An Insecure International Student Is Taken In by an American Cop's Family

[Alternate-universe European and American setting + American police family + Food + Nonhumans + Pica + Egg-laying]

Lin Guichuan, a Chinese international student who has been studying abroad for a year and a half, is so poor that even pinching pennies can't keep him fed. So he finds himself an under-the-table job.

This is a genuine under-the-table job. His employers are the chief of the most famous private police department in Manhaven State and his three children: the Richter family, a family of corrupt cops.

The Richter family is notorious locally. Not only do criminals tremble at their name, but even their colleagues keep their distance. Rumor has it they're demons who devour human flesh, and every criminal they lock up in their station goes mad.

The eldest son, Jane Richter, is a charming flirt. His eyes light up when he sees Lin Guichuan, and he teases him with one lewd remark after another, determined to make the country bumpkin blush and embarrass himself.

The second son, Arno Richter, is gloomy and suspicious. When Lin Guichuan adds spices to a dish, Arno thinks he's cursing him, pulls a gun out of his room, and nearly shoots him dead on the spot.

The youngest son, Julian Richter, is the devil incarnate. He wears a sweet smile around outsiders, but behind their backs he does every evil under the sun: stealing, robbing, and killing. He spends his days with criminals and has even been captured by his father and brothers several times.

And the head of the Richter family, the chief of the Richter Police Department, Osirus Richter, presses something hard and long against Lin Guichuan's lower back the first time they meet.

The handsome, cold-eyed man looks down at him and says, "You don't belong here. Leave."

Anyone would be so scared that their legs and arms went weak, then turn and run, never to come back.

But Lin Guichuan just faces the gun helplessly and grips his backpack straps.

"I'm sorry... It's all my fault," he pleads. "But I really need money for school. Could you let me stay? I'll do anything."

The Richter family: "..."

But then again

*

Lin Guichuan often tells the international students' group chat that his employers are kind and good-natured, and always very patient with him.

In the photos he posts of himself working hard, expensive watches, custom-made clothes, and stylish new outfits often happen to be visible.

The other international students are green with envy, praying they can find work with a family just like his.

Later, Lin Guichuan invites them to a get-together at his employers' home. The students stare at the address posted in the group chat, wide-eyed.

Those vicious cops from Manhaven State are your excellent, kind, and patient employers?!

*

Lin Guichuan's diary:

1. My employers' whole family smells delicious, but they're not food. I mustn't eat them. I have to resist the urge to bite.

2. My employer is a good person. He lets me eat expensive ingredients that taste amazing, but he doesn't like me. I have to resist the urge to confess.

3. Most importantly, if I want to get along with them, I shouldn't pay attention to what they say. I should pay attention to what they do.

A new page in Osirus Richter's diary:

"Nesting partner, no, our partner has willingly chosen to stay, and even wants to eat us."

"He's so cute. I want to hide him away and keep him by my side forever."

"The first step to rebuilding our home is keeping our treasure with us."

*

A gentle, pica-afflicted bunny bottom x a cold, sharp-tongued nonhuman family patriarch top.

The entire Richter family consists of nonhumans, and they're all part of the police force. Expect plenty of misunderstandings, making up, arguments, and family comedy. It may look dark and twisted, but it's actually a healing story about two people finding their way to each other. I like happy family endings wrapped in a twisted, dark exterior.

The children aren't the top's biological sons! They're nonhumans who split off from him through binary fission. The top and bottom are each other's one and only, in body and soul.

1. The top and bottom are a one-on-one couple, with no role reversal or splitting them up. Not for readers who are particular about roles.

2. This is an alternate-universe American police setting, with a mix of European and American elements, as well as fantasy species and original worldbuilding. Please don't argue over the setting; it's simply a standalone fictional world.

3. Overall, it's a sweet and satisfying story. The misunderstandings and bittersweet moments are just my personal preferences. No one gets hurt.

Theme: Do not go gently into human society