Reborn Cat Sheriff

Chapter 533 A Place for the Soul (Please Subscribe)

Nothing much happened that morning; routine police incidents didn't require Lin Ge's intervention, and the morning passed by leisurely.

Then, during the lunch break, Zhou Hui brought Anxi over ahead of time.

Despite having worked a full day yesterday and even a night shift, Zheng Mingxing still hadn't gone home to rest; instead, he was waiting for the two of them to arrive.

After picking up Zhou Hui and her daughter, he led them to the police station courtyard and then went straight into the cat house.

"Ouch!"

As soon as she entered the door, Zhou Hui exclaimed in surprise.

The sight of seven or eight cats of various sizes in the cattery startled Zhou Hui. Their large, round eyes made her momentarily unsure whether she was in a police station or a pet shop. The various cat trees and toys in the cattery also puzzled Zhou Hui. While inwardly criticizing the police station for its extravagant spending, she was surprised to see the cats boldly and generously approach, quickly surrounding her daughter.

Anxi, who had been silent and refusing to communicate since last night, came to the cattery as if she were back home, and once again took off her headphones to announce that she was reconnecting with the outside world.

She couldn't wait to squat down, hug the little rag doll, pet the little tabby, and then mischievously tug at the snowclaw tabby's tail, making the little rascal turn around and roar at her, but she pinched both of its ears up.

Ansie cradled the snowclaw tiger's head, squeezing its face into a small mound to make its eyes appear larger. The snowclaw tiger struggled innocently, but didn't dare to use force, and finally simply played dead, letting Ansie do as she pleased.

This expression made Anxi burst into a happy smile.

"How long has it been since I've seen Sisi smile like that?"

Zhou Hui stood quietly at the entrance of the cat shelter, watching this scene unfold. She murmured to herself, then couldn't help but cover her mouth, overcome with emotion. She felt a pang of envy for the cats so close to Anxi, and a touch of jealousy that her daughter only showed her cheerful side in front of these cats. Then she thought back to the phone call Anxi had made to her last night. Was that when Anxi truly opened up? If she could maintain that, her illness…

“The police station welcomes Anxi to come and play every day. I even agreed to add a table or a place for her to rest during lunch break so that she can get rid of her depression and recover her health as soon as possible.”

Zheng Mingxing smiled and offered his suggestion, which left Anxi stunned.

She genuinely hadn't expected the police station to allow her to come and bother them at any time. Generally, these kinds of places aren't supposed to be places where people can come and go as they please; she'd imagined the police officers all having stern faces, keeping people at arm's length as if everyone owed them money.

"May I?"

Anxi looked at Zheng Mingxing and asked him a question, but in the end she couldn't resist the temptation.

Zheng Mingxing held up one finger to Anxi.

"My only requirement is that you are not allowed to go out on your own. Whether you are coming here or going home from here, you must inform your mother. You are not young anymore, and I don't think you necessarily need someone to accompany you when you come here. But... you can't let your mother worry! You need to let her know where you went, not that you stayed out all night or went to some dangerous place. This is my most basic requirement for you, can you do it?"

Anxi nodded decisively.

As long as I can stay here and play with these cats, I'll do anything for her, no questions asked, no need to report anything!

"This child's problem is still quite serious!"

Lin Ge raised an eyebrow, realizing that Anxi's condition was still somewhat off.

She focused all her attention on the cat, completely disregarding her own safety. This is similar to why troubled teenage girls are most easily deceived, and why some women are always completely swindled by scumbags.

While Zheng Mingxing's suggestion might not cure Anxi's condition, it could at least protect her in a safe place and reduce the possibility of her being deceived or bullied.

Moreover, the police station doesn't need to do much. It just gives these cats, who have nothing to do all day, a task and allows them to find someone to take care of the cats after Li Siyu gets a formal job. Isn't that a win-win-win situation?
"Zheng Mingxing has been corrupted by Nie Guoqiang!"

