"Really?"
Xiao Xiao's lips curled up.
"Looks like we were thinking the same thing."
There was a hint of amusement in Xiao Xiao's voice.
"Mm."
Lu Xiaoxiao nodded.
Her eyes curved into a smile.
"Then let's go find the shopkeeper."
The woman smiled and nodded at Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao returned her smile.
"Okay."
The three of them headed toward the cash register.
For some reason, Lu Xiaoxiao turned to look once more at Mister Rabbit, who was now some distance away from her.
The little Mister Rabbit stood steadily on the shelf.
A silver chain dangled from the monocle made of glass.
The frame and chain shimmered in the indoor light.
Mm...
Lu Xiaoxiao pressed her lips together.
She ignored the faint uneasiness in her heart.
She had probably moved too abruptly when she turned around just now and accidentally knocked it over.
It wasn't a big deal.
Why dwell on it?
Lu Xiaoxiao turned her attention to the shopkeeper, who had come into view.
Seeing him dressed much like Mister Rabbit, Lu Xiaoxiao found him a little mysterious.
Perhaps her visit had completely immersed her in the strange atmosphere created by the exhibit.
Now she was seeing everything through that lens.
When he saw the visitors approaching, the shopkeeper raised an eyebrow.
He didn't move.
He was still wondering whether he had misunderstood.
Visitors who came to see the exhibit rarely stopped by before leaving.
There was no need to.
What did they want?
Surely they weren't coming to say goodbye?
"Shopkeeper."
Well, then.
The shopkeeper put away the newspaper in his hands.
He hadn't misunderstood.
These visitors really had come to see him.
He set the newspaper on the table.
Then he stood up.
"Hello."
The shopkeeper