Chapter 43: Unmarried Man and Woman

"How come this cat likes you so much?" Suzie tilted her head in disbelief, watching the little furball snuggle into Ethan's arms.

"You're asking me?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. He gently handed the kitten back to Suzie. "Alright, little guy, go back to your sister's place. I'm driving."

"Ethan, Blackie won't bully my kitten, will it?" Suzie asked, cradling the tiny creature as she cast a worried glance at Ethan's black dog, who was lazily sprawled in the backseat.

"It won't," Ethan reassured her. "Blackie understands people. Besides, I won't let it run loose. How could it run all the way to the village committee to bother your cat?"

"What village committee? Do you think I live there?" Suzie huffed. "I'm staying at your place."

The car swerved slightly as Ethan slammed on the brakes. "What? No way! Suzie, you're joking, right? You're a woman, I'm a man — people will talk!"

"What's so special about that? I don't care what people think. As long as we're upright and proper, what's there to worry about?" Suzie grinned, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Besides, you live alone in that big house. It'd be such a waste not to share." She folded her arms smugly. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll take that as a yes."

Ethan gripped the steering wheel, feeling like he'd lost an argument he didn't even get to start.

"Hey, Ethan, what do you think I should name this little guy?" Suzie asked, scratching the kitten under its chin.

"Just call it Whiskers," Ethan said offhandedly.

"Whiskers? That's so plain!" Suzie pouted. "How about… Suzie Aethan?"

Ethan almost swerved off the road again. "What? Are you trying to get struck by lightning?"

"Suzie relanctantly called the little guy, Whiskers, though she wanted the name, Suzie Aethan. Suzie turned to Whiskers and nudged - call me big sister!"

"Meow~"

"Oh, so cute! Now call Ethan big brother!"

"Meow~"

Ethan stared blankly ahead. How did this happen?

By the time they got home, Ethan carried the groceries while Suzie unpacked in the west room. Half an hour later, everything was settled. Ethan washed his hands and started preparing dinner, glancing toward the living room. Whiskers had climbed onto Blackie's back, chewing playfully on its fur. To Ethan's surprise, Blackie looked content, not minding the kitten's antics at all.

Suddenly, a soft voice called from the doorway. "Uncle!"

Ethan turned to see little Missy peeking inside. "Aiya, my little darling is here! Come, let Uncle give you a hug." He wiped his hands and scooped her up as Natalie appeared in the doorway. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "She insisted on coming over. If I didn't bring her, she'd throw a fit."

"Haha, don't worry. I love kids and animals. Bring her anytime." Ethan grinned.

"Ah, Director Su is here!" Suzie emerged from her room, surprised to see Natalie.

"Huh? Suzie, when did you get here?" Natalie's eyes widened.

"Oh, just got back. Living alone in the village committee is a bit creepy, so I'm staying at Ethan's place." Suzie smiled sweetly. "You don't mind, right?"

"M-Me? Why would I mind?" Natalie forced a smile, but her heart felt heavy.

"Uncle, Mommy says your cooking is super tasty. Can you make braised pork? I want to eat braised pork!" Missy tugged on Ethan's sleeve.

"Of course! Uncle will make you the best braised pork ever." Ethan chuckled and set to work.

As Ethan cooked, Suzie played with Missy and the animals. Every so often, the kitchen filled with the sound of laughter. Natalie slowly relaxed. Maybe Suzie really was just scared to stay alone. Besides, Ethan wasn't the type to take advantage of a situation. She joined Ethan at the stove, helping him prepare the side dishes.

Before long, four dishes and a pot of soup were ready. Ethan filled a big bowl with meat and rice for Blackie and set some fish aside for Whiskers. The three adults and little Missy gathered at the table to eat.

"Suzie, since you're officially here for work, should we hold a village meeting tomorrow?" Natalie asked between bites. "It'd be a good chance to introduce you to everyone and discuss our development plans."

"Sure, no problem." Suzie nodded.

"Great! Then it's settled." Natalie smiled and naturally picked up some vegetables, placing them in Ethan's bowl.

"Mom, Uncle is already grown up. Why are you giving him food?" Missy asked innocently, her cheeks puffed with rice.

Natalie turned bright red, while Ethan laughed awkwardly. "Your mom used to do this all the time. She's just used to it."

Suzie quietly ate her food, pretending not to notice the awkward exchange.

The next morning, the village square buzzed with activity. Villagers sat or stood around an old desk with equally old chairs behind it. An ancient "language bucket" sat on the desk, its once-red cloth now faded to near-black.

"Ethan is here!" someone shouted. The crowd turned and burst into applause, greeting Ethan like a local hero.

"Hello, Uncle Ethan!"

"Hello, big brother!"

"Good, good, good!" Ethan smiled and nodded, returning their greetings.

"Uncle Ethan, I heard you're smoking expensive cigarettes these days. Mind sharing?" A man named Chris Yang grinned.

Ethan chuckled, pulling out four packs from his pocket. "Alright, pass them around."

As Chris

got swarmed by outstretched hands, Ethan quietly slipped into the village office, ready for the meeting.

Tomorrow would mark the start of a new chapter for Mistwood — and for Ethan.