After giving instructions to the servants, Xu Mingyue immediately had someone attend to her grooming, not wanting to delay even for a moment.
"You don't know, but Elder Xu's grandfather was saved by Tuanrong's ancestor when he was young. Therefore, he kept that ancestor by his side and took meticulous care of it. Generation after generation, it's now the sixth generation with Tuanrong. That's why the Xu family attaches such great importance to this cat," Bai Siruo whispered in Feng Jin's ear, fearing she wouldn't understand.
No wonder! The entire Xu family was so anxious about the lost cat, it turned out there was such a history behind it.
Thinking of this, she stepped forward and said, "Sister Xu, don't worry. Tuanrong is very spiritual; it definitely won't get lost."
Hearing her words, Xu Mingyue gave a bitter smile. She also didn't want Tuanrong to get lost. If it truly got lost, her grandfather...
"Miss, why don't I take Chiling to look for it? That little fox has a very sensitive nose. It can find you even when you're here, so perhaps it can find Tuanrong too!" Yunxu suggested. These words immediately gave Xu Mingyue hope. She looked at Feng Jin with surprise in her eyes, as if asking if it was okay.
Feng Jin was, of course, willing. She immediately ordered, "Go quickly. It'll be a good helper for Sister Xu's family."
"Yes."
Upon receiving the order, Yunxu hurried back to fetch Chiling.
Poor little fox, still sleeping soundly in its warm nest, was rudely awakened.
Feeling groggy, it saw a piece of brocade cloth placed under its nose.
It was what Yunxu had just brought from Tuanrong's usual sleeping spot, still carrying Tuanrong's scent.
Chiling heavily slapped away Yunxu's hand, its expression one of extreme disdain, as if to say, "What are you doing, so early in the morning!"
Yunxu wasn't annoyed. She patiently explained to it, "Tuanrong is missing, and the Xu family is very worried. You saw that orange cat yesterday. This cloth has its scent on it. Smell it quickly; perhaps you can find it."
Yesterday, they said its nose was sharper than a dog's, and today they were really treating it like a dog!
It refused.
Chiling turned its head away from Yunxu, then turned its body to face Yunxu and presented its rear end to her face.
Its actions clearly showed its unwillingness.
Yunxu became anxious. This little ancestor was choosing the worst time to throw a tantrum, not being angry earlier or later.
"How about this? If you help find Tuanrong, I'll have Xiuqiu make your favorite chicken pancakes, okay?"
Upon hearing "chicken pancakes," Chiling showed some interest. It turned its head and looked at Yunxu with a sidelong glance, as if asking, "How many?"
Yunxu was amused to the point of tears by its expression.
"How about ten?"
Normally, Feng Jin feared it would get too fat and would only give it three at most. Yunxu, however, was generous, offering ten at once.
"If you don't agree soon, I'll go back on my word. Then you won't even get half, let alone ten."
With a combination of threats and temptations, Chiling finally turned back. With a look of disgust, it brought its nose close to the brocade cloth and sniffed it carefully. Afterward, it got up, flicked the tuft of fur on its forehead, and ran outside, its movements fluid and seamless.
"Hey, ancestor, wait for me!"
Yunxu chased after it, calling out.
Inside the room, Xu Mingyue gratefully held Feng Jin's hand and thanked her repeatedly.
"Sister Xu, let's wait until Tuanrong is found before saying all that. Let's go out first. Cousin, perhaps you should stay here. If Tuanrong returns and no one sees it, it would be more troublesome." Bai Siruo wanted to go out and help, but she hadn't even finished dressing and had to agree.
"You two go quickly, don't delay. I'll wait here for you."
"Alright."
As they spoke, the two, along with maids like Lamei, left the small courtyard and hurried towards Fahua Temple.
Fahua Temple was as lively as ever today.
Just as Lamei had said, there were even more people than yesterday.
Yunbai and the others arrived at the fried fish jerky stall first but didn't see Tuanrong. They immediately dispersed, calling out incessantly. Unfortunately, the dense crowd of people drowned out their voices in the hustle and bustle.
Yunxu followed behind Chiling, who was leaping and bounding. It would sometimes dart into the woods, sometimes sprint along the path, and occasionally double back.
Chiling was quite angered by the scent Tuanrong had left behind.
Had this orange cat gone mad? Why was its scent everywhere?
Chiling, who had initially compromised only for the chicken pancakes, now felt a surge of fighting spirit. It vowed to find that orange cat and give it a good beating to vent its anger!
Thus, it sniffed more carefully, not letting any spot go unchecked.
Xu Mingyue and Feng Jin, who were following behind, had quick footsteps and soon caught up with them.
"How is it?"
Xu Mingyue anxiously asked Yunxu.
Yunxu shook her head helplessly. They had followed for a while without any discovery.
Xu Mingyue's heart sank by more than half. "If Tuanrong isn't found, I fear my grandfather..."
Before she could finish, Feng Jin understood. She held Xu Mingyue's slightly cold hand and said firmly, "We will find it. Sister Xu, you mustn't give up now."
Her words enlightened Xu Mingyue. That's right!
"Let's go, let's keep looking."
"Yes."
Seven or eight people followed Chiling, stopping and starting, bypassing the temple fair in front of the main gate and heading directly towards the main hall.
Chiling's nose was indeed sharp. Soon, a maid found a few strands of Tuanrong's fur by the corner of the wall.
It wasn't a rare breed, but the Xu family had raised it with care, so its fur was exceptionally smooth and shiny. Xu Mingyue took the fur and exclaimed excitedly, "It's Tuanrong's. It must be nearby!"
With this encouraging news, everyone searched with less recklessness than before.
The vendors in front and behind the main hall hadn't arrived yet today. This area was mainly for people buying and selling calligraphy and paintings, so they hadn't come yet. The main hall appeared much quieter.
Chiling followed the scent all the way to the front of the main hall, where the smell became even stronger.
Little rascal! It must be hiding inside.
Excited, it dashed inside, but its speed was too great, startling the noble ladies who were offering incense inside. They immediately screamed.
With a bang, Chiling was fiercely kicked in the stomach.
With a howl, it flew out of the main hall and landed on the stone steps, writhing in pain.
"Chiling!" Feng Jin cried out and rushed forward to check its injuries.
She saw a large red swelling on its stomach. Its round eyes were now filled with tears, and it kept burrowing into Feng Jin's arms.
Bad people! There are bad people inside!
Feng Jin glared angrily at the main hall.
In front of the Buddhist hall, where compassion should prevail, someone had so cruelly harmed a spiritual creature! It was absurd!
Xu Mingyue and the others also gathered around. Seeing Chiling's injuries, her usually calm eyes filled with indignation.
Chiling was injured while trying to help, and she wanted to see who dared to do such a thing!