The orange-red sunset hung on the edge of the sky, reluctant to fall. The crimson evening glow bled across the horizon like layers of watercolor, and the warm, lingering light fell upon them, coating everyone in a fuzzy, golden halo.

In the backyard, Rong Sui wore an apron, his hands swiftly slicing meat. The neatly sliced meat curls piled up on a plate, and before long, a plate was filled. Standing by to wait, Bai Tu quickly carried the full plate away and replaced it with a fresh one.

Not far from him, a large round table had been set up. The hotpot broth on the table was already boiling, sending up dense plumes of white steam.

After slicing the final plate of beef, Rong Sui untied his apron and brought the meat over. Seeing him approach, Wen Tun raised his chopsticks and cheered, “Time to eat!”

Having abandoned their mountain-climbing plans, Rong Sui had suggested they might as well have hotpot at home—with so many people, it would be lively.

They had spent the entire afternoon preparing the ingredients and the broth, and it was only now, as dusk fell, that they could finally dig in.

The little cubs were drooling from the delicious aroma, especially Wen Tun, who had been clinging to the edge of the table, eagerly biting his chopsticks for a long time. It was only when Rong Sui finished his work and sat down at the table that he cheered happily.

The adults cracked open some alcohol, while the children drank fruit juice, making the dining table a scene of absolute joy.

As the very last ray of the sunset vanished, the motion-sensor lights in the yard flickered on. Illuminated by the colorful lights, the atmosphere became even more festive. Rong Sui swished meat in the boiling broth for the cubs while listening to the Principal tell stories.

The Principal had drunk a bit of white liquor. With the alcohol rushing to his head, he became quite talkative, insistently grabbing Bai Tu to lecture him about how incredibly difficult it had been to pick up and raise these cubs. Listening to him ramble about things like “Torch Dragon” and “Yazi”—all mythical creatures from legends—Rong Sui propped up his chin with a smile, thinking that this habit of roleplaying as demons was indeed something they had all learned from the Principal.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, no one noticed a pair of peeping eyes hiding in the shadows.

…

The Pixiu stared intently at the hotpot on the table, swallowing his saliva repeatedly. He hadn’t eaten a full meal in a very long time.

He was a son of the dragon, naturally fierce, and fed on the wealth of the four directions—with a particular fondness for gold and silver. But ever since his divine power began to fade and he was forced back into his childhood form, let alone gold and silver, he couldn’t even get ordinary mortal food to eat.

Additionally, because he had relied on his prowess to run amok and offend many people in his early years, he now feared being recognized by his former enemies since his power had waned. He dared not make a grand scene, choosing instead to hide cautiously in the mountains, occasionally catching rabbits and wild pheasants just to get by.

However, this mortal food was completely insufficient to fill his stomach. Starving and desperate, the Pixiu had no choice but to risk going down the mountain, planning to check if the human houses below had any offerings or gold and silver he could consume.

Yet, after heading down two or three times, not only did he fail to find food, but he had also nearly exposed himself, barely escaping by relying on illusion techniques. The flat-bellied Pixiu spent a few days in the mountains wallowing in self-pity, but after gathering his strength, he decided to go down the mountain to pull off a big job.

He set his sights on the newly arrived household.

This family had just moved in and was currently celebrating with a hotpot in the yard. That hotpot smelled incredibly fragrant, so enticing that he could barely move his feet. His shriveled stomach let out two low growls. Embarrassed, the Pixiu pressed down on it to stop the noise. For a dignified son of a dragon to end up in such a state, even he found it utterly humiliating.

After hiding in the corner to observe for a while, the Pixiu confirmed that no one could notice him. Forcing his eyes away from the hotpot, he stood on his tiptoes and crept cautiously into the house.

He had already scouted the place from outside; many decorations inside this house were gold, which would be enough for him to have a hearty feast. Once his stomach was full, why would he fear mere humans?

With his little plan clicking into place in his mind, the Pixiu suppressed his joy. His eyes turned green with greed as he stared at the chandelier on the ceiling. The chandelier consisted of ten small, lantern-shaped lights, and the brackets holding them together gleamed with a golden luster under the warm light. In the eyes of the Pixiu, this was an absolute delicacy.

Wagging his tail, the Pixiu flapped the pair of small wings on his back vigorously, flew above the chandelier, opened his mouth wide, and bit down—

An “Owwuuu!” of agonizing pain echoed from inside the house.

The laughter and chatter in the yard ground to a halt. Rong Sui suddenly whipped his head toward the house, asking in alarm, “What was that sound?”

The sound resembled the cry of some wild beast, except it sounded exceptionally miserable. As the others stood up tensely, Rong Sui waved them down, signaling that he would go check first. He quieted his footsteps and crept toward the back door.

In the living room, a white animal was curled up into a ball, rolling frantically on the floor while letting out painful whimpers from time to time. Scattered around it were the metallic brackets of the chandelier.

Rong Sui looked around, grabbed a rolling pin from the kitchen to use as a weapon, and quietly drew closer.

The Pixiu clutched his mouth, crying from the sheer pain. That chandelier wasn’t gold at all! It was fake! All of it was fake!

The brass gold-plated brackets were incredibly hard. Having bitten down with all his might, the Pixiu had broken his teeth on the spot and bit his tongue. The excruciating pain made him let out a tragic shriek, and he rolled on the floor with a mouth full of blood, entirely failing to notice that someone was quietly approaching.

While carefully closing the distance, Rong Sui tried to discern what on earth this creature was.

It had grayish-white fur, a pair of brownish horns could faintly be seen on its head, and it seemed to have a pair of wings (?) on its back. It looked like a hybrid of different animals. Looking at it left and right, it didn’t seem to resemble any protected wildlife. Rong Sui gripped the rolling pin tightly and decided to beat it first.

Still whimpering in self-pity, the Pixiu was suddenly struck from behind by a club. Dazed for a second, he gritted his teeth and stumbled to his feet, facing the human who dared to hit him. He lowered his body and let out a threatening, low growl.

Seeing that one strike hadn’t knocked the invading animal unconscious, Rong Sui tightened his grip on the rolling pin. He gestured for the cubs, who had swarmed in to watch the excitement, to stay back, preparing to deliver another blow.

The Pixiu stared at him warily, his entire body tensed. His head was still spinning from the blow, and he could vaguely smell an odor that he detested. Instantly growing more agitated, he bared his sharp claws and scraped the floor slightly, ready to fight to the death with this audacious human.

_

Author’s Note:

Before knowing he was hitting a Pixiu—

Teacher Rong: It’s not a protected species anyway, beat it!

After knowing he was hitting a Pixiu—

Teacher Rong: Quick, quick, quick! Knock it out, put it in a sack, and bring it back!

Pixiu: …QAQ