“What’s wrong with you? Why are you so impatient? Eating should be savored slowly to taste the true flavor of the food. You’re really something, always rushing into things, even eating.”
Feeling awkward that she might faint from the heavy silence, Xuxin’en bowed her head and continued eating her egg tart.
Then the silence enveloped her once more, making it impossible for Xuxin’en not to say something.
“Uh…” Although her mind was still searching for a topic, her mouth seemed to be forced into action, uttering a single syllable.
This time, Manager Laoba did not respond, still immersed in the scent of his book.
“Uh, you… you…” Xuxin’en took a deep breath, as if forcing out the words, “What book are you reading?” She patted her chest, this was the topic she had thought of just a second ago.
“This one?” Manager Laoba flipped the cover of the book. “Shan Hai Jing.”
Xuxin’en furrowed her brows, why was everyone suddenly interested in reading the ‘Shan Hai Jing’?
Manager Laoba looked at her puzzled face, then adjusted to a more comfortable posture. “It’s okay for a girl to be a bit clumsy, but you must not lack spirit. You should read more books to cultivate your spirit, understand?”
Hearing Manager Laoba’s advice, she twitched her lips slightly, then bowed her head to continue eating her treats. “Uh… yes… I understand…” She nibbled on her heart, always watching Old Uncle Bo read, and thus, silence crept back quietly.
“Uncle… Uncle…” Unable to bear the silence, Xu Xianen still shouted out.
“What?”
“In the ‘Shan Hai Jing’… what can make you so engrossed?” she asked cautiously, fearing that the old manager might think her question was frivolous.
“Strange people and events, such beautiful things, a little girl like you with no knowledge or common sense wouldn’t understand.” Old Uncle Bo sighed deeply, “Alright, let me tell you one of the stories from it. Do you know who Xing Tian is?”
Xu Xianen’s eyes widened, and she let out a crisp, chocolate-milk-smelling laugh. “Hehehe… no idea.”
