One cannot help but say, the National Master is indeed the National Master. With just a few words, he can make Little Nine feel so deeply grateful.
Lian Muxiu’s original plan was to take Little Nine out to eat, to observe her preferences, so that living together would be more convenient in the future. For Little Nine, Lian Muxiu put in quite a bit of thought. After all, the National Master was only interested in Little Nine now.
After finishing her breakfast happily, Little Nine immediately leaped into Lian Muxiu's arms, bouncing around, urging him to set off quickly.
Lian Muxiu held Little Nine, stroking her fox fur, while instructing the butler to prepare the carriage and telling the secret guards to be extra vigilant, in case anything unexpected happened. Little Nine, confused, wondered why so many precautions were necessary just to go out for some food.
Noticing Little Nine’s puzzled expression, Lian Muxiu explained in a calm voice, “Although I am the National Master, there are still people who might want to target me. The Emperor’s success in rising to the throne among many princes was not without the advice of this National Master. Although many princes lost their lives in that battle for the throne, some surrendered to survive. After all, ‘as long as the green mountains remain, there’s no fear of firewood,’ don’t you think?”
By the end of his sentence, Lian Muxiu’s aura suddenly grew cold, a killing intent rising that directly affected Little Nine.
“Chirp~” Little Nine yelped. She had no spiritual power at the moment, just a fox slightly stronger than an ordinary one. Lian Muxiu’s sudden surge of killing intent made her fur stand on end.
Hearing Little Nine’s cry, Lian Muxiu snapped back from his thoughts. Noticing her wary eyes, he quickly realized how easily he had let his emotions spill out and how it had affected Little Nine. This wasn’t a good sign.
He gently stroked her head, lifting Little Nine up to eye level, and softly comforted her, “Sorry, it was my fault. I let my emotions get the better of me just now.”
“Chirp, chirp.” Was it because we need to spend money to go eat?
Lian Muxiu laughed softly. “So you thought I was upset because I need to spend money for food? No, that’s not it. I really like you. Why would I get angry over money? Don’t worry, I can take care of two or three more of you.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“Chirp chirp chirp~” Little Nine was in a panic. What? You want to take in two or three more like me? She had just arrived at Lian Muxiu’s home, enjoying the luxury of being cared for. Now, did he want more? This couldn’t be right!
Panicked, Little Nine flailed her paws, nearly scratching Lian Muxiu’s face. Lian Muxiu quickly pulled her back into his arms. “What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly angry?”
Little Nine lifted her head, gazing at Lian Muxiu with watery eyes, feeling somewhat wronged.
Lian Muxiu reflected on his words and realized what had happened. What’s been going on in that little head of yours?
He gently squeezed Little Nine’s ears, as if punishing her. The pressure made Little Nine cry out in discomfort. “Little Nine, what I said was just a figure of speech. I wasn’t actually planning to take in two or three more foxes. I promise, I will only keep you. Is that okay?”
If someone had told Lian Muxiu before he met Little Nine that he would be speaking softly to a fox, explaining his thoughts patiently to it, Lian Muxiu would have had that person dragged away and executed. He would have scoffed at such an impossible thing.
Yet, after spending just a few days with Little Nine, Lian Muxiu’s protective patience for her knew no bounds. He treated her as an equal, cheered her up, apologized to her, and even teased her a little.
“Chirp, chirp.” Fine, I forgive you, since you’re so sincere.
Little Nine’s eyes truly spoke volumes. Her earlier watery eyes made Lian Muxiu realize where he had gone wrong and caused her to flare up. Now, her bright eyes were signaling to him that she had forgiven him.
Lian Muxiu stroked her soft fur, just as the butler entered and reported that the carriage was ready and they could depart. Lian Muxiu gently lifted Little Nine. “Let’s go, my little fox. I’ll take you for a stroll.”
“Chirp!” How wonderful! Little Nine instantly forgot about her previous upset with Lian Muxiu.
----------------------------------------
After they left the gates and boarded the carriage, Little Nine finally realized that Lian Muxiu’s life was truly magnificent. This time, the carriage was smaller than the one from the trip back from Wuqie Mountain. It seemed to be for regular outings.
Inside the carriage, everything, from the cup for drinking water to the quilt for resting, was exquisite, befitting the status of the National Master.
Little Nine touched this and looked at that, wanting to move around but afraid of breaking anything and making Lian Muxiu angry.
“You can look at anything you like, don’t worry, even if you break something, I won’t be angry.”
Lian Muxiu’s voice came from above Little Nine’s head. Looking up, she saw Lian Muxiu leaning casually to one side, reading a book, his eyes carrying a faint smile.
----------------------------------------
Extra Notes
Once Little Nine transforms into human form, one day, she suddenly remembers Lian Muxiu. She rushes over to him, grabs his sleeve and pouts, “You’re so annoying. You bullied me.”
Lian Muxiu is dumbfounded. “When did that happen?”
Little Nine wrinkles her nose. “When we first met!”
Lian Muxiu: “…”