Chapter 895 Granny's Heartache
Conan ran to the Crystal Dream Music Hall and realized that the angle of the photo was wrong, confirming that the photo was taken at 2:05 PM with the camera tilted, not at 1:00 PM as Junichi Takahashi had said.
Before Suzuki Sonoko and Mouri Ran, who had followed him, could even stand still, Conan turned around and ran towards the Windmill Cabin again.
Junichi Takahashi arranged to meet Akane Katori at the Windmill Cabin at 1:00 PM, and arrived at the Flower Clock at 2:05 PM to take the photo. This meant that the time to kidnap Akane Katori and imprison her somewhere was less than an hour, and it wouldn't be far, most likely along the line between the Wooden Cabin and the Flower Clock!
"Co- Conan..."
Mouri Ran saw Conan run and followed him again with Suzuki Sonoko.
Chi Feichei and Haibara Ai followed slowly, and when they saw Conan running back halfway, they simply stopped walking and waited, both thinking the same thing—the Famous Detective really throws caution to the wind when he encounters decryption Reasoning, is it really okay to act like this in front of Mouri Ran?
Conan noticed that the sound of the bell ringing by the Roadside was different from yesterday's sound, ran into the Bell Tower, and found Akane Katori tied up inside.
After Akane Katori was helped up and Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko untied the ropes and tore off the adhesive tape from her mouth, she said urgently, "Quick! Mr. Takahashi wants to harm Grandma Tae!"
A group of people immediately contacted the Oga Family to confirm that Oga Tae had gone out with Junichi Takahashi. They then went out and asked passersby about the characteristics of the two, confirming that they had gone to take a hot air balloon ride.
Conan jumped directly onto a tandem bicycle and rushed to the place where hot air balloons were being launched with Akane Katori.
Chi Feichei naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to save someone and boost his Favorability Level for free, and followed with the others.
The hot air balloon that Oga Tae was in had already slowly ascended, and a small black box flashing red lights was attached to the bottom of the hot air balloon.
Junichi Takahashi was holding something that looked like a remote control, standing below and looking up at the hot air balloon.
Just as Junichi Takahashi was about to press the remote control, a soccer ball flew and hit Junichi Takahashi in the Face, directly knocking him down, and the remote control in his hand flew out.
"Don't touch that thing!" Conan jumped off the bicycle and ran over there, loudly stopping the Staff who was about to pick up the remote control, "That's the detonation device for the bomb installed on the hot air balloon!"
The Staff's Face changed, and he looked up to see that the bottom of the hot air balloon was indeed not right. He quickly organized people to bring the hot air balloon down.
The Oga Family arrived again.
Seeing that Chi Feichei had no intention of explaining, Conan silently gave Suzuki Sonoko an Anesthetic Needle and began Reasoning.
However, the Famous Detective got carried away with his Deduction and also revealed the person who hid the ring and the riddle of the ring.
"The background of Miss Akane's photo is Hydrangea, and the earliest name of Hydrangea was Hydrangea macrophylla, which was named by Hilbert, mainly inspired by the name of his Japanese wife, Mrs. Taki. Taki means waterfall, and there is a place here that looks very much like a waterfall... Yes, it's the Fountain with the God of Love statue."
Haibara Ai: "..."
That person really forgets himself when he starts Reasoning.
Chi Feichei: "..."
Never mind, the Ending is set. With Akane Katori coming to rescue the Old Lady, it will be difficult for the Old Lady to continue to coldly drive people away.
After Junichi Takahashi woke up, he also explained the Reason for his Crime. He believed that his Teacher was tricked by Oga Tae into owing money to Oga Bank, and then was forced to death by Oga Tae's debt collection.
After Mochida Hideo came out and explained the Truth that Akane Katori's Father's Things could not be sold, Junichi Takahashi knelt down with a plop.
"I don't believe it! Our Boss is not such a useless person. He gets up early every morning to work hard and sweats, works until midnight, and patiently mentors me, a Junior..."
Sleeping Suzuki Sonoko: "Grandma Tae opposes Zhenya and Miss Akane's Marriage because she blames herself for Miss Akane's Father's Suicide being entirely caused by your lack of consideration. Therefore, as long as you see Miss Akane's Face, you will be very sad."
"Grandmother..." Akane Katori looked at Oga Tae.
Conan continued to speak in Suzuki Sonoko's voice, "Who knew that Miss Akane would accidentally learn about Mr. Takahashi's attempted Retaliation this time, and Mr. Takahashi would imprison her."
Akane Katori walked towards Oga Tae, bowed, and said sincerely, "I know it's Unlikely for you to forgive me, but I still want to ask you... Please forgive Mr. Takahashi, okay?"
Junichi Takahashi looked at Akane Katori in surprise, "Young Miss!"
Oga Zhenya walked to Akane Katori's side, "Grandmother, I also ask you to forgive him, okay?"
"I think regarding the officiant for the bride's side..." Oga Tae, who had been Silent, looked at Mochida Hideo, "Mochida, why don't you give it to Mr. Takahashi, who is younger, what do you think?"
This was an expression of forgiveness, agreement to the Wedding, and a desire to have Junichi Takahashi attend the Wedding as a member of Akane Katori's Family Home.
Mochida Hideo was stunned for a moment, then quickly smiled and said, "Of course, no problem! I also agree to do so!"
"Grandmother..." Akane Katori was surprised.
Oga Masayo was also very happy, "Then you agree to their Marriage?"
Oga Tae said with a cold Face, "Now that the ring has been found, what else can I do?"
"That's really great!" Oga Masayo said with a smile.
Conan said in Suzuki Sonoko's voice, "I think Grandma Tae had Decided from the beginning that as long as the ring was found, she would agree to their Marriage."
Mochida Hideo was a little surprised, "How did you even know this?"
Amidst the surprise of the other members of the Oga Family, Conan continued to put on Suzuki Sonoko's Alias and popularize knowledge, "The statue at the Fountain represents a Story in Greek Mythology. The God of Love, out of jealousy, gave Psyche, who was in Romance with his Son, many Tests, but Psyche finally passed the many Tests and gained the Recognition of the God of Love. The Fountain statue records this last Scene..."
Chi Feichei: "..."
The Greek Mythology Conan reads is indeed not the same version as what he reads?
Oga Tae: "..."
Sigh, young people's Ideas are so simple.
This Old Lady's Heart is bitter, but this Old Lady can't say it.
What she wanted to see was Akane Katori's Determination. If Akane Katori could try to find the ring, even if she didn't find it, she would feel better, but Akane Katori left by herself...
However, the person was found, and the ring was found. It was impossible for her to really force her Grandson away, and besides, the other party had saved her, so she could only agree to the Marriage.
Thinking about it, it wasn't too bad. Akane Katori is affectionate and righteous, well-behaved and sensible, and sincerely wants to gain her Recognition. Thinking about it this way, accepting it is not that difficult.
Someone Conan: "Grandma Tae knows the meaning of this Greek Mythology, so she hid the ring in that Fountain Pool, otherwise she wouldn't have deliberately used that photo with Hydrangea to remind them, right, Grandma Tae?"
Oga Tae deeply understood the principle of 'since we are Family, there should be no estrangement', deliberately pretending to be clumsy and foolish, and enlivening the Atmosphere, "You said a lot of foreigners' Names, I don't understand what you are saying... Hahaha..."
Oga Masayo chuckled, "Grandmother is just like this, she pretends to be foolish to gloss over things when she feels embarrassed."
Oga Tae smiled, yes, she has no Opinion on her Granddaughter-in-law at all.
...
The Wedding was held in the evening.
The Guests had all arrived, and the Day had been set. For the Credit of the Oga Family, and to avoid delaying the Itinerary of those who had put aside their Work, the Wedding had to be completed today.
Fortunately, the Wedding Process was not complicated, but in the end, when the bride stood at the Church Entrance to throw the Bouquet, she was too excited and used too much force. The Bouquet flew over Suzuki Sonoko who was Expecting to catch it, flew over a Group of Girls who were trying hard to jump up and grab the Bouquet, and smashed towards Mouri Ran who had a blank Expression, and was caught by Mouri Ran.
"I could have married Zhen very soon!" Suzuki Sonoko collapsed.
Mouri Ran was startled by Suzuki Sonoko's exaggerated Reaction, "So- Sonoko..."
"It was caught by you, wuwuwu..." Suzuki Sonoko continued to collapse.
Chi Feichei watched from afar.
As expected of the Lucky Koi Maiden, but according to Legend, the person who catches the bride's Bouquet will get married soon, which means Mouri Ran will get married soon?
Getting married at seventeen or eighteen years old, isn't she afraid that Teacher Mori will chop Kudo Shinichi into pieces?
