Bab 346: Chapter 346: The Pet Xiao Bao Wants
The campfire crackled merrily.
The chefs Xiao Bao brought were bustling about, their sole responsibility being to ensure their young master, Lin Fan, and their companions were well-fed, well-hydrated, and well-rested.
As for the others, they, like the chefs, would have to make do with simple fare. Wanting the same treatment as the young master? Well…that would be wishful thinking. Best not to dwell on it.
Elder Zu and Wu Sheng had seen their share of delicacies, but after the string of thrilling events, their appetites were ravenous. Even before the meal was served, the rich aroma filled the air.
"These chefs are quite skilled," Elder Zu said with a smile. "I didn't expect your planet to be so particular about food."
One-Eyed Man replied, "Don't even think about it. This isn't for you. Not only is it not for you, it's not even for me. We'll have to settle for something simpler."
"Regardless, we are guests, aren't we? Guests should be treated well, shouldn't they?" Elder Zu said with a chuckle.
His relationship with One-Eyed Man wasn't as indifferent as their first encounter. They had become somewhat acquainted. They weren't exactly close friends, but they were now something like partners.
"Guests or not, don't overthink it. See that kid? Don't think he's easy to bully just because he looks delicate. As long as Lin Fan is around, he won't give face to anyone," One-Eyed Man said, having seen through it all.
The identity of the son of the richest man wasn't intimidating. To the truly powerful, such things were meaningless.
But one had to remember, he had a good friend. His name wasn't domineering, but when you heard it, you knew how formidable he was.
Soon, the steaming hot food was ready.
Xiao Bao tugged on Lin Fan's hand. "I asked the chefs to make a seafood feast and hot pot. I know you like to drink, so I prepared a lot of drinks for you."
"Great, that's wonderful!"
Lin Fan beamed. It had been a while since he had a drink, and the mention of 'drinks' made him nostalgic.
Old Zhang, as one of Xiao Bao's best friends along with Lin Fan, naturally had a place at the table. Even the Evil Chicken, thanks to its association with Lin Fan, had a seat.
As for One-Eyed Man and the others, they could only watch.
Money…indeed, it wasn't everything.
But at times like these…
Without money, one could never enjoy such service.
"Sigh, this is a first for me," Elder Zu lamented. He held a respectable position, and wherever he went, even at banquets hosted by powerful figures, he always had a place. But now, not only did he not have a seat at the table, he didn't even have a spot in the corner.
It was simply too much!
The moon was bright, the stars sparse.
The night wasn't quiet, filled with the calls of various wild beasts.
Hearing the sounds, Xiao Bao felt a little scared, but as long as he was by Lin Fan's side, he feared nothing.
"Squeak!"
The two-tailed squirrel perched on the branch of an ancient tree, holding a chestnut. Seeing the food the humans below were eating, it looked stunned.
Looking down, it suddenly realized the chestnut in its paw wasn't so appealing anymore.
Then, the chestnut slipped from the squirrel's grasp. With a plop, it landed on the table, clattering as it rolled, coming to a stop in front of Xiao Bao.
Xiao Bao looked up and exclaimed, "Wow, look, the squirrel is back! And it brought me a chestnut!"
Faced with such inexplicable events, it was best not to offer explanations. The two-tailed squirrel desperately wanted to say, 'Brought you a chestnut my foot! It wasn't for you! The smell of your food was so enticing, I lost my grip!'
Lin Fan chuckled. "It seems our Xiao Bao is very popular with squirrels."
Old Zhang added, "Yes, quite enviable."
"Squirrel, come here, I'll give you something delicious." Xiao Bao waved at the two-tailed squirrel, then opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.
The squirrel looked at its empty paws, then at the chestnut on the table.
A mistake.
Truly a mistake.
It had finally found a plump chestnut, only to be distracted by the delicious aroma from the human's table, accidentally gifting it away. The thought made its heart ache.
The squirrel perched on the branch, pondering for a moment. It sensed no malice from the humans below.
Tentatively, it began to climb down.
Carefully, it approached Xiao Bao, but kept a certain distance, its eyes wary. If there was any sudden movement, it would bolt, absolutely refusing to be caught.
"Squirrel, have some bread." Xiao Bao offered a piece of bread to the squirrel. Perhaps sensing the squirrel's apprehension, he was careful to maintain a safe distance.
The squirrel was still a little scared, but seeing that Xiao Bao meant no harm and was offering bread, it relaxed a bit.
It took a tentative nibble.
Its eyes widened.
Delicious!
Then, holding the bread with its forepaws, it began to munch happily.
"Wow, it's eating my bread!" Xiao Bao clapped his hands with delight, a bright smile on his face.
Elder Zu sighed, "Even animals are better off than us."
"We know, no need to rub it in," One-Eyed Man muttered.
It was enough to understand the situation without voicing it.
Their meals, like the bodyguards', were simple. Of course, in their current circumstances, having food at all was a blessing. Why complain?
Sun Xiao chatted with the viewers in the livestream, his livelihood depended on it.
The viewers were his family.
Yes, a very familiar phrase.
By now, the two-tailed squirrel had moved closer to Xiao Bao, clearly won over by the culinary strategy. Despite its small size, the squirrel ate with surprising gusto.
Xiao Bao pushed all his food towards the squirrel.
The squirrel accepted everything, eating whatever was offered.
For the squirrel, this was heavenly. So delicious it wanted to cry. In the Changbai Mountains, it only had chestnuts to eat and was constantly on the run from predators.
As it ate, the squirrel looked up at Xiao Bao, its round eyes sparkling, and grinned, its two large front teeth adding to the comical effect.
"Hee hee," Xiao Bao giggled happily.
He really liked this squirrel.
Soon, dinner was over.
The squirrel patted its round belly, letting out a satisfied burp. So comfortable, so enjoyable. If only every day could be like this.
"Squirrel, will you stay with me?" Xiao Bao asked.
He truly liked it.
He really wanted to keep the squirrel as a pet.
The Evil Chicken, observing from the side, had a favorable impression of Xiao Bao. A human among the wealthy elite—to become the pet of such a person was something most would never dream of.
Truthfully, the Evil Chicken was envious.
But it had a more important mission: to remain undercover by Lin Fan's side. Its life as a spy wasn't over yet, and the road ahead was long. It couldn't be tempted by comfort.
In its opinion, this squirrel's life was over. If it succumbed to such sweet temptations, it would amount to nothing.
The squirrel looked curiously at Xiao Bao.
Then, patting its full belly, it scampered up the tree in the blink of an eye, vanishing without a trace.
Xiao Bao was disappointed.
He had hoped the squirrel would stay.
Sadly…
It didn't.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone