Steven had probably been assigned by his father to entertain the guest at the party—namely Wade—and he stayed by the young wizard's side the entire time without showing any impatience. However, the enormous difference in their heights clearly amused the guests who saw them, and from time to time, someone would look at them and snort with laughter.
Steven simply pretended not to notice and accompanied Wade on a tour of Suoluo Garden.
The garden was neat and well-kept. Pale yellow long tables were laden with all kinds of food and drinks for the guests to help themselves to.
The party was being held around a fountain. At its center stood a Mermaid Statue—the kind of Merpeople said to be extraordinarily beautiful, with graceful figures and glittering fish tails, singing enchanting melodies.
Small dancer statues stood atop the surrounding stone railings as well. They danced tirelessly, scattering tiny golden balls of light as they spun. Wade reached out and gently touched one. It burst like a bubble, leaving a faint coolness on his fingertip.
The green lawn around them had been freshly trimmed, like a soft, velvety carpet. All kinds of competing flowers were planted around the fountain and in the flowerbeds, clusters of blossoms pressing together in particularly dazzling displays. Some were flowers that could only be seen in spring or summer, yet here they bloomed regardless of the season.
Tall trees with crowns like giant umbrellas had been planted along both sides of the path. They were the source of the name "Suoluo Garden"—suoluo trees. Steven proudly introduced the plants to him. Their history could be traced back at least two hundred million years, predating even the dinosaurs. They were true living fossils, and the Murray family had a House-elf specifically responsible for tending the suoluo trees.
Halfway