Night, at the Starfire Foster Shop in Minghui City.
The evening lights had come on, but business at the Starfire Foster Shop was still bustling.
With the System Clerks keeping things running, the grooming service had long since switched to operating around the clock. Customers formed a long line outside, their enthusiasm seeming ready to drive away the night's chill.
Inside the shop, the System Shop Manager had just seen off a customer and was about to call in the next when he suddenly sensed something and looked in a certain direction.
The next moment, Xu Ran appeared inside the shop amid a flicker of light.
"Business looks good tonight?" Xu Ran glanced at the long line outside and nodded slightly to the System Shop Manager before summoning the four little ones waiting for him.
Thanks to Fang Canghai's special attention, the resources Xu Ran redeemed were delivered almost as soon as he placed his orders. With little waiting involved, they had managed to finish their business in Cloud-Gathering City within a day.
Before long, Xu Ran and his four beasts returned to the shop's living quarters. On his otherwise empty bed, a small figure lay curled beneath the covers. Flames occasionally flickered over its head, but they did not ignite anything they touched.
It was Firefly, who had yet to form a contract and thus could not accompany Xu Ran to Cloud-Gathering City.
Xu Ran exchanged glances with the four little ones, and a hint of a smile appeared on his face.
He tiptoed over to Firefly, leaned close to its flaming ear, and called softly, "Firefly? Wake up, Firefly."
"Rrr~"
Firefly gave a low rumble. Its round ears twitched, and the flames burning on them grew a little stronger.
It seemed to be sleeping soundly. It merely shifted