Chapter 137

What was supposed to be a peaceful honeymoon trip turned into a gathering of symbiotic creatures. Xia You delightedly indulged in the midst of these fluffy beings, not too far from a black and white bear which everyone seemed to have "kidnapped" for petting sessions.

Lu Yinghuai trailed at the end of the massive entourage, Yuan Yuan on his left and Latiao on his right; the two previously favored cats wore expressions of lament, their privileged status with Xia You evidently diminished.

Latiao turned and cried out plaintively to Lu Yinghuai.

"Aren't you going to intervene?"

Yuan Yuan raised a paw and gave Latiao a slap.

"Intervene? How? Our little tiger has grown up but doesn't fight for attention anymore."

Dejected, Latiao glanced ahead at the horde of doted-upon creatures, his ears drooping.

Yuan Yuan looked towards Xia You, who seemed to be on the verge of diving into the panda petting session, and his teeth bared in irritation.

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

The man pondered for a moment, activated his light computer, and sent a message to Wei Cheng.

However, there was no response for quite a while.

Finally, after fifteen minutes, a notification sounded from Xia You's light computer.

Xia You checked his device, surprised. "Huh? Why would Tanggao be messaging me?"

Lu Yinghuai paused for a moment, realizing something. Nonchalantly moving closer, he asked, bypassing the symbiotic creatures crowding Xia You, "Is there an urgent matter at hand?"

"Well, not exactly... His Majesty plans to officially announce the existence of spirit forms and symbiotic creatures soon. He's also pushing for new regulations, and both he and his sister need to return to the Imperial Star."

"He was inquiring if we'd like to return with them, especially since Latiao is still with us. Moreover, the medal ceremony is scheduled in a month, so it might be best if we head over to the Imperial Star to prepare."

After explaining, Xia You paused, feeling something was amiss.

"But shouldn't this message come from Major General Wei Cheng or even Quqi? Why would Tanggao, who rarely steps outside the mecha department at the base, inform me?"

Lu Yinghuai simply replied, "Perhaps it was convenient for him."

Xia You acknowledged with a nod, his spirits lifting, "Oh, but Tanggao did mention that my mecha has been fine-tuned and is ready!"

Lu Yinghuai suggested smoothly, "Let's head back. Everyone has completed their treatment for the Spiritual Disarray Syndrome. It's time for a check-up at the Hibernation Center."

Xia You nodded, "Mm-hmm."

Latiao, who witnessed the entire exchange, pawed at the grass, reflecting on the situation.

While Latiao's combat ability may not be the pinnacle among the symbiotic creatures, and compared to Lu Jiuzhu, his symbiotic beast's main strength lies in the intimidation of its tiger breed. Yet, Latiao is certainly the most politically astute and shrewd among them.

Xia You was easily diverted by Lu Yinghuai, but not so easy to pull the wool over the eyes of the craftiest little tiger!

This "casual notice" – it's probably a roundabout way for Uncle to ask his nephew to return. The others might be trying to avoid revealing the truth to the nephew upon his return, so they deferred the responsibility. Only after the little panda lost a fight was it pushed forward to deceive.

Latiao shot a glance at the mature, composed man assisting Xia You with the fluffy creatures and his face revealed a knowing expression.

When it comes to competing for attention, who has more tricks up their sleeve than Uncle!

As expected, a married man is even craftier than before... oh.

Yuan Yuan withdrew the warning gaze aimed at Latiao, wrapping his tail as he moved to help Xia You pack up the tent. From time to time, he affectionately touched Xia You's hand, earning him a warm kiss from Xia You.

They had stayed in this valley for over a month, setting up a large tent and arranging various items outside.

Xia You busied himself packing up the dining table, moving back and forth, with his symbiotic creatures bustling behind him.

With the abundance of fluffy creatures, there was a variety of tables and chairs, and vases filled with assorted fresh flowers were placed on them.

A cat, about the size of a squirrel, jumped onto a table, quickly biting and pulling out the flowers from a vase, and deftly placing them back in order.

A lion used its paw to pull a vase closer, next to which was a basket filled with items to be cleaned by the river.

After everything was cleared off the tables, the black bear swiftly folded them up and stored them in its dimensional knot.

Latiao rubbed his tiger head and, relying on his solid build, squeezed into the circle filled with fluff, sticking close to Xia You.

"No, no, no, that doesn't need to be washed by the river... oh, that works too."