Lin Ge looked at Zheng Mingxing with disdain, and suddenly remembered how Nie Guoqiang had tricked Li Siyu into becoming an auxiliary police officer at the police station.

Just then, Li Siyu found herself juggling caring for the cats at the police station with her regular duties. When she was feeling overwhelmed, Anxi, who was in a similar situation, appeared just in time and became the cattery's new caretaker after Li Siyu.

Zheng Mingxing's calculations were crystal clear. But Anxi walked right into the trap, and the two hit it off immediately.

Zhou Hui naturally wouldn't object to her daughter's opinion.

And so the decision was made simply: the police station would provide Anxi with a table at the cat shelter, allowing her to recuperate there while also catching up on any forgotten or missing knowledge. At the same time, having her at the police station would put Zhou Hui's mind at ease, as she could focus on her work without worrying about home or the kittens, preventing any unexpected situations from arising.

All the police station had to do was move a table from the logistics department, that was all.

Lin Ge thought about it and didn't object, nor was there any need to object. Anyway, the kittens in the cattery were indeed quite idle all day long, so it was good to give them something to do to keep them from causing trouble all the time.

That afternoon, Anxi stayed at the police station.

"Who is this older sister?"

Zhang Yining was stunned when he saw An Qian.

A woman Zhang Yining had never met before was petting a cat in the police station? And from the first moment Zhang Yining saw her, he felt that this woman was a bit strange. Why was she afraid of him, a little kid? Could this be the legendary social anxiety?

"..."

Anxi lowered her head and picked up the little plush toy she was about to take out for a stroll. She glanced at Zhang Yining out of the corner of her eye but did not speak to her.

"Hmm? What's going on?"

Hu Miao, yawning as she walked in, was also taken aback when she saw An Qian. She and Zhang Yining had come to the police station to do their homework. When no one was home, the two girls would sometimes stay at the police station and wait for their fathers to get off work before going home together.

In contrast to them, Nie Zhuangzhuang, Xie Zaiqi, and Zheng Jiacheng almost never came to the police station; running wild outside was their favorite option.

The two girls finished their homework in the front office and then watched a few episodes of CL, which Hu Miao's cousin had recommended, on their phones. Because they'd been on their phones for too long, Yan Ziming kicked them out to get some fresh air, and that's how they ended up at the cat shelter.

The three girls looked at each other, all somewhat surprised.

However, Hu Miao was more outgoing and carefree. She walked up to An Qian first and said, "Hello, sister. My name is Hu Miao. My dad is Hu Lijun from the police station. What's your name? Can I pet the cat with you?"

"..."

Anxi remained silent until she thought about it, then nodded. After all, the young girl had made it very clear that her father was a police officer at the local police station!

Zhang Yining and Hu Miao found An Qian's attitude a little strange, but they weren't afraid since they were in the police station. Unlike An Qian, Zhang Yining and Hu Miao were more familiar with the little tortoiseshell cat, so the two girls went to the cat tree to play with it.

They were in the same room, but it was as if there was an invisible dividing line between them, with each side doing their own thing.

Anxi squatted on the ground and teased the little rag doll. Occasionally, the little tiger stripe and the snow claw tiger stripe would run over and rub against her, getting a few pats from her.

Zhang Yining and Hu Miao took a cat toy and slowly teased the little tortoiseshell, occasionally glancing at An Qian to guess the identity of this older sister who was either a high school student or a college student.

Neither side knew how to approach the other until the little tabby suddenly snatched the cat toy from Zhang Yining's hand, carried the stick, and brought it to Anxi's feet. Anxi looked up at the speechless Zhang Yining, picked up the cat toy, and returned it to her. Only then did the awkward atmosphere slowly dissipate.

"What song is your sister listening to?"

Zhang Yining, who had taken back the cat toy, felt that Anxi's behavior of playing with the cat while listening to music was rather strange.

"Want to listen?"

