He carried the fish to the NPC's feet, eating it while keeping a wary eye on Shen Zhiyi.
It was afraid that this new human in front of it had ill intentions and would bully it.
Two or three kittens appeared in the bushes nearby, hiding cautiously and watching the commotion.
The NPC caught another fish on his fishing rod. He took the fish off the hook and threw it into the grass.
Knowing the kittens were scared and dared not come out, the NPC deliberately threw them into the bushes so they could eat them easily.
"Is it because of these that you keep coming here?" Shen Zhiyi suddenly understood why the NPCs didn't change locations.
Back when she was still on Earth, she had seen videos of fishermen feeding cats with fish, and this NPC was probably like those fishermen.
"Yes, without them, I might not be here anymore," the NPC sighed, then continued telling Shen Zhiyi about the past.
"Actually, when my youngest daughter was still alive, she was the one who fed the cats here."
"She said cats are the cutest creatures in the world, and she loves kittens the most."
"They won't survive if I don't feed them, so I insist on feeding the kittens every day."
"The kittens in this area have become familiar with my youngest daughter through her daily care. As soon as they hear my youngest daughter's footsteps, they know that she is coming."
“They would all rush out to greet my little daughter, and she would smile so happily then.”
The NPC begins to reminisce about the scenes from that time.
At that time, his youngest daughter was only up to his waist. Every day, she would carry a small bucket full of cat food and run to the river to feed the kittens.
He was worried and always followed her from a distance, afraid that something might happen to his youngest daughter.
Fortunately, the younger daughter was sensible; after feeding the cats and playing with them for a while, she went home.
But... a lot happened later. His youngest daughter passed away, and his wife also passed away.
He and his eldest son were left to depend on each other for survival.
Perhaps because their youngest daughter had stopped feeding them by the river, the kittens came to their door on their own.
He still remembers the scene when he opened the door that morning and found the yard full of kittens.
The kittens meowed at him, as if asking where his little daughter was, and why the human who always fed them had disappeared; they hadn't seen her in so long.
He couldn't say a word at the time, he just stared at the cats all over the yard.
After a long while, he stepped aside and let the cat into the house, where the cat went in and looked around.
After they came out, they seemed to understand something.
They seemed to know that their youngest daughter was no longer there.
No one will cook them delicious cat food anymore.
But the kittens didn't leave; instead, they settled down near the NPC's house.
They remember the cat food their youngest daughter made for them, and they will take her place and guard the house for her.
Later, his son also passed away.
He was all alone now.
He had considered going with them, since he had already lost his home.
With his home gone, he had nothing left to cherish.
He cooked himself a sumptuous dinner, planning to go with them after he finished eating.
The lead cat noticed that something was wrong with him, and unlike most cats, it jumped onto his lap.
She lay quietly, waiting for him to finish his meal.
He sat alone for a long time that day.
It wasn't until he was surrounded by kittens that he came to his senses.
In that instant, he knew he had been left behind.
He is still needed.
Yes, these kittens were all fed by his youngest daughter. What will happen to these kittens if he passes away too?
His youngest daughter loves kittens so much, and he just abandons them like that. His youngest daughter must be upset with him.
So he stayed, and for the next few decades, he would come to the river to fish. When it rained, he would cook cat food at home and wait for the kittens to come and eat.
The cat that used to lie on his lap has passed away; he personally saw it off.
The little orange kitten at its feet is its offspring, and the NPC looks at it with tenderness.
Shen Zhiyi stayed quietly to one side, listening to him tell his stories from the past.
"Hey, do you like kittens? Or do you prefer other animals?" the NPC suddenly asked.
Shen Zhiyi took Hu Yue out of the pet space. "I like kittens, but I don't have one. I have a little fox instead."
Shen Zhiyi didn't call out Black Wolf and the others, afraid of scaring the nearby kittens.
As soon as Fox Moon appeared, it attracted the attention of the kittens nearby.
They've lived with NPCs since they were little, so they've never seen a little fox like Fox Moon before.
The kittens were very curious about Fox Moon and wanted to get closer.
But with Hu Yue being held by Shen Zhiyi, they hesitated to approach.
"Waaah~" Fox Moon gestured for Shen Zhiyi to put her down.
Fox Moon loved these fluffy little kittens, and pounced on them as soon as she came down.
The kittens were startled and scurried around in all directions.
"Haha, the kitten is really lively."
The NPC watched the little ones playing together with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction.
"Young friend, thank you for the special snowflake. I asked for this special snowflake because it was the thing my youngest daughter wanted most before she died."
"After decades, we can finally fulfill her wish."
The NPC smiled as he carefully put the special snowflake close to his body, then deftly caught a plump fish.
"It's getting late, shall I take you home?" Shen Zhiyi glanced at the time; it was indeed quite late.
The NPC shook his head and said, "I'll fish for two more, then I'll head back."
Shen Zhiyi nodded in agreement, saying that it would be fine in a little while and she didn't rush her.
Shen Zhiyi was worried that the old man might be hungry, so she took some food out of her backpack.
The NPC took the food and distributed it to the kittens, without eating a single bite himself.
Shen Zhiyi was about to say something, but seeing the smile on the NPC's face, she shut her mouth.
Oh well, as long as the old man is happy.
After the kittens had eaten and drunk their fill, they lay sprawled on the ground and didn't move.
By this time, the kittens were no longer afraid of Shen Zhiyi. Some even boldly climbed onto Shen Zhiyi's legs and snuggled in her arms.
Fox Moon complained to Shen Zhiyi that it was her spot!
Shen Zhiyi replied, "Don't be so petty. How long did you let me hold the kitten?"
"I'll be hugging you all the time from now on, so don't be jealous."
Fox Moon stomped her paws, thinking it made sense, so she didn't argue with the kitten and turned to climb onto Shen Zhiyi's shoulder.
After the NPC finished fishing, he started packing up his things.
Shen Zhiyi quickly put the kitten down and came over to help the NPC tidy up.
"It's kind of you to have spent the whole night fishing with this old codger."
The NPC is quite happy today, not only because he has a kitten to keep him company, but also because he has gained a new little friend.
"It's nothing, I'll come fishing with you again tomorrow," Shen Zhiyi said casually, but she meant it.
The old woman only has her kitten for company, so what's wrong with her staying one more day to keep her company?
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