The roads were slippery in the snow.
Li Ping'an and Old Ox each carried a large basket on their backs, filled with chopped wood.
Snowflakes danced endlessly across the sky like willow catkins in spring.
Li Ping'an looked up. "Who knows when this snow will stop? The scenery in Wind and Snow City is a little dull. Snow everywhere you look."
"Moo~"
"Once the cold night passes, we'll leave Wind and Snow City."
"Moo~"
The man and the ox chatted on and off.
Before long, they reached home.
Some twenty men clad in snow armor stood in the courtyard.
It seemed that after the last assassination attempt, security around the young gentleman had been strengthened considerably.
"We have guests."
Li Ping'an and Old Ox unhurriedly set down their baskets.
"Mr. Li!"
Seeing the young gentleman together with Old Guo, he had a fair idea of what was going on.
He nodded with a smile. "Please, everyone, have a seat. Let me wash my face first."
A little while later, Li Ping'an returned and asked casually,
"Has the Cat Immortal finished her writing?"
The little girl blinked. "The Fairy was writing when the guests arrived. The Fairy has been busy looking after them all this time."
Li Ping'an glanced at the large rat on the table and couldn't help smiling.
"Sorry to make a spectacle of ourselves," he told them.
"Not at all, not at all."
"The Fairy isn't a spectacle!" The little girl was a little angry.
[○･｀Д´･ ○]
"Thank you for saving me yesterday, Mr. Li. I've come especially to express my gratitude." The young gentleman cupped his hands.
"You're too kind, young sir."
Li Ping'an spoke calmly.
"I've brought some gifts today. I hope you'll accept them."
The young gentleman had his men carry in chests.
There were