I Can Talk to Cats C22

Chapter 22: Opening of the Cafe (Part One)

Translated by Lime

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The long awaited chapter is here!

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New Year’s Day, National Holiday.

It was a suitable day for many businesses, both online and offline, to enthusiastically promote their products. Once you opened your phone and browsed through shopping apps, there were many discounts. If you decided to stroll outside on the streets, many stores had hung up horizontal banners signifying promotions or shop owners would hold megaphones and constantly announce deals.

Tang Xiaoya was an ordinary office worker who worked six days a week and frequently had to work overtime, so she took advantage of the holiday to amble along the streets.

No matter if it was at work or in their daily lives, young people were constantly under pressure. Because of this, many people lost interest in maintaining a social life, let alone dating someone.

Whether it was playing games until they were content or catching up on sleep, their spare time was not enough, so why would they waste it to accompany others?

Tang Xiaoya was unwilling to exchange fake, polite greetings with colleagues at work and would rather relax outside by herself. 

“Buy two get one free? All items are 30% off? Everything is 50 yuan…and up? Could you have possibly written that ‘up’ character smaller?” Passing by a store, Tang Xiaoya was eating an egg waffle while muttering under her breath, “They didn’t change anything from last year, as long as Chinese New Year has been lively, no one has changed their promotions at all.”

A large gust of wind blew past, and Tang Xiaoya shivered.

“So cold! Sure enough, the sun in winter is useless!” She complained without thinking. Actually, the current weather was pretty decent and the sunshine was able to provide some warmth, but when the winter wind picked up, it was impossible to be warm.

At this time, she wanted to buy a warm drink. It did not matter whether it was milk tea or coffee, as long as it warmed her body after drinking it, she could care less.

“Seems like… I recall a bubble tea shop located near here?” She snuggled her chin and neck into her scarf and used her vague memories to try to find the shop. There was no other way; she hadn’t visited this street in a few months, just remembering that there was a shop here was impressive.

After recognizing a familiar road sign, she actually found the place when she realized that the bubble tea shop from before was gone, and in its place was… 

“Wow—!”

The young woman could not help exclaiming. Her eyes were drawn to a Ragdoll cat lounging on top of a European cabinet in the display window.

The winter sunlight in the daytime was gentle and warm, filtering through the clear glass windows. It shone upon the cat who was sitting upright, transforming the soft and orderly long hair into a serene halo. She had a tender little nose, limpid, glassy eyes, and a gorgeous V pattern on her forehead. The snow-white scarf on her chest emphasized her graceful and elegant bearing. Lightly, her fluffy tail swayed from side to side. It was really as beautiful as those stuffed Ragdoll toys.

“What a pretty Ragdoll kitty!” Tang Xiaoya had plastered herself to the display window, her eyes shining as she admired the cat. Even if the cabinet inside was placed farther away from the glass, it would not be able to suppress her delight: “Ahhh! So cute!”

Seeming as if it was already used to being stared at by humans, the Ragdoll cat was calm and unbothered, lifting up a paw and grooming herself. The glass of the French windows was thick, so Tang Xiaoya was unable to discern any sounds inside the shop, but she did notice that someone meowed at the Ragdoll kitty who was licking her fur.

Following the Ragdoll cat’s line of sight to its side, she only then realized that she was looking at the right half of the display window, and that the left half also had a similar display cabinet. 

This cabinet was more luxurious, in the shape of a heart. Six black kitties laid on the top: one was sitting in the dip of the heart, two cats were sitting on each of the top-most left and right sides, and the last cat was sitting above the bottom point.

The cabinet was cleverly designed. The four cats, two sitting on each side, laid their tails along the heart shape, forming a complete heart.

If the Ragdoll cat on the right half made Tang Xiaoya’s heart beat wildly and seemed pretty and adorable, then the six black cats on the left half forming an exact heart surprised her.

These kitties were just too obedient and cute, especially the black kitties. Although Tang Xiaoya liked small animals, she didn’t care for black cats. One time, she met one in the night, and the experience was quite traumatic. But today, after seeing them in the display window, she unexpectedly realized that these black cats were graceful and beautiful too.

The sun shone down on the sleek, black fur, and a faint golden sheen could be seen, seeming especially elegant.

Distracted, Tang Xiaoya gazed at the cats, before retreating a few steps and glancing up at the signboard above the shop—a seemingly real-life fairy tale “Cat Cafe” board was hung above the entrance.

“Cat cafe…” She mumbled. 

Without hesitating, she advanced and entered the shop, pushing open the glass door.

As soon as she stepped inside, Tang Xiaoya heard meowing. Near the display window, the black cats and the Ragdoll cat were conversing. If she was able to understand cat language, she would have heard:

Ragdoll: “Miaowow…” (Mom was right, another human was lured inside by my beauty.)

Black kitties: “Miaow, miaow, miaow!” (There were also many humans who were attracted by us!)

Ragdoll: “Miaow!” (Mom said that I was the most beautiful!)

Black kitties: “Miaow, miaow, miaow!” (Lan Lan said that we are super cute!)

