"Alright then."
Ye Qiu raised his brows slightly and, helplessly, extended his tentacle to gather some branches from the roadside. Then, he formed them into a frame and covered it with black fluid, which quickly turned into the shape of an umbrella, casting a patch of shade.
And truth be told—it really was cooler.
"Haha! This is awesome!"
Xiao Wu couldn't help but cling to Ye Qiu's arm, bouncing up and down again with excitement.
"Xiao San, want to come a bit closer? It's cooler over here."
Even though he didn't really want Tang San to come over, Ye Qiu still showed the necessary courtesy. Besides, he believed Tang San didn't particularly like him deep down.
"No need. I'm used to being by the stove—I don't mind the heat."
Tang San shook his head and straightforwardly declined Ye Qiu's offer. The two of them being all lovey-dovey, what was he supposed to do—insert himself in between?
"Then let's keep going like this!"
Ye Qiu shook his arms a bit—this little bunny was sticking awfully close.
"Heehee…"
The shameless little rogue bunny leaned against Ye Qiu, clinging to his arm tightly, trying to conserve as much energy as she could.
This felt totally different from when Ye Qiu had merged with her before. Now that she was the one sticking close, Ye Qiu's aura felt even hotter, even more intense.
"Hmm."
Tang San blinked in a daze. Seeing Xiao Wu so shamelessly glued to Ye Qiu, he seemed to realize something. He recalled how uncomfortable he'd felt every time the two of them led tours around the campus together. His head grew heavier with the thought.
---
Time flew by.
As they got closer to Holy Soul Village, Xiao Wu started to grow listless again. She leaned in close to Ye Qiu and whispered, "Ye Qiu… Big Sis Xiao Wu is kinda hungry~"
"I swear… Don't push your luck!"
Several black lines formed on Ye Qiu's forehead. His hand, holding the black umbrella, had gone stiff.
"What are you yelling for? I didn't even ask you to give me anything…"
Seeing the impatient expression on Ye Qiu's face, Xiao Wu didn't dare act too bold. She knew if she crossed the line, Ye Qiu might actually get mad.
She pouted quietly, then fell silent.
She obediently followed beside Ye Qiu, her rosy lips sticking out in a silent sulk.
After a while, Ye Qiu's voice floated over:
"Get it yourself."
"Huh? Yay, okay!"
Xiao Wu blinked in surprise, a little delighted. Her eyes sparkled as she reached her small hand into Ye Qiu's pants pocket.
After just a couple of pokes, her face started burning. Ye Qiu's eye twitched—it was a bit ticklish. It took her a moment before she finally pulled out a carrot-flavored lollipop. It was wrapped in a special edible wax that kept it from melting in his pocket.
Blushing, Xiao Wu smiled sweetly as she popped the lollipop into her mouth.
"Ye Qiu, want one too?"
"No thanks."
Ye Qiu gently shook his head.
"Xiao San, how much farther?"
Xiao Wu raised her hand to wipe Ye Qiu's sweat thoughtfully. Looking toward a nearby mountain peak, she turned to ask Tang San.
"Almost there. See that mountain? Our Holy Soul Village is right at the base."
As the village came into view, Tang San's mood grew excited. The closeness between Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu no longer bothered him as much.
He was eager—couldn't wait to see his father again.
Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San, then sneered to himself.
Tang San was in for disappointment. Ye Qiu knew all too well—by this time, Tang Hao, that drunkard, had already left Holy Soul Village. Even back at Notting Academy, Ye Qiu had always stayed alert—especially when Xiao Wu was nearby.
---
Soon, the three arrived at Holy Soul Village.
Tang San's family blacksmith shop was right at the village entrance. He pointed toward the shabby, broken sign on the roof and excitedly told Xiao Wu, "Look—that's my home!"
At the same time, he rushed forward in a few quick strides and called out toward the open door.
"Dad! It's me—Xiao San! I'm home!"
The door was wide open. Carrying Xiao Wu on his back, Ye Qiu could clearly see the messy clutter inside—battered jars and bottles everywhere, giving off a strange odor.
To Tang San, though, it all felt warm and familiar. Nothing had changed—it still had the same scent as always!
This… this was the taste of home!
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway.
Tang San instinctively prepared to call out to his father, but froze before the words could leave his mouth.
"Grandpa Jack?!"
"Oh! Xiao San! Didn't expect you back so soon! I was just about to grab that drunkard Tang Hao and come pick you guys up." Old Jack held a crumpled, foul-smelling piece of paper that looked like it had been soaked in liquor.
"Grandpa Jack, why are you here? Where's my dad?" A bad feeling rose in Tang San's chest, and his mood instantly sank.
"Sigh… better take a look yourself. That Tang Hao is so irresponsible! He actually left you behind like this." Old Jack passed the paper to Tang San, shaking his head with a sigh.
"Grandpa Jack, long time no see."
While Tang San stood there lost in disappointment and helplessness, staring at the letter, Ye Qiu simply smiled and greeted Old Jack.
"Haha… So Xiao Qiu's back too." Old Jack finally noticed Ye Qiu—and the adorable, doll-like Xiao Wu beside him brought a touch of surprise to his face. "Oh? Is this your little girlfriend, Xiao Qiu? What a cute girl."
Ye Qiu didn't answer—just smiled slightly and waited for Xiao Wu to correct him. But to his surprise… she didn't say a word.
When he turned to look at her, all he saw was the back of her head. Does this rabbit not even know what "girlfriend" means? That can't be, right?!
Unseen by Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu's face was already burning red. Of course she knew what "girlfriend" meant—she'd lived as a human long enough now.
"Haha…" Old Jack found the scene amusing and suddenly felt years younger. He turned to comfort Tang San. "Xiao San, don't feel too bad. Maybe Tang Hao will come back in a while."
Tang San silently shook his head. He carefully folded the paper and tucked it into his chest, then said to Old Jack, "Thank you, Grandpa Jack. The house is a mess—I won't ask you to stay. I need to clean up a bit."
Old Jack was stunned. He'd originally planned to invite Tang San over to his house. He hadn't expected the boy—so young—to basically ask him to leave. He sighed and replied helplessly:
"Alright. But if you need anything, come find me anytime."
He turned and walked away, pausing briefly to smile kindly at Ye Qiu.
"Xiao Qiu, how about you bring your little girlfriend to Grandpa Jack's place for a visit?"
"Sure!"
Ye Qiu didn't refuse, nor did he neglect Tang San.
"Xiao San, carrying this rabbit is exhausting. I need to find a place to rest. Take care of yourself."
Take care of myself…?!
Tang San's heart clenched. He said nothing, quietly entering the house to start cleaning the messy room.
Old Jack looked back at Ye Qiu and nodded to himself.
Compared to the aloof, reclusive Tang San and his father, Ye Qiu was much more likable. No wonder he already had a girlfriend.
"Well then, let's be off. Xiao San, come to Grandpa Jack's for lunch later if you want."
Receiving no response, Old Jack didn't take it to heart. He simply led Ye Qiu away toward his home.
Trailing behind, Xiao Wu glanced back curiously at Tang San. She didn't quite understand—Tang San was just as talented as her. So why was Ye Qiu so guarded against him?