C14
“Did you lock it in the cage last night without feeding it?” Duke Cang Xu frowned as he watched Lu Xiaoxiao playing around.
“No, not at all, Your Grace. Tuanzi is quite clever. It led me to the kitchen, and I followed its lead, giving it three dishes before putting it in the cage,” replied Yue'er.
“That Tuanzi is smart,” Cang Xu said with a slight smile. “Don’t worry, you won’t be punished. From now on, you’ll be in charge of taking care of Tuanzi.”
“Yes, sir.” Yue'er felt relieved. This little creature seemed to bring a touch of gentleness to the household, even softening the usually stern Duke.
Cang Xu’s frown finally eased as he realized where Lu Xiaoxiao’s morning mood came from. He quickly walked over to Lu Xiaoxiao, scooping up the little furball and holding it in his arms.
“Meow~” Lu Xiaoxiao was startled by the sudden lift. This expressionless guy didn’t even give a heads-up, nearly scaring me to death.
“The weather’s perfect today, just the right temperature. I’m in a good mood, so how about we go out?” Cang Xu smiled at Lu Xiaoxiao.
Whoa! He actually smiled, and it’s a really nice smile, like stars in his eyes. But... he smiled! That’s rare. He’s usually so serious, but this smile is surprisingly sweet.
“Meow~” Take me out to play! I’d love that! Of course, I’ll go!
This is my first time visiting a market in this era, and I have to see what the local culture is like and taste the most authentic food!
The market was bustling and lively, just like in the TV shows, with street performers twirling fire and doing high-difficulty stunts, making Lu Xiaoxiao meow with excitement.
Candy apples! Oh, my favorite candy apples! Xiaoxiao nuzzled Cang Xu's shoulder, and he paused, looking down at her. "What is it?" Xiaoxiao stretched her neck as far as she could, trying to convey her desire to Cang Xu.
Cang Xu glanced in the direction Xiaoxiao indicated. "Candy apples, huh? Want one?"
"Meow~" Xiaoxiao squinted her eyes, snuggling and acting cute in Cang Xu's arms.
"Alright, I'll buy it. Just tell me what you want." At this moment, Xiaoxiao was nestled in Cang Xu's embrace, her eyes sparkling. Wow, is this what they call a charming prince? How lucky am I to have ended up in a duke's household? Xiaoxiao licked the candy apple in Cang Xu's hand, thinking this must be what happiness tastes like.
Cang Xu's confidant, July, witnessed this scene and couldn't help but chuckle, covering his mouth. The duke's indulgent demeanor was something he hadn't seen in over a decade, and today it was directed at a cat.
"What are you laughing at?" Cang Xu raised an eyebrow, puzzled as he looked at July.
"Nothing, nothing, haha. I'm just surprised by this cat's cleverness, haha." July waved his hands dismissively, and Cang Xu gave him a glance before continuing to walk.
Xiaoxiao looked at the bustling market, her heart leaping with joy. She jumped out of Cang Xu's arms, weaving her way through the crowd with a wiggle.
"Aren't you worried she'll get lost?" July asked, watching Xiaoxiao's carefree silhouette.
"No, she's a clever little thing," Cang Xu replied, crossing his arms and watching Xiaoxiao explore the market. "We'll just keep an eye on her." This was his way of making up for the trouble Xiaoxiao had faced yesterday.
In truth, there was no need to keep a close watch on Xiaoxiao. After all, this little foodie still needed the generous duke to pay for her treats. She patiently waited for the slow-moving, expressionless man, sitting in front of a spring roll vendor.
Cang Xu hadn't walked far before spotting Xiaoxiao licking its paws up ahead. That little rascal. Cang Xu paused for a moment, then quickened his pace toward it.
"Hey buddy, how much for the spring rolls?" July asked, fishing for some change.
"Hello there, two coins for a set, three in a set. Want one?"
"Meow~" Xiaoxiao wrapped its front paws around Cang Xu's leg, pleading. Seeing this, Cang Xu picked up Xiaoxiao and held it in his arms, giving July a knowing look.
"Alright, here you go. We'll take a set!" July tossed three coins into the vendor's hand.
