As Black Cat spoke, he let out a threatening hiss. Xiao Jie froze. "King? Are you serious?"
Why did this cat sound like it had a raspy, smoke-scorched voice? It gave off the vibe of some mafia boss.
He knew he had imagined the voice himself within the artistic conception, yet he was still speechless.
Black Cat spoke in that hoarse voice. "That's right. I am the king of this mountain. Everything in these hills is mine. The squirrels fear me, the pigeons fear me, and even you big stupid cats dare not disrespect me. You all rush to offer me tribute."
As he spoke, he pawed at the leftover dried fish and starch sausages beneath his feet—snacks that some overly kind-hearted person had probably fed him.
"If you want to fight me for my position as king, then we'll have no choice but to battle!"
With that, he arched his back and struck a fighting pose.
Xiao Jie found it amusing. He hadn't expected this cat's thoughts to be so complex.
"Great Mountain, you mean that little mound behind you? Hahahaha, you're too funny. Don't worry, little guy, I'm not interested in taking your territory. I'm just out for a run to exercise."
Black Cat tilted his head and studied Xiao Jie. "Meow, fine, big stupid cat from out of town. I believe you. But don't try anything funny. I've got my eye on you."
Black Cat raised a front paw, pointed at his own eyes, then pointed at Xiao Jie.
The gesture carried more than a little of a mob boss's swagger.
Xiao Jie finally burst out laughing. Amid Black Cat's angry, bewildered gaze, he turned and headed home.
When Xiao Jie woke up the next morning, the muscles in both his legs were aching badly.
Damn, he'd