Night deepened.0

The people of Changjing had retreated to their homes, and the shops had closed one by one. The streets quickly grew deserted. On this first night of winter, the sky was starless and moonless, and a cold mist blanketed the streets.0

Lady Calico continued playing with her ball.0

She no longer bothered to restrain her movements, running freely upstairs. Sometimes, she deliberately stomped hard, causing the aging floorboards to creak and shift, making a distinct thump-thump sound as they flexed under her weight.0

As she played, she suddenly shifted direction mid-pounce, veering away from the cloth ball without hesitation. Instead, she ran straight to the window, leaping onto the windowsill and peering down.0

Then she turned her head and called out to the Daoist, “The City God is here!”0

“Thank you, Lady Calico.”0

“Do you want me to go down and open the door?”0

“That would be much appreciated.”0

“You're welcome!” Lady Calico twisted her body and leapt off the windowsill. With a quick dash, she bounded downstairs.0

The floorboards creaked with a series of sounds.0

It seemed Lady Calico had boundless energy.0

By the time she lit the oil lamp downstairs and opened the door, the City God and his two assistants were already standing outside. The Daoist, leaning on the wooden railing, descended the stairs.0

“Greetings to you, sir, and to Lady Calico,” the City God said, bowing first. “Upon learning of your return, I came at once to pay my respects.”0

“There’s no need for such formality, City God,” Song You replied. “Please,...0