Chapter 87

“Roar!”

Xiayou quickly released the tiger’s ear she was pinching.

The smallest in size, Tanggao, scooted backward and hid himself behind a cushion.

Quqi and Xuebing didn’t recognize the golden eagle, but such an unusually large creature exhibiting friendliness wasn’t exactly an unwelcome guest.

Xiayou, pondering, looked at the white tiger whose tail bristled silently. She then turned to gaze upwards at the great golden eagle, whispering, “Uncle Zhou?”

Xuebing, Quqi, and Tanggao simultaneously: “?!”

Latiao suddenly lifted his head, disbelief filling his eyes.

The great golden eagle, with the white card held in its beak, approached calmly and composedly. It spread its wings and gently nudged the fluffy creatures aside.

The red panda silently took two steps out, dragging its cushion.

The lynx and the snow leopard quietly followed suit.

The circle of fluffy creatures instantly created a gap.

The golden eagle naturally took a seat next to Xiayou, sheltering her under its wing. The tip of its wing even playfully stroked the lounging tiger, its sharp eagle eyes filled with a gentle and loving warmth.

The little tiger widened its eyes and tried to snuggle against the golden eagle while resting on Xiayou’s lap.

The tiger's head on Xiayou’s lap suddenly felt like a plush tiger-striped blanket, warm with built-in fat. Xiayou was both amused and exasperated but seeing Latiao continuing to act spoiled towards the old butler, she could only maintain her position and try to soothe Latiao's spirit.

The golden eagle lowered its head, gently brushing the tiger with its beak, then tenderly ruffled Xiayou's hair.

After petting numerous fluffy creatures, Xiayou found herself being pampered by the largest one: “?”

Xiayou turned and nuzzled the inside of the golden eagle's wing with her cheek, then ran her hand along its vast wing, feeling the soft down before reaching the layered primary feathers.

The golden eagle simply spread its wings, allowing Xiayou to touch. What should have been a fierce bird of prey exuded a profound sense of tenderness.

Watching the scene, Xuebing too, lifted a paw, tentatively touching the golden eagle's wing with his paw pads.

The white tiger grunted audibly. But seeing the other cats touching the large bird, it couldn’t help but glance over once, and then again, its ears flicking back in a slightly annoyed manner.

The golden eagle looked at the white tiger, who was pretending to be indifferent, with a teasing gaze. It then spread both its wings, allowing the curious little ones to explore at will.

Now, even Quqi and Tanggao couldn’t resist. They hesitated for a moment but still approached and began to touch with raised paws.

They were all ground-dwellers, and the predatory birds usually had different training areas, so they didn’t often interact. Plus, an eagle as large as Uncle Zhou was indeed one in a million; claiming they weren't curious would be a lie.

The red panda even began to access its holographic computer, pulling up data on the large golden eagle.

The golden eagle seemed unbothered, even accommodating Tanggao by adjusting its wings and body. As the comparatively tiny red panda got closer, the eagle thoughtfully revealed its sharp talons, gleaming coldly.

Xiayou picked up the white business card the golden eagle had placed in front of them and examined it again, asking, “Uncle Zhou, do you recognize this?”

The golden eagle stretched out its talons and sat on the carpet.

It was then that Xiayou noticed the golden eagle wasn’t wearing any holographic devices.

Uncle Zhou entered from outside holding a tray. For a moment, the fluffballs engrossed in admiring the eagle coughed awkwardly and returned to their spots.

Only the red panda, engrossed in gathering data, continued to circle the golden eagle.

Uncle Zhou distributed the drinks and snacks, then accepted the invitation of a happily tail-thumping Latiao to sit next to the little tiger.

The white tiger, displeased, rose to leave. But Uncle Zhou skillfully reached out, scratching and massaging under its chin.

The majestic white tiger held out for less than a minute before rolling onto its back, surrendering to Uncle Zhou’s expert petting techniques.

Uncle Zhou turned his gaze to the white tiger, which stiffened momentarily, then reluctantly sat with a dignified grace, allowing him to stroke its spine.

Uncle Zhou retrieved a black card from a spatial knot that was similar in size and had the same design, handing it to Xiayou.

Accepting it, Xiayou rubbed the black and white cards together in her hand, not immediately spotting any differences.

Hm?

Wait a second.

As if realizing something, Xiayou channeled her spiritual energy into the cards in her hand, then layered the two cards atop one another.

