Two days after Shaohao left, he called Lu Qingjiu and invited him to play in his garden, and specifically reminded him to bring his whole family.
According to the records in ancient books, Shaohao commanded hundreds of birds. The garden he mentioned must be a very interesting place. After being invited, Lu Qingjiu was indeed tempted and asked Bai Yuehu if he could go.
Bai Yuehu said, "You can go. His house is quite beautiful. If you like birds, it wouldn't hurt to go and take a look."
Lu Qingjiu loved more than just birds; all small, beautiful animals were especially appealing, especially those with soft fur. After a long winter, the fox cub at home finally grew its fur fully grown. It no longer looked like a poodle, but at least it had the appearance of a fox, though it still foolishly followed the two piglets around every day.
Since Bai Yuehu said they could go, Lu Qingjiu made a travel plan. It was spring and the weather was so good, it would be a waste to always stay at home. It would be better to go out for a walk more often so that when it gets hot, they won't lose the motivation to go out.
After Lu Qingjiu asked Shaohao about his address, he found out that Shaohao lived in the city, and in the most expensive area.
"Shaohao is very rich." While sitting in his own pickup truck, Lu Qingjiu thought of Shaohao's beautiful black supercar, "How does he make money?"
White Moon Fox said, "He sells birds."
Lu Qingjiu: "Selling birds?"
Bai Yuehu said: "Yes, the birds he sells are smarter than the other, and buyers treat them like ancestors. If you are not good to the birds, you will only have a cage left tomorrow after buying them today." In this way, a complete industrial chain was formed. Lu Qingjiu really admired Shaohao's business sense.
"What did his car turn into? Is it also a bird?" Lu Qingjiu was a little curious. Their small truck could also turn into a supercar. Although the speed was a bit slow, it was okay as long as it looked good.
Bai Yuehu said slowly: "No, that's a real car."
Lu Qingjiu: “…” Shaohao is really rich.
The three of them took a small truck to the address Shaohao had given. Lu Qingjiu stopped the car and discovered that Shaohao lived in a single-family villa with a large garden in the city center. Housing prices in this area were already high, and Lu Qingjiu didn't dare to even think about the price of such a large area. So, even such a wealthy Shaohao would only pay Bai Yuehu, a cheap laborer, an extra 500 yuan. My God, this is simply capitalist exploitation of the poor masses.
Lu Qingjiu rang the doorbell, and after a moment the door opened. A middle-aged man who looked like a butler came out to greet them.
"The master is already waiting for you in the garden." The butler smiled. "Please come this way. We will park your car for you."
Lu Qingjiu nodded, and the three of them followed the direction indicated by the housekeeper.
This garden villa was very beautiful and clearly had been meticulously maintained, with flowers in full bloom and plants trimmed into various shapes everywhere. However, what surprised Lu Qingjiu was that he didn't see a single bird in the garden, nor did he hear any birds singing.
With such doubts, Lu Qingjiu finally saw Shaohao sitting in the back garden.
Next to Shaohao was Jiufeng, but the girl who had been so energetic just two days ago now lay listlessly on the grass, looking like she was about to die. Four steaming cups of tea sat on the stone table in front of Shaohao. Seeing the three of them approach, he smiled and waved towards them, signaling them to come over.
"What happened to Jiufeng?" Lu Qingjiu asked with some confusion.
"I ate something unpalatable." White Moon Fox said, "It seems that the meat of that batch of ghost eels was quite old."
Lu Qingjiu: “…” This girl is a bit miserable.
Shaohao said, "Do you want to sit down and rest for a while, or go watch the birds directly?" He was not wearing a mask, and the pattern on his chin was particularly eye-catching. It seemed a bit abrupt at first, but after looking at it for a long time, it had a kind of exotic beauty.
"Let's go see the birds directly." Lu Qingjiu said. Although the garden was also very beautiful, he was more interested in the birds raised by Shaohao.
"Let's go." Shaohao stood up and walked towards the depths of the garden.
