Footsteps halted directly behind Su Yue—well, more precisely, right behind her rear. Unable to see who it was, she froze, muscles tensing with nervousness.

"Hey! First time I've seen a thief with such low ambitions. Stealing from a steamed bun shop?" an old man's voice called out.

"Y-you… who are you?" Su Yue stammered, forcing courage into her voice.

"Oh? A girl? Why aren't you learning the right ways instead of getting into shady business?" The voice continued, "I'm the security guard here. Petty theft is still illegal—I won't go easy on you just 'cause you're a girl."

Brimming with righteous conviction, the old man added, "Come out now. Don't act like an ostrich burying its head!"

"I… I'm stuck," Su Yue whispered shyly. Her cheeks burned fever-hot; her voice was faint as a mosquito's buzz. Fear and shame tangled inside her, nearly short-circuiting her little brain.

"I've guarded this place for years," the old man mused, "but never met a thief this clumsy. Alright, girl—I'll lend a hand. Then you're coming with me to turn yourself in. Start fresh."

Su Yue felt rough hands grip her calves and pull hard.

"Th-thank you," she murmured, utterly flustered. *Rescued by a guard after getting stuck mid-theft? So embarrassing.*

Just as her rear loosened slightly, a thought struck her: *He hasn't seen my silver-white hair or crimson eyes. He thinks I'm human.*

Her heart clenched. *If he takes me to the police… game over!*

Thinking fast, she clutched the white tablecloth she'd torn loose. The instant the guard yanked her free, she whipped it over his face—*whoosh*—burying him completely.

She twisted free, scrambled up, and bolted. Blinded, the old man flailed wildly. "Child!" he yelled after her frantic footsteps. "It's never too late to turn back!"

That shout sent her flying across the street. Spotting the familiar dark alley, she ducked sideways—and dove straight into the charity donation box beside it.

The guard tore off the cloth, flashlight beam sweeping the empty street. Refusing to believe it, he rushed across, scanned left and right, plunged into the alley, jabbed his light everywhere. Nothing. He kicked open the trash can—rotten stench, no trace. Then the donation box.

Inside: a heap of old clothes. He jabbed his baton deep. Twice. Thrice. Silence. With a disgruntled huff, he left.

Curled tight at the very bottom of the pile, Su Yue held her breath as the baton stabbed inches from her nose. After his footsteps faded, she waited—*horror game logic: never exit too soon*—and stayed hidden over thirty minutes before peeking out.

Silence reclaimed the street. Su Yue exhaled shakily. *Almost got caught… and got zero food. Tomorrow? Starvation.*

Dejection washed over her. Then—*wait*. Beside the trash can sat a large appliance box: knee-high, twice her shoulder-width. And inside? Moldy fruit. Someone's temporary discard bin.

Her eyes lit up. She hugged the box close, scurrying into the alley. *Rotten fruit? Still edible! Don't be wasteful!*

Miss Su Yue's food standards had sunk lower than ever.

At the alley's deepest corner, she sorted the haul: three and a quarter apples, half a banana, two and two-thirds pears, several sugar oranges. *Two days' worth!* She nibbled half a precious scallion pancake from her coat, tucked it back with the fruit. *Four days now.* And living by the trash can? *Maybe daily donations!*

Her eyes sparkled. "Trash can… my home!"

She didn't notice how close she'd drifted to stray-cat territory.

*"This spot should be my base,"* she mused. *"Explore a little each day."* Her tiny brain recalled her Master's words: *"No rash moves. Advance step by step. Plan before acting."* *So wise… just like him!*

Poor Miss Su Yue had utterly forgotten why she came here.

*"Why* did *I come here?"* she wondered aloud.

"I just took a wrong turn and ended up here!" she huffed. "No grand purpose. Now? Survival is everything!"

*But… doesn't she want to return to the True Immortal Realm?*

"Of course!" she snapped. "But my body can't absorb spiritual energy at all—" She blinked. "...Huh? Who was I answering?"

Pitch black. Not even a shadow beside her.

"My head's really broken," she murmured. "Whatever. Time to sleep."

She studied the cardboard box, then slipped inside. Petite as she was, it felt roomy. She curled her legs, draped her black coat over the opening—a tiny, enclosed shelter. Safe.

"Good night," she whispered to herself.

Miss Su Yue… had officially become a stray cat.