A New Companion and Unforeseen Connections

Having made up her mind, Ming Yu’s steps became noticeably lighter.

The small white cat trotted faithfully at her heels, occasionally shaking its drenched body to fling off water droplets.

It seemed quite excited.

Yet, Ming Yu found its pace too slow.

****

Unlocking the electronic door, Ming Yu entered, holding the small white cat by the scruff of its neck. Her gaze immediately fell upon the girl curled on the sofa.

After a thorough wash, her brilliant golden hair revealed its original dazzling color, radiating an eye-catching luster.

Though empty and devoid of spirit, those blue pupils still seemed to whisper untold stories, brimming with an alluring sense of mystery and depth.

Ming Yu paused, slightly taken aback.

Remarkable. To possess such beauty at this age; once she matured, she would undoubtedly attract numerous suitors.

The thought brought an inexplicable ripple of displeasure to Ming Yu.

Once little Nightingale came of age, Ming Yu vowed to take full responsibility, ensuring the girl she had raised found a suitable partner.

Any man who couldn’t defeat her would lack the ability and right to protect his family and Nightingale.

Ming Yu hummed softly to herself, already charting out the girl’s future plans with a self-assured air.

“Meow~ ( ̳• ◡ • ̳)”

The small white cat let out a tender meow, rubbing its damp head against Ming Yu’s ankle, adopting a posture meant to win its mistress’s favor.

Only then did Ming Yu recall the small gift she intended for Nightingale.

However, both she and the thoroughly soaked white cat needed a good wash to remove the dirt and grime clinging to them.

“Little Nightingale, are you awake?”

Ming Yu removed her black mask, asking softly.

“Sister Ming Yu, you’re back…”

“Indeed, haha. I had some urgent matters to attend to, so I stepped out for a bit… cough, cough.”

Ming Yu pressed her lips together, swallowing the coppery taste that lingered in her throat.

After a brief pause, she smiled once more.

“I’ll go wash up first… Please wait a moment. I have a gift for you.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Such a good girl.”

Ming Yu couldn’t resist gently ruffling Nightingale’s small head, indulging for a moment in the satisfying sensation of tousling golden fur. Then, she picked up the small white cat and headed towards the bathroom.

The pattering of water continued for ten minutes.

Emerging from the bathroom wrapped in a bath towel and having changed into fresh clothes in the bedroom, Ming Yu sat beside Nightingale, cradling the white cat.

She reached out, placing her hand on Nightingale’s. Before the girl could instinctively pull away, Ming Yu gently but firmly held it, then guided it into her own lap, letting her fingers brush against the ragdoll cat’s fluffy fur.

Nightingale’s body instantly tensed.

“What is this…” she murmured.

“A kitten. It’s for you.”

“A cat? Oh…”

Realizing the soft sensation beneath her hand belonged to a cat, Nightingale gradually relaxed her taut body. Her fingers began to stroke the fur back and forth involuntarily, and a strange sense of comfort bloomed in her heart.

“Meow~ (๑•ω•๑)”

“Give her a name.”

Ming Yu released Nightingale’s hand, placing the docile white cat into her arms. Then, stretching languidly, she rested her weary head, her gaze softly drifting to the girl.

Nightingale gently shook her head.

“A name… I don’t know how to name things…”

“It’s alright. Any name you like will do.”

Ming Yu extended a slender index finger and lightly poked Nightingale’s fair, tender cheek, encouraging her with a gentle tone.

As her words faded, Nightingale fell silent.

“Then…” she hesitated for a moment, deliberating, “Little Black?”

“Hmm, it’s not impossible… but this is a white cat, you know.”

“Then, Little White…”

“Yes, no problem. As long as you’re happy with it.”

Ming Yu’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she let out a soft chuckle, her pretty face consistently radiating a gentle smile.

With nothing else to do, she took one of Nightingale’s small hands, spreading her own slender fingers to compare palms. Though her hand was much smaller than it once was, it still encompassed Nightingale’s completely.

Once the young girl grew up, Ming Yu would likely no longer be able to so easily envelop her small hand as she did now.

Tch, how vexing.

Thinking of a certain acquaintance whose wings were steadily growing, Ming Yu sighed inwardly, filled with a myriad of emotions.

Just then, Nightingale suddenly put forward a new suggestion.

“Sister Ming Yu, I like the moon… Let’s call her ‘Luna’.”

She tentatively reached out to touch the small white cat in her arms, receiving a joyful “meow” in response. The persistent melancholy that had settled between her brows subtly receded a little.

“It seems Luna really likes her new name.”

“Mm-hm, as long as you like it.”

Ming Yu also found the name excellent and nodded.

If she recalled correctly, ‘Luna’ was the name of the Moon Goddess in ancient mythology. Truly, as Viktor’s daughter, her talent for naming was indeed a powerful, inherited trait.

Nightingale hugged Luna tightly, her heart, once as still as stagnant water, beginning to stir with emotions that refused to settle.

Strong feelings surged within her, yet found no outlet. Words hovered on her lips several times, but ultimately, she swallowed them back down.

She yearned to understand Ming Yu better but was unsure how to proceed.

In the end, it emerged as a whispered confession:

“Sister Ming Yu, I really like your gift…”

Though faint, the sound was nonetheless caught by Ming Yu’s ears.

Seeing a spark of life animate Nightingale’s face, Ming Yu’s mood brightened considerably, a faint curve gracing her lips.

“Mm-hm.”

****

After a busy morning, Ming Yu prepared a lavish lunch and enjoyed the meal with Nightingale.

As she moved between the kitchen and the living room, she attentively observed Nightingale and Luna’s interactions.

To her surprise, Nightingale’s lips were no longer as rigid as they had been yesterday; every now and then, a subtle, almost imperceptible curve would grace them.

“Luna, Luna, I’m Nightingale.”

“Meow, meow~ (˶╹ꇴ╹˶)”

“Were you also found and brought home by Sister Ming Yu?”

“Meow~ (⑉• •⑉)”

“I don’t understand your meows…”

Nightingale tilted her head, a sudden thought striking her.

If she could hear Ming Yu’s thoughts, was it possible she could also hear Luna’s?

With this thought, Nightingale began to recall the past circumstances, earnestly trying to recapture that initial sensation. She repeatedly whispered “Luna” in her mind, holding the small white cat to her chest, attempting to bring it closer to her heart.

Suddenly, a wave of disorientation washed over her.

This time, Nightingale heard no sounds.

But…

As if feeling stifled, Luna turned her head, her bright, liquid eyes looking towards Ming Yu, who was busy at the dining table.

Deep within the cat’s eyes, for the first time, a strikingly human-like emotional hue became apparent.

Nightingale slowly raised a hand, pinching her own face. The slight stinging sensation made her release her grip.

‘What is this… what’s happening?’

‘Her eyes…’

Harboring an indescribable feeling, Nightingale reached up to cover her eyes. Even with her eyelids closed, the visual scene in her mind remained perfectly clear.

An unbelievable thought surfaced in her mind.

‘Could these be… Luna’s eyes?’