"Ring, ring~"
"Welcome!"
"Tap, tap, tap~"
A flurry of hurried footsteps rang out, drowning out the server's cheerful greeting.
Someone was coming toward them.
Gu Youxuan and Winnie turned to look in the direction of the sound.
It was a boy around eleven or twelve years old.
Before they could get a good look at him, the boy had already run up beside them.
Then he ran right past them and stopped in front of Xiao Xiao.
"Master Xiao!"
The boy called out excitedly.
A hint of surprise flashed through Xiao Xiao's eyes, then a faint smile spread across his face. "Xiao Yuan."
Was today some kind of reunion for old acquaintances?
Why was he running into one familiar face after another today?
"Master Xiao."
A young man walked over after him.
He had a rugged face and a hearty smile.
"Wen Shaoyang."
Xiao Xiao called the man's name.
Master Xiao?
Winnie and Gu Youxuan both saw the same puzzled expression on each other's faces.
Wen Shaoyuan sat down beside Xiao Xiao, his small frame ramrod straight. Tilting his head, he looked at Xiao Xiao. "Hello, Master Xiao."
"It's been a long time. Have you been well lately?"
His crisp, childish voice delivered grown-up pleasantries, and his prim, little-adult demeanor made everyone there laugh.
"He's so cute~"
Winnie's eyes lit up.
Wen Shaoyang reached over and ruffled his little brother's hair. "Such a little know-it-all."
Wen Shaoyuan dodged him with a look of disgust. "Big brother, don't touch my head!"
"All right, all right."
Wen Shaoyang laughed and withdrew his hand.
Wen Shaoyuan fixed his hair, putting on a reserved expression, though his eyes sparkled as he stared at Xiao Xiao.
His hands rested on his knees, and he sat