xiaobaopai-blog

[xiaobaopai-blog]

[ ♥ ] — It was Felicity’s day off, and aside from working a little on the draft she needed to submit soon, she didn’t have much else to do. She was feeling a bit bored sitting around at home, so she decided to take a walk in the local park, and enjoy the wintry scenery.

Even the biting chill of winter couldn’t dampen her mood, the waitress awed by the almost magical sight. Icicles hanging from nearby buildings, prettily reflecting the glow of the city lights, blankets of white snow, as far as the eye could see… when she took it all in, she couldn’t help but feel that the city had been dusted in a layer of powdered sugar.

…Mmmm, powdered sugar~ ♡

As her mind begins to shift to thoughts of sugar and donuts and cakes, a voice cuts through them, prompting Felicity to stop and look over her shoulder with a quirked brow. At first, she doesn’t see anyone, but when she lowers her gaze a bit, she’s met with the smile of a rather adorable girl.

“Oh! Hello!” Felicity greets back, smiling, “It’s a wonderful day, yes! I take it you had the same thought, and came out here for a nice stroll?”

Xiao nodded, not realizing she had been holding her breath until breathing out a slight sigh of relief that she was kind and didn’t mind the talk.

“Y-yes! It seems I thought the same thing!” She laughed a little bit. “It is very cold, but I still like it.” She answered, letting it be just that as they continued to walk for another few steps. For some strange reason, the pause didn’t seem awkward, like many did.

Her gaze averted downward however, and she took a shaky breath. “U-uhm, it seems that this may be strange, but, may I ask your name, miss? I am a little new here and am still getting to meet many people, yes?” She asked, hoping she worded that in a way that was somewhat comprehensible, and she couldn’t help a faint flush coming to her cheeks in slight embarrassment.

Winter Wonderland|| Xiao Pai & Felicity

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Xiao Pai blinked, almost wanting to laugh, but also slightly inspired by the girl’s confident words. She almost left no room to argue! But imagining herself doing any of what Kathy just mentioned, by any standard, seemed utterly impossible....just...how? She did let out a laugh at Kathy’s comment. “Yes, it seems I need to work very much on my confidence, yes?” She laughed. “It seems difficult, though....” She said with a sigh. But she wouldn’t give up! She was sure she could get more confident- like Kathy said, everything takes practice. “Yes, I have to still check out Arcadia, it seems!” She laughed. She heard that it was practically a whole other world there! Xiao blinked, and then blushed a little as Kathy’s hand touched her own and carefully touched the ladder.

“I....I see.” She answered back nervously, taking a gulp. Kathy was behind her though, right....surely she wouldn’t let anything happen to her? She took another nervous breath of air before climbing the ladder upward.

“Ya think so? I’ll tell ya somethin’ anyone can do what I’m doin’.” Kathy replied, knowing somewhere in the world Danny would be sighing in a “I can’t even” mood. But she honestly believed that anyone could achieve the things she has. She didn’t even consider herself to have achieved that much. Perhaps not personally at least.

“With a bit of practice, and some hard work, and enough confidence ta piss off yer neighbors, yer goin’ ta get places.” Kathy concluded. “But yeah, can’t stay in one place too long. That’s why I live on a ship. I can go where ever I want ta.”

Kathy stopped and felt the wall a bit, making sure they were where they needed to be. She felt the wooden ladder that was built into the natural stone, gave it a gentle smack and smiled. It was still okay. Could probably be replaced one day soon. Kathy considered doing it herself.

“Yeah, if ya like bars check it out. Beach is pretty kick ass on Arcadia, I won’t lie. Leuda’s got the whole city bit though. Alright Xiao, yer up first. There’s a ladder over here.” Kathy replied gently taking Xiao’s hand in her own and moving it towards the ladder on the stone surface. Once it was on the wood she let go. 

“I’ll come up behind ya. It’s a bit dark, so be careful.”

[xiaobaopai-blog]

[ ☀ ] — Lillie smiles, noting the other woman’s slightly redundant use of ‘same’ and ‘similar’, but not thinking too much of it. She certainly wasn’t bothered enough by it to comment on it, either— it was clear this girl didn’t have the firmest grasp on English, which made sense if she was from the East. The brunette honestly found it endearing, and wondered what other languages she might know.

