"Something tasty. Take it." Xiao Yao looked at Zi Yan and the other two before gently handing it over.
Zi Yan carefully accepted it, her eyes sparkling as though she had discovered a new continent.
Qing Lin and Zi Lin beside her were equally excited, impatiently tearing open the packaging.
"Wow, what is this? It smells so good—better than any pills I've eaten. There's no energy inside, but it's the tastiest thing I've ever had."
"They're called potato chips. Even Phoenix Cry likes them. Give them a try," Xiao Yao said gently.
Zi Yan took a bite of a chip. The crisp texture and unique flavor made her eyes light up.
"So delicious!" Zi Yan said happily.
The little girls ate chips and candy while chattering around Xiao Yao.
Watching their cheerful appearance, Xiao Yao's heart was filled with warmth.
After a while, Xiao Yao gave a light cough and said, "Didn't you ask where we were going? Just follow me later. Remember not to run around on your own, especially you, Zi Yan. Be careful not to get kidnapped. It'd be hard for me to explain things to the Grand Elder then!"
After saying that, Xiao Yao deliberately gave Zi Yan a teasing smile.
"Give me... a whole bunch more... of these... potato chips, and I promise... I'll behave." Zi Yan spoke indistinctly, her puffed cheeks making her look like an adorable little marmot.
"If you still want tasty food, hurry up and follow me."
Xiao Yao took the lead toward the resplendent pavilion. The three girls followed closely behind, the occasional crunching sound coming from their mouths.
A short while later, Xiao Yao led Zi Yan and the other two to the entrance of the empire's foremost auction house. After passing through the crowded stream of people, they