The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178 On Fire

Chapter 178 On Fire

Mr. Crow grumbled as he directed, “Weren’t we supposed to put up a sign next to Crane that says One Dance for His True Love when he starts performing?”

“And don’t forget to make the donation bowl big and bold!”

Nina shuffled over with the display sign they’d set up, whispering to herself, “Are we really doing this?”

She glanced up at the graceful crane and asked carefully, “Crane, you’re cool with this, right?”

The crane, looking all elegant and otherworldly, lowered his head and spoke in a gentle voice that was totally at odds with his appearance.

“Ms. Summer,” he said, “Mr. Crow told me that acting all pitiful is the hack for going viral these days.”

Nina couldn’t help but laugh as she poked Mr. Crow’s chubby body. “You naughty bird, you’re leading our decent crane astray!”

Mr. Crow puffed up his tail with a haughty air. “It’s because you’re way too straight-laced, Ms. Summer!”

The crane gently lowered his head and softly nuzzled his partner’s feathers.

“Ms. Summer,” he said in his warm voice, “if it helps the zoo bring in a bit more for our meals, we’re glad to pitch in.”

Quentin watched as Nina and the birds huddled together, whispering among themselves.

He couldn’t make out their animal talk, but from those mischievous glances and Nina struggling not to laugh, he knew trouble was brewing. “What are you guys plotting over there?” Quentin asked.

Nina could barely keep a straight face as she gave Quentin the full rundown of their “pity tactic” scheme, complete with all the ridiculous details.

Quentin arched an eyebrow, giving Mr. Crow-who looked way too proud-a baffled look. “Wow, you’re really out here mastering the art of viral marketing?”

Mr. Crow proudly lifted his tail at the compliment from the big boss. “So, what do you think? Want me as your group’s marketing consultant?”

As soon as Nina finished translating, Quentin let out a helpless chuckle, his gaze landing on her.

“Too bad I can’t understand a word you say,” Quentin said. “If I really hired you, I’d have to bring Ms. Summer on board, too.”

He looked over at Nina. “But I have a feeling Ms. Summer wouldn’t want to stay by my side.”

Mr. Crow got all flustered, flapping his wings and glaring right at Nina.

“Girl! If you’re not taking this job, I sure will! Loads of other crows would kill for this gig!”

Nina couldn’t help but laugh and gave Mr. Crow a playful flick on the forehead.

By 11:30, with the sunshine spilling down, ethereal music floated through the air at the crane stage. Tourists crowded close, holding their breath and totally caught up in the moment.

The female crane lay “frail” on the ground, while the male crane launched into his dance, wings stretched wide and pure white feathers glowing almost angelic under the sunlight.

He soared lightly up, turning in elegant circles mid-air, every move radiating that graceful sorrow only cranes could pull off. Some of the tourists who had read that heartbreaking story about the Red-crowned cranes on the poster were already getting misty-eyed.

“Oh my god, this is so moving. That’s real devotion!”

“Life isn’t easy-dancing for love? I gotta chip in and support them!”

People kept watching the gorgeous crane dance, and pretty soon, wallets were out everywhere, making donations.

Mr. Crow parked himself on Nina’s shoulder, his tiny claws gripping her collar like he owned it, and those shiny black eyes were straight-up dripping with envy, jealousy, and plain old spite. “Why isn’t the money mine?”

Nina couldn’t help but crack up, tapping him lightly on the noggin. “Seriously? You don’t even have a legit account or a bank card-how are you planning to get paid, genius?”

Mr. Crow jerked his head, full of attitude. “I’ve got en daarop can!”

Nina grinned, “Oh? What tricks are you cooking up?

“Wouldn’t

Successfully unlocked!

you like to know!” Mr. Crow crowed. “Just watch me!”

1/4

Chapter 178 On Fire

Before the crane dance’s lingering magic had even faded, a lively, energetic beat burst onto the scene.

Here came the Squirrel Bros, making their entrance with those tiny legs bouncing, ready to break out their signature hand

moves.