...
It was night, 10:03 PM.
On the seventeenth Floor of the Hotel, in Room 1706, the laptop on the Table was lit up, displaying two Panels.
Half of the Scene was a bright Living Room at noon, with Chi Shinnosuke sitting on the Sofa, and the other half of the Scene was the dim and old London City, with Sawada Hiroki holding a Little Black Umbrella and sitting on the Church Rooftop.
"So, you are not Optimistic View about Oga Zhenya's Marriage?" Chi Shinnosuke asked.
Chi Feichei thought for a while, "Hard to Say."
This couple is deeply in love now, and there will definitely be a lot of Distress in the future, but whether the Marriage can continue depends on the two people's Personalities and Determination.
Chi Shinnosuke Nodded, was Silent for a moment, and then asked, "Then what about Mochida Hideo?"
"Elder of the Oga Family, with the arrogance of a Veteran of the Business," Chi Feichei Assessed, "But he is a Relative of the Oga Family, and it involves the Face and Benefit of the Oga Family, he won't be confused, it's not too serious. There must be similar Old Employee in the Oga Conglomerate who hold important positions... How long has Zhenya been involved in Business affairs?"
"Two years, he started to get involved in the Oga Conglomerate from his third year of University," Chi Shinnosuke Understood what Chi Feichei wanted to Say, and said calmly, "His Personality and Ability make it difficult to convince those Old Person in the short term. According to your previous Observation results, unless there is a major change that urges him to Growth, prompts him to Solve Problems, and leads the Business to turn danger into safety, otherwise he will need at least three years to gain people's Trust."
On Chi Shinnosuke's side, Chi Kana brought a Fruit Platter into the Scene, Smilingly, her voice soft and slow, "It will take longer, oh. After the Honeymoon, and the first year of Marriage to accompany his Wife, he won't be able to do much this year. If nothing Unexpected happens, next year and the year after next will probably be to welcome the birth of a Baby. If there are no major changes, Zhenya will not be able to stably take over the Oga Conglomerate before he is thirty years old."
"Chen is just too easy-going in Personality and lacks boldness and decisiveness, that's why the Old Lady plans to cultivate her Grandson..." Chi Shinnosuke suddenly paused, Silent, and pondered.
"But the Oga Conglomerate is not our primary Goal, right? The Conglomerate is still untouchable," Sawada Hiroki tossed his Little Black Umbrella in the virtual London City, and said casually, "Grandpa also Said, war must be justified. Before, Umbrella Chat Software encountered some annoying Fellows who joined forces to block it when it was released in America. Take Action against those people first, and then see if there are any annoying people in America who come out to cause trouble. In short, take America as the Battlefield first."
(End of Chapter)
```
Chapter 896 Chi Shinnosuke: That Organization Gets a Good Point
"Noah, we need to formulate a Countermeasures Strategy first," Chi Kana explained to Sawada Hiroki with a gentle attitude, but the meaning in her words wasn't so gentle, "Ark is in charge of collecting intelligence. Once the Inner Network is built, we probably won't have to worry about Personal Information. However, before that, we can use methods like cooperation to ensure the Ooga Foundation develops steadily and avoids major troubles, slowing down Zenya's growth rate. At the same time, we shouldn't get too deeply involved. In five or six years, when Umbrella is capable of swallowing the Conglomerate, we can list out these prepared Conglomerates and choose the most suitable target to Take Action on."
"Sugar-coated bullets, I agree," Chi Shinnosuke added, "but Killing by flattery won't work. That Child has a strong Sense of responsibility and Sense of shame. Once his Reputation exceeds his Ability, he will force himself to work harder."
"Then just let the Ooga Foundation develop steadily," Chi Kana said with a smile, "If we let their development momentum be too good, they will also become suspicious… Hissashi, Snakes are not allowed to drink Liquor, okay."
Hissashi, who was reaching for the Wine Glass on the Table, froze, then looked up at Chi Kana's gentle Smiling Face on the Computer Screen, feeling a chill run down his spine. "Master, can you help me explain? I was just Curious and wanted to Check…"
Chi Feichei: "..."
He Don't Want To be Thought of as Crazy by his Old Mom.
His Old Dad knew some things about the 'Child of Nature' from Koizumi Akako, but his Old Mom was still kept in the dark.
If he rashly said he was relaying Hissashi's words, Chi Kana would seriously Consider having Zhi Ming Fukuyama fly back from America to have a Heart-to-Heart talk with him.
Chi Kana didn't really think Hissashi could understand. Saying that was to remind Chi Feichei that Pets shouldn't drink Liquor, and also to make a Joke. She quickly continued, "Hassashi, what do you Think?"
"Coincidentally, but I have three other Problem aspects." Chi Feichei was still Staring at the Screen. "First Problem, are you two in Cohabitation?"
Silence.
Chi Shinnosuke and Chi Kana were both choked.
This Child…
Could he not ask such embarrassing questions with such a serious Face?
"We are considered to be in Cohabitation," Sawada Hiroki actively helped answer, "Starting two weeks ago, Ark monitored that someone Contacted the Gang and wanted to use Improper Means to prevent Grandmother from recovering Shares, so they lived together."
Chi Feichei didn't Ask any further questions. "Second Problem, 'Justification' and 'Sugar-coated bullets', you have never Said these things to me."
Was this the rhythm of directly abandoning the Son and cultivating the Grandson?
Chi Kana was stunned for a moment, then chuckled. "Is Hissashi still Jealousy of his own Godson? That's Because Noah needs to monitor Ark's Analysis results. Ark sometimes makes decisions that do not conform to human ethics and morality, so Noah needs to help correct them and assist it in Study Growth. Originally, we didn't want to tell Noah these things either, but fortunately, his current calculation Ability and Study Ability are very strong, so it won't be too strenuous. Therefore, we talk to him about these Matters when we have Time."
"He was wandering around the Internet Recently and secretly peeped at a lot of grim Information," Chi Shinnosuke Said, "It's also necessary to Communicate with him more."
"As For you, just treat it as if you are on a Study tour," Chi Kana Said with a smile, "This is also Study."
"The effectiveness of the Internship in that Organization is not bad," Chi Shinnosuke Said, "It Seems that some Matters don't need us to tell you anymore."
Chi Feichei: "..."
Second Time.
His cheap old dad has given the Organization a Good Point for the second Time.
Is it Because he has been raising his son loosely for a long Time, that he even intends to entrust the Problem of imparting Social experience to a certain Place?
Isn't he afraid that he will grow crookedly…
However, since he explained it, and it's so reasonable, then there is No Need to Think about this Problem.
Chi Shinnosuke didn't continue to Say anything.
This Child has long been crooked. Murder and arson are nothing he dares not to do, just don't die recklessly.
And with his son's Personality, and that peculiar Ability that makes him suspect he has Imagination disorder, the Probability of him dying recklessly is low.
Stay steady, let's Check and See first.
"Third Problem, the Inner Network structure progress of Umbrella." Chi Feichei Said.
"93.5%," Sawada Hiroki gave an accurate Number, and then estimated, "It can Probably carry out operation Test and Information collection Test after a week, and it also needs to Cooperate with Grandpa's Identity verifier for Test… that is, the Contact Lenses you want, it can be formally enabled in a month."
Chi Feichei Nodded, "Then there are no Problems."
The next second, Chi Shinnosuke decisively cut off the Communication.
Chi Feichei: "..."
Never Mind, he has been following the R&D progress of Smartphones. The Finished Product has already come out, but before the release, he always has to Research one or two better Finished Products. Chi Shinnosuke can decide when to release it.
Wilson is in charge of Umbrella's Network product, and there are no new software being launched repeatedly. It needs stable Development, and there are no major Troubles.
He also had Knowledge of the Shares recovery progress of the Field Group. A Portion has been recovered, and the two or three stubborn people can be settled within a month.
Other things like Sindola Company's Good project, Fifteenth Night City's Circuit, and the Hidden deployment of the Network are all Matters that need Time to be completed slowly.
Thinking carefully, there is Nothing to discuss.
"Noah, do you want Hongzi to prepare a Body for you to come out and Play for two days?" Chi Feichei Asked Sawada Hiroki, who was still online.
Sawada Hiroki was obviously a little tempted, but he still shook his Head. "Wait a little longer, I'm Dungeon crawling with Jack."
"Jack?" Chi Feichei Thought of someone.
"Jack the Ripper," Sawada Hiroki turned the Lens so that Chi Feichei could See Red-haired Jack the Ripper at the End of Old London Streets, and explained, "It's the Stage save file you played Last Time. Because Professor Moriarty is dead, I want to try to Replace Moriarty. I also collected some Information from Network channels to upgrade the Version of Ark, and Holmes set by Kudo Yusaku Mr. is very capable. I want to try to Kill Holmes as well. When I Kill Holmes, I can also get a lot of Growth."
