A few days later, Xiao Xiao returned to that stretch of grass.
He didn't see the Xi.
The yaoguai must have set out on its search again.
It would probably be a while before it returned here.
He wondered if he might run into it somewhere again.
The corners of Xiao Xiao's mouth lifted slightly.
He stood on the grass and watched the river below for a while.
The sunlight was lovely today, and points of light shimmered across the river's surface like a layer of gold dust.
This place was remote, and the scenery was nothing special.
The only thing of note was how clear the river was.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, he caught sight of a boy walking this way.
He paid him no mind.
Though few people came here, someone did occasionally pass by.
He looked away, one foot already on the concrete road.
Suddenly, he paused and turned around.
The boy who had just walked over hadn't passed by him. Instead, he'd changed direction and stepped onto the grass.
The boy stood there and looked around, as if searching for something.
Xiao Xiao's gaze fell on him, a strange look in his eyes.
The boy sat down on the grass, looking disappointed. He stared blankly at the river below.
Xiao Xiao heard him sigh.
He couldn't help smiling.
He thought that perhaps, after so many years of waiting and searching, the Xi would finally reap what it had sown and find the best possible ending.
Xiao Xiao withdrew his foot and walked over to the boy.
He sat down beside him.
The boy, lost in thought, suddenly snapped back to himself.
He reflexively turned and glanced at Xiao Xiao.
His gaze was strange, tinged with wariness.