True Master Xuanmiao buried its head low, rubbing its paws together vigorously. It looked hesitant, as if it had something difficult to say.
"Xiao Jiang, when I explain things later… you won't blame me, will you?"
'Great. Just as I thought, it's nothing good.'
The corner of Jiang Yi's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, but his face broke into a warm smile.
"I have only ever felt respect and affection for you, Cat Master."
True Master Xuanmiao let out a small sigh of relief, but on second thought, it felt something was wrong.
'Xiao Jiang is a smooth talker; he might not really mean it.'
It nervously licked the fur on its paws and asked tentatively:
"Then… my jerky snacks… you won't give me fewer of them in the future, will you?"
Jiang Yi raised a hand and gently stroked the Cat Master's fur, from the base of its ears to its chin, and said softly:
