Chapter 43: A Squirrel Will Never Be a Slave!
Su Wudeng had never imagined that the most common little squirrel in the forest secretly commanded such a massive organization and intelligence network.
Did he single-handedly make me famous?
Her eyes lit up; this was an incredible stroke of luck. While she could use drone surveillance to locate injured pets, wild animals were typically highly vigilant. Unless they were so severely incapacitated that they couldn’t resist—like Yingying had been—they would usually hide from humans. A wild pet actively seeking her out, like the calico cat had done, was a rarity.
But if a legendary little squirrel whom all the forest animals trusted was willing to act as a bridge, everything would become much easier.
In return, she could provide the squirrels with exactly what they wanted. Take the nut bread she had packed for Amber last time, for instance—Bengbeng had clearly fallen in love with it. If the squirrels passed information about injured pets to her while spreading her good reputation across the mountain, it would be a perfect win-win situation.
She decided to visit Bengbeng today. After all, a squirrel who loved raw nuts would surely go crazy for freshly roasted ones. Plus, she could see if he was willing to trade for a new batch.
Su Wudeng’s live stream was still running, and the viewers were completely wrapped up in discussing the calico cat and her ginger companions.
[CalicoDreamer]: What a gorgeous calico! That long fur and those pitiful eyes… she is literally my dream cat.
[BattleDamaged]: She’s so beautiful, but seeing her so hurt is breaking my heart. How can anyone look at that face and want to harm her?
[CatLover99]: Seriously, how does the host keep finding these stunning animals?
[ColorPalette]: Even with her fur all messy and muddy, those three colors blend perfectly. She’s a masterpiece.
Seeing the flood of adoring comments, Su Wudeng smiled at the camera. “I didn’t realize everyone had such a discerning eye for feline beauty! In the pet world, calicos are highly prized. Because their coats are an intricate tapestry of three distinct colors, other cats find them incredibly attractive. They’re quite rare and very popular.”
The explanation clicked for the viewers, and their adoration only grew. Many began sharing screenshots they had taken during the rescue.
Su Wudeng spotted one from the rainy woods: the tiny calico, her fur soaked and clinging to her thin frame, peering timidly from behind the massive tree roots. Her little dirt-smudged face looked up at the camera with an expression of pure, heartbreaking vulnerability.
Forget the netizens—Su Wudeng’s own heart melted looking at it again. Beautiful, fragile, with massive wet eyes and a miserable plight; it was completely irresistible.
The image received unanimous praise in the chat.
[FirstSight]: Wow, this exact frame is why I fell in love with her at first sight!
[PrincessSanhua]: She looks like a lost little princess. Even the mud can’t hide her grace!
[KnightJu]: Don’t forget the two little orange cats beside her! They were guarding her like loyal knights.
Another user posted a second screenshot showing the two ginger kittens flanking the calico, shielding her as she tilted her head to look up at Su Wudeng.
[HeartMelted]: The orange kittens are so sweet! Wuwuwu, they really are her little protectors.
[BraveKnights]: Xiao Sanhua is so fortunate to have such brave friends. If it weren’t for them, she would have never survived long enough for the host to save her.
[Teardrop]: My eyes are leaking, this is too touching!
[CatLogic]: Aren’t cats supposed to be solitary? These three are breaking biological instincts just to keep each other warm and alive.
[TrueBond]: I will always cry for true friendship like this!
[Grateful]: We really have to thank the host. Without her, this little princess wouldn’t have made it through the night. Thank you for giving them hope!
[WifeWorship]: This is why you’re my favorite internet wife. You have the kindest heart!
Su Wudeng chuckled at the sheer volume of love pouring in for the newcomers. “Alright, let’s look at the facts. Just yesterday, you all swore the Snow Crystal Cats were your absolute favorites. Now you’ve completely jumped ship to Xiao Sanhua, haven’t you?”
The chat immediately defended themselves:
[FairGame]: The Snow Crystal Cats already belong to you, Host! But Xiao Sanhua and her knights are still free agents! That’s completely different!
[AdoptionAgency]: We still have a chance! Host, look at me! I can give them a literal palace to live in!
[SpoiledRotten]: Please ask Xiao Sanhua if she’s looking for a home! I promise she will never have to rough it in the wild again.