Chi Feichei was silent for a moment, "What's the progress?"
This Idea is uniquely outstanding.
Kudo Yusaku spent a lot of effort in making the Era Background of the London Stage, but more effort was spent on the Persona of Holmes. From Personality to the Thinking Ability to deal with Matters, Narcissist Kudo Yusaku referred to his own Persona to set it.
If Sawada Hiroki can Kill that Holmes in the Game, he can also gain the upper hand when facing Kudo Yusaku in Reality.
"After Moriarty died, many of his subordinates scattered. Jack was the First one I Handle. I met him and Said to him that I was your Son, and he agreed to Help," Sawada Hiroki Said with great interest, "He can now Subdue the urge to Murder, and is considered my Confidant. However, Because I didn't enter the Game with the Administrator's Identity, but just played from a Player's Angle, there is a slight Problem with Colonel Moran. He wants to establish his own Faction and is unwilling to be with us. Also, Because Jack killed Moriarty, he has a lot of resentment towards Jack."
Chi Feichei recalled Colonel Moran's Persona, "Moran is not so Easy to Handle. Regardless of Faction or Intentions, frustrate him a few more Times, and it is Possible to succeed, but don't specifically target him, Otherwise it will be inconvenient to subdue him. It can't be completed in a short Time, and also, he is indeed loyal to Moriarty, so don't push him too hard, lest he leans towards Holmes' side."
Sawada Hiroki Nodded and Asked expectantly, "Godfather, do you want to Dungeon crawl with us?"
Chi Feichei Said without even Thinking, "Let's talk about it in two days. If you have Time, Call Hongzi to come along."
He has Reality Dungeons to crawl. Witch Lady is the one who Should be trained.
…
The next day.
Suzuki Sonoko was full of resentment for not catching the Bouquet. After teasing Mori Ran until her Face turned red, she aimed at Chi Feichei again, and on the Train, she instigated Chi Feichei to go to the Washroom to change into that White T-shirt with a Cute bear head.
Chi Feichei didn't Need Suzuki Sonoko to waste words, not even a Sentence of objection, he changed.
He should give Face to the Clothes his Younger Sister bought for him, and wear them when he Should.
Others couldn't imagine what he would look like wearing this kind of T-shirt, Probably Because he had hardly worn Short-Sleeved T-shirts since he came to this World, but he had worn a lot in his previous life.
T-shirts with good cuts, not too tight and not too loose, are actually very inclusive. As long as the overall Persona is not too bad, even if it's not outstanding, at least it won't be ugly.
And there is also a trick for Boys to wear Short Sleeve T-shirts—if you can wear a Wristwatch, wear a Wristwatch, if you don't have a Wristwatch, wear a Beaded bracelet. Don't be flashy or Complex, especially for people with good-looking Hands, it can avoid giving people an overly monotonous Impression of the T-shirt, and can also use Advantages to cover up not-so-satisfactory Defects.
For Example, a childish Pattern on the Clothes… Dislocation.
So, after Chi Feichei changed his Clothes, he took out a long rectangular Black Wristwatch from his Backpack, put it on his Left Hand Wrist, and also took off the Ring on the Necklace that Contacted Feimo and put it on his Left Hand Index Finger.
As For the Pants, there is No Need to change them. Black casual pants can match, and simple Colors and Style pull up the figure.
Black is the best Color, no explanation accepted.
…
"Brother Hichiji actually agreed to change."
Between Seats on the Train, Suzuki Sonoko was excitedly preparing to watch Chi Feichei's Excitement.
"It's good to occasionally change Style," Mori Ran Said with a smile, "Maybe it can make your Mood better."
Haibara Ai yawned. Suddenly, she imagined Chi Feichei looking at the T-shirt with Disgust, changing into it with a Black Face, and Staring at her gloomily. Instantly, her drowsiness disappeared, and she became energetic.
There were only T-shirts with childish Patterns of this kind there. She Thought of leaving a Commemoration for Chi Feichei, so she bought it, but she really didn't Think Chi Feichei would wear it…
Suzuki Sonoko was also imagining, imagining Chi Feichei turning into a sunny and cute big Boy, and Said with a smile, "Brother Hichiji is so Slow, I can't wait, I bet it must be super cute~!"
"Is that so?"
A voice with no Emotion came from behind.
Conan and Mori Ran saw Suzuki Sonoko obviously stiffen, and could only laugh dryly.
Cute? Sonoko can only fantasize about it.
Chi Feichei put his Backpack back on the Seat, and sat down Aside, without catching Suzuki Sonoko to Say anything, and took out his Mobile Phone to Check News.
Just now, the Mobile Phone vibrated. It Should be an Email or a Text Message…
Suzuki Sonoko looked up at Chi Feichei.
Not cute at all. He looked clean and refreshing, but the Feeling was still so calm. The Key point was that she also found it very attractive, without a trace of abruptness or inappropriateness. She had no Opportunity to make fun of him.
And… Brother Hichiji's Hands are super good-looking!
Awoo awoo awoo, as expected of her number one Idol in her Heart who squeezed out Kaito Kid!
Haibara Ai turned her Head to Look at Chi Feichei and discovered that she didn't pay attention to the Cute bear head Pattern on the T-shirt at all. Her Line of Sight moved down, looking at the Watch and Ring on Chi Feichei's Hand, and Understood.
Conan also felt it was unexpected, but when he Thought that Chi Feichei could wear a White T-shirt with the Feeling of a Ghost Movie, he didn't Think too much about it.
(End of Chapter)
```
Chapter 897 Cat's Paradise
The others turned their heads to look at Hissashi, who lowered his head to look at his mobile phone, replying with a calm face as he typed.
Indeed, an email was sent to his mobile phone:
"Master, Wu Ming's condition is a bit strange. It seems to be sick, but it won't go to Hospital."
The Email Address is from Feimo.
Since the Crows at each Stronghold could send messages, Feimo has rarely forwarded messages to him. And Wu Ming should be in Tokyo. Knowing that he is not in Tokyo, Feimo still suddenly sent him news about Tokyo, which suggests the situation is serious.
But being anxious now is useless. He can't fly back, and even if he could, it might not be as fast as the Shinkansen.
"I'll arrive in Tokyo in an Hour. Confirm Wu Ming's Location. If the situation is critical, find Amuro or anonymously contact the Pet Hospital directly to have them catch it."
"I'm watching it. It can wait until you get back, so don't worry. It doesn't look like it's going to die in a day or two."
"Symptoms?"
"Yesterday, when I returned from Fifteenth Night City and found it, I discovered it squatting in their Stronghold watching Kittens. It was crouching with a hunched back, very listless. I called it to get up, but it didn't move. So, I tugged on its Tail. When it dodged, it seemed a bit stiff, and surprisingly, it didn't even try to scratch me. I knew something was wrong. From yesterday, when I started watching it until now, it had diarrhea three times yesterday, once early this morning, and then it went to Poop once, but it didn't seem to actually Poop. The Key thing is, I watched it Poop, and it still didn't scratch me. It's definitely Ill."
Hissashi: "..."
It didn't even scratch Feimo? Uh-huh, it must be sick.
"Any Vomiting?"
"No."
"How about its eating Situation?"
"Very Normal. It ate both yesterday and today. Last night, I had a Seabird catch a fresh Fish and bring it over, and it ate quite a lot."
"Got it."
Hissashi put away his mobile phone, thinking about the common Illness Symptoms of Cat's Intestines and Stomach.
Wu Ming is a bit rambunctious, but Feimo is very attentive to Wu Ming. He should also take it more seriously.
Wu Ming is over a year old, so the Possibility of Feline Panleukopenia is low. Besides, Feline Panleukopenia usually presents with symptoms like refusing food, vomiting and diarrhea, increased Body Temperature, and lethargy. It's uncertain whether Wu Ming's Body Temperature is elevated, but since there's no Vomiting or food refusal, it can basically be ruled out.
The Symptoms of Inflammation and Feline Panleukopenia are very similar, but the lack of Vomiting and refusal to eat makes it less likely...
Suzuki Sonoko had been Staring at Chi Feichei as he typed on his mobile phone. Only when Chi Feichei put away his mobile phone did she look away, sighing as she asked, "Brother Hichiji, if you set aside Appearance and physique, what kind of Girl do you like? Our School has all sorts of Girls!"
Chi Feichei snapped out of his thoughts, "I can't set them aside."
