The hospital room remained silent for a long time.
Pop.
On the ceiling, the burned-out medicinal candle spat out its last spark and went completely dark, leaving only a wisp of smoke curling beneath the ceiling.
Several little sprites rushed into the room like the wind, replaced the burned-out medicinal candle, then vanished just as swiftly. Who knew what they were busy with so early in the morning.
"Thank you."
Zheng Qing said dryly. Though his eyes followed the little sprites' retreating figures, those words were meant in his heart for that greedy tabby cat.
Although Yellow Flower Cat's earlier remarks had sounded rather old-fashioned, they had still offered a bit of comfort and made Zheng Qing feel somewhat better—though perhaps it was only the relief of having unburdened himself. The nightmare from moments ago seemed increasingly distant, and even the sirens' singing had nearly faded away.
"Very good. The deafest people are those unwilling to listen. Since you're still willing to listen, there's hope for you... But gratitude should be expressed through action, not words."
As it spoke, the tabby cat reached a paw into the basket and pulled out several more dried fish. Then it propped itself up, flicked its tail, and gestured. "...Like this."
"Take them all." The boy waved weakly. "They're all yours... Just take them. I'm not a cat. Who the hell knows why so many people keep giving me dried fish."
"You're welcome. I wish you a speedy recovery."
The tabby cat shook its whiskers with satisfaction, carried off the dried fish, and leaped onto the windowsill. Before leaving, it hesitated for several seconds, turned back, and gave the young wizard one last look.
"By the way, young man, here's a piece of advice. Next time you have something to confess, you can go