But before she could ask, or spare even another thought on that, the woman suddenly introduces herself. “Oh!” Geez, how could Lillie have forgotten to do something so simple? “My name is Lillie, sorry! It’s very nice to meet you, Xiao Pai.”

Xiao Pai bowed and smiled. “It is very nice to meet you too  Lillie, yes? You may call me Xiao for short, also, if you would like. I hope very muchly that we get to become coworkers!” She said cheerily,

She laughed a bit awkwardly before adding, as if reading the other girl’s thoughts, “It seems I am sorry if my words come out awkward sometimes...I still make many mistakes when it comes to English, yes?” She laughed. “I hope it does not bother you too much.”

Life of The Inn || Xiao Pai & Lillie

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 “It’s… quite all right,” Mistel replied, somewhat taken aback by the intensity of her reaction. Was the bowing truly necessary? Although, he conceded with some shame almost immediately after the thought had crossed his mind, it was rather obvious from her accent that she wasn’t from the islands– or anywhere else he had ever lived, for that matter. Mayhap it was a cultural difference, and he oughtn’t be so ignorant. “I only thought to ask if you would like to step inside; I would be more than happy to help you.”

   Such a small girl! For the first time once in his life the young man felt quite tall– although the illusion would vanish in a merciless instant if his employer happened to walk out of the back room for any reason. Was she old enough to be shopping for fine jewelry? Even if she hadn’t any money, the evening had been slow, Mistel was painfully bored, and didn’t see much harm at all in humoring her. It would be an amusing way to pass the time.

   “I work here, you see. Simply stepped out for a bite to eat.” He smiled genially, gesturing with a paper bag with Mon Cherry’s logo on it as he opened the door– warm, welcoming air rushing out to greet them.

   “Well then,” he proceeded seamlessly, with a salesman’s confident presumptuousness that hardly left room for refusal. “Shall we…?”

Xiao blinked up at the man and sighed, trying to calm herself. So he worked here! She wasn’t sure if that made her feel more or less embarrassed, but she decided not to dwell on it too much- she knew it would just be counterproductive and only help to make more of a fool of herself. “O-oh....I see. It seems I was a little hesitant is all, I am sorry I was in the way, yes?” She said with a slight laugh before looking up to him again.

“That makes sense. Y-yes, if that’s the case, I would like very muchly to come in!” She said with a slightly bigger smile, starting to brush off her previous embarrassment. She nodded and walked into the shop with him, and immediately was in awe of all the things that shone and glittered. “Wow.....so many beautiful things, yes? I have been wanting to come for a long time, you see, but had not much money.” She said with a laugh, although, to be honest, she still wasn’t sure she had enough money....but maybe they did down payments? Or at the very least, she could come back.

A Perfect Jewel? || OPEN

[xiaobaopai-blog]

Mini Games (1/7/19)

Starting Balance: 12,860G Final Balance: 40,742G

Critter Catching

Hercules Beetle- 640G Emperor Dragonfly- 1,500G Red Dragonfly-  150G Hercules Beetle- 640G Emma Field Cricket- 500G Emperor Cicada- 700G Caucasus Beetle- 520G Pacific Butterfly- 400G Emperor Cicada- 700G Singing Cicada-  550G Profit: 6,300G Proof: https://textuploader.com/1a04g Fishing:

Puffer Fish- 560G Puffer Fish- 560G Dogfish Shark- 420G Puffer Fish- 560G Fish Bones- 1G Sea Bream- 349G Saury- 192G Horse Mackrel- 181G Sea Bream- 349G Sea Bream- 349G Profit: 3,521G Proof: https://textuploader.com/1a04f Mining: Black Pearl- 5,000G Big Crystal- 3,000G Old Coin- 150G Emerald- 1,800G Jade- 1,000G Spinel- 600G Mythic Ore- 1G Shade Stone- 5,000G Found Nothing Scrap Metal- 10G Sun Stone- 1,500G Profit: 18,061G Proof: https://textuploader.com/1a04h

[xiaobaopai-blog]

A Perfect Jewel? || OPEN

The day was snowy, and Xiao was just getting off from work at her new job at the Bell Hotel. The first day went well! She had managed not to break anything, which was....a good thing, since they might be seeing more of that. She could only hope they were forgiving; as she would always be willing to replace things if that were to happen......or, just maybe she could gently leave a note that she shouldn’t be around dishes. She put her snow hat and gloves on, as the evening was making it even colder now, and began to make her way home. As she walked though, she had a thought- why not make a detour? She really wasn’t tired, and she didn’t have much to do at home...