Cats' Intestines and Stomach are delicate, and many Situations can cause diarrhea: Parasites, Intestines and Stomach flora imbalance, intestinal blockage, catching a cold... even Stress Response after being frightened or suddenly changing Environment can lead to diarrhea. Without seeing Wu Ming himself and doing a specific Inspection, he really can't make a Judgment.
Suzuki Sonoko was stunned. Chi Feichei's Words kept echoing in her mind:
'I can't set them aside... I can't set them aside...'
Mouri Ran gave a dry laugh, then another dry laugh, completely at a loss for words.
Is Brother Hichiji really this realistic?
"At least they have to be presentable," Chi Feichei said, stopping his thoughts about various Cat Illnesses, and added, "That would help establish a good First Impression. I haven't Considered other aspects for now."
He wouldn't dare to randomly mention Requests like Personality, lest he end up contradicting himself later. However, he felt it wouldn't be easy to find someone suitable, and he didn't expect any Girl to tolerate him anyway.
Suzuki Sonoko gave Chi Feichei a Half-Moon Eyes look, asking suspiciously, "Your Standard for 'presentable' is probably different from everyone else's, right? I think the Girls at Teitan High School are pretty good!"
"Don't even think about it. I don't have that Consideration right now," Chi Feichei said, looking directly at Suzuki Sonoko with a flat Tone. "Romance easily turns people into Psychopaths."
At least, that's how it is for him.
Those Girls should be thankful he's not interested. Otherwise, if he were rejected, he might learn from the Sun God Apollo and start making Harps...
"Uh," Mouri Ran tried to understand Chi Feichei's peculiar Statement. "Brother Hichiji, do you mean that Romance comes with a lot of Distress?"
"Sort of," Chi Feichei said.
"Then you really should wait a bit longer," Haibara Ai said seriously, remembering that Chi Feichei was still a patient in Recovery. "You're only twenty, no need to rush."
As for the two Misses they added after the Wedding, she'd Help Chatting with them first, to Confirm if their Personalities were good and check out the Situation before making any decisions.
...
An Hour Afterwards, the Train pulled into Tokyo Station.
Suzuki Sonoko had the Suzuki Family's Driver waiting to pick her up. Mori Kogoro and Doctor Agasa had also asked about the arrival Time and driven over In Advance.
Haibara Ai got into Doctor Agasa's Car and then noticed Chi Feichei hadn't moved. "Aren't you going to Doctor's House?"
"Yeah, Hassashi, come to my place for Dinner," Doctor Agasa said, glancing at the sky Outside. "It's almost six in the Afternoon already. I made Curry In Advance, so we can eat as soon as we get back!"
"I need to go to the Pet Hospital."
Chi Feichei Helped Haibara Ai close the Car Door, then Turn Around and left.
Uh-huh, this way he could also avoid explanations.
Doctor Agasa watched Chi Feichei hastily hail a Taxi and Get On The Bus, then blinked in surprise. "Did something happen at the Pet Hospital?"
Haibara Ai took out her mobile phone and searched for Recent News. Finding no Reports of any incidents at the Hospital, she guessed, "Maybe they're just too busy over there and he got roped into helping out."
Doctor Agasa Nodded. That was the most Possible Answer. He'd almost forgotten that Chi Feichei was a Veterinarian.
Chi Feichei took a Taxi to Wu Ming's Stronghold in Shinjuku Ward. Before arriving, he sent an Email to Feimo, Confirming that Wu Ming would wait for him to Come Over.
Shinjuku Ward is home to Tokyo's largest transfer Station, with convenient transportation and a large population of Travelers and foreigners. It also has places like Kabukicho, a district of extravagance and indulgence.
And in Tokyo's Crime Rate Area, Shinjuku Ward and Shibuya District are consistently in the top three every year. In such a Place, on the other side of the bustling Street District, there are naturally Areas that are either secluded or chaotic. The Crime Rate is very high in areas with a high concentration of Izakaya, with most Cases being caused by drunken brawls.
Wu Ming's Stronghold was in a nearly abandoned Park. To get there, he had to go through a Bar Street barely passable by Cars and then through a Residential Area filled with Old Apartment buildings. By the time Chi Feichei arrived, the sky had already darkened, and Employees leaving work were heading to Izakaya in groups for Dinner Party and drinks.
The Park's grounds were still relatively clean, with no Garbage piles Nearby. There were some old Entertainment facilities, including a Slide and Sand Pit. It must have been a small Amusement Park for Children to play in Before.
As Chi Feichei quickly walked into the Park, he scanned his surroundings.
Probably because Wu Ming had given them a heads-up, his arrival didn't trigger Vigilance among the Cats inside. A Group of Cats were doing their own thing. Three Calico Cats were Wild Run fighting above the Slide. One Cat got slapped and slid down the Slide, then immediately Turn Around and leaped back up to attack again. In the Sand Pit, a Cat had just dug in the sand, Leisurely wiping its Claws lightly on the sand before Turn Head to size him up.
This was an Amusement Park taken over by Stray Cats, and the Sand Pit was being used as a giant Cat Litter Box.
It was clear that these Cats were living well. None of them were particularly skinny, and they were all quite Vitality.
As expected. After All, this was a Team led by Cats with Spirituality. Wu Ming could think, summarize, and Study, and he was good at making Plans to get Food, directing operations, and even arranging Vigilance. The Subordinates Cats under him would definitely not be living too poorly.
"Caw--" A Crow landed On the Tree. Upon Seeing Chi Feichei, it flew towards the large Container piled up in the Park.
Chi Feichei followed the Crow around to the back of the Container and discovered that one side of the Container had been hollowed out. A Plastic Sheet hung above, drooping down, and the soft cries of Kittens faintly drifted out from inside.
It wasn't just one Kitten crying.
Hassashi curiously perched on Chi Feichei's Shoulder, watching. Just as it was about to say something, Feimo poked his head out from a Crack in the Plastic Sheet.
"Master, here!"
"No Need, I'll come out," Wu Ming's voice was a bit weak, but his Attitude was still tough. He stepped out from a Crack in the Plastic Sheet, incidentally lifting his hind Foot to kick a Kitten that followed him out back inside. "Go back and stay there. Don't run around!"
Chi Feichei noticed that when Wu Ming lifted his hind Foot to kick the Kitten, his Action was a little strange, and the direction of force seemed unnatural.
When Wu Ming saw Chi Feichei Staring at his Leg, his Tone was still cold and awkward, but he still took the rare initiative to explain to Chi Feichei, "I haven't been out these past two days. They went out to find Food, and I just watched the Kittens, teaching them a few things on the side. Feimo Say, Education should start from Children."
Chi Feichei: "..."
Group-living Cats have the Property of taking turns On Duty to care for their young. He knew this. Some domesticated female Cats would carry their Kittens to their Master, not to ask the Master to hold the Kittens to play, but to tell the Master, 'It's your turn. You take care of the baby today.'
Similarly, after the Master has Children, Cats will also Help take turns On Duty watching the children.
But Feimo's Words were truly... words of wisdom.
Feimo - True Great Thinker - True Great Ambitionist - Ink.
Wu Ming walked over to a Wooden Box and jumped on top, trying to gain a bit of Dignity in front of Chi Feichei's height. He sized up Chi Feichei and asked, "Are you really a Doctor?"
If this Human wasn't Feimo's Master, it would actually want to be a bit nicer to this Human.
This Human could understand their Words and was also a Doctor. They could find a Method to trick him into becoming their full-time Doctor. They'd have no Problem supporting him.
They were short on Doctors, very short.
Chi Feichei Nodded and asked directly, "Does your Belly hurt?"
Wu Ming hesitated for a moment before saying, "A Bit."
A Bit?
Chi Feichei looked at Wu Ming's hunched back and didn't think it was just 'A Bit'. He used his Left Hand to lift Wu Ming by the scruff of its neck, picked Wu Ming up, and used his Right Hand to feel Wu Ming's Abdomen.
When Chi Feichei's Hand touched its Belly, Wu Ming's Fur bristled, and the sharp Fingernails on its four Claws instantly extended. However, it quickly suppressed the unease in its Heart and didn't scratch him.
Chi Feichei lightly pressed a few Locations on Wu Ming's Abdomen, quickly frowned, and put Wu Ming down.
Wu Ming Turn Head away, his clear, cold voice now laced with displeasure. "Not going!"
Feimo leaned closer, cawing, "Master, is the Situation very serious?"
Chi Feichei had Originally wanted to Turn Around and leave, but he held back. "You must go to the Hospital."
As soon as Feimo saw that Chi Feichei hadn't mentioned the Illness in front of Wu Ming, he Sense that something was wrong and Turn Head to look at Wu Ming.
