***
Deacon Bai observed how the Cheng's were surprised at first, then quickly regained their composure and felt mixed emotions. After all, there was a beast tamer among them. They would be able to handle any number of people who show up.
Not to mention, he recalled a few days ago when he was trapped by the jade vine, they seemed to be following her order as well. Which meant that they couldn't begin to see the depth of her power.
No matter who is coming, there is nothing to worry about. He feared their fate would be much worse than what happened to him if they try to rob from the Cheng's.
They chitchatted for a little while before she saw them out.
Cheng Biyuan, who had been looking calm the entire time finally let out his solemn look, "Xiao Xiao, we didn't think we would draw people from all walks of life. I fear we had really attracted big troubles for ourselves."
"Dad, you knew all along that as long as we possess what we have, troubles would come sooner or later. Why worry about them? Let's cross the bridge when we come to it. There's nothing to be afraid of." Said Cheng Xiao Xiao nonchalantly.
Looking at the confident that Cheng Xiao Xiao exuded, Cheng Biyuan felt much calmer.
Mrs. Cheng, on the other hand, was still frowning. She did, however, understand that this was out of their hands, and there was not much she could say.
"Dad, I thought these mythical animals were gifts to us. Why is it that everybody want to come and rob us?" Cheng Zheng Yuan didn't know a lot, but the three young ones had learned a few about what had been going on.
"That's right, daddy. Why don't you ask you friends to stop sending us these mythical beasts, that way nobody will come and try to rob us anymore, right?" asked little Lan Lan in her naive way.
Even the usually quiet Cheng Zheng Bin looked squarely at his father and older sister with his dark, black eyes. He felt that they knew more than he did.
And right now he would like to know what was going on also!
Cheng Biyuan frowned deeply but didn't respond. He turned and look at his daughter and wanted to see what she would say.
Cheng Xiao Xiao understood that she couldn't keep hiding all these things from her family. Unfortunately the siblings were too young, telling them the truth would risk bigger troubles.
He understood her father's look. Looking at her younger brothers and sister, she thought about it for a little bit and finally said, "Zheng Yuan, Zheng Bin, Lan Lan, the family had indeed changed a lot. There were many things that we hadn't told you. But, don't worry, you will find out soon enough. So let's just leave it for now, okay?"
The two brothers exchanged a look, nodded wisely and said no more. Little Lan Lan, on the other hand, shouted out, "Big sister, what can't you tell me? I promise I won't tell!"
"Big sister will tell you, just be a good girl right now!" Cheng Xiao Xiao smiled at her younger sister, trying to console her.
At almost 13, Cheng Zheng Yuan was not a child any more. Not to mentioned he came from a well established family. He was quite mature for his age. Taking his younger sister's hand, he said, "Lan Lan, let's listen to big sister. We will have fish tomorrow, okay?"
"Fish again? We have been having fish everyday!"
This trick didn't work with her any more. Immediately, Cheng Zheng Yuan said, "Okay, no fish. Why don't we ask big sister to draw for you, what do you say?"
"Big sister can draw?" Little Lan Lan's eyes widened, she looked at Cheng Xiao Xiao ecstatically.
Cheng Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded, "Yes!"
"Wah! Okay! Big sister will draw for me tomorrow!"
Finally pacified the little kid, everybody laughed. After some more chitchatting, Cheng Xiao Xiao pulled her brother aside.
"Big sister, what's up?"
***