Future Pet Shop

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Shen Yibin knocked on the door to the music room. Before long, the door opened to reveal Sun Qian in her pajamas, with Cheeky perched on her shoulder.

"Oh, you’re already turning in for the night?" Shen Yibin felt a little awkward. ’Did I come at a bad time? Maybe I should come back and ask her tomorrow.’

"Not at all. I just went out for a bit, and when I got back, I took a shower and just changed into my pajamas! Come on in, have a seat!" Sun Qian welcomed Shen Yibin inside. Cheeky flapped its wings and flew a circle outside the door. "Huh? Where’s the big fella? How come he didn’t come with you?" Although it always gave Hah’Er a hard time, the little guy was actually very fond of him. See? It hadn’t seen Hah’Er for a moment and was already asking about him.

"Hah’Er is in the bamboo forest with Xiaoliu. Why don’t you go find them and play?" Shen Yibin pointed outside. Cheeky muttered a string of sarcastic remarks but ultimately flew out the window anyway.

"Sigh, this little guy." Shen Yibin shook his head, not knowing what to make of Cheeky. He chuckled and turned to Sun Qian. "So, how’s the new album coming along? When are you starting production?"

"Not yet. I’m still short two songs. I haven’t had much inspiration lately, and it’s been giving me a headache," Sun Qian said, shaking her head. "I have a lot of songs I’ve written over the years, but their quality and style are all over the place. It’s not easy to put together ten tracks that fit on one album, and new songs aren’t that easy to write."

’Huh, this is perfect timing,’ Shen Yibin thought, then immediately tried to persuade her. "In that case, why don’t you come out with me for a bit? Go see the sights. How can you find inspiration cooped up in the house all the time? Once you’re out there, seeing different landscapes, cultures, and people, maybe inspiration will strike naturally."

"Oh? Where are you planning to go this time? Would it be convenient for me to tag along?" Sun Qian was tempted. When she first arrived at Shen Yibin’s estate, the beautiful scenery of the Yunshui River had indeed brought her a great deal of inspiration, and she’d written several high-quality songs. But as time went on, the novelty of the Yunshui River had begun to wear off.

Besides, traveling for inspiration was a common practice in the music industry—a so-called "creative field trip." Sun Qian had been thinking of doing something similar herself recently. Even if Shen Yibin hadn’t brought it up, she would have found a place to visit with Cheeky. Being able to go with Shen Yibin now was, of course, even better.

"Japan. I’m thinking of wandering around the Kantou region, and I can also visit Sakai Kaori and Egg while I’m there. It’s been a while since you’ve seen them, right? We can go together!" Just a moment ago, Shen Yibin had seen a new orange dot appear on his pet radar in Japan. ’But what kind of special animals are in Japan? Akitas? Or Kumamon? Uh, I don’t think Kumamon is a real animal, is it? What would happen if I brought back a Kumamon mascot?’

"Japan? That’s pretty convenient. If it’s not too much trouble, take me and Hah’Er with you. But are you taking Hah’Er too? Can Hah’Er travel abroad?" Sun Qian didn’t hesitate and agreed right away.

"That shouldn’t be a problem." Shen Yibin had already taken Hah’Er abroad several times and was now quite proficient with the procedures. He immediately took out his phone and contacted a few people, asking them to get the ball rolling. Based on their feedback, he could expect a definite answer by tomorrow morning at the earliest.

"Great, then I’ll go with you guys. It’s been so long, I really do miss Sakai!" Their friendship had been forged when they were all roommates, and Sun Qian, Sakai Kaori, and Sylvie were very close.

"You should start packing. If all goes well, we could be heading to Shanghai as early as tomorrow, then flying straight to Japan from there." With that, Shen Yibin got up to leave. He had to pack too, and also prepare some gifts for Sakai Kaori. ’Hmm, there are still some Winter Bamboo Shoots left. I can bring them for her to try. If the flight is less than a day, they won’t lose too much of their freshness. And I can’t forget the Monkey Wine. I seem to remember a batch of Monkey Wine in a tree hollow on the estate is almost ready. I wonder if it’ll be done in time?’

Clothes could be packed anytime. First, he’d check on the Winter Bamboo Shoots and the Monkey Bar. Shen Yibin came downstairs and went to the bamboo forest to find the little guys. He patted Hah’Er on the head and said, "Hah’Er, how about we go to Japan to see Egg tomorrow? Cheeky, you should come with us too!"

"Oh? The big fella’s dumb brother?" Cheeky seemed tempted. It hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is Qianqian going? If Qianqian’s going, then I suppose I can deign to meet him!"

’Hmph, you sure are putting on airs!’ Shen Yibin thought with a laugh, shaking his head and ignoring it. Hah’Er, on the other hand, looked thrilled. Maphario also seemed to recall that plump Raccoon Cat who loved to dance and get drunk.

"Xiaoliu, you’re coming with us this time, too! Oh, and when we run into that fellow, Mr. Liu Sheng, you have to show him what you’ve got!" ’Sigh, I felt a little bad for not taking Xiaoliu last time,’ Shen Yibin thought. So, he decided to just bring him along this time. He couldn’t help but daydream about the look on Sakai Kaori’s Swordsmanship teacher, Mr. Liu Sheng’s, face when he witnessed Hah’Er’s brilliant swordsmanship. ’That’ll definitely be interesting, won’t it?’

But this would make the journey more complicated. The flight from Yunzhong City to Shanghai was manageable; as long as he contacted Blue Sky Airlines, he could always get a spot for Xiaoliu. But for the flight from Shanghai to Japan, Shen Yibin didn’t have that kind of pull. Hah’Er would definitely get a seat, but Xiaoliu’s was not guaranteed.

’I really don’t want Xiaoliu to be stuck in a travel crate. I’d better ask Sakai Kaori. She seems to have a lot of influence.’ Thinking this, Shen Yibin dialed Sakai Kaori’s number.

It barely rang twice before the call was answered. Sakai Kaori’s delighted voice came through the line, "Moshi moshi, this is Sakai Kaori. I’m so happy to receive your call, Mr. Bin!"

"Miss Sakai, you’re as full of Vitality as ever!" Shen Yibin said with a laugh before getting to the point. "So, here’s the thing. I’m planning to come to Japan in the next couple of days for some business, and I was thinking of bringing Hah’Er along to see Egg. I was wondering if you’d be free."

"Eh! What time is your flight? Lord Egg and I will come pick you up from the airport!" Sakai Kaori grew instantly excited. It wasn’t just that she was free; even if she had been busy, nothing was more important than seeing Shen Yibin!

"Great, we’ll see you at the airport then. Oh, right, there’s one more thing. I’m also bringing Xiaoliu with me this time. Do you think you could help sort out the seating issue...?" Shen Yibin said as he walked toward the large tree where the Monkey Wine was hidden.