Xiao Xiao then looked at Old Gu and Old Cao.
Before Xiao Xiao could say anything, the two old men waved their hands. "Go on, go on."
"I've said everything I needed to say."
Old Gu glanced at Xiao Grandmother. "If we keep you here, your grandma will be unhappy."
"She was just complaining that us old fellows were taking up your time."
"What are you talking about?"
Xiao Grandmother was displeased. "I never said that."
"And I certainly didn't mean I didn't welcome you..."
"I know, I know."
Old Gu smiled. "We've been friends for so many years."
He was only saying it in passing; he wasn't offended in the slightest.
Xiao Xiao led Zhang Bo and the others toward the backyard.
On the way, Zhuge Yun asked in some confusion, "Third Brother, am I imagining it, or was your grandma really happy to see us?"
"Grandma was just thinking of asking me to find some friends to go out with."
A hint of amusement crept into Xiao Xiao's voice. "Then she saw you coming through the door."
"Huh?"
Zhuge Yun and the others couldn't help laughing. "What a coincidence."
"Looks like we showed up at just the right time."
"When did you get back?"
Xiao Xiao asked.
"Just yesterday."
Zhuge Yun answered, "We came back early to avoid the crowds."
"And so we could stop by your place."
"You're going back to school the day before classes start, right?"
"Yeah."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
The others weren't surprised.
After all, that was what he did every year.
"Huh?"
Zhao Luzheng looked startled.
"It smells so nice."
Zhuge Yun felt the temperature around them.
"Third Brother, you even dug two ponds in your backyard."
Zhang Bo circled the two ponds with great interest, taking a close look. "There