C3 The Dignity of a Cat

In the quiet room, a sudden growl broke the silence. Someone was hungry... Cang Xu could feel the body beneath his fingers tense up at the sound, and the little head seemed to shrink back, almost like it wanted to curl into a ball.

Cang Xu raised an eyebrow and gently pulled the small head out from the fluff. "Hungry?"

Lu Xiaoxiao was grateful her cat face couldn't show a blush, and she hesitantly nodded.

Cang Xu sat up and called for a maid to bring some fresh fish from the kitchen. The maid looked surprised but understood when she saw the little creature in Cang Xu's arms. "Yes, Your Grace."

To everyone's surprise, the little furball protested with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Meow! Meow!" She didn't want raw fish; she wanted it cooked!

Seeing its reaction, Cang Xu hesitated for a moment and then added, "Bring some pastries as well." It doesn't eat fish?

He placed the little creature on the table, casually poking its cat face with his finger. Who would've thought that he, the Duke of Safety Suppressing, would care for such a small creature and find joy in it?

Lu Xiaoxiao endured the awkward feeling on her face, glaring at the man in front of her. For the sake of the food he provided, she tolerated his teasing.

The maid brought in the food, setting it on the table. As she was about to leave, Cang Xu suddenly asked, "What's your name?"

Cang Xu realized he hadn't paid much attention to the people serving him. The maid seemed to have been around for quite some time. She bowed respectfully and replied, "In response to Your Grace, my name is Yue'er."

Cang Xu nodded, glancing at the little creature on the table. "Alright, this little one will stay in the courtyard from now on. You'll be responsible for looking after it."

Yue'er was surprised that someone was specifically assigned to care for a cat, but she kept her composure and agreed before leaving the room.

"Who's the little thing now?! Hmph! Cats have dignity too, you know!"

Xiaoxiao huffed and turned her head away. Cang Xu nudged the fish forward. "What? Don't want to eat? Fine, I'll have it taken away." He glanced sideways at the little creature ignoring him. Ha, give it an inch, and it takes a mile.

Reluctantly, Xiaoxiao turned back, glancing at the raw fish before rolling her eyes at the man. With a proud air, she bypassed the fish and headed for the other plates of pastries.

Cang Xu chuckled softly, watching her pick up a pastry like a person. A cat that doesn't like fish? The world really is full of surprises!

Noticing Cang Xu watching her, Xiaoxiao turned her back. Even as a cat, she insisted on eating with grace and elegance. Holding the pastry, she took a small bite. Wow, it was delicious! Forgetting her manners, she devoured two whole plates of pastries.

Cang Xu watched her with amusement as she munched away, unaware he was becoming more and more of a cat person. Who knew such a small creature could eat so much? No wonder she was so plump.

After a little burp, Xiaoxiao stopped, her eyes bright as she looked at him. "Full now?"

Xiaoxiao nodded, wondering if this meant he would let her go. She had to find a way back; she couldn't stay a cat forever.

"Then it's time to sleep," Cang Xu said, picking her up and carrying her to the bed, placing her beside him. Usually, he didn't like having anyone next to him while he slept, but here he was, sharing his bed with a cat. None of the women in his life had ever had such an honor. Truth be told, he just thought the little furball would be... quite comfortable to cuddle.

The little one in his arms wouldn't settle down, squirming restlessly. The man, eyes still closed, spoke calmly, "Tomorrow's lunch might just include some braised cat brain." Finally, there was silence.