The girl felt a little resentful.
It was all that brat's fault. Because of him, her dad had scolded her, and then her mom had lectured her too.
She was furious, but had nowhere to vent.
She was totally innocent, okay?
And her dad had even threatened her...
Hmph!
"All right."
Mom Xi patted the girl on the shoulder.
"Fortunately, nothing happened this time."
"Just remember the lesson."
"Next time we have guests over, put your snakes away."
"Especially where little kids can't see them."
After a few more words of nagging, Mom Xi walked away.
The girl puffed out her cheeks.
"Still not over it?"
The boy smiled.
"Big brother."
The girl had only noticed that her brother was back after their dad had noticed, too.
She was a little surprised as well.
"I almost forgot you were coming home today."
"Don't feel bad. I almost forgot, too."
The boy shook his head.
"Mom and Dad nearly forgot as well."
"Isn't that because of you?"
The girl suddenly raised her hand.
The boy reacted at once, taking a big step backward.
"Xi Xinxin!"
The boy shouted.
"What?"
The girl wiggled her hand.
Her wrist was bare. There was no snake on it, despite what the boy had thought.
Her eyes curved as she flashed a sly, triumphant smile.
"You!"
The boy looked a little annoyed.
The girl immediately softened her expression, looking utterly innocent.
"Big brother."
"I just raised my hand."
"You're the one who overreacted."
"Did you think there was a snake on my hand?"
"How could there be?"
The girl spread her hands.
"Dad got me out of bed first thing this morning and yelled at me."
"Then he gave me a thorough scolding."
"When would I