And...
"It's not exactly common for shoes to go missing."
No.
It was more than uncommon.
It was extremely rare.
Shoes going missing wasn't a big problem.
But if they went missing and their owners didn't notice at all... that was a big problem.
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao gently rubbed his fingers against the side of his cup.
Shoes going missing...
It somehow felt familiar...
"Your reaction time is pretty slow."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved slightly.
Huh?
Chi Xiuke's eyes widened a little.
A few moments later, she understood what Master Xiao meant.
Her eyes fluttered, and she looked a little embarrassed.
"I was going to ask just now..."
But then Master Xiao had asked where she wanted to go for dinner...
And she'd gotten caught up thinking about the restaurant her brother's friend had recommended to him.
Her brother hadn't been able to bring her here this time.
So she'd brought Master Xiao here first.
If the food was good, she could come back with her brother next time.
Xiao Xiao smiled.
He was about to say something when he seemed to notice something and closed his mouth.
The server came to bring their food.
Before long, the empty table was filled with all kinds of dishes, each beautifully presented and mouthwateringly fragrant.
Their bright, vivid colors whetted the appetite.
After eating a few bites, Chi Xiuke suddenly asked,
"Master Xiao."
"Their shoes went missing..."
"Did they lose them themselves?"
"But if they did, how come they didn't notice at all?"
"No, wait."
"Even if someone else stole them..."
"How would a thief..."
"Steal their shoes without the owners noticing?"
"That's incredible."
"I can't even imagine how..."
"They were all wide awake."
"They hadn't fallen asleep."
"If it really was a thief..."