Ya Ya looked at him as though they hadn't been apart for so long.
There was no longing.
No surprise.
No anger or reproach, either.
Only coldness and indifference.
Even though he really didn't want to accept it...
Even though it hurt...
This was how he and Ya Ya were meeting again.
The boy could only accept it.
And deal with it alone.
Because Ya Ya, the only one who could understand how he felt...
didn't feel the same way.
"Ya Ya."
The boy looked at the gray-haired monster.
His hands twisted together tightly.
He was so nervous that he could barely stand steady.
"You..."
"We..."
The boy stumbled over his words.
He was too nervous.
He knew the words he was about to say might be the last ones he and Ya Ya ever exchanged.
He took a deep breath.
He didn't want to give up just like this.
Even though Ya Ya's attitude had really hurt him.
But, truthfully, he had brought it on himself...
He suppressed the hurt, embarrassment, and awkwardness in his heart...
He swallowed his pride and tried one more time...
"Can't we really be like we were before..."
"Can't we be friends again?"
Xiao Xiao's expression paused for a moment.
Then a faint smile appeared in his eyes.
The boy's bluntness was somewhat unexpected.
As expected.
Children were more candid than adults.
Well.
He meant most children and adults.
There were always exceptions, after all.
Xiao Xiao reached for the plate.
But his hand found nothing.
He lowered his eyes.
Before long, his gaze fell on a certain dark figure.
Little Taotie stiffened.
Then the eyes beneath its arms narrowed to slits.
It closed its wide-open mouth.
Then grinned.
Obediently, it offered Xiao Xiao the pastry in its claws,