Chapter 40

The two walked toward the Rabbit’s Den, and Ye Qingfeng felt he needed to explain the situation—he could live alone just fine, but now he was someone with an organization and discipline.

Besides, whether Mao You could stay was up to Nico, but he already had a plan!

Given Nico’s greed, she wouldn’t casually let anyone else join the Rabbit’s Den—current finances couldn’t support another salary.

Ye Qingfeng glanced at Mao You skipping beside him; she was adorable, sure, but judging by her appearance, she had no combat ability—otherwise, why hadn’t she struggled back then?

Even if he thought he had some looks, she couldn’t possibly have taken a real fancy to him, could she?

Whatever… I’ll figure something out later…

If all else fails, keeping her as a concubine isn’t out of the question—he still had nearly a million Ding Ni, so he wouldn’t have to worry about money for a long time.

By the way… didn’t I still have four lottery draws left?

“Qingfeng! Qingfeng!”

Mao You watched Ye Qingfeng, lost in thought beside her; after calling several times without response, she suddenly opened her mouth wide, revealing two tiny fangs, and bit his hand.

“Ow! Mao You, what are you doing?!”

“You didn’t even acknowledge me for ages! Hmph!”

Mao You sniffed and turned her head away, pouting—adorable as ever.

“My bad, my bad! Let me tell you about my home situation.”

Mao You’s puffed cheeks deflated instantly—right… Qingfeng had his own family…

He didn’t know if his family would accept her, and she still had one thing left to resolve…

Ye Qingfeng looked at Mao You’s back, thinking she was still sulking over being ignored.

He had no way with Mao You! He’d have to bribe her with canned fish!

“Here—mackerel can! Forgive me, okay… no… please—!” Ye Qingfeng was about to bribe Mao You with the mackerel can, when he realized…

Oh no! No cans left!

Fortunately, heaven never closes a path—just as he looked up, he spotted a small supermarket not far ahead.

“Alright~ I’ll go buy you two cans, don’t be mad.” Ye Qingfeng gently patted Mao You’s head, but his gaze remained fixed on the supermarket.

Even though Nico and Anbi’s words were annoying…

But Nico meant well… Anbi was just trying to irritate him!

Whatever… I’ll be magnanimous. Seeing how hard they work in the Hollow, I’ll cook them a big meal—and use it to bribe Nico too.

Come to think of it, if Mao You joins the Rabbit’s Den, she’ll probably just become a mascot—or a lucky cat?

Oh right! I still have to fulfill my promise of a full fish feast—better buy two extra fish. Red-braised? Steamed? Fish slices in broth? Which does she prefer?

Consider it a welcome gift for Mao You joining the Rabbit’s Den!

“Mao You, let’s go to the supermarket—I’ll buy you tasty cans!” Seeing she still said nothing, Ye Qingfeng assumed she was still upset and spoke gently: “Wait here for a bit—I still need to buy dinner ingredients, it’ll take a while. Don’t wander off, okay?”

“Mm…”

“Good girl!”

Ye Qingfeng rubbed Mao You’s head, then left, satisfied.

After about thirty seconds, Mao You slowly turned and gazed toward where Ye Qingfeng had disappeared—his silhouette faintly visible in the distance.

She bit her lip, her expression complex as she stared ahead: “I’m sorry… I still have one thing I must resolve…”

“After this is done… I’ll come find you!”

Even if you refuse… I’ll find a way to stay, no matter how much I have to beg!

Mao You’s gaze hardened, and she turned decisively, walking back along the same path—scenes before her reversed like a film rewinding as she strode past the alley where she’d first met Ye Qingfeng.

She entered the nearby convenience store.

As soon as she stepped in, she heard two clerks chatting.

Clerk A: “Shift change in ten minutes—I’m so tired!”

Clerk B: “Want to swap? You take the day shift from now on?”

Clerk A: “Nah, forget it… night shift pays more Ding Ni. By the way, I’ve got to tell you—there was a super handsome guy here today!”

Clerk B: “There’s one every day. What’s so special?”

Clerk A: “This one’s different—he’s the handsomest I’ve seen this month! No, this half-year! Bought two mackerel cans—probably for stray cats nearby!”

Clerk B: “That’s kind of him. Got a photo? Let me see how handsome he is.”

Clerk A: “No photo, but the surveillance should’ve caught him. Oh! Hi! What can I help you with?”

Clerk A was about to check the surveillance when she noticed a cat-human customer standing at the counter.

“Do you have cloaks? The cheapest one…”

“Of course!” The clerk stepped out from behind the counter and quickly grabbed a cloak from the shelf. “Here you go!”

Mao You paid quickly, said nothing, and walked out of the store. At the entrance, she slipped on the cloak and pulled up the hood—then unconsciously glanced back at the alley.

A strange feeling rose in her chest—she wouldn’t have to wait long before seeing Ye Qingfeng again.

Before that, she had to resolve this matter first.

Long after, she completed her final action and departed alone. Warm sunlight fell on her solitary back, stretching a long, lonely shadow behind her…

At that moment, Ye Qingfeng stepped out of the store carrying two shopping bags—one filled with dinner ingredients, the other entirely with mackerel cans. To get the cans to Mao You faster, he unconsciously quickened his pace.

He reached the spot where he’d left Mao You and looked around—but saw no sign of her.

Where did Mao You go? Did someone lure her away with mackerel cans?

Ye Qingfeng walked to a nearby newspaper stand, set both bags gently on the ground, and gestured to the owner, mimicking Mao You’s approximate height: “Have you seen a cat-human about this tall?”

“There was one that tall here, but she left a while ago,” the owner pointed in the direction Ye Qingfeng and Mao You had come from. “She went that way.”

“...I see. Thank you.”

“Boy, did you and your girlfriend fight? Go apologize properly—it’s nothing serious.”

The owner glanced at the large bag of mackerel cans, then at Ye Qingfeng’s dazed expression, speaking like a seasoned elder:

“It’s not like you think, sir… thanks anyway for telling me.”

Ye Qingfeng picked up the two bags and turned to leave when the owner suddenly called out from behind: “Wait a minute, boy!”

“What else?”

Ye Qingfeng turned slowly, expressionless, toward the owner.