Chapter 75

The panther flicked its ears and nodded reluctantly.

Xia You's laughter brought a delicate upward curve to the corners of her eyes.

After a bout of laughter, Xia You, kneeling on the ground, scooted over to Lu Yinghuai, pulling the furry paws of the panther into her embrace, holding tightly.

At this point in the conversation, it was fairly easy to guess what Lu Yinghuai might have once thought.

He desired to polish a gem until it gleamed brightly. In the final chapter of his life, he aimed to impart everything he knew to Xia You, hoping this precious gem would shine as it was meant to, endowed with the wisdom and capability to protect itself.

With utmost effort, he wiped off the dust on the gem and willingly entrusted this unique jewel to its destined possessor.

Many might not understand, but Lu Yinghuai truly saw Xia You as the continuation of his own life.

It reminded him of his younger days, when he first looked up at the vast cosmos, yearning to be the brightest star.

In the forest, he restrained his emotions, his desire to step closer, and even considered reverting to a fleeting match in Xia You's life when he realized her attachment to him was extraordinary.

It wasn’t about possession or seizing, but about fulfillment.

Fulfilling Xia You, and also fulfilling himself.

When Lu Yinghuai fell into a sleep he should never awaken from, but was promptly pulled back by Xia You, he saw a faint light breaking through his once-dark future, finally allowing his feelings to evolve and intensify.

Xia You's fingertips rested on the panther's paw pads. The fine texture of her skin against the rough pad seemed to synchronize, as if their heartbeats intertwined at the same frequency.

He suddenly spoke up, murmuring once more, "Your Highness?"

Lu Yinghuai tilted his head, a puzzled look in his eyes.

Xia You started to play with the panther's paw pads again, saying as she did, "I just felt that Your Highness has an exceptional taste in selecting gems."

While many saw only a superficial and unyielding rock, Lu Yinghuai believed that within it was a beautiful gem waiting to be revealed.

It was still the same stone, yet it was now treated differently.

The distinction wasn't about possessing a unique healing psychic ability, but rather—those people weren't Lu Yinghuai.

From the start, Xia You's psychic powers held a promise of miraculous recovery for everyone else. Only Lu Yinghuai, fully aware that his superior psychic level was untreatable, expected almost nothing from Xia You.

Xia You pinched the panther's paw in her hand, her face full of amusement: "Uncle Zhou always said that Your Highness is reserved and seldom shares his thoughts. Now, it seems... that's hardly the case."

Lu Yinghuai paused for a moment, typing in defense: "I'm indeed not accustomed to expressing such things."

Today, he hadn't planned to share these thoughts either.

The massive black furry figure, for the first time, lifted the panther paw that Xia You always held and gently swayed it.

The reason he unexpectedly voiced a self-analysis he usually refrained from was simple: while his young lord verbally hinted at evasion and doubt, his actions eagerly conveyed a desire to hold on.

Lu Yinghuai wasn't one to speak his mind outright, and he could even be somewhat clumsy emotionally. However, he was incredibly attentive and sincere.

His gaze was always on Xia You.

Hence, he was aware of every subtle change in her, every hint of concern she displayed.

He understood better than anyone what Xia You needed and desired.

Sometimes, even more promptly than Xia You herself.

Xia You: "..."

The young man understood the panther's silent, intimate suggestion, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes.

Wanting to change the subject, Xia You cleared her throat: "Your Highness, you mentioned taking me to see the secret base..."

A flicker of interest appeared in Lu Yinghuai's eyes.

After a few seconds, the panther pressed a button with its paw pad: "A Companion Beast's physique isn't suited for the wine cellar. As for the collection room... you've already been there."

Xia You, astonished, asked: "Hmm? I've been there?"

After a long contemplation, Xia You suddenly sat upright: "Is it that place?!"

No wonder Xia You's psychic energy recovered so swiftly in that star-studded room. It housed numerous energy stones!

The panther's long whiskers twitched, as if sharing a subtle smile.

Ever since awakening, he had considered, more than once, taking Xia You to that collection room.

However, when he saw the painstakingly cleaned, beautiful gem shimmering amidst the starry expanse, he could no longer restrain his longing and affection.

He desired to claim that beautiful gemstone for himself.

Xia You perceived him as a lofty, composed Imperial Marshal. In reality, he was an admirer who, despite his fondness for beautiful gems, only dared to gently polish them and hesitated to grasp and possess them.

"Xia You."

Lu Yinghuai's voice resonated once again. Xia You's pupils contracted, her assumed casual avoidance momentarily disrupted.

Xia You felt the panther's warm and fuzzy body lean in.

"Regarding the equivalence of liking and deserving, I can't provide an answer. I'm adept at changing the subject, but that's pointless."

Xia You's gaze stilled, her eyes fixed ahead, but her ears keenly captured every word from Lu Yinghuai.

"I..."