Her eyes glimmered as she caught sight of Charde Jewelers, and she stopped and looked at the shop. It wasn’t much of a detour, since she passed there on the way home. She had to admit, that she had glanced at the shop before, and had wanted to go in....but, had always been a bit shy. She loved jewelry, but not only would she be a bit self-conscious in a place where you’re analyzing whether things would look good on you or not, but others were standing around watching as well. And another big thing was money...would she have the money for anything in there? After all, she had just started her second job, and that pay wouldn’t be coming in for a little while. But....going in even just to look couldn’t hurt, right? Because if she really wanted something, she could always come back if she didn’t have the money for it now. She took a few steps closer to the jewelry shop, finally reaching the door and pausing again. She almost got the guts to open the door when she felt a tap on the shoulder instead, and her her eyes widened a bit, and she quickly turned around.

“Oh! It seems I am very sorry, I did not mean to be in your way...!” She said quickly. Oh god, she must have looked like such a fool, just standing outside of the shop like that! She didn’t even think about how she could’ve been blocking someone’s way in. She stepped to the side, so that the person could walk in ahead of them, bowing politely in apology. I can’t go into the store now, not after this person just saw me standing here like an idiot! She thought, a flustered flush spreading across her face.

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Xiao looked on at Kathy as she spoke, and nodded, taking everything in she said in awe. Goodness, if there was anyone in this world who radiated ‘cool’, this chick was it. “Wooww....That is amazing, yes? I cannot imagine doing anything like that!” She said with a small giggle. “It seems you are an amazing person, Kathy!” Xiao Pai laughed a little. “I can see what you mean. Staying in one place I guess can be a bit boring for some, yes?” She said. Although she didn’t share the sentiment entirely herself, she definitely could see the appeal. She wouldn’t mind exploring around a bunch of places!

“Oh, I will have to check this out, yes?” She answered with a smile. “Ah, it seems I have been enjoying many of the outdoor things- like the beach, and the parks...I haven’t been everywhere yet, but the beach, it seems, is very special to me, yes? I did not have it to go to when I live on Mainland, so it makes me very happy.” She said, hoping she hadn’t fumbled her words too poorly.

Kathy chuckled a bit with Xiao’s giggle. She could just barely see the blush on her face before turning around, only due to her golem enhancements. It was still dark down here, and she was only able to find her way around with the little light they had because of these enhancements. 

“Yeah. Most the creatures in here are kinda small fry fer me. Nothin’ too big. Ya shoulda seen that big baddie though. There’s these giant doors not too far from here that had some sorta wolf from hell. Had ta use explosive bullets on it, and it took a lot.” Kathy replied, using her hands to mimic an explosion for fun. She even made a small “Psshoowww” sound for comedic effect. 

“I’ve been here fer a few years. But I came from the mainland just like you. Ta tell ya the truth I can’t really stay in one place. Gotta spread my wings a bit and fly. Ya know?” Kathy answered in response.

“I can’t lie, the place has good bars. That Blue Horseshoe Crab, one hell of a bar. But I’m guessin’ ya like some of the other things right? What’re ya enjoyin’ on the islands?” Kathy asked curiously. 

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Activity Check 1/5 (Passed)

Starting Balance: 12,860G Ending Balance: 12,860G

Profits: Working at KitTea- (+1,500G) Expenses: Living in Mire Apartments- (-1,000G) Jellyfish Plushie (-500G)

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Just Another Evening || Xiao Pai & Eve

@bravenvixen

Xiao made her way to Siren’s Song again for another night, though it was later this time- perhaps she was coming back a bit too soon, but...... Are you really doing this?! She criticized herself internally as she made her way into the first floor, looking for something specific..... There it is! She thought happily, eyeing a Jellyfish plush she had wanted since the first time she had visited. They were all adorable, but this one really spoke to her. It was a little derpy looking; one of the eyes was placed slightly incorrectly, a little further down on the face than the other eyeball was. She smiled as she picked it up. She felt dumb for feeling bad for a stuffed animal, but...it reminded her of herself a little bit.

