"Are you still hungry? You can't eat anymore now, take a break and eat again in the afternoon. I'll prepare a nest for you later. Just like when we were in the Celestial Capital, take some time to get familiar with the environment first. Hedan is big, and there are many Hidden Powers, so be careful not to wander around." Li Xin instructed.
The black cat meowed softly, although it was full, this journey had really been exhausting. It needed to recuperate and then it could begin a brand new cat life!
The black cat curled up in a corner, and Li Xin suddenly felt somewhat pleased. Delivering letters would be more convenient in the future, without running back and forth, saving a good amount on carriage fees. What a great deal.
He handed over the case to Christie, and Li Xin decided to write some articles. He pulled out a cigar, lit it up, and his brain suddenly perked up. The typewriter clattered noisily, startling the black cat, which watched the typewriter warily before lying back down.
In its dreams, the black cat was back on that damned ship. It had been deceived by that foolish human, Qi Badao, who prattled on about a new place with rich food and drink. It had developed a severe fear of the ocean, but thankfully it had arrived. The warm climate and good environment were actually quite suitable for it.
The warm breeze from the window blew in, and the black cat finally got a peaceful sleep. When it awoke, it found that silly human still tapping away at a machine. For a wise creature from the Celestial Capital, Hex-Tech was nothing to be surprised at. There were even more outrageous things.
Li Xin looked with satisfaction at his morning's work, which was quite impressive. "Awake now? Let's have lunch and meet some people."
The business of Dragon Speak wasn't as popular as it used to be. Many imitations had appeared, and the novelty had worn off, although Dragon Mother was smart. Serving ample portions was still the selling point, and there were still fixed patrons, like the regulars at the inn. Old Fang and others would pack up their stalls at noon and come back from the market for lunch. They were all curious to see the black cat following Li Xin.
"Where did you pick up such a dirty cat?"
"Better watch out or Dragon Mother might stew it."
"Yeah, Dragon Mother doesn't allow pets."
The black cat immediately let out a fierce meow and flashed its sharp claws. Foolish humans, you don't know the power of this cat boss.
"Don't scare him, this is a spirit cat named Xiao Hei and it can deliver letters for just one Lira. Anyone in need can find it," Li Xin said with a smile, suddenly realizing a moneymaking opportunity. Even small profits count as profits.
In the Underground City of the Celestial Capital, this price would be considered extravagant, but in Hedan, if it's for secure letter delivery, it's quite appropriate. Urgent matters can arise at any time.
The black cat looked disdainfully at Li Xin. Of course, in a new place, it needed to earn money, but this name was too plain.
Old Fang chuckled, "Ah Xin, it finds the name too common. Since it's in Hedan now, why not give it a name that fits the local style?"
Size + Color is a feature of Rilong's countryside.
The black cat glanced at the limping old man but recognized some wisdom in him, so it mewed in Old Fang's direction.
Li Xin looked at the black cat, finding it quite picky, "Sang Biao·Black?"
Everyone burst into laughter, and the black cat was furious, leaping onto the chair and meowing angrily at Li Xin. Li Xin wasn't going to indulge it and picked it up with a firm hand, applying a little Hidden Power. The black cat immediately calmed down, suddenly remembering this person was the boss of its former boss, a tough guy.
"How about Justin?" Old Fang suggested with a smile. "This cat has quite the spirit, and it could partner up with me at times."
"This cat demands a salary, I bet," someone pointed out.
"That's not a problem; spirited creatures are like that," Old Fang nodded.
Li Xin suddenly realized why the owl from the Hex Bird Society always looked disgruntled; it was probably because he never tipped. Damn.
"Justin, what do you think?" Old Fang asked.
The black cat quite liked the name, but that recent reminder had made it remember the kings. It turned to look at Li Xin, who smiled, "As long as it doesn't interfere with business."
"This cat has a lot of spirit and seems like a good match for me. Lately, everyone is tired of the pigeons in magic shows," Kan remarked. "Although it looks a bit shabby, with a wash and some clothes, it has a promising future."
