CHAPTER 4

Little chubby bird sensed her emotional change and gently touched her cheek.

That touch brought Shu Yanyan back to reality.

Right, the person on the other end was little chubby bird's original owner. How could she be the person she had been longing for?

She forced herself to regain her composure and spoke, "In the GO Mall, you gave my daughter a simulated robotic bird as a gift. This gift is too valuable, and I would like to inquire about how to return the robotic bird to you."

The other person calmly replied, "The robotic bird is a failed experiment for me and is not valuable to me. On the contrary, the little girl needs it. She needs a bionic robot companion to grow with her, someone who can protect her. Rather than saying it was a gift, it's more like repurposing a failed product. If you don't mind, please accept it."

Shu Yanyan murmured, "But, this... how can this be..."

The other person's warm voice sounded in her ear, "Of course, it can."

She smiled, "I was happy to meet the little girl from the Yanyan family. She made me feel better, and that's why I gave her the robotic bird as a return gift."

Shu Yanyan turned to look at Shu Yunmiao, and Yunmiao leaned closer to her and asked, "Mommy, is she the big sister?"

Shu Yanyan nodded.

Shu Yunmiao spoke into the communication device, "Big sister, the little bird is so cute. It's also very powerful and can protect Yunmiao and mommy!"

From the tone of her voice, it was evident that the other person was in a very good mood. "Really? Then you have to take good care of it."

Shu Yunmiao nodded, "Okay!"

Seeing this, Shu Yanyan couldn't refuse any longer. "...Thank you. Let's consider it as me and Yunmiao temporarily taking care of it."

She gathered herself and inquired, "I usually make and sell some desserts and snacks. Would you be interested in trying them? I can send you some."

After deciding to keep the little chubby bird, she could only make amends through reciprocal gestures.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the call. After a while, the person finally responded, "Mailing is not very convenient."

Shu Yanyan was a little disappointed, but then she heard the person speak again, "But I'm really looking forward to it. If there's a chance, can I visit your shop?"

Shu Yanyan felt a bit embarrassed. "Uh, of course! But my shop will take a while before it opens. I'll send you the address when it's ready."

The other person responded, "Mhm."

In theory, the call should have ended here, but Shu Yanyan was captivated by the other person's voice—

Even though she knew that the person on the other end was not the lover she had been searching for, listening to that tone of voice briefly immersed her in the illusion of being reunited with her wife. She glanced at the chubby bird perched on her shoulder and tried to find something to say, "Um, may I ask how to take care of this simulated robotic bird?"

Fortunately, the other person was generous with their answer, "It doesn't require special maintenance. The robotic bird operates on solar energy, so as long as it has enough time outdoors every day, it'll be fine. Also..."

At that moment, there were two knocks on the door heard through the communication device. Indeed, the next moment, the other person abruptly ended the conversation, "You can ask it about any maintenance issues, it will provide you with answers. I have some matters to attend to. We'll talk again if there's a chance."

Shu Yanyan felt a great sense of regret but still said "Goodbye" in compliance before ending the call.

Seeing her put away the communication device, Shu Yunmiao approached and asked, "Mommy, so can we keep the little bird?"

Shu Yanyan pinched her daughter's rosy cheek and said, "Yes, from now on, the little bird can play with you. Are you happy?"

As Shu Yunmiao nodded, the little bird flew onto her head. It reiterated, "I'm not a little bird! I am the Noble Divine Bird!"

Shu Yanyan asked, "So, you still don't have a name?"

The little chubby bird pecked at its feathers uncomfortably and said, "D-Divine Bird doesn't count as a name?"

Shu Yanyan smiled, "Of course not."

She thought for a moment, "Since that's the case, let's give you a name. I've read a book called 'Shan Hai Jing,' which mentions a mythical bird called 'Guan Guan.' It is said that wearing Guan Guan's feathers can help dispel confusion and troubles."

"What do you think of the name 'Guan Guan'?"

"'Guan Guan'? It doesn't sound majestic at all!" Jiu looked conflicted, "But it is more powerful than me. My feathers don't have that kind of ability."

Shu Yunmiao chimed in, "But 'Guan Guan' sounds nice!" She started calling out, "Guan Guan, Guan Guan!"

After a moment of reserved contemplation, the little bird couldn't help but happily swoop around, "Alright! From now on, this Noble Divine Bird shall be called 'Guan Guan'!"

The hover car sped at an extreme speed, and after a moment, the two people and the bird returned to their temporary rented apartment.

Seeing that it was not yet time to prepare dinner, Shu Yanyan took out some materials from home to prepare a resting nest for the little chubby bird.

