Qu Yanning leaned on the pavilion railing, excitedly motioning for Zhao Dongqi to look.
Just beneath the Rose bush, a palm-sized rabbit was standing upright, its short front paws clutching a Rose flower, and its three-petal mouth twitching rapidly.
Zhao Dongqi thought it was some rare creature and hurried over to see.
When he realized it was just a rabbit, his face fell, and he grumbled, “What’s so interesting about a rabbit?”
“It must feel so soft and fluffy,” Qu Yanning said. The rabbit’s fur was pure white, with just a small patch of black on one ear and over one eye.
Fluffy and round, it hugged a bright red flower— an absolute delight for anyone who loved plush textures.
“Rabbit, come here.” Qu Yanning called softly. The rabbit’s ears twitched as it was nibbling on the flower, then it turned around and stared blankly at Qu Yanning.
Qu Yanning smiled like a lovestruck fool and beckoned the little rabbit a few times.
The rabbit loosened its grip on the flower, hopped forward with a tilted head to look at him for a moment, then actually bounced right into Qu Yanning’s hands.
Fearing he might scare it, Qu Yanning carefully reached out and gently tapped the rabbit’s head. The soft, white fur felt wonderful to the touch.
The little rabbit didn’t seem afraid of people. Qu Yanning stroked it some more, and it didn’t run away— instead, it hopped closer, sniffing his hand with its twitching nose.
Qu Yanning took the chance to pet the rabbit all over and smiled, completely satisfied.
Qu Qing Shui frowned as he looked at the familiar figure, his heart in turmoil but his expression calm. A servant came over and told him it was time to head to the Main Hall.
“Understood,” Qu Qing Shui replied, folding his hands behind his back as he walked toward the Main Hall.
Currently, the Qu Family Mansion was home to six people over three generations. Besides Qu Qing Shui, there was his uncle Qu Jian Ling.
Qu Jian Ling and his wife Wei Feng Qing had only one son, who was three years younger than Qu Qing Shui— the son of Qu Jian Ling’s older brother Qu Jian Mu.
Their only son had been missing for nearly a year. The Qu Family had searched the entire island and surrounding waters inside and out, but to no avail.
Later, Qu Jian Ling had gone to the Ancestral Hall to request the Spirit Lamp and, after several divinations, confirmed that the boy was gone.
However, the child’s body was never found. Wei Feng Qing was heartbroken and firmly believed her son was still alive.
Qu Jian Ling worried about her health, so he left the family affairs to Qu Qing Shui and focused on taking care of his wife.
This Feng Shui Conference was fully managed by Qu Qing Shui. Qu Jian Ling had only briefly appeared and had not been seen since.
Qu Qing Shui thought about the figure he had seen earlier. Although he didn’t know how that person had snuck in, from now on, he absolutely would not allow anyone else to discover his presence.
******
The evening banquet was scheduled for dusk. The vast Main Hall was bustling with people. Qu Yanning and Zhao Dongqi followed the crowd and found a corner seat to sit down.
Dishes kept arriving one after another. Most of the people at the front were those of status, drinking and toasting each other in lively celebration.
Qu Yanning and his group sat further back. Their table was made up of smaller sect members, and the conversations were mostly hearsay and gossip. Qu Yanning listened as he ate.
After a few rounds of wine, once everyone was full and merry, Qu Qing Shui stepped forward with a cup of wine and officially opened the Feng Shui Conference.
“Thank you all for coming from afar. Feng Shui has declined greatly; fewer than one in ten sects remain. The Qu Family invited you here for two reasons: first, to strengthen the bonds between our sects; second, to select promising young talents. Those chosen will be invited to stay on the island for a year of advanced study…”
His words barely fell before whispers started among the audience. Even at their table, Qu Yanning and the others were visibly excited, their eyes shining as they awaited more.
“How will the selection be conducted? Are there rules?” an elderly man asked.
Qu Qing Shui smiled, “Old Li, please be patient. That is exactly what I will explain next.”
The murmuring quieted down, and everyone listened attentively.
Qu Yanning caught the gist: the Qu Family was organizing a Feng Shui Competition, open only to those under thirty.
The contest had three rounds— first, observing the Qi; second, locating the Feng Shui site; third, divination.
After multiple screenings, the top twenty would be selected to study on the island for a year.
During that time, the Qu Family’s collection of books would be accessible, and experts would be available to answer questions. The top three winners would receive generous prizes.
“That sounds pretty good,” Qu Yanning said.
Zhao Dongqi nodded enthusiastically. “Of course it does. The Qu Family’s wealth is enormous—just a drop through their fingers would be enough to make others fight fiercely.”
“Are you going to participate?” Qu Yanning asked.
Zhao Dongqi waved his hand. “No, no. The Northeast Zhao Family is represented up front. I’m just here to watch the fun.”
