Chapter 264: What Are You Playing at This Time...?

Everyone followed the direction of the person's finger and walked over in confusion. When they looked up and saw Fu Lin lazily yawning in the tree, they all fell silent.

Just then, a few crows happened to fly overhead.

...

"Oops, I've been spotted. Time to run!"

Seeing the silent crowd staring up at him, Fu Lin lazily stretched, calmly turned off the speaker, and then bolted away in a flash.

"It seems… the cat ran off…"

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"Stop! Don't run!"

"The cat up ahead, listen to me — you're surrounded. Surrender immediately!"

"My 30,000 yen — where do you think you're running?!"

"Little kitty, come into big sister's arms. Don't put up a pointless struggle~"

Hearing that sweet yet seductive voice in his ear, a young man turned his head toward it with anticipation, only to shiver and instinctively shift to the side. The others nearby reacted similarly.

The middle-aged woman ignored the reactions around her. While running, she pinched her throat to make her voice sound delicate and exaggerated, shouting toward Fu Lin. In her other hand, she held a pink sack meant for capturing large prey.

"Damn it, aren't you guys tired? It's just 30,000 yen — is it really worth chasing me down like this?!"

"Also, how could my Mei's money possibly end up with you guys? If you even manage to touch a single hair on me today, I'll admit defeat."

Fu Lin's limbs were moving so fast they were practically smoking, but even so, he couldn't shake off the crowd behind him. Hearing the shouts from behind, his heart immediately filled with curses.

Just then, Fu Lin's eyes caught sight of a golden figure in the distance. His eyes lit up. He suddenly braked hard, changed direction toward the figure, then gathered strength — leap, jump, take off — all in one smooth motion!

"Eh?" Bianca stopped in her tracks and blinked in surprise at the cat that had suddenly leapt into her arms. A trace of excitement flashed through her eyes.

But soon after, the approaching crowd surrounded Bianca. The middle-aged woman from earlier now wore a kind smile. Pinching her voice again, she reached out toward Bianca and said sweetly,

"Little girl, hand over the cat in your arms to big sister. I'll buy you candy in return."

"Meow~" Hearing that sickly sweet voice, Fu Lin shivered involuntarily, shrinking deeper into Bianca's embrace and letting out a soft meow.

Hearing the soft, fluffy meow from her arms, Bianca's heart exploded with warmth. She gently stroked the trembling Fu Lin.

But looking at the people surrounding her, Bianca's gaze darkened slightly. Her body tensed, ready to strike at any moment.

Yet deep inside, she was a little confused. She whispered to herself, "Did this cat violate some major law? Why else would so many people be chasing it?"

Fu Lin, "..."

"Forget it, let's call it off. This cat belongs to this young lady now — it's not meant for us. Sigh." Nichikawa Okaban looked at Bianca, who was still frozen in place, assuming she'd been scared stiff.

He sighed helplessly, waved his hand, then put his arm around Kini Taimei's shoulder and turned to leave.

Soon after, the crowd that had gathered so densely moments ago vanished without a trace, leaving Bianca standing there with a completely bewildered expression, unable to make sense of the situation.

Fu Lin peeked his head out and said, "They just left? They're surprisingly professional about it."

Bianca snapped out of her daze, rubbed Fu Lin's head with joy, and then locked eyes with his deep blue gaze. Her eyes fluttered a few times before she gasped, "Since they left, that means you're mine now. You jumped into my arms yourself, so no backing out… Fu Lin?!"

Fu Lin forced a sheepish smile, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes. He tilted his head and gave a confused look, "Meow~" (You've got the wrong cat.)

A trace of helplessness flashed through Bianca's eyes. Forcing a smile, she said, "What kind of game are you playing now?"

...

"So that's how it all happened." Fu Lin put down the tablet, crossed his paws, and showed an innocent expression.

Bianca nodded uncertainly and asked softly, "Do you need me to take you home?"

Fu Lin thought for a moment, and the image of Mei's lonely figure crossed his mind. He hesitated, then buried his head into Bianca's blanket.

Seeing Fu Lin's raised backside, Bianca giggled and said, "Rita went back to report to Schicksal. You can stay with me for a while. I'm not busy, so there's no rush to leave."

"Since you put it that way, I guess I'll reluctantly agree." After a long pause, Fu Lin lifted his head from the blanket and nodded in agreement.

Seeing him accept, Bianca's lips curled into a smile.

Then, as Fu Lin jumped off the bed, Bianca scratched her cheek. A light blush crept up her ears as her gaze shifted nervously. In a small voice, she asked, "Um… can you cook?"

Hearing that, Fu Lin stopped mid-step and looked back at the shy and slightly embarrassed Bianca, standing there uncertainly.

Bianca explained, "Rita might not be back for a few days, and I've never cooked before, so… can you cook?"

Fu Lin shook his head.

"Ah~! But when you were baking a cake, you seemed so confident…" Bianca's voice grew quieter and quieter. She glanced at Fu Lin nervously, worried he might be angry because she'd been watching him. But when she saw his calm expression, she sighed with relief.

"Looks like we'll have to go hungry for a few days…"

Bianca flopped onto the bed and muttered to herself, then glanced at Fu Lin and sighed, "Actually, I'll be the one starving. You can still eat canned cat food."

Fu Lin pulled a disgusted face and held up a wooden sign that read, "I refuse to eat canned cat food!"