Fainted in Fear
Comparing the flowers online with the ones in her room, one could not deny the striking resemblance they shared.
Ruan Shu was dumbfounded by the exorbitant price of the flower gifted to her by her elder brother at that moment!
Only after conducting further research did she uncover the truth.
The land in this world was severely contaminated once again by the X pollutant.
The fragile plants could not thrive in the contaminated soil. Flowers and various vegetables fall into the category of delicate plants. Flowers are primarily ornamental and serve no practical purpose.
During a dark period in interstellar history, many perished from starvation or went mad due to pollutants.
Ultimately, essential nutrients were extracted from mutant plants, offering hope for the survival of all species in the universe.
However, mutant plants possessed a unique trait: they attacked everyone indiscriminately, regardless of their status or power. Commoners, nobles, and even emperors from various species were treated equally.
Obtaining resources from mutant plants was no easy feat.
Moreover, an unusual phenomenon existed where the presence of mutant plants led to the better growth of other flora, except for flowers, which were scarce.
While this fact was previously overlooked, as various civilizations in the universe emerged from the dark age and developed strength, they realized the scarcity of brightly colored flowers.
Scarce resources became highly valued in this era of prosperity, as evidenced by the exorbitant bidding for a simple potted flower.
The cultivation of fresh flowers remained a challenge, as each appearance at auctions sparked fierce competition.
Ruan Shu gently touched the potted star flower, becoming more attentive to its care after learning about its value. She delved into online resources to learn more about caring for star flowers.
Fortunately, the flower was blooming beautifully at the moment. She only hoped not to accidentally harm it with her care.
Twenty million credits!
Despite her newfound knowledge, Ruan Shu was conflicted when she saw the sprouts in her small plant pot.
"Are you all just grass?" She wondered aloud.
She did not believe that she could grow flowers. Upon receiving the seeds she had purchased online, labeled as flower seeds, she suspected she had been deceived.
Grass, with its robust vitality, was the only flora capable of thriving in soil contaminated by the X substance. Within the realm of mutant plants, trees, vines, and all other vegetation thrived.
Clearly, what she had grown was not a flower.
Despite this, after nurturing it for so long, she decided to continue caring for it.
Without dwelling too much on it, Ruan Shu placed the flower pot back in its spot before moving on.
She purchased some pre-prepared vines online and began weaving vine balls for her amusement.
The vine ball was both beautiful and lightweight, which was a rarity in the current times.
While a variety of toy balls were available, Ruan Shu found most of them to be sturdy and heavy, making them unsuitable for her tiny doll cat to play with.
After all, flimsy and lightweight balls were disposable items for star beast cubs.
She preferred making her own toys.
Seated on a small stool, Ruan Shu meticulously crafted a beautiful vine ball and immediately began playing with it, pretending to be a cat.
Cats love playing with ball toys, and influenced by their nature, Ruan Shu couldn't resist the urge to play when she saw other children playing with similar toys online or on TV. Now, she could indulge in playtime to her heart's content.
The grassy lawn of the mansion was expansive, providing ample space for her activities.
Lost in the joy of play, she unconsciously drifted far from the villa. Unfortunately, while playing with the ball, her companion, Xiao Mi, accidentally kicked it outside the wall.
Ruan Shu's expression turned blank.
Xiao Mi hurried over and said, "Sorry, Shu Shu, I kicked it too hard."
"Meow meow meow..."
No problem, she just needed to retrieve it.
However, she couldn't climb over the wall and would have to go around to exit.
Feeling a bit tired, Ruan Shu stuck out her tongue belatedly, deciding to take a break before retrieving the ball.
But then, upon noticing another estate nearby that neighbored her father's property, she hesitated. Would entering that estate be considered trespassing?
Perhaps it was best to abandon the ball and create a new one instead.
"Shu Shu, there's a hole here."
Suddenly, Xiao Mi's voice reached Ruan Shu, prompting her to approach and investigate.
Scratching through the foliage revealed an actual hole, not intended for a dog, as it was too small.
It seemed like she could fit through the hole.
Ruan Shu hesitated, squatting in front of the small opening. "Meow meow meow..."
Maybe it was best not to venture over.
Xiao Mi watched her and asked, "Don't you want the ball anymore, Shu Shu?"
Peeking inside the hole, Ruan Shu spotted her ball. Across the lush lawn, she faintly discerned the outline of a villa and a bamboo grove, unsure if anyone would come this way. Should she just retrieve the ball and return?
After two seconds of indecision, Ruan Shu cautiously stepped through the hole. With a slight lowering of her head, she easily passed through.
Feeling a bit nervous, she couldn't shake off the sensation of intruding into someone else's property.
Almost running back to her vine ball, she pushed it and made her way back.
Suddenly, an immense shadow loomed overhead, and Ruan Shu's gaze instinctively lifted to meet the sight of a colossal figure, larger than her father. Its body was covered in rigid scales, with its thick tail blocking the small opening.
As it descended, Ruan Shu felt a slight bounce underneath her.
Stiffening, she slowly raised her head, meeting a pair of golden eyes, larger than lanterns.
Ruan Shu exclaimed, and the next moment, she fainted in fear!
The fluffy white plush cat lifted its head, only to be petrified and fall back in terror when confronted with the terrifying behemoth.
Almor, realizing the situation, reverted to his human form and hurriedly picked up the unconscious cat.
Upon recently moving in, Almor had already been alerted to Ruan Shu's presence through the estate's pervasive heat sensors.
Intending to make a grand and elegant entrance, he did not expect to scare the small creature unconscious with his imposing presence.
Judging by the cat's eyes alone, Almor deduced that the little, cuddly star animal was Ruan Shu. No other being he encountered possessed such clear, blue eyes.
"So small, yet so timid."
Amused and slightly bashful at having scared her, Almor felt a pang of guilt.