Xiao Xiao took the final step into the gondola.
He sat down across from Chi Xiuke and Chi Xiuchuan.
"Master Xiao."
Chi Xiuke looked curious.
"Those twins really like A Jiu, huh?"
"Mm..."
Xiao Xiao blinked.
"Isn't it only natural to like A Jiu?"
He smiled.
"A Jiu is so beautiful."
He reached out and stroked A Jiu's head.
He knew that, because the twins had eyes only for Feifei—
and because A Bai had been making sarcastic remarks—
A Jiu was feeling a little glum.
Come to think of it...
He was a little surprised, too.
In his eyes, both A Jiu and Feifei were beautiful.
Usually, very few people could see only one of them...
He meant people who could see both.
Yet those twins had managed it.
From beginning to end...
From the first time they met to their second meeting just now...
The one they'd praised, marveled at, and wanted...
had always been Feifei.
Uh...
Chi Xiuke looked at the little white fox, its fur gleaming in the light streaming past the window.
Its snowy white coat seemed to glow faintly.
A look of wonder appeared in her eyes.
"Mm."
She nodded.
"True."
"A Jiu is so beautiful. Who wouldn't like it?"
"Master Xiao."
Chi Xiuke spoke with feeling.
"You have it rough."
Hm?
Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Chi Xiuchuan also looked at his younger sister.
A hint of curiosity showed in his eyes.
"A Jiu is so beautiful."
Chi Xiuke said it as though it were obvious.
Her large almond-shaped eyes widened slightly.
"Surely lots of people like A Jiu."
"And surely lots of them try to do something about it and ask Master Xiao to sell A Jiu to them..."
"Then Master Xiao has to keep turning