Drinking a bowl of human tea and eating some human snacks...
These were all novel experiences for Ling Yao.
It didn't mind.
It was best to let things take their course.
In any case...
"Lord Xiao Xiao, happy New Year."
Ling Yao flew onto the wall and lowered its eyes to offer another New Year's greeting.
Meeting Lord Xiao Xiao had been unexpected, and a pleasant surprise.
It hadn't wanted to get too involved in human life.
Even though it had always been somewhat interested in humans.
After all, humans and youkai were different.
Crossing the line often didn't lead to good results.
For either side.
But as long as it was Lord Xiao Xiao...
There was no problem with Lord Xiao Xiao.
Still, with the courtyard full of youkai...
Ling Yao couldn't help saying something.
Maybe it was overthinking things.
It hoped it was overthinking things.
"Lord Xiao Xiao, you should still be careful."
Xiao Xiao quickly understood what Ling Yao meant.
It seemed he had been reminded of this more than once.
His eyes curved with a smile.
"All right."
"I understand."
"Ling Yao, happy New Year."
Ling Yao nodded.
It had said what needed to be said.
"Lord Xiao Xiao, goodbye."
With that, Ling Yao spread its wings and quickly dwindled into a black speck on the horizon.
Xiao Xiao turned his gaze away.
This was probably the year he had received the most New Year's greetings in his past twenty-odd years.
And most of them had come from youkai.
New Year's greetings from youkai...
Xiao Xiao smiled.
Why did that sound a little strange?
"Ling Yao?"
Xiao Xiao looked toward the voice.
Then he raised his brows slightly. "You're awake?"
The Hundred Illusions Butterfly lazily fluttered its wings,