57. Gotham/Smallville: Cat Lovers and the Lost Book
65.
Since three people were working together to find the cat, Aria felt she had to take responsibility for the kindness of the other two. "Can I have their contact information?"
The farmer was oblivious to the awkward atmosphere. She just wanted everyone to enjoy cat-loving together in harmony and friendship: "I can send you photos every day to check on the cats' health. It would be better if we could create a group so that we can share more quickly!"
Aria pulled out the phone Wayne had given her. After a while, she'd mastered the various apps on it and even registered her own social media accounts. Batman knew all about it. But even as insightful as he was, he hadn't expected the farmer to ask for the Avatar of Terror's contact information, or even to create a group chat on the spot.
This behavior was as bizarre as a drunk asking a gargoyle if it was willing to go out on a date with him. Perhaps Batman's silence was too deafening, so Aria quickly used her lobbying skills eagerly.
"Gotham is so big, you'll need a few informants, right?" the farmer said confidently, patting his chest. "Where else can you find an informant who'll roam the city, know everything, and send you cat pictures?"
Fighting criminals every day and contacting informants is a new job. If it were her, she would have thought her life was over long ago. Only by looking at cute animals frequently can she maintain this kind of life.
"Also, if Selina has any problems, she can contact the doctor you know immediately, and the reverse antigen can be given to her immediately after it comes out."
After listing all the benefits, the farmer's core point was still sharing cats. She gently shook Selena on her shoulder. To most people, a cat-human hybrid was just a sturdy, powerful cat. It was clear she truly loved animals. "I promise I won't disturb you while you're working."
Batman: "..." He was not worried that the farmer would disturb his work. In fact, it would be difficult for anyone in Gotham to stop Batman from doing what he thought was right.
His mind simply raced too fast, and by the time he realized what he was thinking, it was already too late.* He even considered the possibility of not giving Aria his number—the possibility that the farm would clamber up to the roof of the GCPD building, light up the bat lights, and pull out a photo of Catwoman from somewhere when he arrived, declaring she was well-tended as if she had accomplished some important task, and eagerly asking when the antigen would be developed and if there was anything she could do to help.
Considering Gordon's heart's ability to withstand it, Bruce Wayne thought it would be better to avoid causing him trouble.
…
The farmer who successfully obtained Batman's contact information didn't know that this was a victory that could earn her an achievement in the game. She slipped over to Red Hood, who was unconsciously striking a cool pose, and handed over her phone as well.
Jason Todd shifted his weight from his left foot to his right foot as if he had been electrocuted, as if what Aria was holding in her hand was not a mobile phone produced by the Wayne Group, but a Horcrux possessed by an evil spirit.
"No." Red Hood refused succinctly and sparingly.
He's not in the same group as Batman!
…
Something is not right.
Although Aria couldn't see Red Hood's expression, his agitated body language undoubtedly showed one thing - he was very uncomfortable now, like a bonfire that could spark at any time.
The criminal has been apprehended and Catwoman will be able to transform back soon. The farmer, who can barely be considered the client of the mission, is quite satisfied with the result of the operation. Now her mission target has become abnormal, and there must be other reasons.
Although he is not a professional detective, the farmer also vaguely feels that this is related to the only variable in this incident - Batman.
Perhaps because of Red Hood's criminal identity, Aria thought deeply that not everyone who walked on the edge of the law in Zuzu City had the courage like her and could act normally in front of Batman.
Batman might still be busy dealing with Emil's arrest. When he comes to his senses, he might catch Red Hood instead - perhaps this is what makes him so uneasy.
but……
The farmer looked at the pitch-black sky - the helicopter Batman had called was hovering in the sky. He was sending the tightly tied Emil and Tigras up. It seemed that there was no problem with communication.
If she was promised that it would give Red Hood peace of mind, she was willing to give it a try.
With this thought in mind, Aria poked Batman. To prevent the vigilante from suddenly retaliating in a combat situation, she always stood within the opponent's field of vision before attacking. "Um...Batman."
His body stiffened, and Batman turned sideways to look at Aria.
Although the other party didn't say anything, the farmer understood the hidden meaning of "you said I was listening" and boldly asked, "Is Red Hood on the wanted list?"
The tone sounded quite subtle to others, and it felt like he was about to help Batman catch the criminal and collect the bounty in the next second.
Even though he knew the farmer couldn't see him, Jason Todd still couldn't help but glare at him.
It seems she's been incredibly broke lately, relying on bounties to subsidize her farm. He could have borrowed some money if things hadn't worked out... No, why would he borrow money from a teammate who was about to capture him? What was this? Had the magical radiance of friendship finally shone upon Red Hood?