Black cat mother sitting on the point of the heart: “Miaowaowuwu—” (Stop arguing, Lan Lan ordered us to be an obedient group of billboard cats today. If you don’t work properly, then don’t blame me if I beat you all up!)

_{^{(T/N: ‘看板’ = billboard, used to describe the cats supposed to attract customers.)}}

Momentarily, the noisy area near the display window calmed down, and the billboard cats continued to perform their job diligently. Lan Lan had emphasized earlier that, if in the future, they wanted many cans of cat food to be delivered to them, then they would have to work hard today.

Of course, Tang Xiaoya was unable to understand the cats’ conversation and excitedly entered the shop. Her eyes were still fixated in the direction of the display window, which was separated by another layer of glass. People who were not employees there could not enter, so several customers who were lured inside by these kitties were crowded against the glass.

It was only morning and there weren’t many customers inside the shop.

“Welcome to our cat cafe!” A beautiful young woman announced. She had donned an apron with the name of the cat cafe printed on it, and was standing near the entrance with a smile.

…Tang Xiaoya did not know if she was the owner or a clerk, but since she was so young and cute, she must be a clerk. She was randomly guessing while the clerk continued to speak.

“Customer, if you came inside our shop to relax and pet kitties, then please come this way to wash your hands.”

Tang Xiaoya walked in the direction that she pointed in, and saw a solitary wash basin located near the left side, also separated by a glass wall. It was easy to sanitize as customers did not need to worry about dripping water onto the floor of the shop.

Cat cafes sometimes required their customers to wash their hands, so Tang Xiaoya, who had visited several of these shops before, was familiar with this policy. Complying with the rules, she entered the area and washed her hands. When she exited, she looked around her: “Are there any shoe covers?”

“The shoe covers are over here.” Seeing her cooperation, the clerk smiled amiably and pointed to a cabinet near the ground, where a shoe cover machine was located: “If you step your foot on top, the shoe cover will automatically be placed over your shoe.”

Tang Xiaoya had seen this automatic shoe cover machine on Moubao, and at that time, wanted to purchase one to use in her house. After calming down and thinking rationally, she realized that guests did not frequent her home often, so there was no need to buy this machine.

_{^{(T/N: I’m assuming Moubao = Taobao, a shopping website that is comparable to Amazon.)}}

She did not expect to experience one in a cat cafe.

The process was quick, and Tang Xiaoya began to explore by herself. She scrutinized the shop’s decoration and furniture. The very first impression she had when entering was that the entire shop was well-lit and cozy. Light-yellows and light-greens were the main colors scheme, and the decoration style was very relaxing.

The entire shop used glass for walls, causing the shop to be brighter and look wider. The spacious areas for customers each had different styles of tables and chairs. Along the walls were either matching cloth sofas and long tables or tables built next to the wall and tall stools. In the middle, there was a low table and soft cushions for customers to sit on and beanbags. Near the glass wall of the rear entrance, there was a mattress, and customers could lay on top while enjoying the company of kitties.

Occasionally, there would be kitties walking by on the floor, and Tang Xiaoya recognized many of these breeds, discovering that many of them were of prestigious breeds. The Russian Blue, Siamese, and Munchkin cats were all extremely pretty. She noticed a reddish-gold Abyssinian cat being teased in the embrace of another customer. They were feeding it with a can of cat food, with the face of a loving and doting father.

Although Tang Xiaoya disliked their expression, she understood why.

Maybe it was because the shop just opened, but the interior lacked the smell that cat cafes always had, one that was inevitable due to the abundance of cats. Contrary to expectation, there was a pleasant aroma of milk tea.

Tang Xiaoya was reminded by this aroma of why she came in the first place; she had wanted a cup of milk tea.

She sat on a cushion, and picked up a vertical menu from the table. Glancing at it, there were various teas and pastries and different varieties of canned cat food. There was even a service to temporarily take care of pets.

The price was quite inexpensive, at least, it was well within the range that ordinary office workers like her could accept. Setting down the menu, Tang Xiaoya decisively ordered a 40 yuan tea and pastry set: “Please serve me this.”

As she said this, she scanned the QR code on the menu and directly paid.

The tea and pastries served inside cat cafes were usually unremarkable, so Tang Xiaoya did not have high hopes. As long as she could drink something warm, she would be fine. Next, she would search for a cute and adorable kitty to hug… 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that on top of the mattress, there was a beautiful creature with a slender physique and domineering aura lying there.

It was a charming cat who had silvery grey stripes and was over one meter long. Its pair of golden eyes were lazily squinting, and under its neck, the white scarf pattern did not lose to the Ragdoll’s from earlier. The fluffy tail swayed rhythmically, along with the music. In winter, cats developed a layer of fur and it was when they were the most attractive. In this cat’s case, the saying was true. Tang Xiaoya even sensed a regal aura continuously erupting from it.

Tang Xiaoya’s eyes widened momentarily and gestured with a trembling finger: “Maine- Maine Coon? Your shop has a Maine Coon!” It was said that these cats were domineering and cold, but in reality, its character was very pleasant!

