"Oh, okay."
Since the two young men had put it that way, the two elderly people didn't press them any further.
Instead, they urged, "Then you'd better get going."
"It'll be dark before long."
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao and Meng Jixi said goodbye to the two elders and the child, then turned toward the gate.
The two elders and the child saw them all the way to the entrance.
"Goodbye."
"Be careful on your way back."
The old woman reminded the two young men.
"Mm, we will."
Xiao Xiao waved to the two elders. "You should go back inside."
"There's no need to see us off."
The elders answered, but kept watching the two young men's backs until they disappeared around the corner of the alley. Only then did they turn and head back inside.
The child ran a few steps after them, then realized the two big brothers were already completely out of sight.
"Xiao Hua."
The old woman called to him.
"Coming."
The boy ran into the courtyard with Xiao Hei in his arms.
Then he turned and closed the courtyard gate.
"Master Xiao, if there's nothing else, I'll head back to school."
Meng Jixi turned to look at Xiao Xiao.
What he'd told the two elders earlier had been true.
The University of Public Security really did have stricter rules about going out than ordinary universities.
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao smiled. "Sorry for the trouble today."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
Meng Jixi took a cab and left.
Xiao Xiao was just about to hail one himself when the tugging force above his head made him stop.
"What is it?"
He asked softly.
"Wuwu~"
In the eyes beneath Taotie's arms, a child across the road was holding a lollipop.
It wanted that!
Which one?
Xiao Xiao turned his gaze.
The