“Simply put, if you link with this system and stick to losing weight, every pound you shed will earn you a reward.
The reward can be built into the system or something you personally want—but you have to meet the weight-loss goal to claim it.”
Jiang Nuan didn’t believe such a thing could exist.
She shook her head, rubbing her belly with regret.
“My body isn’t ready for weight loss right now.”
The cat nodded. “I know you’re pregnant—and with twins.”
Jiang Nuan froze. “You… how do you know that?”
The cat blinked innocently. “Master, I know everything about you—and even about others. I only exist to help you. I will never harm you.”
Seeing its sincerity, Jiang Nuan nodded.
The cat continued, “Don’t worry, Master. Binding with this system will not harm your babies. Being overweight can cause many health problems. Once your weight drops, it will actually benefit your children’s development.
Once you bind the system, you’ll receive a beginner’s gift pack: a space that can store anything and a bottle of magical spring water.
The space has instruments to check your body at any time and monitor your children’s growth.
The spring water will make you stronger and healthier, keeping your babies safe.”
Jiang Nuan’s curiosity was piqued.
Seeing her interest, the cat flicked its tail and stared at her with sparkling eyes. “Master, I begged a long time to get this system. Don’t miss this chance—it won’t come again.”
Jiang Nuan hesitated, then asked, “This spring water… can it really help Lu Lin recover his health?”
“Of course!” The cat puffed up its chest proudly. “If you stick to losing weight, you can earn anything you want.”
“Fine!” Jiang Nuan didn’t hesitate. “I’ll bind it!”
The cat’s eyes lit up, and it placed a paw in her hand.
Warmth spread from her palm through her body.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared, and in an instant, she was in an old-style courtyard.
“Master, congratulations on binding the weight-loss system!”
The cat twirled excitedly around her. “This space is where the system rewards you. Simply say ‘enter’ to come and go freely.”
The cat jumped onto a flower bed, pointing. “This is the spring source, though it’s dry now. When you meet your goals, it will unlock, producing endless spring water.”
Then the cat held a glass bottle of clear liquid. “Master, this is your spring water. Drink it—it will make you strong and powerful!”
Jiang Nuan took it and immediately thought of Lu Lin. “Thank you, cat… but what’s your name?”
The cat meowed happily. “I don’t have a name yet. Give me a nice one, Master.”
Jiang Nuan thought for a moment and shyly smiled. “I don’t know many characters… for now, I’ll call you Mimi. I’ll give you a proper name later.”
The cat seemed a little disappointed but nodded obediently.
Jiang Nuan held the bottle tightly. “Mimi, I’m leaving now. How will I contact you?”
“I’ll always be by your side, invisible to others. Call me whenever you need me, and I’ll appear instantly.”
Jiang Nuan smiled at the little cat. “Thank you, Mimi.”
The cat wagged its tail. “Master, it’s my honor. Go on—call me if you need me.”
She patted the cat and thought, I need to get back. In a blink, she returned to Lu Dapo’s room.
“Mimi?” she called softly.
“I’m here, Master,” the cat’s voice answered. “I’ve been invisible to avoid being noticed. I won’t watch you without permission. Only when you call will I appear.”
Jiang Nuan carefully stored the spring water and left the room with rice, flour, and oil. Ignoring all the eyes in the courtyard, she entered the kitchen.
Time was tight.
She planned to cook a quick, nutritious, and easy-to-digest tomato and egg noodle soup for Lu Lin.
She heated oil, sautéed tomatoes and green onions, then added cold water.
While waiting for it to boil, she made small noodles from flour.
Once the water boiled, she dropped in the noodles, and just before they cooked, she cracked in five eggs. Thinking of Lu Dapo’s cruel actions, she wished she had even more eggs to use.
Golden eggs, snowy noodles, and bright red tomato cubes rolled together. A few green vegetable leaves went in last.
In under five minutes, the fragrant, colorful, and delicious egg noodle soup was ready. The aroma filled the courtyard, making everyone’s mouth water.
Jiang Nuan smiled, poured a bit of the spring water into the bowl, and tasted it herself.
Instantly, warmth and strength flowed through her body. She felt light and powerful.
To test it, she picked up an axe from the ground and tapped a wooden bench. It snapped in two.
Shocked, she poured the remaining spring water into the soup without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Lu Dapo had failed to borrow a flatbed cart—no one would lend one, even her closest neighbors.
“Unbelievable! People pretend to be nice, but in a crisis, they’re useless!” Lu Dapo complained as she returned, smelling the aroma of the soup.
Jiang Nuan emerged from the kitchen holding the steaming bowl.
“God! My precious eggs and flour!” Lu Dapo shouted, rushing to grab it.
Jiang Nuan caught her wrist and twisted it lightly. Lu Dapo screamed in pain.
“Ah! My hand!”
Jiang Nuan, amazed at the spring water’s power, looked at Lu Dapo with a mix of shock and amusement.
“Mom, what happened? I barely touched you—how is it so bad? Are you faking?”
The village chief frowned at Lu Dapo’s exaggerated cries. Villagers laughed and mocked her.
Jiang Nuan grinned and headed toward Lu Lin’s room—but suddenly felt her pant leg grabbed!