Chapter 12: Are You Male or Female?

The next morning, the weather was clear and bright. Yuan Qian’er finally woke up naturally, stretching contentedly to loosen her limbs. “Wow, this is great. No more dreams, I slept so well. Xiao Bai, get up! Let’s go find something to eat.”

Xiao Bai blinked groggily, his eyes dazed and adorably vacant as he looked at Yuan Qian’er. “Eat… hug.”

“Oh, Xiao Bai, can’t you stop being so cute? My heart’s melting first thing in the morning. By the way, are you a boy or a girl?” Yuan Qian’er asked slyly, her eyes sparkling mischievously, as if plotting something. She thought to herself, if he’s male… heh heh…

Poor Xiao Bai, innocent and unaware of human scheming, answered naïvely, “Boy.”

“Haha, Xiao Bai, you’re a boy? Then I’ll find you a wife! You’re so adorable, surely you’re a heartthrob. Who should it be? Qing Cheng? That girl loves animals the most. I’ll marry her off to you, okay?”

Wait—did anyone consider Qing Cheng’s feelings? Or Xiao Bai’s? Human and beast getting married—is that really okay? The very thought is unbearable to imagine! Only Yuan Qian’er could come up with such a bizarre idea.

Xiao Bai didn’t understand words like “wife” or “marry.” Having lived in the mountains for years, he was pure and simple, looking at Yuan Qian’er with a confused expression that made it impossible to harm him.

“Alright, I’m not teasing you anymore. I just miss Qing Cheng. I wonder where she is now and if she’s doing well. I’ll go ask that old fart,” Yuan Qian’er said, picking up Xiao Bai and heading out.

Just outside the room, they saw Mo Yiran leaning casually against a corridor pillar. When he spotted Yuan Qian’er, he broke into a devastatingly charming smile. Yuan Qian’er couldn’t help but think, “Wow, a cute pet paired with a handsome guy first thing in the morning—what a beautiful sight.”

Putting away her little schemes, she greeted him cheerfully, “Hi, good morning! What are you doing here? Waiting for me?” Such vanity.

“Yes, I’m taking you to breakfast. Did you sleep well last night?” Mo Yiran’s mood brightened just seeing her.

“Now that you mention it, I’m a bit hungry. I tell you, I slept so well. Lately, I haven’t had a single good night’s sleep—always dreaming. It’s all that old fart’s fault…”

Grandmaster Taihe squatted in the corner, protesting, “It’s not my fault! It’s just a symptom of returning at the appointed time! Wuwu, I need comfort!”

After breakfast, the two of them returned once more to Grandmaster Taihe’s room. As soon as they stepped inside, they saw the old man painting something, with scattered items spread across the table. Yuan Qian’er asked, “Old man, what are you drawing? Judging by the setup, are you going to hunt monsters? If so, take me along!”

“I’m going to take your head, you brat! Your mind’s all over the place. I’m helping you form a contract with Xiao Bai.” Grandmaster Taihe gave Yuan Qian’er a playful whack on the head.

“What’s a contract? What’s the benefit?” She marveled at all the strange things in this ancient place.

“Xiao Bai is a nine-tailed spirit fox, possessing the rarest bloodline of the fox clan. When you first came, he leapt into your arms—that means he accepts you. Forming a contract will help him grow faster. It’s beneficial and harmless, you silly girl. The benefits don’t end there; you’ll discover more in time.”

“Master, in these past two years, Xiao Bai has never been close to anyone. But as soon as Qian’er arrived, he clung to her. Could there be something about her that attracts Xiao Bai?” Mo Yiran asked, hitting the nail on the head, as always.