Feng Yi lay on the ground, utterly exhausted.
"Oh my, my..."
Yae Miko chuckled as she surveyed the prostrate Feng Yi. It wasn't easy to satisfy a kitsune, after all.
"Hmm? Are you challenging me?"
Feng Yi frowned, his dignity offended. How could he possibly tolerate this?
A man could not be told he was inadequate!
Golden bear paws, Lisa's time-release concoction, demon beast kidney-infused medicinal wine…
Feng Yi... Today, he was determined to make this little fox kneel and sing "Conquer" to him.
twohourslater...
Little fox...
"Hmph, see if you dare to challenge me again."
Feng Yi, mustering his strength with a body completely drained, declared victory.
"Heh, I'll dare again next time."
Yae Miko lightly stuck out her pink tongue and said playfully. Such thrilling experiences, while not for every day, were wonderful once in a while.
Feng Yi's mouth twitched. This little fox clearly didn't understand long-term strategy. He'd have to have a good talk with her about the principles of "fishing in depleted waters."
What would he do if he had needs later on after exhausting himself like this?
"Miko, you distracted me just now, and I almost forgot to mention, Miss Shina's identity must be your fabrication. What will you do if those fans show up at the fan meeting in a few days and can't find the real person, leading to widespread complaints?"
Feng Yi was quite concerned about this matter.
From what he understood, there were many ardent fans like Arataki Itto. If this wasn't handled properly, it might cause a series of public relations and order issues.
"Don't worry about that. A kitsune always has her tricks, and they'll definitely leave satisfied."
Yae Miko gave a mysterious smile, her mind already set on a plan.
"I hope so. It's getting late, I should be going."
Feng Yi put on his clothes and glanced at the sunset outside. It was almost time for his appointment with Kokomi.
"Stay for dinner before you go. I just had someone procure some of the freshest ingredients."
Yae Miko hugged Feng Yi from behind and whispered in his ear.
Gurgle...
"I'm actually a little hungry too."
Hearing Yae Miko's words, Feng Yi's stomach rumbled uncontrollably. He decided to eat a little here, just to sample the culinary skills of Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Listen, when the oil reaches eight tenths heat, carefully add the tofu to the pot. Then, turn down the heat to low. Once it's fried to a golden brown, take it out. Piping hot, there's nothing more delicious in this world than fried tofu..."
That batch of freshly ground tofu was incredibly tender. Yae Miko couldn't help but salivate just thinking about it.
"Fried tofu? That sounds delicious."
Feng Yi's eyes lit up. Yae Miko's vivid description made him feel as if he were there, instantly whetting Feng Yi's appetite.
"Huh? I've already told you how to make it, why are you still standing there?"
Yae Miko tapped Feng Yi's back with her finger. Wasn't her hint clear enough?
Why was Feng Yi still frozen in place?
"Ah? You mean... you want me to fry the tofu?"
Feng Yi stiffly turned his head. He had been dreaming of eating a meal prepared for him, waiting for the chefs at Grand Narukami Shrine to bring dinner.
"I was going to fry it for you myself, but my tail is a bit sticky right now, and I need to wash it properly. So, this important task can only be entrusted to you!"
Yae Miko patted Feng Yi's shoulder as encouragement.
Feng Yi felt helpless, but he agreed. After all, he was the culprit who made Yae Miko's tail sticky.
Yae Miko was very pleased with Feng Yi's response and happily went to bathe.
Feng Yi went to the kitchen, found the fresh tofu Yae Miko mentioned, and fried it until golden brown following her instructions.
Feng Yi felt it wasn't enough, so he made several bowls of noodles, topping them with pieces of fried tofu, creating the famous Inazuman dish, 'Kitsune Udon'.
It was delicious, and Feng Yi ate three large bowls.
After her bath, Yae Miko also came to the kitchen and joined the eating spree.
Not a single piece of tofu remained; it was all devoured.
"I'll head back now. I'll come back for the Shina fan meeting in a few days..."
At the gates of Grand Narukami Shrine, Feng Yi waved goodbye to Yae Miko, who had come to see him off.
"Be careful on your way. Don't forget to send my regards to that child of the Watatsumi Island."
Yae Miko said with a smile.
The Guuji of Grand Narukami Shrine, while holding a noble position, was also a kind of shackle, preventing her from freely pursuing freedom.
Rather than being a revered Guuji looked up to by the people of Inazuma, Yae Miko would have preferred to wander the world with Feng Yi, living as a pair of carefree lovebirds.
If she hadn't been so naive back then, she wouldn't have fallen for the tricks of that old fox, Kazari.
Alas, at the time, she had no desire to take over the troublesome affairs of Grand Narukami Shrine. But Kazari had told her that if she became the Guuji, she could eat fried tofu to her heart's content.
Who could resist the temptation of fried tofu?
At least, the Yae Miko of that time couldn't.
Kazari then went on a long journey and never returned...
Yae Miko was forced to take over this mess and could never turn back.
"Huh? I... I will."
Feng Yi chuckled and nodded, inwardly surprised that Yae Miko knew he was going to see Kokomi.
Yae Miko: Before, it was a guess. But now, I'm sure... She smiled as if nothing had changed, but in her heart, she was already planning how to "punish" Feng Yi the next time they met.
"Ah-choo, what's going on? I suddenly feel so cold..."
As Feng Yi descended the mountain, he suddenly felt a cold wind blow from behind him. The chill surged from the soles of his feet all the way to the back of his head, making him involuntarily shiver.
Not yet willing to admit his physical weakness, Feng Yi tightened his jacket and quickened his pace down the mountain.
Passing by the city's notice board, Feng Yi saw a public announcement from Grand Narukami Shrine. He suddenly understood why Yae Miko was so short on money.
[Grand Narukami Shrine Announcement
With the permission of Guuji Yae Miko, Grand Narukami Shrine will be issuing interest-free relief loans, comfort food, and other welfare benefits to impoverished merchants and families affected by the war...]