Grandpa Xiao still hadn't asked who had brought the child to the teahouse.
They didn't even know their own child was missing.
And they'd let her wander off on her own.
Grandpa Xiao was somewhat displeased with the child's family.
A lot of the time, that was how accidents happened.
Fortunately, this time the child had only wandered into the back courtyard.
If she'd made it out to the road...
How dangerous would that have been?
The child's family had been far too careless.
The red-eyed child was soon led back by her grandfather.
The old man had been engrossed in watching the chess game with the others gathered around it.
He hadn't even noticed his granddaughter was missing.
The child's grandfather thanked Grandpa Xiao profusely.
If the child had gotten lost while she was out with him, how could he explain it to her parents?
How could he live with himself?
The child's grandfather had her sit down.
He ordered her some pastries.
And flower tea.
The pretty flower tea would be more appealing to a little girl.
He repeatedly reminded her not to wander off and to sit quietly in her seat.
The tea and pastries arrived soon after.
Seeing the child smile, her fair little face showing no trace of her earlier tears, her grandfather felt most of his worry melt away.
After a few more reminders, he rejoined the group watching the chess game.
When Grandpa Xiao came out of the kitchen and saw the child sitting alone, he couldn't help wondering what was going on.
Then he noticed her grandfather standing nearby, completely absorbed in watching the game, and shook his head helplessly.
That grandfather really was carefree.
The child had only just wandered away from him...
Oh, well.
As a