After a day and a night on the road, familiar Skywater City finally came into view.
Wu Changkong stopped at the city gate, and Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er landed beside him.
"See you in a bit."
"All right. Leave the house to me."
Shui Bing'er crouched in front of Wu Changbing. "Xiao Bing, I'll come play with you tonight."
Wu Changbing said in her childish voice, "See you tonight, Bing'er."
"See you!"
Wu Dachui stood nearby and waved to the sisters. "Goodbye, Bing'er, Yue'er."
"Goodbye, Uncle," the sisters said together. They waved to Wu Changbing, then headed toward the Shui Family home.
Wu Changbing leaned against Wu Changkong's shoulder, looking curiously around Skywater City.
"Brother, where are Bing'er and Yue'er going?"
"Home, of course."
"Aren't we family?"
"Not yet, but close enough."
"Why close enough?"
"Why so many questions? Want some candied hawthorn?"
"What's candied hawthorn?"
"Something tasty. I'll buy you some."
"Okay!" Wu Changbing immediately forgot her question.
Wu Changkong walked to a candied-hawthorn stall and pulled a skewer from the straw rack.
He handed it to Wu Changbing, then turned to Wu Dachui. "Dad, want one?"
"At my age? What would I eat that for?"
"Who says you're too old?" Wu Changkong pulled out another skewer and put it straight into his hand.
Wu Dachui stared at the skewer, caught between laughter and tears. He didn't refuse again. He took a bite, and the sweet-and-sour taste spread through his mouth. Well, it really was good.
Wu Changbing held her skewer in both hands. First she sniffed it, then gave it a lick.
The moment the sweetness of the sugar reached her tongue, her eyes widened. She opened her mouth and took a bite.
"Good?"
"Good. It's sweet and sour."
"Eat slowly. Don't choke."
"Mm. You have some