When Little Nine heard Lian Muxiu say he had something important to tell her, she reluctantly looked at him.

  Lian Muxiu met Little Nine's gaze. "Little Nine, I made you cry just now. It was my fault."

  "Chirp chirp," Little Nine nodded. It’s your fault, didn’t you know?

  Seeing that Little Nine responded, Lian Muxiu's frown relaxed a little. "I swear by my title as the National Master of Beiyan, I will never let you cry again. I will protect you and take good care of you. Stay by my side for the rest of your life. Will you?"

  Little Nine was confused. What’s going on? Lian Muxiu is so serious about swearing to her? She...

  "Chirp?" Little Nine’s large eyes were filled with doubt. Her life was long, she didn’t even know when it would end. She had only known Lian Muxiu for a short while. Why would he think of something like this?

  "Little Nine," Lian Muxiu’s eyes were full of sincerity. "In this life, I have no plans to marry or adopt children. I thought I would be alone until I die, but now that I have you, I want to take care of you forever. Will you?"

  Little Nine was stunned. She was pure, but that didn’t mean she was naive. She was a demonic beast, and if she agreed to stay with Lian Muxiu for her entire life, it would truly be a lifetime contract, until he passed away.

  Little Nine thought about it, but she couldn’t give him an answer right away. She tapped Lian Muxiu’s hand to get his attention, then opened her mouth and rubbed her belly to let him know she was hungry.

  Upon seeing that Little Nine was hungry, Lian Muxiu didn’t ask for an answer but instead ordered the guards, Ying Yi and Ying San, to immediately head to Yipin Food.

  Lian Muxiu gently rubbed Little Nine's head. "Be good, we will get there soon. Since you’re hungry, I’ll make sure you get plenty to eat."

  "Chirp chirp." Of course! After pretending to cry for so long, she was already starving. In Little Nine’s mind, eating first and then focusing on cultivation was more important than human relationships. The bond with humans could wait for now.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  It didn’t take long to arrive. If not for the crying incident earlier, they would have already eaten a lot.

  Ying Yi jumped off the carriage, and Ying San stood on the carriage to lift the curtain for Lian Muxiu and Little Nine. "Master, we’ve arrived."

  "Got it." Lian Muxiu nodded, picking up Little Nine and getting off the carriage. Despite only having Ying Yi and Ying San around, Little Nine keenly felt that at least twenty people were protecting her and Lian Muxiu.

  Little Nine was puzzled. Why so many precautions just for getting some food?

  Lian Muxiu gently rubbed her head. "Better safe than sorry. It’s always good to be cautious."

  Little Nine nodded, somewhat understanding. This was Tancheng, the capital of Beiyan, as people had told her. How could it not be safe? But since Lian Muxiu said to be cautious, she would just go along with it; after all, there was no harm done.

  "Master, this way," Ying Yi led the way, with Lian Muxiu holding Little Nine and Ying San following behind.

  Little Nine quietly lay in Lian Muxiu's arms, her big eyes scanning the surroundings. Ahead, there was a large stone arch with the words "Yipin Food" written on it, and it seemed to have been around for many years.

  Walking through the stone arch, Little Nine’s eyes widened involuntarily. The entire street was filled with food, with various smells—sweet, spicy, salty—assaulting her nose. Little Nine looked left and right, not sure where to start.

  Seeing Little Nine’s eyes and nose fixated on the food, Lian Muxiu smiled. What an interesting little thing—every time she saw food, her eyes would light up.

  Lian Muxiu turned to Ying Yi. "Did you find out everything?"

  Ying Yi bowed. "Yes, Master. Taibai Ju in the center is an old brand in Yipin Food. I’ve already reserved a private room for you."

  Lian Muxiu nodded. "Good job. Let’s go."

  "Yes, Master."

  Before Little Nine could decide where to start, she felt Lian Muxiu begin walking.

  She tugged at his sleeve. "Chirp? Where are you going?"

  Lian Muxiu replied, "I’ve reserved a private room at Taibai Ju. Once we’re inside, I’ll have the guards bring a sample of every dish for you."

  Oh, so the National Master is concerned about losing face. Little Nine nodded in understanding. As long as she got food, she didn’t mind where they ate.

  The moment they arrived at the entrance of Taibai Ju, people had already received the orders and were waiting for Lian Muxiu’s arrival.

  From the manager to the servants, everyone was eagerly anticipating the visit of the National Master. It was a great honor!

  The manager glanced at the sky, wondering why Lian Muxiu, who should have already arrived, was still not here. Did he change his mind? But then again, such a respected figure wouldn’t back out without notifying anyone, would he?

  "Manager, do you see those people?"