INSIDER Chapter 160

Black cats are traditionally considered protectors of the home, warding off evil and bringing wealth.

In ancient times, black cats were actually symbols of good fortune. Historical records note, “Black cats ward off evil. Placed in the south, descendants will prosper. Avoid disturbing them.”

The ancients believed black cats could repel evil spirits. In fact, black cats often appear where there are malevolent spirits, leading to the misconception that black cats themselves bring misfortune.

Black cats tend to suppress unclean presences, so they often appear in places with strong negative energy. This has led to the mistaken belief that encountering a black cat is a bad omen. In truth, having a black cat at home can greatly ward off evil.

In medieval Europe, black cats were considered witches’ pets. During the “witch hunts,” many women and cats were killed.

Here at Meng Yi’s pet shop, there are indeed two black cats. They both showed up at the shop one day unexpectedly.

One black cat is entirely pitch black with bright yellow eyes that seem to glow at night. It moves gracefully and is very intelligent, named Mo Mo. The other is also pure black except for a white patch on its left hind leg and has clear green eyes. It is lazier, spending most of its time eating or sleeping, often curled up in a ball in its bed, named Bai Hua.

These two black cats like to roam the shop at midnight, as seen on surveillance footage. Lu Chu noticed this habit by chance and saw their gem-like eyes reflecting moonlight and streetlights in the dark, creating an eerie scene.

Despite their different personalities, both cats are independent and aloof.

In this pet shop, apart from Carrot, nothing else can control them.

Most customers prefer breeds like ragdolls or ginger cats, rarely black cats. Even if interested, they often retreat under the cats’ disdainful gaze. These cats don’t get close to anyone except Lu Chu, responding only to his attention. Others, including the staff, are ignored.

Additionally, they are very afraid of 7.

The sensitivity of black cats is remarkable, and 7’s aura of death is too intense for them.

Some persistent customers, despite being snubbed, still wish to adopt these cats. Lu Chu would politely smile and say, “Animals have spirits. If they strongly reject a potential owner, I won’t make the sale.”

Most pets are docile, suitable for human companionship, and easily bond with their owners. These two cats are so independent and intelligent they seem almost supernatural.

Lu Chu was already certain this woman was surrounded by vengeful spirits and guessed her intention to buy a black cat. For this reason, he wouldn’t give her the cats. Black cats vary in age and level. The shop’s two black cats were still young, around a year old, and not strong enough to confront the malevolent spirit.

He smiled politely at the woman and said, “We do have black cats, but may I ask your name?”

The woman replied, “My surname is Zhang.”

Lu Chu smiled, “Ms. Zhang, what is your reason for wanting to adopt a black cat?”

Caught off guard, the woman stammered, “I… I…”

Lu Chu glanced at Yuan Kejie and Luo Qi. They had fought alongside him many times and understood each other well. Without him saying anything, they quickly grasped the situation. Combining Lu Chu’s previous description with the woman before them, they realized she was the one haunted by the infant spirit.

Luo Qi silently stepped aside, while Yuan Kejie stayed by Lu Chu’s side, playing the role of a competent employee and observing the situation.

Lu Chu continued gently, “Don’t worry, we ask all our customers this question. It’s for the animals’ and our own protection.”

Yuan Kejie took the opportunity to hand Lu Chu a cup of hot water, “Boss, here you go.”

Lu Chu handed it to Ms. Zhang, “You look a bit tired, Ms. Zhang. Why don’t you have some water, and we’ll discuss the cats later.”

Yuan Kejie smiled professionally, “Yes, Ms. Zhang, you don’t look well. Haven’t you been resting properly? If you aren’t in good condition, how can you take care of a pet?”

Of course, she didn’t want to take care of a pet but to find something to ward off evil.

Unable to say this directly, she hesitated, accepted the cup, and thought of visiting another pet shop.

Just then, there was a murmur from outside, and many passersby stopped near the pet shop, looking at something.

Lu Chu smiled at Ms. Zhang, “Excuse me, I’ll go check.”

As he walked towards the door, he saw two imposing figures entering. The first wore a flamboyant wine-red suit, smiling, while the second looked fierce and silent.

Looking outside, they saw a flashy red convertible parked on the street, gleaming and exuding wealth.

People were staring at the car. The pet shop was near a busy street, so they hadn’t noticed the car stop outside. Lu Chu and the others knew the person did it deliberately to draw attention.

Song Gui waved warmly at Lu Chu, “Hey, Little Lu Chu, long time no see. I’ve missed you.”

Luo Qi rolled her eyes, “Show-off.”

Yuan Kejie shook her head, “Can’t outdo that.”

Yuan Kejie then waved at Qian Zhen, “Come over here. Staying there won’t increase your IQ.”

Qian Zhen silently walked towards them.

Earlier, Song Gui had told Qian Zhen he would pick him up in his car after setting things up with Yuan Kejie and Luo Qi at Lu Chu’s place. Qian Zhen had agreed without thinking until he saw the car and Song Gui. He almost decided to jog instead, thinking it wasn’t far.

At that moment, Bai Hua, who had been sleeping in a corner, suddenly jumped down and elegantly walked towards Ms. Zhang.

Wagging its tail, Bai Hua licked its paw, sniffed Zhang Rui’s ankle, then quickly ran towards the other black cat, meowing.

Everyone’s eyes turned to Ms. Zhang, including Song Gui, who took off his sunglasses and frowned, “Zhang Rui.”

Lu Chu and the others were surprised, realizing she was someone he knew.

Yuan Kejie sidled up to Song Gui and whispered, “So you’re the child’s father.”

Song Gui: “???”

“She’s my cousin, my aunt’s daughter.”