"By the way."
Xiao Xiao came back.
"For you."
He handed the mushroom people two little spoons.
"Gugu`"
"Gugu~"
The mushroom people took the spoons.
They looked at the spoons in their hands, then at the shaved ice in front of them. Taking a deep breath, they carefully scooped up a spoonful.
"Gugu~"
One of the mushroom people cupped its face with one hand.
So cold.
So sweet.
Its eyes curved into crescent moons.
"Do you like it?"
Xiao Xiao crouched down and watched the two little mushroom people's expressions.
"Gugu~"
The mushroom people nodded vigorously.
They liked it.
"Gugu~"
It was delicious.
"Gugu~"
Delicious.
Their unanimous and perfectly in-sync verdict made Xiao Xiao chuckle.
He gently patted both mushroom people on the head.
"I'm glad you like it."
"Each color has a different flavor."
"You can try them all."
"If there's a flavor you especially like, you can tell me later."
"Of course, if there's a flavor you especially dislike, you can tell me that too."
"Well... go ahead and eat."
Xiao Xiao stood up.
He looked around at the other spirits in the courtyard.
They all wore much the same expressions.
The shaved ice was something new to them.
As for the taste...
Was there any spirit that didn't like sweets?
At least there didn't seem to be one in this courtyard.
Xiao Xiao picked up a bowl of shaved ice.
He glanced up.
The Plum Blossom Woman sat on a branch.
She held a bowl of shaved ice and ate it slowly.
Xiao Xiao smiled at the Plum Blossom Woman.
Her cool features softened, curving into a faint smile.
She liked the shaved ice.
Its cool, sweet taste.
It suited the chilly weather perfectly.
Xiao Xiao quietly set