Xiao Mo didn't immediately rush to Gan State, where Ganyue Port was located.
He knew that once he left, he would never be able to return.
So, Xiao Mo went to the tombstones of the Village Chief and Aunt Chen. He cleared the weeds before their graves one last time, placed some fruit and fresh flowers before the stones, lit sticks of incense, and bowed to them:
"Village Chief, Aunt Chen, I'm leaving. Please don't be upset that I couldn't visit you sooner. It won't be long before I join you down here. When that time comes, I'll apologize to you both in person."
After placing the incense sticks before their tombstones, Xiao Mo took a clean cloth and gently wiped the dust from the monuments.
Having done all this, Xiao Mo finally walked out of Shiqiao Village, step by step.
"Grandpa Xiao... good morning."
Two little girls greeted Xiao Mo.
The girls' names were Shen Lili and Hong Hui.
Bai Ruxue had treated them to osmanthus cakes before.
