Do Not Approach

66

She had thought Xiaoxiao was more capable than this.

Just so-so.

She wasn't affected at all.

At least, that's what she told herself until the sound of water trickling from the bathroom reached her ears. Glancing down, she realized the book she was holding was upside down.

Thankfully, no one had seen it.

If no one saw, it didn't count.

Calmly, she flipped the book right side up and even took a sip from her teacup, as if nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Xiaoxiao hurriedly rinsed off. She had already washed thoroughly earlier, hoping to enjoy a peaceful night of sleep. But thanks to the young miss' antics, she now had to clean up all over again.

This time, she was more cautious, dressing properly before stepping out.

Returning to the room, she found the young miss sipping tea, her expression calm and composed. As she hung her towel on the rack, Xiaoxiao couldn't help but sneak glances at her, feeling both awkward and slightly afraid.

Just then, Zhang Qiao popped in from the next room, holding a box filled with chirping baby chicks.

"Xiaoxiao, Sister Qin, come take a look!"

Xiaoxiao's head throbbed at the sight of the chicks. "What are you doing with those?"

Zhang Qiao beamed. "The folks from the neighboring village gave them to me. I thought we could each raise a few, and in three months, we can donate them to families in need."

What a saint!

Clearly touched by some moral enlightenment, Zhang Qiao had decided to drag her friends into her good deeds.

Qin Yi, however, was indifferent. She had no interest in animals. She barely paid attention to people, let alone creatures.

Noticing the young miss' lack of enthusiasm, Zhang Qiao hesitated and glanced at Xiaoxiao, as if asking, What's going on? Sister Qin doesn't seem happy.

Xiaoxiao glanced at the young miss and gave Zhang Qiao a reassuring look.

Don't worry, I've got this.

Xiaoxiao replaced the newspaper lining the box with fresh sheets and brought it over to Qin Yi. Stroking the fluffy chicks pecking at grains inside, she said, "Look, young miss. Aren't they adorable?"

These were tiny chicks, barely hatched, their soft yellow down like little puffs of cotton, and their eyes gleaming like black gems.

But Qin Yi wasn't interested in the slightest.

Undeterred, Xiaoxiao set the box down and went to fetch more grain. Zhang Qiao wanted to chat with the young miss, but Xiaoxiao tugged her away.

"Hey, what's the deal?" Zhang Qiao protested. She was eager to talk to Sister Qin.

"Shh. Keep quiet," Xiaoxiao mouthed, gesturing for silence.

Keep quiet? Although Zhang Qiao was puzzled, she kept quiet as Mu Xiaoxiao instructed.

Xiaoxiao dragged her to the kitchen to find some rice and whispered in her ear, "Tiptoe. Don't make a sound."

Zhang Qiao: ...

What is Mu Xiaoxiao up to? Did she become a professional thief after just a few days away?

Following Xiaoxiao's lead, the two crept silently to the young miss' door. Xiaoxiao squatted down, and Zhang Qiao followed suit. They peeked inside together.