"Some snake can shed its skin as many times as it likes, but its head..."
"Is still as smooth as ever."
"Haha~"
Little White Fox laughed unabashedly.
Seeing that the two were about to start fighting again, Xiao Xiao stepped in and stopped them in time.
"A Jiu, A Bai."
The two demons glared at each other, sparks flying between them like lightning and thunder.
"Hmph!"
Both demons snorted at the same time.
Their synchronized movements made Xiao Xiao chuckle.
Then—
Little White Fox turned away and closed its eyes.
The white snake lowered itself, resting its head beside its tail. It lay perfectly still, looking just like a white jade bangle.
Watching the two demons settle down, Xiao Xiao smiled and shook his head.
Then he returned to the stone table.
The game on the chessboard had reached a stalemate.
Grandpa Xiao and the Frog God both looked grave.
Xiao Xiao focused on the game as well, mentally considering how it might unfold.
For a while, the only sound in the courtyard was the click of chess pieces against the board.
The Xiao Family Teahouse opened for business on the seventh day of the New Year.
Its regulars came by one after another.
"Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year!"
The regulars had known one another for years.
They greeted each other warmly.
When they saw Grandpa Xiao standing in the main hall, their faces lit up with smiles. "Old Xiao, now that your teahouse is open, we've got somewhere to while away the time again."
"Isn't that the truth?"
"It's still best here. Lots of people, nice and lively."
"Old Zhang, care for a game?"
"Sure."
The teahouse had been quiet and peaceful, and even after a brief burst of liveliness, it soon settled