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Deep within a dense, sun-dappled forest, where ancient trees stood tall and the air was filled with birdsong. There was an unspoken rule among the woodland creatures..don’t mess with the one-eyed fox. Known as the most cunning and fierce creature in the forest, Hua Cheng was feared and respected by all.
But hidden away in a cozy burrow beneath a sprawling oak tree was a ferret unlike any other. Gentle yet resilient, Xie Lian had a knack for stumbling into trouble but always managed to charm his way out of it. The two couldn’t have been more different and yet their paths intertwined in a bond stronger than any forest law.
Today was no different. Hua Cheng, the formidable fox is lounged in the shade. His sleek fur gleaming under the sunlight and his single eye lazily half-closed. Not far away, a familiar ferret darted through the tall grass..clutching a small flower in his tiny paws.
“San Lang!” Xie Lian chirped, his tiny frame bounding toward the fox. “Look what I found for you!”
Hua Cheng’s ears perked up at the sound of Xie Lian’s voice. He turned his head and his bushy tail flicking lazily. “What is it this time, Gege?” he asked, his voice smooth and teasing as always.
Xie Lian skidded to a halt in front of him, proudly holding up the flower..a delicate white blossom with golden streaks. “It’s rare, isn’t it? I thought it looked like you!”
Hua Cheng chuckled, lowering his head to inspect the flower. “Flattering me again, Gege? You’re not wrong..it is rare. But…” He smirked and nudging Xie Lian gently with his nose. “Nothing in this forest compares to you.”
Xie Lian’s ears twitched and he rolled his tiny eyes. “You always say things like that, San Lang.”
“It’s true.” Hua Cheng shifted closer as his larger frame towering protectively over the ferret. “But why were you running around out there? You know it’s not safe without me.”
“I’m fine, really!” Xie Lian insisted, his voice light. “I just wanted to do something nice for you. You’re always taking care of me after all.”
Hua Cheng sighed and his playful demeanor softening into something more serious. “That’s because it’s my job to protect you, Gege. You’re too precious to risk.” Xie Lian blinked up at him, his soft brown eyes shimmering. “You’re too kind to me, San Lang.”
“Only to you..” Hua Cheng replied with a wink then leaning down to press his nose against Xie Lian’s forehead.
The ferret’s fur fluffed up in embarrassment and he stammered, “S-San Lang, don’t tease me like that.."
Hua Cheng let out a low laugh, his tail curling around them both. “I’m not teasing. I mean every word.”
Suddenly, a rustling noise came from nearby bushes. Xie Lian tensed and instinctively stepping closer to Hua Cheng, who immediately stood up. His single eye narrowing as he scanned the surroundings.
“Stay behind me” Hua Cheng said firmly, his playful tone replaced by one of command. Xie Lian nodded and his tiny paws clutching at Hua Cheng’s fur for support. “Be careful, San Lang.”
Moments later, a harmless rabbit hopped out...its wide eyes staring curiously at them before scurrying away.
Xie Lian let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, it’s just a rabbit.."
Hua Cheng relaxed, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Still, you never know what’s out there. That’s why you shouldn’t wander too far without me, Gege.”
“I’ll be more careful next time...” Xie Lian promised, looking up at Hua Cheng with a sheepish smile.
“You’d better” Hua Cheng replied, his voice softening. “Because I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.”
Xie Lian’s heart warmed at the sincerity in Hua Cheng’s voice. He reached up on his hind legs, pressing a tiny kiss to Hua Cheng’s nose. “Thank you, San Lang.”
Hua Cheng blinked, momentarily stunned before his lips curled into a rare and genuine smile. “You’re going to be the death of me, Gege...” he murmured, leaning down to nuzzle the top of Xie Lian’s head.
The ferret let out a soft laugh and his earlier embarrassment forgotten. “If you’re the fox protecting me, then I guess I’m the luckiest ferret in the forest.”
“And don’t you forget it” Hua Cheng replied with a wink, pulling him closer with his tail as they basked in the safety of each other’s presence.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the forest..Hua Cheng and Xie Lian nestled together under the sprawling oak tree. The cool breeze rustled the leaves above them and the warmth of their closeness made the moment feel timeless.
“San Lang” Xie Lian began softly, his tiny paws tracing idle patterns on Hua Cheng’s fluffy tail. “Do you ever wonder how we ended up like this? You, the fierce fox everyone fears and me… just a clumsy little ferret.”
Hua Cheng tilted his head, his single crimson eye gleaming with affection. “Clumsy, maybe. But you’re far from ‘just’ anything, Gege.”
Xie Lian huffed a little, his ears twitching. “You always know how to make me feel better.”
“That’s because it’s easy” Hua Cheng replied, his voice rich with sincerity. “You’re the brightest thing in my life. Even when everything else feels dark..you’re there, lighting the way.”
Xie Lian flushed, his fur bristling slightly. “San Lang… you’re too smooth for your own good.”
Hua Cheng chuckled. The sound deep and warm. “And yet, it works every time.”
The ferret playfully swatted at Hua Cheng’s nose, his tiny paw barely making an impact. “One day..I’ll stop falling for your sweet words.”
“I’d like to see you try” Hua Cheng teased, leaning in so close that their noses almost touched. Before Xie Lian could respond, his stomach let out an unmistakable growl, breaking the romantic tension. He froze and his eyes wide with embarrassment.
Hua Cheng laughed, his tail curling around Xie Lian even tighter. “Hungry, Gege? You should’ve told me.”
“I… I didn’t want to bother you..” Xie Lian admitted, ducking his head.
“Bother me? Taking care of you isn’t a bother...it’s my favorite thing to do” Hua Cheng said firmly. He stood up, his elegant frame towering over the smaller ferret. “Wait here. I’ll find something for you.”
“No, San Lang! You don’t have to-” Xie Lian protested but Hua Cheng was already padding away with effortless grace, his eyepatch gleaming faintly in the fading sunlight. Left alone, Xie Lian curled his body..his heart feeling impossibly full. He glanced up at the sky..watching as the first stars began to twinkle.
Before long, Hua Cheng returned and carrying a bundle of fresh berries in his mouth. He set them down carefully in front of Xie Lian. His crimson eye gleaming with satisfaction. “Here. These should do.”
Xie Lian’s eyes lit up. “You’re incredible, San Lang. Thank you!” Hua Cheng settled back down beside him while watching with quiet amusement as Xie Lian happily nibbled on the berries. “You’re too easy to please, Gege” he said, his tone teasing.
“Well, maybe you’re just too good at spoiling me” Xie Lian replied with a soft laugh. “Maybe” Hua Cheng agreed, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to the top of Xie Lian’s head. Xie Lian paused mid-bite as his cheeks heating up. “San Lang, you’re so shameless.."
Hua Cheng grinned, his tail brushing against Xie Lian in a playful gesture. “Only for you, Gege.”
As the stars blanketed the sky, the fox and the ferret remained entwined beneath the oak tree. Their chuckle and soft whispers blending with the night’s melody. Together, they created a world where love was their sanctuary and no storm could break the bond they shared.
