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Chapter 20: That Year (1/2)

It was a girl who appeared to be only about fourteen or fifteen years old—although Shen Cheng knew that with catgirls, age couldn’t be deduced by appearance.

She was unusually thin, with long milk-white hair tinged with brown, nearly reaching her calves and resembling a small fluffy ball, with a pair of chocolate-colored cat ears atop her head.

Her thin white dress and dirty, dust-covered face made it difficult for Shen Cheng to discern her exact features.

However, beneath her partially covered hair, Shen Cheng could clearly see her vivid and bright ocean-blue eyes, resembling gemstones.

“Will you take me with you?”

The somewhat immature voice of the girl perfectly matched her appearance. It usually carried a light and cheerful tone, yet now it was filled with pleading, hope, and even humility.

Based on her hair color, Shen Cheng easily deduced she was a Ragdoll cat.

In that moment, Shen Cheng felt a profound sense of estrangement from this world, coupled with an unparalleled chill.

Their usual means of existence, even as strays, should have allowed them to survive, yet they were abruptly subjected to a transformation, completely contrary to the biological progression, being forcefully thrust into a society utterly unsuitable for their survival.

If straying outdoors, they had to evade crowds and survive on scraps.

And now, with early autumn here, winter would soon follow. How would they resist the cold then?

Furthermore, if a housecat underwent such a transformation…

Shen Cheng couldn’t help but shiver.

After all, he couldn’t ensure everyone would treat catgirls with the same indifference as he did.

The answer had become quite clear. Brushing away the chilling thoughts, Shen Cheng faced the petite, frail figure before him, taking a deep breath: “You…”

Words came to an abrupt halt.

A sense of guilt welled up within him.

Shen Cheng remembered he was just a pitiable person without a fixed abode.

Lin Yuhui had even converted the ground floor of her heirloom house into a Cat Café for him.

Lin Yuhui had done so much for him already.

This guilt stemmed from wanting to make decisions without Lin Yuhui’s consent.

Perhaps if Shen Cheng brought this cat girl home, Lin Yuhui wouldn’t say anything, but doing so would only heighten Shen Cheng’s sense of guilt, even causing a rift.

Still, looking at the pitiful cat girl, Shen Cheng couldn’t resist smiling and said, “I am willing. Come with me.”

Yet, Shen Cheng’s momentary hesitation was noticed by the girl. In one instant, he saw relief and resignation in her eyes, and she softly responded, “I understand. I’m sorry, and thank you.”

Clearly, the girl didn’t want to make things difficult for Shen Cheng, or perhaps she didn’t wish to become a burden for him.

Her words of sorrow lingered in Shen Cheng’s ears, and when he came back to his senses, the Ragdoll cat girl had vanished.

He was left alone at the end of the alley, speechless for a long time.

Glancing at the bag of cake at his feet, Shen Cheng let out a bitter laugh.

“They probably… won’t be eaten anymore.”

At that moment, Shen Cheng felt as though something had been drained from his heart, leaving him feeling empty and uncomfortable.

With a faint hope, Shen Cheng still left the bag of cake there, and with heavy steps, headed back to the Cat Café.

By the time he unlocked the door, it was already late at night, and the moonlight outside the living room window filled the entire room.

Like a zombie, Shen Cheng sat on the sofa, dazing with empty eyes filled with confusion.

Occasionally, he let out a faint laugh, one of self-mockery, mocking his unrealistic thoughts, his naïve kindness, and himself for feelings of guilt over something that ostensibly had nothing to do with him.

“Senior,” suddenly, the voice of the landlady came from behind him, causing Shen Cheng to freeze, and without turning, he replied, “Huihui, still awake? Go to bed early.”

“Why don’t you tell me when you have something on your mind?” A small head popped into his view as Lin Yuhui leaned over, gently grabbing Shen Cheng’s hand and smiling, “After all, here in Lingshi City, I’m the closest person you have, aren’t I?”

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