[ForestDanger]: They’re so young and skinny, and their fur is so dry from malnutrition. It breaks my heart to think of them wandering that dangerous forest, digging through garbage just to survive.
[PrincessTreatment]: I want to bring them home and treat them like real royalty. They’ll never worry about food or shelter ever again!
Su Wudeng was deeply moved by their sincere warmth. “When Xiao Sanhua wakes up later, I promise I’ll ask her on behalf of all of you,” she said softly. “But please don’t get your hopes too high. We don’t know yet if she’s willing to live in human society.”
She paused, leaning closer to the microphone. “To give you some context, the reason these three have had such a brutal time is that they haven’t reached their transition period yet. They’re a bit larger than newborn cubs, but they aren’t fully grown or mature enough to live independently in the wild.”
The revelation brought a fresh wave of sympathy from the audience.
[BabyCats]: So they’re barely older than the Snow Crystal Cats were?
[CruelWorld]: That’s even worse. The Snow Crystal litter found the host and got healthy, while these three were out there suffering in the wilderness.
[AweInspired]: It’s a literal miracle they made it this far. Host, please work your magic and convince them to stay tomorrow!
As the chat overflowed with well-wishes, one viewer raised a poignant question.
[DataAnalyst]: Why is the maternal abandonment rate so incredibly high in this forest? First the Snow Crystal Cats, and now these three. Why are all these mothers leaving their cubs behind?
Su Wudeng stared at the comment, caught off guard. She had pondered the exact same thing, but she didn’t have enough data to form an answer.
“That is an excellent question,” Su Wudeng acknowledged thoughtfully. “When Xiao Sanhua and the kittens are fully rested, I’ll see if they remember anything about their mothers. They’re old enough that they might have some clues. But for now, my friends, I have to call it a night.”
She stifled a heavy yawn, her eyes watering from fatigue. “I’ve been broadcasting for over ten hours straight, and I’m running on empty. Go to bed early, everyone, and I’ll turn the stream back on when our patient wakes up, okay?”
Though the viewers groaned at the thought of the stream ending, they urged her to rest. No matter how much they wanted to watch the kittens, a ten-hour broadcast was exhausting for anyone. The screen filled with a sea of “Good night, Host!” and promises to camp out for the next stream.
[CampOut]: We have a deal! The second she wakes up, the stream goes live!
[CamControl]: You can just leave the camera pointed at her sleeping face, we don’t mind!
[DeerFan]: Wait, what about the little deer from yesterday? Will we get an update on Nana? Is her leg okay?
Su Wudeng, half-asleep already, offered a drowsy wave. “Yes, yes, I hear you. I’ll make sure to give you updates on everyone. Good night.”
With a final click, she terminated the broadcast and headed to her bedroom. The rain outside had settled into a gentle, rhythmic patter against the roof.
As she stepped into the room, she found a magnificent white form taking up most of her mattress. Yingying lay curled on the blankets, her luxurious white fur and charcoal rosettes perfectly groomed. Her smoky crystal eyes locked onto Su Wudeng, and she extended a massive, velvet paw, patting the empty space beside her in an explicit invitation.
Su Wudeng’s exhaustion momentarily vanished, replaced by sheer joy. What kind of fairytale life am I living? A literal giant magical leopard is waiting to cuddle me to sleep.
She threw on her pajamas, slipped under the covers, and buried her face into the dense, warm fur of Yingying’s chest, inhaling her clean scent. Within seconds, the rhythmic thrum of the leopard’s purr lulled her into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The next morning, the bright, melodic chirping of forest birds woke Su Wudeng.
She opened her eyes to find golden sunlight streaming through the panes, painting warm patterns across the bed. She stretched, washed her face, and ate a quick breakfast before tossing the windows open to let the morning air in.
It was breathtaking. The atmosphere after a heavy storm was crisp, carrying a subtle, sweet fragrance of petrichor and blooming flora. The entire wilderness looked as though it had been polished overnight; the leaves of the towering trees gleamed an intense emerald green, heavy with morning dew. In the distance, the forest stream gurgled merrily, its surface sparkling like diamonds under the summer sun.
