Chapter 323: He Speaks of the Past with a Smile, but Holds No Yearning for the Future

Although he’d invited Jiang Qiuqiu over for a chat, it was Brother Leopard who did most of the talking.

He shifted through many different positions as he spoke, talking about all sorts of things. After each story, he would ask Jiang Qiuqiu, "Is this really boring? Do I talk too much?"

Jiang Qiuqiu watched him. Covered in thick fur, she couldn’t see the man’s expression, but she sensed a deep sadness in his heart. "No."

"It’s really interesting. You’re telling me things I’ve never heard before."

"Really?" He seemed to perk up a little. "Back then, on the battlefield... It wasn’t that long ago, but it feels like it’s been ages."

Unlike many people who remember the past as if it were the blink of an eye, Brother Leopard felt that the time between the battlefield and now had been ground down over many, many years. "But when you actually count it, it’s only been ten years."

’Just ten years.’

"So you’re a veteran from the battlefield?"

"Yeah. I was in the Seventh Army back in the day, a Lieutenant, no less."

"Back then... all kinds of things would happen."

After about half an hour, Brother Leopard gradually trailed off. "I must have been talking for a long time. I’m so sorry, Miss Jiang... I just really wanted to talk. I’m afraid I won’t be able to anymore in the future, so I wanted to get a few more words in."

Jiang Qiuqiu didn’t know how to respond to that for a moment.

She wanted to comfort him, but she couldn’t make any empty promises, so she could only remain silent for a moment.

"Lately, people have been coming by to investigate. To be honest, I’m the most aware of my own condition right now."

"Miss Jiang, your ability is effective, but its effect on me is very faint now. I can feel it..."

Brother Leopard had felt joy. Being on the verge of gene collapse made him more sensitive than anyone. He could personally vouch for the fact that Jiang Qiuqiu’s food worked.

He had once thought this was his shining moment of hope, but soon, even with a steady supply of the food, he discovered its effects had diminishing returns.

It could fight against gene collapse, disrupt it, but...

In the later stages, the effect was very subtle. After plateauing for a few days, he could feel his life and spiritual power still draining away rapidly.

"But I’m already beyond saving, so I’m not afraid. Still, I really must thank you for giving everyone else here something to look forward to."

"These past few days, even though no one says it, everyone has been very happy."

He then solemnly lowered his forelimbs to the ground, bowing to thank Jiang Qiuqiu.

She immediately stood up. "You don’t have to."

"You don’t have to thank me."

"Alright, I’ve said all I wanted to say. I... Riel, offer you my most sincere thanks. I hope we can meet again."

With that said, he lay down listlessly in his cage. Jiang Qiuqiu could only stand and walk outside.

Mo Si had been waiting at the door the whole time. When he saw Jiang Qiuqiu come out, he took a step forward, glancing at the leopard in the cage before the door closed.

He lowered his gaze, concealing the emotion in his eyes.

"Black Hole, he needs to rest. Let’s go."

"Yeah, let’s go."

Although it was mealtime when they left, the staff at the rescue center hadn’t started eating yet. The man walking them out, despite having already heard that Jiang Qiuqiu wouldn’t be staying, asked again, "Would you like to stay for lunch?"

"No, that’s alright. Thank you."

"Thank me for what? I’m the one who should be thanking you—"

He insisted on seeing Mo Si and Jiang Qiuqiu out.

Of course, as he walked them out, he couldn’t help but ask about Brother Leopard’s condition.

"Miss Qiuqiu, how is he doing today?"

"Is he any better?"