Feathery snowflakes fell gently on the streets of the old-fashioned town. The magical little match, Yan Shanshan, pushed a wooden cart filled with hot tea, slowly stopping under a streetlamp.
He tiptoed and handed a steaming cup of tea to a little girl in red shoes who was lost in the corner. "Follow me, I know where it's warm!" Snowflakes landed on his bright red match head, making a sizzling sound.
Yan Shanshan led the way through the deep snow. He cheerfully pointed the way, first guiding the children he met into the bakery that smelled of cream and the bright library.
Suddenly, a fierce wind howled through. The wind mercilessly blew out the gas lamps on both sides of the street, and the entire path was plunged into darkness, where only the roar of the wind could be heard.
Now only the little girl in the worn red shoes remained. She stopped, her shoes sinking deep into the cold snow, and despite the fierce wind pushing from behind, she refused to take another step forward.
Yan Shanshan simply abandoned the cart. Without hesitation, he dashed towards the rough red brick wall by the roadside and, using the momentum, rubbed his head against it with all his might.
"Scratch!" With a crisp sound, he transformed into a huge, dazzling golden star flame.
The brilliant light shone like daylight, instantly dispelling the fog. At the end of the light, a heavy redwood door swung open, and anxious family members rushed out, holding lanterns.
The little girl cheered as she leaped into her family's embrace. Then, she carefully cradled the burning Yan Shanshan in her hands and brought him into the warm house.
Now, Yan Shanshan sits in the center of the fireplace on the dry wood, the dancing flames never extinguishing. As he breathes out bright sparks, he listens to the laughter coming from the soft carpet, echoing with a crisp "crackle, crackle."