Saturday, February 10th, 2024, marks the vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year. As the countdown concludes, everyone joyously proclaims wishes for happiness, prosperity, health, and peace in the new year. The sky is illuminated with spectacular fireworks, signifying the start of a year filled with hope and new beginnings. In keeping with tradition, they don red attire for sleep, symbolizing good fortune, and plan to greet the day in yellow, reflecting joy and celebration.
Upon the first morning of the New Year, they opt for a vegetarian breakfast, abstaining from meat to purify the body and spirit. Laura, Jennifer, Eliza, and the others visit the temple to pray for prosperity and well-being. Yuki chooses solitude over joining the group, seeking personal reflection.
At the temple, Shadow lights incense sticks as an offering for blessings, while Jennifer distributes new shirts for the occasion. Laura uses Jiao bei blocks in a ritual to seek guidance, and they burn joss paper as a symbol of sending blessings to the ancestors.
Completing their temple visit, they enjoy fruits symbolizing good fortune. Shadow reveals plans for another round of roleplay with refreshed designs and expanded rooms, enhancing the adventure from 30 to an ambitious 100 rooms, promising a richer experience.
Back at the Doorooms Hotel, the festive mood continues with Shadow and Jennifer sharing their musical talents, playing piano and guitar respectively, filling the air with melodies of the New Year. Emphasizing the importance of vegetarianism on this day, they prepare a special vegetarian feast for everyone, including the five element guys, zodiac friends, and dragons.
The highlight is the Yusheng ceremony, a communal toss of ingredients symbolizing prosperity and unity. Although traditionally vegetarian, the inclusion of fish reflects a common practice, balancing tradition with contemporary tastes.
As evening falls, a more challenging and enriching roleplay session begins, promising new adventures and stronger bonds among friends. This enhanced experience, now safer and more engaging, marks a perfect close to the day.
As they celebrate into the night, they reflect on the leap year ahead, embracing 2024 with open hearts and great anticipation for what it will bring.