Nina had set up the stage right next to the open crane platform, all for the big medal ceremony for the animal detectives later that afternoon.

Under the spotlight, the Squirrel Bros were totally stealing the show.

Coco, the older bro, was rocking a red bow on his head. His tiny paws spun that pink handkerchief around so slick, it blurred into a perfect circle of color.

And of course, he made sure to shake that fuzzy little tail, showing off his signature hula groove-agile, bouncy, and totally adorable.

Chubby, the younger brother, was always a half-step off. He tried spinning his handkerchief, but soon enough it got hopelessly wrapped around his head.

He scrambled in a panic, paws flailing everywhere, but still did his best to shimmy his round little body to keep up with Coco.

The way he clumsily threw himself into the dance with total seriousness was just too cute-it could melt anyone’s heart.

The audience went wild in an instant.

“Oh my god! That little squirrel spinning the handkerchief-he’s like some kind of magical creature!”

“Is the chunky one in back doing aerobics or what? That’s just too cute!”

“Mom, I wanna live at this zoo! Even the squirrels here are performers!”

“Best ticket ever-crane dance, squirrel stunts, all in one place!”

Just then, a tourist called out, “Wait, didn’t the promo say there was a Bodyguard Tabby King? How come he hasn’t shown up yet?”

Nina couldn’t help but laugh, coming to the rescue for her sassy feline boss. “Maybe it’s just a classic case of ‘two rulers, one stage-no way!”

Just as she finished speaking, the Squirrel Bros, fresh from their performance, bounced to the edge of the stage-one left, one right-frantically waving their tiny paws at the backstage curtain.

They did their best to nudge Tabby King out from where he was hiding, his eyes peeking out as he secretly watched all the

action.

“Whoa! It’s the detective cat!”

“I heard he was the one who led the stray cat team and found the key clue in that Jelasburg University case!”

“So this is the legendary Tabby King!”

Tabby King, basking in the flood of praise from the crowd, instinctively puffed out his furry chest, and his tail tip swayed with undeniable pride.

He cast a regal, almost aloof glance over the eager humans below. “Well, since you all seem so terribly desperate for a glimpse of greatness, I guess this king can lower himself to put on a show-just this once!”

Just then, an unsuspecting butterfly drifted into view.

Tabby King’s eyes sharpened, his body a blur-before anyone could react, he already had the butterfly pinned neatly beneath his paw.

Every movement was seamless and precise, the very picture of a top-class hunter in action.

Then, moving with all the swagger of a true king, he picked up the still-quivering butterfly and strutted right up to Nina, amber eyes flashing with smug pride.

“Woman,” Tabby King announced, “I’m feeling generous-consider this a reward.”

Nina was totally unprepared for Tabby King’s suave gesture-her heart gave a little jolt.

With a soft smile, she stretched out her palm and carefully accepted the trembling butterfly, gently cupping it for a moment before raising her hand and setting it free, letting it soar back into the sky.

The crowd instantly exploded with excitement.

“Oh my gosh, Tabby King totally knows how to steal the show!”

“Is this some kind of overbearing cat CEO romance plot or what?”

Chapter 178 On Fire

“Did you see the look he just gave? I can’t believe I’m getting butterflies because of a cat!”

Shadow was getting all riled up on the sidelines, circling Quentin and shoving his nose into Quentin’s hand. “Quentin! Did you see that sneaky cat? He’s hogging all the attention!”

Quentin just held down his excited dog, a resigned smile on his face.

“Why even bother arguing with a cat?” he said, teasingly calm.

Quentin couldn’t help but glance at Nina, catching that gentle smile on her face.

As the show was coming to a close, Mr. Crow flapped his wings and flew onto Nina’s shoulder, squawking, “Quick! Bring up the signing event merch-now!”

Nina hesitated, looking uncertain. “Seriously? Do you think anyone’s actually gonna buy this stuff?”

Mr. Crow puffed up like an offended boss. “You really doubt my sharp business eye?”

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