Yue Guan froze for a moment. He blinked, looking like a fool who had just heard some absurd fantasy, his face full of disbelief.
"Th-That's it?"
Xuan Xiao rolled his eyes, looking at Yue Guan as if he were an idiot. A mocking curve lifted at the corner of his mouth, his expression full of disdain.
"What else did you expect? Didn't we come to Coconut Grove City for the lanterns?"
He pointed at Qian Xunji.
"You think everyone's like him, here because of his troublesome daughter?"
When Bibi Dong heard that, she instantly lowered her head. A faint blush flashed across her swollen face; it was impossible to tell whether she was too ashamed to face anyone or whether he had exposed her true thoughts.
Xuan Xiao turned around and hummed a little tune from memory as he walked toward the distant lantern stalls. The melody was so light and cheerful that it made everyone listening feel at ease.
"Young man, don't be too flamboyant; in light furs and on a white horse, tread upon the golden rolls. Ride high on spring winds and admire the flowers—who cares about fame and fortune..."
Humming as he walked, he reached a stall and set down a Gold Soul Coin. The stall owner was a wrinkled old man whose eyes went wide as he hurriedly accepted it.
"Uncle, give me the biggest lantern you have."
The old man swiftly took out the largest lotus lantern and handed it over. It was bigger than a washbasin, entirely red, with golden cloud patterns painted over it. It looked thoroughly festive.
Xuan Xiao took the lantern, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and held the tip above the lantern's surface.
Uh... this was awkward. He had no idea what to write.
He scratched