After saying goodbye to her younger siblings, the Snow Maiden stayed by Chen Cheng's side for good.
"Look how pleased you are with yourself. I've practically sold myself to you now, so what are you going to do with me? Don't tell me you're planning to turn me into a ball and carry me around in your pocket all day."
Chen Cheng scratched his head.
"Now that you mention it, I almost forgot. I don't actually know what use I have for you. How about I go back and get a refund?"
The Snow Maiden gave him another sharp rap on the head, then said fiercely:
"A refund? Too late for that. Get moving, and don't even think about staying here."
Chen Cheng rubbed his head and said:
"Get moving? Fine. Let's see if you can keep up with me."
With that, Chen Cheng became a blur and shot toward the far horizon.
Watching him go, the Snow Maiden called him an idiot, then became a blur herself and raced after him.
Only after she had left did the Snow Elves who had been secretly following them emerge from the snow.
"Oh dear, our big sister really has fallen for him. That was such a good chance! While he was gone, she could've grabbed that whole sack of gold coins and run off with us."
A chubby Snow Elf said this in a babyish voice, wagging his head as he spoke.
Another Snow Elf beside him copied the Snow Maiden and gave him a sharp rap on the head.
"Read fewer human storybooks. We Elves keep our word. We can't learn to be as sly as humans."
Sly or not, these little fellows had tempers that flared faster than the last.
The scolded little fellow soon returned the blow, and