The view returned to the present.
Amid Dr. Xiao's complaints, the young government-funded student finally gave up supervising the dressed mice's preparations. He smoothed the faint wrinkles in his new robe from squatting and standing, then hurried outside.
In truth, he enjoyed observing the details of an unfamiliar civilization. If he had not had business to attend to, he would certainly have crouched beside those mice with a notebook for the entire afternoon.
Perhaps after today's opening ceremony, he could try suggesting another visit to Ding Dang Ear's mouse settlement. Hadn't they said an important figure from the mouse clan would be arriving today? If he flattered that important figure properly, perhaps his wish would come true.
With that little scheme in mind, the government-funded student lifted his robe hem and stepped over the threshold.
There was less than a quarter of an hour until the Hour of the Snake.
Even in the depths of winter, the sun had no choice but to crawl above the horizon, revealing its bare form as it hung in the grayish-white sky and scattered a little pale sunlight.
Pale though it was, it was still sunlight. The glare made the young wizard narrow his eyes slightly.
The congratulations of neighbors mixed with the bustling clamor of the commercial street and drifted into Zheng Qing's ears, unconsciously pulling his lips into a brilliant smile.
As his eyes adjusted to the light, the young wizard opened them and immediately noticed the guests who had arrived early.
"Welcome, welcome..." He clasped his hands in greeting and strode forward with a beaming smile—according to the rules, as the legal representative of Ding Ding Finance and Pest Control Company, only he was qualified to receive the guests. "You've come so early!"
The gaunt old man approaching him was none