"Dessert?"
The old man paused for a moment, then looked pleased.
"Your grandfather was thoughtful."
"I really like the desserts from your family's shop."
"Honestly, the biggest regret about moving is that I can't drop by your teahouse whenever I feel like it, the way I used to..."
A hint of regret crept into the old man's voice.
"Have a seat."
The old man took some snacks from beneath the coffee table.
"I don't get many young visitors, so I wasn't sure if you'd like any of these..."
Grandpa Zhang furrowed his brow.
He didn't eat snacks much himself.
After all, he was getting on in years. His appetite had dwindled, and his teeth weren't what they used to be.
He'd bought these snacks just a few days ago, along with various other odds and ends, since the New Year was approaching.
Xiao Xiao set the box of desserts on the coffee table.
"Grandpa Zhang, I like these."
Xiao Xiao's eyes crinkled with a smile.
"Really?"
The wrinkles at the corners of the old man's eyes relaxed.
"That's good. I'm glad you like them."
"Have some more, then."
Grandpa Zhang looked at Xiao Xiao, a wistful expression crossing his face.
"Just like that, you've grown so much."
"Do you still remember me?"
The old man didn't expect much.
He'd moved here six years ago.
Back then, the boy had still been little.
How could he remember one among all the customers who'd visited the teahouse?
But—
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"I remember."
"Really?"
The old man wasn't convinced.
He thought the boy was only saying that so he wouldn't feel disappointed.
He smiled, but didn't call the boy out on it.
It wasn't a big deal.
The boy meant well, and that was enough for him.
"You have a