This was the first time Mo Hua had seen Old Kui laugh.
It was the smile of a marionette.
Although it was stiff and slightly unnerving, it was very gentle.
Old Kui's hoarse and kindly voice also rang in Mo Hua's ears:
"I'll see you off..."
Mo Hua's nose felt sour as he waved his hand vigorously, saying goodbye to Old Kui.
Old Kui "smiled" again, then said softly, "Go now..."
"Hmm!"
Mo Hua nodded, took another look at Old Kui, and then reluctantly shifted his gaze away, walking toward the city gates.
Old Kui watched Mo Hua's small figure with some regret.
What a pity... I won't get to eat the pine nuts fried by this child for me again... Nor will I have the chance to instruct him in spells or play chess together...
Then he mocked himself:
"Even my Taoist heart has wavered..."
Old Kui shook his head and closed his eyes again, resuming his withered sitting posture.
...
