We've Been Taking the Long Way Around
Under the dim lights, the little pudding in front of Big Macaque had already been stirred into a bowl of mush, yet she did not notice at all. Still immersed in it, she said, "I'm not talking nonsense. It's seriously so fun. The gameplay, the rhythm—what a waste it'd be not to play it at least once. I'm telling you, after being in Heaven Origin for so long, today was the best day I've had."
Little Bean swallowed with difficulty and asked ingratiatingly, "Big Macaque, what exactly is that thing you were playing?"
"You don't know?"
"Of course I know!"
"What were you playing, then?"
Little Bean was just about to answer when Big Macaque said maliciously, "Don't forget, we're Six-Eared Macaques."
Little Bean immediately deflated and said softly, "Sorry, I don't know."
"Heh heh."
"Please, what were you playing? Tell me. I need to have something to show for it tomorrow."
"Heh heh, pick the salt grains out for me!"
"Gulp—"
"Pick the salt grains out for me!"
Because of her ancestral reversion, Big Macaque also had some monkey-like traits, such as being extra hairy, loving bananas, and easily accumulating salt grains in her fur.
Having salt grains stuck all over her fur was always unpleasant, but she did not like bathing. So she often dragged people over to help pick the salt out, and each session lasted several hours.
Little Bean hated doing this, but since he needed a favor from her, he could only frown and extend his hand, patiently searching through her fur.
"Do it properly, or I won't tell you."
"Got it—wait, how do I know you're not lying? What if you didn't see anything at all?"
"That's true. Then I'll give you a hint. It's a monster-killing,