The three of them followed behind. Bai Yuehu was obviously a frequent visitor here. In addition, nothing good happened every time he came here, so he looked uninterested from beginning to end. Yin Xun and Lu Qingjiu, on the other hand, were looking around with great interest, looking left and right.
Shaohao led them through a tunnel made of wisteria. The tunnel was very long and winding, like walking through an endless maze. However, as Lu Qingjiu walked forward, she felt as if she had left Shaohao's original garden and entered another world.
After walking for about ten minutes, Shaohao's pace slowed down, and the wisteria around him began to become sparse. Lu Qingjiu could vaguely hear the clear chirping of birds.
"We're almost there." Shaohao said with a smile, "You don't have any cash on you, right?"
"Cash?" Lu Qingjiu said, "I brought some, what's wrong?" Although mobile payment is now adopted, he still habitually carries some cash with him in case he needs it.
"Is it a lot?" Shaohao asked.
"Not much." Lu Qingjiu looked bewildered.
"Not too many is good." Shaohao smiled, "You know, sometimes birds can be bored too." After he finished speaking, he reached out and lifted the curtain formed by the wisteria hanging in front of him, showing his world to Lu Qingjiu.
Lu Qingjiu saw a mountain, lush with vegetation and shaded by trees. Countless rocks, each etched with a variety of beautiful patterns, lay scattered throughout. But this wasn't the most captivating sight. The most captivating attraction was the countless birds flying above. Some soared through the sky, their enormous wings spread wide, their colorful feathers and vibrant crests instantly catching the eye. Others, nestled in the grass, sported pale yellow down and a lovely pink blush on their cheeks. Together, they resembled adorable stuffed animals. Some birds were slender, somewhat resembling cranes, though much larger, with long, slightly curved necks and their black and white feathers lending them a touch of ethereal, ink-and-wash elegance.
When these birds saw Shaohao coming here, they all chirped clearly, obviously welcoming the owner of this territory.
"Have you eaten all the ghosts?" Bai Yuehu asked before coming in.
"Almost there, only a small handful left." Shaohao said, "If you don't mind..."
White Moon Fox: "I mind."
"Tsk." Shaohao showed a look of regret.
The four of them reached the forest, and Lu Qingjiu had a clear view of the entire mountain. It was truly beautiful. A clear spring surrounded the foot of the mountain. Although densely wooded, it didn't feel eerie. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the ground, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The grass beneath their feet was unlike ordinary weeds; it felt like a thick blanket. Lu Qingjiu pressed his hand against it, only to feel its softness.
"It's so beautiful." Yin Xun's eyes were dazzled.
"Let me take you up the mountain to have a look." Shaohao said with a smile, "The big birds are all on the mountain."
Lu Qingjiu said expectantly, "Okay."
Bai Yuehu raised his eyebrows upon hearing this and asked, "Which big birds are there?"
"They're all here," Shaohao said. "Yanzi just came back... Look, she's been feeling bored these past few days."
As they walked up the mountain, Bai Yuehu briefly told Lu Qingjiu about Shaohao's birds. It was nothing more than that Shaohao established a very special system when he founded the country. The phoenix was designated as the king of birds, and the swallows, shrikes, parrots, and pheasants were in charge of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Of course, other birds had responsibilities, but under this system, these birds had the highest status.
"And the phoenix?" Lu Qingjiu's eyes lit up when he heard it. "The phoenix is very beautiful, right?"
White Moon Fox: "That's it."
Lu Qingjiu asked, "Can we see the phoenix today?"
"Yes." Shaohao smiled, "He is on the top of the mountain, probably playing with other birds right now."
Lu Qingjiu became more and more excited as he listened. In his imagination, what he would see on the top of the mountain might be the phoenix and other birds playing together. If the dragon was so beautiful, the phoenix must be as beautiful as the legend said.
Bai Yuehu moved his lips slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but seeing Lu Qingjiu's expectant look, he finally fell silent.
