The maid catgirl padded gracefully deeper into the shop on silent cat steps, Chen Yan trailing behind while glancing occasionally at the shelves.
Extra-large cat teaser wands, spicy roasted mouse jerky, ultra-soft bouncy frisbees, yarn balls half a person’s height, ten-times sensitivity potion, dizziness potion…
Wait—was something suspicious mixed in here?
They soon reached the store’s innermost section. Smaller shelves stood labeled with rare races: succubi, unicorns, Bloodkin—high-tier species.
The catgirl led Chen Yan to the Bloodkin shelf and held up a stick-like item. “This is a teething stick made just for Bloodkin, meow. It absorbs human blood—drip yours on it, and it becomes infused with your scent, meow.”
“And its softness mimics a human neck, meow. Many Bloodkin like to carry it in their mouths, meow.” The golden-haired maid added cheerfully, “Long exposure to your blood’s scent helps them bond with you closer, meow.”
“Hmm, not bad. I’ll take one.” Chen Yan nodded. His relationship with Su Yue did need warming up—at minimum, getting her to move in.
“Thank you for your patronage, meow!” Dollar signs practically sparkled in her eyes. She lifted a jar. “Premium black tea encoded in Bloodkin DNA, meow. Brew her a cup each afternoon to speed up bonding, meow.”
“Take it.”
“This ultra-realistic ‘fresh blood’ tomato sauce?”
“Take it.”
“Bloodkin scratch board?”
“Take it.”
“Heart-shaped blood chocolate DIY kit using your blood?”
“Take it. And grab that ten-times sensitivity potion and dizziness potion from outside too.”
“Struck gold, meow!”
Thrilled, the catgirl packed everything. Never had she met such a generous customer. Bloodkin goods carried steep markups due to low demand—a Bloodkin scratch board cost ten times a catgirl’s version, solely for its blood-absorbing thrill.
(Truth was, the free catnip pouch with the catgirl’s board did the same trick.)
Just outside “Pet Paradise,” the waitress Chen Yan sent to buy Su Yue clothes rolled up with a cart.
“Master Chen Yan, the outfits are ready. Deliver to your home?”
“Master Chen Yan~” Another waitress dashed over, hugging an insulated box. “Director Bai said to give you this.”
“What is it?” Chen Yan took it, puzzled.
“Frozen blood. Director Bai thought you might need it.”
Chen Yan chuckled. Old Bai still thought he’d kidnapped a wild vampire who’d drink any blood. Su Yue now only tasted *his*.
“Tell Director Bai thanks.” He’d let Su Yue try this blood—she’d claimed she’d never drink his again.
“No need, Master Chen Yan.” The waitress bowed smoothly and vanished.
Chen Yan turned. “Arrange a car. Load all these.” Seven or eight boxes? No way he’d carry them.
“At once, Master Chen Yan.” She bowed and hurried off.
Minutes later, blue-uniformed movers loaded the boxes into a waiting stretch limo. A crisp-suited driver in white gloves opened the door.
“A bit too flashy…” Chen Yan muttered with a wry smile.
But switching cars now was hassle. He’d been gone nearly two hours—how was Su Yue?
He slid in. The limo glided away.
“Wait.” After a few meters, he called out, “Stop—I need takeout braised pork rice.”
Su Yue hadn’t eaten lunch. The shop near the association made the best. She *had* to try it.
…
The limo halted across the pedestrian street from a trash can. Lunch hour emptiness reigned.
The driver unloaded several boxes and stood by.
“Deliver the rest to my doorstep. Then you’re dismissed.”
“Yes, sir.” A crisp chest-bow. The limo vanished without a sound.
*Stare~*
Su Yue peeked from behind the wall, head tilted, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“W-what?” Chen Yan shifted uncomfortably.
“Why’d a luxury car drop you off?”
“I booked a ride. Didn’t expect a limo.”
“But he carried boxes *to your door*.”
“I tipped over a hundred.”
“And bowed like royalty?” Su Yue pressed.
“Ahaha… Service industry’s brutal these days. No manners, no tips.” Chen Yan sweated—felt like a boyfriend caught cheating, patching lies with more lies.
“…You’re secretly a rich second-gen heir, aren’t you?”
“Ah… ahaha.” Chen Yan laughed weakly. Not quite—but close.
“Hmph. Don’t care about your backstory.” Su Yue hopped out, crouching by the boxes. “Weren’t you buying talisman paper? Why all this?”
“Ah—!” Relief washed over him. “Got you clothes too. Can’t keep wearing mine forever.”
“Oh~ Thoughtful, my dear partner.” Su Yue grinned. “I’m adding back that half commission I docked.”
“Appreciate it. Also—braised pork rice?” He offered the takeout box. Su Yue sniffed it eagerly, then snatched it.
“Yes! Starving.” She tore open the container, snapped chopsticks apart, and dug in right on the sidewalk. “Thish ish *so* goood!”
A blissful smile bloomed. “Don’t worry—I’ve logged your braised pork rice. When I make it big, I won’t forget you!”
“Hey, hey—the other box under the bag’s mine.” Chen Yan smiled watching her.
“Mmm! Mmm!” Mouth full, she fumbled out his box and handed it over. Chen Yan crouched beside her, and together they devoured lunch on the quiet street.
