Chapter 209: I, Tsukikage Chuxia, Am Unyielding
Chapter 209: I, Tsukikage Chuxia, Am Unyielding
Uka Qingxue disdained explaining to Ye Yuqing. It was Uka Mirai who answered her question: “There’s no civil affairs bureau here. But since Qingxue holds an official position in the Iron Fortress, marriages require registration and approval from them.”
“Official position?”
Now even the others grew curious besides Ye Yuqing.
Kanzaki Rin clearly understood – unlike other disorganized crowds of monsters, the Iron Fortress had essentially formed a monster nation with its own unique culture and rules. Though most regulations were copied from humans, this meant the Iron Fortress had developed a stabilized society. If Uka Qingxue held a government post, her marriage would indeed require approval from the monster ruling class.
Regarding Fang Cheng’s safety, the matter was settled for now until alternatives emerged. Though dissatisfied, Ye Yuqing and the rest couldn’t stop it.
The “fake marriage” Uka Qingxue mentioned required minimal ceremony. Fang Cheng and she would simply dress as bride/groom for a photo, sign marriage documents, then mail everything to the Iron Fortress for approval. Learning of Fang Cheng’s house-hunting plans, she offered assistance while suggesting holding the fake ceremony at the new property.
Fang Cheng said he’d consider it. Beyond proper compensation, he didn’t want deeper involvement with the troublesome Uka family or being quietly tied to the monster faction.
Uka Mirai reluctantly left that evening after lingering until nightfall. Before departing, Uka Qingxue reminded Fang Cheng: “If seeking the Ghost Lord’s help at the Iron Fortress, you’ll need another reference. My identity isn’t sufficient to recommend you.”
Fang Cheng nodded – he’d already thought of someone.
……
After consideration, Fang Cheng politely declined Uka Qingxue’s housing assistance. He entrusted Asaka Akihime with the house purchase to exercise her experience and ease her insecurities. Buying it herself should give her a sense of safety.
Next morning, Asaka Akihime and Sato Mai enthusiastically went house-viewing while Sato Hayato continued his grueling training.
Fang Cheng visited the Fox Spirit House alone, his first time in weeks. Upon pushing open the door, Tsukikage Chuxia’s familiar voice followed: “Welcome… Oh! Ah Cheng!”
Tsukikage Chuxia’s head lay slumped on the counter, ears drooping boredly. Spotting Fang Cheng, they instantly perked as her voice brightened.
Fang Cheng tossed her a catnip bag.
Tsukikage Chuxia leaped to catch it, eagerly tearing open the package for deep sniff. Her face melted into bliss.
“Ehehe, knew you were good people Ah Cheng!”
“Is the boss lady here?”
“Still out.”
After several sniffs, Tsukikage Chuxia emerged grinning from behind the counter, circling Fang Cheng with mysterious smiles. Her identical appearance to Uka Qingxue contrasted completely in personality and chest size – like watching Uka Qingxue’s aloof twin prowling about, creating surreal amusement.
“What’s wrong?”
Fang Cheng reached out and scratched her cat ears. “In heat?”
Mother cats liked to cling and rub against people when in heat.
“You’re the one in heat!”
Tsukikage Chuxia batted his hand away, grinning. “You’ve been making waves at the Uka family. Others are curious about your background now.”
Fang Cheng froze momentarily. While Fox Spirit House knowing his situation made sense as information dealers, why would others know?
Had the Uka family or government leaked his identity?
He eyed Tsukikage Chuxia. “You didn’t sell my information, did you?”
Perhaps curious parties had bought details from Fox Spirit House, and the boss lady had flipped his data for profit.
Tsukikage Chuxia kept smiling though her gaze shifted. “Hehe, impossible.”
Bingo. It was them.
Fang Cheng pinched her cheek. “I treat you as friends, yet you profit from me?”
“Ow, it hurts!”
The trapped cat feigned pitifulness. “Not me! The boss lady sold you out! I, Tsukikage Chuxia, am principled! I’d take blades for friends and family!”
“Then who’re you betraying now?”
A familiar voice cut through.
Tsukikage Chuxia stiffened, turning to see Tsukikage Hoshi standing by the door wearing sunglasses and mask.
Fang Cheng snorted. What happened when you sold out your boss… and got caught red-handed?
Knowing the consequences, Tsukikage Chuxia squirmed free and hid behind Tsukikage Hoshi. “Big sister! Ah Cheng’s bullying your cat again! Teach him a lesson!”
She stuck her tongue out at Fang Cheng.
Fang Cheng: …
No wonder this cat got along with Ye Yuqing. Both needed regular thrashings.
Instead of scolding Fang Cheng, Tsukikage Hoshi sniffed the air. “Why do I smell catnip?”
Tsukikage Chuxia’s face froze. She pulled out the catnip, wailing like a wronged child. “Sister! Ah Cheng bullied me AND tempted me with drugs! Justice!”
Under the fat cat’s pleading gaze, Tsukikage Hoshi confiscated the catnip. “Don’t worry. Justice will be served.”
…
In the familiar yard,
Plump Tsukikage Chuxia sprinted in the running cage. Slowing meant electric shocks making her fur stand on end, eliciting yowls.
Fang Cheng’s shock-collar idea had been implemented by the boss lady’s monsters within thirty minutes. The transformed cage worked miraculously – after few zaps, the fat cat showed exercise enthusiasm unseen before.
Fox Spirit House staff praised this innovation. Every monster using it sent Fang Cheng heartfelt greetings mid-run.
Currently, Tsukikage Chuxia was creatively cursing Fang Cheng’s ancestry and his hypothetical future grandson’s bowel movements.
Fang Cheng and Tsukikage Hoshi sipped tea while watching.
Tsukikage Hoshi poured elegantly. “What brings you here today?”
Fang Cheng nibbled dessert first. “Heard you’re selling my information.”
The boss lady slid sweets toward him. “Nonsense. You’re our VIP. I (referring to herself, female) would never.”
Fang Cheng smiled. “Your cat told me.”
“That’s why she’s running.” Tsukikage Hoshi shot a gaze toward the cage. “For spouting lies.”
The fat cat shuddered under her owner’s stare and ran faster.