Cat Demon Raising Manual - Chapter 20

The small clinic had no visitors today. Lin Zhixuan idly pulled out a detective thriller and began reading it carefully. Just as she reached an exciting part, the quiet clinic was suddenly interrupted by the ring of a phone. Lin Zhixuan took out her mobile.

Seeing the caller ID, a flicker of hesitation passed through her cool eyes. Without thinking too long, she answered the call.

She had no idea why her half-sister was contacting her. She had long distanced herself from the messy relationships of the past, and that sister of hers, with her vastly different status, was now the current head of Lanyu Group. She should be too busy to spare any time.

“Hello?” Lin Zhixuan asked softly, then held her breath, waiting for the other party to speak first.

Unexpectedly, Han Yuru’s hearty laughter came through the phone. Lin Zhixuan could almost picture her, wearing high heels, exuding an air of authority, and radiating confidence.

“Xiao Xuan, it’s been a long time since we last talked. How have you been lately?” Lin Zhixuan didn’t believe Han Yuru had called just for small talk. She replied quietly, “I’m doing fine.”

Lin Zhixuan had always been a woman of few words. Expecting her to chat freely with the sociable Han Yuru was nearly impossible.

Sure enough, Han Yuru didn’t wait for Lin Zhixuan to ask any questions and dropped a bombshell: “Han Xiukai is dead. He died on top of a foreign woman. He took too much medication, got overexcited, and died on the spot.”

Han Yuru had the same light amber eyes as Lin Zhixuan, but while Lin Zhixuan’s gaze was cool and gentle, Han Yuru’s resembled that of a wild leopard, intimidating and fierce. Perhaps because good news lifts the spirits, Han Yuru even sounded somewhat amiable toward Lin Zhixuan, the illegitimate daughter.

Lin Zhixuan blinked, her voice still calm and unruffled. “So? I’ve already severed all ties with Han Xiukai. If this is about inheritance, I’ve made it clear long ago, I renounce all claims to the Han family’s assets. I won’t take a single cent from you.”

“I know you have the same integrity as your mother, and I respect that. Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause trouble. Informing you of Han Xiukai’s death is one thing; the other is to propose a collaboration. Lanyu Plaza is already under construction in Maocheng. I’d like you to set up your clinic there. I won’t charge you rent. You have a good reputation, and you can help attract more visitors. It’s a win-win situation.”

“No need to reply right away. I’ll give you time to think it over. That scumbag Han Xiukai wronged both you and your mother, and he wronged me too. We’re in the same boat. I used to resent your mother and you for existing, but I don’t feel that way anymore. You never gained anything from Han Xiukai, and you owe me nothing.”

“As the beneficiary, I don’t make losing deals. Please consider my proposal seriously. You probably don’t have much money right now, and there’s no point in fighting against financial needs. You might find it useful someday.”

Before Han Yuru could finish speaking, it seemed someone nearby reported bad news. Lin Zhixuan faintly heard words like “rabies,” “fell to his death,” and “President Xu.” Then, Han Yuru hastily ended the call.

Once silence returned, Lin Zhixuan retreated into the narrow shadows, the book in her hand now impossible to focus on.

Upon hearing the news of Han Xiukai’s death, Lin Zhixuan’s mind went completely blank, devoid of any emotion, even though the man was her biological father and the indirect culprit behind her mother Lin Fengchun’s death.

It was like a clichéd, old-fashioned tragic romance novel: Lin Fengchun was the innocent “little white flower” forcibly taken by a domineering CEO. When she discovered she had been made the “other woman,” she decisively chose to break up and attempted to escape Han Xiukai’s control, only to unexpectedly find herself pregnant.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lin Fengchun decided to have an abortion. But on her way to the People’s Hospital, she was drugged, kidnapped, and brought back to Han Xiukai. He forced her to carry the child to term, imprisoning her and restricting any behavior he deemed risky. Every corner of the room was fitted with surveillance cameras, monitoring her every move.

