Future Pet Shop

"Hmm!" Hah’Er waddled over to Shen Yibin again and held the Silver Medal up high, wanting to put it on him. The runner-up pair standing to the side were nearly speechless. ’He can do that?’ Of course, Shen Yibin refused to accept it. But that big goof Carmen lowered its head, stretched out its neck, and waited for Hah’Er to put it on. This unexpected situation immediately drew a wave of laughter from the other competitors, while the reporters frantically pressed their shutters, capturing the rare sight.

"Whoa, Bin, your pet’s really amazing, huh? Trying to bring all the good stuff to you?" Driver Han couldn’t help but crack a joke. That panda was just too adorable.

"Hah’Er, that’s not ours! Hurry and give it to those two!" Shen Yibin facepalmed. ’Sigh, I could just die of embarrassment. We’re already perfectly happy with a bronze medal. The Silver and Gold Medals should go to them.’

"Hmph~" Hah’Er looked glumly at the Silver Medal in its paw. Only after Shen Yibin urged it on several times did it reluctantly walk over to the runner-up pair and hand them the medal. Then, it gave the Gold Medal to Driver Han and his partner. But after Hah’Er’s antics, the once-solemn atmosphere had completely vanished. Driver Han no longer had the heart to celebrate. He simply held up his Gold Medal for this stop on the tour and the overall championship trophy for a moment before stepping down from the stage.

The award ceremony thus came to an end. The competitors gathered to chat, knowing the next time they’d all compete together probably wouldn’t be until next year’s season started. The reporters hurried to send the photos they had taken back to their headquarters. Hah’Er’s actions at the award ceremony were a golden opportunity for publicity, and they had to publish first to get the scoop.

After everyone finished mingling, Driver Han called his teammates over to follow Shen Yibin, ready to head to his house for a proper celebration. Naturally, he rode in Shen Yibin’s car again. Watching Carmen constantly give directions, he was filled with envy. ’Sigh, what an amazing dog. It’s a shame I don’t have the chance to take her home with me.’

"Go ahead and sit down, have some tea and relax for a bit. I’m going to set things up by the river. We’re having an outdoor barbecue today!" Upon returning to the estate, Shen Yibin immediately got busy. Before long, he had set up an outdoor grill on the riverbank. Hah’Er, Xiaoliu, and the Bald Qiang couple started working together seamlessly. Their expert fishing skills left Driver Han and his teammates dumbfounded.

"Bin, what in the world are these pets you’re raising? A dog that can give directions is one thing, but a panda and monkeys that can actually fish? Is there anything your pets *can’t* do?"

"This is all fresh river fish, and it’s absolutely delicious. In a bit, we’ll also have some freshly dug Winter Bamboo Shoots and fine wine brewed right here at the estate. You all are in for a real treat today." ’And you haven’t even seen Maphario leading Sakai Kaori, Egg, and the others to dig for Winter Bamboo Shoots in the bamboo forest. My pets can do so much more.’

The small fish Hah’Er slapped onto the sand were the first to be grilled. Paired with the incredibly mellow Monkey Wine, they were so delicious that Driver Han and his teammates nearly swallowed their own tongues. After three rounds of drinks, just as everyone was getting a little tipsy, a soup made with Winter Bamboo Shoots was served. The buzz from the alcohol was instantly chased away, allowing everyone to continue feasting.

Having drunk to his heart’s content, Driver Han couldn’t resist singing the theme song from his movie. Next, Sun Qian sang a song from her new album for everyone. Egg and Hah’Er followed the rhythm of the music and broke into a cheerful dance. The entire beach was immersed in a joyous atmosphere, and it wasn’t until the moon was high overhead that everyone reluctantly returned to the villa to rest.

Driver Han had a very busy schedule, and after staying at Shen Yibin’s for just one more day, he had to leave, full of regret. Before he left, he repeatedly insisted that Shen Yibin must call him the next time he was in Shanghai, so his daughter could see for herself how adorable Hah’Er was.

"Mr. Bin, I have to return to Japan in two days as well. The Shrine’s winter festival is coming up, and as the current shrine maiden of our town’s Raccoon Great Bright Shrine, I must attend the festival with Lord Egg. If you have time, Mr. Bin, why don’t you come back with us? The winter festival is our Shrine’s most important ceremony." On the way back to the store from the airport, Sakai Kaori mentioned that she too would be leaving soon.

"So soon? You barely got to have any fun this trip." Shen Yibin thought for a moment. ’I’m afraid I won’t have time to go to Japan for Sakai Kaori’s winter festival. I still don’t have a single clue about Carmen’s owner.’ "I’m afraid I don’t really have the time right now, but I’ll try to visit next time I get the chance."

"How could you say that, Mr. Bin? I’ve had a wonderful time in Yunzhong City," Sakai Kaori said, blushing slightly. "Xia and Scarf took me out to buy lots of beautiful clothes, Li gave me some exquisite accessories, Sun sang many lovely songs for me, and you, Mr. Bin, made delicious meals for me every day. If I didn’t truly have to go, I’d really want to stay longer!" ’Ah, I have to part with Mr. Bin so soon. I really can’t bear it.’

"It was the least I could do. You were a very thoughtful host when I was in Japan, Miss Sakai." ’There are still two days left... what should we do?’ Shen Yibin wondered as he drove. Prompted by Carmen, he turned left, the car now pointing directly toward his estate. In the distance, he could see the majestic mountain range behind the property, and an idea suddenly struck him. "Miss Sakai, how about we go camping in the mountains tomorrow?"

’That mountain is where Egg was found. I wonder how it’ll react going back there? Besides, even though it’s winter, the winters in Yunzhong City aren’t that cold. The weather’s been sunny and beautiful these last few days. Camping in the mountains should be a special kind of fun.’

"Oh? Can we really do that?" Sakai Kaori seemed very interested. She couldn’t help but wonder, ’Will this be a trip for just Mr. Bin and me?’

Shen Yibin, however, had no idea what was on her mind. He said enthusiastically, "Yep! Xia Shixuan and the others have work, so I’m afraid they won’t have time to go. But Sun Qian’s album is all ready—she’s just waiting to record it at the studio—so she should be able to join us. I’ll take you all to get some camping supplies in a bit, and we’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning!"

’So it’s not a trip for just the two of us after all.’ Sakai Kaori’s spirits immediately fell. But she didn’t have the courage to say what she was thinking, so she could only follow Shen Yibin and Sun Qian to an outdoor supply store in Yunzhong City to start their big shopping trip.