Batman neither nodded nor shook his head, knowing she had more to say.
"If he's on the wanted list, can you please not arrest him today?"
Aria clasped her hands together and said pitifully, "I asked Red Hood to do this mission. He even agreed without asking for my money. He's usually really enthusiastic."
She didn't notice the barely perceptible smile that curled up the corners of Batman's mouth beneath his mask—that was the look a father would have upon hearing his son was doing good deeds. He continued, "If you really want to arrest me, just take me with you."
She still has a few stairs in her inventory. At worst, she can just try to escape from prison a few more times. In short, she must not let the good guys down!
…
Red Hood: ...
If Jason Todd hadn't had a clear preference for pets before, he had one now.
He absolutely, absolutely, positively doesn't like dogs.
Just like when an oncoming car suddenly turns on its high beams while riding a motorcycle, Red Hood was silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and pulled the farmer back from Batman with all his might, and entered his own number into the Wayne Technology device.
Note: RH.
He poked the screen with considerable force, as if he were poking someone in the face.
Red Hood left his work number to refuse the continued intrusion into his life by this lady who obviously had no idea of boundaries. He was just short of buying a "STOP" roadblock to stand between them.
The farmer didn't know, or perhaps she didn't care. Aria smiled, pressed the return button three times, and hung up. "Just note AAA agricultural and sideline product distributor."
"I remember I still owe you a lot of food for this operation."
No, Red Hood stared at his own shadow. He didn't even want any reward, so she was actually planning to give him one.
…
Holly was surprisingly easy to talk to. After showing her Selena covered with human clothes and held in Aria's arms, the assistant, although in tears, understood that it was a better choice for her to live with the farmer at the moment.
"I'll video call you when she's a little more lucid," Aria comforted the girl who was worried about her friend. "Batman already knows about this. Are you still worried about him around?"
The intervention of the urban legend reassured Holly. She reached out to cover Selina with clothes and reminded her future owner: "Please make sure to prepare more than two bowls for her. Selina doesn't like her food mixed together."
"No problem!" Batman sailed away in a small boat on his way back to the island. Red Hood stood far away. Aria felt that she had to shoulder this responsibility: "I will take good care of her."
"Let's create a group together then, it won't be a wasted trip!"
…
The game starts with a pet bowl, and to meet Selina's request, the farmer decided to buy another one.
Aunt Susan pulled out a small red bowl from the utility room.
"For the kittens?" She handed the cat bowl to Aria. "Did you take pictures of the kittens?"
"Some kittens are very brave and will run around after they get familiar with a place. You never know when you might bump into one. Let me know in advance so I can say hello next time we meet."
"You're a farmer, so you'll definitely be able to raise a kitten well." Just picturing the cat in her mind was enough to make Susan smile. "Maybe it'll be as sleek and smooth as a little tiger."
Let’s just say goodbye.
Aria thought about Selina's current size and how she would grow larger, and decided not to let her go out and meet the townspeople - she was worried that they would scream in fear like they had when they saw the Shadow Man, and then there were rumors of man-eating tigers in Smallville.
By cleverly changing the topic to the upcoming rain, the farmer left with an empty wallet and a new pet bowl.
Although raising a pet is expensive, it is money well spent!
…
After the new bowl was placed, the cat slowly came over with its tail raised into a question mark.
As soon as she arrived at the farm, she walked around every corner as if she was inspecting her own territory. She seemed quite satisfied with the environment, and Aria was happy to see it.
After the big cat was taught the good etiquette of "not sleeping at the door", the relationship between the man and the cat obviously reached the most harmonious and warm stage - feeding.
At first, Aria was a little worried that Selina wouldn't know how to use the feeding bowl, but when she saw her actively coming over, she felt relieved - it turned out that for people who had raised cats before, even if they became cats, that muscle memory would not disappear.
Not only did the big cat not disappear, it even raised its head and sniffed, as if trying to judge from the smell what the farmer would give it to eat.
Under Selina's slightly expectant gaze, Aria took out the large watering can and added water to the cat bowls one by one:
"This is for you." The farmer handed over a bowl of water.
"Here's a drink for you." The farmer handed over another bowl of water.
Two bowls of water were neatly placed in front of the cat. She wasn't like a novice pet owner who wouldn't be bothered by the daily watering and would upset her pet. AAA agricultural and sideline product distributors are always very considerate owners!
After pouring water for the cat, Aria couldn't help but take out her mobile phone to take a picture, and sent it to the friends she added today - seeing that Selena was able to eat normally after arriving at the new place, these people must be relieved.