The panther's sharp claw paused on the touchscreen, its eyes gleaming with subtle shifts of light, gradually revealing a gentler demeanor.

"The first time I felt affection for someone, it was distinct from my love for wine or gems. He's an independent being with his own personality, preferences, and autonomy."

"I'm anxious because he's widely adored. He might become even more beloved in the future, meeting countless individuals—some undoubtedly more accomplished, attractive, and amiable than me."

"He has the right to choose a better future."

"However, fortunately, due to our psychic compatibility, I hold a significant advantage in pursuing him within the bounds of marriage."

"Just moments ago, I confessed to him. Admittedly, I did a terrible job—no flowers, no wine, devoid of any romantic arrangements. If Uncle Zhou found out, he'd surely banish me to the study for a month."

The last two lines nearly broke Xia You's previously solemn demeanor.

"Yet, I still hope that this gentleman might grant me another chance."

Lu Yinghuai withdrew his forepaw from Xia You's grasp, stood upright, gave his body a slight shake, and with the tip of his glossy black panther tail curled up, he slowly approached Xia You.

Xia You looked up at him.

The panther's silhouette was backlit by the light emanating from the bedroom. Each fur on its edge was distinct, and its fluffy tail curled in the warm glow, forming a curve just right to encircle a wrist.

Lu Yinghuai extended his right forepaw, lifting Xia You's left hand, and lowered his head to plant a kiss on her hand's back.

"Give me a chance to continue pursuing him."

As the voice from the button playback ended, Xia You's hand remained resting on Lu Yinghuai's paw pad, silently watching him.

It felt like an eternity, or perhaps just a blink of an eye, when Xia You's fingers curled in slight discomfort, retracting her hand to tuck it beneath her bent knees. She looked up at Lu Yinghuai, who was just slowly lowering his paw.

"Your Highness, are you teaching me how to reject you?" Xia You murmured softly.

Who confesses their feelings and then immediately teaches the confessee how to refuse?

Lu Yinghuai chuckled, this time typing directly on the touchscreen for Xia You to read.

[There's no contradiction, Xia You.]

[As a mentor, I want you to understand that facing an admirer's affections and confessions, even if there's a slight hesitation in your heart, you have the right to refuse, regardless of who the other party is.]

[Of course, as an admirer, I have my selfish desires.]

[If someone else confesses to you in the future, Xia You, remember: you've once rejected an Imperial Marshal. Can the person before you truly surpass Lu Yinghuai to the point where they're irresistible?]

Xia You's expression became somewhat indescribable.

After pondering, she managed to say, "Your Highness, this is a rather overt scheme, isn't it?"

On one hand, he spoke of the myriad choices available to Xia You, but through his actions, he quashed the possibility of anyone else pursuing her.

Effectively, he narrowed down the pool of suitors to just himself.

Lu Yinghuai didn't respond but settled down once again, his fluffy appearance exuding dignity and propriety.

Xia You studied Lu Yinghuai intently for a long while, trying to detect even the slightest hint of nervousness in the calm and composed eyes of the Imperial Marshal.

But who is Lu Yinghuai?

Back then, when he single-handedly stormed the insect queen's lair in his mecha, his hand didn't tremble in the slightest.

Perhaps there's a saying in this world: every creature has its nemesis.

Xia You adjusted her previously bent knee, sitting cross-legged, and gazed at the calm and composed Lu Yinghuai, arching an eyebrow, "So, as the prince's pursuer, I must surely have the right to indulge in my little hobbies, right?"

A sense of foreboding settled over Lu Yinghuai's heart.

With anticipation twinkling in her eyes, Xia You smiled slightly, "May I keep more fluffy creatures in our bedroom, my prince?"

Lu Yinghuai, who had planned to evict the pets from the bedroom that night, was rendered speechless.

The black panther silently rose, turned, and walked towards its designated bedroom, its silhouette betraying stiffness and a hint of desolation.

*

That night, Xia You lured the white tiger into her bedroom with a few catnip balls and sat on the carpet, massaging it with her psychic tentacles.

The snack, which had already given up and prepared to sleep alone, peered curiously around the door, searching for its mother.

The little tiger really didn't want to attend class anymore.

Xia You rubbed the slightly rough fur of the white tiger and, upon hearing the noise, turned her gaze towards the door.

At the doorway, the orange-black little tiger timidly showed half its face. A moment later, a panda cub climbed onto the tiger's head, peeking out as well.

The large and small pairs of round eyes scanned the room, gathering intelligence.

Without hesitation, Xia You activated her holographic computer and captured the scene.

As the snack and panda cub hesitated at the door, the civet, already informed by Uncle Zhou, strutted past them with pride, rubbed against Xia You's arm, and gracefully sat down, exuding aristocratic charm.

The weary snow leopard, with a loose blue ribbon in its mouth and its fluffy tail trailing, followed the civet and nestled into Xia You's embrace.

