Future Pet Shop

“Oh? You actually have time?” The message was from none other than Her Royal Highness Princess Sylvie of Sokovia, much to Shen Yibin’s surprise. ‘She’s already started taking over royal duties, and I often see news of her visiting other countries. She should be incredibly busy. How could she possibly have time to visit me?’

“As it happens, I’ll be visiting your head of state soon, as a sort of New Year’s greeting from Sokovia to the people of China, so I thought I’d stop by and see you.” Sylvie replied with a playful smiley. “If you can close up shop for a holiday, why can’t I? I’m taking this opportunity to use up my annual leave. I won’t even bring Alfred—I’ll just come by myself. You won’t turn me away, will you?”

“Of course not! When do you think you’ll be here? I’ll pick you up from the airport.” He had just been lamenting how lonely it would be to spend the New Year by himself, and now Sylvie was practically delivering herself to his doorstep. Shen Yibin was thrilled. All his friends in the country were going home to be with their families for the holiday, and Sakai Kaori had to preside over the winter festival at the Shrine. Only a foreigner like Sylvie would be free.

“I have a meeting with your head of state tomorrow, so I’ll be free the day after. I should arrive at Yunzhong City Airport that afternoon, hmm, if the flight’s on time! Aww, I haven’t seen Hah’Er in so long! I miss him so much. Oh, and your cooking! Have you learned any new dishes lately? I have to try them.” Maintaining her image as a dignified princess was exhausting for Sylvie. Only with Shen Yibin could she revert to her true, youthful self.

“No problem! I’ve learned a ton of new dishes lately. I’ll make you something different every day you’re here,” Shen Yibin replied cheerfully. “As long as you’re not afraid of gaining a little weight.”

“Then it’s a plan. I have to board my flight now. I’ll send you the flight info when I’m heading to Yunzhong City.” With that, Sylvie ended the conversation.

That evening, Shen Yibin turned on the TV and, sure enough, the news featured a story about Her Royal Highness Princess Sylvie’s visit to China to offer New Year’s blessings to the Chinese people. Seeing her on television, so full of poise and grace, Shen Yibin could hardly believe this was the same playful young woman from his chat messages.

The next day, Shen Yibin saw photos of Sylvie attending various diplomatic events on all the major news sites. In formal settings, Sylvie spoke Sokovian and communicated with her Chinese hosts through a translator. But in more informal settings, she took the opportunity to show off her fluent Mandarin.

Her fluent Mandarin, combined with her beautiful features, caused Chinese netizens’ fondness for the princess to skyrocket. Weibo was filled with posts praising Her Royal Highness, and Shen Yibin was delighted to see it.

‘Heh heh, if you all knew Princess Sylvie was coming to my place for the New Year, you’d die of envy, wouldn’t you?’ Shen Yibin grinned foolishly at his computer screen, his fingers itching to post the news. But after a moment’s thought, he gritted his teeth and held back. ‘Sylvie is only coming here to get some peace and quiet. If I let this slip, my manor will be swarmed by reporters and her fans. How could we celebrate the New Year then?’

On the third day, Shen Yibin got the car ready early in the morning. He kept refreshing his flight-tracking app, staring at the handful of flights from the Capital City to Yunzhong City and wondering which one Sylvie would be on.

Just after lunch, a message from Sylvie finally arrived. “I’m boarding now. Flight number is… Wait about two hours before you head to the airport!” The flight from the Capital City to Yunzhong City was a long one, taking three hours. By his calculations, leaving in two hours would time it perfectly.

However, Shen Yibin didn’t wait that long. Even with Carmen driving, what if they ran into a massive city-wide traffic jam? So, after just an hour, he set off with Carmen and Hah’Er. The traffic jam he’d worried about never materialized, and they arrived smoothly at Yunzhong City Airport in just over forty minutes. He took Hah’Er to the arrivals gate to wait.

It was currently the peak travel season, with natives of Yunzhong City returning home for the holidays, so the airport was a sea of people. The appearance of Hah’Er and Shen Yibin immediately drew a crowd. Children pointed and shouted excitedly at Hah’Er, while the adults whipped out their phones and cameras to take pictures. Some even came forward to ask for a photo with Hah’Er.

As long as they were polite and didn’t disrupt the airport’s operations, Shen Yibin agreed. For these people, it was a special welcome-home gift upon their return to Yunzhong City.

“Sorry, the person I’m picking up will be here any minute now.” He only stopped when he heard the arrival announcement for Sylvie’s flight. He apologized to the remaining crowd and led Hah’Er away.

Before long, Sylvie appeared at the exit, her face obscured by a pair of large sunglasses. She spotted Shen Yibin and Hah’Er and walked straight toward them. Shen Yibin didn’t recognize her at first, but Hah’Er caught her scent and immediately waddled over to greet her.

“Haha, Hah’Er, you look like you’ve gotten chubbier again!” Sylvie laughed, squatting down to pull Hah’Er into a big hug.

‘Seems like everyone says that when they see Hah’Er,’ Shen Yibin thought, giving the panda a suspicious look. ‘Maybe I should increase his exercise regimen?’

“Let’s go, we don’t want to cause a scene at the airport. We can talk more when we get back!” The other passengers were becoming very curious about Shen Yibin’s mysterious guest. Seeing a crowd begin to form, Shen Yibin quickly ushered Sylvie away.

“Well now, Bin, you’re looking much more handsome than the last time I saw you!” Sylvie said once they were in the car, looking him up and down. “Mm, and your sense of style has improved dramatically!”

“Ah, I had some help picking things out. I think tomorrow is the last day the department stores are open before the holiday. Why don’t I take you shopping with him? He can help you pick out a few things, too.” ‘I’ll ask Lv Tiantian tomorrow if I can borrow Scarf,’ he thought.

“Sure! I didn’t bring any luggage with me this time, so I definitely need some clothes,” Sylvie readily agreed.

“Oh, right! This will be my first time celebrating the Spring Festival in a Chinese home. What are some of the interesting customs? You have to tell me all about them,” Sylvie said, filled with curiosity and anticipation for the holiday.

“Putting up couplets, displaying New Year’s paintings, setting off firecrackers, eating dumplings… there are tons of customs. How about this: I’ll take you shopping for clothes tomorrow, and the day after that, we’ll start putting up the couplets and hanging lanterns. You can help out.” ‘I wonder what her face will look like when she sees the New Year’s painting of Hah’Er,’ he mused.