Boss Xia, This Time It's Your Turn to Receive a Gift

The next day, Xia Che had just opened his book to the page from last night when Su Yuntao arrived.

He had come early today, his steps light and brisk. Upon entering, he first nodded to Xia Che, then turned back to hold the door open and wait for Chatot to fly in behind him.

The bird held yesterday's little paper packet in its beak.

This time, the packet was tied with a thin purple string.

"Still haven't gotten your set of awakening equipment replaced?" Xia Che asked.

"Another two days. I asked yesterday afternoon, and the person in charge said he'd test everything together before handing it over." Su Yuntao stopped before the counter. "The peer exchange hasn't ended either. Since I have time these next few days, I might as well hear more of their methods. They'll come in handy when I return to Nuoding."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chatot landed on the counter and pushed the paper packet toward Xia Che.

It gave it a shove, then looked at him.

Only after Xia Che set down his book did it take half a step back, folding its wings with satisfaction.

"For me?"

"For Boss."

Chatot had learned the phrase quite clearly, only raising its tone slightly at the end. Su Yuntao stood beside it, the corners of his mouth lifting as well.

Xia Che slowly untied the purple string.

Inside was a narrow bookmark. Its base was made from soft purple cloth, the edges neatly stitched with pale thread, and a small wooden bead sewn onto one end. The bead had been polished smooth, though two peck marks of different depths remained on its surface.

Xia Che brushed it with his fingertip. "You picked these two marks too?"

Chatot immediately thrust its head closer.

Su