A massive white snake-like creature, with the tip of its tail holding a small towel, carefully dried the utensils other symbiotic creatures had cleaned from the river. Upon hearing Xia You, it turned, its fluffy rabbit-like ears twitching.

The large white wolf herded Xia You to sit aside, gesturing for another symbiotic creature to bring some food for Xia You.

Quickly, a bright, large apple was placed into Xia You's hand.

[What are you fussing about? With so many at home, just take a seat.]

Xia You rubbed the apple and whispered, "But now, such things are dispersed among everyone."

The white wolf grinned, revealing a cheerful wolfish smile that bore no hint of malice.

[What's there to fear? We can always venture out together later!]

Xia You: "Hmm..."

The golden-haired young man glanced at his partner.

Perhaps because he was finally free from these furry light bulbs, the man's steps seemed especially light and brisk.

Xia You couldn't help but chuckle softly, whispering, "Let's not. The big kitty already feels quite wronged, and it's tough to placate him."

The white wolf looked Xia You up and down, nodding in understanding.

[Given your petite frame, it indeed must be strenuous. You should train with the master for a while to strengthen your body and enjoy better experiences. Understand?]

A question mark appeared above Xia You's head as she tried to explain, "Master, I'm not..."

[I get it, young one, your skin is thin.]

[Back in the days when I was in the legion, the new recruits were just like that.]

[Don't be fooled by that panther's innocent appearance. Everyone who came out of the legion has heard their fair share of raunchy jokes. A genuine innocent like you can't compete.]

The white wolf winked at Xia You, tapping her knee with his paw.

[As an experienced and straightforward warrior, I might not have much to teach you, but when it comes to handling that panther, trust me, I'm skilled!]

***

Blue Star Base·Marshal's Mansion

Upon hearing that Xia You and Lu Yinghuai had returned, Lu Jiuzhu and the Emperor, who had been staying at the training base, hurried back.

Contrary to Xia You's image of a female marshal, Lu Jiuzhu's attire resembled that of a lady emerging from a banquet—elegant, composed, beautiful, but with an edge and presence uncommon to ordinary women.

Xia You had always perceived the Emperor as an enigmatic figure; refined on the surface but emanating a formidable presence.

However, when Lu Jiuzhu stood by the Emperor, Xia You truly comprehended what it meant to be a perfectly harmonized royalty.

This was Xia You's first encounter with Lu Jiuzhu.

Naturally...

Xia You looked down at the spicy strip (Latiao), which was rubbing affectionately against his leg.

This must also be Latiao's first time meeting his mother.

After awakening, Lu Jiuzhu's health hadn't been stable, hence she had been receiving ongoing treatments on Blue Star, not returning to the Imperial Star.

Xia You initially assumed that the Emperor, from the palace, had sent his companion beast to Blue Star, intending to visit his mother. Unexpectedly, after Lu Jiuzhu awakened, Latiao fled the base to follow Xia You.

Lu Yinghuai reached out and playfully ruffled Latiao's head.

Yuan Yuan flicked Latiao's rear with his leopard tail, signaling the nephew to be bold.

Latiao lifted his head to look at his mother. He scraped the ground with his paws and drooped his tail. Contrary to his previous audacity and mischief around the white tiger, he now appeared cautiously tentative.

Xia You sighed internally.

Latiao had never met his mother. As a young tiger, when facing the unique white tiger – a beast of his kind – he'd been eager to approach her, even if she wasn't fully conscious. He'd been quite jovial about bonding with her.

However, when his real mother stood before him, Latiao felt a surge of apprehension, hesitating to approach.

Just as Xia You was about to speak, the dominant white tiger stepped forward from behind Lu Jiuzhu, pressed her paw on Latiao, bit the nape of his neck, and effortlessly began dragging him indoors.

Xia You: "...?"

The foreseeing Lu Yinghuai: "..."

The Emperor gleefully followed, having sneakily petted his wife and son, attempting to playfully wrestle with both tigers.

Lu Jiuzhu smiled, "What brought you back so soon? I thought you'd stay out and play for a while longer."

Xia You: "Huh? Didn't sister and brother-in-law plan to return to the Imperial Star and asked us to accompany them?"

Lu Jiuzhu arched an eyebrow, casting a teasing glance at Lu Yinghuai.

Xia You caught on and turned to look at Lu Yinghuai.

Lu Yinghuai placed a hand on Xia You's back, guiding him towards the house. A massive black panther led the way, ears subtly pulled back and tail rigid, unmistakably exuding an air of unease.

