Capital City International Airport—
A private jet that took off from C Country landed smoothly.
A man with a tranquil temperament and innate aloofness walked out from the VIP passage. In his arms was a pure white Maine Coon cat who blinked its glassy eyes and buried its furry head into the man's embrace.
Noticing the cat's reaction to the unfamiliar environment, the man gently stroked its fur to soothe it.
Behind the man was a group of people.
More than a dozen cats and dogs were each accompanied by at least one servant to care for them. The cats were held by the servants, while the dogs were leashed.
At the very back were several servants carrying luggage, plus over ten stern-looking men in black suits serving as bodyguards.
The tall man walked in front with his coat draped over his shoulders, the hem sweeping as he moved unhurriedly, giving an air of leisurely grace.
The group marched towards the airport exit in an impressive procession.
All the passengers in the terminal and people waiting to pick up relatives turned to look at them, curious about who was making such a grand entrance with pets and servants in tow. It was clearly a private jet they arrived in!
The passengers commented that despite all the flights they had taken, this was the first time seeing such a scene, like European medieval nobility going on a journey. The man at the front especially resembled an aristocrat from a castle, exuding indescribable nobility, including the cat he held.
Outside the airport, over ten cars were already waiting.
The butler, wearing a tailcoat and blue necktie, came up holding an umbrella and greeted respectfully, "Your Grace, this way please."
The car door was already open.
The butler had arrived a week in advance to make arrangements.
Lin Cheng first glanced ahead before casually looking to the other side. He seemed to be watching the scenery, but his gaze was too detached, like it couldn't settle on anything, giving an aloof and cold impression.
Passersby kept throwing looks his way but none dared approach, instead giving him a wide berth as they watched from afar.
Some young girls discussed Lin Cheng as they took photos on their phones.
The snow wasn't heavy and Lin Cheng's expression wasn't cold either. On the contrary, he looked quite gentle, yet his whole person seemed colder than the snow.
Lin Cheng drew back his gaze and commented, "The scenery is not bad, it's just that your tie doesn't match with this snowy scene."
Without even glancing at him, Lin Cheng spoke as he bent down to get in the car, still cradling the cat.
The butler lowered his head to look at his own tie, then took it off and pocketed it.
Going out in such flashy attire was indeed inappropriate.
The convoy slowly drove away from the airport towards its destination.
The doors of the villa were wide open. Sack was excitedly running back and forth by the sofa, occasionally dashing to the doorway to see if anyone had arrived. His paws pattered noisily and he would run back to the sofa after a while, resting his head on Qiao Ying's lap as if being spoiled and trying to curry favor.
As he acted coy, his eyes were fixed on the robot beside them.
The robot actually detected an expression of cunning and provocation from the dog's face, how preposterous!
Qiao Ying's phone played the prompt for an unanswered call.
"This brat..." Actually not picking up her call.
Qiao Ying redialed but then tossed the phone aside without caring if the other party would answer. The contact name displayed was "Sack".
Sack had turned off his phone directly.
Qiao Ying wanted to go to M Continent and give him a beating.
"Wife, have some tea."
A cup of water was offered to her.
Qiao Ying glanced at the thoughtful robot and accepted the drink.
Before she could sip it, Sack barked at the cup then turned to bark at the robot, and immediately got slapped on the head by Qiao Ying.
The smack made Sack's head buzz loudly.
Sack gave a whimper and obediently settled down.
Qiao Ying said, "It's just a machine, what are you competing with it for?"
Qiao Ying was speechless. A robot and a dog, two completely different species incapable of communicating, were staging a battle for her affection every day in the villa.
The craven Sack didn't know the robot's capabilities. It tried to ingratiate itself with the robot whenever Qiao Ying wasn't looking.
Whether it was for the villa's safety or it was truly magnanimous, the robot never retaliated after being bullied but would just tattle to Qiao Ying. It never fought back.
Qiao Ying pointed to the robot's arm, "Take a good look, just this mechanical arm could easily crush your skull."
She poked Sack's canine head.
Sack showed no fear, just barked, "Woof!"
The sound of cars arrived and over ten luxury vehicles successively parked outside.
Qiao Ying looked out, "He's here, go greet him."
She meant for Sack to go.
The robot courteously responded, "Alright, wife."
And slid towards the door.
"Woof!"
Sack barked and dashed outside, immediately overtaking the robot and running out of the villa.
Lin Cheng got out of the car carrying the cat.
Sack stood motionless at the entrance staring at Lin Cheng.
Not until Lin Cheng called its name, "Sack."
"Woof!"
Sack responded and its dark eyes brightened, seeming unbelieving yet excited as it ran up to Lin Cheng's legs.
It placed its front paws on Lin Cheng's legs.
Lin Cheng bent down slightly to pat Sack's head, then lowered the cat in his arms for Sack to see.
The cat also seemed to recognize Sack and swiped its tail on Sack's head, "Meow~"
Servants carrying cats and walking dogs got out of the cars behind them one by one.
Sack saw its parents, siblings, everyone in its family had come.
The yard was suddenly filled with barks.
Hearing the summons, Sack excitedly charged towards its family.
Lin Cheng watched Sack scampering around and remarked, "It's become more and more unsteady."
Back at the castle, Sack had been the most clever and well-behaved, even leading the other cats and dogs. Just look at it now.
Qiao Ying came out, "You've arrived."
Lin Cheng looked at Qiao Ying, the detached coldness in his eyes slowly taking on some warmth, yet it didn't make him seem any more approachable. Rather, it enhanced the unreal sense of estrangement that kept others at arm's length.
"Has your health recovered well?" He came up still carrying the cat.
Since Qiao Ying had brought Sack back to the country, her contact with Lin Cheng had increased, although each time Qiao Ying would just toss her phone to Sack after picking up Lin Cheng's video call.
Sack, a pedigreed noble dog, couldn't tolerate the commercial dog food sold in the market. Even the best brands were unacceptable.
It would only eat specially customized food.
Its dog food had always been personally delivered by Lin Cheng. Lin Cheng would contact Qiao Ying from time to time about Sack.
After Qiao Ying was gravely injured and fell unconscious, Lin Cheng was unable to reach her, so he contacted Qin Hanyue instead.
Upon learning that Qiao Ying had become comatose, Lin Cheng had even visited China with doctors to see her. Now that Qiao Ying had woken up, he came again to visit.
He also brought Sack's family over for a reunion.
Qiao Ying replied, "Pretty good, come in."
The robot chimed in cordially, "Please come in."
Hearing Qin Hanyue's steady voice attracted Lin Cheng's gaze to the robot. He smiled and asked, "A gift from Mr. Qin?"
Qiao Ying: "Mm."
Lin Cheng: "Quite cute—I mean the appearance."
He didn't comment on the voice.
Robot: "Thank you, you're quite cute too."
Lin Cheng laughed softly and repeated, "Really quite cute."
