"Mm."
Xiao Xiao patted the Pipa ghost on the head again.
Its hair was damp from the rain, tangled into clumps.
Xiao Xiao suddenly wondered whether the Pipa ghost ever combed its hair when the weather was sunny.
Then he found his own random thought a little amusing.
"Hehe~"
Xiao Xiao paused. "Would you like to play another song for me?"
The Pipa ghost nodded.
Xiao Xiao smiled.
"Of course."
"I could listen to the Pipa ghost play over and over and still be amazed."
The Pipa ghost smiled until its eyes narrowed.
The clear, melodious pipa notes fell like pearls of various sizes onto a jade plate, landing straight in the listener's heart.
Ripples spread in circles.
The clamor of the outside world faded away.
All was peaceful here.
"Just as I thought..."
When the song ended, Xiao Xiao opened his slightly lowered eyes, unmistakable delight in them. "The Pipa ghost's playing is just as beautiful every time I hear it."
"Hehe~"
The Pipa ghost hugged the pipa in its arms tighter.
It felt a little embarrassed.
But its smile was brilliant.
Most of the time, it used to have only one audience for its performances.
Itself.
Sometimes, even it couldn't tell whether its playing was any good.
It was just that sometimes...
It liked to play.
And it liked listening to itself play.
Every time it finished playing, it felt happy.
But...
Hearing Lord Xiao Xiao say its playing was wonderful seemed to make it even happier.
After all, if Lord Xiao Xiao praised its playing, then its playing... really was wonderful.
When it was time to say goodbye to the Pipa ghost, its face wore the same innocent smile as always.
"Goodbye, Pipa ghost."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved with his smile.
"Hehe~"
The