Lu Jiuzhu continued towards the house, "Actually, Xia You, it might be easier if you come back with us. We can stay at the palace."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yinghuai turned to his sister who seemed to enjoy stirring trouble and said in a deep voice, "Sister, we have our own home on the Imperial Star."

Lu Jiuzhu teased, "Oh, you mean the Marshal's mansion that hosted the matching banquet? I heard Xia You met you during a banquet for healers. Tell your story to your big sister."

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

Xia You couldn't contain himself and snorted with laughter.

In the living room, the white tiger was grooming Latiao. As Lu Jiuzhu passed by, she scooped up Latiao, giving him several affectionate pecks, exclaiming, "My tiger cub looks so majestic and handsome, just like me!"

Latiao paused for a moment, then, realizing, his amber eyes sparkled as he cuddled into Lu Jiuzhu's embrace, purring and rubbing against her.

The Emperor attempted to adjust Latiao's position but was met with resistance and a stern glance from Lu Jiuzhu. The refined and lean Emperor, left with no choice, gently tried to maneuver his tiger son's rear end, murmuring persuasively, "Ah Hong, move in a bit, let's squeeze together..."

Xia You and Lu Yinghuai stood by the window. Xia You leaned in to gauge Lu Yinghuai's reaction, who met his gaze with a calm demeanor.

Yuan Yuan sat gracefully and dashingly beside Xia You's leg.

Guilt? Non-existent!

Xia You gently squeezed Lu Yinghuai's fingers, whispering, "Before coming back, my teacher mentioned teaching me ways to handle His Highness... and suddenly, I'm tempted."

Lu Yinghuai: "?"

The previously unflappable Marshal paused, gripping the hand with which Xia You held his fingers. He then gently massaged the back of Xia You's head, looking serious as he cautioned—

"Don't blindly follow your teacher's whims."

The once-indifferent black panther silently exited the house, patrolling the base with fierce authority.

……

The curtains on the second floor were drawn. A silver-haired young man sat on the desk, swinging his legs, petting a large golden eagle beside him with folded wings, looking at Zhou Shu, who, after being restored, reverted to his appearance of an elderly butler with silvery hair.

"So, your child is married now, and you're still engrossed in your pet simulation game?"

Uncle Zhou chuckled and pulled out a slumbering golden hamster from his pocket. "When will this one grow up, then?"

The young man blinked in surprise, rolling his eyes, "Trying to take a dig at me?"

He jumped off the desk, clapping his hands, "You promised to treat my ailment. Now that I'm cured, and I've repaid my dues, it's time for me to leave."

Uncle Zhou handed the hamster, now staring at the young man, back to him and nodded faintly, "Safe travels."

That went smoothly?

The youth looked skeptical, "You're really letting me go?"

Uncle Zhou chuckled again and adorned the hamster in the young man's hand with a tiny knitted hat.

……

Strands of sunlight broke through the clouds, casting dappled beams everywhere.

At last, Yuan Yuan, who had been searching around the house, found the great white wolf by the garden pond, gesturing animatedly to its spirit animal.

Hidden in the bushes, Yuan Yuan crouched low, awaiting the perfect moment to pounce, pinning the wolf down and wildly scratching at it.

"Roar—!!"

"Howl!!!!"

For a moment, fur flew everywhere, the situation spiraling out of control.

Quqi and Xuebing retreated to a safe distance where they could watch the drama unfold without being caught up in it, indifferent to the melee.

Quqi even plucked a few white dandelions nearby, forming them into a fluffy bouquet, and offered them to Xuebing with a smile.

Xuebing couldn't resist sneezing, dispersing the soft, white, fluffy seedlings.

Tanggao, who was basking beside the pond, stretched a lazy hand, turning over. With a flick of his large tail, he whisked the floating dandelions to the side.

They landed atop Orange, who was peacefully soaking in the pond, eyes half-closed, in a state of zen.

Orange flicked its ears rapidly, yet its body remained still. With a white dandelion swaying atop its head in the breeze, it squinted and seemed ready to drift back into slumber.

"Life is bright, and everything is lovable."¹

Author's Note:

¹ From Ji Xianlin's "Life is Bright, Everything is Lovable."

As I write, I feel this might be the perfect place to conclude the main story!

Thank you to all my dear supporters. You've all been gentle and delightful. See you in the extras, muah!

The next chapter will delve into the Imperial Star (rubbing hands in anticipation.jpg)