Dictionary

dispirited and downcast (idiom); listless; in low spirits; washed out

fable; fable; allegory; parable; CL:則|则[ze2]

(idiom) to like sth so much that one is reluctant to put it down; to find sth utterly irresistible

spirit; boldness; positive outlook

hills

to agree; to go along with; to echo (what sb says)

compass

wife of father's elder brother; aunt; (polite form of address for a woman who is about the age of one's mother)

to increase steadily; to grow with each passing day

(idiom) conscientious; assiduous

firmly; resolutely; without hesitation

striving to be first and fearing to be last (idiom); outdoing one another; (idiom) to compete to be first; to scramble to get ahead; to rush forward for fear of falling behind

public security bureau (government office similar in function to a police station)

incorruptible; unbribable; honest

border area; borderland; frontier

fertile

off season; slow business season; see also 季

daily renewal, monthly change (idiom); every day sees new developments; rapid progress

ambition; resolve; backbone

lush

hospitality; to treat guests well; to enjoy having guests

to pay a New Year call; to wish sb a Happy New Year

the gains do not make up for the losses (idiom)

invitation card; written invitation

(idiom) "no comment"; (idiom) no comment

to take by the arm and assist; to mix; to blend

to sneer

to revere; to admire

to consult; to discuss seriously; to negotiate

to prevent epidemics

meticulous planning and careful accounting (idiom)

imperceptible influence; to influence secretly

to concentrate one's attention (idiom)

to play truant; to cut classes

(idiom) flourishing; thriving

birthday

turbid; muddy; dirty

dam; dike

to look in all directions (idiom); to glance around

(idiom) continuously; in an endless stream

world-famous (idiom)

malady; evil; malpractice

host; official host (e.g. venue for games or a conference)

the traditional Chinese calendar; the lunar calendar

to receive worldwide attention

to have a get-together; celebration; party

full of youthful energy (idiom); vigorous; energetic; a bright spark

Chinese-style dress; cheongsam

to perfect sth that is already outstanding (idiom); constantly improving; (idiom) to constantly seek to improve; to keep perfecting

calm; unruffled