Spring Festival/2025/Story (2025)

Chinatown's scholar tree, weathered by the centuries, has quietly witnessed the changing of the seasons along this historic street.

As winter deepens, the Festival of the Kitchen God, or the "Little New Year," quickly arrives, drawing people out of their homes to stock up on supplies and adorn the bustling streets.

In anticipation of Chinese New Year's Eve, a hearty, festive feat is carefully prepared, set to bring family and friends together.

Antique Appraiser

With the madam away, I find myself utterly absorbed in the antique shop, losing countless hours to the elegance of its old manuscripts and artwork.

In what feels like an instant, a year has come and gone. Just yesterday, I received a letter from the antique shop's owner, eager to learn about the shop's achievements over the past twelve months.

Also, she almost offhandedly mentioned the "package" from several months ago...

File:SpringFestival2025Package.png
By the antique appraiser's side lies a partially opened parcel containing incomplete sculptures.

Antique Appraiser

Only now do I glance around to see that the antique shop's shelves are coated in a thick layer of dust—customers seldom come through the door these days.

The only notable event lately is the arrival of three antique enthusiasts in Chinatown, who share my deep-seated passion for collecting.

Looking at the clock... I'd say they're likely...

Potter

Potter

Plucking peach blossoms, a vintage brew in hand—just a man and his horse, in a floral wonderland.

My good appraiser, what kind of treasure are you guarding there? Don't be greedy now—let your good friend have a peek!

Antique Appraiser

Well, well... it seems you've had a few glasses too many again. How's business at the ceramics shop?

Potter

Potter

Don't bring up that blasted shop... Those customers have no appreciation for true artistry. They can't see the brilliance in my work!

Quickly now, let me see what treasure you've gotten your hands on!

Hand Over the Package
Eh, they're plain pottery pieces. Look at the craftsmanship and the finish—they've clearly got some years on them. Add a fitting glaze, and they'll make for a standout set!

Antique Appraiser

Look, these three pieces share a sight likeness with the three of you... How peculiar!Right on cue, Miss Pharmacist and Miss Contractor arrive as anticipated. When they heard about the pottery, they were eager to take a look.

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

File:SpringFestival2025Pottery.png
Incense burners, goblets, and even jars, so common in daily life, are transformed into something positively alive and extraordinary by this artist's divine touch!

Contractor

Contractor

At this moment, Miss Contractor cleans the jars with the utmost care, appreciating their value despite their imperfections.

Antique Appraiser

Miss Pharmacist, I don't think I've ever seen the herb you're holding before.

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

I've just picked this here. I'll take it to the pharmacy to see what it can do.

With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, isn't it time we spruced up Chinatown with a little decoration?

Potter

Potter

Couldn't agree more! It's that time of the year... We need to make this a celebration to remember, and what says "celebration" better than a few more jars of wine!

Contractor

Contractor

At the mention of decoration, Miss Contractor's eyes light up. This is clearly a consideration within her skill set.

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

By the way... where did you come across this batch of pottery pieces?

Antique Appraiser

The madam sent me this package a few months ago. She has tasked me with organizing a ceramics showcase in the first month of the new year to draw more visitors to the shop.

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

That is a fine idea... It looks like there's a book in the package too, and it seems to be considerably old.

Antique Appraiser

The book outlines the creation of these pieces—they're tied to Tang Dynasty ceramics known as "Sancai," famed for their vibrant tri-color glazes. Take a look. They've even included formulas for the glazes!

Honestly, it's rather embarrassing. I might have forgotten about the package if it weren't for the letter.

Contractor

Contractor

The Contractor chuckles and continues meticulously cleaning the jar in her hands.

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

I told you to get the antique shop in order ages ago. Now, with the Tang Sancai exhibit coming up with for the Chinese New Year, we're still unprepared.

Potter

Potter

Take it easy! The pieces only need to be painted now. Once we've got the pigments, I'll finished the job!

Antique Appraiser

In essence, we have two tasks at hand—decorating Chinatown and adding the final colors to the pieces!

Alright, leave gathering the pigments and decorating the streets to me. I'll finish this book first, and then...

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Now!

Antique Appraiser

Right, right!
Day 1: Wine JarFile:NewYear2025PreparationsDay1.png

Antique Appraiser

"Each year concludes with a cup of Tusu wine—in the blink of an eye, seventy years entwine."

Drinking Tusu wine on Chinese New Year's Eve has been a custom since ancient times. A single sip brings warmth to the mind and body and heralds the fresh winds of the coming year.

As firecrackers light up the night, I hope for the sweet aroma of Tusu wine to spread through Chinatown too, sending wishes for health and happiness to all.

Potter

Potter

Ah! That whiff of Tusu wine! Let me have a sip—

Antique Appraiser

Patience! Let's wait for everyone else first!
Spring Festival/2025/Story (2025)
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