Chapter 40: Meeting

“Wake up! Breakfast is ready!”

They called it breakfast, but in reality, it was nearly noon.

Lin Xing, who had woken up early, had already bought breakfast and eaten, then set the rest aside to keep warm.

After all, both Lumiya and Little Green were the type to sleep whenever they could.

He could understand Lumiya, but why did a bird like Little Green sleep in so late too?

Seeing that it was almost noon, it was time to wake them up.

He reached out and gently knocked on the door, calling Lumiya and Little Green to get up and eat their “breakfast”.

There was still a performance to participate in today, and he couldn’t really let the two of them just sleep through it.

He couldn’t possibly go up there and fight by himself, could he?

Fortunately, Lumiya and Little Green weren’t the type to refuse to wake up. Though they loved to sleep, as long as someone called, they would get up.

The two of them got up groggily, washed up, and ate breakfast. Afterwards, Lin Xing took each by the hand and led them towards the Arena.

As they walked, Lin Xing looked helplessly at the two beside him.

Although Lumiya had returned to her original appearance as a maiden in front of Lin Xing last night, this morning she’d reverted back to her loli form.

Little Green also surprised Lin Xing.

Usually, Little Green hated being in human form, but since yesterday, she refused to change back, insisting on staying human.

Now, as he walked down the street, he held hands with both of them.

Passersby kept turning their heads to look, their gazes ranging from surprise, to envy, and even jealousy.

After all, whether it was the adorable loli or the energetic beauty by his side, they were both far too eye-catching—whether real people or Beasts, both were bound to draw attention!

Luckily, nothing dramatic happened along the way—no random people tried to strike up conversation. They smoothly arrived at the competition venue.

Lin Xing led the two straight into the Arena’s Main Gate.

There was no need to show any proof of identity; Lumiya and Little Green were the best credentials!

They passed smoothly into the Rest Area.

Someone was already waiting inside. No doubt about it—it was Lingering Cloud!

Lingering Cloud was, as always, dressed in a white outfit, but today it was a bit more ornate with some golden cloud patterns. He sat cross-legged on a chair.

On either side of him sat Little Jade and Little Ink, the two little Qilins, both quietly seated at his sides.

Was it just Lin Xing, or did Lingering Cloud have a different vibe altogether?

Seeing Lingering Cloud and his two little ones, who seemed to have an otherworldly aura, Lin Xing felt a little envious.

But the feeling was quickly dispelled by the warmth from the palms of the hands holding his.

Lingering Cloud heard someone approaching, opened his eyes,

And saw Lin Xing walking over, holding one in each hand. His eyes immediately lit up.

The moment he opened his mouth, that ethereal feeling was shattered.

“! Lin Xing, how did you convince your Beast to stay in human form? Teach me! Little Jade at home never wants to transform! She’s so adorable, though!”

The white Qilin on the left wobbled a little but kept her posture, sitting quietly.

The ink-black Qilin on the right was already twitching, as if… holding back laughter?

Seeing Lingering Cloud’s sparkling, pleading eyes, Lin Xing scratched his head awkwardly.

Teach? He really couldn’t.

Lumiya liked to be in human form on her own; Little Green did not.

But as for why Little Green suddenly accepted being in human form—he really couldn’t explain that!

Should he say to Lingering Cloud:

[Simple! I’ll teach you—ka-cha give wood… Ah, wait, that’s not how you do Beast Taming.

When your Beast transforms into human form, just hug her~ Talk to her more~

Then stroke her legs~ Raise her affection level.

And then, on a dark and windy night, offer some tasty snacks.

That’ll trigger a special CG for your Beast, and soon enough, your Beast will propose to you~

After that, your Beast will always stay in human form~]

How could he say that? Would Lingering Cloud dare listen if he did? He’d probably get reported in no time!

So Lin Xing could only helplessly reply,

“Uh… it really depends on the Beast’s own wishes! I didn’t actually do much.”

Hearing this answer, Lingering Cloud looked disappointed and turned to gaze tearfully at the unmoving Little White Qilin.

Sensing her master’s burning gaze, Little White Qilin felt a pang of guilt and turned her head away.

If she couldn’t see, she wouldn’t feel guilty~

The little black Qilin nearby, with big, bright eyes, had watched the entire scene unfold.

When she saw Little White Qilin turn to face her, she finally couldn’t hold it in.

Her previously twitching body now abandoned all pretense and collapsed, rolling on the floor in uncontrollable laughter.

Little White Qilin silently turned around again. She was afraid she’d lose control and bite these two rascals!

Just like that, the ethereal image of Lingering Cloud and his Beasts was completely ruined.

Lin Xing and his two companions couldn’t help but smile at the scene.

As they introduced themselves and chatted, everyone quickly grew closer.

Little Green and Lumiya were especially happy, each hugging a little Qilin and petting away.

Meanwhile, Lin Xing and Lingering Cloud complained about the Academy’s unreasonable rules—like not being allowed to throw trash in the trash bins, or the ban on drinking water during class.

Just before the match was about to start, Lin Xing received a message from Little White and finally paused their lively conversation.

He stepped out to bring Little White into the Rest Area—it was much more convenient than watching from the audience, after all.

When Little White saw how familiar Lin Xing and Lingering Cloud seemed, she was a little confused. Did they know each other before?

But the moment she saw the little Qilins in Lumiya’s and Little Green’s arms, her eyes lit up, and she released Snowball to join them.

Snowball, though, was shy and clearly couldn’t blend in with the two Qilins.

Helpless, Little White could only pick up Snowball and sneak over to Lumiya, whispering,

“Did you really mean what you said last night?”

“What are you whispering about? Let me in, let me in~~ I want to join too~ Lumiya! I’m your family now, right? What could you possibly say that you can’t say in front of me?”

Little Green, the chatterbox, seemed to have completely forgotten what happened in the KTV, but she clearly remembered what had happened between her and Lin Xing last night.

It was hard to tell if she was doing it on purpose.

Lumiya looked at the two beside her with a headache.

“Alright, alright~ Little Green, be quiet. Both of you are the same! I agree, I agree, but if I find out anyone tries to cut in front of me, you’re dead! Got it?”

Little White and Little Green exchanged glances, feeling a little strange inside,

But they accepted it quickly enough, since they were all in the same boat~

But it seemed the three of them had forgotten something.

Right now, the little Qilins in Lumiya’s and Little Green’s arms didn’t dare to move at all.

What were these three talking about? What did they mean by being family? Could Beasts and humans really be family?

Little Black Qilin was just about to ask, but Little White Qilin stopped her with a look.

She understood—this Lin Xing was a huge pervert! She couldn’t let Lingering Cloud communicate with such a pervert!

Otherwise, she herself… Eh? Oh well~ Ehehe~