Once that thought had taken root, Yue Qianchou decided never to mention what he had just seen. At least for the short term, he would not reveal it to anyone. Who knew what might happen if word got out? He hoped to do his utmost to let her remain innocent for the rest of her life and weather fewer storms!
"Eh! Why have all the seven-colored stars disappeared?" Wu Lixue muttered with a frown. Then she excitedly raised her head and called to Yue Qianchou, "I saw what's inside! Guess what it is?"
Yue Qianchou silently watched her. Affection filled his eyes as he smiled. "I'm guessing it's something with wings."
Wu Lixue froze, startled. "How did you know?" She then narrowed one eye and continued peering inside. "It does have wings, but it hasn't moved at all. I can't make out what it is. Eh! It moved! It moved!"
Yue Qianchou was immediately intrigued. He truly wanted to see what exactly was inside, what had caused such a miraculous spectacle just now. He had just reached out to take the egg from Wu Lixue's hands when the entire egg suddenly became wreathed in rainbow halos. A rapid series of crisp crack-crack-crack sounds rang out, and dazzling light burst forth. As the two shut their eyes, they heard a succession of things falling onto the floorboards...
When the blinding radiance faded and they opened their eyes again, the egg in Wu Lixue's hands had vanished. Between them fluttered an ugly, strange bird. Judging from the way it flew, it was smug as anything, pleased with itself beyond measure. As it turned its head and looked around, it seemed to be saying, I've finally broken out of my shell!
"A crow!" the two cried out almost in unison. Then they stared