Chapter 72

The Black Cat Queen's heart gave a jolt, its clear, transparent cat eyes reflecting the faint candlelight; it lay on the edge of the table, its two front paws resting on the rim.

Make a wish?

Its gaze swept over each good friend; seeing it hesitate, everyone urged it: "Queen, make your wish quickly! After you wish, we'll give you gifts!"

"My gift will definitely be the best!" Big Black proudly raised its head.

The Geomancy Turtle spoke slowly: "Nonsense, my gift as an old-timer is truly the best and most practical!"

It approvingly looked at the Black Cat Queen, twitched its forelimbs a bit—it's a promising seedling; the gift it gives will definitely be a great help to it.

Seeing that everyone was about to argue over the gifts, Ling Yue immediately mediated: "Everyone, quiet down; the kitty queen hasn't done anything yet."

Yeah.

All the small animals' gazes fell on the Kitty Queen; it blinked, unnaturally averting everyone's gaze.

"Then I'll make a wish."

It deliberately adjusted its posture; the colorful candle flames on the cake flickered, it closed its eyes and blew out in one breath: "I wish my good friends forever healthy, forever happy!"

Crow blinked: "A birthday wish can't be spoken aloud, or it won't come true."

Usually aloof, the Black Cat Queen actually panicked; it instinctively looked toward Ling Yue, who smiled back and gave a firm glance, then turned to Crow and flicked its forehead: "Nonsense!"

"That's not how it works—on your birthday, the birthday star is supreme!" Even if it won't work, she's here.

These small animals became her family, a part of her life.

The moment the candles were blown out, the room lights blazed bright!

The huge dream-castle-like cake fully appeared before them; Crow covered its aching head, not even minding the pain, couldn't help sniffing—so fragrant! So tempting!

As the only human present, Ling Yue rose, took knife and fork, cut the cake; a clean, rich milky aroma wafted out, with a hint of peach, and all the small animals stared at her eagerly.

Treasure Mouse even lay on the table: "Slurp~"

"What flavor is this? So fragrant and familiar QAQ"

The Black Cat Queen blinked, eyes flickering: "I know, it's the flavor of milk curd!"

Ling Yue laughed: "Kitty Queen, you're amazing!"

"I ground the milk curd into powder and mixed it into the cake—do you like it or not?"

How could we not like it!

Since having milk curd, the animals' pet food has been completely replaced by it, though limited to one meal a day, fixed portions.

All the small animals looked at her eagerly; Big Black even proved its affection with action—its mouth slightly open, drool dripping from the tip of its tongue, eyes fixed on the enormous cake!

One knife cut down, a biggest piece of small cake was delivered to the Kitty Queen; this is a special pet cake, and after distribution, half of this huge cake remained.

The small animals ate it, meanwhile unable to help staring eagerly at the big cake—this is a super-large cake they've never seen in their lives!

After the meal, even the biggest eater, Jun Jun, couldn't help clutching its belly and lying on the sofa; the old tiger lazily flicked its tail, suddenly hearing Big Black's voice: "Queen, this is my gift to you!"

Saying this, it pulled over a large box, a colorfully ribboned deluxe gift box; Big Black's eyes flashed with reluctance, its dog paw grabbed, and the box flipped open——

"What…… is this?"

Treasure Mouse looked in astonishment at the big bone inside the gift box, completely bewildered.

Big Black: "A big bone!"

"This is my favorite chew bone—I've never used it before; I was planning to pass it on to puppy offspring as my family heirloom!"

Saying this with a pained expression, the other small animals nearly fainted!

Crow gave a large sparkling crystal, heartbroken, but the queen is still its good friend!

The big crystal placed under the light practically blinded eyes!

"Wow, tycoon!" Treasure Mouse stared wide-eyed, then thought of itself, its gaze darting, suddenly spotting the nervous Jun Jun.

The old tiger instinctively stepped back; Treasure Mouse caught it red-handed and immediately shouted: "Jun Jun, what gift do you have? Don't hide it—I've already seen it!"

Jun Jun knew it was lying to itself, but everyone was watching; its small gift had long been ready—why did it suddenly not want to bring it out?

"This is it."

The tiger's paw spread open, a small ball woven from fur swaying in the palm, the exquisite craftsmanship practically a work of heavenly craft; the pure white fur ball glowed with golden light.

Da Lao Hu Junjun: "This is a peace ball made from my fur; worn on the body, it has the Mountain Lord's protection and can guard you!"

"It can also be played with, like this——"

Da Lao Hu Junjun said, tossing the ball up and catching it again; after the motions, it itself ended up overjoyed—probably this is the simple pleasure of feline creatures.

