During the days they were grounded, Shi Sanshui was bored to death. Couldn't sleep. Luckily, Cai Xiaochen was…
During the days they were grounded, Shi Sanshui was bored to death. Couldn't sleep.
Luckily, Cai Xiaochen was there to keep him company.
The toys at home were dull. They picked up the adults' Piaoyao Battleboard, flicking the pieces back and forth.
"They say the winner gets to be a general. Piaoyao General!" Cai Xiaochen's random comment didn't even make Shi Sanshui look up.
"A general? Then I'll be one. The best general." Shi Sanshui fiddled with a piece.
"What will you do as a general?"
"Anything! A general can ride horses..." Shi Sanshui picked up the cavalry piece. "...and fire cannons!"
"If you become a general, you can't follow your parents around every day," Cai Xiaochen said, picking up the infantry piece.
"Hmm... Then, will you come with me?" Shi Sanshui looked up, blinking.
Cai Xiaochen was taken aback.
"Then maybe I should be the general."
"That way, I'll fight the bad guys, and you wait for me at home."
"How boring for me!" Shi Sanshui pouted.
"I'll bring you cool stuff! After every victory, I'll buy you a piece of walnut brittle. And get you exotic things!"
"You stay home, take care of your parents, and help take care of mine too."
"Then, you listen for the news. When word of victory comes, you wait for me at the town crossroads." Cai Xiaochen tilted his head. "But don't climb that tree. It's too tall; you won't get down..."
"Deal." Shi Sanshui thought for a moment. "I'll wear my red New Year's clothes, so you can see me from far, far away."
"Deal."
Two small hands hooked pinkies as stars and the moon shyly slipped away.