A white Figure quickly leaped off the Wooden Box, and an exasperated Meow Sound rapidly receded into the distance.
"Feimo, don't even think about it, I'm not going to the Hospital!"
Chi Feichei Followed and chased after him.
Parkouring with Cats wasn't his First Time. No big deal.
Wu Ming jumped onto the Wall beside the Park. Just as he was about to Turn Around to reiterate his Intention, he realized a Figure much larger than him had also reached the Wall Side, and a Hand was Grabbing towards him. He was instantly startled, and his Claws quickly lashed out.
Chi Feichei's Right Hand gripped the Wall. He felt a sting in his Left Hand palm, but his Action didn't falter, and his Face didn't change. He pinned a certain White Cat to the Wall by its throat.
Back when he was at the Hospital, it wasn't like he'd never encountered Cats that would lash out with their Claws. It's just that back then, it was the other Intern Doctors who got scratched.
They were both Veterinarians. Other people get scratched by Cats, so why couldn't he? No big deal.
It was just a miscalculation that he hadn't worn Gloves In Advance.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 824: What's With This Sudden Chaos?
Lark pressed Hissashi's head back into his collar and closed the box containing the keychain.
If Hissashi liked it, he could keep it, but before that, the keychain needed to go back to Police Headquarters for another round.
Hendata Takunori saw Lark press the snake's head back into his collar without changing expression, and started to wonder if it was a toy snake. Soon, his gaze lingered on the small box in Lark's hand again, "Mr. Ike..."
"Red Horse."
Lark said two words, 'Red Horse', not 'Red Hare Horse'.
Hendata Takunori wiped the sweat from his forehead again with a handkerchief, looking as if he had lost all his strength. He lowered his head, his shoulders slumped, "Yes, that should be the Red Horse from the fire scene. You don't need to keep it..."
"Ma..." Hissashi darted his head out of the collar with a 'whoosh', and was promptly pressed back in by Lark with quick hands.
"It will bring you disaster, no, no," Hendata Takunori raised both hands to cover his head, staring at the ground in front of his feet. He closed his eyes tightly and said, "That serial arsonist, perhaps it's... I... I originally planned to give the Lucky Cat keychain to someone else, but I don't know why, every time the keychain in the box would turn into the Red Horse I used before. I don't know, I really don't know... I have sleepwalking. Maybe that's what I did..."
Hissashi poked his head out again and said quickly, "Master, don't press me! I just want to see what's wrong with this guy."
Lark withdrew his hand.
Hendata Takunori's condition was indeed not good; he looked like he was having a breakdown.
"I'll turn myself in to the police, but before that, I want to..." Hendata Takunori lowered the hands covering his head. When he looked up at Lark, he saw the snake's head poking out from under Lark's collar again, and he froze, "Want... want..."
This snake could flick its tongue and its eyes were very lively. Was it actually real?!
Lark turned his head and looked at the open space in front of the fire scene, "The police are here."
The large fire had been extinguished, and firefighters were still checking and putting out embers. Not far behind the fire truck, a newly arrived police car was parked.
"Ah, yes..." Hendata Takunori looked up. Seeing Lark walking towards them, he no longer cared about being afraid of the snake and quickly followed, "I want to retrieve this keychain. You can't keep it anymore, otherwise..."
"This needs to be taken back by the police for investigation," Lark interrupted. He took out his phone, sent an email, cleared his outbox without checking the reply, and put his phone in his pocket, "To compare with the Red Horse from the previous fire scenes."
This person talked too slowly. How did he run an antique shop like this...
That shop definitely wouldn't rip people off. He could go check it out sometime.
"Y-you're right," Hendata Takunori breathed a sigh of relief, "It's good if the police take it."
"I don't plan to let you take this keychain back," Lark said, "If you gave it to me, it's mine. It will be returned to me after the police investigation is finished."
"Why?" Hendata Takunori couldn't understand.
"I like it," Lark said with a calm expression.
"O-okay," Hendata Takunori broke into a sweat, "But, I still can't let you keep the keychain..."
Hissashi said faintly, "Master, let me talk to him. I've never failed a negotiation with Kaitou."
Lark reached out and pressed Hissashi back under his collar, "If you are the arsonist, and you're already arrested and taken back to Police Headquarters, keeping the Red Horse won't cause me any problems, right?"
Hendata Takunori nodded blankly, as if this made sense, "Okay then, you keep it..."
"Hey, listen," A burly man with a buzz cut and a cigarette hanging from his mouth stood in front of the police car, talking to Mouri Kogoro, "Mouri, you shouldn't call your former superior 'Fire Dad'!"
"Former superior?" Hattori Heiji turned his head curiously to observe the man.
"He's Inspector Yumichou of the Investigation Division 1, Arson Investigation Team 1 at Police Headquarters," Mouri Kogoro introduced.
Lark walked closer, seeing the group chatting enthusiastically. He and Hendata Takunori waited aside, not stepping forward to interrupt, and not deliberately observing Yumichou.
This was an interesting person.
As Mouri Kogoro's former superior, Inspector Megure's past, wife, and love story were all revealed, while Yumichou, also a former superior of Mouri Kogoro, didn't even have his full name appear in the original plot.
If Yumichou had only appeared once, it would be understandable; a minor character probably doesn't deserve a full name. But Yumichou appeared more than once.
This meant that the story of this 'Fire Dad' was probably yet to come...
"Uncle, aren't you from the Homicide Unit?" Hattori Heiji asked.
"I used to be in the Arson Investigation Team as well," Mouri Kogoro explained.
"You caused me a lot of trouble back then, Mouri. Whenever there was a fire, you'd immediately determine it was arson, rush into the scene, and trample all over the remaining items," Inspector Yumichou reached out and put his hand on Mouri Kogoro's shoulder, staring at Mouri Kogoro, and suddenly laughed, "I was warned by the Fire Department several times because of that, right!"
Mouri Kogoro gave a dry laugh, muttering in a low voice, "You weren't any different..."
"However, this fire must be arson," Inspector Yumichou said, the cigarette still in his mouth, returning to the main topic, "The Red Horse that appeared several times before was also found at this fire scene. After identification, it's exactly the same as the Red Horse toys found at the previous three fire scenes..."
A distinctively jointed hand reached out in front of the group. A keychain was hooked between the slightly bent index and middle fingers. A red statue of a person riding a horse hung from the connecting ring, still swaying slightly.
A calm voice: "Is it this?"
Mouri Kogoro turned around and saw Lark beside him, breaking out in a sweat.
His apprentice suddenly appearing and saying something so eerily was truly frightening.
"This is..." Hattori Heiji instinctively looked at Inspector Yumichou.
Inspector Yumichou's mouth was wide open, and the cigarette he was holding dropped. Fortunately, he took a step back in time, avoiding getting the cigarette burn on his clothes. He then looked up at the keychain in Lark's hand, and turned to stare at Lark, "Although the Red Horse from the fire scene didn't have a person statue on it, it does look very similar. Where did you get it?"
Lark turned to look at Hendata Takunori, who was standing weakly beside him with little presence, "He gave it to me."
Inspector Yumichou looked at Hendata Takunori in surprise, "Hendata?"
"Sorry, Inspector Yumichou," Hendata Takunori lowered his head, saw the still-burning cigarette butt that Yumichou had dropped on the ground, and couldn't resist stepping on it to put it out for Yumichou, "I... I might be that arsonist..."
"Might?" Inspector Yumichou said speechlessly.
"Inspector Yumichou, do you know Mr. Hendata?" Hattori Heiji asked.
"You know him too?" Inspector Yumichou said, looking at Lark with suspicion, "Then, who are you?"
Lark: "..."
Only asking now?
Conan: "..."
What's with this sudden chaos?
Hattori Heiji: "..."
It's a mess, a mess.
Mouri Kogoro: "..."
Let's sort this out. This needs a good sorting out after talking.
Inspector Yumichou: "..."
He should first confirm who this young man with Hendata is. That couldn't be wrong, could it? Why did Mouri and the others suddenly fall silent?
Hendata Takunori: "..."
Hmm? What's wrong? The police officer and the others aren't talking. Should he also be silent?
"Ahem, well... let me introduce," Mouri Kogoro snapped back to attention, deciding to clarify one thing at a time, "He is my apprentice, Ike Hassashi. This is Hattori Heiji, a high school detective from Osaka. And this one is Conan, a kid temporarily staying at my place. Hassashi, this is Inspector Yumichou, my former superior in the Arson Investigation Team."
"So you're his apprentice. I almost forgot, you're a famous detective now too," Yumichou said with emotion. It wasn't easy; Mouri actually managed to find the key points so quickly. He was acting a bit like a teacher. "So, what exactly is going on?"
