"I just want to ask, what do the pills you gave me do? Besides promoting genetic mutation, can they also extend a pet’s lifespan?" Shen Yibin quickly typed his question, then anxiously awaited the Future Pet Shop’s reply.
"Of course they can. The pets sold by our shop are so smart and adorable that they are bound to form deep bonds with their owners. Imagine how sad the owner would be if their pet died after just a year or two. That’s why we specifically extracted the longevity genes from various long-lived animals like the immortal jellyfish, geoduck, ocean quahog, and tortoise. Then, using the most advanced scientific methods, we extracted the active ingredients and mixed them into the pills. This can help increase a pet’s life expectancy. However, if the pet dies prematurely due to improper care by the owner, there’s nothing we can do about that." The Future Pet Shop replied quickly.
He had heard that the immortal jellyfish was the only known creature capable of reverting from a sexually mature state back to a larval stage, making it theoretically immortal. The longevity of tortoises was also common knowledge. But why were geoducks and ocean quahogs mixed in with them? ’Are clams really that long-lived too?’
’Looks like my knowledge of biology is seriously lacking.’ Seeing the Future Pet Shop’s reply, Shen Yibin breathed a small sigh of relief. ’It’s great that its lifespan can be extended. It would be such a shame if Maphario passed away after just a year or two.’ But how long could Maphario live with this extension? Shen Yibin quickly continued his inquiry with the Future Pet Shop in the chat box.
"Theoretically, this panda hamster’s lifespan has now been extended to be on par with a Longmao. If cared for properly, it can live for fifteen to twenty years."
’Fifteen to twenty years?’ Maphario seemed to be less than a year old, which meant it could live for at least another fourteen years. With that, Shen Yibin’s biggest worry was resolved. But people always want more once they get a little. Before, Shen Yibin would have been satisfied if Maphario could live for about ten years. Now, faced with a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years, he found himself wanting even more. "Can its lifespan be extended any further?"
"There are ways, but your level is too low. It’s useless to ask now. Let’s talk about it after you’ve raised your level." The Future Pet Shop once again showed its disdain for Shen Yibin’s partner level.
’Alright, as long as there’s a way, that’s good enough. The partner level can be raised slowly, right? I’m sure I can get my level up to snuff within ten years. Since a hamster with a one-year lifespan can live for fifteen years after taking the pill, wouldn’t a human who takes it live for a thousand years?’ The thought made Shen Yibin tremble with excitement. With shaky hands, he typed, "Excuse me, can humans take this pill? And can I buy it after I level up?"
"Of course... not! This pill is the result of our latest research. So far, we’ve only ever tested it on animals. The effects on humans are still unknown. If you were to take it rashly, we wouldn’t be responsible for the consequences." The Future Pet Shop’s words left Shen Yibin feeling both disappointed and intrigued.
He was disappointed that he couldn’t use the pill on himself right away, but intrigued because the Future Pet Shop hadn’t completely shut the door on the idea. Perhaps in a few years, they would successfully develop a longevity pill for humans. When that time came, he might have a chance to buy one and try it. The thought filled Shen Yibin with motivation. ’I have to work hard from now on and raise my level as soon as possible. It would be a disaster if they finish developing the medicine and I don’t have the qualifications to buy it.’
After his bout of excitement, Shen Yibin remembered another important matter: how could he keep Maphario in the shop? He quickly typed again, "Excuse me, what level do I need to reach to be able to buy multiple pets?" ’I mean, look at Xia Shixuan. She keeps a dozen different pets by herself, and they’re all thriving. And it’s not uncommon to see people on the street walking two dogs at once. This proves that as long as the conditions are right, one person can own multiple pets. There’s no reason for the Future Pet Shop to insist that each person can only have one pet, right?’
"You just need to reach Level 2 Partner. At that point, you yourself will be able to keep two pets. Once you reach Level 1 Partner, your customers will also be able to purchase and keep two pets each. Of course, the affinity restriction will not change." The Future Pet Shop’s reply nearly made Shen Yibin die from frustration.
His current total commission had reached 44,949.55, just 5,050.45 short of the 50,000 required for the upgrade. He figured one more pet sale would be enough. ’Sigh, if only Maphario had arrived just a little later.’
"Dear, can’t you be a little flexible? How about you send another pill over first? I’ll sell the next pet, and then I’ll buy this panda hamster, okay?" Shen Yibin pleaded. ’This time, I’d even be willing to go to Antarctica to find this Mutant Animal, as long as I can keep Maphario.’
"A Level 3 Partner cannot restock before selling their current pet. I have told you this before," the Future Pet Shop replied coldly.
"How about you make an exception and let me buy the panda hamster now? Once I buy it, I’ll level up and get permission to own two pets. It’s just like boarding the bus first and buying the ticket later. By the way, what’s the price of this panda hamster?" ’It’s something you could do with just a little flexibility, so please don’t refuse. Isn’t good business all about being agreeable to make a profit?’
As for the affinity issue, Shen Yibin wasn’t too worried. Judging by Maphario’s behavior, it seemed quite close to him. ’It should be able to meet the eighty-point passing mark, right?’
"The selling price is 83,583.50." ’Huh, that’s a strange number. I wonder if there’s any special meaning behind it? But, calculating my commission, I’d get 8,358.35, which is just enough to reach Level 2 Partner. Please, dear, just make an exception,’ Shen Yibin continued to pray.
"Our shop has strict regulations. Even if you were only one cent away from reaching Level 2, it would not be allowed. You should wait until you have sold this panda hamster to a suitable owner before you come back to purchase a second pet!" The Future Pet Shop was as rigid as ever, unwilling to bend the rules in the slightest.
’Does this mean there’s no way for me to keep Maphario in the shop? Sigh, why the heck don’t I have a girlfriend? If I did, I could see if her affinity with Maphario is high enough. If it is, I could totally have her buy Maphario. It really sucks to be single.’
’Huh? Wait, maybe there is a way after all.’ Inspiration suddenly struck Shen Yibin, and he hurriedly asked the Future Pet Shop another question.