Was it not enough?
Had he underestimated Ouyang's appetite?
Had Ouyang just been making polite conversation with him at the teahouse that day?
Old Master Xiao furrowed his brow slightly.
Xiao Xiao smiled and shook his head.
"It wasn't that Grandpa Ouyang didn't have enough."
"It's that Grandpa Ouyang's friend really likes our pastries."
"So I think it'd be fine to bring more pastries the next time you visit Grandpa Ouyang."
"Oh, oh."
Old Master Xiao nodded in sudden realization.
"So that's how it is."
The old man looked a little proud.
"Heh, our pastries really are good."
"Anyone who's had them once will keep thinking about them."
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao's lips curved into a smile.
"Grandpa and Dad are both really skilled."
"Your grandpa is still better."
Father Xiao waved his hand.
The old man was childish.
If he found out he wasn't the best, he'd get a little upset.
Old Master Xiao gave a modest little nod.
"Your dad just needs a few more years of practice to reach Grandpa's level."
"And for you to catch up with your dad..."
"You've still got a long way to go."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"Mm."
"I've still got a long way to go."
Seeing his grandson admit it so readily, the old man cleared his throat uncertainly.
Had he been too discouraging?
"Not exactly."
"You've spent all these years focusing on your studies..."
And the boy had earned himself an exceptionally impressive report card.
"You just haven't put much effort into learning this craft."
They had never said they would force the boy to inherit their skills or take over the teahouse.
Though the teahouse wasn't a major business,
it held special meaning for the Xiao family.
But they weren't old-fashioned elders.
The boy