A Chance Encounter / Losing Them and Growing Curious

Meow~

Upon hearing this, the Canned Food beside him gently stomped its chubby paws, yawned, and didn't object.

As for why the man and his cat went to the slums so early in the morning, it was obviously to check on the results of what they had been working on the night before.

If the residents of the slums read the "announcement" that Pardofelis posted last night and no longer harbor prejudice and hostility towards innocent people (Lungmen Guard Department officers) because of the matter of helping them, then everyone will be happy.

However, after watching this, if anyone still tries to cause trouble using the name "Lungmen Phantom Thief," then I won't hold back anymore.

Even if the person is arrested first, she can still sneak into jail and teach them a lesson. After all, if a person doesn't understand human language, then it's better to teach them a real lesson.

"Alright, let's go, Canned Food. We still have a lot to do today. After we finish our morning tasks, we need to find a sushi restaurant before lunchtime." After tidying up her living quarters, Pardofelis waved to Canned Food beside her.

Meow~

"Hold on tight, let's go!"

As for why Pardofelis had to find a sushi restaurant before noon, it wasn't because she wanted to eat there, but because she wanted to buy it for Sakura, who was far away in Trimount, Columbia.

Because all the "announcements" that the cat posted last night were written by someone else, and that person was Sakura.

So, to express her gratitude for the help, she planned to give Sakura, who was getting tired of the cafeteria food, a change of pace at lunchtime today.

Senior Superintendent's Office of the Lungmen Guard Department Bureau --

"So, you just connected this Pardofelis with that notorious thief, which is why your expression suddenly turned so grim?" After listening to Swire's explanation, Hoshiguma stroked his chin and said knowingly.

"Well, although there's no direct evidence, my intuition tells me there should be some connection between the two." Hearing this, Swire nodded slightly, then added:

"Unfortunately, the things she took from my house were all too inconspicuous, making it impossible for me to keep a complete inventory... So far, including yesterday's Canned Food, I've only confirmed four small items."

"Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that she has also stolen small items from other people's homes."

After Swire finished speaking, Chen, who had been listening in, couldn't help but speak up:

"Officer Shi, are you lucky or unlucky to have your house burgled so many times?"

"!"

"You damn dragon, how many times have I told you, my surname isn't Shi! And how can you blame me? What thief only steals small items?!" Swire, whose sore spot was precisely hit by someone, successfully lost her temper again and retorted mercilessly.

"Alright, stop!"

"You two, you start bickering after just a few words. Alright, alright, you're friends, don't ruin your friendship."

Seeing the two people about to start again, Hoshiguma couldn't help but rub her forehead, then quickly stood up and stepped between them, separating them.

What a joke! If these two keep arguing, forget about continuing to piece together the clues. Even the mission they're supposed to do together later will probably have to be postponed.

"Who's friends with this Char Siu Cat!"

"Who's friends with the Fallen Dragon!"

After hearing Hoshiguma's words, the two of them spoke up in rebuttal at almost the same time.

"..."

"Snort."

Realizing what had happened, one turned away with a cold expression, while the other gave a defiant snort, and neither spoke to the other again.

"Sigh... Let's get ready a bit, it's almost time, we should set off." Looking at her two friends who were arguing like children, Hoshiguma's eyes were overflowing with helplessness.

"As for Pardofelis, let's put that aside for now. After we finish dealing with things this morning, we'll find a time to meet her and confirm things."

"After all, we don't have any concrete evidence to prove that this person is related to that notorious thief."

At this point, Hoshiguma seemed to suddenly remember something, paused slightly, and then turned to Swire to continue, "That Pardofelis left her contact information when she was giving her statement, but we don't know if it's true or not."

"You seemed quite interested in her that night. Did you get her contact information?"

"... have."

After listening to Swire's words, Hoshiguma remained silent for a moment before nodding in reply.

At this moment, the little tiger admitted that she was a little heartbroken, but she never expected that the new friend she made because of a cat would be like this...

