsheng smiled and called, "That Ma Leizi really packs a punch! I bought one too—let's see how loud it can get."

When Aunt Miao realized her husband was about to set off a Ma Leizi, she hurriedly plugged her ears with her fingers and scampered to the side, fearful of being too close.

"Bang!" The firecracker exploded with a sharp pop, sending bits of snow and black mud flying. Another muffled boom echoed nearby.

All across the village, bursts of firecrackers could be heard, one after another.

Compared to the single loud boom of Ma Leizi, the two-kick firecrackers and sparkling ones were even more exciting.

Shen Yaoqing took the lit branch from Shen Yan's hand and ignited a two-kicker. The firecracker hit the ground with a loud bang, then bounced into the air and exploded with a second crack. Red paper scattered everywhere, like tiny blossoms falling to the ground.

He set off a few more in succession, the sounds echoing through the night. Wei Lanxiang, caught up in the fun, laughed as she lit two herself, her joy overflowing. "This is really lively!" she exclaimed, urging Aunt Miao to join in.

Miao Chunsheng was thrilled by the loud bangs of Ma Leizi. The more explosive they sounded, the more spirited he felt. "These things sound amazing!" he said, beaming. However, Aunt Miao, still wary of the noise, refused to light any herself.

At Quanzi's house, there was a newborn, so Quanzi's fulang stayed inside, rocking the baby to sleep. The real fun fell to Quanzi, who had spent most of the winter at home. Tonight, he was free to enjoy himself.

The fireworks continued in waves across the village. Lanterns hung from every door, casting their soft glow over the streets, making the night as lively as the daytime.

Shen Xuanqing tied a firework to a long reed pole and handed it to Lu Gu. "Just hold it tight, don't be scared. After I light it, raise it straight up."

Nervous but determined, Lu Gu nodded, his hands gripping the pole tightly. Shen Xuanqing, seeing his hesitation, smiled and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Once the fuse was lit, Shen Xuanqing quickly helped him raise the reed pole toward the sky.

The firework shot upward with a loud whoosh, crackling as it soared and burst into brilliant sparks scattered across the night sky.

Lu Gu cracked one eye open to peek at the display while the other eye stayed shut. After the first explosion, however, his courage grew, and soon, both eyes were wide open as he watched the sparks with delight.

Shen Yan grabbed a smaller firework and asked Shen Yaoqing to light it for her. As soon as the fuse caught fire, she raised it high, and the small firework shot into the air, bursting with a cheerful pop.

When Lu Gu set the reed pole down, he glanced at the remaining fireworks. Noticing his eagerness, Shen Xuanqing grinned and handed him a larger one.

This time, Lu Gu didn't need any help. As soon as the fuse ignited, he raised the firework confidently. His eyes only shut momentarily when it exploded, but he quickly opened them again, eager for more.