Anxi hesitated for a moment, but still took the initiative to take the earphones off her head and handed them to Zhang Yining along with her phone.

"Is this... a place for the soul to find peace?"

Hu Miao's ears twitched, and suddenly her eyes lit up. Wasn't this a song from her and Zhang Yining's favorite anime? Could it be that this older sister also liked Madoka Magica?

"..."

Anxi was also stunned. These two little girls knew Xiaoyuan?

They stared at each other blankly, then suddenly burst into laughter. It was indeed a lucky thing to meet someone with similar interests here, and a wonderful thing that led to a strange mutual understanding.

"Thank you sister."

Zhang Yining took the phone and earphones from An Qian, put them on, and listened carefully. It was indeed the song "Heart's Haven," which she and Hu Miao both particularly loved. The song perfectly matched the anime: the mermaid princess fell into the sea for her beloved prince, and her red-haired knight raised his lance and died with her. It was proof of friendship and kindness, an eternal vow of mutual reliance and protection—a true healing magic!
She listened with her eyes half-closed for a while, even managing to hum along to the rhythm. Her contented expression made Hu Miao, standing beside her, both envious and resentful—she was clearly the first to recognize the song!
Hu Miao shoved Zhang Yining on the shoulder and puffed out her cheeks angrily.

Zhang Yining looked up to ask An Qian for her opinion. After An Qian slowly nodded in response, she unplugged the headphone jack from her phone and turned the music on speaker so that all three of them could hear it.

Just then, the first song finished playing and instantly turned into a faster-paced 'Kizuna'. The sudden 'noise' even startled the cats around.

"As expected, my older sister likes Madoka very much too!"

Hu Miao propped her chin up with her hand as she listened to music, glancing down at Zhang Yining's phone. Sure enough, several songs in the playlist were singles from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

"You...like it too?"

Anxi was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Zhang Yining and Hu Miao. How could someone so young watch such a sad animation that even made her feel like her heart was being cut by a knife?
"Because it's amazing!"

Zhang Yining had probably guessed Anxi's personality, so he smiled kindly and said, "Hama's determination to protect Madoka at all costs, Sayaka and Kyoko's journey from mutual dislike to mutual understanding and protection, Senpai's outward strength unable to conceal her inner weakness and yearning for friendship, and Madoka protecting the world not for those hypocritical grand ideals of justice but simply to fulfill her small wish of protecting her companions—every magical girl is so real and heartbreaking. It depicts magical girls, but it's actually telling the story of us ordinary girls! Leaving aside the sad things, it teaches me how to get along with friends!"

"friend?"

Anxi fell silent again.

She thought about how, after her father's accident, her so-called friends at school immediately cut ties with her and secretly gossiped about her behind her back.

Later, I took a break from school and stayed at home, feeling empty inside. Then, by chance, I saw "Puella Magi Madoka Magica." At that moment, it was as if I saw myself—a pathetic witch abandoned and fallen by the world…

Sayaka has Kyoko, Madoka has Homura Akemi, so who does she have? Is she as empty-handed as her senior?

So that's how it is, isn't it?
"Hey! What's your name, sister?"

Hu Miao plopped down on the ground and laughed at An Qian in a carefree manner, "Everyone likes watching Xiao Yuan, so we're friends! Speaking of which, my favorite is Xingzi. Zhang Yining likes all five of them. What about you, sister?"

"Me... Mami Tomoe?"

Anxi hesitated for a moment, once again feeling that she was exactly like the senior in the anime. Hu Miao's smile frightened her; would she end up like Mami Tomoe, thinking she could gain friendship but ultimately losing everything?

"Senior?"

Zhang Yining and Hu Miao exchanged a glance.

At this moment, the two girls finally realized that the high school girl in front of them was an unlucky girl who longed for friendship but was timid and had even been hurt!

"My name is Zhang Yining!"

"My name is Hu Miao!"

The two girls suddenly burst into laughter and extended their hands to Anxi, saying, "Sister, what's your name? Can we be friends?"