Qu Yanning craned his neck to look forward but could only see a sea of heads. Qu Qing Shui was still speaking, but Qu Yanning lost interest and focused on his food.
After the banquet, everyone dispersed to rest.
The competition was set for the morning after tomorrow, to be completed in three days, meaning they would be on the island at least four days.
The time was longer than expected, and Qu Yanning was a bit disappointed. Sitting in the courtyard, he hugged the rabbit and sighed that he missed Guaibao.
→The rabbit had come over on its own, you know.
Just then, Xie Qi reached the door and heard Qu Yanning’s voice. He perked up, a sweet smile bubbling on his lips.
He wagged his tail, waiting until his body temperature returned to normal before lifting his head and walking over.
Qu Yanning cuddled the little rabbit, stroking its head and pinching its ears. Though it wasn’t the same as petting a cat, it was still soothing.
He was just getting comfortable when suddenly an angry meow cut through the air. Qu Yanning looked toward the sound and saw his own cat glaring at him with wide eyes.
“Guaibao!” Qu Yanning called with concern, setting the rabbit on the bench and reaching to pick up the cat. But Xie Qi’s ears twitched, and his whiskers bristled angrily as he backed away, refusing to be held.
“Guaibao?” Qu Yanning looked at him in confusion, not understanding why he wouldn’t let himself be picked up.
Xie Qi glared at the rabbit that had dared to jump near him. A furious purr rumbled from his throat, and his sharp claws twitched, barely able to contain the urge to attack the helpless bunny on the spot.
Qu Yanning looked between the cat and the dumbfounded rabbit and suddenly understood.
He scooped up the rabbit and shoved it into Zhao Dongqi’s arms, loudly declaring, “You hold your own rabbit! I told you I don’t like rabbits, but you insisted I hold yours. Now even our Guaibao is upset.”
Zhao Dongqi blinked in confusion.
Qu Yanning sent the rabbit off and squatted back down before the cat, holding out his hands. “Come here, let me hug you. I missed you so much.”
Xie Qi’s ears twitched, one ear sneaking backward, his suspicious gaze flicking between Zhao Dongqi and the rabbit in his arms.
Qu Yanning gathered him up, holding the cat close and planting a big kiss, praising, “Our Guaibao is getting cuter every day.”
Xie Qi coolly pushed Qu Yanning’s face away. Sweet talk had no effect on him. He flicked his tail, gave the rabbit one last hostile glare, then patted Qu Yanning, signaling him to go back inside.
Qu Yanning, worried the cat was still upset about the rabbit, hurriedly carried him indoors.
Zhao Dongqi, holding the rabbit: …
Once the door was closed, Xie Qi jumped down and transformed into a large cat, curling tightly around Qu Yanning’s waist and rubbing hard against him.
Qu Yanning laughed as he sat back on the bed, backing up while the cat purred lowly.
Xie Qi leapt onto the bed, rubbing his head fiercely against Qu Yanning until the annoying rabbit scent was completely masked by his own.
Finally, he settled down and curled behind Qu Yanning, resting his chin on Qu Yanning’s legs.
Leaning against his cat pillow, Qu Yanning contentedly stroked Xie Qi’s head, then after a moment remembered to ask, “Why are you here?”
Qu Yanning tweaked his cat ears and guessed, “Did you come with Second Master Xie?” Earlier, Second Master Xie had messaged that he’d taken Guaibao away.
Xie Qi gave a lazy meow.
“Then that’s it.” Qu Yanning scratched under the big cat’s chin. “Where’s Second Master Xie? Why did only you come?”
Xie Qi flicked his tail and closed his eyes comfortably, saying nothing.
Qu Yanning muttered to himself, “He probably left. Otherwise, Guaibao wouldn’t have come on his own.”
Later, Zhao Dongqi walked in looking troubled, still holding the rabbit.
Xie Qi had returned to his normal size and was sitting steadily in Qu Yanning’s arms, giving a disdainful look to both Zhao Dongqi and the rabbit in his arms.
The rabbit tried to jump again, but Zhao Dongqi held it tight. “Oh my, don’t run away.”
He looked to Qu Yanning for help, who blinked vigorously, signaling him to put the rabbit down quickly.
Zhao Dongqi put the rabbit on the floor, complaining angrily, “This rabbit is really fierce— it even kicked me.”
The round little rabbit hopped to Qu Yanning’s feet and stayed still.
Xie Qi squinted his eyes, glaring at the ungrateful, foolish rabbit.
Qu Yanning hugged the cat tightly and soothed him with kisses, suggesting, “How about we take a walk by the sea?”
Xie Qi reluctantly meowed, and Qu Yanning quickly slipped past Zhao Dongqi, carrying the cat away, leaving Zhao Dongqi and the rabbit staring blankly at each other.