The smile in Xiao Xiao's eyes deepened.
"If you get the chance..."
"Maybe you'll see it with your own eyes."
"I hope you won't be too surprised when that happens."
"I can't see it right now?"
The shopkeeper looked puzzled, and a little disappointed.
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"You can't see it."
He didn't say "right now."
Because he wasn't sure the shopkeeper would ever be able to see Yingzhao.
"I..."
The shopkeeper stared blankly.
"I still wanted to thank it in person."
Before Xiao Xiao could say anything, the shopkeeper shook his head.
"No, that's not right."
"Even if I can't thank it in person..."
"It can still hear me, actually... right?"
He looked to Master Xiao for confirmation.
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"Of course."
The shopkeeper smiled.
"Then that's all right."
"Ahem~"
Not being able to see the other party made him feel a little uncomfortable.
The shopkeeper cleared his throat.
"...Thank you."
He folded his hands together on the table.
"Thank you for always looking after me and this flower shop."
"I'm truly grateful."
"I... don't even know what I could do to repay you..."
After all, he hadn't even seen the other party.
How could he do anything else for it?
"If there's anything you need me to do..."
"If you can't tell me directly, you can ask Master Xiao to pass the message along."
"I'll do everything I can."
"Or..."
Xiao Xiao smiled. "You could keep some pastries and candy here."
"It likes pastries and candy?"
The shopkeeper was surprised.
"Maybe."
Xiao Xiao glanced at Yingzhao.
Yingzhao looked away.
It ignored him.
He curled his lips.
"It's just a guess."
After all, most of the yaoguai he'd met had a sweet tooth.
This one... probably wasn't an exception.