Although the mountain road was a bit steep, the scenery around was beautiful, so Lu Qingjiu didn't feel bored. Shaohao introduced the names of the birds he saw around him as he walked. Lu Qingjiu then realized that most of the birds here were birds that can be seen in the human world, but there were some extinct species among them, but they can still be seen.
Shaohao's territory is like a paradise specially prepared for birds.
When he was finally about to reach the top of the mountain, Lu Qingjiu's excitement had reached its peak, but when he turned a corner and arrived at an open meadow, he heard some very inappropriate voices.
"Thirty thousand!"
"bump!"
"It's a mess!"
"Why the hell are you so stupid again? Are you cheating?"
"Hey, if you can't afford to lose, then don't play. How could an honest bird like me cheat?"
Lu Qingjiu and Yin Xun's expressions froze at this moment. After finally climbing to the top of the mountain, they saw four people sitting next to a stone platform playing mahjong.
Lu Qingjiu slowly turned his head and looked at Shaohao: "What are they doing?"
Shaohao: "Playing mahjong."
Lu Qingjiu forced himself to calm down and told himself that it must not be true: "Where is the big bird you mentioned..." There was not even the shadow of a small bird on the top of the mountain, let alone a beautiful big bird.
Shaohao: "Playing mahjong."
Lu Qingjiu: “Ah??”
Shaohao: "They are the birds."
The four people also heard their conversation, stopped what they were doing, and looked over here. Lu Qingjiu then noticed that their hair colors were different from ordinary people. Some were black and white, some were red and green. The most eye-catching one was the girl with colorful hair.
Lu Qingjiu felt his consciousness blur, and all his dreams were instantly shattered. Perhaps the shock on his face was too obvious, so Shaohao said in a soothing tone, "How about having them show you their original form?"
Lu Qingjiu: “No… no need.”
"Little brother, would you like to rub it for a few rounds?" The girl with colorful hair waved at Lu Qingjiu and invited him warmly.
Lu Qingjiu finally understood why Shaohao asked him if he had any cash. These damn birds were actually gambling together on the top of the mountain...
Shaohao turned his head and looked at his birds: "Change back to your original forms." Although Lu Qingjiu said no, seeing that he looked like he was about to faint from the shock, he still felt that he should not continue to provoke him.
After hearing Shaohao's words, the four birds looked at each other, and then they actually turned back into their original forms. However, their original forms were much larger than ordinary birds, and when they stood up, they were almost as tall as an adult man.
It must be said that even though he saw them playing mahjong, Lu Qingjiu was still spinelessly attracted by their prototypes. These birds each had their own charm: the swallow was handsome, the shrike was beautiful, the parrot was graceful, and the golden pheasant was gorgeous. It would be better if there was no mahjong table in front of them, Lu Qingjiu thought a little painfully.
But after calming down, Lu Qingjiu finally accepted this cruel fact and learned that the birds liked to play mahjong when they were bored.
"Would you like a few plates?" The golden pheasant is probably the girl with colorful hair, and the bird speaks human language.
"I didn't bring much money." Lu Qingjiu said.
"It's okay." Yan Zi was a man, and he looked very gentlemanly in both human and bird form. "We fought small."
Lu Qingjiu wanted to refuse, but being stared at expectantly by these four people made him speechless. He said, "Besides, aren't all four of you already here?"
"Oh, I don't want to play cards with the Shrike," said the Golden Pheasant. "He's such a lousy player."
Shrike: “…”
The swallows and parrots nearby agreed.
The ostracized Shrike showed a sad expression and said, "You bunch of dogs, you didn't look down on my card skills when you couldn't get a corner."
Lu Qingjiu couldn't stand watching them bicker in bird form any longer. It was going to be a psychological trauma if he watched them for too long, so he quickly asked them to change back into human form, saying that a couple of rounds would be fine, but what about Bai Yuehu and Yin Xun? Neither of them knew how to play cards, so it would be so boring to just sit there.
