Future Pet Shop

"Cold winds blow, snowflakes fall... a long road ahead, I walk on with a song..." Shen Yibin found himself singing this song again. It was no wonder he’d been stuck on it lately. The way the Snow Fox ahead of him bounded so gleefully through the snow was a constant reminder of *Flying Snow Fox*, so humming its theme song felt only natural.

Watching the Snow Fox move with such light, ethereal grace across the snow, Hah’Er looked down at his own round, chubby body and felt a bit depressed. ’When will I ever be that graceful?’ But when it was time to go downhill, Hah’Er’s speed far surpassed the Snow Fox’s. He tucked his head in and rolled straight down the slope. Padded by his thick clothes and cushioned by the soft snow, he easily rolled to the bottom of the hill. He patted the snow off and stood up, completely unscathed.

Hah’Er sat at the bottom of the slope and waited. A short while later, the Snow Fox caught up, with Maphario perched on its neck, tiny front paws clutching tightly to its fur. The two had already become the best of buddies. Looking back up the mountain, Shen Yibin was still huffing and puffing as he slid his way down.

The journey back was just as arduous, but his mindset was completely different. The goal of his trip had been achieved, and he had this adorable little fox trotting alongside him. Shen Yibin’s mood was absolutely joyous, and his steps felt much lighter. Plus, with the Snow Fox leading the way, he avoided many unnecessary detours, so they made it back to the car by noon.

He started the car and let the engine warm up for a bit, then slowly turned around and headed back toward Ice City along the same road they’d come on. This time, Shen Yibin didn’t stop to spend the night. Instead, he drove straight through, finally reaching the hotel in Ice City where he’d stayed before in the middle of the night. As he arrived at the entrance, a bellboy hurried over to take his backpack.

Hah’Er could barely keep his eyes open. He held onto Shen Yibin’s hand and staggered inside. The Snow Fox was already fast asleep, curled up comfortably on Shen Yibin’s shoulder. Shen Yibin went to the front desk, presented his ID, and began the check-in process. Thanks to his previous stay, everything went smoothly, and he got his room key in no time.

"Wow, look at his Snow Fox scarf! It’s gorgeous! Pure white all over, not a single stray hair. It must have been super expensive!" On his way to the elevator, Shen Yibin vaguely overheard one of the front desk girls say this to her colleague.

’Of course it’s expensive. I’d guess it’s worth six figures, at least, right? Nothing from the Future Pet Shop is cheap.’ Shen Yibin shook his head, holding back a laugh as he stepped into the elevator. His luggage had already been sent to his room by a porter.

First he’d hiked out of the deep, ancient forest, then he’d driven for ten-some hours straight. Aside from a quick bite at a rest stop, Shen Yibin had barely rested at all. He was beyond exhausted. So, as soon as he got into his room, he took a quick rinse and collapsed into bed, sleeping straight through until lunchtime the next day.

When he woke up, he opened his eyes and couldn’t find any sign of the Snow Fox. Panicked, Shen Yibin shot out of bed. He finally found the little guy on the windowsill, curled up and sleeping soundly. ’Sigh, there’s no heater or anything out there. Aren’t you afraid you’ll freeze?’

After getting up and washing, Shen Yibin woke up the Snow Fox, Hah’Er, and Maphario. "Come on, I’ll take you all to get something to eat." At the restaurant, he specially ordered some of the Snow Fox’s favorite foods—fish, shrimp, shellfish, as well as berries and eggs—and let it have a feast. It was clear the Snow Fox was gradually getting used to cooked food and was eating happily.

After their meal, he went to the front desk to check out, then to the rental agency to return the car. Shen Yibin hailed a cab to the airport; it was time to take them home. Shen Yibin once again chose a Blue Sky Airlines flight. They had dealt with each other many times, and he was used to their service, which would save him a lot of trouble.

As soon as he arrived at the airport, an airline employee was there to escort Shen Yibin through a special access channel. After a short rest in the VIP lounge, he boarded the flight early and took his seat in first class. The flight attendants didn’t even ask about the Snow Fox. By now, Shen Yibin’s name was legendary within Blue Sky Airlines. They wouldn’t be surprised no matter what kind of animal he brought on board. Not only that, but before boarding, the staff had specifically asked about the diets of the Snow Fox, Hah’Er, and Maphario, and had specially prepared food for them, determined to ensure they ate well on the flight. Shen Yibin was starting to get a little jealous.

This was the Snow Fox’s first time on a plane, and it was exceptionally curious, looking here one moment and there the next. If Shen Yibin hadn’t buckled it in with a seatbelt, the little rascal would have definitely caused a commotion in the cabin.

The plane soon took off. Shen Yibin covered Hah’Er and the Snow Fox with blankets, then closed his own eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. He woke up once in the middle of the flight to eat something, then slept straight through until landing.

The flight arrived smoothly at Yunzhong City Airport. When it was time to deplane, the Snow Fox hadn’t woken up yet. Not wanting to disturb it, Shen Yibin habitually draped it over his neck.

It was late at night by the time he got off the plane. When he reached the passenger exit, he saw Xia Shixuan looking around for him. The moment she saw Shen Yibin’s getup, Xia Shixuan couldn’t help but laugh. "Boss, do you have to be so extra? The temperature hasn’t even dropped below twenty degrees, and you’re already wearing a fox scarf?"

’Why the heck does everyone say that? Does this guy really look that much like a scarf? Maybe I should just name you Scarf then?’ Shen Yibin couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. His original idea had been to name the Snow Fox "Little Hu Fei." After all, the first time he’d seen the little guy, its fleeting shadow across the snowy mountain had been just too cool.

"If you like it so much, I can let you wear it for a bit," Shen Yibin said with a grin, not bothering to explain.

"Really? Boss, are you really giving me such a nice scarf?" Xia Shixuan immediately clasped her hands to her chest, putting on an expression of being overwhelmed by the favor. She shot him a coquettish look. "Boss, you’re so good to me! How can this humble lady ever repay you? I’ll just have to offer myself to you!"

’Alright, my mistake. I shouldn’t have joked with you.’ The tables had been turned on him. Shen Yibin quickly threw his hands up in surrender, took off his backpack, and tossed it into the trunk of the car.

After he settled into the passenger seat, the Snow Fox slowly woke from its sleep. It opened its eyes and curiously surveyed this new place. The temperature in Yunzhong City made it a little uncomfortable, and it couldn’t help but let out a couple of whimpers.

"Huh? It’s alive?" Xia Shixuan cried out in surprise.

"Yep. This is what I brought back from the Northeast Forest." ’Once we’re back, where am I going to have this little guy stay?’