Chapter 571: The Truth Revealed
Big Baby continued to lament, seemingly repeating a tale that the younger black cat had heard too many times, as it was now dozing off. The older black cat appeared equally exasperated but dutifully relayed the information to Ye Wenxin.
Sitting there, Ye Wenxin watched as Big Baby's ramblings grew more extensive and finally gestured for it to stop.
"When Yue'er arrives, I'll help you out, but this has to be mutual. We help each other. I've had some friction with Yue'er recently and could use your help too, Big Baby," Ye Wenxin proposed. Big Baby eagerly agreed, and thus a pact was formed between the human and the cat that night.
In the following days, Asuka was nowhere to be found, likely engrossed in studying to redeem herself. Knowing she would eventually come to her, Ye Wenxin didn't seek Asuka out. Meanwhile, she continued to explore with the envoy Hua Ju, leaving little time for trivial matters.
Wen Susu was notably displeased but couldn't retaliate against Ye Wenxin, often left grinding her teeth in frustration. Ye Wenxin enjoyed the leisure, casually investigating matters related to Asuka and preparing for Long Qingyue's arrival.
This was her primary focus for the year, though announcing it publicly wouldn't disadvantage the demon lord Gu Qingcheng. Yet Ye Wenxin was determined not to be branded by anyone.
During this time, Ye Wenxin easily won over the younger black cat, naming it Erha (Two-Ha).
The cat, deeply impressed by Ye Wenxin, was entirely devoted to her, simply because she found it a female cat. That cat was perfectly in its spring season, and the younger black cat, filled with youthful vigor, was naturally drawn to it. The outcome was predictable, and from then on, the simple-minded cat became fiercely loyal to Ye Wenxin, reminding her of the long-unseen Fatty.
As for the older black cat, it was somewhat elusive, appearing only to the younger cat. Ye Wenxin's greatest amusement became seeking it out within the city.
This game of hide-and-seek continued for nearly half a month until Liucheng sent official spirit envoys to solidify Ye Wenxin's status as an envoy. Even though the fox spirit was upset with Ye Wenxin for leaving, she couldn't help but care for her. Worried about Ye Wenxin's comfort, she crafted a blanket from her shed fur, hoping Ye Wenxin would sleep wrapped in her scent.
Ye Wenxin, understanding the fox spirit's intentions, found it endearing yet impractical. In an area teeming with spirit beasts, using an item scented with a spirit's essence was far too attention-grabbing.
Finally free from the Flower Master's constant questioning, Ye Wenxin had more time to play hide-and-seek with the older black cat.
After three days of searching, Ye Wenxin finally found it.
However, she would have preferred not to meet the older black cat under such circumstances.
"Uh, sorry, I didn't realize you were nursing," Ye Wenxin stammered, finding the cat surrounded by young spirit beasts, providing them with sustenance.
Each spirit beast looked different, some missing limbs, seemingly abandoned by other beasts or humans. Although the Hundred Flowers Dynasty was tolerant of animals, they remained indifferent to the weak. These young spirit beasts were apparently being cared for by the older cat. One, blind, clung to the cat's fur.
