Inside the refuge's living area, Xaviela led her companions to a house.
"Quick, close your eyes."
Shen Congfei took stock of her mysterious posture:
"What?"
"No questions, just close them."
"Alright, alright, I'm closing them."
Unable to argue with her, he obliged while squinting just enough to leave a slight opening.
"No peeking, or this is pointless."
"Fine, fine, I get it."
With no choice, Shen Congfei completely closed his eyes. Plunged into darkness, he felt a pair of hands on his back, gently pushing him forward.
There was a knock.
Then, the door opened.
He was guided step by step inside the house.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now."
At the sound of that, Shen Congfei opened his eyes to a colorful neon display, a table piled high with food, and a familiar, overwhelming "bear hug".
"Happy Birthday, Cong Fei!"
"Uh…"
"Auntie, he can't speak anymore."
"Oh, he must be too excited."
"No...Auntie, he's really rolling his eyes."
"Really?"
...
