Xu Huo gave Tongtong a passive-trigger defense device. When attacked, it would automatically generate a shield around its wearer, ensuring they wouldn't get hurt.
But Tongtong preferred more interesting devices, like ones he could show off to his friends—flashy ones.
Xu Huo didn't refuse. He still gave him two passive-trigger defense devices, only these two had colorful shields that could also block the view from outside to some extent.
He also bought two entertainment devices that could be used to perform magic tricks for children and the like.
Tongtong returned home laden with loot and immediately went to his room to share it with his Good Friend. His cheerful laughter could be heard even through the door.
"You can't spoil him too much," Father Xu said. "He used to take the devices you gave him and make his classmates run errands for him. If anyone wanted to borrow one to play with, they had to bow down to him. When their parents found out and came to see us, your Aunt Yu and I had to go around apologizing."
"They bowed to him, and you apologized to them. Fair exchange," Xu Huo said.
Father Xu was momentarily at a loss for words. Understanding what he meant, he could only say, "I'll make sure to teach him a lesson."
Xu Huo nodded. "I'll be heading out in a bit."
"Can't you stay home a couple more days?" Father Xu asked. "Lots of relatives and friends want to come visit. They keep asking if you're back yet."
"Just tell them I'm busy," Xu Huo said. "If they want to pull strings, they can go to Deputy Minister Ji."
"Deputy Minister sounds so stiff. Just call him Minister Ji," Father Xu advised him. "You can't call him that to his face."
Xu Huo