Live Cat Appraisal: Starting with a Beast That's Got a Long Prison Record

Chapter 248 The Young Master Emerges from the Mountain!

The atmosphere in the courtyard was peaceful and pleasant.

Xia Qiyue swayed her body gently as if she were holding a baby, her face full of joy and surprise.

Chen Nian, standing to the side, had a complicated look in her eyes.

No wonder.
No wonder Dian Dian behaved so unusually and was so 'tolerant' today.

So you've come to say goodbye too?

The bright smile that had just appeared on Chen Nian's lips slowly disappeared, but soon, a deeper and gentler curve quietly appeared on his lips again.

He didn't say anything.

He simply lay back down on the recliner, raised his arms behind his head, and let the chair carry him, gently and rhythmically swaying in the warm winter sun.

"It really is time."

He gazed at the azure sky and murmured softly.

A few wisps of white clouds drifted by like torn cotton wool, the years passing peacefully and beautifully.

"What?" Xia Qiyue was immersed in the immense happiness of petting the cat and didn't hear his muttering.

"nothing."

Chen Nian smiled but offered no explanation.

He reached out and gently touched the moist, cool tip of his nose with his fingertip.

Where is Little Grey?

he asked casually.

The two brothers were almost inseparable.

When Chen Nian asked about her good brother, Dian Dian turned her head and looked at the corner of the courtyard wall.

Over there in the corner, there was a large snowdrift that Chen Nian and Xia Qiyue had piled up when they were cleaning the yard.

There was also a large snowman nearby.

His body was covered with plum blossom marks.

At this moment, Xue Aotian stood up straight and was 'fiercely attacking' the snowdrift!
Snowflakes are flying everywhere!

It is diligently reinforcing the digging skills that Teacher Little Grey taught it.

When Chen Nian looked closely, she discovered that next to it, there was a sturdy figure, covered in gray dust, almost blending into the snowdrift.

Little Grey's sophisticated grey fur was absolutely perfect under the cover of the snow!
If you don't look closely, you won't even notice its existence; it's hidden perfectly.

Woo.
As Xue Aotian dug, he let out a low, puzzled groan.

For some reason, it felt that Teacher Little Grey was particularly strict today, constantly pawing at it with its paws or pointing out the slightest flaws in its movements with a low growl, as if it was rushing to meet some deadline.

Only Chen Nian knew the truth.

Little Grey is probably on his way home, just like Spot.

The exact time is unclear.

But a premonition told him it would happen in the next day or two.

Chen Nian was already prepared for this, so her emotions didn't seem particularly heavy.

Just as Xia Qiyue once advised him:
Cherishing the present moment is the best way to repay the encounter!

Over the next two days, Dot and Little Grey became unusually clingy.

Dian Dian even disregarded her status and tried to 'compete for favor' with Xue Aotian, insisting on squeezing into Chen Nian's arms and seeking to be touched.

Little Grey no longer goes out.

He always followed Chen Nian and Xia Qiyue around, like a little follower.

Their unusual behavior made Xia Qiyue gradually realize something from her initial surprise.

So, behind Chen Nian's back, she secretly added extra food to Diandian and Xiaohuihui's bowls, stuffing them with their favorite jerky and cat food.

They would also squat down next to them and stroke their heads when Chen Nian wasn't paying attention.

They chatter on and on, whispering secrets that no one else knows.

In terms of how long they've lived in the courtyard, Dian Dian and Xiao Hui Hui are considered veterans.

Xia Qiyue's feelings for them had long since deepened to the point that they were like family.

She thought that these days of mutual companionship and occasional 'chance encounters' would continue for a very long time.

But I didn't expect it.

In the blink of an eye, parting is imminent.

Two days later, in the early morning, when Chen Nian woke up as usual and opened the door, the chubby figure who always looked like a steady old man and was covered in dust was no longer in the courtyard.

Even the golden figure that always appeared on the courtyard wall or rooftop on time, like clocking in for work, could not be found anywhere.

The courtyard was empty.

Only Xue Aotian's fresh paw prints remained in the snow.

Chen Nian stood at the door, gazing at the emptiness, and understood.

They eventually left.

A high-profile departure is often just a test.

But the real farewell happens quietly!

Chen Nian pushed open the gate and walked outside into the courtyard.

Before me stretched an endless expanse of snow-covered mountains, reflecting a dazzling yet pure light under the rising sun.

A cold wind brushed against my cheeks, carrying a chilling scent.

A slight melancholy inevitably arose in his heart, for the wilderness stretched endlessly, and he did not know when they would meet again.

Perhaps, this parting will be forever.

But in the end, all those words were reduced to a silent blessing.

May their hooves tread on smooth paths.

May they find prey wherever their eyes fall.

He turned his head and looked at Xia Qiyue, who had also come out at some point and was silently gazing into the distance.

"Can Diandian open the bag of cat food you secretly packed for her by herself?"

Chen Nian suddenly spoke.

"Huh? You noticed!"

Xia Qiyue blinked, a little embarrassed, then smiled, her gaze still fixed on the direction where Dian Dian and Xiao Hui Hui might have left, her tone firm and proud.

"Don't worry, just tap it, it's super smart!"

As for Little Grey...
This plateau is abundant with pikas.

This experienced 'master craftsman' would never let himself go hungry, no matter what.

Only Xue Aotian seemed somewhat oblivious to the departure of his two 'teachers'.

It wasn't until several days had passed without the golden figure disciplining it or the gray figure observing and guiding it that it seemed to finally realize something.

The teachers have already left.

In the days that followed, Xue Aotian would often lie alone at the gate of the small courtyard, resting his chin on his crossed front paws. His once childish, glassy gray eyes would gaze silently at the distant, layered snow-capped mountains and the vast snowfields, motionless.

It resembles a sculpture covered in snow.

It let the falling snowflakes gradually cover its thick fur.

Chen Nian and Xia Qiyue stood quietly under the eaves behind it, watching its back as it gazed into the distance.

It's looking at the scenery, and he's looking at it.

Their shadows stretched very long in the snow.

"It's time for us to go."

Chen Nian spoke softly, breaking the silence.

Xia Qiyue withdrew her gaze, looked at Chen Nian, and nodded with a knowing yet slightly expectant smile on her face.

"OK."

"Director, I'm all ready and can go anytime."

Chen Nian sent a message to the director of the Nishino Garden.

A week ago, he had talked with the principal about some things to note regarding Xue Aotian's home visit, and now both parties are ready.

In preparation for Xue Aotian's arrival.

The park director issued a special announcement that the entire snow leopard park would be closed and visitors would be prohibited from entering during the days when Xue Aotian arrived.

At the same time, with Chen Nian's permission, he also specially posted a short video.

I shared this good news with my online friends.

When netizens learned that the legendary young master had finally "emerged from seclusion"!
Instantly, many cat lovers near Xining rushed to Xiye Zoo, eager to catch a glimpse of the young master!
(Difficulty level: ★★★★)

(End of this chapter)