The Pipa Ghost and the Formation

"Then why don't you get lost?"

The old man cut in through gritted teeth.

Xiao Xiao had already gotten completely used to ignoring the old man's insults.

He might not be able to argue with an elderly man, but he could at least rile him up a little.

"Could I take a look inside your room?"

Xiao Xiao asked the old man, who was blocking the doorway.

"No."

The old man flatly refused. "All right, since you didn't find it, you can leave now."

"Go on, go on."

The old man waved his hand, clearly trying to shoo him away.

"Don't come back here with any of your cats."

"Or don't blame me for what happens."

Xiao Xiao glanced up at the sky. Dark clouds blanketed it, and rain poured down in torrents.

The rain pattered incessantly.

Moisture filled the air.

"Grandpa, it's raining so hard. Could I stay a little longer?"

Xiao Xiao looked at the old man.

Noticing Xiao Xiao's earlier glance, the old man looked outside at the downpour too. He found it hard to tell him to leave.

The hostility surrounding him stalled, then eased a little. "Fine. Stay if you want."

"But leave as soon as the rain stops. Got it?"

"Then, Grandpa, this room—"

"No."

The old man impatiently cut Xiao Xiao off before he could finish.

Another refusal.

Xiao Xiao smiled. "Grandpa, I won't go inside."

"Could I just take a look from the doorway?"

"If I don't take a look, I won't be satisfied."

"What if the kitten is in there?"

"Impossible."

The old man categorically denied it. "I've been here the whole time. If a cat came in, wouldn't I know?"

"The whole time?"

"Didn't you just go out to