Strange Tales: I'm Nian, Not the Dead Monkey, from Langlang Mountain

At the bustling market

"Kid, what do you think the Nian Beast should look like?"

The child holding a candied hawthorn stick pressed a finger beneath their lips and thought for a moment.

"The Nian Beast? Mom and Dad told me it looks just like a big lion!"

Nian smiled faintly and lifted his bamboo hat.

"Then take a look at me!"

The child glanced up. The candied hawthorn stick flew high into the air as they turned and ran.

"Ah! A monkey! He's a monster! A monster!"

Nian reached out, caught the candied hawthorn stick, and took a fierce lick.

"Dummy! I'm not a monkey! My name is Nian!"

Langlang Mountain

Tiger Boss: "Mom! Your little tiger isn't coming home for dinner!"

Hanging Mountain

Little Pig Demon: "Brother Nian, my gourd's out of water."

Yunmeng Mountain

It's New Year! Put up spring couplets and set off firecrackers!

Nian: "Keep it down. You're disturbing me!"

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.