The spiritual energy probing outward began to travel through the tiny gap between the two cards, slowly revealing a set of coordinates.

Uncle Zhou chuckled, “This is a marketplace established by mercenaries. They used to have a significant presence on the dark web, but ever since their leadership was decimated, this patch of their territory has become somewhat more approachable.”

“This interstellar coordinate marks the location of the marketplace?” Xiayou paused, swallowing hard, “An entire planet, all of it?”

Uncle Zhou nodded slowly.

Xiayou: “...Wow.”

[How can we find out what's on offer at this marketplace?] Quqi asked.

Uncle Zhou answered with a smile, “The black market operates not on an auction system but on supply and demand.”

Xiayou retracted her spiritual energy and patted Latiao, who was comfortably resting on her lap.

Latiao turned his head, looking innocent with his tiger-like face.

Xiayou pinched the tiger’s ear, “My legs are numb, move!”

With a flick of his ear, Latiao rose, circled around, and defiantly squeezed himself between Xiayou and Uncle Zhou.

Xiayou quickly devoured a dozen energy stones and gestured for the white tiger to come over.

Eager to escape the authoritative presence of the old butler, the white tiger hastily sat next to Xiayou.

Xuebing glanced at Xiayou, who was continuing to soothe the white tiger, her tail pausing for a moment and her eyes filled with concern.

Uncle Zhou had also been observing Xiayou's actions. When Xiayou gave him a reassuring smile, he sighed internally and continued, “Anyone with an invitation can land on this planet. Traders just need to post their demands on the planet's internal network. If someone is willing to trade, they'll set a price, with the marketplace taking a 5% commission.”

“If a client's request garners no response but offers an enticing reward, the marketplace will step in to accept the commission.”

An enticing reward?

Xiayou frowned.

She had a feeling that there was a deeper meaning to Uncle Zhou's words.

What she possessed that could be enticing enough for others…

A glint appeared in Xiayou's eyes as she looked at Uncle Zhou.

Uncle Zhou subtly nodded.

Xiayou lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

Latiao dragged its claw on the carpet, pulling up a holographic screen to type: [Will Uncle Zhou accompany us?]

Golden Eagle – a sense of security!

Uncle Zhou's expression carried a hint of regret: “I’d love to stretch my old bones, but the dark web blacklisted me a long time ago. Even though the dark web is gone, if my retinal gene data were to enter any marketplace, alarms would probably sound off.”

Huh?

The fluffy crew displayed bewildered expressions.

Xiayou, the only one in the know: "..."

So, in his younger days, Uncle Zhou was indeed a lawless rebel, causing havoc wherever he went!

By the time Xiayou had soothed and stabilized the spiritual energy within the little panda, the old butler ushered the sleepless fluffy ones to the bath to clean their paws, leaving Xiayou some time to seek out Lu Yinghuai upstairs.

Lu Yinghuai was awake. Uncharacteristically, he wasn’t reviewing documents or managing affairs but was instead leaning over the balcony, gazing up at the stars.

Xiayou casually grabbed a cushion, holding it in her arms, and sat down next to Lu Yinghuai, gently leaning against the furry presence beside her.

A leopard's tail swept the floor, the tail's tip curling around Xiayou’s wrist which rested beside her.

The stars tonight shone brightly, the heavens seemed close, as if one could pluck the luminous jewels with a mere reach.

Xiayou, too, gazed upwards, speaking softly.

Gradually, she recounted her previous discovery of the dormant tentacles in the stasis chamber, her revelation regarding a potential cure for Lu Yinghuai’s condition, and roughly discussed her visit to the Zhu family today. When she mentioned her shock upon spotting the Golden Eagle in the small reception room, Xiayou couldn’t help but laugh.

Lu Yinghuai chuckled as well, lifting his leopard paw to gently touch Xiayou's hair.

Once, and then again.

A flutter in Xiayou’s heart made her inch closer to Lu Yinghuai.

[You've worked hard.]

Lu Yinghuai patted Mr. Xiao's head, then tucked the leopard's paw into Xia You's arms, displacing the pillow that was originally embraced by her, with the paw pad facing upwards.

Xia You couldn't resist; holding the sturdy leopard's paw, she laughed, her eyes twinkling with joy.

Gently squeezing the highly elastic paw pad, Xia You whispered, "Your Highness, I wish to visit the marketplace."

As Lu Yinghuai was about to type, he heard Xia You say clearly and decisively, "I'll go alone."

Lu Yinghuai's pupils suddenly constricted.

