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

Chapter 264 Infiltrating the Snow Leopard!

Mother?

Xue Aotian seemed to understand.

It rolled over and got up again, then gently placed its heavy yet warm head on Chen Nian's lap and tilted its head back.

A pair of silver eyes, now clear and deep, having shed their childishness, gazed quietly at Chen Nian.

Chen Nian's smiling face was clearly reflected in those pupils.

Chen Nian also met its gaze.

Just like back then on the snowy cliffs, Sherry quietly rested her head on his lap, while Xue Aotian, who was only the size of a palm at the time, clumsily and curiously climbed all over him.
Time flies, it feels like just yesterday.

Chen Nian's gaze softened.

He gently stroked the unique mark on Xue Aotian's nose.

"Yes, your eyes are exactly like your mother's."

Tender memories flooded her mind like a tide, causing Chen Nian to momentarily lose her composure.

So much time has passed.
I wonder if everything is alright for Shirley, the eldest, the second, and the third siblings in the vast snow-capped mountains.
If all goes well, Aotian's brothers and sisters should have grown up by now, right?

Thinking of this, Chen Nian's lips unconsciously curved into a gentle and nostalgic smile.

Perhaps it's time to contact Lao Xu and the others to ask about Shirley's family situation.

嘤？
Xue Aotian seemed to sense the change in Chen Nian's emotions and thoughts. It raised its head and gently touched Chen Nian's hand with its moist nose, its eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of expectation.

Chen Nian smiled gently and tapped its cool nose with her finger:

"Okay, okay, I'll definitely tell you then."

Xue Aotian then shook its big head with satisfaction, lay back down on Chen Nian's lap, and made a louder purring sound in its throat. Its thick, long tail tip twitched happily, showing its extreme comfort and satisfaction.

Soon.

Under Chen Nian's rhythmic and reassuring caresses and massages, Xue Aotian's breathing gradually became long and even, and he actually fell into a deep sleep with his head on Chen Nian's legs.

Sunlight filtered through the roof grilles, casting dappled patterns on it.

A warm, purple-gold halo appeared.

Daddy's arms are the safest place in the world, sob~
Xue Aotian unconsciously smacked his lips in his sleep.

Chen Nian was not in a hurry to leave.

Leaning against the wall, maintaining this posture, she continued to give the sleeping Xue Aotian a relaxing massage with a smile.

The afternoon sun was warm and pleasant.

The entire activity area was filled with a lazy and warm atmosphere.

In the adjacent activity area, Nao Nao's keeper saw this scene through the observation window, and a maternal smile unconsciously appeared on her face, her heart softening.

This kind of unreserved trust and warmth across species is always the most touching.

Especially their group.

While being healed, the zookeeper looked at Nao Nao with a hint of resentment.

Nao Nao never lets him get close.

At that moment, Nao Nao was also half-closing his eyes, watching the intimate interaction between the human and the leopard next door.

A hint of human confusion flashed in those eyes that had been tempered by the passage of time.

But it didn't quite understand why Xue Aotian, a snow leopard, would be so close to a human.

And this human is really strange!

Nao Nao sniffed. There seemed to be an extremely subtle atmosphere in the air.

Why could it faintly smell a scent on Chen Nian that belonged to its own kind and made it feel at ease?

Furthermore, there seemed to be an indescribable, faint sense of intimacy emanating from Chen Nian, drawing its attention like a magnet.

I don't understand!
The long-term captive life has long since worn away Nao Nao's wild nature.

He had become accustomed to this life of being a retired cadre who had no worries about food and clothing, spent his days basking in the sun, and occasionally found some amusement.

Although its inherent yearning for freedom led it to carry out an action that caused a sensation throughout the entire park.

But it knew in its heart that it was getting old and its strength was failing it; it was almost too old to keep up.
Nao Nao is already 16 years old this year!

It is undoubtedly the oldest among snow leopards.

However, looking at Xue Aotian, the energetic and seemingly inexhaustible young junior next door, Nao Nao's long-dormant curiosity and desire to 'inherit' seemed to be quietly stirring again.

Perhaps I could teach this younger generation a few more things before I leave?

Nao Nao looked away.

Nao Nao withdrew its gaze, rested its chin on its crossed front paws again, lay down on its favorite wooden board, lazily basking in the warm sunlight, and slowly closed its eyes.

Hmm... For some reason, I'm actually starting to look forward to tomorrow.

About half an hour later, Chen Nian slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, stopped what she was doing, and gently shook her slightly sore fingers and wrists.

Finally, the massage for Xue Aotian is over!

And what about Xue Aotian?

It was already completely relaxed in ultimate comfort.

The leopard lay sprawled on its back, limbs outstretched, its furry belly rising and falling with its breath. Its sleeping posture perfectly inherited from its cub days, completely lacking the majesty and dignity befitting a "King of the Snow Mountains"!
Chen Nian found this amusing and muttered a low, chuckling scolding:
"You little rascal, you still can't sleep properly."

He slowly pulled his numb legs out from under Xue Aotian's body.

Then, looking at Xue Aotian's eyes after it was startled awake, she smiled, patted its warm side, and said softly, "Alright, I should go now."

"I still need to go see your two younger brothers."

Hum!
Xue Aotian reluctantly got up and stuck out his big tongue to lick Chen Nian frantically.

It kept licking Chen Nian's face until it was wet, and then, laughing and dodging, it finally reluctantly let go of the fluffy long tail that had been quietly wrapped around Chen Nian's wrist.

Chen Nian was then able to escape and left the activity area with a smile.

When I came out, the staff who had been waiting at the door thoughtfully handed me a clean and soft towel.

"Teacher Chen, you've worked hard. Shake off your face."

Chen Nian waved her hand in a very good mood.

With a sly smile that suggested she had everything planned out, she politely declined, saying, "No need, thank you! This is just right!"

He raised his arm, smelled the rich, lingering scent of Xue Aotian on his sleeve and body, and nodded in satisfaction.

That's right!

This is what he specifically came to Xue Aotian to 'borrow'—

Pure, fresh, and rich snow leopard scent!

And this is the first and most crucial "stepping stone" that Chen Nian plans to use to open the door of trust between herself and the "Zhemo Mang" duo!
Chen Nian walked confidently toward the activity area on the other side.

Is there any way in this world to quickly gain the favor and trust of other snow leopards than to become a snow leopard?

(The leopard laughed, everyone! Please give us some monthly votes!)

(End of this chapter)