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The four of them went to Qiao Yi's elementary school just as classes let out. They stood out among the children and ate their way down the snack street outside the school gate.

By the time they reached the end, they were stuffed. Each had a soda to soothe her lips, swollen from the spicy food.

"Whew, these grilled sausages have a kick." Zhu Zhitao blew on her mouth as she praised them. "So good. The best snacks really are outside schools."

"Cheap and delicious," Qiao Yi added.

Shen Baili took a sip of lychee soda and felt instantly refreshed. "Exactly!"

Sang Fang nodded silently, eating a skewer of grilled squid in one bite. "The portions are a little small, though."

"Elementary school kids have small appetites." Zhu Zhitao swiped a skewer from her hand.

"Where should we go now? Home?" Qiao Yi asked.

"Let's walk for a bit before we go back. I'm too full." Shen Baili rubbed her stomach.

"Sure. There's a park nearby." Qiao Yi quickly came up with a destination. "It's pretty fun."

"This way." She pointed.

"Qiao Yi? Is that you?"

A couple they didn't know called out to Qiao Yi. They stared at her intently, their expressions strange.

Shen Baili stepped forward, instinctively wanting to shield Qiao Yi.

Qiao Yi patted her arm. "I know them."

"Auntie Wang, Uncle Wang, hello."

"It's been a long time," Qiao Yi said hesitantly.

The middle-aged couple took a close look at her. "You've grown so much."

"You're almost taller than me." Auntie Wang's eyes were full of affection.

"In a few years, she'll be taller than you."

Qiao Yi stood still and let them look her over. It was quite a while before she left with her friends.

Zhu Zhitao glanced back. The couple was still watching