Outside on the lawn, the Snow Crystal Cats and the Husky pup were already making the most of the weather. They were tumbling through the damp grass, chasing butterflies, and wrestling in pure, unfiltered bliss.
Su Wudeng’s mood soared just watching them. Yingying leaped effortlessly from the bed, padding over to rest her heavy chin on Su Wudeng’s shoulder. Su Wudeng turned and planted a soft kiss on the big cat’s head.
“Wait… Amber still isn’t back?”
A flash of worry hit her, but a quick check of her mental contract confirmed the link was perfectly stable and calm. “I should probably go look for him.” Even though the golden retriever was a veteran of these woods, staying out all night wasn’t like him.
But just as she stepped onto the porch, a familiar, slender silhouette emerged from the treeline.
Yo-yo~
“Nana?” Su Wudeng gasped.
The elegant little fawn stood at the edge of the clearing, looking toward the cabin. The moment she spotted Su Wudeng, she let out a series of joyful cries and bounded across the grass. She slid to a halt right in front of Su Wudeng, nudging her hand with a wet, black nose.
Sister! I came back to see you!
Su Wudeng was stunned by how energetic the fawn was. She crouched down, examining the bandaged leg. “Look at you! Your injury healed this quickly?”
Nana nodded her head vigorously, her long ears flopping. I found my mom! She’s incredibly powerful—she used her magic and fixed me up in no time! She nudged Su Wudeng’s fingers excitedly. The little squirrel told me you lived down here, so I came straight back. But… wow, what is that smell? It’s amazing!
Su Wudeng sniffed the air. It was the residual, sugary scent of yesterday’s roasted chestnuts and toasted pine nuts drifting out from the kitchen.
She stroked Nana’s soft forehead. “Do you want some roasted pine nuts? Let sister finish up a few chores first, okay?”
The fawn’s eyes practically sparkled. Yes, please! Thank you, Sister! Oh, and you can just call me Nana~
“Alright, Nana, just wait right here for me.”
Before Su Wudeng could turn back inside, a booming, boisterous bark echoed from the woods. The silly dog was finally home.
Amber came charging out of the brush like a golden rocket, his beautiful gray-blue coat catching the sunlight like fine satin. But as he drew closer, Su Wudeng narrowed her eyes. He was carrying something in his jaws.
The husky slid to a halt, panting heavily, and carefully dropped a magnificent, flawless flower into Su Wudeng’s open palm like a sacred treasure.
Master! I brought you a present!
The flower was breathtaking, its vibrant petals still cradling pristine morning dewdrops. Despite being carried through the dense forest by a hyperactive dog, it didn’t have a single tear or blemish; it had been preserved perfectly. It was clear Amber had carried it with absolute, painstaking care.
I searched the entire valley to find the absolute best one for you! Amber barked proudly, his tail wagging like a metronome. I actually found it yesterday, but it hadn’t fully opened yet. I wanted to wait until it bloomed perfectly before bringing it to you, but then that crazy storm hit.
Su Wudeng looked down at the flower, then at Amber’s slightly damp coat. A realization struck her. “Wait… you didn’t stand out in the storm all night just to shield this flower from the rain until it bloomed this morning, did you?”
The husky shifted his paws sheepishly, leaning his heavy head against her waist and whining softly. Don’t be mad at me for being late! You’ve been feeding me so many delicious things lately, I just really wanted to give you something special in return.
The pure, innocent devotion hit Su Wudeng right in the chest. She buried her hands in his thick neck fur, scratching him exactly where he liked, tracing down to his shoulders. How could a dog be this incredibly sweet and foolish?
“Oh, Amber… thank you so much. I love it, and I love you. But please don’t ever do that again! I was worried sick when you didn’t come home last night.”
As she spoke, she ran her smart glasses over the gorgeous blossom. The moment the data overlay flashed across her vision, her breath caught, and she nearly dropped it.
“Are you kidding me?!” she gasped. “This is a mythic-grade spiritual plant… a Soul-Bond Blossom!”
For a beastmaster, this was an absolute holy grail. Its primary function was to exponentially amplify the telepathic resonance between a human and their bonded pet, pushing their tactical synergy to a flawless, instinctual level. Once consumed, the beastmaster could perceive the pet’s complex emotions, strategic intent, and sensory inputs in real-time, allowing for an immediate evolutionary leap in combat coordination.
