At dusk, the lingering glow of the setting sun painted half the courtyard orange-red.
The courtyard gate creaked open, and Rou returned home with Xiao Wu by the hand.
Before they even reached the central courtyard, the rich aroma of food greeted them.
The large stone table in the courtyard was already laden with sumptuous dishes.
Crystal pork knuckle, roast duck, steamed sea bass...
Naturally, Wukong had not cooked any of it. He had ordered takeout from the Tongfu Inn.
"Monkey Bro!"
Xiao Wu spotted Wukong sitting beside the table, arranging the bowls and chopsticks. With a delighted cry, she let go of Rou's hand and flew straight into his arms like a little pink swallow.
"Monkey Bro, you're finally back! I missed you so much!"
Xiao Wu clung to Wukong's neck like a koala, but her large eyes kept darting toward the Hundred Treasures Pouch at his waist. "Did you bring me any presents?"
Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Wukong pinched her rosy cheeks and teased, "I don't think you missed your Monkey Bro at all, little girl. You just missed my presents, didn't you?"
"Hehe, of course not! Mostly I missed Monkey Bro. I only missed the presents a little on the side."
Xiao Wu stubbornly refused to admit it, shaking Wukong's arm as she wheedled, "So, Monkey Bro, did you bring Xiao Wu any presents or not?"
Wukong set her down and put on a stern expression. "You can have your presents, but first you have to tell me the truth. While I was away these past few months, did you listen to Rou and study hard at school?"
"Yes, yes!"
Xiao Wu nodded like a chick pecking grain. "I've been really good lately! Ask Mom if you don't believe me!"
Then she turned toward