Future Pet Shop

"Qianqian, you're back? Oh, Miss Sakai came this time, too! And Egg, you look like you've gotten fatter again!" As soon as they got off the plane, Xia Shixuan enthusiastically greeted them, ushering Sakai Kaori and Sun Qian into the car. Then, she turned to look at Shen Yibin. "Boss, are we going back to the shop or to the manor?" That was right; Shen Yibin had two places to stay now, so she had to ask before starting the car.

Shen Yibin glanced at the time. It was already getting late, so he gave up on the idea of returning to the shop. "Let's just go rest at the manor tonight. We'll head back to the shop tomorrow morning."

"Okay, but how am I supposed to get home later? It's hard to get a cab from your place," Xia Shixuan said as she started the car. She quickly got on the ring road, heading toward the manor from the outskirts. It was faster than cutting through the city.

"Why don't you just stay the night? We can all head to the shop together after breakfast tomorrow," Shen Yibin suggested casually. The manor had plenty of rooms, so there was more than enough space for Xia Shixuan.

"Alright, then. I'll ride on Qianqian and Miss Sakai's coattails and mooch a dinner off you," Xia Shixuan replied with a laugh. It was obvious the other two women hadn't eaten, and since Xia Shixuan had also skipped a proper meal to pick them up from the airport, this saved her the trouble of finding food elsewhere.

"Wow, is this Mr. Bin's new home? It's gorgeous!" Upon arriving at the manor, Sakai Kaori gazed all around through the car window. Although it was night, the estate's lights allowed her to appreciate its charm. It looked truly extraordinary—at least, it was much nicer than the villa they had stayed in back in Saitama Prefecture.

"Oh, it's nothing special." Shen Yibin was about to boast a little, but he deflated when he remembered Sakai Kaori's residence near the Shrine. 'This manor of mine is nothing compared to her family's centuries of history. The only thing remotely worth mentioning is Wen Yuan's design.' "But the garden is worth seeing," he said instead. "Once we're inside, have Sun Qian and Shi Xuan show you around. I'll go make us all some dinner."

"Okay, I'll be sure to tour it thoroughly." As they passed the Totem Pole, Sakai Kaori gasped in admiration again. "When I saw this in the photos, I assumed it was just the camera angle. I never imagined it was actually this tall! Huh? Is that a statue of Lord Egg on top?" The nighttime lighting was hazy, so she couldn't quite make it out.

"Yup. It's not just Egg—Cheeky and Hah'Er have statues, too. If you like, I can have the sculptor come over tomorrow to carve another one for Egg." As he spoke, they pulled into the garage. They all got out of the car, grabbing their various bags, and went inside the villa.

"Oh, wouldn't that be too much trouble for him?" Sakai Kaori asked, though she secretly really wanted one.

"Not a problem! That's how he makes his living. I'll give him a call and have him come over tomorrow. He can stay here and carve a statue for Egg while I take you shopping for clothes!" Xia Shixuan readily agreed, certain that Mr. Long Sheng would accept with just one phone call from her. "For now, you can rest up a bit, and then Sun Qian and I will take you to see the gardens."

"Shopping for clothes?" Sakai Kaori was confused. 'I could have bought clothes in Tokyo if I wanted to. Why would I do it in Yunzhong City? Surely their shopping districts aren't more glamorous than Roppongi, are they?'

"That's right. Yunzhong City might not have many designer brands, but I guarantee you won't regret shopping with us tomorrow," Sun Qian chimed in with a smile. She, for one, had seen what Scarf was capable of.

"You all get some rest; I'm going to make dinner. Hah'Er, keep an eye on Carmen, and don't let it get stuck somewhere again!" With that, Shen Yibin headed to the kitchen. Soon, the clatter of pots and pans echoed from within. Sun Qian and Xia Shixuan then took Sakai Kaori, Egg, and Carmen on a tour of the manor grounds.

During the few days they were away, more Winter Bamboo Shoots had sprouted in the bamboo grove. With Hah'Er and Maphario pointing the way, the girls enthusiastically dug some up and brought them to the kitchen, adding a few extra dishes to dinner.

"Mr. Bin, your new home is truly beautiful. You must be very happy living here, right?" At the dinner table, Sakai Kaori was full of praise for Shen Yibin's manor.

"It's a far cry from your family's home," Shen Yibin replied with a chuckle. He picked up a few spare ribs and placed them in Carmen's bowl. The little creature had quickly adapted to its new surroundings and was now comfortably gnawing away at its food.

"Our home might be a bit bigger, but the architecture and decorations are so old-fashioned. And we're not allowed to change anything. It looks nice, but it isn't very comfortable to actually live in." Not treating Shen Yibin as a stranger, Sakai Kaori started venting her frustrations.

Bigger than Shen Yibin's manor? Xia Shixuan stared at Sakai Kaori, speechless. 'What in the world does her family do?' she wondered. 'How could they have such a massive property?'

After offering a few words of comfort, everyone continued eating. After dinner, they took a short walk along the Yunshui River before heading to their respective rooms to rest. Shen Yibin set up a new little home for Carmen in his own bedroom, and it slept next to Hah'Er that night.

The next morning, after breakfast, they all drove back to the city and went to the pet shop. Sakai Kaori was amazed all over again when she met Scarf, especially after it helped her choose a handicraft woven by Li herself. After that, the young woman was completely convinced of Scarf's unique talent.

"Sun, when are we going shopping?" Just last night she'd had no interest in shopping, but after witnessing Scarf's talent, she couldn't wait.

"Shi Xuan isn't working today? In that case, let's go right now!" Sun Qian was also itching to buy some new clothes, so she readily agreed.

"I'm not going. Carmen hasn't gotten much exercise lately, so I'd better take it out for a walk." Shen Yibin quickly excused himself. 'Carrying their shopping bags is a job you only need to do once to learn your lesson.' "Oh, right. It'll probably be a hassle to take Egg into the malls, so just leave him with me. I'll take him out, too."

"Alright, then. We'll have to trouble you, Mr. Bin." The three women huddled together for a brief discussion and finally let Shen Yibin off the hook. They got in the car and headed for the shopping district.

Shen Yibin, meanwhile, took Egg, Hah'Er, and Carmen out for a walk. Maphario stayed behind at the shop to inspect its garden, and Xiaoliu lay lazily in its hammock, unwilling to move.

"Let's go, time for a walk!" Shen Yibin said, leading Carmen out onto the street.