In the Summer Departure calendar, at the end of the first year of the imperial reign, snow fell in the imperial capital of humankind. But winter always came late to Seven Blood Eyes, and besides, the climate was temperate, so the most that happened was that it rained. That was true even at the end of the year.0

The rain that fell covered the Port District. From a distance, everything looked hazy. The crowds on the street and the ships coming in and out of the harbors created a beautiful scene. The pitter-patter of the rain on oilskin umbrellas was as gentle as the sounds of nature, tugging on the heartstrings of the people. It was like an affectionate confession of the sky to the earth, or the clouds expressing deep attachment to all the living things below.0

Xu Qing walked through the rhythmic rain until he found Harbor 176. There, squatting in the eaves of a big warehouse was Zhang San, wearing the same style of clothing he had always worn. And just like always, he was smoking a pipe.0

There was a familiar face squatting next to him. It was Erniu, who was wringing out his soaking fur all while talking nonstop.4

Upon spotting Xu Qing, Erniu waved and shouted a greeting. Meanwhile, Zhang San’s eyes lit up. Shooting to his feet, he put his pipe away and...0