Chapter 318: Chapter 318: The Barking of Dogs Chapter 318: Chapter 318: The Barking of Dogs “Wow, Chuner, you really got up already!” Xuexue exclaimed in amazement. Usually, this little girl wouldn’t get out of bed until the sun had risen high in the sky.
“Indeed, I’ve been excited all night at the thought of going to the market today. I woke up after only a few shichen of sleep. Sister, you can’t go back on your word now!”
Chuner stared with wide eyes, pleadingly looking at Xuexue, afraid that she wouldn’t take her to the market.
Ever since the incident at the market last time, where she was nearly hit by a horse, Madam Xie had been worried about her being too young to understand the dangers, and thus had not allowed her to go. It was only after several days of pleading that Madam Xie reluctantly agreed.
“Alright then! Since Chuner is up, let’s go together,” Xuexue said, ruffling her hair and smiling. “Chuner, did you say goodbye to your Mom before leaving?”
“I did, Mom knows that Chuner is going to town with Sister.”
“Then let’s head off! At this shichen, we’ll arrive in town just in time for the morning market. The breakfast at the inn is delicious.” Xuexue looked at Chuner, her smile making her eyes curve beautifully.
Big Bull, standing to the side with a shoulder pole and baskets, stared at Xuexue until his eyes went wide.
In a dark corner, Long Yi could hardly bear to watch. How could his Master have so little discernment? Although this little farm girl Xuexue had some looks, she was still far from the noble ladies of the Capital, it seemed that his Master had really lost his senses.
“That’s great! Chuner can have breakfast at the inn too,” Chuner cheered.
Stepping out of the Li Family house, they groped their way toward the village entrance, the path still as dark as pitch due to the houses blocking any light.
“Sister, where’s doggy? Can we take him with us?” Chuner asked in the darkness, staring at Xuexue with big, anxious eyes.
“That depends if his parents agree. If his parents agree, then he can come,” replied Xuexue, repeating what she had said the night before.
“They agree, they agree! Last night I asked Xiao Gougou, and he said his parents agreed to let him go to town with us,” Chuner hastily said.
“Should we swing by his house to check, then?”
To pick up Xiao Gougou, they took a detour through two more alleys and turned a corner to his house.
Before they even reached Xiao Gougou’s house, the guard dog at the gate began barking furiously at them.
“Xiao Huang, stop barking, it’s me, Chuner.” Chuner often visited Xiao Gougou’s house and was familiar with their guard dog. Faced with its snarling and fierce appearance, she wasn’t afraid at all and went forward to pat its head.
Strangely enough, the guard dog actually stopped barking and settled down obediently.
Voices could then be heard coming from inside the house…
“Mom and Dad, it must be Chuner. I’m going to have a look,” said Xiao Gougou’s voice.
“When we’re in town, you have to behave and stay close to Xuexue and the others. Don’t get lost, okay?” It was Auntie Li’s voice. She had to go to where Xuexue was having her house built during the day, to help cook for the mason masters.
“Alright, off you go.”
Right after that, the wooden door creaked open, and Xiao Gougou emerged. Upon seeing them, he cried out joyfully, “Chuner, Sister Xuexue, it’s really you!”
“We came together to pick you up for a trip to town,” Chuner said, her mood as bright as her voice, as she reached out to grab Xiao Gougou’s hand.
It was at this moment that Auntie Li and her husband came out from the house to give Xiao Gougou some last-minute advice.
“Xuexue, we’re counting on you to look after Xiao Gougou today,” said Auntie Li apologetically.
“Don’t worry, you can count on me. I’ll make sure to bring Xiao Gougou back to you safe and sound.”
After saying goodbye to Xiao Gougou’s parents, the group of four set off slowly toward the village entrance.
With Xiao Gougou’s addition, it seemed as if their similar ages made Chuner even more talkative, and the two youngsters chattered non-stop all the way.