The two continued walking for another twenty minutes, after which Chen Kai indeed saw a row of bamboo houses not far ahead.
The bamboo forest was dense, the environment serene, with sporadic bird song echoing through the air. Inspired by the tranquility of this setting, Chen Kai couldn't help but nod appreciatively. He instantly had the thought, that this was indeed the dwelling of a true hermit, entirely unlike that chubby and big-eared divine doctor he had encountered before.
Qiao Zique quickly walked up to the gate, then called inside.
"Grandpa, it's Zique. I've brought a friend to see you."
Just as the words left her lips, an aged yet compassionate voice resounded within.
"Zique, shouldn't you be in school? It's not time for class to end, so why did you come home? I've told you before, you don't need to worry about me. Despite my age, my body is still robust."
