Future Pet Shop

Chapter 58: Want to Daze Me with Money? No Way

’BOOHOO... Thirty million! If I accepted, I’d be set for life, but...’ At the thought of the Future Pet Shop’s requirements, Shen Yibin felt his mood plummet. There were only about eighty days left before the three-month deadline. If he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in prison, he had no choice but to give up and focus on finding a suitable owner for Cheeky!

’Damn it! Why don’t I even have the right to set the price? If I did, I could make a fortune even after selling Cheeky. Not like now, where I only get a ten percent commission on his value. Ugh, it’s so depressing just thinking about it!’

"I’m sorry, I have no intention of signing with any streaming platforms. All I want right now is to find a suitable owner for Cheeky." Suppressing the ache in his heart, Shen Yibin tore his eyes away from the live comments and stated his position firmly. "Any potential buyers who possess musical talent and can afford the price are welcome to come to Yunzhong City for a consultation. As for the heads of the streaming platforms, there’s no need for you to come. I will not be meeting with you!"

*RIIIP.* Just like that, the thirty-million signing fee was gone. Shen Yibin patted Wu Qingchen’s shoulder and turned to leave. "Sir, your five-minute viewing time is up. You may leave now."

"Boss! Boss! Can’t we discuss this a little more...?" Wu Qingchen chased after him, refusing to give up. But he hadn’t taken two steps before Bai Yanni unceremoniously blocked his path. Normally, Wu Qingchen would have jumped at the chance to ask for this beauty’s contact information, but right now, he couldn’t be bothered. His only thought was to find a way to get his hands on Cheeky.

But Bai Yanni gave him no such opportunity. Without a word, she escorted him out. By this time, Cheeky was tired of singing. He abandoned the audience, returned to the shop, and flopped onto the coffee table, leisurely sipping the freshly squeezed tropical fruit juice Shen Yibin had made for him. This meant Shen Yibin couldn’t even continue the stream to get tips.

"Cheeky’s tired of singing, so he won’t be performing again today. Everyone, please head home! The panda needs his lunch, too. I’m closing the shop for now. If you want to come back, please line up again this afternoon." Shen Yibin was exhausted as well. Hah’Er was already on the sofa, rubbing his belly. It looked like they were closing early again.

A collective groan rippled through the audience, but with so many police officers helping maintain order, they had no choice but to disperse in frustration, however reluctant they were. Of course, some die-hards refused to give up and remained in line at the entrance, hoping to be the first inside when the shop reopened.

Of course, Qiao Wenqi, Mo Xiaomo, Xu Ye, and a few other old classmates were not among them. Shen Yibin had already led them into the shop. "Hang on, let me close the door, and then I’ll make you all lunch."

He had also thought to invite Shen Dalong and Bai Yanni to join them, but they declined. "There are still too many people out here. We’d better stay on the street and maintain order. And hey, I never realized you had such an incredible parrot. You’ll need to be extra careful for the next few days; someone might try to steal it. We’ll step up our patrols to help watch the place from the outside, but you have to stay vigilant too."

’Ugh, I knew this would attract trouble,’ Shen Yibin thought, feeling a little frustrated. "Thank you, Officers. Sorry to trouble you. I’ll be extra careful." ’I wonder if the Future Pet Shop sells any good guard dogs? I’d love to buy one. But it seems I only get a chance to acquire a new pet after I sell Cheeky.’

Ignoring the disappointed sighs from the crowd, Shen Yibin pulled down the rolling shutter and drew the curtains. Now, the only ones left in the shop were him, Qiao Wenqi, Mo Xiaomo, and Xu Ye. Oh, and Hah’Er and Cheeky.

"Bin, can I hug Hah’Er?" Qiao Wenqi and Mo Xiaomo gazed at Hah’Er with stars in their eyes. She had just learned the Panda’s name from Shen Yibin a moment ago.

"No problem." The words were barely out of Shen Yibin’s mouth before Qiao Wenqi rushed to the sofa, grabbed Hah’Er, and buried his big head in her chest for a vigorous snuggle. Mo Xiaomo, pulling out her phone to take pictures, urged, "Qiqi, hurry up! It’s my turn after you!"

’Man, I wish I was a panda,’ Shen Yibin and Xu Ye thought, their eyes practically popping out of their sockets with envy. How they envied a creature that could win the affection of beautiful women just by being cute.

"No rush, there’s plenty of time," Shen Yibin said. "You guys take your time and play. I’m going upstairs to make lunch. I’m planning a Panda Feast for you all." With that, Shen Yibin headed for the second floor.

"Hmph! Hmph!" The moment he heard the word "food," Hah’Er perked right up. He immediately struggled out of Mo Xiaomo’s embrace and scampered after Shen Yibin on his two short legs, looking like he wanted to help cook.

"Heh. Hah’Er’s afraid my cooking won’t be up to snuff, so he’s coming to supervise," Shen Yibin said with a helpless shrug. "Why don’t you all stay down here and play with Cheeky?"

"We’ll help you cook!" Qiao Wenqi and Mo Xiaomo cried out in unison. Such was the panda’s charm—they couldn’t bear to be separated from Hah’Er for even a second.

’BOOHOO... If only you girls were this nice to me, I wouldn’t still be single!’ And so, the whole group crowded into the kitchen. Qiao Wenqi and Mo Xiaomo helped wash and prep the vegetables, Hah’Er stood on a stool "supervising" Shen Yibin’s wok-frying, and Xu Ye set the dining table outside.

The two girls didn’t realize Hah’Er was actually supervising Shen Yibin’s cooking. They just assumed he was ravenous and eagerly waiting for the food to be served. They would have been even more astonished otherwise, wouldn’t they?

Of course, the three friends didn’t forget to ask if the requirements for buying Cheeky were real. After Shen Yibin confirmed they were, they accepted the reality with regret. They could probably scrape together the thirty-thousand-plus yuan, but their skills with musical instruments and singing were nothing to brag about. Besides, they were all busy with their jobs and likely wouldn’t have time to sing for Cheeky every day.

"Bitter Bamboo Shoot Jello, Bitter Bamboo Shoot Beef Rolls, Lion’s Head Meatballs with Bitter Bamboo Shoots, Bitter Bamboo Shoot Pancakes, Free-Range Chicken and Bitter Bamboo Shoot Stew, and a platter of Steamed Bitter Bamboo Shoots... The food’s ready! Let’s eat!" With their help, Shen Yibin prepared the Panda Feast much faster than usual.

"I never knew you had skills like this, Bin! Your future girlfriend is going to be so lucky. She’ll get to eat all this delicious food every day, and she’ll get to hug a panda... ahem, I’m getting a little tempted myself," Mo Xiaomo sighed after taking a bite. Qiao Wenqi and Xu Ye were also singing his praises.

"Hmph!" Hah’Er, however, didn’t immediately dig in. Instead, he scampered over to the cabinet, retrieved his personal wine bowl, and presented it to Shen Yibin with both paws. It seemed this little guy now considered no meal complete without a drink.

’Holy crap,’ Shen Yibin thought. ’There are still hundreds of people outside waiting to get in. Are you planning on getting drunk and performing "My Skateboard Shoes" for them later?’