The Black Cat Queen flicked its tail, seizing the moment Jun Jun was distracted, and bit the small ball in one mouthful; it felt a powerful aura on it, not oppressive, but rather a force called "cat heart peace."

However, Ling Yue suddenly spoke: "Is this something you braided yourself?"

Da Lao Hu Junjun startled, catching her smiling gaze; if not today, it would never want to reveal this in its lifetime—the great Mountain Lord actually doing handicrafts!

All those years it was sealed in the painting, bored out of its mind, it learned this; it's a mighty, domineering big tiger—making fur balls really doesn't suit it!

Da Lao Hu Junjun forced a reply: "Yes, yes, so what?"

Don't expect Tiger Tiger to move its claws again—that's absolutely impossible!

Ling Yue almost laughed cutely at its guilty yet strained appearance, lips pressed tight.

Next, the Geomancy Turtle gave the Yao Clan's cultivation manual; the Black Cat Queen's aptitude is actually not bad, but lacking systematic training, she cannot fully control her power.

When it was Ling Yue's turn, a circle of small animals stared intently at her; she was nervous as if returning to her first surgery, lips pressed, hands presenting the small gift she'd prepared earlier.

"Wow! What is this?"

"Owoooo it's a mini version of the Black Cat Queen!"

"I really want one too QAQ"

"The response seems not bad?"

Ling Yue licked her lips, lowered her gaze to the center of her palm: that was a pure-black Black Cat Queen felt figurine, a kitten squatting, its defiant brows and eyes captivating the heart, as if in the next second it would flick its tail and jump down.

Clearly still an imposing seated pose, yet because it's a tiny clump, it's adorable to the extreme!

On the little cat, every spot where a needle was placed shows the maker's love; the fluffy, soft fur under the light glows with a fire-like reddish-brown.

Ling Yue explained: "This is because I used your fur, Queen; do you like it?"

The Mysterious Cat Queen gave a slight nod: "So-so."

It said, its long tail pulling the blanket into its arms, showing no so-so expression on its face; Ling Yue could tell at a glance that it was being tsundere again.

At the last one, the Treasure-seeking Mouse looked resentfully at Ling Yue; because it was wary of being a licking mouse, something everyone knew, only this mouse was kept in the dark!

This isn't trapping the mouse, is it? QAQ

The Queen's gaze fell on it; the Treasure-seeking Mouse opened its little backpack, and assorted items spilled onto the floor, not even a flower.

The Mysterious Cat Queen looked at it leisurely, as if saying, "Please start your performance!"

Treasure-seeking Mouse: "QAQ"

The Treasure-seeking Mouse lowered its head bashfully, like a dainty little bride: "Queen, I—I offer myself to you!"

Upon saying that, the whole room fell silent.

The Treasure-seeking Mouse also found accompaniment, playing a song called "Itch"; in its alluring voice, it began to dance before the Mysterious Cat Queen, raising a hand and stepping, even the crows were shocked!

Big Black, holding a small bone in its mouth, opened its jaws; with a "pat" sound, the bone fell to the ground unnoticed.

Wow! Is that the little licking mouse?

All the little animals in the room, including Ling Yue looking at it in shock, the Treasure-seeking Mouse raised both hands, twisted its waist, its body like rippling water, its movements as smooth as flowing clouds and water, unbelievably smooth.

"Queen, do you—do you like it?"

For some reason, it suddenly felt a chill down its back; the little tail tied with a bow was pressed down by the prone Mysterious Cat Queen's claw, its deep pale-yellow cat eyes fixed on it, its voice turning hoarse: "Like."

It said, licking its lips, lowering its head, sniffing the fragrance emanating from the little mouse; the hunter's nature made it show great interest, or rather, appetite.

The Treasure-seeking Mouse instantly felt triumphant, then suddenly its vision went dark—its whole head was swallowed into the Mysterious Cat Queen's mouth.

Treasure-seeking Mouse: "!!!"

Ling Yue: "!!!"

At the moment the accident happened, nobody had time to react; the next instant, the Mysterious Cat Queen spat out the mouse's head, the Treasure-seeking Mouse plopped onto the ground, looking at it in terror, tears streaming from fright.

Mysterious Cat Queen: "……"

"If I say it was unintentional, can you understand?"

It lowered its head, sniffing the Treasure-seeking Mouse's scent: "You smell so nice."

Treasure-seeking Mouse: "QAQ"

"Could it be that I, the little mouse, must sacrifice myself for love today?"

Finally, the Mysterious Cat Queen restrained its instinct, stepping with noble cat steps to the other side, lowering its head to take a big bite of cake: "Thin and tiny, not even enough for one bite."

The subsequent birthday celebration proceeded without further issues.

Everyone thought the Treasure-seeking Mouse would certainly not seek trouble again, but the next day it still approached, as if completely forgetting what had happened.