After giving birth, Lin Fengchun suffered from postpartum depression. At that time, however, she showed no signs of suicide and nursed her child like any normal mother.

Perhaps because she had given birth to a daughter, failing to meet Han Xiukai’s expectations, the surveillance in the house loosened. Lin Fengchun escaped once more, this time with her child in tow.

During this period, Lin Fengchun considered reporting to the police, but the thought of Han Xiukai’s untouchable background made her hesitate. She went into hiding with her daughter, remaining concealed for many years.

Battling depression and a body worn down by hardship, Lin Fengchun struggled to raise Lin Zhixuan. Lin Zhixuan lived up to her expectations, even gaining admission to the top medical university in the capital through the college entrance exam.

Han Xiukai seemed omnipresent, hauntingly reappearing in the lives of Lin Fengchun and her daughter. Perhaps due to his poor sperm quality, none of the numerous women around him over the years had become pregnant. Lin Zhixuan was his only child outside of his legal wife, a seed cast adrift.

Rarity adds value, and coupled with power struggles, Han Xiukai set his sights on Lin Zhixuan.

He sought to lure her into the fight for power. This illegitimate daughter of his had, through her own efforts, gained admission to a top-tier university, proving her exceptional intelligence.

Faced with such immense wealth and privilege, who could resist being tempted?

Lin Zhixuan resisted the urge to punch him.

Because of Han Xiukai’s selfish motives, her college application had nearly been tampered with by that scoundrel. It was only when Lin Fengchun threatened to tarnish the reputation of Lanyu Group, even at the cost of her own life, that Han Xiukai withdrew his interference.

Mother and daughter loathed Han Xiukai to the core. How could they ever align themselves with him? Instead, they chose to collaborate with his legal wife, orchestrating a scheme to exile Han Xiukai abroad.

Primarily because, if he stayed in the country, he would face imprisonment, forcing him to flee overseas.

With power consolidated entirely by Han Youru’s mother, Han Xiukai was ousted from the game.

Afterward, Lin Fengchun and her daughter refused to take a single cent, voluntarily signing an agreement to sever all ties with Han Xiukai. After all the turmoil, Lin Fengchun was no longer her former self, her health rapidly deteriorated, and she became critically ill. Though she prolonged her life for a few years in the hospital, she eventually passed away.

On her deathbed, Lin Fengchun told Lin Zhixuan only this: “The human heart is the most unreliable thing. Find someone you are confident you can control, or you may invite disaster.”

Lin Zhixuan took these words to heart, which is why, to this day, no one has been able to enter her heart.

,

Shen Qingyan hadn’t seen the calico cat near the studio lately, and with her exhibition deadline approaching, she was running out of time. She painted a few scenes of cats at play, imitating the style she remembered, but the results were always unsatisfactory.

To her, a work that wasn’t perfect was as good as trash, flawed pieces were no different from scrap paper.

The key lay in the cat itself.

Shen Qingyan’s hand, gripping the pen, trembled slightly. The tip paused, and ink instantly soaked the rice paper, spreading like a tangled mess.

Perhaps she could keep a cat.

Shen Qingyan had always been straightforward in her actions. She directly contacted her connections, and after getting through on the phone, she cut straight to the point: “Do you have any cats there?”

“Preferably a long-haired calico.” Hua Wangxuan’s figure flashed through Shen Qingyan’s mind, and she added, “That would be best.”

“Alright, I’m free now. I’ll come over right away to see the cats.” After setting the time to visit, Shen Qingyan rubbed her temples. Staring at the rice paper for so long had made her eyes feel dry, and the tear mole beneath her eyelid seemed to droop with weariness.

Shen Qingyan found a pure white silk blouse in her wardrobe and paired it with a burgundy knitted vest. Thinking she was going to a pet store, she opted not to wear a skirt, instead changing into high-waisted, caramel-colored wide-leg jeans. With deft hands, she loosely braided her black hair into a French plait.