“Amber, where on earth did you find this?” Su Wudeng’s heart raced with excitement.
Seeing her reaction, the husky’s ears perked up proudly. Did I do good, Master? Is it helpful?
“It’s more than helpful, it’s incredible!”
Her spiritual energy rating was only C-tier, vastly inferior to Amber’s raw power, which meant she couldn’t establish a true psychological link with him during high-stakes situations. Their current teamwork was purely based on their deep mutual affection. But with this plant, everything would change. She could finally experience a flawless, symbiotic bond with her pet, fighting alongside him as a true partner rather than hiding behind his flank.
“Amber, can you find that spot again?”
The husky threw his head back. Of course I can! But if we want to go, we have to wait a few days. The heavy rain caused the valley to fill with thick miasma, and it’s incredibly easy to get turned around. Once the fog clears, the rest of the patch should be in full bloom.
Su Wudeng forced her racing thoughts to calm down. “Alright, we wait a few days.”
Suddenly, Amber’s nose twitched violently. Oh~ Master, what is that heavenly smell?
He peered through the open doorway, his eyes locking onto the wooden dining table where a bowl of leftover roasted pine nuts sat waiting for him. Having fasted through a freezing storm all night, his self-control dissolved instantly. He bolted into the house.
He used his tongue to deftly scoop a handful of nuts into his mouth, his eyes widening as he chewed. Oh my god! Roasted pine nuts are incredible! And are those chestnuts? They’re amazing!
Nana watched from the doorway, swallowing hard. She wanted to try some too, but she didn’t dare challenge a large, intimidating husky, so she stayed put, watching wistfully. Sister really is a god, the fawn thought in awe. She has a Frost-Blade Snow Leopard and a Sword-Heart Husky living under her roof! Living in the mountain, she had heard whispers of the legendary, eccentric blue husky who roamed the peaks.
Once Amber had polished off his breakfast, Su Wudeng formally introduced him to Nana.
With the introductions out of the way, the trio prepared to head out into the forest. Amber had thrown a minor tantrum, arguing that since he had spent all of yesterday out in the wilderness, it was officially Yingying’s turn to stay back and manage the cabin.
Su Wudeng cast a wry look at the dog. “You call standing over a flower in a rainstorm ‘managing the wilderness’?”
Regardless, Yingying didn’t mind. The gentle leopard was more than happy to lounge indoors and keep an eye on the recovering calico. Before heading out, Su Wudeng honored her promise to the netizens, setting up a static camera stream focused entirely on the recovery enclosure.
Consequently, the early-rising viewers who logged into the stream that morning were greeted by the sight of a massive, terrifying snow leopard delicately holding a miniature baby bottle in her giant claws, patiently feeding a tiny calico cat who was drinking with her eyes squeezed shut in terrified submission.
[CatDad]: I just opened my eyes and the first thing I see is an apex predator running a daycare. Absolute peak content.
[YingYingSimp]: Our queen is so incredibly gentle and beautiful!
[GoodLeopard]: Look at how careful she is with those giant claws. I love her so much!
Su Wudeng packed her tactical gear with several loaves of freshly baked nut bread, alongside a separate container of the roasted chestnuts and pine nuts from the night before. If Bengbeng fell in love with the roasted versions, securing a permanent supply chain of premium forest ingredients would be a breeze.
Amber was practically vibrating with impatience, leading the pack. Having tasted the power of culinary seasoning, the husky was fully converted.
Master, hurry up! We’re almost there!
His sharp nose had already locked onto the specific scent profile of Bengbeng’s hidden cache. He couldn’t understand why he had never found squirrel hoards appealing before. It must be Master’s magic cooking skills, he concluded. The dog had already formulated a brilliant plan: he was going to convince the squirrel to move into the cabin. If Bengbeng lived with them, the supply of pine nuts would be infinite!
They arrived at a massive, ancient pine tree, and Amber immediately let out a sharp bark toward the high canopy.
The branches rustled violently, and a swift, fluffy blur dropped down onto a lower bough. Bengbeng, rub-furu and visibly cranky, glared down at them. “Amber! What is wrong with you, barking like a maniac this early? I was right in the middle of an amazing nap!”
