After having some pastries and tea, Xiao Xiao said goodbye to the old man again.
This time, the old man didn't try to stop him.
The old man simply waved at his grandson.
"Be careful on your way back to school."
"When crossing the street, watch out for cars on both sides. Even when the pedestrian light is green, you still need to be careful..."
"I know."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"I'll be careful."
"Then, Grandpa, I'm off."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
The old man watched his grandson walk out through the courtyard gate.
Only after he could no longer see his grandson did the old man look away.
He glanced at the chessboard.
Then he looked up.
A deep smile spread across his face.
"Let's play another round."
"I'm sure I'll do better this time than I did last round."
The old man was already rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
Xiao Xiao stepped through the courtyard gate.
The plum blossom fragrance that had lingered beneath his nose vanished at once.
He smiled.
Then he casually closed the gate behind him.
He walked out of the alley, and a broad swath of sunlight suddenly spilled before him.
Xiao Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly.
He didn't break stride.
The street was bustling with traffic, filled with a steady roar.
It was lively.
The mood was infectious, and his spirits lifted a little.
"Ow!"
The old woman cried out in pain.
The basket of vegetables in her hand fell to the ground.
The vegetables spilled everywhere.
"My vegetables!"
The old woman didn't have time to worry about anything else. She hurriedly bent down to gather them.
After standing frozen for a few seconds, the "culprit" beside her seemed to come to his senses and crouched