The Soul-Guiding Cat

People say black cats ward off evil, but few know that a black cat is a spirit guide who leads souls along the Yellow Springs Road. While guiding a soul, the black cat Paopao met a handsome, clean-cut young man. "Out looking for food? I'll buy you some cans. Come with me," Han Qingyu promised, with no intention of following through. "This is no place for you," Paopao meowed coldly. "Oh my god, the cat can talk?!" Han Qingyu jumped in fright. "Hm? You can understand me?" Paopao bared his sharp little teeth and gave a fierce warning. "Don't go telling anyone, or I'll bite you!" Then his belly rumbled at the worst possible moment: Grrr~ Paopao: "..." There went his dignity. Han Qingyu: "I really will buy you some cans..." Paopao glared at him. "Who eats that stuff? I want fried chicken!" Oh, no, why did I say that? Paopao ran off. He could earn merit by guiding souls, turn it into money, and buy himself food. -- The next evening, Han Qingyu smiled warmly. "Fried chicken. Go on, eat." Paopao: "..." If he'd known the man would actually come back, he could've saved his money and not bought food himself. It's hard for a kitty to make money. He couldn't get a soul-guiding job every day. "What should we eat tomorrow?" Han Qingyu asked gently. "I'll take care of you." Paopao could earn his own money. "I don't need you to take care of me." Day three. Han Qingyu: "Malatang!" Day four. Han Qingyu: "Barbecue and cola!" Day five. Han Qingyu: "Goat milk and cupcakes!" Who knew how many days later... Paopao's little belly was plainly round. Chewing on boneless chicken feet with lemon, he asked through a mouthful, "All right, tell me. How do you want me to repay you? Hic!" Han Qingyu's eyes curved with a smile. Having retired from his job as a soul reaper and returned to the mortal world, how could he possibly not see the boy's soul floating above the cat? He was gorgeous. When the kitty ate, his ears twitched, and every now and then he hugged his own tail and tried to look fierce. He was so cute it made Han Qingyu's heart melt. Han Qingyu said gently, "How about becoming my wife?" Paopao stared blankly, cheeks puffed out as he stopped chewing. "..." Would it be easier to say no if he spat out all the food he'd eaten over the past few days? -- A food-loving, fierce-cute black cat bottom A gentle, wealthy, retired soul reaper top who loves to dote on his partner 25-3-31 Theme: Do good deeds whenever you are able.