This was the old man's crowning achievement.
His greatest masterpiece to date.
He wasn't sure whether he would still have the energy and skill to carve another work so full of life.
Perhaps this wood carving was his one and only.
The old man truly felt the sting of giving away a work that meant so much to him.
But when he noticed the increasingly resolute, steady look in his son's eyes, he suddenly came around.
The carving was worth giving away.
If it weren't for Xiao Xiao, their family might be in a very different situation now.
They still had their house, and Ancient Wood Xuan was still there. Their once wayward, good-for-nothing son had not only come back, but had also changed so much for the better that they could hardly believe it.
Thinking about it that way, one wood carving seemed nowhere near enough to repay such a kindness.
Still, he had never thought that a wood carving could wipe away their debt of gratitude.
He wasn't that presumptuous.
Their whole family would always remember this kindness and repay it as best they could.
"Old Wood, you're incredible."
Xiao Grandmother praised him sincerely. "This carving looks so lifelike."
"That's right, Mom. Look, you can even see the fur on A Jiu and the markings on A Bai."
"Indeed."
"How can anyone carve something so delicately?"
Xiao Grandmother and Madam Xiao marveled. "The expressions are so vivid, too."
Hearing something odd in their words, Grandpa Mu couldn't help interrupting them. "A Jiu and A Bai?"
A puzzled look crossed the old man's face.
Wasn't there only one little fox on Xiao Xiao?
He hadn't even known Xiao Xiao had carved any other animals.
At that, the Xiao family exchanged knowing smiles.
"Grandpa Mu."
Xiao