Raindrops hammered against the window like countless tiny hammers, casting the Victorian Style retro window frames inside the shop in a slightly gloomy light.
Whenever the raindrops struck the glass, they left behind wet marks, making the view outside even hazier.
Despite the weather, the shop remained as peaceful and cozy as ever.
A long, crisp "ding-a-ling" rang out by the entrance. A pair of hands dotted with raindrops pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the faint chill and dampness instantly mingled with the warm air inside.
It was a refined and pleasant-looking young man. A little rain clung to his clothes, and his boots were damp from the downpour. Most eye-catching of all was the Little Black Cat nestled in the crook of his left arm, its eyes wide and its fur slightly tousled.
The Little Black Cat looked somewhat dazed.
Its brain seemed to still be frozen.
Yet upon entering the familiar surroundings of the shop, its tiny pointed ears instinctively twitched, as if trying to make out the sounds around it.
The young man carefully took a few steps forward. Water dripped from the umbrella in his hand, droplets falling from its tip and striking the floor.
A shop assistant soon appeared from behind the counter, brimming with anticipation. Her apron was clean and neat, and she wore a uniquely serious expression as she stared straight at the Little Black Cat, as though she had been waiting for it for a long time.
"Cat Boss, what took you so long to come back? The kitchen can barely keep up!"
The shop assistant hurried over to Lanchi and addressed the Little Black Cat.
"Oh, meow. Sorry for the trouble, meow."
Cat Boss finally came to its senses, quickly hopped to the floor, and headed toward the kitchen.