“That’s right, customer.” The clerk smiled as she replied, “This is the largest cat in our shop and he is named Mercury. Not only do we have a Maine Coon, but other cute kitties as well.”

Tang Xiaoya had ignored the clerk’s last sentence of “Your tea and pastries will be served shortly, please wait patiently” and her mouth hung open, a clear goal apparent in her eyes. Unaware of her actions, she had stood up, lifting her Lushan claws and was ready to pounce on the silvery grey kitty.

_{^{(T/N: I interpreted ‘Lushan claws’ as Tang Xiaoya ‘taking advantage’ of her identity as a customer to provoke the kitty. Full explanation: Lushan Claws relates to the story of An Lushan and Yang Guifei (Imperial Consort/Concubine Yang). Imperial Consort Yang was a concubine of Emperor Xuanzong, and long story short, had something going on with General An Lushan. The Emperor declared that Imperial Consort Yang was An Lushan’s godmother, and used Imperial Consort Yang to test General An Lushan. On one occasion he ordered her to help bathe General An Lushan and An Lushan accidentally grabbed her chest, leaving a scratch, hence ‘Lushan claws’.)}}

…And then, the large kitty dodged her touch. 

Tang Xiaoya lost her balance and fell on the mattress, bouncing twice. Quickly, she scrambled up, and saw that the Maine Coon had already hopped onto a cat tower that was nailed to the wall. Above her, he looked down.

“Miaowow.” (Human, wants to touch me, no way.)

The Maine Coon cat, Mercury, thought that after mocking her and showing disdain by meowing at her, he would solidify his aggressive and hostile image. When he glanced down, the human had become even more excited.

“Ahhhh, the Maine Coon kitty is so domineering and cute!” The young woman clapped her hands against her cheeks and squirmed with excitement, “Mercury, I must pet you!”

Despite the lack of a common language between humans and cats, Mercury was able to deduce her attitude from the look in her eyes and tone of voice. The cat disdainfully meowed again, and with a flick of its tail, he continued along the cat tower.

Tang Xiaoya chased after the Maine Coon before discovering that—cat pathways were installed high up on all four walls, and the cats could travel anywhere they wished without affecting the customers below. The cats had a large area to exercise and were free to come and go. This vantage point that allowed them to observe the area beneath them was convenient, and would provide them with a sense of security and comfort.

Oh, there was also another hidden advantage—it allowed cats who did not want to be touched to evade the perverted touch of humans.

_{^{(T/N: ‘咸猪手’ = groper/pervert who gropes people)}}

No! She would not give up!

Although the Maine Coon’s disdain dealt a critical hit and cost half her health, Tang Xiaoya would use her remaining 50% HP to never surrender一she must conquer this cat no matter what!

The cats on display were extremely effective. The shop that opened on New Year’s Day already had so many customers in the morning. Because they did not want to frighten the cats, the shop did not set off firecrackers and conduct the usual activities of a regular store. Originally, Lin Lan thought that the only customers would be acquaintances that came to show support, such as the young man that just entered, or her parents and Cheng Fengyang that came to help out. Unexpectedly, the circumstances were better than she had imagined, as there were many strangers.

All the cats inside the shop were sought after and were almost immediately claimed by the customers. Some of the cats relied on their appearances and ate more than they should, such as that Persian cat… 

“Miaow, miaow! …ahwuahwu…miwu…!” (This slave, lift up the can of food in your hand, it is poking my face! And that slave, I don’t like this brand of cat treat so don’t give it to me! …That slave over there, what are you doing, you are not allowed to give some of my cat food to that sausage cat, miaow!)

The sweet voice was delicate and was that of a pampered kitty, who would have known that after being translated, it would turn out to be so vile. The three burly men who held cans of cat food fed the cat, while being scolded, all had a face that read “she’s so adorable, she’s acting spoiled and cute” and were drowning in cuteness. Lin Lan felt that she could not watch any longer and walked away after setting the tea and pastries down, expressionless. 

Not all the kitties in the shop were willing to fulfill their job like this one, selling meng in order to obtain canned cat food and cat treats.

Like the cat who did not let a single person touch him, the Maine Coon who had hidden away. However, she still had ways to make him be obedient… 

“Boss, I’ll order one… no, three cans!” She served the tea and pastries to the new customer when a young woman yelled.

Tang Xiaoya remembered that apparently, Maine Coons had a large appetite. One can of cat food surely would not be enough. She simply didn’t believe that three cans wouldn’t be able to win over this huge kitty!

Lin Lan: “…” 

So it was like this, she almost forgot that cats had another way to seduce humans other than selling meng.

Secretly, the lady boss glimpsed at the Maine Coon on top of the cat tower. Lin Lan felt that this tactic could be effective as well and continued to plaster on a friendly, polite smile: “Okay, I will get them immediately.”

Large kitty Mercury was stunned.

“Kitty, come down!” The woman on the ground waved the can of cat food at him, “If you come down, I’ll feed you yummy food!”

Why?

“Is this enough? If it isn’t enough, I’ll give all of these to you!”

He had deliberately displayed indifferently, he wasn’t docile and was a random cat, so why was this human even more enthusiastic than before?!

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Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter ❤

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