Her heart churned with a mix of emotions.
The child unconsciously tightened her grip on her mother's hand.
The woman gently squeezed the child's hand in return, soothing her in a soft voice.
"It's all right."
"Mom and Dad are both here."
Mm.
The child nodded.
Her nervousness about meeting a stranger began to fade.
In its place came greater excitement and anticipation at meeting an older boy just like her.
The group took a taxi to the teahouse where they had arranged to meet.
The antique decor and elegant, refreshing scent of tea helped the child and her family relax, easing their unease and nervousness.
The group went up to the second floor.
Xu Zizhen knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Xu Zizhen pushed the door open.
But he didn't enter the room.
Xiao Xiao sat by the window and turned to look toward the doorway.
Sunlight streaming in through the window enveloped the young man.
It blurred his features somewhat.
The man and woman narrowed their eyes as they studied him.
They had thought the young man wouldn't even let them see his face.
Now that they could meet him in person, the man and woman felt a little more at ease.
The more they could learn about him, the more confident they would feel.
And yet...
The young man, surrounded by the fragrance of tea and sunlight, seemed to have a faint halo around him...
On top of that...
The man and woman couldn't help leaning forward.
The white creature in the young man's arms.
Its smooth, soft fur seemed to glow white.
All of it added to the room's peculiar atmosphere.
This young man...
He really did seem...
a little different.
He had an unusual... otherworldly air about