The Fox's Dream

Scholar x little fox

A scholar finds an injured little fox and takes it home to care for it.

On the first night, he dreams that the little fox starts talking: "Thanks for saving me. To repay you, I can help you eat a few of the chickens in your yard. You can't eat them all by yourself anyway."

The scholar doesn't take it seriously. After waking, he buys herbal medicine from the village doctor and makes a remedy for the little fox.

On the second night, the little fox waves its paws in the dream and thumps the scholar on the head twice. "Don't feed me that bitter stuff!"

The scholar: "..."

After waking this time, he stares at the little fox for a long while. It curls up in his arms, looking so sweet and well-behaved, nothing like something that would beat people up.

The scholar thinks it over, goes out, and buys a chicken wrapped in lotus leaves, then sets it in front of the little fox.

On the third night, the fox in his dream snuggles up to his shoulder with great enthusiasm, rubbing its beautiful fluffy tail against the scholar's cheek. "That's right, that's right, Yu Lang. I want this again tomorrow."

The scholar passes all three imperial examinations, earns top honors, and becomes the talk of the town. He refuses the emperor's offer to arrange a marriage, saying his heart already belongs to someone.

When he returns home, someone is reclining on a chaise in the courtyard, with long black hair and delicate makeup, beautiful as a peach blossom, dozing over a picture book.

Seeing him return, the person yawns. "What's so fun about studying? I think we should open a restaurant together and eat and drink our fill every day."

The scholar doesn't disagree. "You speak the truth, Elder Brother."

Then he brushes the fallen flower from the other's temple.

Please note:

1. Control freaks, do not read. Reading means you accept this condition.

2. The younger one tops and the pairing will not be switched. The little fox is the older brother. A sweet little short story, w.

2025.11.13

Theme: Celebrate the New Year in high spirits