「The next morning.」
The rain had lessened, but a fine drizzle still fell from beneath a shroud of gray, overcast clouds.
The soft pitter-patter was everywhere.
Occasionally, a larger droplet would fall, making a crisp DRIP-DROP as it struck a puddle or a leaf.
On days like this, Xiaodie was always the busiest.
Before dawn, she had helped Xiao Wuge wash up and get dressed, then saw him off as he followed Wang Lixing to the Martial Arts Arena.
After that, she didn't have a moment to spare.
Washing clothes, hanging them to dry, cleaning, and so on.
She bustled about for a full two hours before the Spring Lotus Garden finally looked refreshed in the gloomy, rainy weather.
It was clean and natural, like a courtyard in a Jiangnan water village.
Xiaodie looked at the tidy courtyard, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and broke into a satisfied smile.
'Time to wake the Young Master.'
But just as she put the broom away, she heard the jingling of bells from outside.
