C8 Lost in the Sea of Stars

Cang Xu gently held her hand, looking up with a hint of meaning in his eyes, "You like this cat." His gaze, however, drifted toward the table where Xiaoxiao sat.

Xiaoxiao nearly jumped in protest. Don't believe her! How could she possibly like it? Who was it that wanted to have it taken away and killed the other day? This heartless woman!

Xiaoxiao's mind was in turmoil. She had messed up his study today—would he really give her to this woman? She feared she'd be left with nothing but bones.

Yanling's eyes sparkled with a captivating charm. "Of course, I hope the Duke will grant my wish." Once the little creature was in her hands, it would be up to her what happened next. Once the Duke forgot about it, she'd turn this little thing into mincemeat to satisfy her grudge.

Noticing the little creature's obvious reluctance, Cang Xu's eyes softened with a hint of amusement, "Your idea isn't bad..."

Yanling felt a surge of hope. It seemed possible.

But Xiaoxiao wasn't having it. She burrowed into Cang Xu's arms, letting out a pitiful "meow," looking up at him with pleading eyes. Don't fall for this woman's tricks! She'd surely torment her. Xiaoxiao didn't realize how much she already trusted Cang Xu.

Seeing the plea in her eyes, Cang Xu lifted his gaze slightly, smiling as he said, "This little one is indeed a handful..." Xiaoxiao let out another "meow," promising she'd never do it again.

Yanling watched as Cang Xu seemed about to agree. She was just about to bow in gratitude when he suddenly changed his tone, "However, having this little one around brings me a lot of joy. I have no plans to give her away just yet. Thank you for your kind offer, Vice Consort. You may leave now."

Bai Yanling bit her lower lip in frustration. Was he just toying with her? Seeing there was no room for negotiation with Cang Xu, she reluctantly knelt and left.

Cang Xu, noticing Lu Xiaoxiao's sudden cheerfulness, playfully tugged her ear. "See? It's only safe by my side. If you misbehave again, I'll send you to the Vice Consort!"

Lu Xiaoxiao, eager to please, nuzzled Cang Xu's hand. She realized he liked her playful antics, and if a bit of charm was the price for survival, she was willing to pay it. As for her dignity, well, that was long gone.

Noticing the little one had dirtied his sleeve, Cang Xu, who was a bit of a neat freak, couldn't help but frown. Using two fingers, he lifted Lu Xiaoxiao away and called for Li to take her for a bath.

Lu Xiaoxiao enjoyed a warm bath with the help of Yue, the maid, and didn't dare step foot in Cang Xu's study again. She played in the courtyard instead. Although Cang Xu punished her by forbidding dinner, Yue secretly fed her some delicious treats.

Lu Xiaoxiao behaved herself in the courtyard for a few days, but Cang Xu suddenly became very busy, and Yue had to clean the courtyard, leaving no one to play with her. Feeling bored, she thought about sneaking out.

She was so small now that no one would notice her, right? And even if she got caught, who could resist her cuteness? Lu Xiaoxiao was the type to forget her troubles once they were over.

Pretending to play happily in the courtyard, she waited for Yue to get busy with other tasks. As soon as Yue was out of sight, Lu Xiaoxiao gleefully dashed out of the courtyard, not realizing how big the estate was.

After wandering around aimlessly, she couldn't find her way out and felt a bit dejected. It seemed today wasn't her day to escape. Hungry from all the running, she longed for Yue's sweet osmanthus cakes. Deciding to head back and fill her belly first, she realized, to her dismay, that she was hopelessly lost!