The panda cub's eyes widened. With a forceful push from its legs, it jumped off the tiger's head, darting onto Xia You's shoulder and playfully poked her with its tiny black claws.

Of all the companion beasts, the panda cub was the quickest to engage in cute antics for attention.

Seeing Xia You surrounded by fluffiness and with no space left for itself, the snack let out a cry and dashed into the fray.

……

After soothing the fluffy creatures, Xia You used her psychic tendrils to individually inspect their conditions, making annotations on her holographic computer's spreadsheet. She pondered for a moment before outlining their subsequent treatment plan.

The catnip in Uncle Zhou's room is almost mature, ready to continue its stimulating effects on elder sister…

Once the panda cub regains consciousness, it should continue with the previous treatment frequency. Catnip probably doesn't have any special effect on the panda cub, but perhaps it's worth trying to embed some psychic energy orbs within its body…

And there are Quqi and Snow Biscuit, who returned one after another without bringing any new fluffies. I must remember to check on them tomorrow, asking if they encountered any issues or injuries in the protected area…

The snack's condition is stable, and the prince's training has indeed resulted in some encouraging growth for the little tiger…

My prince…

My prince.

Xia You's typing fingers paused.

Perhaps offended by Xia You, for the first time, the black panther didn't follow her into the bedroom, seemingly wanting to sleep in a separate room out of spite.

The blonde youth sat on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly ruffling his hair.

The room's floor was carpeted with fluffy creatures, their varied breathing sounds weaving a rhythmic tapestry.

But one warm, dark, big panther was conspicuously absent.

Xia You suddenly felt a pang of insomnia.

Habits are truly irrational entities, aren't they?

Silently shutting down her holographic computer, Xia You rose from her seat, tiptoed to the interconnecting door on the wall that led to the adjacent room.

Earlier, Xia You had unlocked this door and had placed a small object in the door gap to prevent it from fully closing.

Now, it conveniently allowed Xia You to slip in without a sound.

The room next door was engulfed in darkness.

Xia You crept up to Lu Yinghuai's bedroom door and gently rapped on it three times with her knuckles.

No sound came from the room.

The door was left ajar.

Xia You nudged the door open and peeked inside with her head.

A regal black panther sprawled on a bed adorned with black silk linens. From the panther to the bed, every inch radiated sheer opulence and perfection.

Lu Yinghuai lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Xia You.

Clearing her throat slightly, Xia You was about to say something.

However, Lu Yinghuai subtly straightened up, his paw brushing away the fur to reveal a bright yellow button, which he pressed.

"Touch, if you wish!"

Xia You choked slightly, a baffled expression on her face.

Under Xia You's deeply complex gaze, a playful glint appeared in Lu Yinghuai's eyes. He shifted to the side, making room for her.

Xia You slowly approached, kicked off her slippers, climbed onto the bed, and sat cross-legged beside Lu Yinghuai.

The bedroom curtains were only half-drawn; evidently, Lu Yinghuai had been waiting for Xia You to take the initiative.

Silently, Xia You's eyes curved, her slender and fair fingers tracing the undulating back of the black panther.

Under the pristine moonlight, the shiny panther's tail inched closer, encircling Xia You's ankle.

An intimate atmosphere lingered.

***

Early the next morning, Xia You was awakened by Lu Yinghuai. She rubbed her eyes, sneaking back into her own bedroom through the inner door. Upon entering, she caught the piercing gaze of a lynx not far away, watching her intently.

Xia You paused mid-step.

The lynx stood, offering Xia You a respectful nod, eyes twinkling with amusement.

A hint of embarrassment surfaced on Xia You's face.

The panda cub, cuddled with its large tail on Xia You's bed, suddenly rolled over, waking up abruptly with a startled expression.

Xia You rushed over to soothe the little panda, which seemed disturbed from a nightmare.

The panda brushed a hand across its chest, revealing a digital device on its wrist that it uses when fully conscious.

[I was terrified! I dreamt I had to write a 10,000-word disciplinary report!]

Xia You hesitated to speak.

The newly-awakened "Latiao" (spicy strip) stretched with a big yawn, approached Xia You to greet him with a nuzzle, then executed a perfect cat-stretch. He then activated his digital device, pulled up a screen, and began typing.

[Little Uncle and Uncle share data access rights. You were battling with the military’s network for so long yesterday. Didn't you realize they're allies?]

Enjoying the little panda's shocked expression, Latiao revealed a smile remarkably similar to his uncle's.

[Hacking the military's internal network and unauthorized investigation of top-secret data... A 10,000-word disciplinary report? Hmm, seems too lenient.]

Silently, Xia You activated his digital device, pulled up a profile, and pointing to the top name, sought confirmation from the lynx with his gaze.

—— Is the little panda this person?

The lynx nodded.

—— It's him.

Xia You looked down at the profile picture of a young man with a baby face, his gaze moving past the achievements marred with bloodshed, finally resting on the last line of the profile.