The Final Match

"Mm."

Xiao Xiao smiled. "I'll do my best."

"Pink Snow, let's go."

Xiao Xiao patted the horse beside him on the head. "It's our turn."

"Neigh~"

Pink Snow lowered its head and nuzzled Xiao Xiao's palm.

Its voice brimmed with fighting spirit.

Xiao Xiao didn't lead the horse.

Pink Snow followed closely behind him of its own accord, matching his every step.

When they reached the starting line, Young Master Yao was already waiting there, leaning against his horse.

Seeing Xiao Xiao approach, Young Master Yao straightened up. With a friendly yet somewhat reserved smile, he held out his hand.

"Hello, Master Xiao."

"I haven't had a chance to introduce myself. My surname is Yao, and my given name is Hua."

"Master Xiao, I hope you'll... give me your guidance."

"Hello."

Xiao Xiao shook his hand. "My surname is Xiao, and my given name is Xiao—the Xiao in 'valiant.'"

Xiao Xiao?

Yao Hua searched his memory carefully once more.

Sure enough, he didn't know anyone by that name.

But what was Wang Tong's attitude about?

Yao Hua put aside his doubts and looked at Pink Snow beside Xiao Xiao. "That's a fine horse."

"But my Red Hare isn't bad, either."

"Master Xiao took a liking to him earlier, after all, didn't you?"

Hm?

Yao Hua's words caught Xiao Xiao off guard. Then he remembered that Bo had been resting in the stable next to this chestnut horse called Red Hare.

Looking at Yao Hua's somewhat smug smile, Xiao Xiao's lips curved slightly.

What a misunderstanding.

Still, Xiao Xiao reached out and patted Red Hare's head. "He's a fine horse, indeed."

Red Hare obediently let Xiao Xiao pet him.

He couldn't have been better behaved.

Yao Hua: ...