"Let me explain," Hattori Heiji said seriously, "I took on a case. The client was Mrs. Morokuzu, who died in this fire. She said she had seen sneaky figures nearby at night recently. So I called Uncle Mouri, Brother Hassashi, and Conan to come investigate. We arrived here at 4:30 PM and met Mr. Hendata delivering the antique shop catalog and keychains to the Morokuzu house. Mrs. Morokuzu refused to accept them, so Brother Hassashi asked Mr. Hendata for them, and Mr. Hendata left the Morokuzu house."
"Immediately after, the man with glasses who was accompanying Mr. Morokuzu over there came to the Morokuzu house. Mrs. Morokuzu called him 'teacher', and he seemed to be a Feng Shui practitioner," Mouri Kogoro took over, "And shortly after Mrs. Morokuzu invited that Feng Shui practitioner inside, her sister, Miss Gondou Ito, visited, but after they exchanged a few words, the fortune teller was blocked outside the door by Mrs. Morokuzu closing it."
"Miss Gondou Ito is a fortune teller," Conan said cutely in his child's voice, "When she saw Brother Hassashi, she seemed very frightened and immediately turned and ran away."
"Oh?" Yumichou looked at Lark, "Do you know that Miss Gondou Ito?"
"About six days ago, I met her at the entrance of my apartment," Lark explained, "She gave me a crystal ball and introduced herself by name and profession."
"After the fortune teller left, we stayed at the entrance, sitting in the car Brother Hassashi drove to monitor the surroundings," Hattori Heiji said, "Because Mrs. Morokuzu said she was probably being paranoid and seeing things, and suddenly refused to let us understand the situation."
"We waited for two hours and noticed that the Feng Shui practitioner hadn't come out after going in, so we entered the courtyard to check the situation," Mouri Kogoro glanced at the male homeowner of the Morokuzu family who was still near the stretcher over there. His expression was strange for a moment, then he lowered his voice, "And we saw something difficult to speak of behind the living room window..."
Seeing Mouri Kogoro hesitate, Inspector Yumichou was somewhat puzzled, "Difficult to speak of?"
Mouri Kogoro leaned closer to Yumichou, "We saw Mrs. Morokuzu having an affair with that Feng Shui practitioner!"
Yumichou was speechless, a line of black across his forehead, "Mouri, what have you been doing with children around all day?"
Compared to that, sneaking into someone's courtyard to peek at them having an affair seemed even more despicable...
Wait!
Yumichou widened his eyes and stared at Mouri Kogoro, "Those footprints in front of the living room window are yours?!"
"Shh... shh..." Mouri Kogoro motioned for Yumichou to keep his voice down. He looked left and right, saw that no one was paying attention to them, and then said with a dry laugh, "I was just about to tell you about this..."
Yumichou glanced at Mouri Kogoro speechlessly, "Someone will come to get your shoe prints later!"
"What?" Mouri Kogoro looked as if he had been insulted, staring at Yumichou, "You're not suspecting us, are you?"
"It's to differentiate them from the footprints left by the arsonist!" Yumichou shouted, then felt a headache coming on, "And then?"
End of Chapter
Chapter 898: You're Not Human?!
Munmei was grabbed by the throat and pressed against the wall. The moment Lark climbed over the wall, all four claws came out, scratching four or five long bloodstains on the back of Lark's left hand and wrist.
After steadying himself on the wall, Lark immediately switched to holding Munmei by the back of the neck with his right hand. Ignoring the thrashing Munmei, he jumped back down the wall.
As soon as he landed, Fei Mo, who had flown over, started pulling at Munmei's fur with his beak and claws, letting out angry meows, "You've gone too far! If you weren't like my master, I wouldn't bother with you!"
Munmei instantly felt hurt. Even while being held by Lark, his four claws frantically swiped at Fei Mo, "Fei Mo! What do you mean by that?"
Lark lowered his head and looked at the bleeding scratches on his left hand. He silently revealed his sharp claws and then silently extended them in front of Munmei.
"Are you saying our fri... friendship..." Munmei noticed Fei Mo suddenly backed away. He looked at the hand in front of him with blood flowing down the back and the sharp claws...
Wait? Claws?
Munmei's eyes instantly widened. He leaned closer to look at Lark's fingernails, and even reached out with his paw to touch them. After realizing they weren't fake props, his gaze moved along the hand all the way to the calm face of the hand's owner.
Lark reasoned with Munmei, "You can't scratch me to death, but if I scratch you once, you might die."
This was the truth.
With Munmei's small claws, even if he scratched his neck, Lark would likely be saved. But with the length and sharpness of his claws, one scratch could disembowel Munmei, and if he scratched the neck, one could start thinking about a nice urn for Munmei.
Munmei was stunned for a moment, his voice turning shrill with distortion as he cried out, "You're not human?!"
Lark: "..."
Who is he cursing?
After crying out, Munmei still looked at Lark with a terrified expression of 'WTF, I need to be alone', "What kind of monster are you?"
Lark didn't answer. He gestured on Munmei's abdomen with his claw, "If you don't go to the hospital, I can only scratch your abdomen once."
"Hmph! You think I..." Munmei's words stopped. He looked down at someone's claw that had drawn a line of blood on his abdomen, "I..."
Lark stared at Munmei's abdomen, pondering where would be a good place to make the incision.
Not in a hospital, tools weren't complete, and there was no anesthesia. It was very troublesome...
Munmei felt a chill from being stared at. He felt like Lark was seriously considering how to make a hole in his belly. He steadied himself, "Alright, considering how sincere you are, I'll go to the hospital with you."
If you ignored the fur standing on end all over his body, a certain cat still had a lot of backbone.
Lark retracted his claws, "Have you been vaccinated before?"
Munmei stared intently at Lark's hand, filled with curiosity, completely forgetting his frustration, "You mean getting shots at the hospital, right? I've been there several times. Why are you asking this?"
"Tell me the address of your previous owner. I need your vaccination certificate," Lark said.
Munmei was silent for a moment, "Let me down first."
Lark squatted down and put Munmei on the ground.
Worst case, he'd just catch him again.
Munmei walked into the container covered with plastic sheeting. After a while, he came out holding a white plastic bag in his mouth, placed it at Lark's feet, and nodded his chin towards the plastic bag, "No need for so much trouble, it's inside."
Lark untied the knot on the plastic bag.
The plastic bag had claw marks and bite marks. Looking at the location and marks, it seemed Munmei had tied the knot himself.
There weren't many things in the plastic bag: a small booklet, an old yarn ball that had been scratched, and two little mice made of hemp rope.
Lark opened the booklet.
Indeed, it was a pet information manual.
The first page had a photo of Munmei. The edges of the photo were decorated with pink tape with heart patterns. The columns for Name, Owner's Name, and Date of Birth had neatly written handwriting, while the Purchase Location and Initial Physical Examination were in someone else's handwriting.
The next few pages were vaccination records from the hospital. There were labels from the vaccine bottles, signatures and stamps from the doctors and hospital, and a small paw print inked onto each page.
The booklet was very dirty. The bottom corner had traces of spilled liquid and being soaked in water, while the toys in the bag were cleaner, though some dirt and residue could still be seen in the crevices of the hemp rope.
He could probably guess that Munmei had dug these things out of a trash pile and washed them somewhere. However, the crevices in the hemp rope were difficult to clean thoroughly, and the paper pages were prone to wrinkling and ink bleeding after getting wet.
Additionally, there were many scratches on the booklet. Perhaps afraid the booklet would be ruined by scratching, the marks were not deep, but there were many of them, a dense and scattered pattern of scratches, like the imprint of Munmei's past frustration, hatred, and conflict.
"That woman threw all this away in a trash bag, and I felt like I might use it in the future," Munmei lifted his chin slightly, pretending that his past perverted behavior of frantically digging through the girl's discarded trash and spying on her life had never happened, putting on an arrogant look of 'my decision was correct', "Now I'm using it after all."
Lark looked at Munmei, not speaking, verifying the vaccination status on the pages.
He might understand Munmei's feelings when leaving those claw marks on the booklet.
Common pets in human families are cats and dogs, two very intelligent animals. But cats have more 'self' than dogs. In their eyes, they are equal to humans, or even superior.
Many cats' feelings for humans are like family and like lovers. They get jealous when a person touches another cat, they act spoiled to seek affection or throw tantrums when they feel neglected, and they stare with extreme disdain when they see a person do something they think is stupid. Perhaps while being disdainful, they might still help the person.
Out of this sense of 'equality' and self-awareness, cats won't guard a person for life like dogs do. They might long for other lives, want to wander around for a while, and are highly unlikely to return after being abandoned or hurt.
