Taotie angrily took the spoon and scooped up a huge spoonful from the bucket.
Its mouth curled into a grin as it shoved the entire spoon into the mouth beneath its armpit.
It looked at Xiao Xiao with a hint of provocation in its eyes.
Xiao Xiao couldn't help laughing.
What a childish creature.
That evening, Grandpa Mu and Grandma Tan knocked on the gate to the Xiao family's courtyard. Behind them, Mu Tan Song carried several large and small bags.
The Xiao family, sitting in the courtyard to enjoy the cool evening air, stared at them in surprise.
Everyone except Xiao Xiao.
Once they understood what had happened, the Xiao family all turned to look at Xiao Xiao, their expressions filled with the same astonishment.
"Xiao Xiao, thank you so much."
"Thank you. Truly."
Master Mu and Grandma Tan bowed to Xiao Xiao together, their voices heavy with emotion and edged with a barely perceptible catch in their throats.
Seeing them, Mu Tan Song hurriedly bowed as well.
"Grandpa Mu, Grandma Tan, you're too kind."
Xiao Xiao smiled helplessly and reached out to support the two elders by their arms, hoping to help them straighten up.
But the two elders were quite stubborn.
They refused to rise.
Xiao Xiao couldn't force them, afraid he might hurt them.
The smile on his lips grew even more helpless.
"All right, Old Mu, A Ying, get up."
"You're both so old. Aren't you afraid you'll throw out your backs bending over like that?"
Grandpa Xiao spoke up. "We've been neighbors for how many years? You watched Xiao Xiao grow up, after all."
"It's only right for him to do something for you."
"A simple thank-you would've been enough. Why be so formal?"
"That's right. Come on,