There's a chat group for pets in my neighborhood.

The orange cat timidly huddled in the shadow of the trash can, but its eyes, gazing at the flight case in Lu Fang's hand, were filled with worry and anticipation.

Lu Fang's heart was suddenly touched.

This orange cat sacrificed so much for Charlie, a friend it met by chance, even risking its life.

This sense of righteousness is purer than that of many humans.

"I see you." Lu Fang sighed, squatted down, and opened the door of the flight case a crack.

The anesthesia hadn't worn off yet, and Charlie was lying on the soft mat, breathing evenly.

The orange cat looked up at Charlie, then at Lu Fang who was squatting down. It tilted its head, curled up its front legs, and actually bowed to Lu Fang in a very proper manner.

"I know you're worried, why don't you come with me?" Lu Fang hesitated for a moment, then reached out his hand to the orange cat.

Although my rented apartment isn't big, it's more than enough to house a cat and a dog.

I thought the orange cat would obediently crawl over, but to my surprise, it took a step back, gave Charlie a deep look, and then turned and disappeared into the night.

Lu Fang was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting the orange cat to do this.

Could it be that she doesn't want to be a burden to Charlie?

Or is it because you're used to a nomadic lifestyle?

Regardless, the most urgent thing is to get Charlie back first. After all this trouble, I still have to go to work tomorrow.

Lu Fang carefully secured the flight case and headed towards his rented apartment.

"Why don't you follow them?" Tanuki's figure suddenly appeared on the trash can.

"What's the point of following him?" As if a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart, the orange cat squatted on the concrete ground, looking up at Tanuki: "I'm a stray cat, and he's a pet dog. Now he finally doesn't have to be a stray anymore, and I'm relieved. It's time for me to go on my own path."

"That egg-breaking maniac is actually pretty good. He's the most diligent at supplying cat food to everyone in our Tiancheng community. If you follow his lead, you might just become a domestic cat yourself," Tanuki advised.

"And then what?" The orange cat sneered. "What if one day you think I'm a burden and then throw me away? Then you'll still have to go back to being a stray."

It's easy to see from its words that the orange cat, having been abandoned once, harbors deep hostility towards humans.

"So what are you planning to do next?" The sheriff's head popped out.

"What else can I do but continue to wander the streets? A cat has to live." The orange cat lowered its head and licked its wound, then struggled to sit up, intending to find a place to rest.

The series of fights, coupled with the frantic run, had almost exhausted all its strength, and now it was only by sheer willpower that it was holding on.

Have you ever thought about joining us, joining Tiancheng Community?

Looking at its appearance, Tanuki finally couldn't help but speak up.

"Join you?" The orange cat looked up, somewhat puzzled.

"I'm not pitying you, it's just that a significant portion of the fighting force in Tiancheng Community has been destroyed by that damned egg-dismantling maniac. We need to replenish our strength. Don't worry, we don't have much contact with humans. As long as you're willing to join us, at least you won't have to worry about food. The protection money from Tiancheng Community is enough to support us."

As Tanuki said this, he focused his gaze on the orange cat's lower body.

It could sense from their previous encounter that the orange cat was quite skilled, but it was weak from not eating for a long time, which is why it was able to quickly defeat it. Moreover, because it was abandoned relatively early, the orange cat was still a complete male cat and was quite wild.

"Really?" Hearing these words, the orange cat was clearly somewhat tempted.

"You're not suited to be a homeless person in your current state. After all, I caused some of your injuries, and I have to take full responsibility." Tanuki patted his chest, looking like a righteous and chivalrous man.

"Ignore it, it's just like that." The sheriff finally couldn't stand it anymore: "But he's right about one thing, you're really not suited to being a homeless person in your current state. You can come back with us to recover from your injuries. Charlie's matter isn't over yet, and we hope you can do your part."

"As for joining Tiancheng Community, we won't force you. If you've recovered and are willing to stay, that's fine with us. But if you want to leave, we won't stop you either."

Hearing this, the orange cat's attitude finally softened considerably.

"Okay then."

"We're all buddies, come on, let's get you something to eat first. You'll need the energy to heal!"

Upon hearing the orange cat's words, Tanuki jumped off the trash can, enthusiastically put his arm around its shoulder, and pulled it toward Tiancheng Residential Area.

Meanwhile, Lu Fang had already returned to his rented apartment.

He took Charlie out of the crate, made a makeshift nest out of his old clothes and blankets, and put Charlie inside.

The anesthesia had worn off by now, and Charlie struggled to open his eyes, looking at Lu Fang in front of him. Then, he subconsciously began to look around for the orange cat.

"Woof! Woof!"

"Hey, keep your voice down!" Lu Fang reflexively grabbed Charlie's muzzle. Pets weren't allowed in the rental, and if he woke up someone in the middle of the night like this, the landlord would definitely come knocking and kick him out, and then he wouldn't even have a place to live.

But Charlie was frantic when he couldn't see the orange cat, and he struggled to get up to look for it.

These days, the orange cat has been Charlie's emotional support, and he simply cannot accept the orange cat leaving his side.

"My ancestor, please, I know what you're up to!" Seeing Charlie's state, Lu Fang knew it was looking for the orange cat: "Don't worry, it hasn't left. Just focus on healing your injuries, and it'll come to see you tomorrow!"

Hearing this, Charlie, who had been struggling, calmed down a little.

Seeing that it understood his words, Lu Fang slowly released his grip on the mouthpiece.

The man and the dog have reached a preliminary peace agreement.

"@Socialite Tanuki Bro, is that orange cat still there?"

After comforting Charlie, Lu Fang immediately inquired about the orange cat's condition in the group chat.

If this guy really runs away, Charlie will definitely tear his house down tomorrow.

Brother Tanuki: "We're here, so what?"

"It's nothing serious, it's just that I'm a little worried about Charlie not being able to see it. I'm afraid it'll cause trouble and I won't be able to explain it to them." Lu Fang tidied his words.

"It's alright, just tell me the specific building number, and I'll take it there tomorrow," the sheriff said.

"Okay, thanks. Tomorrow during the day will be fine. That guy won't be home. I'll leave a crack in the window for you guys." Even at this point, Lu Fang hadn't forgotten that he couldn't reveal his identity in the group chat.

Sheriff: "Don't worry."

After closing the group chat, Tanuki looked worriedly at the sheriff beside him and muttered softly, "Sheriff, I won't go with you tomorrow."

"I'm afraid I've fallen into that egg-disassembling maniac's trap!"

"There are so many female cats in Tiancheng Community waiting for me to pamper them!"