At dawn, Ya Ya was already squawking on the branches; Da Lao Hu Junjun shook its charming fur; the Treasure-seeking Mouse crawled out of its little den, yawned, and suddenly sprang up: "Everyone, wake up quickly!"

Upstairs, the Feng Shui Turtle Master crawled down slowly: "Young mouse, why the shouting? It won't be late."

At this moment, Ling Yue finally opened the bedroom door, wearing a simple casual outfit.

Big Black lay on the mat by the door; hearing the footsteps, its ears perked up instantly, and it rushed toward its master: "Master, I'm ready!"

Ling Yue rubbed its head, looking at all the little animals prepared in the room: "I announce that today's amusement park trip starts now—let's go!"

She waved her hand; the animals took their places, the off-road vehicle loaded with the little animals set off for the amusement park!

Ling Yue only recently learned that Jing Shi had just opened a pet amusement park, where any pet could find a place to play.

Big Black excitedly whined: "I heard there's a little train inside, especially pretty, and it goes woof woof woof woof~"

Ya Ya squawked loudly: "My girlfriends flew over there and said it's super huge, with lots and lots of super fun stuff!"

The stuffed Da Lao Hu Junjun wagged its tail: "So exciting, I wish I could just fly there!"

Ling Yue glanced at the rearview mirror; the little animals sat in a row, she couldn't help but curl her lips, and soon the vehicle reached its destination.

Standing before the big sign, looking around, the pet amusement park covered a large area, with guests coming and going with their pets; even so, Ling Yue remained the most eye-catching person there.

Even the ticket-selling young lady was stunned: "Tortoise, black-backed, Chinese rural cat, flower-branch mouse, crow—this is your bill."

Ling Yue glanced at it—nearly a thousand units, which for her now was no problem.

She held the leash; the little animals' eyes shone with strong eagerness, eagerly looking toward the distant park area; Ling Yue raised her eyebrows, seeing the distant mountains.

"Wow, this pet amusement park is really rich and grandiose."

Just after entering, we saw a line of little trains with red-orange-yellow-green-cyan-blue-purple seven-colored carriages; the little animals rushed in, and shortly after, Big Black raised its paws at the front: "Woof woof woof!"

"Please get ready, passengers; our little train is about to depart!"

The little animals in the carriages all perked up.

"Woof woof woof~"

The little train surged forward along the tracks with mighty momentum; passersby stared in shock at the leading dog.

Big Black gripped the steering wheel; many people rubbed their eyes, seeing solemnity on the dog's face.

The Treasure-seeking Mouse lay on the train's edge; a cool breeze stirred its fluffy golden fur; the Feng Shui Turtle also stretched out its limbs, looking at the world outside the train, but alas, being old it couldn't bear it: "Big Black, slow down, the speed is too fast!"

Ling Yue held up her camera, looking at the little animals inside the rainbow little train, then suddenly shouted loudly: "Look at me!"

Hearing their master's silhouette, the little animals turned their heads over; Ling Yue seized the moment to press the shutter, with a "click".

Under the morning sun, the distant mountains were dark like dye, the grass lush and green; the little animals turned their heads—

The Treasure-seeking Mouse comfortably narrowed its eyes; the Queen remained aloof and proud; the Feng Shui Turtle Master slowly turned halfway; Big Black energetically twitched its ears; Ya Ya spread its wings; Jun Jun, transformed into a plush little tiger, lay on the small carriage, its cute paws and tail twisting together.

They lay in the cute colorful little carriage, like a vivid, richly colored oil painting.

Soon, Ling Yue led them to explore other areas; here there were mountains and water; the Feng Shui Turtle went into the water, chatting with the little fish in the pond.

The Mysterious Cat Queen and the Treasure-seeking Mouse didn't know where they had gone.

Jun Jun, disguised as a stuffed toy, hung on the small car and ran around everywhere.

Ya Ya was impressive; it gathered with other birds, chattering nonstop, and listening to stories was far more fun than playing games.

Suddenly, Ling Yue heard an 'awoo', her heart leapt, the miserable cry was simply heart-stopping.

She sprang to her feet, followed the sound, and in the distant flowerbed, a dog covered in petals came bounding straight at her and plunged into her arms.

The dog whined pitifully: "Master, save me!"

Ling Yue then realized it was actually Da Hei, followed by a swarm of bees, menacingly shouting: "Stinky dog, you can't escape!"

Humans, quickly release the stinky dog, or else you'll be buried together!

Half a minute earlier.

Da Hei refused the walk invitation from the neighboring black-backed female dog, curiosity striking, it lay on the ground, imitating the dogs on TV by sniffing here and there.

Suddenly, it smelled a sweet fragrance, followed the scent into the flowerbed, and slammed into a little beehive; the bees inside felt the vibration and rushed out fully armed.