You’re perfect just the way you are! She thought to the jellyfish as she had it rung up and bought- making a mental note that this was really what she needed to tell herself, as well, as she made her way down to the basement. Since she was there, she might as well relax and hangout for a little bit. As she turned the corner though, she ran straight into someone, barely able to keep herself from falling down entirely, but managed to catch herself...and her jelly, of course.

She blinked and looked up at the much taller person she had bumped into, and almost immediately began to panic as her cheeks began to flush, causing a wave of dizziness to overcome her.

I would bump into a really gorgeous woman, oh god...! I hope she doesn’t hate me or is mean! “I-I’m so sorry, miss! You are not hurt, yes? I....It seems I am very clumsy, you see, a-and I was not pay attention, so...”  She stuttered over her words in her thick Eastern accent, feeling only extra self conscious in front of someone so attractive. This lady must be a super model!!!! She looked down, averting her gaze.

[xiaobaopai-blog]

Winter Wonderland|| Xiao Pai & Felicity

@gourmaid

Xiao Pai was taking a stroll around a relatively empty park- she supposed it wasn’t surprising, since it was cold out, and there was still plenty of snow stuck to the ground. She wondered if there was more on the way? Either way, she was bundled up, so she was prepared if it began to precipitate while she enjoyed the winter wonderland. Even though she wasn’t really that fond of the cold, the beauty of winter was impossible to deny, especially with everything white like this. After a little while, she saw another person up ahead- a bobbing head of blonde hair. It looked like she was enjoying a peaceful walk as well. Her flight or fight instinct kicked in when she thought about maybe approaching her to say hello. She was still relatively new to Leuda, and she was sure she hadn’t seen or met this person yet. Biting the bullet, she sped up slightly to catch up to the woman so that she stood almost beside her, but still behind her quite a few paces.

“U-uhm, hello m’am! It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” She said with a smile up to the much taller blonde woman, hoping she didn’t startle her. Even though she had tried to approach in a way that she thought the woman would see her coming, Xiao was still very...short. Almost a foot shorter than this woman, in fact.

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[ ☀ ] — This girl reminded Lillie a little of herself. A bit nervous and anxious, but very well meaning. She really did hope this woman would be able to get a job here– Lillie had a feeling that the two of them could make great friends.

“Same here!” She agrees, smiling back. At the girl’s next question, Lillie hums thoughtfully. “Oh, me? A few months. I’ve only just moved to Leuda recently, but I did work in an inn back home! My family runs it.”

“Oh, that is same for me as well! It seems I have not been here long time either, and my Mama owns an Inn and bathhouse. I help take care of it since I was little girl! How....similar?” She added, slightly embarrassed with a laugh, looking for the word coincidental, but not sure how to say it in English. She hoped the message got across. How interesting, though, that she would meet someone who worked there who also had a family who had owned an inn! She supposed it wasn’t so farfetched, but it was still coincidental, she thought, along with the fact they both hadn’t been here terribly long. Her and her potential new coworker had quite a bit  in common already! Speaking of which....

“Ah, how rude of me! It seems I have not even introduce myself yet! My name is Xiao Pai!” She said, with a polite bow. “May I ask your name?”

Life of The Inn || Xiao Pai & Lillie

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Jellyfish & Bops || Xiao Pai & Lanna

@lannathepopstar Xiao Pai walked nervously into the ocean-themed establishment, quickly finding a place to take a seat at the bar. Walking through the first floor was....a bit taxing, she had to admit.

I would love one of those Jellyfish Plushies.... she thought to herself, but pushed the thought away quickly, before she went back and changed her mind. Siren’s Song was supposed to be a fun place, she had heard, and although she by no means had any plans on singing- she thought that maybe watching people sing and maybe having a drink from the bar would be a relaxing and fun night out- she might even get to meet some new people! As she had taken her seat, someone was already ready on the stage, and as the music started, she heard one of the most beautiful voices she had ever heard begin to sing, and she whipped her head around towards the stage. There stood a blonde-haired, stylish woman, who seriously could belt it out. Xiao was practically enraptured by how good her voice was, and was actually a bit sad when the girl left the stage. Seeing that the woman was approaching the bar now, Xiao didn’t give herself time to let her nerves get the best of her- why not pay her a compliment, after all?