"..."

Hu Miao, sitting on the ground, was generous and unrestrained, while Zhang Yining, squatting, had a friendly smile. The enthusiasm that the two women released together stunned An Qian, who was unsure whether she should accept their kindness.

But in the end...

"My name is Anxi!"

Anxi reached out her hand to the two women and placed it in their clasped hands.

Music titled 'Descending Light' began to play, seemingly adding a sacred accompaniment to the scene. Zhang Yining's warm palms brought a smile to Anxi's face, and her body no longer felt icy cold.

“That’s great!”

Lying on top of the cat tree, Lingo watched this scene quietly.

He was happy that Anxi could have friends again, and he was also happy that Zhang Yining and Hu Miao, two excellent children, could use their enthusiasm and kindness to help Anxi get out of her mental predicament.

Anxi shouldn't confine herself to a world of loneliness, nor should she let her life consist only of cats and animals. She truly needs to break free of her cage and enter the real world. With Hu Miao and Zhang Yining pushing her forward, this step might be taken even faster.

"Sister, there's a comic convention in a few days during May Day. Why don't you cosplay with us?"

Hu Miao's eyes lit up and she suddenly had a great idea. Especially since the older sister in front of her was tall and good-looking, she was the perfect clothes hanger for her senior! If she added herself and Yi Ning, the Five Colors Team would be more than half complete.

"Hey?"

Anxi's eyes widened in surprise. "Does liking Madoka mean you have to cosplay?"
"Ha ha……"

Her timid yet startled appearance made Zhang Yining and Hu Miao burst into laughter.

The two girls' cheerful demeanor made Anxi a little embarrassed. She scratched her head, somewhat unwilling to disappoint her new friends. Although she felt a bit apprehensive about cosplaying, she thought, "If they want me to do it..."

"No need! These things should only be done if you're willing. I hate forcing people to do things. Hu Miao, don't bully her. Why do you force her to do things she doesn't want to do?"

Zhang Yining took the initiative to help An Qian out of the predicament.

"Ow~"

Lin Ge jumped down from the cat tree and slowly walked over to the three girls, trying to distract them.

"Look, QB!"

Hu Miao suddenly grabbed Lin Ge and lifted him up by his front legs to show him to An Qian.

"soy Mujer!"

Lin Ge was speechless.

Don't think he doesn't know what QB is! Under the influence of these two brats all this time, he already knows exactly what "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" is about, okay?
"Actually... it's fine to cosplay without going out."

Lin Ge's disheveled appearance made Anxi laugh out loud, and she ultimately relented and accepted Hu Miao's request. She didn't want to disappoint her two new friends because of her, and besides, playing with friends was a lot of fun, wasn't it?
"Then you'll cosplay as the senior! Or... the headless senior?"

Hu Miao patted Anxi's shoulder heavily, as if entrusting her with a difficult task.

Anxi immediately made a face, while Zhang Yining and Hu Miao exchanged a glance and then burst into laughter.

"Let's leave it at that for now, this is good enough. With Zhang Yining, this sensible girl, and Hu Miao, this unruly one, Anxi should be able to get out of the shadows, right? Although she might be led astray by those two brats, it's still better than the way she is now. On the other hand, she's almost eighteen years old, so she can take care of the six little ones when they go out to play, and I can rest assured."

Seeing Anxi leading Zhang Yining and Hu Miao to look at the goldfish on the table, Lin Ge flicked his tail and walked out of the cat house.

He hadn't been around for many days, and now as he stepped out of the police station compound, the surroundings felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Then I realized that it had been almost three months since I had gathered my underlings together and checked on their current situation, and I started to worry again.

Three months is enough time for a cat to become a mother and give birth to kittens, and also enough time for a newborn kitten to grow up to be strong enough to cope with external dangers. It is an incredible length of time for a cat.

"Shall we gather them for a stroll tonight?"

Ringo made a decision.

(End of this chapter)