Was that guy stealing some worthless trinket from her? It was trust! What a waste that she bought so much cat Canned Food and canned cat food!

"That makes things easier. She probably doesn't know you know about those things yet. Let's try to ask her out after we finish our work this morning."

"Um."

"Ah Qiu--"

"I have a feeling that someone is eyeing me. I don't think I've offended any important people recently, have I?"

Pardofelis, who was eating breakfast at a roadside stall in the slums, couldn't help but sneeze and muttered something to herself with a suspicious expression.

In that brief moment of distraction, a furry, wicked paw stealthily reached for her breakfast.

"Canned Food!"

"Meow!"

P. S.: I haven't been feeling well these past couple of days, so I've been neglecting my updates. That's not good; I need to get my updates back on track. That's all for now, see you all tomorrow.

Chapter 26 A Chance Encounter

After having a quick breakfast on the side of the slum street, Pardofelis began her investigation for the day, which included, but was not limited to, strolling around the places where "notices" were posted and asking other people for their opinions.

After some investigation, the cat was quite satisfied with the results, or rather, they were within her expectations.

Although many people are still using this incident as an excuse to vent their negative emotions and harbor resentment towards innocent people, things have improved considerably compared to before; at least many of those who were incited have calmed down.

As for the rest of them, just as Pardofelis had planned, if they didn't cause trouble, she wouldn't interfere. But if they did cause trouble and implicated others, she would punish them.

To be honest, I really don't want to, and don't really like, doing things like physically punishing others. But this whole thing started because of her, so even though I don't like her, I'll still pay attention to it.

After all, it wouldn't be good if these guys used this as an excuse to vent their emotions and accidentally hurt someone.

If the higher-ups were to conduct a thorough investigation, Pardofelis would definitely be implicated. She didn't want to suddenly find herself wanted throughout the entire city one day.

"Things are alright, not a big problem. Thanks for waking me up this morning, canned Canned Food! Is there anything else you'd like to eat? It's on me!"

Looking at the intricate streets of the slums before her, Pardofelis turned her head slightly and smiled at the Canned Food perched on her shoulder, saying...

The cat had mostly finished her tasks here this morning, but since it was still early, she planned to continue strolling around and then treat her chubby cat.

"Meow! Meow meow..."

Upon hearing Pardofelis's words, the Canned Food, which had been lazily rummaging through its food, instantly perked up and then excitedly chirped softly.

"So many? And... Canned Food, how do you remember the snack locations so clearly?!" Pardofelis couldn't help but rub her forehead after hearing Canned Food rattle off a string of names and locations.

"Fine, fine, I give up. But let's make it clear first, we'll leave when it's time, we still need to buy lunch for Sister Ying."

Meow~

On the other side--

How's the situation on your end?

Looking at the two colleagues and friends who had returned from the investigation, Hoshiguma asked them in a good mood.

Although it's still uncertain how things are going with her two friends, her investigation is progressing exceptionally smoothly. Even though some people are still choosing to remain silent, their attitudes are nowhere near as forceful and resistant as before.

"Aside from not getting any useful leads on the suspects, we haven't encountered any major problems, and those people aren't as resistant as before." In response to Hoshiguma's question, Chen first shook his head slightly before answering.

"Well, it's similar on my end. Everyone's attitude is much better than before, but we still don't have any clues about that guy. Ah, if only someone had run into him..." As she finished speaking, a hint of frustration appeared on Swire's delicate face.

Ever since Swire began to suspect the connection between Pardofelis and the Lungmen Thief, she's been eager to uncover the truth. However, the reality is that she's found nothing...

Chen glanced at Swire, who looked sullen, and unusually, didn't say anything, but instead began to analyze the situation seriously.

"Although we didn't get any leads, the suspect's letter still played a significant role this time, at least making the public less resistant to us."

"Since they're not so resistant anymore, that makes things easier. We'll send some people over later to help with the interviews and investigations. Of course, security is still a concern."

When the last sentence mentioned safety, Chen seemed to think of something, her expression shifted slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly lowered her eyes to hide her feelings.

