Ruan Shu woke up and found herself in an unfamiliar place.
"Finally awake."
A voice beside her made her shiver, and her fur stood on end like a hedgehog.
Alert and scared, she turned her head and saw a familiar face.
The cat's eyes widened instantly.
"What?" "Don't you recognize me?"
Almore chuckled softly. This prickly little cat was so adorable, and he found himself liking her more and more as he looked at her.
Ruan Shu saw the person, and her fur settled down, but she felt even more nervous when looking at Almore.
After all, she had only recently found out that this person was the king.
Ruan Shu tried to say something, but all that came out was a meow.
She realized she still looked like a cat.
She gasped.
Oh no, was she going to turn back into a human now?
"Shu Shu."
Upon hearing him call her name, Ruan Shu looked at him in surprise. Did he... did he know she was Ruan Shu?
Had her father told him?
"Your eyes are too recognizable," Almore said, as if he knew what she was thinking. He lifted her up, his fingers caressing her round eyes, his tone carrying a smile.
Ruan Shu instinctively closed her eyes, her small hand nervously touching her fluffy tail. Her fur was slightly trembling, and her eyes were filled with unease.
Almore's voice carried a hint of hurt.
"Have you and I grown so distant?" "We were corresponding not long ago," he said, pointing to the hairpin hanging in his hair. "I always carry the gifts you gave me."
And not only did he carry them, but he boldly displayed them in his hair, making them quite conspicuous.
Ever since he started wearing the hairpin, several ministers couldn't help but glance at his head before turning their attention to the Marquis of Ruan.
After all, the Marquis of Ruan also had one, although it was styled differently and worn more subtly around his waist.
The king's hairpin not only shone brightly on his head but was also adorned with many shiny gemstones.
Of course, everyone turned a blind eye to the king's little hobby.
Almore stroked Ruan Shu's furry head, feeling content, despite the Marquis of Ruan appearing somewhat displeased.
Ruan Shu, being held by him, thought to herself,
"With you acting like this, it's impossible for me to change into a human form."
As he mentioned it, Ruan Shu looked at the hairpin and almost couldn't recognize her own creation. It was so luxurious that it dazzled her feline eyes, yet it looked surprisingly good on him.
It had to be admitted that he seemed quite suited to these things.
Ruan Shu stole several glances at his hair.
Almore crossed his long legs, his fingers grazing the intricate decoration in his hair.
"Isn't it beautiful?" "A gift from you."
Ruan Shu felt a bit embarrassed and shifted her tail, feeling awkward. Moreover, the gifts she had given didn't look as fancy as this.
Oh!
Ruan Shu suddenly remembered how she had fainted - that large, monstrous creature!
Her small eyes scanned the surroundings anxiously, taking in the thick legs, tail, and large, golden eyes...
Golden?
Ruan Shu's eyes locked onto Almore's gaze, filled with suspicion.
Almore innocently looked back at her.
Ruan Shu hesitated, meowing softly and cutely.
"Did you see that big, dark, and tall creature?"
Almore responded selectively to Ruan Shu's meows, pretending not to understand what she meant.
"What creature?" I have no idea. "I'm just a kind soul who happened to pick up a fainted little cat along the way."
"Your Majesty..."
A dignified voice came from outside.
Almore carried the cat to open the door, disregarding others. He even pinched the cat's soft little paw.
And once he started pinching, he couldn't stop. He held onto it.
How could this paw be so soft? Her body was soft, carrying a little weight and fluffy fur. Whether in human form or as a star beast, she had already found a place in his heart.
Moving to this side and becoming neighbors with the Marquis of Ruan was indeed the right decision.
Forced to be neighbors, Ruan Xiao thought to herself.
The door opened, and Ruan Shu nestled into Almore's arms while her furry ears drooped nervously.
Almore patted her head and took the plate of fragrant dried fish from the knight.
The knight glanced at the cat.
So small...
The door closed again, and Ruan Shu finally looked up, nervously peeking towards Almore's hand.
The overpowering aroma of the dried fish kept wafting into her nose, making her incredibly hungry.
"Would you like some?"
Ruan Shu lowered her head, too embarrassed to speak.
"Good girl, all of this is for you to eat."
He spoke to her in a tone typically used to calm children. After all, Ruan Shu was currently just a child, or rather, a simple little kitty.
Almore fed her the dried fish, saying, "I heard you like dried fish. These were made by my chef." Would you like to give it a try?
Ruan Shu, unable to resist the temptation, felt grateful. Star beasts and ordinary pet cats were indeed different; she could eat seasoned food.
The dried fish was incredibly fragrant, even crispier and more flavorful than the dish her brother had treated her to at a restaurant. The bones crunched as she ate them.
As she ate, the cat relaxed, her furry tail tip swaying back and forth.
She ate daintily, making small munching sounds, with purrs making it all the more comforting to listen to.
Compared to other star beasts, her voice was delicate. Even when she meowed, her voice carried a rising inflection, naturally portraying a cute and coquettish demeanor that was irresistibly appealing.
At that moment, Almore couldn't resist it. He wanted to pick up the little cat and cuddle it, even feeling the urge to tickle its soft, furry belly. But he was afraid of scaring the little one.
With a slightly regretful look in his eyes, he decided to hold back.
Feeding her had put him in a surprisingly good mood.
Almore supported his chin as he finished feeding the cat, patting her head gently after giving her one last piece of dried fish.
Ruan Shu's round eyes looked at him.
Almore continued feeding the cat, unable to stop thinking about taking her away to keep her for himself.
Ah... what should he do? Should he find a way to provoke the Marquis of Ruan into punching him and breaking a cup?
But Ruan Shu was unaware of his dangerous thoughts. After eating five pieces of fragrant dried fish, she felt a bit full. Would she be scolded by the steward for eating too many snacks?