Do Not Approach

66

Inside, the young miss is staring down at the cardboard box of baby chicks, her expression not cold or reserved like usual, but curious. She tilted her head, studying the chicks, and the chicks stared back at her.

In that moment of mutual observation, the young miss pursed her lips, as if tempted to touch one, but pulled her hand back.

Zhang Qiao was stunned, utterly amazed by what she witnessed. Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao watched quietly, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

As the young miss seemed to regain her usual composure, she picked up her teacup and gazed indifferently out the window, as if nothing had happened.

Xiaoxiao tugged on Zhang Qiao, shuffling noisily in her slippers to make their presence known. "Ugh, you're such a hassle. Why'd you bring those chicks here? My young miss doesn't like them."

The young miss kept her eyes on the clouds outside the window, seemingly uninterested in their conversation.

Thanks to years of friendship, Zhang Qiao immediately caught on and played along. She nodded. "What should we do, then? I've got a few of my own already, and Li Bo has several too. We're worried we can't take care of them all."

Xiaoxiao frowned in frustration. "How about this? Weren't we planning to have a barbecue tonight? I'll just skewer these chicks and grill them. The meat will be tender and delicious-"

Before she could finish, the young miss snapped her head around, glaring at her fiercely.

Xiaoxiao met her gaze with a mischievous smile. "A little cumin and chili-crispy and flavorful. young miss, you'll love it."

The young miss voice was icy. "Are you even human?"

Xiaoxiao sighed dramatically. "I know I'm heartless, but what else can I do?"

Annoyed, the young miss snapped, "Just toss them in the yard."

Xiaoxiao: "Got it."

Zhang Qiao: ...

What on earth did she just witness? Was this some kind of masterclass in manipulation?

Xiaoxiao cheerfully tossed the chicks into the yard, scattering a handful of rice for them. The chicks happily pecked at the grains, and one particularly plump chick even pecked at another.

Zhang Qiao couldn't help but comment, "Xiaoxiao, look at those two. Don't they remind you of you and the young miss?"

Mu Xiaoxiao: ...

Damn.

She shot Zhang Qiao a look. "Aren't you supposed to be a teacher? Can't you improve your cultural literacy a bit? What kind of comparison is that?"

Zhang Qiao grinned. "You've changed a lot, you know. When I first met Sister Qin, she was so distant. But now, she's totally alive."

Xiaoxiao stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Speaking of which, I need you to help me with something."

Before Zhang Qiao could ask what, Xiaoxiao dragged her inside.

Feeling mischievous again, Xiaoxiao decided it was the perfect day to challenge the young miss to an arm-wrestling match.

How could someone like the young miss, who had never lifted a finger to do chores, be so strong? Xiaoxiao couldn't stand it-if this continued, her future household authority would be at risk.

Qin Yi, however, couldn't care less about Xiaoxiao's childish antics. She pointed lazily toward the door.

["Get lost."]