However, the big cat did not drink water as actively as she expected. Selina sniffed the two bowls of water in front of her in confusion, raised her head to look at the farmer who was squatting beside her and staring at her with a smile, and for the first time she felt that her cat life was challenged.
"Meow!" It cried out in dissatisfaction, and almost pointed its claws at the water on the ground and asked Aria if she was going to murder me.
…
Half a minute later, the farmer was ready to go fishing with the paw print of love sent by the big cat.
Once the message was sent, there was no possibility of withdrawal. Fortunately, she hadn't created a group yet, and fortunately, everyone was busy. Apart from Holly's cautious reply of "Xiao Ya, to hydrate a cat, you usually need to cheat water. You have to mix canned meat and water together", there was no other information. The farmer successfully preserved his precarious image as a cat-raising expert.
Just as she was thinking about whether she should post something else to make everyone forget about this picture, RH also replied.
RH: ?
Well, maybe the timing of sending this picture is wrong, just like when a stranger you just met suddenly starts sending you pictures of their pets, anyone would feel confused.
Wait, Aria opened the favorability panel and took a look. They both have four hearts of favorability. Aren’t they still friends?
A notification message suddenly popped up in the mailbox. Aria walked over to open it and saw that it was also Red Hood.
RH: "Cats Eat Healthier" and "Raising a Magical Cat"
He mailed the book directly to me!
Although she told me before we parted that I could send her things quickly via email, but!
Blame it on Red Hood! Now the farmer must choose between "He doesn't treat me as a friend" and "I don't know how to raise a cat" and hang himself with a rope!
In order to calm down her overly excited mood, she comforted herself.
Although this goes against common sense in Stardew Valley, Selina is an alien cat, not a stray animal picked up and given to her by kind-hearted people in town, so the difference is understandable - Zuzu City is a city completely different from Smallville in terms of ecology and humanities. It may be normal for the people in Zuzu City that the cats in Zuzu City don't like to drink water and want to eat cat food.
However, this also reminded Aria that with spring approaching, exploring the new map almost took away all the farmer's attention, and she almost forgot about the seasonal collection tasks.
She hadn't caught the legendary fish of spring yet - the legendary fish only appeared in the deep mountain lakes on rainy days in spring. If she missed the rest of the day, she wouldn't know when the next rainy day would come.
Although the TV showed that today's fortune was in one's own hands, the farmer still prepared some other bait before setting off, hoping that the legendary fish would come and take a bite.
It would be strange to run around alone without an umbrella on a rainy day, this was a lesson Martha taught her, but Aria also knew that it would be okay to run to a place where no one could see her.
She walked along the path that Clark had led her on before. The smell of rain was very different, as if a chemical reaction was happening silently around her. The rain replaced the soul of the earth, and there was always a reassuring smell in it.
People who like fishing usually also like rainy days, when fish are more likely to bite.
The rain became lighter when they reached the woods. The sparse rain kissed the dense leaves, and a few drops fell on the farmer from time to time. She shook them off with a light shake of her hands.
Thinking of Clark Kent, Aria felt a little regretful.
It hadn't rained before they came, otherwise she'd really like him to see the legendary fish. This fish, supposedly never found by humans, had only been caught by players for years, according to the game settings. With one more witness, the joy of finding a treasure was doubled.
——Provided that she can catch it.
The mirror-like lake in the rain was no longer tranquil, ripples spreading outward in circles. Facing the bubbles gurgling in the center of the lake, the farmer took a deep breath and cast his baited float, landing squarely among the bubbles.
A few balls of wet newspaper, a torn CD, and two gold star rainbow trout were successfully brought ashore. The farmer put them into the inventory without even a second glance and quickly cast his rod for the umpteenth time.
When fishing, the farmer is always extremely focused, so light that it seems as if he can skip breathing.
The next time the float trembled, she knew it was coming.
How do you know if you have caught a big fish?
The farmer said that when you feel that the fishing block is moving very quickly and difficult to catch this time, that is the power of the Legendary King.
It's strong and powerful, it's cunning, but the legendary fish is now facing a seasoned angler with several levels of experience.
…
When it struggled violently, she let it waste its energy; when it pretended to surrender, she took advantage of the situation and went back to the recovery line, but caught it off guard the next second.
After several struggles that splashed the lake, the legendary fish, exhausted, fell into the hands of an AAA agricultural and sideline product dealer.
There is also a treasure chest containing a book with a blue cover.
The lost book!
————————
*Adapted the quotes of Xiamo teacher
*In Stardew Valley, all you need to do to keep a pet is add water to the pet bowl and pet it regularly. In Aria's Farm, the same rules apply as usual, but some cats don't know this ()
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