Pei Chiyao looked at Zhi Yao helplessly.
He gently patted the little fox's head, "Turn back."
"No!" Zhi Yao refused outright.
If she changed back now, Pei Chiyao would immediately see her reddened face.
It was better to remain a little fox, with her thick fur.
After Pei Chiyao teased Zhi Yao for a while, she suddenly realized something, "Aren't we going to the set today?"
"No."
The security on the set still needed further strengthening, so Brother Sun went to discuss with the director today, resulting in the crew members getting another day off as a matter of course.
They were probably the laziest crew in the entire film city! They could take time off whenever they wanted.
Everyone else was rushing to meet various golden time slots, but their crew had already gone viral, hitting the hot searches countless times even before the show aired.
Hearing this, Zhi Yao let out an "Oh," swished her tail, and asked, "Then what shall we do today?"
She had gotten used to going to the crew every morning, and now that she was told she didn't need to go, Zhi Yao suddenly felt empty.
"There's an auction tonight, and you'll accompany me."
Auction?
What was that?
Zhi Yao's golden beast-like eyes were filled with confusion, "Is it for selling things? Will there be anything delicious?"
"You'll find out tonight."
The phone call earlier was about notifying him of the auction.
Apparently, that Male Pendant would appear at the auction tonight.
...
Soon, night fell.
Zhi Yao was lying on her back on Pei Chiyao, exposing her fluffy belly for him to rub, when suddenly Pei Chiyao looked at her and said, "It's about time, we should get going."
He poked her head again and said, "Turn back."
Zhi Yao sprang up like a leaping carp, shook her fur, and was about to change back when she suddenly realized she couldn't transform anymore.
The little creature looked at Pei Chiyao in astonishment, her eyes filled with panic.
"Pei... Pei Chiyao, I can't seem to turn back."
Zhi Yao was on the verge of tears.
Pei Chiyao: "..."
"Try again."
He spoke to reassure Zhi Yao, who immediately raised her paw and held her Jade Pendant.
But the spiritual energy in the Jade Pendant was ample, there was no way she couldn't transform!
The little creature exerted all her strength, silently chanting in her heart, "Turn back, turn back, turn back!"
No use!
Still no use!
Zhi Yao was about to cry.
"What should I do, what should I do, what should I do!"
This had never happened before, and she swore she would never randomly transform again.
"Never mind, just come with me like this."
Pei Chiyao didn't seem too worried.
As long as he obtained the Male Pendant tonight, everything would be resolved.
He took a small blanket from the wardrobe and wrapped it around Zhi Yao, as the weather had turned cooler, and he was afraid this dainty creature would get cold.
All the way there, Zhi Yao was listless.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of what she would do if she really couldn't turn back.
What about the crew?
What about Pei Chiyao?
It wasn't until the car stopped at a pier that she finally snapped out of it.
She raised her head and looked out the window.
Since the driver was in front, Zhi Yao couldn't speak.
Pei Chiyao held her close and got out of the car.
Soon, a cruise ship appeared at the pier, its lights shining brightly - it was the first time Zhi Yao had seen such a large ship and the sea.
The little creature was afraid of falling into the water, so she hooked her claws into Pei Chiyao's suit.
Pei Chiyao could immediately see Zhi Yao's tension and fear, as she had tucked her head into his embrace, trembling all over.
He couldn't help but laugh, poking her head, "Scaredy-cat."
Upon hearing this, Zhi Yao hooked her claws into Pei Chiyao even tighter, afraid he might accidentally throw her into the sea.
Fortunately, the thing Zhi Yao was worried about never happened.
When she heard the faint sound of music, Zhi Yao slowly raised her head and looked around.
Before she knew it, Pei Chiyao had already carried her onto the cruise ship.
The cruise ship was massive, lit up brightly. Men and women in gowns and suits were conversing all around.
Zhi Yao curiously reached out her front paw, resting it on Pei Chiyao's shoulder as she looked around in wonder.
Pei Chiyao wrapped the blanket tighter around her, as the sea breeze at night was quite strong, and he didn't want Zhi Yao to catch a chill.
"Is it really that fascinating?"
He glanced at the curious little creature in his arms, and Zhi Yao nodded - she had never been on such a large ship before.
The little fox withdrew her inquisitive gaze, but as she did, she suddenly realized that the people who had been conversing earlier had all stopped, staring dazedly at Pei Chiyao, with some even looking at her.
Zhi Yao felt uncomfortable being watched, so she quickly pulled back her paw and nestled back into Pei Chiyao's embrace.
At that moment, a man in a waiter's uniform approached Pei Chiyao, respectfully bowed to him, and said, "Young Master Pei, your seat is inside, the head of the family has instructed me to welcome you."
Pei Chiyao raised his chin slightly, signaling him to lead the way.
Soon, Pei Chiyao was led into a spacious banquet hall.
Inside the hall, a dozen or so soft chairs were arranged, with a few people already seated in groups of three or two.
Zhi Yao instinctively disliked this place, especially the people there.
They all had a strong scent of blood that made her want to vomit.
She nestled in Pei Chiyao's embrace, taking a deep breath, trying to use his faint sandalwood scent to mask those bloody smells.
As soon as Pei Chiyao took a seat, a waiter brought him an exquisite little booklet.
Pei Chiyao took it, flipped through it, and sure enough, saw what he wanted at the very end.
He closed it again.
He had no interest in anything else; his purpose tonight was clear - the Male Pendant.
With the Male Pendant, Zhi Yao could become a true human, instead of her current half-beast, half-human form.
Bored, Zhi Yao lay on Pei Chiyao's lap, playing with her tail while there were too many people around for her to speak or chat with Pei Chiyao, and she didn't have her phone to play with - the little creature was almost moldy from boredom.
Pei Chiyao reached out and scratched Zhi Yao's chin, causing her to squint in delight instantly. "Stay calm, we'll leave after the auction."
Zhi Yao nodded.
But the next second she raised her head, a strange little girl appeared before her.
The little girl stood in front of Zhi Yao and said, "What a pretty fox, can I pet it?"
"No."
Before Zhi Yao could react, Pei Chiyao's flat rejection rang in her ears.
"Pet, pet..."
The little girl ignored him and reached out to pet Zhi Yao.
But at the very moment she extended her hand, Zhi Yao suddenly noticed a little ghost was perched on her shoulder!
