419: Challenge accepted

Challenge accepted

"If that is what you think is right…" Grandma Zhu offered Heaven a warm smile after listening to the latter's request. "... then I trust you."1

Heaven smiled back in satisfaction. "Thank you, Grandma. I know what I am asking is a little hard, but…" she trailed off when Grandma Zhu shook her head. 

"I've lived long enough to understand some things are meant to let go over time. I'm simply relieved that even when I have to let go of this life, I know my family is in good hands," Grandma Zhu expressed from the bottom of her heart, nodding at Heaven reassuringly. "Little Heaven, before anything else, I want to introduce you to someone."

"Someone?" Heaven's brows rose, staring at the smile plastered on the old woman's wrinkly face. 

Grandma Zhu reached her hand out, which Heaven clasped on instinct. "You'll know once you meet her."

Deep lines appeared on Heaven's forehead, noticing the excitement flickering across the old madam's eyes. With that being said, Grandma Zhu told her to come with her. Heaven assisted her, treading carefully as they headed to their destination. 

Initially, Heaven didn't know where Grandma Zhu was taking her until she realized they were heading to the old residence's greenhouse. It had been a while since Heaven moved into the old residence, but she barely had a house tour. Not that she would get lost in this old mansion, no matter how vast it was. 

Even so, this was her first time stepping foot in the greenhouse she usually ignored since moving into this place. When they arrived, Heaven looked around the greenhouse. 

'It looks like a jungle,' she thought, a little surprised that the inside of the greenhouse was different from what she expected. Although it was quite massive than an average greenhouse.

Dominic's previous home also had a greenhouse, but they were mostly vegetables. The reason for this was to make sure everything Sebastian ate was fresh and organic. But this greenhouse… it was strange from its size and the overgrown plants and trees. 

"Grandma, does Butler Fu neglect the greenhouse?" asked Heaven, as that was what it looked to her.

"Haha." Grandma Zhu laughed, casting her a quick look before setting her eyes on the jungle ahead. "Mercy, come out!" 

Heaven furrowed her brows, confused. However, her puzzlement quickly disappeared when she heard a low growl from somewhere. When she turned her head, her pupils dilated at the beast coming out of the jungle. 

Grrr…

Heaven held her breath, eyes fixed on the black panther strutting in their direction. It had a bright pair of golden eyes, furs as black as ink, and a natural intimidating air that could make any human freeze on the spot.

It let out a low growl as it approached.

"Grandma…" she called under her breath, frozen on her spot as the black panther walked around her while sniffing her. "... is this… the pet Basti kept talking about?"

Grandma Zhu chuckled as the black panther named Mercy went to her. "Yes, her name is Mercy." She dropped her hand to pat her pet while her other hand held onto her cane. 

Grr…

"It's alright, Mercy. She is my little Heaven," she cajoled upon sensing the wariness her pet was giving off to Heaven. "Heaven is Basti's mom, and she's very precious to me. Be good."

"..."

Heaven pressed her lips into a thin line, watching Grandma Zhu pet the black panther while talking to it. She already knew Grandma Zhu had a pet, and according to Sebastian, it was a cat. However, she had never seen a cat since moving into the old residence until now. Not that she thought it was important. 

But now, everything somehow made sense to her. 

'No wonder…' thought Heaven, still speechless at this discovery. 'Gosh… Grandma really is cool.'

"Hehehe." Grandma Zhu flashed Heaven a smile. "Little Heaven, meet my little girl, Mercy. She's always been a part of this family. Please be good to her."

Heaven pressed her lips into a thin line as she shifted her eyes to the black panther. "Hi, Mercy…"

Grrr…

"Uhm…" Heaven cleared her throat, scratching her neck at the obvious hostility from Mercy. 

"Mercy, behave." Grandma Zhu patted the black panther's head, and the latter stroked its head against Grandma Zhu's leg. "She can be very hostile towards others, but she doesn't harm anyone for no reason."

'So it still harms others if it has a reason… for example, it's hungry?'

"Mercy is very protective of me and Basti. She hates many things and likes staying indoors during the day, so Butler Fu lets her out at night," Grandma Zhu continued, rendering Heaven even more speechless. 

'Why am I only hearing this now?'she wondered. 'What if I went out in the night? Does that mean I'd get ravaged by her?'

"But once she likes someone, she can be very clingy," Grandma Zhu added, flashing Heaven a big smile. "Heaven, did you know that even Lionel and Ria couldn't tame her?"

"Huh?"

"For some reason, Mercy thinks Lionel and Ria are his little siblings. So, she rarely listens to them." A sigh slipped past Grandma Zhu's nostrils, letting Mercy lick on her fingers. "Axel has been scared of her since they were children until now. Dominic is the only person besides me Mercy listens to."

Grandma Zhu's smile stretched as she set her eyes back to her dearest pet. "She will like you, eventually."

"She will…?" Heaven trailed off as Mercy growled once again, just as she spoke quietly. 'I don't think so.'

"Heaven, I'll let you do whatever you like, but…" Grandma Zhu paused, setting her attention back to Heaven. 

The moment their eyes met again, Heaven couldn't help but gulp. Hearing the word "but" already gave her an idea of this side quest. 

"I ask you of one thing if you could tame Mercy and command her, then I'll give you more than you ask for," Grandma Zhu continued. Her gentle tone changed into a solemn and sincere one, holding Heaven's gaze firmly. 

'How the hell did I think Grandma wouldn't ask anything in return?'Heaven mentally sighed, but the corner of her mouth curled up as her eyes glinted excitedly. "Challenge accepted, Grandma."

A look of satisfaction turned up on Grandma Zhu's face, seeing the determined glint shining in Heaven's eyes. 

"Good luck."

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