"Student Xiao, I'm truly sorry about how I treated you the other day."
Hua's father recalled how rudely he had treated the young man standing before him at the entrance two days ago.
"Uncle Hua, do I really look like a petty person to you?"
Xiao Xiao laughed. "You don't have to keep apologizing."
He had been the one to show up unannounced.
It was only natural for the other party to have doubts.
"No, no, no! How could Student Xiao be petty?"
Hua's father waved his hands hastily. "Student Xiao, you're broad-minded and always willing to help others. I truly admire you."
"Our whole family is grateful to you."
Hua's father looked utterly sincere.
Although he had received heartfelt thanks from others before, Xiao Xiao still felt a little uncomfortable with how enthusiastic Hua's father was.
He smiled helplessly. "Uncle Hua, you're making me embarrassed."
"Old Hua, why are you blocking the doorway?"
Hua's mother had heard the commotion but, when no one came in, she walked over to the entryway. Seeing what was happening, she gave Hua's father a slight glare. "Whatever you have to say can wait until you've invited our guest into the living room."
"Who greets a guest like that?"
"Student Xiao, I'm sorry."
Hua's mother smiled apologetically at Xiao Xiao. "Please, come in."
Compared to the first time Xiao Xiao had seen her, Hua's mother today looked like a completely different person.
The haggardness and dullness had vanished from her face, and there was no longer any weariness or gloom in her eyes.
Just as people imagined an artist to be, she was impeccably made up, elegant, and radiant.
"Auntie Hua."
Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded.
"Student Xiao, if you don't mind, you can just call me Auntie Hua."
Hua's