"I'll be honest from now on! I can't tell you the truth about the past right now but I have a good reason for everything I did. I'll definitely tell you one day."
Eventually, Bai Yu gathered his wits and dropped the ticking bomb back to where it came from. Letting his Lord handle the mess.
Her Ladyship was still mad, nevertheless, he could sense his response had reduced her anger.
"Fine. I'll wait for that day. Don't lie to me again, Snowball. I can't stand it when people scheme behind my back."
"Yes, master!" Bai Yu tried not to show his nervousness. He nodded his head at her, meanwhile thinking of how terribly wrong Bai Qingyue went about wooing her Ladyship. He also had to find the appropriate time to report back to his Lord.
Just then, a clattering noise could be heard from right outside the door, breaking the tension and causing them both to turn in unison towards the entrance.
Bao Li entered the room, carrying a breakfast tray with congee and steamed bread buns.
"I've brought extra food for you and Snowball." She said with a faint smile.
Finally, the frown gracing Li Meirong's forehead had eased. Her expression softened and her eyes returned to staring at Snowball in the same doting manner she did before.
Li Meirong was never the type to remain upset for long, as soon as a problem was resolved, what need was there to be in a bad mood?
"I can't stay here but I'll be leaving Snowball under your care until I return if that's alright with you?" Li Meirong asked.
"Absolutely, no problem! Take as long as you need. It's my day off anyway." Bao Li explained. She had a soft spot for baby Spirit Beasts and always wanted one of her own. Sadly, she was never qualified to get one.
Li Meirong thanked Bao Li and after rubbing Snowball's fluffy head, she bade her friend farewell and left in a hurry.
Bai Yu could only hope his Lord won't mind the act. He tried to avoid her touch and discovered his Lady to be quite the determined woman! The former second-in-command was unable to escape his fur getting ruffled.
As soon as Li Meirong departed, Bao Li placed the tray on the small ebony wood slab which she used as a table and dragged the stools nearby it. "Snowball" hopped off the seat right before Bao Li moved it, only to jump back on top of it when she placed it down again.
Bao Li opened the curtains, lighting up the room and making the place more hospitable. The subtle fragrance of rice and meat emitting from the warm meal made Bai Yu relax, feeling as though the storm had passed and he finally found a shelter.
They sat down, facing each other in comfortable silence. Bao Li held the thick handle spoon and ate with a proper lady's etiquette, while "Snowball" stuffed his snout inside the bowl.
She peeked at the cub's antics and covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. He tried so hard to eat without making a mess, it was hilarious! No wonder Li Meirong was so attached to him. She never saw that girl look so mad before, even when she was insulted and pushed around, her behaviour was always level headed and surprisingly calm. It could only mean that Snowball had a very special place in her heart. Bao Li thought as she observed the young fox.
At the same time, Bai Yu ate heartily, appreciating the meal. It was a little bland for his taste but he was not a picky man. If there's food, he would happily gobble it down!
It took him mere moments to empty the bowl. Bao Li giggled and asked, "I figured you'd like some meat and added the pork bits especially for you. There's more where that came from. Would you like another serving, Snowball?"
Bai Yu's ears perked up, he stuck out his tongue and licked his mouth clean. He liked the sound of that!
"More, please!"
The Head Chef gave "Snowball" the extra plate she originally brought for Li Meirong and went outside to grab leftovers.
In the Bestiary division, at another courtyard with luxurious scenery to behold, lounged a strikingly handsome silver haired man upon an elongated chaise, bathed in the first rays of the morning sun.
The majestic view of the garden leading to the courtyard was surrounded by pine trees and bamboo houses, providing an air of mystery and splendour. The man was adorned in a loosely fitted dark robe, his long silken hair spread about him like the falling snow as he lazily lifted a scroll and unhurriedly studied its contents, his mind was a tad occupied to pay proper attention to the subject written on the wooden slip.