usatvline Chapter 23 Naming a Rhinoceros
Chapter 23 Naming a Rhinoceros
Widow Liu said no more, carefully scooped the two kittens out, and wrapped them in a clean piece of coarse cloth.
The kitten gently nudged against the cloth, peeking out its two fluffy little heads, its round eyes curiously surveying its surroundings, showing no fear of strangers at all.
"Master, if you give me money, you're slapping me in the face." Widow Liu shoved the cloth bag into his hand, her tone harsh. "Last time you treated my girl, you didn't charge her for the medicine, and my daughter is still alive and kicking."
Wang Zhi didn't refuse, thanked him, and carried the kitten back home.
Halfway there, Gou Dan caught up, panting, carrying a bamboo basket lined with soft grass.
"Master! My third uncle's dogs have arrived! He said both of them are for you!"
His third uncle followed behind, rubbing his hands together: "Master, look, one male and one female, both just over a month old, weaning is safe, just feed them rice soup and porridge."
The male dog has a yellow face, yellow fur all over its body, and snow-white muzzle and four paws;
The mother was entirely black, with glossy fur, gentle and obedient, and all were very robust.
The yellow dog with the white face was full of energy, constantly wriggling and pawing at the edge of the basket, exuding a kind of simple-minded charm;
The pure black puppy lay quietly in the corner, its dark eyes looking at people timidly, gentle and endearing.
The two puppies were full of energy and required no special care.
"Okay." Wang Zhihuan nodded. "Come back to the village later to collect two catties of eggs."
"No, no, no—"
Wang Zhi had already calmly left, carrying the cat and the dog basket. His demeanor was composed, exuding the air of a manor lord.
Back in the courtyard, he placed the bamboo basket on the stone table, put the cloth bag aside, went inside and took out a few old clothes, which he carefully spread in the corner of the main room.
Although they are all full-month-old babies, it is still a bit cool at night, so it is more comfortable to sleep on a softer mattress.
Two little tabby cats emerged from the cloth and strolled slowly around the main room.
The bold ones sniffed and explored everywhere, while the quiet ones followed behind slowly and steadily, showing none of the frail and staggering demeanor of kittens.
The two puppies couldn't stay still either.
The yellow dog with white skin scrambled out of the bamboo basket, landed steadily on the ground, and ran around happily everywhere.
The pure black puppy jumped down slowly and followed quietly behind, looking obedient and sensible.
Wang Zhihuan squatted at the kitchen door, watching the four little ones explore the yard clumsily yet vividly, a gentle smile unconsciously spreading across his face.
The courtyard had been deserted for a long time, but at this moment, it finally had a lively atmosphere and vitality.
"How stupid," he muttered to himself, then got up and went to the kitchen to boil water to prepare food.
The little ones are only a month old, and although their stomachs are strong, they still need to be fed soft food.
He scooped half a bowl of millet into the pot, added two ladles of water, and cooked it until the millet grains bloomed and a thick rice soup was produced. He then divided the soup into four shallow, coarse porcelain dishes and let it cool to a warm temperature.
Two tabby cats were attracted by the aroma and came close to the edge of the plate to lick the food, which was both elegant and cute.
The two puppies buried their heads in their food and water, their tails wagging gently, looking utterly adorable.
A courtyard full of adorable creatures, a peaceful and serene scene that warms the heart.
Just then, the soft sound of donkey hooves came from outside the courtyard, and it came to a steady stop at the gate.
The next moment, a soft, sweet child's voice rang out, filled with joy:
"Pretty guy! Pretty guy! Sizi's here again!"
Three-year-old Xiao Sizi, dressed in a light yellow dress, with two small buns on her head, hopped and skipped off the donkey cart.
Before she even entered the courtyard, her little mouth was already chattering nonstop: "Sizi brought sugar cakes today! Big sister said Guoguo's family didn't have any—"
Her voice suddenly stopped, and her small body seemed to be frozen in place, standing blankly at the gate of the courtyard.
Her big, round eyes widened instantly as she stared at the furry little thing under the stone table, her eyes filled with what seemed like scattered starlight, her face beaming with delight.
She clenched her little fists against her chest, her chubby cheeks flushed pink, and suddenly turned around, raising her voice towards the donkey cart:
"Big sister! Come quick! There are so many furry little things!"
Chang Le stepped slowly down from the donkey cart, wearing a light blue silk dress, her black hair loosely tied up with a jade hairpin, exuding a gentle and quiet temperament, elegant and refined.
Hearing Si Zi's exclamation, she quickened her pace slightly, her skirt fluttering gently in the evening breeze, exuding the dignified and gentle grace of a well-bred lady.
"What's wrong? Why are you making such a fuss?"
"It has fluffy balls! Soft and tiny! So cute!"
Sizi ran to the stone table with her short legs, but dared not approach rashly. She stretched out her little hands and pulled them back, curious yet timid.
Chang Le approached, lowered her eyes to look at the four fluffy little creatures in the yard, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her cool and beautiful face.
Her clear eyes brightened slightly, like a gentle breeze rippling across a lake, creating a shimmering, soft light—serene and captivating.
She looked up at Wang Zhihuan under the jujube tree, her voice soft and gentle, with a hint of barely perceptible tenderness:
"Young Master Wang. Are these all new pets you've raised? They all look just over a month old, and they're quite adorable and easy to care for."
When her gaze fell on Wang Zhihuan, a barely perceptible ripple stirred in her heart.
The man before her was calm and insightful, knowledgeable about agriculture and the principles of nature, and gentle and considerate in his dealings with others, always making people feel close to him unconsciously. Moreover, he was very handsome, so which young girl wouldn't be smitten?
Each time they met, a shy warmth would quietly rise in her heart. She dared not linger her gaze for long, only glancing at him briefly before calmly looking away.
"We just found them today." Wang Zhi sat down comfortably on the stone bench. "Two kittens and two puppies, all just over a month old. They're healthy and not delicate at all."
"Have you chosen a name yet?"
"Not yet."
Finally, Sizi mustered up her courage, stretched out her chubby little finger, and gently touched the ear of the bold tabby cat.
The little tabby cat tilted its head back and gave her a cute, soft sneeze. The warm breath brushed against her fingertips, tickling and soft.
Sizi immediately giggled, her eyes crinkling with joy.
"Pot! It sneezed! And its ears are moving!"
"If you gently rub its ear, it will be happy and make a purring sound."
"What is 'Gulu'?" Three-year-old Xiao Sizi tilted her head in confusion, her eyes full of innocence, making one want to pinch her little face.
"When a cat is comfortable, it will make soft, gurgling sounds in its throat."
Sizi seemed to understand but not quite, and carefully rubbed against the kitten's ear.
The little tabby immediately squinted its eyes, rubbed against her little hand, and a soft purring sound slowly rose from its mouth.
"It's ringing! Big sister, come quick! It's making a gurgling sound!"
Chang Le smiled faintly, leaned down slightly, and gently rubbed the chin of the other quiet tabby cat with her slender jade fingers.
The kitten obediently tilted its head back, revealing its soft neck, letting her gently stroke it, its purring long and warm.
"Truly amazing." She murmured softly, her voice gentle, a faint smile in her eyes. When she glanced at Wang Zhihuan, a faint blush crept up her ears, and she quickly and calmly averted her gaze, feigning composure.