Cats are sensitive creatures. Some people who own cats encounter cats abandoning them and leaving, cats that never become affectionate, or cats that are uncontrollable. Besides factors like individual personalities and past experiences, there is another important reason – the confirmation of status early on.
When a person joyfully brings a kitten home, the kitten has arrived in a strange environment with unfamiliar people, a period filled with anxiety that can be long or short. After that comes the kitten's exploration of the new environment, not just exploring the surroundings, but also exploring the new beings living with it.
They are secretly learning about the human's personality, and they also subconsciously begin to determine their place in the new environment.
Some cats think their owner is the boss, some think the owner is a subordinate, some think the owner is a servant, some think they are equal to the owner, and some feel uncomfortable due to a certain early action by the owner. Then, based on their personality and growth experiences, they develop their own attitude.
If we ignore the cat's personality and just talk about status:
If a cat thinks its owner is an enemy, the cat will avoid, distance itself, leave home, or retaliate.
If a cat thinks its owner is the boss, discipline will be easier later. As long as the owner doesn't make it feel disgusted, repelled, afraid, or hostile later on, and as long as its mood isn't very bad, it will be very willing to obey.
If a cat sees a person as a 'subordinate', as they spend time together, a strange emotion similar to 'lover' will also develop in the cat – 'Okay, I accept him/her now. From now on, he/she is my person. I'll protect him/her, and he/she must also be worthy of me, otherwise I'll get angry'. It's truly like being in a relationship.
And if a cat thinks the human they live with is just a servant, then it's very likely that one day, for some reason, it will abandon a servant it finds displeasing. Of course, this situation is rare. After spending time together, there will always be feelings, and the initial 'servant' concept will slowly develop into the stage where 'it thinks you are its subordinate'. Some cats run away completely due to personality or the wild urge to 'live a wandering life'.
Based on some small details in the pet manual, Munmei's original owner should have been a young girl with a girlish heart and a love for romance. Such a girl couldn't have controlled Munmei, but it's also unlikely that Munmei would have seen her as a 'servant' or 'enemy'. In Munmei's heart, she was probably a concept like 'little sister, my person'.
In this way, Munmei would have feelings similar to a 'lover' for his former owner. Although both human and cat were female and lacked the desire typical of romantic love, Munmei would still get angry and jealous when the other person touched other animals. After being abandoned by her, he would also suffer like a human going through a breakup.
That feeling of interwoven love and hate, wanting to leave but unable to bear it, wanting revenge but unable to bring himself to do it, and finally the relief of leaving decisively or choosing to cut everything off – Munmei understood, Jack the Ripper in the Cocoon Game understood, and he could also understand. It was just that the emotions from his previous life felt increasingly distant. Even if he wanted to relive the past now, to use it as a seasoning for life, it felt like an invisible thin film separated him from his inner self. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't experience that complex and torturous feeling from back then.
Munmei jumped onto the wooden box. After waiting for a moment, he asked again, "Can it be used?"
"Yes."
Just as Lark was about to put away the booklet, Munmei called out to him.
"Wait!" Munmei reached out a paw and patted the first page of the booklet, then paused, and moved his paw to the name column next to the photo, "How do you pronounce this?"
"Illiterate," Fei Mo muttered in a low voice with disdain.
Munmei ignored Fei Mo and just stared at Lark.
Before, he couldn't hear. He could only see the girl's lips moving. Later, he saw the same words outside a shop, but he never understood exactly what the sound she called out was.
"Ice Cream," Lark said softly.
Munmei scoffed lightly, his clear, childish voice carrying disdain, "So it's a food sold in a shop. How unpleasant. It's not as good as the name I chose myself."
"Perhaps because you are white, like snow," Lark didn't agree. This was like a friend complaining to you about an ex who was a scumbag. Before you were sure of the other person's thoughts, no matter how they cursed, it was unwise to blindly join in.
"What about this one?" Munmei's paw moved to another column. He had seen the same words many times in the girl's books. That should be the girl's name, also a 'mark' humans leave on their belongings.
Lark looked at the words, "Endo Tomoko."
"That's alright too. I've heard quite a few pronunciations similar to her name," Munmei retracted his paw. After jumping off the wooden box, he used his paws and teeth to tie the knot on the plastic bag on the ground, "Let's go, to the hospital."
End of Chapter
Chapter 899: Cats are all Crazy
Chi Feichei's car was still undergoing Repair, so he had to take Nameless to the Street Corner to take a taxi.
Nameless refused to be held, only letting Chi Feichei Help carry that Plastic Bag. It jumped onto the Wall and walked outwards along the top of the Wall, saying, "Feimo, Before You Say I was like your Master, that's why you cared about me. What did you mean by that?"
Chi Feichei Also Looked at Feimo perched on his Shoulder.
His Species, Appearance, and Personality were completely Different from Nameless'. He certainly didn't have a Temper as bad as Nameless'.
"In Human terms," Feimo meowed calmly, "you both were neglected and abandoned by your original families and then went wild. That's the first Point. The second Point is that you both Seemingly hate going to the Hospital. On the other hand, there are Differences in other aspects. My Master is more ruthless than you... much more formidable."
Chi Feichei Lowered his Head to Clean Up the Bloodstains on his Hand that Nameless had Scratched out.
Did Feimo Just Now want to make some inappropriate Comment?
Nameless walked slowly outwards along the Wall, turned its Head and Looked at Chi Feichei. Realizing the Calm and Composed Feeling Chi Feichei had while sitting on the Steps eating an Orange that night, it made the Default Assumption that they were 'a bit alike'. Then, Realizing Chi Feichei's Body Shape was bigger than its own, his Claws were longer and sharper than its own, and he Still Could Disguise himself as a Human, it Also made the Default Assumption about Feimo's 'much more formidable' Comment. Thinking like this, it couldn't help but size up Chi Feichei again, "Are you a Yokai?"
"No," Chi Feichei answered, unable to resist tasting A Bit of the Blood Stain remaining on his Fingertip.
His Blood only tasted like Blood Flavor. Was it Because he himself couldn't taste the Delicious Food Flavor in his own Blood? Or Rather, was his Blood a bit special?
Indeed, he Should still taste the Blood of the Magic Person of Light, that special Species, to make a comparison.
Watching Chi Feichei's Action, Nameless Said Thoughtfully, "I heard a Man and a Woman Said a Story. In Human Cities, not all Creatures that look like Humans are Humans. They Also Possible are Cat Yokai, Fox Yokai, or other Yokai. These Yokai Disguise as Human Appearance, mingle among Humans to hunt Humans, drink Human Blood, eat Human Meat. Their Personality is extremely brutal, and their Means are extremely cruel..."
Chi Feichei's Finger that he put down paused A Bit. He took out a Medical Bandage from his Pocket and started bandaging the Back of his hand. "I don't eat Human Meat, nor am I a Yokai."
Nameless Direct ignored Chi Feichei's latter Sentence, and Also dismissed Chi Feichei's former Sentence as 'sophistry, Cover-up Lie'. Suddenly, it said Regretfully, "Alas, Like That I can't afford to Support you..."
Chi Feichei Turned his Head to Look at Nameless.
When had he Said he would let Nameless Support him?
"Since you are not Human, and Still Can Help Animals treat illness, I originally Still Can wanted to let you be our Doctor. I can Support you, But if you eat Humans, I can't Help you hunt," Nameless Said Pondering, Still Can a bit unwilling. "Are you Vegetarian Food? Or Consider A Bit Rats?"
"I refuse," Chi Feichei strode quickly towards the Street Corner.
Whether it was Working for a Cat, letting a Cat Support him, or eating Vegetarian Food, eating Rats, he refused all.
Nameless didn't Ask further, Pondering the whole way.
The refusal was Indeed decisive. But letting such a formidable Yokai Work for it, this Statement was Indeed not very respectful to them...
Arriving at the Street Corner, Feimo used its Claws to Grab Heiji, who was poking its Head out, and flew towards the Sky. "Master, we'll go to the Hospital Entrance and wait for you!"
Nameless jumped down from On the Wall. Seeing Chi Feichei get into a Car, it Also Followed and jumped onto the Seat, squatting Beside Chi Feichei and Pondering.
That Snake Seemingly was very interesting, But at the Present, the Snake was not Important. Still Can think about how to achieve a Cooperation Goal with this Great Yokai.
The Other Party's personal Ability was strong, and their Faction was Also strong. If it proposed to employ them, they Definitely wouldn't disagree. If it Said 'Cooperation', they Possible Also wouldn't be interested.
Offerings? Allegiance?
