Si Shuo's cry of "What a sin!" still echoed through the courtyard.
He even wore an expression that said, "Come ask me, come comfort me."
But the pavilion was terribly quiet.
When the concern he had expected failed to arrive, he secretly opened his eyes a crack and peeked toward the pavilion.
Wait.
I'm in such a miserable state.
And none of you will even ask?
At least... offer me a chair?
Si Shuo could neither stand nor sit comfortably. Just as he was considering whether to cough twice to remind everyone that a living, breathing person was still here,
Ye Fu set down her teacup.
"Chen'er."
Her voice was as gentle as ever. "Those things you said earlier... who taught you?"
At his mother's question, Si Chen turned his head in one direction almost at the same instant as Red Wind beside him.
Swish, swish, swish.
Following Si Chen's and Red Wind's gazes, everyone in the pavilion slowly, in perfect unison, turned their eyes toward Black Mountain.
Every strand of Black Mountain's fur shot upright.
He waved his bear paws wildly, his head shaking like a pellet drum.
"Wasn't me! I didn't! Don't go making things up!"
"You've gotta believe me! I'm a respectable bear!"
As Ye Fu listened to his protests, the smile on her face never changed. She remained as gentle and approachable as ever, her eyes curved with her smile.
Yet somehow, Black Mountain kept feeling a chill run up his spine.
"No need to be nervous, Fellow Daoist Black Mountain..."
Ye Fu spoke softly, as though afraid of startling him. "Chen'er is young. When he's away from home, it's quite normal for him to pick up... mm, all sorts of things."
As she spoke, she lifted the fresh cup of tea Qing Li had brought