The husky was too excited to care about the attitude. Bengbeng! he barked, bouncing on his front paws. Do you want to come live with us? My master makes the most legendary, mind-blowing pine nuts in the entire universe! He looked back, signaling Su Wudeng to deliver the goods.
Su Wudeng stepped forward, pulling a small pouch of the dry-roasted pine nuts from her pack and holding it out toward the branch. “Morning, Bengbeng. Thank you so much for trading with Amber yesterday; we absolutely loved them. I brought you a little token of my appreciation.”
The little squirrel caught a whiff of the deeply aromatic oils drifting from the bag, his tiny black eyes snapping wide open. He dropped down a branch, executed a flawless flip, and used his massive, bushy tail to snatch the pouch clean out of her hand, darting back into his tree hollow to cache it at lightning speed.
A moment later, he popped his head back out, crossing his tiny front paws over his chest and nodding with immense condescension. “Not bad, human. You certainly know how to show proper respect to the local authority!”
He preened, smoothing down his whiskers. “But don’t go thinking a tiny bribe like this is going to entice a magnificent creature like me to become your pet!”
He pressed a furry paw against his chest, his tail puffing out dramatically behind him as he struck a heroic pose. “A squirrel will never be a slave!”
“I would never sign a binding contract like this big, goofy dog did. The boundless forest is my kingdom! I roam wherever I please, harvesting the finest nuts and hanging out with my subjects. So abandon your foolish designs!”
Bengbeng’s resolve was absolute. To a squirrel of his stature, nothing compared to the thrill of the hunt for premium acorns. He wasn’t like this simple-minded husky who was content to trade his freedom for belly rubs.
Seeing how fiercely independent the little rodent was, Su Wudeng didn’t press the matter. It would be a shame to force him, and honestly, she respected his free-spirited nature.
She pivot-shifted her strategy smoothly. “Of course, I completely understand and respect that. But a professional business partnership is still on the table, right? I’d love to set up a regular trade agreement for your surplus pine nuts. In exchange, I can offer you a steady supply of that specialized nut bread Amber shared with you.”
She produced a separate pouch containing a small loaf of golden-brown brioche. The crust was perfectly blistered, studded with crushed pralines and emitting a rich, sweet, buttery fragrance.
The moment Bengbeng laid eyes on the loaf, his grand posture completely dissolved. His jaw went slack, a tiny drop of saliva forming at the corner of his mouth as his brain replayed the exquisite texture of the crumb from last week. His massive tail began to vibrate at a frantic speed.
“Deal!” Bengbeng blurted out, dropping all pretense. “Whenever you have a shipment of this specific product, you come straight to me!” He caught himself, quickly puffing his chest back out. “But remember—no contract talk!”
With a flick of his tail, he snatched the bread and inhaled the aroma with an expression of pure, unadulterated ecstasy. Yes, this is the good stuff! Pure, premium nut oil flavor!
Determined to show his financial might, Bengbeng dove back into his hollow and began rolling out a massive, endless stream of pristine pine nuts. The pile he produced today was nearly double what he had given Amber the day before. Every single nut was perfectly symmetrical, heavy, and gleamed with health under the sunlight.
Su Wudeng quickly opened a heavy canvas sack and swept the bounty inside. “Wow, thank you so much, Bengbeng! You are incredibly generous. Easily the most magnificent forest supervisor I’ve ever encountered!”
Hearing her praise, the squirrel’s tail wagged so hard it threatened to lift him off the branch. He tilted his nose toward the sky, practically glowing with pride. “Hmph, naturally! You’re a remarkably perceptive human, Su Wudeng.”
“From this moment forward, you have earned the distinct privilege of being Bengbeng’s premier human associate! If you ever need top-tier forest produce, you come straight to my tree. I will secure the absolute finest harvest on the mountain for you!”
Su Wudeng suppressed a grin. “I am deeply honored, Bengbeng.”
Who could possibly say no to a tiny squirrel who just contracted out the entire forest’s supply chain for a few loaves of bread? He was incredibly easy to read and absolutely loved being flattered.
Striking while the iron was hot, she brought up the topic of the injured animals. “Since you have such an incredible eyes-and-ears network across the ridges, could you do me a favor? If your scouts spot any injured or sick pets who need medical attention, let them know my cabin is a safe zone. Or come tell me directly.”
