Chapter 148 - 133: Promotion to True Disciple

As she spoke, her gaze subtly flickered toward Yang Qi.

Yang Qi picked up his teacup, pretending to be absorbed in his tea while his other hand stroked the head of Bai Wan, who was lying by his feet.

"Auntie~!"

Cheng Yao’s face flushed as she drew out her words in a whiny, defensive tone, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "Kai Kai... he’s outstanding too!"

"Outstanding in what way?"

Cheng Xiaoou arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with disappointment. "His job was arranged through family connections, and he still needs his family’s help to buy a decent car. Other than eating, drinking, partying, and calling up his friends, I’ve seen no particular ambition or drive in him. Besides a halfway-decent face, what else does he have to offer?"

Her words grew even more blunt. "And even if we’re just talking about looks, I don’t think he compares to Xiao Yang. Xiao Yang is handsomer in a way that grows on you, and he has more charisma!"

Yang Qi: "..."

He nearly choked on his tea.

He could only remain silent and pretend to be part of the background.

"Haha..."

Song Chunfang laughed at Cheng Xiaoou’s remarks. "Xiaoou, you still have such a sharp tongue."

"Grandma Song, you see what my aunt is doing..." Cheng Yao’s face grew even redder as she shook Song Chunfang’s arm, pleading playfully for help.

"Alright, alright."

Song Chunfang patted Cheng Yao’s hand reassuringly, then smiled at Cheng Xiaoou. "Xiaou, when it comes to the romantic affairs of the younger generation, it’s best to let them experience and choose for themselves. As elders, we can offer reminders, but we shouldn’t interfere too much."

"Yes, I know, Teacher Song."

Cheng Xiaoou replied, then picked up her teacup and sighed.

She genuinely admired Yang Qi—he was steady, capable, and of good character. She had privately considered playing matchmaker for him and her niece on more than one occasion.

Too bad it was a case of unrequited affection. Or perhaps, neither party was interested at the moment.

In truth, all four people in the room were well aware of Cheng Xiaoou’s unspoken intentions.

Yang Qi was simply pretending not to understand.

Never mind that Cheng Yao already had a boyfriend; even if she didn’t, he had no romantic interest in her.

For one thing, Cheng Yao’s lively, outgoing, and slightly spoiled personality wasn’t his type.

Secondly, and more importantly, he now possessed a system. His goal was to cultivate and seek the Dao, to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm and beyond as quickly as possible. That was his true pursuit.

Romantic entanglements were not part of his current life plan; in fact, they could even become a burden.

As for Cheng Yao, her feelings about Yang Qi were rather complex.

At first, she had only thought of Yang Qi as a zookeeper who was a bit unusual, but nothing more.

But as Yang Qi’s reputation within the zoo grew, as the things he did became increasingly "miraculous," and with the subtle changes to his aura brought about by cultivating the Great Derivation Spirit-Controlling Technique...

...his posture became straighter and more refined, his skin grew smoother, and his eyes became clear yet profound. His entire being began to radiate a calm, reassuring presence.

To say she felt nothing at all would be a lie.

But more palpable than that faint glimmer of attraction was the subtle sense of detachment he exuded.

It wasn’t an intentional aloofness, but rather a serene detachment, as if he were an observer standing apart from the world, separated from his surroundings by an invisible film.

What made her even more hesitant was that she didn’t quite dare to look Yang Qi directly in the eyes.

It wasn’t out of shyness, but from an instinctive and indistinct sense of fear.

Yang Qi’s eyes were too calm, too deep. When he happened to look at her, it felt as if he could see right into her soul, making her subconsciously want to look away.

The feeling was uncanny and impossible to put into words, yet it gave her the instinctual sense that Yang Qi, herself, and her peers were not living in the same "world."

This intangible distance had caused the budding feelings of attraction to wither before they even had a chance to grow.

"Meow~"

[I’m back.]

Just as they were speaking, a nimble figure slipped in through the door.

It was Xiaojiu.

Walking with an elegant gait, it headed straight for Yang Qi.

Yang Qi quickly waved Xiaojiu over, then introduced the cat to Song Chunfang. "Director Song, this is Xiaojiu."

With an almost human-like intelligence, Xiaojiu paused, tilted its head to look at Song Chunfang, and seemed to be assessing the unfamiliar elder’s aura.

"What a magnificent black cat!"

Song Chunfang’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed in genuine admiration, "Its vitality, its glossy smooth fur, and its intelligent eyes... It looks even more spirited than the young black panthers I saw during my fieldwork."

This was no empty flattery; she was genuinely moved.

The vibrant life force, nimble grace, and near-perfect physique that Bai Wan and Xiaojiu possessed—qualities that far surpassed those of ordinary cats and dogs—were plain to see.

Yang Qi just smiled without offering an explanation. Pointing to Song Chunfang, he said to the cat, "Xiaojiu, this is Grandma Song. She’s a highly respected elder and senior at the zoo."

"Meow~"

As if it understood, Xiaojiu leaped gracefully onto the coffee table in front of Song Chunfang, sat down, and let out a soft meow at her, the very tip of its tail giving a slight flick.

"Oh my, what a good, intelligent cat."

A huge smile blossomed on Song Chunfang’s face. She couldn’t resist reaching out and carefully lifting Xiaojiu onto her lap.

The cat felt dense and solid in her arms, its muscles firm and its fur smooth as satin. A healthy warmth radiated from its body.

She stroked Xiaojiu’s back, unable to bring herself to put it down, and praised it again.

"You’ve raised it so well."

Curious, Cheng Yao also came closer, reaching out to stroke Xiaojiu’s head and neck. "Wow, it’s so soft! The texture of its fur is even better than a top-tier pedigreed cat’s!"

"There’s another one."

Cheng Xiaoou, who had sharp eyes, pointed toward the entrance of the living room.

A calico cat was cautiously poking its head in, warily and curiously observing the people in the room.

"Oh, that’s Hua Qi."