"I'll just watch next to you." Bai Yuehu had no interest in this bird park. When he was captured by Shaohao and used as a laborer, he had already looked around the entire yard.
"I can show him around." Shaohao smiled. "Don't worry, I won't let him get bored."
Logically speaking, Shaohao wasn't bad looking, and his smile looked quite gentle, but Yin Xun felt a chill on his back, and inexplicably became a little scared. But before he could say no, Shaohao reached out and pressed his shoulder, winking at him: "Don't you want to go and take a look?"
Yin Xun: "I..." Actually, he really wanted to walk around again, but...
Lu Qingjiu thought he was embarrassed, so he comforted him: "Go, it's okay, we will play cards here, if you want to come back, let Shaohao bring you here."
Yin Xun then nodded and was taken away by Shaohao.
While Lu Qingjiu played mahjong with a few birds, Yin Xun was led by Shaohao to the other side of the garden. The bird garden was incredibly beautiful, and for Yin Xun, who had rarely left Shuifu Village, it was incredibly alluring. Shaohao followed behind Yin Xun, introducing the names and habits of the surrounding birds as before, and Yin Xun listened with rapt interest. They walked and chatted until they reached a small bridge. Beneath the broken bridge lay a clear river, where golden koi swam. The water was so clear that it almost looked like the fish were swimming in the air.
"So beautiful." Yin Xun couldn't remember how many times he had given her such sincere praise.
"Do you like it here?" Shaohao asked gently.
"I like it." Yin Xun was about to turn around, but found Shaohao standing behind him. The distance between them was so close that he could even feel Shaohao's breath.
"Ah..." Yin Xun wanted to retreat reflexively, but there was a bridge behind him and he couldn't move at all.
Shaohao was a head taller than Yin Xun. He lowered his eyes slightly and stared at Yin Xun. Yin Xun was a little scared by his stare, and his voice became nervous: "Mr. Shaohao?"
Shaohao asked, "You are the mountain god, right?"
Yin Xundao: "Yes, that's right."
Shaohao smiled and said, "Has anyone ever told you that you are attractive?"
Yin Xun was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Are you talking about the quality of my flesh?"
Shaohao: “…”
Yin Xun understood now that Shaohao was probably attracted by his flesh: "Can you please not eat me?" He seemed to be worried that his refusal would make Shaohao angry and embarrassed. After hesitating for a while, he took out a small knife that was attached to a key from his pocket and chopped off his fingers.
Shaohao originally meant to tease Yin Xun, but he was stunned by his actions until Yin Xun put his fingers into his mouth.
Yin Xun: "Just... just a taste?"
Shaohao's expression twisted.
Yin Xun thought he was not satisfied, and was trembling as he prepared to cut off another half of his palm, but Shaohao grabbed his arm.
Shaohao seemed to be gritting his teeth: "I'm kidding you, what are you doing?"
Yin Xun: “Are you kidding?”
Shaohao: “Hmm!” He actually thought that Yin Xun’s Ganoderma lucidum was a bit interesting, so he just teased it casually. Who knew that Yin Xun’s reaction made him at a loss for words. This was a finger, and he cut it without hesitation. It was not enough to cut the finger, he also had to cut the palm. And why was Yin Xun’s movement so skillful? How many times had he done this kind of thing!
Yin Xun chuckled, wondering if he was being too sensitive. After all, the White Moon Fox was still on the top of the mountain, and Shaohao was a righteous god. He wouldn't resort to violence and cut him up and eat him. He said, "Then..."
Shaohao thought Yin Xun would say something to blame him, but he shyly said, "So, what do you think of my taste?"
Shaohao: “…”
Yin Xun: "I accidentally cut it while cutting vegetables and ate it casually. I thought it was pretty good, but no one else has tried it." He saw Shaohao's expression was not right, so he quickly ended the topic, "I've seen enough, please send me back."
Shaohao squeezed out a sentence from between his teeth: "Not bad."