Bengbeng waved a paw dismissively. “Consider it done! A human who provides premium rations and fixes up broken animals is an asset to the ecosystem. I’ll have my runners keep a lookout.”
To solidify their corporate alliance, the squirrel ducked back into his nest and rolled out an additional, massive sack of wild chestnuts. They were plump, heavy, and completely unblemished.
Su Wudeng hadn’t anticipated such a massive haul from a simple morning walk. The trip had been a resounding success. Securing the straps of her heavy pack, she bid her new business partner farewell and began the trek back to the cabin.
The moment the humans departed, Bengbeng bolted into his hollow, eager to dig into the fresh brioche. Ever since tasting it the first time, it had haunted his dreams.
He carefully peeled back the wrapper, a rich, milky, sweet aroma filling the entire interior of the trunk. He took a massive bite. Beneath the crispy, sugar-dusted crust lay a crumb so soft and pillowy it felt like clouds, bursting with a deep nutty undertone.
How strange, the squirrel pondered, chewing rapidly. There isn’t a single physical pine nut inside this dough, yet the essence of the nut is everywhere. Human culinary alchemy is terrifyingly advanced.
He savored the texture, completely captivated by the contrast between the buttery softness and the crisp praline bits. Within three minutes, the entire loaf had vanished.
He licked his paws thoroughly, then carefully buried the remaining pieces deep beneath his vault of raw acorns. I must ration these. A king does not feast all at once.
With his main course finished, his gaze fell upon the small bag of dry-roasted pine nuts Su Wudeng had given him as a gesture of goodwill. He opened it with a hint of skepticism. Can putting a raw nut over fire really improve upon perfection?
He popped one into his mouth and bit down.
An explosion of concentrated, smoky, buttery flavor completely detonated across his tastebuds. The intense fragrance filled every nook and cranny of the hollow.
The squirrel’s black eyes snapped wide open.
What on earth is this?! It’s incredible! The raw garbage I’ve been eating my entire life isn’t even fit for compost compared to this!
The crunch was sensational, the depth of flavor rich and mellow. Bengbeng began shoving them into his face one after another, completely powerless to stop himself. Before he knew it, his claws scraped against the empty bottom of the bag.
That’s… that’s it?
He scrambled out of the tree hole, scaling the trunk until he reached the absolute highest canopy branch. He peered into the distance, but Su Wudeng’s group had already disappeared past the bend of the river.
A profound, crushing wave of regret hit the little rodent.
Can I take back what I said about the slave thing? I mean… a squirrel’s dignity is important, obviously… But if slavery comes with an unlimited supply of dry-roasted pine nuts… that’s just a strategic relocation of labor!
A foodie’s dedication knows no pride.
The moment Su Wudeng crossed the threshold of her cabin, she went straight to the kitchen to begin roasting the new batch of nuts for her giveaway winners.
The intense, sweet aroma quickly filled the living area, and Nana’s massive, watery eyes locked onto the stove, her nose twitching in desperate anticipation. Su Wudeng couldn’t resist that look; she quickly pulled a fresh, cooling batch from the tray and offered a handful to the fawn.
Nana eagerly snatched them up, her eyes widening into perfect circles as she crunched. Delicous! It’s so crispy and sweet!
Su Wudeng stroked the fawn’s sleek neck, her heart melting. “Glad you like it, sweet girl. Eat as much as you want.” Who wouldn’t want to spoil a polite, well-behaved little deer?
Suddenly, Nana paused, looking up at Su Wudeng with a hint of bashful hesitation. Sister… would it be okay if I brought my mommy here tomorrow?
I really, really want her to try these roasted nuts!
Su Wudeng stopped stirring, her eyes widening. Her mother?!
Nana’s mother would be a fully matured, adult Lingnai Deer. At that stage of development, her plant-growth and restoration magic would be exceptionally potent.
A brilliant tactical idea formed in Su Wudeng’s mind. The vast wasteland surrounding her property desperately needed a powerful agricultural touch. If she could convince Nana and her mother to lend their magical abilities to cultivate the soil and restore the grass…
In return, she could easily provide them with a lifetime supply of unlimited roasted chestnuts.
