C38 Two Wolves Barged into the Courtyard

"Oh, sorry about that, Elder Qian. You better hurry and bring the money first," Yuvyuv said, holding a chubby cat with no intention of letting it go. Her big eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly indicating she wouldn't release the cat without seeing the cash.

Elder Qian was exasperated. This girl was a handful, and he knew better than to cross her. He quickly turned around and went to fetch the money.

Half an hour later, Elder Qian returned, cradling his beloved cat, Xiaohua, and blocked the gate with his cane. "Hold on, Yuvyuv, where are you planning to go with that money?"

This troublesome girl, taking his coins—what mischief was she up to now? He had promised Sixth Boy to keep an eye on her. Besides, given her health, he couldn't just let her wander off.

"I'm just going out to buy something," Yuvyuv replied with a cheerful smile.

"I don't believe you. Why would you need so much money just to buy something?" Elder Qian was skeptical, standing firm at the gate.

"Alright, if you say so, I won't go out now," Yuvyuv said, noticing Elder Qian's determined stance. She turned and headed back into the yard.

Elder Qian was taken aback, his sunglasses slipping down his nose as he watched her retreat. Was she really being so agreeable today?

"Hey, Elder Qian, your glasses are slipping. With your eyes wide open like that, you might have trouble seeing," Yuvyuv suddenly called out, as if she had eyes on the back of her head.

Startled, Elder Qian fumbled to adjust his sunglasses, nearly dropping his precious cat in the process. Yuvyuv laughed heartily at the sight and quickly returned to her room before Elder Qian could scold her.

Elder Qian watched her, scratching his chin thoughtfully. This girl was acting strangely today, like she was up to something.

Elder Qian shook his head, not thinking much of it. Little did he know, a heart-pounding surprise awaited him early the next morning.

Late at night, around 11 PM, a small shadow nimbly climbed over Elder Qian's fence, making no sound as it headed towards a hunter's house on the back of Jade Forest Mountain.

Morning came.

"Awooo! Awooo!"

The howls of wolves startled Elder Qian awake, making him sit up abruptly. His old bones nearly gave out, and he almost threw his back out. His sharp eyes, usually hidden behind sunglasses, flashed with alarm. He quickly reached under his pillow for something and jumped out of bed with the agility of a young man.

Grabbing his weapon, Elder Qian rushed outside, remembering that he wasn't the only one living in this house. There was also that mischievous girl in the back courtyard. If he wasn't mistaken, he had heard wolf howls coming from his yard—two of them, a male and a female, judging by the distinct differences in their calls.

With years of living at the foot of Jade Forest Mountain, Elder Qian was certain of his judgment: two wolves had entered his yard. The thought of the girl in the back made him break out in a cold sweat.

"Ye Erya, you little rascal, you better be okay," Elder Qian muttered, clutching his weapon tightly. He kicked open the door and shouted, "Beasts, look over here!"

Elder Qian stood poised, ready to launch something from his hand. But then—

"Erya, what are you doing?" Elder Qian, weapon in hand, took a sharp breath as he surveyed the yard. He quickly lowered his weapon and shouted, "There are two wolves behind you! Move out of the way before they tear you apart!"

Elder Qian watched the girl in the yard, standing defiantly in front of the wolves, almost making him explode with frustration. This girl was a handful.

Could she really think those wolves were dogs? The thought made Elder Qian shout again, "Erya, get out of the way! Those are wolves, not dogs, and they’re dangerous!"

But Erya, standing in front of the wolves, crossed her arms and suddenly grinned. She tilted her head, staring at Elder Qian with curiosity.

"Wow, Elder Qian, your eyes are as wide as a cow's! Did you get some magical treatment that lets you see things clearly now?"

"What?" Elder Qian was momentarily confused, his mind occupied with worry that the girl might get bitten by the wolves. Sweat beaded on his forehead from the tension.

And there she was, this little rascal, grinning like a fool. It made him so mad he could feel it in his liver.

"Erya, what are you talking about? Just get over here—or no, move aside so I can deal with these beasts!"

Elder Qian barely had time to catch what Yuvyuv was teasing about from across the way. He waved his hands frantically, his eyes signaling Yuvyuv to move aside quickly.

"Little White, Little Black, stay hidden behind me, okay? If Elder Qian catches you, he might just cook you up for dinner," Yuvyuv called out with a playful grin, her arms stretched wide as she spoke to the wolves behind her.

Elder Qian was momentarily taken aback. He stomped his foot, his face turning red with frustration as he pointed an accusing finger at Yuvyuv. It took him a moment to catch his breath, almost storming back inside in a huff.

He thought to himself, maybe those two wolves should just eat this troublesome girl. She really didn't know how to tell friend from foe. Here he was, trying to save her, and she was siding with the wolves against him.

In his mind, those wolves seemed more trustworthy than he was. Elder Qian was fuming, silently cursing Ye Mingyuan for raising such a headstrong daughter. But he couldn't just walk away. After all, he had promised Sixth Boy he would look after her.

"Yuvyuv, get out of the way," Elder Qian barked, his face suddenly stern. "Stop messing around and let me deal with those little beasts."

"No way," Yuvyuv replied, standing firm in front of the two wolves. "I bought Little White and Little Black from a hunter in the mountains with the thousand coins I borrowed from you." She held her ground, refusing to budge an inch.