Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

The morning light was dim, and spots of light like broken gold leaked through the leaves.

The group walked down the slightly sloping stone steps, their footsteps mingling with the chirping of mountain birds. Paimeng was in the front, occasionally looking back to urge them on, and couldn't help but curiously examine the silver-gray "scarf" on Shen He's shoulder, which was stable and motionless.

Yun Jin walked lightly beside Ying and Shen He, her aquamarine sleeves swaying with her movements. She didn't immediately bring up the theater business again, but instead steered the conversation back to the intriguing little creature on Shen He's shoulder.

"Speaking of which, this 'little friend' of Mr. Zhongli is quite dear to us." Yun Jin smiled as she looked at Xizhi Cat, which was squinting its eyes and unconsciously stroking Shen He's chin with its furry head. "In the past, I saw Mr. Zhongli holding it and listening to stories at Sanwan Buguo Port. Most of the time, it was just lazily dozing off and seemed to be quite quiet. But today, it is quite lively and is willing to leave its owner and go on a long journey with you all." Her words were inquiring but not offensive. There was only the curiosity that comes naturally from a pure artist who observes beautiful things carefully.

Ying was just contemplating how to respond when the cat, seemingly understanding, lazily opened its eyelids, its glassy pupils glancing sideways at Yunjin. A faint snort escaped its nose, hinting at a hint of discontent at being talked about. Then, proudly, it closed its eyes again, continuing to enjoy its "mobile vehicle" and the sunshine. It acted as if it understood, "I don't need to explain my actions to you."

Paimon flew back immediately and rushed to say, "Because it likes Huan the most - um!" When the words were on the tip of her tongue, she suddenly remembered that she almost let it slip just now. She quickly covered her mouth with her little hands, her eyes rolling around, and looked at Ying for help.

Ying couldn't help but laugh, then added naturally, "Because it gets along with us, and especially likes Shen He." As she spoke, she reached out, her fingertips about to touch the tip of the tsundere cat's ear, but as if anticipating it, it deftly tilted its ears back into a flat, wiggling shape, avoiding her touch. A muffled purr emanated from its throat, as if protesting, "Don't touch me." However, its body pressed against Shen He's neck showed no sign of moving away, and the tip of its tail even twitched slightly in pleasure.

This double-talking made Yun Jin's smile deepen. "He's quite the tempered little fellow," she paused, her tone becoming gentler. "But, to have such trust and closeness from a spiritual being, Miss Shen He must be a person of pure kindness." She addressed Shen He with genuine admiration.

Shen He didn't stop walking, only pausing ever so slightly at the words. She seemed unaccustomed to such direct praise, her cold gaze lowering slightly to the warm ball of fur on her shoulder. As if sensing her gaze, the cat raised its head at the perfect moment, gently and soothingly touching her jade-like cheek with its cool, moist nose.

"...Hmm." After a long pause, a barely audible response escaped Shen He's throat. She said nothing more, but the icy aura that had lingered around her for years seemed to be dispelled a little by this small interaction.

Ying looked at this scene with a knowing smile on her face, and brought the topic back on track in time: "Mr. Yun just mentioned the new play, and seemed to attach great importance to it. I wonder if he has any ideas about the performance venue?" As she spoke, she naturally withdrew her hand and put it in her pocket, as if she had just wanted to scratch a cat but failed.

Talking about business, Yun Jin's expression straightened slightly, her phoenix eyes gleaming with creative brilliance. "I do have some humble opinions. 'The Goddess Splits the Observation Point' is no ordinary song and dance. Its core is tragic and desolate, and it also embodies the determination to break free from shackles. The venue shouldn't be overly ornate, but rather a sense of natural antiquity and openness. Ideally, it should leverage the power of mountains and rivers to enhance the majestic atmosphere." She paused for a moment. "The bamboo forest and sea of ​​clouds at Qingce Manor, or the ruined walls and clear waters of Luhua Pond, are both under consideration. However, each has its pros and cons, making it difficult to decide, so I'd like to hear Miss Ningguang's opinion."

Paimeng seemed to understand what he heard, and shook his head: "It sounds amazing! But as long as the play is good, I will go to support Paimeng no matter where it is performed!"

As they chatted, they joined the crowds at the edge of Feiyun Slope. The morning market gradually began to stir, and the cries of breakfast vendors and the faint sounds of hammering from the blacksmith's shop gradually became clearer.

The cat on Shen He's shoulder twitched its ears at the slightest noise, seemingly unaccustomed to the sudden commotion. It huddled closer to Shen He's neck, revealing only its eyes, a shimmering rock-gold hue, as it vigilantly observed its surroundings. But soon, perhaps sensing Shen He's calmness and reliability, it relaxed, its gaze still sharp, like a silent and loyal little guard.

Ying noticed this and secretly laughed at this "kitten"'s instinctive vigilance and dependence. She looked up and could already see the "Hanfeng Ironware" sign in the distance.

"Master Zhang's shop is just ahead," she said in a clear voice. "I hope he can find time to help us solve our problems today."

Yun Jin also withdrew his gaze from the surroundings, nodded and smiled, "I hope so."

The group walked towards the blacksmith's shop, the morning light stretching their shadows into long, slender lines. Shen He walked silently, the weight and warmth on his shoulders so real. The low purring in her ear seemed to have a strange magic, gently pulling her back from the cold fragments of the past nightmare to the real world. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated kitten maintained its proud demeanor, "both inseparable from Shen He and indifferent to the world," enjoying the turbulent yet furry "company" she shared.