"Why do kids ask so many questions? Just draw!"
Xuanhui ruffled his hair and glanced at his drawing.
"Nice work! That tiger really looks like a tiger!"
"Teacher... it's a cat..."
Xuanhui withdrew his hand and looked at Pakura, who was snickering.
"Sai, want to draw a picture of your teacher and his wife?"
Pakura pointed at the canvas and looked expectantly at Sai.
"Huh? I haven't practiced drawing portraits yet..."
That reminded Xuanhui of something!
He rummaged through his scroll and pulled out some goodies for Sai.
"Books? Teacher, why are you suddenly giving me..."
Sai's words abruptly caught in his throat.
His fingertips began to tremble slightly, creasing the pages he gripped.
"These flowing curves... these beautiful curves... and this incredible art style!"
Sai's eyes opened wider. The boy who usually smiled with his eyes narrowed now had the color of his irises clearly visible.
Pakura leaned over for a look, and her gaze was drawn to them too.
"Is this manga? The art is so good!"
"I've never seen artwork like this...
Teacher, did you draw all these?"
"I didn't draw them. I just have a way to get them. Don't ask about the rest."
Sai gently turned a couple of pages, his breathing slowly coming to a halt.
He slowly closed the manga and hugged it to his chest as though he had found a priceless treasure.
His gaze toward Xuanhui no longer held only affection and respect.
There was a hint of fervor too!
"Teacher, this is an amazing gift..."
"As long as you like it."
Sai nodded solemnly, then slowly opened the bible in his hands and began studying its mysteries!
Seeing that Sai had settled into studying, Xuanhui and Pakura tactfully left the courtyard.
The two moved on to Karin's room.
When they