Chapter 11: The First Day of the YearThe Night of Beginnings
On the quiet final night of the year, Xiao Mei and Pao Pei worked together to set the table. Pao Pei carried a plate of his favorite fruits—pears, persimmons, and peaches. He climbed up to place it neatly on the table, then waddled over to Grandma, who was sitting in her rocking chair.
The orange-red flames in the fireplace danced gently, radiating warmth across the room. The firewood crackled softly, blending with the sound of the host on TV leading the countdown to the new year.
"Xiao Mei, come sit down quickly. They're about to count down!"
Xiao Mei came to sit beside Grandma. Pao Pei climbed onto Grandma's lap as the three of them prepared to count down to the New Year together.
"Ten… nine… eight…"
Grandma, rocking gently by the fireplace, stroked Pao Pei's back as his chubby belly wobbled atop her lap. The flickering TV light reflected off the lenses of her round glasses.
Outside the window, the wide field was veiled in a thin mist. The moon hung bright above the distant farm, and not a sound could be heard—no fireworks, no crowds. Only the cold wind whispering past the peach trees.
"Three… two… one… Happy New Year!"
The loud cheers from the TV filled the quiet room. Xiao Mei smiled and hugged her grandmother.
"Happy New Year, Grandma."
"Happy New Year, Pao Pei."
Pao Pei stood on Grandma's lap and rubbed his head against the back of her hand, speaking sweetly.
"Happy New Year, Grandma! Pao Pei wishes you a long life!"
Granny Li Zhu pulled both Xiao Mei and Pao Pei into a warm hug. She kissed Xiao Mei's head and offered her blessing to them both.
"Happy New Year, my dear ones. May it be a good year, full of health and long life."
The new year had arrived… but for Xiao Mei, it felt like just another peaceful night spent with the ones she loved most.
Even knowing what tomorrow might bring, she felt no fear. She had prepared her body and mind long ago.
The first light of the new year filtered through the morning mist. Among the trees and flowers in the field, a gentle wind blew, carrying the scent of damp earth and dew.
Xiao Mei woke before sunrise, grabbed her thick coat, and went outside to feed the chickens like always. Her small hands scattered grains on the ground as the chickens clucked noisily. Pao Pei carried the feed bucket to the pond behind the house, crouched down, and sprinkled food into the water. Ripples spread as the fish darted to the surface to eat.
Elsewhere in the garden, Grandma turned on the sprinkler to water the lush green vegetables. She wiped the sweat from her brow and returned inside. The aroma of hot rice porridge filled the kitchen. Everyone gathered around the table. The morning air was chilly, but the house was warm with laughter and conversation.
Until…
The television, which Xiao Mei had left on, suddenly broke the harmony.
"Two asteroids have deviated from their orbits and are on a collision course near Earth. Scientists predict that the impact will create a massive explosion, resulting in a meteor shower visible to the naked eye. Some meteors may survive atmospheric entry and reach the Earth's surface.
The public is advised to remain indoors for the next three days. Please do not panic. Scientists have calculated that the meteor storm will last only one day. Follow government instructions and stay calm."
The spoon in Xiao Mei's hand froze mid-air. Pao Pei looked up from his porridge, his bright eyes turning to Grandma, who sighed deeply and stared out at the pale gray sky.
"Xiao Mei… it's just as you said."
Xiao Mei gave her grandmother a reassuring smile. Though her heart was heavy with worry, she didn't want the elderly woman to feel afraid. Her small hand reached out to gently squeeze Grandma's wrinkled fingers.
"Don't worry, Grandma. We're ready for the end of the world."
Grandma chuckled softly. "The end of the world, huh… this child."
Her eyes turned to the window, where thin gray clouds veiled the sky like a curtain hiding something ominous. A distant bird call echoed faintly, but the silence that followed felt strangely foreboding.
Xiao Mei smiled faintly. She knew Grandma was trying to keep the mood light, but she could still feel the unspoken anxiety.
"Even if it's not the end of the world, we still need to be prepared. You don't have to worry, Grandma."
Pao Pei glanced between them and then reached for a bun, chomping away. "Don't be scared, Grandma. We have rice, water, a big pile of firewood, fruit, and me! We'll be fine."
"That's right," Xiao Mei patted his head. "We've prepared everything. We just need to stay indoors until the meteor storm passes."
Grandma nodded slowly, her wrinkled hands wrapping around her tea cup in thought. "As long as we have each other, we'll get through it."
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. The sky still looked calm—no sign of the catastrophe to come. But Xiao Mei knew…
Three days from now, everything would change.
January 3rd – The Day of the Meteor Storm
The night sky split apart in streaks of crimson flame. The stars that once sparkled above were now swallowed by the approaching meteor storm. Cold wind swept across the vast field, hissing through trees and grass.
In the darkness and silence, Pao Pei stood alone in the center of the field. His large round eyes shone with determination.
He took a deep breath.
In the next second, a shimmering blue light erupted from his small body. Glowing energy lines surged outward, forming a curtain of light like lightning woven into a thin veil. It expanded gradually, encompassing the entire field.
Xiao Mei and Grandma stood behind him, hearts pounding. They believed in Pao Pei's power, but worry still lingered.
"Pao Pei… can you really do it?" Xiao Mei whispered.
Pao Pei closed his eyes and summoned every ounce of strength he had. The wind roared, and dust flew across the field. The glowing shield grew into a wide dome, surrounding everything within.
Then came the first sound—
Shhhhhh!
The first meteor broke through the atmosphere. A flash of blazing light tore across the sky like someone had sliced the night in half. It struck Pao Pei's barrier.
BOOM!
The impact rebounded skyward, scattering sparks and smoke. Pao Pei clenched his teeth. Though small in stature, his power was immense.
Meteor after meteor crashed into the barrier. Again and again. But none could break through.
Pao Pei stood firm beneath the sky, surrounded by a dome of glowing blue light, defying the devastation above.
Xiao Mei clenched her fists, watching her guardian with fierce worry.
Tonight, meteors rained down upon the world—but here, beneath Pao Pei's protective shield, she and Grandma would be safe.
Meanwhile… outside the shield's protection, countless meteors tore through the atmosphere. It was as if the gods had unleashed an endless rain of destruction.
Flames consumed the cities. Screams echoed through the chaos, mingling with the thunder of explosions that shook the very ground. Buildings crumbled like sandcastles in a storm. Grass and trees were reduced to ash. Heat engulfed everything..