Chapter 211
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พร
On the way to Emerald County, the bustling cityscape gradually faded away outside the car window, replaced by winding mountain roads and layers of forest.
Simon focused on driving, his profile sharp and defined.
Nina was in the back, taking care of the little animals on their trip, or rather, being taken care of by them.
As the weather cooled down, Pearlie curled up sweetly around Nina’s neck, like a heated plush scarf, spreading cozy warmth wherever she touched.
Pearlie’s tiny paws padded and kneaded at Nina’s neck, just like a little masseuse hard at work.
Right next to Nina, the Squirrel Bros were running their own mini production line, working together in perfect harmony.
Coco, the older brother, acted just like a strict quality inspector. He picked up a walnut, gave a practiced shake and weighed in his tiny paws, then tossed the walnut straight into the trash bag without a second thought. “Nope, this is one’s worm-eaten!”
Coco was a true nut connoisseur, able to judge with a shake and a weight whether a nut was plump or had been infested by bugs.
Next, Coco grabbed another walnut. “This one’s good, quality approved!”
With perfect aim, Coco tossed the approved walnut right into the basket in front of his brother.
Chubby was in charge of processing. It skillfully cracked open the nut, extracted the kernel, and generously dropped it onto Nina’s snack plate.
Of course, Chubby would occasionally pilfer a couple for himself, and his cheeks would be stuffed full as he munched nonstop.
Nina curled up in her seat, savoring the freshly shelled nuts from the Squirrel Bros while binge-watching her favorite drama on her tablet. She was so blissed out, her eyes squinted shut, feeling like she was floating on cloud nine.
Tabby King sprawled lazily in the seat next to Nina, letting out a sarcastic meow, “Tsk, so lazy. You’re even putting kids to work.”
Nina laughed and gave the Squirrel Bros a playful poke on their little butts. “Hear that? Quick, tell Tabby King you’re helping me because you want to!”
Coco instantly held up a tiny walnut and declared with utmost seriousness, “We’re doing this willingly! Nina gives us food and a place to stay, and we crack nuts for her. That’s called mutual help between friends!”
Chubby, right beside Coco, nodded like crazy while sneaking the biggest kernel straight into his mouth. “Yeah! The tastiest friendship ever!”
In on the roof rack, the newly slim little bat hung upside down, sleeping peacefully. Its round body gently
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Chapter 211
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rose and fell with each breath. Finally, it didn’t have to worry about dropping off anymore.
This time, Nina brought Misty Fang along because the snake had insisted on coming.
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Misty Fang was in its glass tank, eyes locked on the back of Simon’s head, twisting and turning restlessly.
Nina had no choice but to drape a black cloth over the tank, blocking the lovestruck snake’s view.
Meanwhile, Mr. Crow, the ever-busy workaholic, had been hustling as a headhunter for birds, tracking down old, weak, and sick birds struggling in the wild and hooking them up with the agricultural research base for a little cash.
He didn’t even hesitate to turn down Nina’s invitation to join the trip.
It was almost noon. Nina and Simon, along with their little animal crew, arrived near Lakeview Pigments in Emerald County.
The chubby little bat was hanging upside down in the car, sound asleep. Nina turned on the ventilation system to make sure it could sleep peacefully.
Nina slung a lightweight cat carrier over her shoulder, with Pearlie tucked snugly in her jacket pocket, only its little head peeking out, eyes wide with curiosity.
Simon, meanwhile, was carrying the airline crate with the Squirrel Bros inside.
They were both wearing matching windbreakers in different colors. Simon’s was jet black, which made him look even more upright and striking.
Nina’s was crisp, clean white, making her features seem even more lively and expressive.
Standing side by side, one in black, one in white, they looked just like climbing partners.
They stopped in front of a bakery.
Simon said quietly, “From what I found, this used to be the restaurant that Kason ran. Now it’s been turned into a bakery.”
Simon scanned the area, taking in the grocery store, convenience store, and other shops nearby.
He checked out the faded signs and the worn storefronts. “These shops have been here for four or five years. They should remember their old neighbor.”
Nina caught on and quickly pulled out a photo of Kason. She walked up to a nearby shopkeeper, flashing a friendly smile. “Hi there, do you remember the guy who used to run the restaurant here?”
As they asked around, the shopkeepers started recalling:
“The restaurant? I think it opened two or three years ago. We all just called the owner Kason, but never really
knew his actual name.”
“He was a really nice guy, warm and genuine. His food was amazing, and he delivered it to Lakeview Pigments
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Chapter 211
across the street every day.”
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“Yeah! He was so good at what he did, he basically had the whole lunch business at Lakeview Pigments locked down.”
“Then one day, he just closed up shop. People around here said someone must’ve been jealous of how well he was doing and pulled some strings to run him out.”
And there are many more similar statements.
As Nina listened to the shopkeepers talk about Kason, she leaned over to Simon and whispered, “Kason really nailed the undercover gig.”
Simon gave his sharp take. “If he put all that talent on the straight and narrow, he would be a real asset.”
After all, Kason was the one who came up with setting fires with kites and even did undercover work.
Nina pulled out a photo of her mother, Tanya, and showed it to the shopkeepers. “Do any of you recognize this woman? Her name is Tanya. She might have lived or worked around here before.”
Everyone shook their heads, saying they had never seen her.
Just then, someone piped up, “Why don’t you go ask Agnes at the scrapyard at the end of the street? Her scrapyard has been here for over thirty years. She knows this street better than anyone!”
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