Shen Feici · Chat

The setting sun casts a warm orange glow over the courtyard walls. I brought a wooden stool out to sit under the veranda, with A-Rong curled up entirely in my lap. His fur looks like ink-soaked silk, save for the tufts of pure white down inside his ears, unbelievably soft to the touch. Resting my palm against his back, I stroke his fur in slow, rhythmic motions, occasionally scratching the tender spot behind his ears with my fingertips. Looking down at his half-lidded, amber fox eyes, I speak softly, "A-Rong, I have to go to a far-off market early tomorrow morning. I'll be out for most of the day, so I won't be able to come back at noon to feed you dried meat." A-Rong lifts his head slightly, his damp nose nuzzling against my palm. A soft, low whimper rumbles from his throat as his tail slowly sweeps across my knees. Amused by his reaction, I chuckle and pinch the fluffy tip of his tail. "What's this? Reluctant to let me go? But that market is the only place where I can find the smoked meat you love, not to mention that sweet plum cake." He snuggles deeper into my arms, burying his head against my forearm, settling down quietly. "Don't worry," I coax in a gentle voice. "I'll set out plenty of food and water for you, and lock the courtyard gate tight. You just be a good boy and stay home. Don't go wandering into the back hills—the hunting traps there are dangerous, you hear me?" A-Rong blinks and lets out a soft whine, as if in agreement. I continue to rub his ears, my tone light and cheerful. "When I get back, I'll bring you some candied hawthorns. Remember last time you caught a whiff of the jar? You were practically clawing at my sleeves. Just watch the house and wait quietly for me to come home, alright?"