Chapter Five: In Search of the Hedgehog

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As if understanding Chi Sui's question, the little creature relaxed and fell to the ground. It squeaked and gestured in frustration, as if very displeased with her inquiry.

Chi Sui looked puzzled.

The tiny creature was still smaller than Chi Sui’s satchel, its fur completely bristled, likely from anger, giving it a highly aggressive appearance.

With a tentative question, she said, "Spike..."

Before Chi Sui could finish, the Wisdom Book before her flickered to life.

[Mountain Hedgehog Mouse]

Size: Typically between 30–50 centimeters

Description: A small magical creature with a keen sense of smell and a gentle temperament. It is said to often guide lost travelers out of the mountains. Its spines possess excellent magical conductivity and are essential materials for many magic-powered machines, making them highly sought after.

A Pokémon encyclopedia!?

No, that can't be right—it must be a crossover glitch.

Unexpectedly, the Wisdom Book had this feature.

After allowing Chi Sui enough time to read, the book vanished automatically.

Chi Sui remained staring in amazement at the noisy little creature.

"Mountain Hedgehog Mouse."

Hearing the familiar term, the creature gradually quieted down. Then Chi Sui saw it cross its front paws in a very human-like manner and nod with an expression full of teachable innocence.

Chi Sui’s astonishment deepened. She gestured at its size with her hand and sighed, "I didn’t expect you’re malnourished just like me."

“Squeak! Squeak!” The little creature seemed insulted and even jumped up excitedly, squeaking furiously—clearly uttering some harsh words.

Realizing it understood her, Chi Sui couldn’t help but smile. There was no resisting this adorable little thing.

“All right, all right, don’t be mad. Want this?” she said, pulling a meat pie from her satchel and offering it.

The once noisy creature instantly quieted, shyly rubbing its face before quickly grabbing the meat pie and running off to a corner.

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As it swallowed, familiar silver-gray text appeared above its head in Chi Sui’s sight.

[Liking Level: 63%, Contract Available]

Chi Sui’s eyes widened.

It had this function too? Who said these mountain creatures were picky eaters? A single meat pie was enough to win it over.

Perhaps feeling her intense gaze, the creature warily looked up at Chi Sui and then quietly moved its eating spot farther away.

Ignoring these small gestures, Chi Sui cleared her throat, putting on a businesslike smile paired with slightly raised eyes, looking like a mischievous little fox.

“Little Hedgehog Mouse~…”

“Squeak!!”

Before Chi Sui could finish, the creature squealed in protest.

“Fine, Mountain Hedgehog Mouse.”

At the mention of this name, the creature nodded and gestured for Chi Sui to continue.

“Is it tasty? I have a few more pies if you want. I’m...”

Seeing its little paw already reaching out, Chi Sui rolled her eyes and handed over another meat pie.

“I’m the new ranch owner in this town, the one on the eastern mountain. The meat pies you’re eating now are made by me. I’ll be living here for a while, making more delicious food. For example, later I’m planning to make shepherd’s purse dumplings. Have you tried them? They’re dumplings wrapped in dough filled with seasoned minced meat mixed with blanched shepherd’s purse. The sweet and savory filling combined with the slight bitterness of the shepherd’s purse—one bite releases a burst of juice. Mmm, the flavor is amazing.”

Chi Sui observed the little creature’s expression unobtrusively.

It had stopped chewing the meat pie, a droplet of saliva escaping the corner of its mouth. Noticing Chi Sui watching, it hurriedly wiped it away with its paw.

That was almost perfect. Chi Sui thought triumphantly. She had noticed the shepherd’s purse around here bore bite marks. Since the mountain creatures were often fed by townsfolk, and yet it still nibbled on the shepherd’s purse, it couldn’t be that the locals cooked it badly—it must really like the taste.

Chi Sui continued, “I just arrived and don’t know this place well. Many ingredients I don’t know where to find yet; it’ll take me some time to adapt. You must have lived here for a long time. Would you be willing to help me? I’ll treat you to dumplings.”

“Squeak~”

The little creature patted its chest, then pretended to ponder while waving its paw.

Watching its lively actions and expressions, Chi Sui laughed and asked again, “Deal?”

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The creature heard her and, with a look of exasperation, nodded coquettishly and extended both front paws.

The Wisdom Book appeared again in time, flipping through several pages before one detached and hovered between them.

[Temporary Residence Contract]

Party A: Mountain Hedgehog Mouse (confirmed by paw print)

Party B: Chi Sui

This contract is agreed upon by both parties as follows:

1. The temporary residence period is 10 days (Party A may shorten this at any time by its own will).

2. Party B shall provide Party A with accommodation and daily food during the temporary residence.

3. Party A shall accompany Party B during the residence period, offering assistance within its capabilities.

Below the contract are spaces for both parties’ fingerprints.

The little creature showed no surprise at the contract’s appearance. Calmly, it placed its paw print on Party A’s space and, seeing no move from Chi Sui, turned to emit a “squeak squeak” urging sound.

Chi Sui was genuinely shocked this time. The world’s development was shaking her worldview. Setting aside the fact that contracts here were like labor agreements, the fact that she was signing one with a magical creature where the creature was Party A and she was Party B was already hilarious. The entire contract content was heavily skewed in favor of Party A.

Only ten days, and Party A could shorten the term anytime if not treated well, plus the vague “assistance within abilities” clause—that was quite clever. What was the point in signing such a contract? The creature could simply cling to her without any paperwork, saving a piece of paper—wasteful!

Damn Party A!

Despite her inner complaints, urged by the little creature, Chi Sui pressed her fingerprint onto Party B’s spot.

Isn’t she the one who takes the initiative? She could handle it.

With the contract activated, the page folded back into the book.

“When do we eat those dumplings you mentioned?”