Xiao Qinghe quickly slipped the lantern among the others and hid it behind them.
"You'll find out when we release the lanterns tonight. Let's go."
As though trying to hide something, he hurriedly dragged them away.
"Senior Brother Xiao..."
Ouyang Susu's tearful voice drifted plaintively from behind him.
Xiao Qinghe glanced back.
Shit!
How did I leave her behind?
He lowered his gaze.
Well, damn!
He had an arm hooked around each of theirs, one in black and one in white, one on either side.
On his left was the deep bond between master and disciple; on his right, the affection between senior and junior. Perfect harmony.
As for Ouyang Susu?
Sorry, there was no room left.
Ouyang Susu was on the verge of tears.
"Senior Brother Xiao, how could you steal them away and leave me behind?"
Xiao Qinghe: "..."
That's not what I meant!
I didn't!
Don't make things up!
Ouyang Susu held out her delicate hand, looking utterly pitiful.
"I want to hold hands too."
She spoke to Xiao Qinghe, but her eyes were on Bai Yuqing and Xie Jun. Xiao Qinghe had nothing to do with it.
This was genuinely awkward.
Xiao Qinghe quickly let go and laughed awkwardly.
"I'm hungry!"
He darted into the inn.
The pair in black and white looked at their now-empty arms, their brows creasing slightly.
Ouyang Susu seized the chance to approach, trying to take Xiao Qinghe's place and link arms with them both.
"Men and women shouldn't touch." Xie Jun stepped aside, expressionless.
Bai Yuqing's white robes swished as he followed Xiao Qinghe, without so much as a glance at her.
"My disciple, you're injured. Don't run around. Mind you don't fall."
Ouyang Susu: "..."
She had been showered with affection since childhood. When had she ever suffered such