"It's right here in this patch of grass! Hurry, don't let it get away!"
The two immediately split up to search.
Finding one particular plant in such a large patch of grass was quite a test of eyesight.
At times like this, an animal's sense of smell really was more reliable.
Cola sniffed here and there and soon zeroed in on a spot. After circling it a few times and pawing at the dirt in one place, Cola's eyes lit up. "Mu You, I found it, meow!" Cola called out hastily.
"Oh? Where, where?"
Mu You hurried over for a look, only to find an utterly ordinary blade of broadleaf grass beneath Cola's paw, indistinguishable from the other weeds around it.
"Are you sure this is mandrake?"
"I'm sure!"
Cola swallowed, tongue hanging out, and spoke telepathically. "Once mandrake buries itself in the ground, it changes its leaves to look just like the plants around it. But its scent can't escape this kitty's nose! Hahahaha..."
As Cola spoke, the cat sidled up to the weed with an obnoxious air. "Hehe, little thing, you think hiding here will let you escape my clutches? Watch me pull you out!"
With that, Cola bit down at the base of the weed and began tugging hard.
Mu You had been delighted to have found the mandrake so easily, but Cola's next move made him freeze, his expression changing drastically. "No, wait a second..."
Unfortunately, he was a moment too late.
The next second, Cola yanked the weed out by the roots. Sure enough, attached beneath those roots was a "white radish" with a little face and short limbs. Exposed to the air, it immediately began kicking all four limbs wildly, opened its mouth wide without hesitation, and burst into tears.
"Waaah, waaah, waaah..."
A