Instead of outright refusing or reprimanding her, he paused for a few seconds and typed: [What's the reason?]

Xia You sighed with relief, lowering her voice, "Your Highness, everyone's identities are too sensitive. The forms of our accompanying beasts are not a secret within the military's internal network. The marketplace can easily access this information."

"On the other hand, I am just a nobody. Visiting the marketplace for something I desire—even if my identity is discovered, with Your Highness backing me, no one would dare to confront me. Moreover, wise people wouldn't want to offend me before assessing my true value."

"My wish to visit the marketplace isn't just to find a hibernation chamber for Your Highness; more importantly, I wish to leave the fixed location of Lanxing to search for items of greater value that could aid in my advancement."

"While I did mention going alone, without the accompanying beast, Your Highness could let a discreet guard accompany me, or maybe a warship—I know we have one, right?"

Xia You waved Lu Yinghuai's leopard's paw, her eyes shining brightly.

Her arguments were well-reasoned, clearly something she had been pondering for a while.

After a long silence, Lu Yinghuai nodded, [Alright, but you must take what Uncle Zhou and I prepared for you.]

Xia You: "…?"

Was it really that easy?!

Xia You, who had mentally prepared numerous persuasions, was stunned into silence.

Lu Yinghuai tilted his head slightly, questioning Xia You with his gaze.

Having second thoughts?

Xia You quickly shook her head, unable to hide her excitement as she exclaimed, "Yes! I will surely seek more advice from Uncle Zhou!"

[Have you set a date?] Lu Yinghuai asked.

Xia You thought for a moment, "I plan to livestream a few times here first, to obtain some high-grade energy stones from the nobles. Then, I'll lay low for a while, giving them time to think, before setting out."

A sharp gleam flashed in Lu Yinghuai's eyes. After a moment, he slowly nodded.

***

Several days later...

Xia You watched as the servants streamed in one by one, carrying a multitude of gift boxes filled with various clothes, accessories, and shoes. In less than fifteen minutes, the dressing room was packed to the brim.

Uncle Zhou smiled with satisfaction and, turning to the awestruck Xia You, asked, "Would you like to try them on, Xia You?"

Hesitatingly, Xia You inquired, "…All of them?"

Uncle Zhou responded, "Of course not."

Just as Xia You breathed a sigh of relief, Uncle Zhou added with a playful grin, "Outfits should be mixed and matched to find the perfect style, after all."

Xia You: "…"

Standing at the doorway of the dressing room, Xia You felt a chill run down her spine.

Uncle Zhou waved for the others to leave, and whispered, "In a place like the marketplace, ill-informed newcomers can be troublesome. Those who go unnoticed can easily disappear, while those who dare to be bold are respected."

"Don't be afraid to show your face. Being identified can be the safest option."

"However, it's not always necessary to reveal everything. A little misdirection can be advantageous for those who don't need to know your true identity."

Xia You grasped the meaning behind Uncle Zhou's words.

Since her purpose was to negotiate with the marketplace's owner, her identity would inevitably be exposed, and there was no need to hide it. Yet, if some minor players learned of her status, unforeseen complications might arise.

Ideally, she'd present herself as someone most wouldn't dare to offend, but who the marketplace's owner would find suspicious enough to investigate.

Glancing at her overflowing dressing room, a brilliant idea suddenly struck Xia You.

"Uncle Zhou, where's His Highness?"

Uncle Zhou gestured towards the direction of the hibernation center.

Xia You pursed her lips.

Recently, Lu Yinghuai has rarely been seen at the Marshal's mansion, often frequenting the hibernation center instead.

I somehow feel... a tad concerned.

Seeing Xia You's unease, Uncle Zhou chuckled, "Would Xia You like to see what the young master looked like as a child?"

Xia You's eyes lit up, "A leopard cub?"

Xia You had previously heard from Lu Yinghuai that during his youth, he often lost control of his mental powers. Hence, before he became an adult, he spent more time in his leopard form than his human form. As he grew stronger in adulthood and gradually mastered control over his powers, these incidents decreased.

Therefore, most of Uncle Zhou's pictures of the young master from his childhood depicted him as a tiny dark furball.

Uncle Zhou nodded in affirmation.

Xia You expressed surprise, "Didn't you previously say those were part of your private collection...?"

Uncle Zhou replied with a meaningful look, "I thought it might be good for Xia You to have a glimpse and get accustomed."

Xia You: "…?"