“Wow, it seems that was very amazing! I am impressed!” Xiao Pai said in her thick Eastern accent cheerily.

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M-Minotaurs....? Well, then....... She gulped a little bit and then nodded and smiled, feeling a bit better at the taller woman’s reassurance. “Th-that is true, yes? If you can defeat big monster, many things must not be a problem for you, it seems, yes?” She asked, giggling nervously, Xiao blinked, trying desperately not to actually blush at the joking muscle flex that Kathy did, but... she couldn’t help it. She giggled a bit obnoxiously as if to hide that fact- she was just glad that Kathy had turned away so as hopefully not to see her flushed face. The girl took in hat she was saying. “Y-yes...I guess that is true, yes?” She murmured as they walked through the tunnel, although she had a hard time believing it her self. How could being small or clumsy, much less both, have any good ramifications? It sure hadn’t in her life so far... Xiao smiled and nodded. “Okay, miss Kath.....err, Kathy. I am so sorry!” She said, laughing a bit. She was used to being very polite with formalities; it had been an important thing back home, and many people were very casual here, she found. It was relieving, given she didn’t have to worry about slipping up and seeming impolite, but also would take a little getting used to.

Xiao nodded. “Yes, it seems I am quite new here! I like it muchly so far. It very different from my home country on the mainland.” She said with a smile. That wasn’t a bad thing, either; living in an entirely new environment and culture was very exciting, to say the least, and the opportunities felt endless. “H-how about you, Kathy? How long have you been on islands for?” She asked with a smile.

“Well the mines had some minotaurs… But they’re no hassle. The big stuffs gone though. Plus, ya got an ace adventurer with ya.” Kathy replied, giving Xiao the corny muscled pose, flexing her right bicep and cupping it with her left hand. She gave out a laugh before walking towards an area she knew had a well hidden ladder at. She waved at the woman to follow her.

“Well ya know, ya can work around them if ya don’t like them. Sometimes the things ya think are bad, can be a big help.” Kathy replied casually, seeing that each person’s fault could be used for something to better them. She had seen it many times before, and used her own faults to make her a better person as well. 

“Now come on Xiao ya don’t wanna get left behind. Oh, and just call me Kathy. None of this miss nonsense.” Kathy replied with a hearty laugh.

“Are ya a new resident? I haven’t seen ya around before.” Kathy asked when the woman caught up to her.

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Xiao relaxed a bit at the reassurance- and the fact that Kathy herself, sounded so relaxed. She blinked, her ash colored eyes wide in surprise. “It...does not exist?” She asked, looking around in confusion, almost taking it literally for a moment, thinking she was in some sort of dream before Kathy continued and elaborated on what she meant. “I-I see....and...there are surely no more giant monsters?” She asked nervously, a little sweat bead forming on her head.

Xiao Pai couldn’t help but blush heavily at the praise, especially from a pretty woman. “O-oh no! It seems I would not say these are good things, b-but....” She stuttered, unable to get past the compliment- especially since it was two things she was so insecure about. She looked back up to Kathy a bit sheepishly and smiled and nodded some. “Okay...y-yes, I will be more careful next time.” She said, planting a small seed of determination in her. She couldn’t just give up something cause she failed the first time, right? “Y-yes, that sounds wonderful! Lead the way miss!” She said, happy at the thought of getting out of there.

“Dumb? Nah. Yer absolutely fine. I’ll tell ya the truth about this place.” Kathy replied trying to assure the woman. After all, this place wasn’t exactly an unsafe place after Kathy had killed the hell hound here with a party. Though, if she was being honest, her explosive bullets did most the damage.

“It doesn’t exist. Well… not ta the public. The Guilds are hidin’ it from public view. Ya know? Plus I already killed the giant monster in here. So yer safe. No one would have known about this place. So yer not at fault. Plus, small and clumsy are two cute things ya got goin’ fer ya. Can’t say that’s a bad thing. Just be a bit careful and ya got yerself one hell of a miner.” Kathy assured the woman, giving her a thumbs up.

