Meng Chao had no objection to Big Kukri's proclivities.
He merely seriously considered whether it was possible to seize and interrogate Big Kukri inside the "Sugar House."
The conclusion was that it would be difficult.
For understandable reasons, security inside the "Sugar House" was even tighter than at temples and warehouses.
Its soundproofing and privacy measures were also watertight.
To enter the "Sugar House" for some fun, one needed to be introduced by a trusted regular after visiting several times.
And naturally, the regulars were as secretive as a grave about their own proclivities.
No matter how Meng Chao disguised himself, he could not possibly worm his way into this small circle within just a few days.
That left only one option: strike while Big Kukri was on his way to or from the "Sugar House."
The advantage was that there were plenty of places to set an ambush in the Slums.
As long as he blew apart Big Kukri's throat at the first opportunity, he need not fear him making a sound, leaving at least several minutes to act.
The disadvantage was that Big Kukri's vigilance would certainly be raised to the utmost on his way to or from the "Sugar House."
It was not because he feared assassination.
It was because he feared being seen.
Moreover, before entering that narrow door painted with cat ears, the customers of the "Sugar House" would never throw their arms around each other's shoulders and loudly boast of their martial prowess as they did when visiting "normal" Fireworks.
They usually hunched their necks, darted their eyes about, stuck close to the walls, and came and went alone.
Even if they ran into one another in an alley, they kept a distance of at least three to five arm-lengths, never making eye contact