"He was still young. Of course he had a long way to go."
"Give him more time. Who knows, maybe one day he'll surpass you."
Grandpa Xiao looked at Mu Tan Song. "But honestly, that kid, Xiao Song, has really become much more levelheaded."
"You and A Ying can finally rest easy now."
"Yeah."
Master Mu's expression relaxed. "At least he's not beyond saving."
"He knows to mend his ways."
"Unlike your Xiao Xiao. You never had to worry about him growing up."
"We worry too."
Grandpa Xiao waved a hand. "We just worry about different things than we would with an ordinary child."
"You should just be happy."
Watching Grandpa Xiao beam with delight, Master Mu rolled his eyes.
He looked at Xiao Xiao. "Xiao Xiao, do you like this wood carving?"
Everyone's reactions had already made the answer clear, but Master Mu still couldn't help asking.
"I do."
Xiao Xiao nodded without hesitation. "Grandpa Mu, your carving is amazing."
"You captured A Jiu and A Bai perfectly."
It was just like a scale model.
"Heh, I'm glad you like it."
The wrinkles at the corners of Master Mu's eyes eased. "It may not be worth much, but it's a token of your Grandpa Mu's affection."
"Thank you for helping my family so much."
"All right, once is enough. Why are you being so formal, you old fool?"
Grandpa Xiao said, sounding displeased.
"I wasn't thanking you."
Master Mu shot him a sidelong glance.
"All right, we've given him his gift, so we won't keep you."
"Oh, come on, have a piece of watermelon before you go."
Xiao Grandmother picked up the plate of watermelon.
Master Mu's family didn't stand on ceremony. They each had a piece of watermelon, then took their leave.
The