Grandpa Li didn't notice Xiao Xiao's departure until a long time had passed; then he discovered his granddaughter had somehow returned and was quietly sitting beside him.
"Huh? When did you get back?" Grandpa Li asked in surprise.
Xiao Xiao, with her head lowered, didn't speak but simply handed back the two damp bills she had tightly held in her palm, soaked with sweat.
"You didn't buy a popsicle?" Grandpa Li was somewhat surprised.
Xiao Xiao shook her head. Her unusual behavior caught Grandpa Li's attention, especially the two dried tear streaks on her cheeks.
Grandpa Li sighed but didn't ask Xiao Xiao what had upset her.
She had suffered too many grievances; being disliked and given cold looks happened often.
At first, Grandpa Li would inquire a bit, but even so, it was just some words of superficial comfort.
Gradually, Grandpa Li even saved the comforting words because he knew those words were useless. Everything depended on Xiao Xiao herself.
"Have some water."
