Xiao Xiao looked at Xu Zizhen.
"Let's go."
"Oh, right."
Xu Zizhen nodded.
He took one last look at the maple tree.
Its bare branches looked just like those of an ordinary maple tree.
Who would have thought it was a special maple tree?
He sighed inwardly.
Then he turned and hurried after Master Xiao.
Xiao Xiao went inside to say goodbye to the two elderly people.
The old woman looked surprised.
"Are you leaving so soon?"
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao nodded. "Sorry for the trouble."
"What trouble?"
The old woman waved her hand. "We like having young people come visit."
"It's better than having just us two old fogies in the house all the time, making the place feel so gloomy."
"Zizhen, see Master Xiao out."
The old man assigned him the task.
"Yes, sir."
Xu Zizhen gave a rather convincing salute.
"Mission guaranteed to be completed."
As soon as he finished speaking, he started laughing himself.
The two elderly people laughed too.
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
"That salute wasn't proper at all."
The old man ribbed his grandson.
"Don't go ruining the gesture, boy."
"Yes, yes."
Xu Zizhen shrugged.
"Then, Grandpa, Grandma, I'll see Master Xiao out."
"Mm, go ahead."
The old man looked at Xiao Xiao. "Goodbye, Master Xiao."
"If you want to see the maple tree again, just come by yourself next time."
The old woman smiled warmly. "No need to bring a gift."
"If you bring one every time you visit, we won't feel right asking you to come by often."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved with a smile.
"Mm."
"Goodbye, Grandpa Xu."
"Goodbye, Grandma."
Xu Zizhen followed Xiao Xiao to the gate.
"Master Xiao, how are you getting home?"
"I—"
As if