If Offerings, If The Other Party wanted to eat Humans, it would be very difficult for them to Hunt Humans to provide. If they were not Careful and angered them, that would be even more Troublesome.
If it's Allegiance, Probably Still Can let The Other Party take care of them as the Boss. When they need Help, they would ask the Boss for Help. But to pledge Allegiance for a Rookie Doctor who Helps treat illness and still has to go to the Hospital, would it Seemingly lose too much Face?
But this Great Yokai is not Just a Doctor, there are Also Feimo's Group of Henchmen. If they join such a large Faction, they Definitely can get Benefit. At least they can call on Feimo to join forces and Grab Territory. Then it wouldn't be a Loss, right?
That's Wrong too. What if The Other Party Requested them to go Hunt Humans, exploit their Labor? Wouldn't Allegiance then be seeking one's own death?
No, no, Look at Feimo's Group of Crows. The Other Party Seemingly Also doesn't have the Intention to exploit Subordinates.
But Also can't not be on guard. Maybe what it Sees is Just the Appearance. What if Behind this Great Yokai, Feimo needs to provide ten or eight Birds as Food every Day?
Wrong. If it were Like That, that Group of Silly Birds Also wouldn't live so Happy...
The Taxi Driver See a Cat Get On The Bus, and was a bit surprised. "Mr., this Cat..."
"It's my Pet," Chi Feichei leaned over and closed the Car Door. "Go to Zhenchi Pet Hospital. If it dirties the Car, I will compensate according to the price."
The Driver didn't Ask further. "Okay."
Nameless Turned its Head to Look at Chi Feichei. The tip of its Tail, hanging Behind it, slightly wagged.
Was this Sentence 'my Pet' that the Great Yokai Said Just Now a Hint? Or Rather, was it a kind of Invitation?
If it refused, would The Other Party become angry out of embarrassment?
Chi Feichei saw Nameless kept tilting its Head and Staring at himself, and Also Looked at Nameless: "..."
What does this Cat Again want to do?
Nameless: "..."
The Other Party was Staring at it with this kind of chilling Gaze. It Should be waiting for an Answer.
Indeed, it was a Hint Just Now, right?
If it refused, this Great Yokai maybe really would turn hostile.
Chi Feichei: "..."
Kept Looking at him, and Again didn't Speak Out. This Is what Intention?
He heard that Cats are all Crazy. Letting him Communicate with Gaze with an unfamiliar Crazy one, this Task was very difficult.
Nameless: "..."
There was a kind of Humiliation from being Threatened. But in this narrow Space, its Resistance would be very Dangerous.
Seriously, why is the Attitude so strong and overbearing?
It Also doesn't really reject pledging Allegiance to a formidable Great Yokai that Still Can mingle among Humans!
Then Should it Call him 'Boss'? Or Follow Feimo and Call him 'Master'?
Calling him 'Master' Feels like losing Face. Calling him 'Boss' Seemingly Again took advantage of Feimo. Then Indeed... No, no, Or Rather Still Can be the Same as Feimo?
In the Back Seat, the Human and the Cat looked at each other for a long Time. Chi Feichei saw Nameless truly didn't Intention to Speak Out, and was about to withdraw his Line of Sight and Turn his Head to Look at the Street Scene Outside.
Once Seeing this, Nameless became anxious. This Great Yokai was indicating that the Time he gave was up! "Okay, Master Meow~"
Chi Feichei's Action of Turning his Head froze A Bit. He Looked at Nameless again.
Do the Symptoms of being Crazy in Cats include being moody, sensitive and fickle, and Cat Personality Splitting?
Nameless was being sized up by Chi Feichei. It Pondered A Bit, Thinking Possible it was too slow, making the Great Yokai Think it lacked Sincerity and was not Happy. But it Again couldn't Say anything too demeaning, so it decided to talk about its own Plan. "I can bring Subordinates to pledge Allegiance to you, But you cannot let us go Hunt Humans, cannot let us go to our deaths. Of Course, We Also will protect you, and Still Can Help with some things..."
Chi Feichei Nodded. He Turned his Head to Look Outside the Car Window.
It wouldn't be Weird at all if Nameless turned hostile and disowned him Tomorrow. He would Cooperate first, send the Cat to the Hospital, and then talk about it later.
Nameless Also didn't Speak Out Again, feeling a bit annoyed.
This Great Yokai's Attitude is a bit Indifference. Wouldn't it Think it was talking about Conditions?
Although it Indeed was expressing its own Request, But Seemingly it Should first Say two Sentences expressing Loyalty and then talk.
This kind of Great Yokai has a really big Temper. But it Should Still Can be Remedy.
At 8 o'clock at Night, the City was Enveloped by brilliant Lights. The Taxi drove onto a Bridge.
Nameless Turned its Head and Looked at the Plastic Bag Chi Feichei had placed Beside his Hand. It Again Looked at the half-open Car Window, gritted its teeth, picked up the Plastic Bag with its mouth, and threw it out the Car Window with force.
"Flap!"
The Plastic Bag was blown by the Wind and made a sound. Quickly, with the Wind brought by the Car speeding, it flew out of the Bridge Guardrail.
Chi Feichei was startled. He immediately Turned his Head, only to See something white falling towards the Bridge. Nameless's Forepaw was still placed on the Car Window edge, while the Plastic Bag originally placed Beside his Hand had Already disappeared.
Nameless Threw away that Plastic Bag that contained its Toy Mouse and Yarn Ball? Why?
If he didn't guess wrong, then that Should be something sold to it by Nameless's Previous Master, and Again was Found out from the Trash Bag by it and Collected.
Nameless's Forepaw rested on the Car Window. It Realized that the Place where the Plastic Bag flew away quickly could no longer See as the Car moved forward. Suddenly, it Felt Regret and heartache. Quickly, in its Heart, it Again gained a trace of slowly spreading Relaxation. Looking at the rows of Street Lamps standing Beside the Bridge Side, constantly flashing past, its Eyes were a bit dazed.
It Already knew that Girl would no longer hold it and Lift High High, would no longer rub her Forehead against it. It Also knew that Even If that Girl Came Over to find it, it Also wouldn't go back Again. And those Toys Should have been Thrown away long ago.
But it's not late at the Present. At the Present, it Also doesn't want her anymore. So it...
It would never Choose to forgive! It Just wants to Throw away completely everything related to her!
"Mr., What's Wrong?" the Taxi Driver who heard the sound asked Doubtfully. "Just Now..."
"The Wind is too big," Chi Feichei leaned over and raised the Car Window Glass on Nameless's side There.
The Things were Thrown away by Nameless Oneself. The one with its Tail and Ears drooping, looking sad, was Also Nameless Oneself... Cats Indeed are Crazy. He still needs to be Careful Nameless doesn't suddenly become Depression, think negatively, and jump out of the Car and Suicide.
After more than twenty minutes, the Taxi stopped Outside Zhenchi Pet Hospital.
Chi Feichei paid the Fare, held Nameless, and got out of the Car.
Feimo, bringing Heiji, flew down from the Air and stopped on Chi Feichei's Shoulder, Following him into the Hospital.
The Lights in the Hospital Lobby were not overly bright white and dazzling. The Decoration Color Choice Also leaned towards Wood Color, which was closer to Nature and wouldn't Seemingly be too Solemn. But the Disinfectant Smell faintly drifting in the Air Cannot Deceive Animals with a Keen Sense of Smell.
Due To the Time being too late, Chi Feichei didn't alarm any Acquaintances. After entering the Hospital, he went to the Front Desk for Registration.
The Front Desk On-duty Nurse was a Girl who had joined Previously. After raising her Head and seeing clearly the Person who Came Over, she was a bit surprised. "Doctor Chi?"
Chi Feichei Nodded, indicating he had greeted her. Without delay, he said Directly, "Registration, Cat, Emergency, Full Body Checkup, Arrange a Private Room."
"Okay," the On-duty Nurse became serious and helped print the Form.
Animal Hospitals and Human Hospitals are Different. Human Hospitals will have quite a few Emergencies, while in Pet Hospitals, After 8 o'clock, at most there are only some Masters who Keep Company with their Pets for injections leaving. Emergencies are very rare.
Relatively, the On-duty Doctor is Also very free. Registration allows for immediate Consultation. It's Just that Animals mostly need Owner's Comfort, especially Cats, this kind of Animal that Will become Unease when they arrive in an Unfamiliar Environment. If it needs to be Trouble for a long Time and there are Conditions, it's best to have a Private Room.
Nameless looked Calm and Composed, But Chi Feichei holding it could all Feel this Cat's Whole Body was Tense. Moreover, he Also needed a Private Space to let Heiji and Feimo stay.
End of Chapter