Nian Nian

Age unknown, with a head of messy, curly orange hair, wearing a loose white sweater and black shorts, also with a red cape and bow tie.
Upon closer inspection, it seems to have fluffy ears on its head, but also pointed ears? Could it be an illusion... The back of the cape seems to have a tail very much like a lion's. But no matter what, it seems to be very timid, and will turn into a ball when startled, which doesn't seem to be like the legendary "Mythical Beast"?

Confirmed Likes: Warm skin, gentleness, safe places

Confirmed Dislikes: Loud noises like firecrackers, salad

Confirmed Fears and Likes: Red

Once upon a time, there was an ancient story... The Nian beasts were fierce in appearance, with a single horn on their heads. They would climb ashore on the last day of the twelfth lunar month (New Year's Eve) every year, harassing villages, eating livestock, and harming people and animals. Later, humans who were tired of being troubled, because of a brave person who came out to drive away the Nian beast, accidentally discovered that it was afraid of red, bright lights, and loud noises (e.g., firecrackers). Thus, by pasting couplets, hanging red lanterns, setting off firecrackers, and staying up late, they drove it away, which eventually evolved into the tradition of "Celebrating the New Year." But now...