This was the surprise that Li Du had prepared for Victoria: walking jack-o'-lanterns.

"You underestimate these jack-o'-lanterns. Not only can they walk on their own, but they can also run and even jump on their own. Ah Bai, jump for us," Li Du said excitedly.

The group of them stared with their eyes wide, then turned to gaze at one another. Ah Meow, Ah Ow, Ah Bai, Ah Meng, and Crispy Noodles were very evidently dejected. They might as well have been shaking their butts in front of a camera, honestly. That might cost them their dignity, but what they were doing here cost them both their dignity and their freedom.

Victoria was elated once she got over her shock, and she started waving to the little guys. "Ah Meow, Ah Ow, come here, you guys. Trick or treat, trick or treat!"

The little ones were wearing the pumpkins that Li Du had carved earlier in the day; Ah Bai was wearing a long one while the rest of them wore rounded pumpkins. The pumpkins had openings and the insides were decora