C17 Cang Xu's Tenderness

Cang Xu walked over to July and took Lu Xiaoxiao in his arms. "Is it the cat that's wild, or is it you?" he asked, his voice carrying a biting chill as he looked the shop owner up and down with a disdainful gaze.

"Who are you talking about? Can't keep your own wild cat in check and now you're blaming me? Where's the justice in that?" The shop owner picked up a feather duster and swept the spot where Lu Xiaoxiao had just leaped, his face full of disdain.

"I'll buy this fabric, will that do?" Cang Xu said mockingly, watching the shop owner's actions. "This fabric looks like it's worth about ten dollars. I don't know why you're acting so high and mighty."

"Hey, you've got quite the attitude! This is top-quality silk, crafted by a dozen skilled artisans, stitch by stitch. It's worth at least forty dollars," the shop owner replied, glancing at Cang Xu's elegant attire. The luxurious black silk with gold embroidery made it clear he was from a wealthy family.

"Trying to con us? Do you think we haven't seen the world? Unbelievable!" July fumed, frustrated at dealing with such a shameless merchant.

"Here's twenty dollars. With the way you run your business, it won't last long. Today's little incident has really spoiled the mood," Cang Xu said dismissively, waving his hand.

"Sir, why even give him twenty dollars?" July asked, puzzled.

"Consider it a lesson learned. Poor Xiaoxiao had the misfortune of wandering into this filthy shop," Cang Xu replied coldly, stroking Lu Xiaoxiao's fur without sparing the shop owner a glance.

"Meow~" Lu Xiaoxiao snuggled deeper into Cang Xu's arms, feeling safe and secure. In this world, only he could offer such protection.

"You!!" The shop owner was left speechless, pointing at Cang Xu in a fit of rage.

Cang Xu gently tapped Lu Xiaoxiao's nose with his fingertip. "Are you still thinking of leaving my side? Not everyone in this world is kind. Staying with me means I can protect you as much as I can."

Lu Xiaoxiao, if cats could cry, you'd be shedding tears of joy right now. "Meow~" Cang Xu isn't as cold-hearted as he seems; today, he's as warm as the sun, and under his light, I can happily bounce around the market.

Cang Xu, worried that Lu Xiaoxiao might feel uneasy, gently placed her on the ground. "Don't wander too far, stay where I can see you."

Just moments ago, this stoic guy seemed so tender, but in a flash, he's back to being a cold-hearted boss. Lu Xiaoxiao was amazed at Cang Xu's quick change in demeanor.

Spotting a candy sculpture stall ahead, Lu Xiaoxiao tugged at Cang Xu's sleeve to get his attention. "Are you a glutton in disguise? How can you eat so much and not be full?" Cang Xu was puzzled by how a cat could have such an appetite.

Once bitten, twice shy, Lu Xiaoxiao learned her lesson and didn't jump onto the stall's table this time. Instead, she signaled for Cang Xu to lift her up.

With a sigh, Cang Xu picked Lu Xiaoxiao up and placed her on the table. Yep, still the same stoic guy, couldn't he be a bit gentler? Lu Xiaoxiao glared at Cang Xu.

The candy sculptures crafted by the vendor were incredibly detailed, as if a gentle breath could bring them to life. Watching the syrup bubble over the fire, the vendor skillfully scooped a ladleful, using a white board as a canvas. With a deft hand, he pulled the golden syrup into delicate threads, which quickly solidified into a beautiful picture.

Wait, is that the stoic guy? And is that me in his arms? Lu Xiaoxiao stared in surprise at the sugar art on the board. The vendor wasn't just talented; he was also quite amusing, creating a masterpiece in just a couple of minutes. It was almost too beautiful to eat.