The Xihong Zoo, under the cover of night, had transformed into a scene of revelry. After a year of dormancy, the animals were seizing their chance for uninhibited enjoyment.
Leading the charge was the gluttonous faction, headed by Tuan Tuan. Once released, they showed no restraint, diving headfirst into every imaginable food, determined to deplete the zoo's entire inventory within a single night.
In contrast, the entertainment-seeking faction, led by Great Master, remained indifferent to the feast. Their focus was solely on the alcohol and tobacco, with some forming small groups to play mahjong and Dou Dizhu.
Of course, other smaller groups were also active. Especially the youngsters, freed from the constraints of their parents and Yang Lin, they had transformed into mischievous wanderers, darting all over the park.
Amidst this chaos, Yang Lin finally saw the clock strike eight in the evening.
Following the tradition of Dragon Country's New Year, this was the time when most families would have just finished their reunion dinners, gathered together.
In previous years, at this very hour, Yang Lin would have been with his parents, waiting for the Spring Festival Gala.
This year, however, was entirely different. Firstly, his parents were not by his side, and secondly, the Spring Festival Gala lacked the usual festive feeling.
"It's about time. Let's start the livestream."
On the zoo's plaza, Yang Lin glanced at his phone, then casually opened the official livestream channel for Xihong Zoo.
He had initially expected few viewers at this hour, but the moment the livestream went live, the rapidly increasing viewership numbers startled him.
In what felt like an instant, the viewer count had surpassed one hundred thousand, with an overwhelming flood of comments.
"First in line to celebrate the New Year with Director Yang."
"Heard Director Yang is staying alone at the zoo this year, how miserable."
"Celebrating New Year alone, truly tragic."
"Director Yang, we're all here to keep you company."
"Wishing you prosperity, hand over the red envelopes."
"The Spring Festival Gala is boring, came to accompany Director Yang."
.....
The comments were a sea of New Year wishes for Yang Lin and expressions of sympathy for his solitary zoo celebration.
Then, the camera panned to Yang Lin's surroundings.
As the lively scene unfolding within Xihong Zoo was revealed to the livestream audience, the tone of the comments instantly shifted.
"My apologies, I thought Director Yang was lonely here alone, but it looks livelier than my own home."
"He's alone, but not really alone."
"What's going on? Did the Xihong Zoo animals revolt on New Year's Eve?"
"I think Director Yang let them all out to celebrate the New Year."
"Indeed, the animals are Director Yang's true family."
"The Xihong Zoo has the most festive atmosphere, truly enviable."
"Is that an elephant drinking by itself? That elephant can really hold its liquor, downing a bottle of baijiu in one go."
"Are those orangutans playing mahjong? And they're playing Bashu mahjong."
"How can I join them?"
......
In less than a minute, the audience's sympathy for Yang Lin turned into envy.
"Hello everyone, my dear viewers. I didn't expect so many people to join me for New Year tonight."
Facing the camera, Yang Lin greeted his fans with enthusiasm before getting to the main point.
"Originally, I just planned to chat with some fans, catch up, and perhaps send out some New Year red envelopes and welfare prizes."
"But with so many people now, the original plan needs some adjustments."
While Yang Lin was delivering his opening remarks, the number of online viewers in the livestream room had already surpassed 500,000.
"There will still be red envelopes. Every hour on the hour, I will send out 10 of 2023, 100 of 202.3, and a thousand of 20.23. The livestream won't stop, and neither will the red envelopes."
"Additionally, I'll randomly release a certain number of Xihong Zoo merchandise in lucky bags. Everyone can try to grab them."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the livestream room immediately became lively.
"Director Yang is so generous, no beating around the bush, unlike some people who offer tiny amounts in their lucky draws every year."
"Whose ID number is being written down this time?"
"Exactly, it's uncertain if you'll even win, and you have to participate in all sorts of activities to be eligible for the draw."
"I don't need the prize money, I just want to win some merchandise. I hope Director Yang can fulfill this small wish."
.....
"Of course, just giving out red envelopes and lucky draws wouldn't be quite enough."
"So, I've prepared some impromptu performances with the animals in the park to entertain you all."
"As for the content, format, and performers, I'd like you to choose."
As Yang Lin finished speaking, the already excited audience became even more enthusiastic.
"How considerate to the fans, more performances?"
"Can we request any animal?"
"Can the national treasure perform kung fu?"
"I want to see Director Yang and Gangzi spar."
"Let's have a song and dance performance, just like at the New Year's Eve gala last time."
"Martial arts, martial arts! Let the Silverback perform martial arts."
A flurry of ideas surged, but most were quickly drowned out by other comments as soon as they appeared.
Just as opinions were divided, a brilliant special effect suddenly appeared on the livestream screen.
Following that, a notification banner stretched across the center of the screen.
User Lang Lang Shan's Wild Boar Peppa sent 100 Carnival gifts in the Xihong Zoo livestream room.
The announcement sent the viewers into another uproar.
A single Carnival gift translates to 3000 yuan in cash. One hundred of them amounted to 300,000 yuan.
While this sum might not be significant to Yang Lin, it was certainly not something ordinary people could afford.
As the audience marveled, Yang Lin himself was also somewhat taken aback.
Although he had received many gifts before the broadcast, this was the first time he had encountered such a large amount.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Looks like we've hit a big spender. Come on, a few more, and the money for tonight's red envelopes will be covered."
As this thought crossed his mind, he noticed a friend request in his backend.
Upon seeing the applicant's name, his eyes immediately changed. The applicant was none other than the big spender, Peppa.
Considering the amount of money spent, it was only polite to accept the friend request.
After all, he was just a male streamer; what unreasonable demands could they possibly have?
He casually clicked to accept, and in the next second, a private message was sent.
"Director Yang, I am a fan of Xihong Zoo. I would like to see you and the animals sing 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' together."
Reading the content of the private message, Yang Lin turned to look at the group of animals behind him.