She casually unbuttoned the top two buttons of her blouse, and the iris-shaped earrings dangling from her earlobes swayed as she moved.

Though she didn’t often drive, Shen Qingyan felt a sudden impulse and headed to the garage, pulling out her shell-pink Mercedes. It matched her outfit perfectly.

The pet store was only five kilometers from her studio. Without traffic, it would take about ten minutes to drive there.

Shen Qingyan drove at a leisurely pace, often keeping to the city speed limit of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour. Just then, a dark shadow darted swiftly across the road in front of her car. She slammed on the brakes, her upper body lurching forward, and a look of displeasure instantly crossed her face.

Glancing casually, she realized it was probably a black cat. Shen Qingyan pursed her lips, tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears, and started the car again.

When she arrived at the pet store, the shopkeeper friend’s eyes lit up at the sight of her. It was rare to see someone with such star quality in a small town.

“The long-haired calico you’re looking for is a type of domestic cat. Here, we breed purebred pedigree cats, and we’re the only pet store in Maocheng with certification for breeding competition-grade cats. If you like long-haired cats, I’d recommend Ragdolls or Persians. They’re very beautiful and affectionate. I can take you upstairs to have a look first.”

Shen Qingyan nodded and followed the shopkeeper. The first floor was filled with pet supplies, and the sounds of cats and dogs could be heard. When they reached the second floor, Shen Qingyan saw cages lining the walls like prison cells. Her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and the mixed scent of cats and dogs made her feel somewhat disdainful.

The shopkeeper continued enthusiastically, boasting about their wide variety of breeds. “If you don’t find any cats you like here, we can also arrange to bring in other breeds from the cattery.”

Shen Qingyan stopped in front of two Ragdoll kittens. They were indeed lively and adorable, with eyes as beautiful as sapphires. But as she looked at the Ragdolls in the glass cages, she felt nothing inside.

No inspiration, no urge to capture the moment immediately. It was like seeing a doll, no matter how much she liked it, she never felt the impulse to paint it. Especially when she saw the other kittens in the cages, she only felt a sense of uniform, generic cuteness.

The shopkeeper, observing Shen Qingyan’s expression, could tell she hadn’t found a cat that captured her heart. So, he brought her a catalog of cat photos.

“Miss Shen, this must be your first time buying a cat, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We can help you select a suitable breed based on your preferences. If you like warm-toned cats, you might consider a Chinchilla Persian, their golden fur shines like sunflowers. If you prefer something less delicate and cute, perhaps a Maine Coon would suit you. They have gentle temperaments and handsome appearances, and can grow up to a meter long. Walking one would make you look quite majestic and commanding.”

Shen Qingyan listened quietly, her head bowed as she flipped through the catalog. Her gaze moved slowly but didn’t linger on any of the cats.

She felt she was wasting her time. No matter how adorable or beautiful domestic, well-trained cats might be, they all carried the label of being tame and pampered. She didn’t like cats that had grown up caged since childhood, such cats couldn’t inspire her.

Thinking he had guessed Shen Qingyan’s preferences, the shop owner spoke again, “Miss Shen, do you prefer local mixed-breed cats? Actually, we have ways to source them too. Since there are no import fees or breeding costs involved, they’re quite affordable. The calico cats you like are quite common, though long-haired calicos might take a bit more effort to find.”

“Alright, please contact me if you have any updates. Thank you for the introductions, I’ve learned a lot,” Shen Qingyan replied with a faint smile. Though she had already given up on buying a pet from the shop, she maintained an apologetic expression. The teardrop mole beneath her eye seemed to glow, making the shop owner quickly wave his hands in flattered embarrassment.

Stepping outside, she had gained nothing but the lingering smell of animals clinging to her clothes.

Once in her car, she shut the door, and her expression immediately darkened. The soft hum of the car’s air purifier filled the space as her obsidian eyes stared quietly ahead. Her slender fingers rested on the steering wheel, knuckles slightly prominent, tips flushed with red.