Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 473: The New Year Feast

Nancy’s nose stung with emotion, but she flashed a smile brighter than any light in the house.

This gift was simply too heavy. It was not just the value of a luxury villa; it was the fact that Barry had taken every casual remark she ever made and solemnly turned them into a dream come true.

Nancy cradled the soft Snowball in her arms and gently lifted one of the little creature’s furry front paws, offering it toward Barry. Her eyes curved into crescents. "Barry, as a way to say thank you... we are officially inviting you to join us for dinner to ring in the New Year."

She shook Snowball’s little paw, her voice filled with laughter and sincerity. "I wonder if you would do us the honor?"

Snowball, held up by the paw, was a bit nervous but also curious. While exploring the villa earlier, the ermine had already spotted the small, padded slide designed specifically for him. The fear he once felt for the monster was being nudged aside by a tiny thought. Maybe he is not so scary after all.

He huddled in Nancy’s arms, his beady black eyes peering shyly at Barry as his squeaks drifted out. "Dinner... you are coming to eat? But... this time you cannot treat me like a bowl of white rice... or a hand towel!"

When Barry heard Nancy’s translation, the amusement in his eyes deepened. He reached out and gently shook Snowball’s tiny furry paw.

"The honor is mine."

Barry looked up, his gaze landing on Nancy’s beaming face.

The animals of Loren Zoo were exceptionally well informed. They had already heard that Nancy’s mother was back and that they would be celebrating the New Year together.

By the time Nancy and the others finished their tour and stepped out of the villa, they saw a child’s kick scooter parked by the door. Corry and Bobby were standing proudly at the front of the deck like two tiny captains. The scooter was stacked with several large gift bags of nut snacks, each printed with their adorable likenesses.

Behind the scooter, Star was using his nose to steadily push the board, acting as the engine.

Upon seeing Tammy, Bobby immediately puffed out his chest and held up the largest walnut in his paws. "Tammy! These are the New Year goods we endorsed! These are for you to eat!"

Nancy laughed as she translated for her mother. "Mom, Corry and Bobby are star squirrels now. They endorsed the 'Two Squirrels' snack line. All our New Year treats in the zoo this year were sponsored by the brand, so we didn't spend a dime! Plus, the brand promised that for every gift set sold, they would donate winter supplies for wildlife to the Loren Zoo Conservation Fund. Sales for their gift sets have already topped one hundred thousand!"

Tammy could not help but smile. "How impressive!"

Tabby King, seeing the commotion, slipped away and returned a moment later with an elegant but slightly labored gait, carrying a heavy velvet box in his mouth. He set the box at Nancy’s feet and looked up. "Nancy, come help me move! I have too many medals; the box is getting too heavy to carry!"

Nancy saw right through his bragging but played along. "In such a hurry to move in? Mom, why don't you help Tabby King with his things?"

Tammy knelt down and opened the box. Inside were several rows of exquisite medals and ribbons, neatly arranged. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Wow, who is this little hero? You earned so many medals from the police department? That is amazing!"

Tabby King immediately straightened his back, the tip of his tail twitching with pride. "I am... just moderately amazing, I suppose."

A small black shadow glided in from the porch, hanging upside down. It was Chunk the bat. He had made an effort to pull an all nighter today and even brought along his good friend, a little gecko.

As soon as the gecko entered, he was stunned by the spacious, bright new home. He clung to the smooth floor, his little head darting around. "My god... this new house is huge! I can crawl here for a long, long time! Do not worry, everyone! From now on, I am taking charge of all the mosquitoes and flying bugs in this house! I guarantee everyone will sleep soundly and eat well!"

Nancy and Tammy were surrounded by the furry creatures in the living room, their laughter never ceasing.

Meanwhile, Simon took over the task of preparing lunch. He was wearing an apron and getting the ingredients ready when he heard footsteps. He turned to see Barry walking in, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, looking as natural as if he were a regular in this kitchen.

"I am here to help." Barry’s tone was gentle. "Nancy has not had a chance to taste my cooking yet."

Simon looked at him for two seconds. He did not say a word, but his wrist flicked. The freshly cleaned chef’s knife carved a sharp arc through the air, spinning so the handle faced outward as it flew straight toward Barry.

"Fine." Simon’s voice was calm. "Let me see what you can do."