After understanding what she intended to do, Guan Guan reminded her, "I don't need any resting bird nest."

It flew onto the table for a while and then stood next to the thermostat, saying, "When I want to 'rest,' I can enter a 'standby' state by simply perching anywhere."

Shu Yanyan shook her head as she sewed, "That won't do."

She was very serious about it, "You are Yunmiao's companion, a member of our family, so naturally, you should have your own room and bed."

Shu Yunmiao also held two pieces of fabric and asked, "Guan Guan, do you like blue or green?"

Guan Guan fell silent for a long time.

It was very aware of its identity as a simulated robot bird, and it never expected that one day it would be regarded as "part of the family" by humans. This treatment created many indescribable feelings within it. After analyzing, it felt that it might be—

It was deeply moved!

Finally calming down, it landed on Shu Yanyan's shoulder but then worried about disturbing her and flew over to Yunmiao's side. The esteemed Divine Bird casually pointed, "I-I want blue."

Then, it looked at Shu Yanyan and said, "You are so different from my previous owner. S-She would never prepare these things for me."

Shu Yanyan asked curiously, "What was your previous owner like?"

The little chubby bird flapped its wings and pondered for a moment before answering, "Actually, I was already surprised when we were in the car. I didn't expect you to actually contact her and talk to her for so long!"

Shu Yanyan chuckled, "The number was given by you. Is it really strange that I could contact her?" She recalled the recent conversation and added, "Besides, she seems to be a very approachable person herself, doesn't she?"

The little chubby bird shrank its neck in fear and replied, "Only you would describe her that way."

Shu Yanyan was curious, "How do others describe her?"

Perhaps it was because the voice of the other person sounded so similar to her beloved, she couldn't help but want to know more.

The little bird immediately selected a highly praised negative review from the internet and said, "She is an emotionless demon, the most ruthless tyrant without any compassion."

Shu Yanyan found it hard to believe. "This is defamation, right?" She instinctively thought that both "tyrant" and "demon" were exaggerated adjectives, so she didn't dwell on it and simply said, "If she's really like that, why would she be so kind to Yunmiao?"

The little bird tilted its head and pondered, then said, "I also think that this evaluation carried a great deal of malice, but..."

It looked at Yunmiao, who was helping to organize the fabrics, and continued, "She is indeed unusually kind to the little girl. Normally, she's always cold and doesn't like to interact with outsiders."

The "cold" and "doesn't like to interact with outsiders" tyrant is currently listening to reports from subordinates about the public's perception of her.

"...Although these kinds of evaluations are all malicious attacks, many people have already started to be influenced," Chief Guard Xiao Yun presented a document. "Your Majesty, this is the plan proposed by the think tank after deliberation."

Chu Yu read through it quickly and gave her opinion, "Restarting the street tour plan is fine, but no handshakes."

Xiao Yun felt helpless, on the verge of tears. "The patrol plan is just a vehicle, and shaking hands with the people is an important part of showcasing Your Majesty's affability." She struggled and suggested, "How about not touring by car, but invite selected individuals to palace to meet you, and then live-stream the entire process?"

Chu Yu shook her head.

Although she didn't say anything,  Chief Guard Xiao Yun, who understood her Majesty very well, knew that this meant there was no room for compromise.

Xiao Yun took a deep breath. "If Your Majesty doesn't include the handshake segment, the Crown Prince will take advantage of the festival day to gather public support. At that time, those with ulterior motives will compare Your Majesty to him, undermining Your Majesty."

Chu Yu finally looked up.

She gave the order, "Notify the Shao family and initiate the acquisition of West Qilin Resources."

Xiao Yun exclaimed, "Ah?"

Chu Yu lightly picked up a knight chess piece from the table, moved it forward, and placed it next to the enemy's general.

"Let's see if Uncle cares more about West Qilin Resources or public opinion."

Xiao Yun's eyes brightened. "I understand, Your Majesty!"

She recorded this important arrangement in her smart brain and then said, "Also, the Empress Dowager has brought up Your Majesty's marriage matter again. The Empress Dowager hopes that Your Majesty can initiate the selection of a consort after the festival day."

Chu Yu asked, "Has Ge Meng returned?"

Xiao Yun shook her head, "Miss Ge and her entourage won't be able to return to the capital until next month." She carefully observed Chu Yu's expression and asked, "Do you want to appoint Miss Ge as the Empress consort?"

Chu Yu tapped her index finger on the table. "I want to know what exactly happened during the two years I went missing."

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