The man's coat was very big, almost like an oversized garment that swallowed Ruan Qi whole. The cloth carried his unique scent of cold, crisp pine, which slipped into the girl's nostrils, enveloping her densely and softly.
Ruan Qi felt her face inexplicably warm as she smelled this scent.
She hurriedly diverted her gaze, her little paws fidgeting nervously in the hoodie's pocket.
"Let's take a walk," the pleasant voice of the man resonated above her head.
The little girl's ears turned red, and she gently nodded her head.
The two walked at a slow pace on the quiet path of the garden area.
The wind parted the clouds, and the bright moonlight spilled onto the earth, stretching their shadows long.
Ruan Qi lowered her head and looked at the two shadows side by side on the ground, her heartbeat faltering a bit.
The little girl hesitated for a moment, then whispered softly, "Mr. Xi..."
"Ruan Qi," Xi Jiu spoke up at the same time.
Both were taken aback.