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The New Year's Eve party didn't last long, starting at six in the afternoon and ending by nine at night.
The main purpose of the party was to demonstrate the base's current strength to the residents and to depict a bright future, giving them confidence for the coming year.
After the party ended, the live broadcast did too. Residents in front of their screens could have their New Year's Eve dinner, and those who finished early might go to bed since it had been too cold these days and the warmth of a blanket was more inviting. Those who didn't want to sleep so early could stay up until midnight to welcome the new year.
Fireworks and firecrackers... were naturally absent.
It wasn't because there was fear of attracting zombies; Changhe Base was large enough that even if firecrackers were set off inside, the sound would not travel outside, to say nothing of the high walls. The main reason was that gunpowder was a strategic resource, better saved and used appropriately.