As Kan spoke, his eyes lit up, realizing another potential source of income.
"Mr. Kan has quite the aesthetic sense. If you're interested, you can spruce it up," Li Xin said nonchalantly, thinking it could also save him some money.
Ma Liu had already brought over the meal and prepared a portion for the black cat as well.
Ma Liu clearly liked the black cat; perhaps lonely people tend to like pets, "This... is its own... bowl."
"It's called Justin now, and it'll be staying here," Li Xin smiled.
"Who, who, who's staying here? I wasn't informed," Dragon Mother shouted as she came downstairs, yawning. Her voice shook the dust from the ceiling, "Who dares to do business on my turf? Don't they want to live?"
"Dragon Mother, it's not a person, it's a very spirited cat. Everyone's just discussing transforming it to help with rent," Dalivin explained.
Seeing it was a cat, Dragon Mother calmed down and lazily glanced at the filthy black cat. "How can it be so dirty? The inn has hygiene standards. Let me take it for a wash."
Everyone was intimidated by Dragon Mother's aura. Even Li Xin stayed silent, and the black cat was trembling as it got taken away.
"Dragon Mother wouldn't kill it, would she?"
"Probably not."
"Young Master Xin, it seems you might have to increase the rent."
"At least increase the food expenses."
Li Xin wasn't too worried now. After writing all morning, he could definitely cover the food costs, "Dragon Mother is so kind; she wouldn't..."
The black cat's miserable cries came from upstairs, and everyone instantly fell silent, exchanging glances. It was just a poor little cat.
Woof~ Woof~~~
The black cat was howling like a dog. Li Xin suddenly remembered that many people in past lives would have small surgeries performed on their cats. Damn, that would be the end of Justin.
Everyone felt sorry for Justin, but no one dared to cross Dragon Mother. Offending her could result in anything from increased rent to personal loss.
Soon, the cat's cries subsided. Either it was conquered, or it was over.
Li Xin's concern was that the black cat shouldn't scratch Dragon Mother; awakened creatures like these could be fierce. If it got hurt, he couldn't afford to pay; he'd probably have to sacrifice Young Master Simmons.
As everyone finished eating, Dragon Mother came down from upstairs, holding something in her arms. Everyone was stunned; damn.
The previously pitiful little dirty cat had been transformed into a young cat master, clean, with trimmed fur, and even smelling fragrant. Its black coat glistened, and despite its slightly sly look, it had quite the appearance, not to mention it was now wearing a small outfit, exuding an instant air of elegance.
"Kan, Ah Kan, give me your hat," Dragon Mother said.
Mr. Kan didn't dare protest and cautiously handed his precious hat to Dragon Mother. She placed it on the black cat's head. "A bit big; our Justin's head is quite small. I'll have to custom-order a hat for it."
Dragon Mother measured it with the hat for a while. It must be said, paired with a cane, it would be a cat gentleman, and quite the sight when taken out.
Old Fang and others saw the business opportunity, and even Dalivin sensed it, "Dragon Mother, should I paint its portrait?"
"Granted, but first let me buy it a hat this afternoon. This little one is quite well-behaved," she said, patting the black cat's head, which obediently acted like a proper cat.
"Ahem, Dragon Mother, my hat is old. I could have it altered for it..." Mr. Kan suggested.
"Hmph, our Justin doesn't need old stuff," Dragon Mother held the black cat closer. "Sweetie, Dragon Mother will take you for some good eats. We don't eat this rubbish."
Li Xin opened his mouth. He wanted to say that it was his cat, but everyone remained silent, so he sensibly didn't say much. On the bright side, it might save him a considerable amount of expenses. This black cat, when it followed Qi Badao back then, was a mess, always the first to run from danger, always socializing and picky with food.
"Who knew Dragon Mother was so good with cats."
"No wonder she's the boss of Rilong!"
"Justin is lucky to follow Dragon Mother and enjoy a good life."
"We're all lucky to enjoy life following Dragon Mother."
For a moment, everyone showered Dragon Mother with compliments...
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