Chapter 16: The Arrival of Xiao Ming Ha

There were no star-rated hotels in the ancient city of Li River, only inns. Summer vacation marked the peak season for the city; rooms that cost only a few dozen yuan during the off-season now soared to two or three hundred per night. And that was for inns in less favorable, somewhat remote locations.

Jiangbei had called yesterday to book a room. Uncertain which inn was best, he simply chose the priciest option. Upon arrival, he found the high price well justified, especially the scenic balcony overlooking little bridges and flowing water, with crowds passing by—a truly splendid view.

Jiangbei reserved three rooms: one for himself, one for Mao Xiaobai, and one for Yang Xue and her two companions. Yang Xue, familiar with Jiangbei’s nature, knew he never cared about money; now, with a wealthy benefactor behind him, he cared even less. She merely smiled and thanked him. For the moment, she was genuinely happy—mostly because Jiangbei and Mao Xiaobai, both consummate gourmands, had their own rooms, and the situation was far from awkward.

Yao Jing and Zhao Jia, however, felt uneasy. The two young women knew how outrageous the room prices were and felt embarrassed. Jiangbei smiled; as Yang Xue knew, he truly didn’t mind.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Think of it this way: I’m inviting Xiaoxue to stay, and you’re just tagging along. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it’s Xiaoxue.”

Yang Xue shot him a glare. “Hmph! I’ve treated you to breakfast so many times; staying in your room doesn’t make me feel awkward in the least.”

The five placed their luggage in the rooms, tidied up briefly, and headed out to wander.

During peak season, the number of tourists in the ancient city was astonishing. Under the blazing sun, the crowds surged, sweat flowed, and the air was tinged with a complex mix of scents.

Mao Xiaobai, ever the foodie, was lively and outgoing, likely with little on her mind. She didn’t notice Yang Xue’s initial wariness and soon blended into the group of girls, chattering away.

“Do you guys like food? Let’s go hunting for delicacies later, shall we?”

“Brother Jiang doesn’t seem that interested in food. On this whole trip, it’s just me eating. It’s fun, but eating alone feels like something’s missing.”

“How about it? Let’s go find some treats—my treat!”

Jiangbei noticed an interesting phenomenon: when it came to foodies, women seemed to have a special passion for food. Why was this? Was it a trait bestowed upon humanity at creation?

He separated from the four girls; his interest lay in wandering and observing, Mao Xiaobai was after food, while Yang Xue and her friends were busy with games and laughter. As they walked, the group naturally dispersed.

But that was fine.

Everyone had their phones; they’d find each other soon enough. Jiangbei, never one to rush, sat down on a stone bench beside a small stream in the city.

The town was beautiful. Though many online complained of its commercial atmosphere, there was still much loveliness to be found for those who knew where to look.

After a short while, a handsome, freshly bathed husky approached and sat in front of him. Man and dog stared at each other, neither blinking—like a contest.

Jiangbei lost; he simply couldn’t match the husky’s unblinking gaze.

“Are you asking for food? Too bad Mao Xiaobai isn’t here; she’d definitely have something for you,” Jiangbei said.

He was mistaken.

If Mao Xiaobai were here and saw this husky, she would’ve exploded. Not only did she know this husky, she’d fought with it many times!

The reason for their battles? This foolish dog always stole her snacks!

“(╬◣д◢)！！！！”

“Woof!” The husky barked at Jiangbei, not too loudly—after all, this was the legendary Jiangbei, whom it had to respect.

Jiangbei interpreted the bark as confirmation.

“All right then, wait here. I’ll go buy you some grilled sausages.”

“Woof.”

After quietly finishing several sausages, the husky barked again, then rose and walked toward the direction where Mao Xiaobai and the other girls were. It moved with nimble ease through the crowds. Some people noticed, others didn’t.

The ancient city was home to many lazy cats and dogs, who often roamed freely. People were accustomed to it, seeing it as a charming part of the scenery.

…

Following the scent, the husky soon found Mao Xiaobai, who was engrossed in selecting pastries at a local specialty shop. Yang Xue and her friends were there as well.

The husky knew they were friends of Jiangbei, so it couldn’t just walk into the shop to look for Mao Xiaobai. Thinking for a moment, it crossed to the wall opposite the shop and barked twice at Mao Xiaobai, “Woof, woof!”

Mao Xiaobai was a cat; cats are highly sensitive to canine cries. Especially when the barking came from her longtime nemesis—the one who’d stolen her snacks countless times!

She immediately turned her head and spotted the husky. Quickly making up an excuse to go to the restroom, Mao Xiaobai stepped outside and headed briskly toward a side alley, with the husky following decisively.

Once in the alley, out of sight, the husky instantly transformed into human form—a very handsome young man.

Of course, to Mao Xiaobai…

“Stupid dog! What are you doing here?” Mao Xiaobai stood, hands on hips, furious.

Ha Xiaoming—the husky—was a head taller than Mao Xiaobai. Smiling down at her, he exuded a slight air of superiority.

Ha Xiaoming gave a wicked grin, the kind only a husky could muster, “Stinky cat, you dare ask why I’m here? Look at yourself lately—nothing but eating! Have you forgotten why you’re here?”

Mao Xiaobai was speechless.

About the eating—she really couldn’t argue. But even so, she had her own perfectly reasonable explanation.

“What’s wrong with eating? I’m following instructions! King Cat said Fang Yuan is a foodie…”

At that very moment.

The Cat Clan Consortium—King Cat, chairman and ruler—suddenly sneezed hard.

“Ah-choo!”

“What’s going on? Why do I suddenly feel a chill?”

“Is another grandchild after my wallet?”

King Cat had no idea that Mao Xiaobai, the fool, was declaring in broad daylight that Fang Yuan was a foodie.

Hiss!

If she knew, she’d probably demand a heater be placed next to her immediately.

No choice—it was cold!