C5

Cang Xu returned to his quarters, finding Lu Xiaoxiao nestled comfortably in a chair, basking in the warm spring sun. Nearby, Yue'er had thoughtfully prepared some snacks for her. Lu Xiaoxiao mused that being a cat wasn't so bad; a life without worries about food and drink was indeed pleasant. But within seconds, she regretted her thoughts.

She was picked up again, a reminder that being pampered came with the price of being toyed with...

Cang Xu carried her inside, and Lu Xiaoxiao settled quietly in his arms. The crisp, cool scent on him was oddly reassuring. A large hand gently stroked her head.

"What did she do today?" Cang Xu asked Yue'er, who had followed them in.

"Well, Your Grace, she tried to run outside this morning, but seemed to tire out and fell asleep on the porch."

"Still trying to run, huh?" Cang Xu paused his petting, then tugged at Lu Xiaoxiao's feline face.

Lu Xiaoxiao resisted, wanting to escape. "Meow!" She wasn't his plaything.

"Hmph, do you think you can just come and go from the Duke's mansion as you please? Now that you're here, you're mine. Don't think you can run back to your old owner!" Cang Xu placed her on the table, looking into her cat eyes, seemingly contemplating a name for her.

"I'm your new master now, so I should give you a new name." But the little creature wasn't having it.

"Meow meow meow! Meow meow!" I'm not a cat, I already have a name! Lu Xiaoxiao's meows were filled with deep frustration, but unfortunately, Cang Xu couldn't understand.

Her head was gently pressed onto the table, stars dancing in her vision. "Objection overruled," Cang Xu said, pondering for a moment. His gaze landed on a plate of rice dumplings on the table, noting their resemblance to the little white furball.

"Let's just call it Dumpling."

"Meow!!" She objected! That name sounded like something you'd call a pet. What did he think she was, a little pet?

Cang Xu's expression darkened, and he let out a cold chuckle. "If you don't like it, we could name you after the cook's big yellow dog, Lucky!"

Lu Xiaoxiao protested even more, flailing her paws in frustration. She was clearly upset.

"Any other objections?" Cang Xu asked, casting a sidelong glance with a hint of authority.

Lu Xiaoxiao let out a reluctant meow, finally giving in. Dumpling it was. It was better than a name like Lucky, which felt utterly humiliating. She knew when to pick her battles.

Pleased with her compliance, Cang Xu ordered lunch to be served. When Luna came in to set the table, she was surprised to see the Duke dining with a cat.

Lu Xiaoxiao was placed on the table, wandering between the dishes. Whenever she wanted something, she'd lift a paw to signal Luna to serve her. Luna was utterly charmed by Lu Xiaoxiao's behavior. What a well-mannered cat! She happily followed Lu Xiaoxiao around, serving her without a hint of annoyance. Luna had officially become the second cat servant.

Lu Xiaoxiao gave Luna a grateful smile and let out an adorable meow.

Aww! So cute! Luna could barely resist the urge to scoop her up and cuddle her, but the Duke was still present.

Seeing Lu Xiaoxiao's shameless behavior, Cang Xu narrowed his eyes dangerously once more.

Lu Xiaoxiao let out a satisfied burp, finally full. She curled up in a corner of the table, choosing a comfy position to take a nap.

Lazy cat! Cang Xu glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and quietly instructed, "I'm done eating. Clear the table." Luna also left the room.

He finally grabbed the little white fluffball next to him and gave her head a good rub. "From now on, no more acting cute with others. You need to know who your real master is!" Lu Xiaoxiao ignored him, pretending not to hear.

"Did you hear me? Tomorrow's lunch will be you!" he threatened again.

Lu Xiaoxiao had no choice but to give in once more. Hmph! One day, she'd escape this place, just you wait! She hopped off Cang Xu's lap, climbed onto the bed, and curled up in a corner to sleep.