Chapter 058: The One Who Clings to the Cat

After dinner, Lin Luyou bid Tang Xiao farewell.

As she walked toward the bus stop, she glanced at the last streak of light on the horizon and couldn’t help but sigh in relief: she hadn’t expected that, after nearly a week at her new job, she’d finally managed to leave work on time.

Passing by the coffee shop, her steps involuntarily veered off course, leading her inside.

Perhaps it was because it was the hour when all the companies in the park were letting out and everyone was hurrying home, the shop felt somewhat deserted.

Lin Luyou stepped in. The moment she entered, she saw Cola and Cutie, the two cats, curled up on the stairs, their eyes half-closed. As soon as they noticed someone coming in, they immediately sat up alert, but upon sensing Lin Luyou’s harmlessness, they lay back down, not even sparing her a glance.

It seemed that Xiao Song, the shop assistant, had already gone off duty, but the owner, Qin Shishen, was nowhere to be seen, either.

Maybe he was upstairs?

With this guess in mind, she inched closer to the two furry bundles.

Perhaps the “mysterious effect” of the cat food from noon had yet to wear off, for this time Cutie allowed herself to be scooped up obediently into Lin Luyou’s arms. Only when Lin Luyou’s hands threatened to muss up its glossy fur did it meow in mild protest.

One had to admit, petting a cat was truly therapeutic.

As Lin Luyou stroked the little creature in her arms, savoring its soft and silky fur, she even felt the urge to bury her entire head in its warmth.

And as the thought struck, she went ahead and did just that.

This move took Cutie completely by surprise. Perhaps it had encountered clingy people before, but never someone quite this attached.

Just then, Qin Shishen came downstairs and was greeted by this sight: Lin Luyou sitting on a high stool at the bar, her head nestled in Cutie’s belly, while Cola flicked his tail and circled the pair.

From the look in Cutie’s eyes, Qin Shishen could have sworn he saw a hint of bashfulness, making him doubt his own eyes.

Seeing her favorite human appear, Cutie began to paw at Lin Luyou’s head, though this time she was gentle and kept her claws sheathed.

Fearing his precious little one might not know her own strength, Qin Shishen hurried over, greeting Lin Luyou as he did so: “You’re off work on time today?”

Hearing his voice, Lin Luyou reluctantly lifted her head. “Yeah, I finally got off work at a normal hour.”

“Then why not head home early? Don’t miss your bus again.”

Lin Luyou glanced at the time and said she wasn’t in a rush—after all, it wasn’t yet seven, and as long as she caught a bus before eight, she’d be fine.

With this in mind, she teased Qin Shishen: “Manager, aren’t shop owners supposed to think up ways to keep customers inside and encourage them to spend more? Why are you trying to chase me out?”

Qin Shishen could only smile helplessly. He was genuinely worried about her walking home alone at night—yet here she was, seemingly having forgotten how anxious she’d been just a few nights ago, and now had the mood to joke with him.

But since she wasn’t in a hurry, he didn’t need to play the villainous “bad at business” boss. If worse came to worst… he could always drive her back to school again.

“So, Miss Customer, what would you like to order today?”

Letting go of Cutie, Lin Luyou looked down at the menu. Confronted with so many options, her indecisiveness kicked in again.

Then she suddenly remembered Qin Shishen mentioning a new series of drinks a few days ago, and asked, “I remember you said you’d be launching some new drinks soon… Well? Are they ready yet?”