There was a scant amount of snow in the surrounding.
Small green grass could be seen sprouting from the ground.
Fresh leaves have also started to grow on trees as young flowers await to bloom.
It seems spring has finally arrived.
A small squirrel stuck out of its burrow.
It sniffed the air in curiosity as it awoke from its slumber.
A wafting scent drifted along.
It came from a nearby teahouse.
Beside the teahouse was a small river that flowed gently.
The leaves of the willows by the river were dancing in the wind.
The area was rather remote.
It was located at the edge of a small town.
There were few passersby who walk on this dirt path.
Some just walk past, others stopped and took a rest.
Outside the teahouse was a small bench.
-
"Here have one."
?
A small girl in an oversized dull grey dress looked up.
Offered to her face was a small white steamed bun.
It was steaming hot, as if just out of the basket.
The bun was rectangular and seemed to not be stuffed.
A mantou.
The girl gave a short stare.
Mofu.
Her head stretched out as her tender lips and pearly teeth touched the bun.
!?
The man who offered her the bun was surprised.
His face then changed to a troubled expression.
She gently pulled her head back.
The bun was removed from his hand.
The girl then took the bun into her hands as she slowly nibbled on it with eagerness.
Omu. Omu. Omu.
She looked like a small rabbit nipping at a large orange carrot.
Her cheeks were filled till the brim and puffed out.
Nevertheless, she kept on gorging on the steamed bun as if it would run away from her if she were any slower.
Omu.
Omu.
It was a long while before the little girl finally devoured the entire mantou.
Her face was filled with bliss as she lightly patted her tummy.
Nothing beats a warm bun on a cold day and an empty stomach, she thought to herself.
"So what is your name? I am Huo Yanyi. You can just call me Yanyi."
The girl was silent, she looked at the large man with her large blue eyes.
"Huo-Yan-Yi...Huoyan?"
The girl spelled out slowly.
The scene was rather heartwarming as if they were the first words she had learned.
"Yanyi, and that is my name. What is yours?"
"Huoyan!"
The girl said out proudly as if that was her name.
"Yanyi! Ai, I would not guess that you do not have one. How about we come up with one."
The large man places his finger before his lips as he began to think.
"Xue, how about Xueer. It means a child of snow. Looking back on that cold snowy day, you were crouched in that alleyway. This was the first thing that came to mind. Let us add a surname as well, how about Leng (cold)?"
"Leng-Xue-Er. Leng Xueer! Xueer!"
She slowly spelled out again, in a joyful tone.
"Looks like you are happy about it, huh."
"Xueer!"
She chirped back happily.
He gave a soft chuckle as his hand reached into the basket.
Out came another soft white rectangular bun.
"Want another?"
Mofu. Omu.
"Wue-er!"
"Hey hey, eat before talking. I guess you would also need to learn manners too, huh."
He chuckled again as he watched her.
Omu. Omu.
A peaceful scene continued.
|
You have seen a reminiscence of The Million Suns. |
|
You have gained 1% proficiency in the Archaic Sun Aura. (2%) |