“But fer now, how about we ditch the caverns and get back up ta safety. Sound good?” Kathy asked.

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Xiao looked up at the taller woman and nodded, gulping a bit. “Th-that still very muchly deserve thanks! So I do not know how I can thank you enough!” She said, bowing again almost feverishly. Her head felt dizzy with fear of what could’ve just happened- she could be on crutches or worse right now! And with what the woman just said.....she shivered at the thought. “P-pleasure to meet you as well, miss Kathy.” She said, bowing again and then sighed. “Y-yes, I see that now...” She said, looking down, feeling almost a bit ashamed of herself. “I overestimate myself, yes?” She said a bit sadly, looking up at her and then sighing.

“I must seem dumb, yes? Coming down here when I am very small and clumsy...” She said, looking away shyly. Way to make impressions with people! She was clumsy both physically and socially sometimes.

Kathy put her hand on the woman’s head reassuringly. She didn’t want her to be too scared. After all, she did just fall down a dark cavern with a stranger carrying her.

“Good, glad ta hear it.” Kathy replied, taking her hand off the woman’s head as she began to stand up. She was shorter than Kathy, and absolutely adorable.Cute as a button, some might say. 

“Well save yer life might be an over statement. Ya might’ve fractured a bone droppin’ but I don’t think you’d have died.” Kathy replied. Maybe she would have broken a leg, but that could be a death sentence in a strange cavern all alone.

“Name’s Kathy. Nice meetin’ ya Xiao.” Kathy replied giving the woman her hand to shake. “Ya gotta be careful minin’ up there. This ain’t a place fer the weak of heart.”

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Care To...Dance? || OPEN

Xiao made her way out of her apartment, letting out a sigh as she brushed off her outfit. It was cold today- something she both wasn’t really that fond of, but also had a slight appreciation for- it meant she could bundle up! And if she was bundled up, maybe that could help hide her insecurities. She wore more western-style clothing today- a hoodie with plenty of fluff, some ear muffs, and some leggings lined with warm fleece. However, as she walked out of Mire Apartments, she tripped directly into someone who was coming into Mire Apartments. Thankfully, due to her small stature and the fact she hadn’t been moving very quickly, she didn’t seem to knock them down, but she sure had enough impact for herself to literally fall into them. Almost not daring to look up as the person caught her, a blush darting her face, she quickly pulled away, her eyes almost brimming with tears at just how awkward that was! Tripping into someone was bad enough, but....right into their arms practically?! That was beyond grounds for humiliating!

“I-I’m am so muchly sorry! I, um, it seems, very clumsy, yes, and?” She started in her thick accent, looking up to them, willing them to understand all of her English practically being thrown out the door in this moment in pure humiliation.

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[ ☀ ] — The girl’s enthusiastic reaction had caught Lillie a little off guard, especially since inn jobs weren’t exactly the type people were scrambling to get. But the weather girl supposes this woman had her reasons for it, and having an exuberance for work certainly wasn’t a bad thing, so she doesn’t question or dwell on it any further.

“Alright!” She beams, handing the girl an application. “Here you are. Just fill that out, turn it back in to the front desk, and it will be given to HR for review and consideration.”

Always one to try and encourage others, Lillie cups her mouth and leans forward a bit, adding in a conspiratorial whisper, “Between you and me, I think your chances of getting accepted are pretty high! The hotel is actually in need of more workers, so it’s unlikely they’ll turn down any extra help. Especially if you have experience in this sort of setting.”

“Ah! Thank you so much!” Xiao Pai said with a smile, trying to hide any sense of anxiety, although, her excitement was helping with that a little bit. She quickly but carefully went through the form, filling it out honestly, but making sure to add her work credentials. “There you go!” She said after filling out the form, sliding it back to the brunette. Her heart soared a bit at that information and she smiled widely. “O-oh, do you really, y-yes?” She asked, cursing herself internally for letting her speech quirk slip out at the end there in a place that didn’t make much sense. “I sure do hope so! I would very much look forward to it!” She said with a smile. 

“How long have you been working here?” She asked curiously, just wondering how her other potential future-coworker fared. Did she like working here as well? She had a lot of questions, but she wasn’t about to ask all of them. She felt a little silly for being so happy over this!

Life of The Inn || Xiao Pai & Lillie