Shang Qi’s suggestion wasn’t without reason.
This place can’t be moved, and people are always wandering outside. What if we run into a madman one day who can’t get in and goes crazy?
So after a moment’s thought, Chuzheng agreed to Shang Qi’s suggestion and planned out a new area.
The cats who want to go there can go on their own, and those who don’t can live in areas other people can’t reach.
"So many cats!!"
"They’re so cute, quick, help me take a picture..."
"I wonder if we can feed them, I really want to feed them!"
"I don’t think you can, they probably don’t want people feeding them dirty stuff."
"That’s really a pity..."
When you come in, you have to store all your belongings in the outside lockers. You’re only allowed to bring your phone or camera and some small items like tissues.
However, if you’re lucky and encounter the caretakers feeding them, you can feed them once.
"This place is so great, and it’s even free. I was shocked when I found out, did you know?"
"Well, the owner here must really love cats."
Whether the owner loves cats or not is unknown, but the owner here isn’t human.
"This is a paradise for cat lovers! I wish I could work here, it would be so blissful, sob sob."
"I just asked around; they only hire professionals here."
"Oh..."
A lot of people are asking about that.
Unfortunately, even to keep a cat, you have to be a professional. Simply having a passion won’t get you a job here.
But later, when people found out about the salary here, it made many envy.
Keeping cats, and having a high salary, what job could be better than this?
Cat Castle became an internet-famous spot, even attracting the attention of officials, wanting to partner to create a unique attraction.
Chuzheng: "..."
No!
No way!
Chuzheng wished she could hang these words outside Cat Castle.
She was only doing it for leisure, not to make money, so please don’t come to her with money-making projects!!
Cat Castle’s reputation grew, and cats from other cities also started to come here.
The number of adopted cats increased, and their admiration for Chuzheng grew day by day.
New cats had to be indoctrinated about who their Boss was.
It was practically like a societal feline initiation ceremony.
-
Shang Qi was practicing the piano in the music room, Chuzheng used her paw to push open a crack, peeked inside with half her head, and finally dragged a book inside.
The piano music was smooth and passionate, and the man immersed in the music didn’t notice Chuzheng coming in at all.
His slender fingers flew over the keys, almost leaving trails.
Chuzheng deftly jumped onto the piano, the man lifted his gaze briefly to look at her, and the piano melody gradually slowed down seamlessly.
Shang Qi’s lips curled slightly, his eyes lowered to the keys, and each note became lively.
As the last note faded, Shang Qi’s fingers slowly released from the black and white keys: "Does it sound nice?"
Chuzheng nodded.
Every tune played by the Good Person Card sounds nice.
Chuzheng recalled her purpose for coming in, hopped down, grabbed the booklet on the floor, jumped back up, and placed it in front of Shang Qi.
The booklet was full of pianos, complete with introductions.
"Hmm?"
—Which one do you like? I’ll buy it for you.
Shang Qi: "Why?"
—I want to give you a gift.
Shang Qi was stunned, looking over the pianos in the booklet, each one worth a lot.
Shang Qi closed the booklet: "How could I spend your money? No need, just having you with me makes me happy."
Chuzheng: "..."
If you’re not going to help me spend money, what did I get you for?!
The Good Person Card should be conscientious!!
Shang Qi didn’t choose, so Chuzheng simply bought all that could be bought.
When Shang Qi received the goods, he was dumbfounded.
Luckily, he had more than one property, otherwise, there’d be no place to store these things.
"Yue Ban, I said there’s no need to buy me..."
—If I don’t buy for you, who do I buy for?
—I said I’d take care of you.
Words put into action!
Shang Qi: "..."
Then where does your money come from! You better explain this to me.
Later, whenever there was an opportunity to spend money, Chuzheng took the lead, striving not to let Shang Qi spend a single penny.
Fanxing’s main storyline progress was already complete after she finished Cat Castle.
He Jin reportedly fell on hard times, struggling even with meals, which might count as completing the turnaround task.
Chuzheng began probing Shang Qi, mentioning Fanxing’s game.
However, just like in the previous dimension, Shang Qi knew nothing, regardless of what method Chuzheng used, he showed no intention to remember.
Chuzheng sighed at the small map.
Either the small map was broken, and the Good Person Card wasn’t the person she was looking for.
Or the Good Person Card was broken...
Neither option was good news.
Chuzheng was deeply troubled.
How did she end up with such a big issue?
She simply wanted a card.
"Yue Ban, what are you doing here?" Shang Qi picked up Chuzheng, closing the window: "It’s time to sleep."
Chuzheng lay on Shang Qi’s shoulder, her whole body limp, utterly soft.
Shang Qi supported her back, preventing her from sliding down.
Chuzheng wasn’t sleepy at all, but to cooperate with Shang Qi, she could only lie there staring at the ceiling in a daze.
In the depths of night, the room was quiet and serene.
Shang Qi was startled awake, the scenes from his dream slowly faded, bringing clarity to his mind, soft warmth in his arms...
Shang Qi was momentarily stunned.
A moment later, he stiffly looked at his arms.
The little white Bun Bai that usually slept in his arms had turned into a young girl, her head resting in his shoulder crook, only half her small face visible, topped with two furry ears.
Based on the feel...
Shang Qi: "!!!"
Is this a dream?
Shang Qi pinched his thigh hard, pain surged, but there was no change around him.
Shang Qi gulped, his body rigid, breathing heavy.
Is this... Yue Ban?
Illusion, it must be an illusion!!
Shang Qi closed his eyes, forcing himself to fall back asleep.
However, the warmth in his arms constantly reminded him, this wasn’t a dream, his little kitty had truly turned into a human.
-
The next day.
Sunlight gradually rose, its pale golden glow falling upon the statue-like man.
He’d sat half the night in the study, now finally moving his stiff neck, getting up to leave.
Shang Qi stood at the bedroom door, his hand on the doorknob, yet dared not open it.
While he hesitated, the door opened from the inside.
Shang Qi didn’t see the girl from last night, only the snowy white creature.
She dragged her fluffy tail, opened the door, and rushed out, almost bumping into his leg.
Shang Qi instinctively retreated a few steps: "You..."
The little creature tilted her head, her tranquil blue eyes reflecting him, his disheveled appearance after a sleepless night.
Shang Qi’s throat felt scratchy, he coughed lightly: "Awake?"
—Why are you standing at the door?
Shang Qi lowered his gaze, hiding the emotions in his eyes: "Nothing much."
—Oh.
Chuzheng scrutinized him a few times, then bypassed him, heading to the living room.
Shang Qi let out a breath.
Was last night truly not his illusion?