Yin Xun: "What's good?"
Shaohao: "You taste good." Although I don't know what your finger touched just now, to be honest, Yin Xun tastes really good. The texture is a bit like jelly, but a little thicker than jelly, and it has a strange fragrance. The feeling of sliding across the tongue and being swallowed is very good... But this is not the point now.
It was the first time Yin Xun was praised like this. He felt proud but also a little embarrassed. He said, "Not bad, right?"
Shaohao: "I want to ask you a question."
Yin Xun: What?
Shaohao said: "Since you don't want others to eat you, why do you let others taste you?" He had eaten Ganoderma lucidum before, and the taste was very different from Yin Xun's. If he had to say, Yin Xun's taste was definitely much better.
Yin Xun whispered, "Aren't you just hoping you won't think about it after you try it?"
Shaohao said helplessly: "What if I taste it and find it delicious and want it even more?"
Yin Xun: "..." I'm sorry, he was too naive, it's all because this society is too dangerous.
Shaohao saw that Yin Xun's face was turning pale again. He felt amused but also a strange kind of pity for him. Although the birds around him looked docile, each one was more ferocious than the other. To put it bluntly, there was not a single vegetarian around him. However, he had never met a type like Yin Xun. If he was teased a little, he would show everything.
"Let's go, I'll take you back." Shaohao was afraid that if he continued teasing, Yin Xun would go back and complain.
Yin Xun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Shaohao really had no intention of eating him, and followed Shaohao to the top of the mountain.
Lu Qingjiu didn't know what Yin Xun had encountered, and was playing mahjong with a frown. He found that these birds had very good mahjong skills. However, when he was still in the company, he was often dragged by Zhu Miaomiao and others to play cards, so he could still cope with it at this moment, and was neither losing nor winning.
However, after playing for a while, Lu Qingjiu felt that each bird had a very different personality. Some were gentle, some were irritable, some were delicate, and some were rough, which was quite similar to their species. For example, the swallow in front of him was very gentlemanly, playing cards quietly and with a relatively gentle attitude, which was in stark contrast to the irritable shrike standing behind him.
After he fought a few rounds, he saw Shaohao leading Yin Xun back. Yin Xun seemed to be afraid of something, and quickly ran away from Shaohao and returned to his side.
"What's wrong?" Lu Qingjiu thought Yin Xun saw something scary and asked casually.
"It's okay." Yin Xun put his hands in his pockets, not letting Lu Qingjiu see his fingers that had not yet grown out. It would take an hour or two for these fingers to grow out.
Lu Qingjiu asked suspiciously, "Are you really okay?"
"It's okay." Shaohao smiled and walked behind Yin Xun. He gently placed his hand on Yin Xun's shoulder as before. However, this time, he felt Yin Xun's body stiffen slightly without any surprise. "I'm just taking him to see some birds of prey."
"Oh." Lu Qingjiu said, "Then be careful." After all, the body of his mountain god is particularly fragile and made of special material. Even though the White Moon Fox is there, he is not afraid that Shaohao will try to get in touch with him.
Shaohao said gently, "Of course you have to be careful. Otherwise, what if you get eaten by a bird? Right, Yin Xun?"
Yin Xun: "...Yes." He finally realized that Bai Yuehu's friends seemed to be very scary people. If they were not scary, it must be because that person did not show it. For example, the Baidi Shaohao in front of him had a bright smile and looked gentle. Obviously, he was not a vegetarian. Thinking of this, Yin Xun couldn't help but shrink his shoulders and silently moved closer to Lu Qingjiu.
Seeing Yin Xun's reaction, Shaohao didn't mind, but his smile was so gentle that it was a little dazzling.
The author has something to say: Lu Qingjiu: Selling Yin Xun, three yuan a catty, ten yuan for three catties.
Shaohao: Give me one hundred yuan.
Yin Xun: Woohoo, just sell half. I can grow the remaining half back on my own.
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