They swore to fight the intruders to the bitter end!

The angry Xiao Mi Feng was blinded by rage and charged straight at her; Ling Yue had no choice but to use an insect-repelling talisman, and after carefully explaining the reason, she resolved the matter at the cost of half a cup of honey.

Xiao Mi Feng gave Da Hei in her arms a warning look: "Hmph, there won't be a next time!"

Ling Yue lowered her head; the dog in her arms nuzzled left and right, silent.

Da Hei, why aren't you speaking? What's wrong with you?

After a while, a low whimper came from the dog in her arms: "Master, do you love me?"

Yes, I do.

No matter what I become, will you still love me?

Ling Yue: "Yes, I do!"

Immediately, she reacted, sternly grabbing the dog's two front legs and lifting them to her face; the dog let out a heart-rending wail, and Ling Yue, seeing Da Hei clearly, said: "……"

Ling Yue: "Pfft-hahahaha..."

After a moment, she doubled over laughing.

The once mighty dog's cheeks swelled like steamed buns, its big eyes instantly turned into tiny squints, its two paws one big one small, like an unevenly inflated toy dog!

Da Hei wailed, its mung-bean eyes blinking: "Cooked person, nest……"

Even its tongue couldn't straighten out QAQ

Ling Yue patted its head: "Don't worry, it'll just swell for a day or two, and it'll be fine soon."

As her words fell, a crack sounded.

Ling Yue lowered her camera, meeting Da Hei's shocked gaze: "……"

Er, I said I just snapped it casually, do you believe me?

The dog barked out a cry, crying so loudly!

Moreover, afterward, every time his friends saw him they laughed, the heartbroken Da Hei withdrew into himself and tears flowed; the next day he didn't go to the police squad but took leave to rest at home.

On a sunny day, Ling Yue rested on the balcony with a small blanket over her. Her phone suddenly rang; it was a call from the property management, and hearing it she unconsciously furrowed her brows: "Manager Cen? I don't know you."

He added an introduction: "He said he's from Orca Live, hoping to meet you."

Ling Yue nodded in agreement: "Okay."

Several minutes later, she looked at the middle-aged man in a suit across from her, her brow unconsciously tightening; his heartbeat skipped, he instinctively sped up his speech: "This Orca Live anniversary celebration, we will definitely put in 200% effort, sincerely hoping you will attend."

He didn't mention the previous email at all, because it seemed Ling Yue also didn't know, and saying more would be pointless.

Ling Yue pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Since the appointment was already set, Manager Cen stood up, thanked her, and was about to leave when suddenly his vision went dark and he nearly fainted right there.

By the time he reacted, he had already fallen back onto the sofa.

A cup of honey water was placed before him; Ling Yue paused: "This is freshly brewed honey water, you can have a little."

Manager Cen smiled and thanked her, his icy hand gripping the cup, only then did he seem to come back to life.

He rubbed his brow, his head still a bit dazed, thinking he'd just worked overtime too long, and completely missed Ling Yue's deep gaze as she looked at him.

Manager Cen apologetically explained: "The company's been a bit busy lately, so I haven't rested well."

Ling Yue: "Really?"

Maybe it's not that your health is bad.

She said it with deep meaning; although it was just an ordinary tone, hearing this, Manager Cen jerked his head up, and his warming hands and feet turned icy again.

Ling, Ling Yue, what do you mean by this?

In a flash he recalled the previous broadcast, where the other party had spoken with uncanny accuracy, hitting the nail on the head, and instantly his whole body felt uncomfortable, as if a chill ran through him, his complexion gradually twisting.

Ling Yue's expression grew grave; she saw beneath the skin on the man's neck a thin layer of bluish scales gradually surfacing.

Ling Yue suddenly slapped his shoulder, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Manager Cen."

He stared, instantly snapped back to reality, his face deathly pale as he looked at Ling Yue: "I—I, what just happened to me?"

His mind went blank, he couldn't recall any memory, and he couldn't help rubbing his icy hands and feet, wishing to curl into a ball.

Manager Cen had always thought it was due to the dropping temperature; could it be that there's something wrong with his body?!

Manager Cen stiffly moved a bit.

Ling Yue was still thinking back, and she saw behind Manager Cen a flexible, slender shadow; slapping his shoulder was meant to restrain him.

Without waiting for her reply, Manager Cen was already certain, immediately pleading: "Master Ling, please save me!"

The more he thought, the colder his heart became, fixed on Ling Yue as if clutching the last straw of salvation.

At this point, Ling Yue finally realized what that slender, flexible shadow resembled; she lowered her gaze to Manager Cen: "Do you have any pets at home?"

For example, snakes or the like?