In the end, Miaomiao couldn't withstand the pangs of conscience. She asked the clerk to pack up the untouched desserts, then went for a leisurely stroll down the street.
Though Blüdhaven by day wasn't as bustling as downtown Gotham City, it was reasonably peaceful.
Compared with Gotham City's abundance of "talent," Blüdhaven was more like a small-town girl a step behind her big-city sister: quiet, gentle, and possessed of a slightly awkward stubborn streak.
Without those brilliant villains who threatened to blow up an entire city at the drop of a hat, the civilians here mostly had to deal with gangs collecting protection money and officials steeped in corruption.
Miaomiao strolled along the sidewalk, cradling a bulging paper bag of desserts, some of which still gave off a little warmth.
She had nothing urgent to do and no particular destination, so she followed the street, looking around as she went. Whenever she reached a dead end, she simply changed direction. Hayley was on her leash, following close at Miaomiao's feet and behaving beautifully.
As they walked, Miaomiao suddenly sensed a familiar presence. Hayley seemed to have caught a scent too, growing restless and whining softly as she tried to head in a certain direction.
"Hayley?"
Miaomiao shifted the paper bag of desserts to her left hand and scooped the little dog up with her right.
"Careful, there are cars here. You noticed him too, didn't you?"
"Woof!"
Hayley happily licked Miaomiao's face, her fluffy tail held high and her sapphire-blue eyes brimming with anticipation.
Feeling Hayley's enthusiasm, Miaomiao smiled and nuzzled her fur. "All right, all right, I know! You really do love Dick. Let's go see him."
"Woof~"
Following the presence she'd sensed, Miaomiao crossed the road and rounded two corners. At the mouth of a narrow alley, the