Meanwhile, Hoshiguma keenly noticed her old friend's change in mood and looked at her with some concern. However, due to the occasion, she didn't say anything at that moment.

Just as the atmosphere at the scene was gradually quieting down, Swire had been standing silently to the side, feeling depressed all along, suddenly narrowed her eyes and stared sharply into the distance, looking like a tiger that had suddenly spotted its prey.

"?"

Hoshiguma, noticing Swire's change, paused slightly, then followed her gaze with a curious expression. When she saw that familiar yet unfamiliar figure, she couldn't help but say, "That person... doesn't she look like the Pardofelis you mentioned?"

"Um..."

After barely suppressing the urge to rush over and confront her, Swire turned her gaze back and nodded to Hoshiguma.

"The suspect just posted the [notice] yesterday. Whether it's him or his subordinates, someone will definitely come to investigate and verify the results. Why don't you go and test the waters?"

Chen, who had somehow quickly pulled himself out of his emotions, looked at Swire with a serious expression and said...

"Yes, of course I'll go." After hearing Chen's words, Swire couldn't help but raise her eyebrows slightly before nodding.

Even if Chen hadn't spoken, Swire would have gone over to talk to Pardofelis and probe her. The reason she hadn't gone over immediately was that she was mentally organizing her thoughts and calming her emotions...

"What is Superintendent Shi waiting for? The person is almost gone. If you're scared, I can help you."

Chen glanced at the person who was about to leave in the distance, then looked at Swire expressionlessly and gave a reminder.

"Ah!"

Upon hearing this, Swire was slightly startled, then quickly looked towards Pardofelis's direction. Only after confirming that the person was indeed leaving did she stop wasting time running in that direction.

Of course, before she went there, she didn't forget to leave someone with a harsh remark.

"You idiot, I've told you so many times, my surname isn't Shi! I'll teach you a lesson when I get back!"

"I'll be waiting."

"It tastes really good!"

Following the recommendation of the Canned Food, I bought some snacks from Pardofelis on the roadside. While feeding Pado, I also had a bite myself.

Meow~

The pleasant meal between the two, one human and one cat, didn't last long. Pardofelis's movements suddenly became slightly sluggish, and she subconsciously began to observe her surroundings.

As for why the cat suddenly became alert, it was because she had a sudden, ominous premonition just a moment ago.

Then, as if confirming her intuition, Pardofelis almost effortlessly noticed the trio secretly watching her from afar...

Chapter 27 Shaking Off Curiosity

Upon noticing the trio, Pardofelis abandoned her plan to leisurely savor the snacks and casually turned to leave.

Before she could go very far, Canned Food, perched on her shoulder and looking back, noticed Swire approaching in the distance and quickly called out a soft warning.

Meow~

Upon hearing the Canned Food's casual reminder, Pardofelis, who was already somewhat nervous, instantly felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy and subconsciously quickened her pace to escape.

If it had been Swire and the others before, the cat wouldn't have hidden so drastically...

But that was before. Now, whether it was the feeling she had when she went to buy the goods yesterday evening or the ominous premonition in her heart at this moment, both were urging her to make a quick getaway... Swire must have found out something.

In this situation, how could Pardofelis not comply? She absolutely did not want to go to jail, even if it meant escaping!

Moreover, there's a difference between buying goods from strangers and friends or acquaintances. Cat feels no guilt when dealing with strangers, but when facing people she has contact with or who she intends to befriend, even if they are her friends, she feels guilty and a little embarrassed.

"..."

Swire was approaching Pardofelis, noticed that someone had suddenly quickened their pace. She was taken aback at first, then gritted her teeth and quickened her pace to catch up.

If Pardofelis's previous departure could be attributed to her simply leaving after shopping, then this sudden acceleration...

"They're pursuing us so closely; it seems they've really discovered something."

Noticing the person relentlessly closing in behind her, Pardofelis blinked guiltily before lowering her voice and whispering, "Hold on tight to the Canned Food, get ready to shake them off."