Mocha

Biodata

Background / History

Mocha belonged to the original Gu Bai before the protagonist transmigrated into his body. His parents had won numerous awards in international competitions, and the original owner hired a professional trainer when Mocha was five or six months old. By the time the transmigrated Gu Bai began caring for him, most of his habits were already established 23 272.

Mocha was the first living creature Gu Bai encountered in the new world. Initially wary of the change in his owner, he relaxed in response to the familiar body and voice. Touching his soft fur helped Gu Bai steady himself after transmigration, and Mocha’s continuing affection gradually softened someone who had never been particularly interested in pets 2 139.

After a fishing and swimming outing, Mocha moved with Gu Bai into a spacious rented apartment. He later accompanied him to the Chu residence, where Chu Zeshen had arranged supplies and prepared the lawn for him. Although Chu Zeshen had never kept a pet, the two quickly bonded; Gu Bai eventually described Mocha as their shared pet rather than his alone 5 17 18 70.

Appearance

• Coat: Soft, fluffy, contrasting black-and-white fur 2 122.
• Build: A large adult dog; his sturdy body makes hiding behind a hospital door ineffective 12 69 214.
• Expression: Described by a pet-shop employee as handsome and aloof-looking, despite his privately clingy behavior 233.
• Body language: Wags enthusiastically when pleased and flattens his ears when caught misbehaving. His tail sometimes betrays attempts to look pitiful 29 68 174.

Personality

Mocha is intensely affectionate toward Gu Bai. He greets him eagerly, seeks physical contact, and becomes distressed when left waiting too long. During one prolonged absence, he refuses even chicken drumsticks. His attachment also extends to Chu Zeshen, whom he enthusiastically welcomes after three days apart 4 233 241 279.

Intelligent and mischievous, Mocha knows how to exploit the household’s affection. He secretly accepts treats from Chu Zeshen, hides possessions, and pretends to struggle with familiar commands so Elder Chu will reward him for “learning.” Praise is another powerful incentive: he repeatedly shows off toys and accessories to different people 69 73 77 157 173 174.

He is gentle around elderly people and children, never jumping on them as he does with his owners. His friendliness is not indiscriminate, however: he resists Xie Wen’s excessive hugging, dislikes crowds around his bed, and growls at a man who places a hand on Gu Bai’s shoulder 28 101 188 284.

Abilities & Skills

Command Training

Mocha follows verbal instructions and gestures, including sitting, staying, heeling, spinning, and stepping on shoes 132 140 174 260.

• Waits for permission before eating food placed in his bowl, even when visibly eager 18.
• Normally puts away one toy before taking another; Gu Bai generally allows no third toy on the floor 77.
• Remains under a stay command despite his excitement about meeting Brandy 260.
• Responds most reliably to his owners. Anxiety at the veterinary hospital can make familiar commands less effective 47 70.
• Builds on his early professional training; Gu Bai also teaches him commands for amusement 140 272.

Fetching and Household Help

Mocha retrieves named objects and carries them in his mouth 10 18 60.

• Brings Gu Bai slippers, tissues, bottled water, and the remote control 10 18 60.
• Fetches his leash to request a walk and carries his own small bed 68 98.
• Delivers Chu Zeshen’s handwritten good-morning letter to Gu Bai 204.
• Takes a duffel bag from Xie Wen when he thinks Gu Bai might otherwise carry it 280.
• Sometimes overextends his helpfulness: while Gu Bai is ill, he retrieves chips without being asked, only for Chu Zeshen to confiscate them 60 61.

Doors and Learned Behavior

Mocha learns to operate door handles, allowing him to enter Gu Bai’s room independently. Gu Bai later trains him out of entering closed rooms 12 35.

• Subsequently learns to knock using his paws and head 38.
• Can persistently knock or whine until someone responds 35 38.
• Does not overcome locked doors; when shut inside, he watches outdoor activity through a window instead 71.

Play and Agility

Mocha particularly enjoys fetch and Frisbee, with Chu Zeshen becoming his regular Frisbee partner 36 173.

• Retrieves balls repeatedly and returns to Gu Bai for additional praise 91.
• Jumps to strike a balloon and lands cleanly after turning in midair 241.
• Swims in a protected sea enclosure while wearing a life jacket 5.
• Can become possessive of Chu Zeshen’s attention as his Frisbee playmate 137.

Protective Behavior

Mocha reacts to perceived danger or strain involving Gu Bai 28 116 281.

• Warns a man away from Gu Bai with a low growl; Gu Bai intervenes when the man attempts to kick him 28.
• Becomes concerned that Gu Bai is in danger in the bathroom 116.
• Takes Chu Zeshen’s warning that Gu Bai is tired so seriously that he later obstructs lifting, reaching, and physical contact 279 280 281.

Health & Care

Equipment / Items

• Little Nest: His small bed, which he carries or relocates to sleep near his preferred person 68 69 97.
• Frisbee, balls, and tug rope: Regular playthings used with his owners 41 91 137.
• Shell necklace: A souvenir bought by Gu Bai that Mocha proudly shows off 46.
• Miniature staff uniform: A sleeveless red-and-navy outfit made from a household work uniform. Unlike several earlier outfits, he willingly wears it while “supervising” deliveries 121 122.
• Plastic gold chain: Chosen over a costly custom collar; Uncle Li’s purchase was inspired by a photograph of a hip-hop-styled dog 157.
• Valuable necklace: Offered by Li Wei; Mocha immediately admires its sparkle and later refuses to let Gu Bai remove it 160 162.
• Elder Chu’s cane: A six-figure walking stick that Mocha carries away and hides; Chu Zeshen describes it as Elder Chu’s gift to him 70 73.

Relationships

• Gu Bai — Primary owner and strongest attachment. Mocha’s affection helps him adjust to his new life; Gu Bai says he does not want another pet because Mocha is enough 2 139.
• Chu Zeshen — Second owner, exercise partner, and secret source of treats. Their bond develops through Frisbee, shared sleeping arrangements, and daily care, although they sometimes compete for space beside Gu Bai 29 36 69 175.
• Elder Chu — Doting elder who supplies toys, treats, bedding, and personal attention. Their command-training games become a close friendship, and Mocha carefully moderates his greetings around him 77 187 284.
• Uncle Li — Caregiver who prepares meals, extra food, and accessories. Mocha tries to follow his departing car when he leaves for the National Day holiday 18 95 157.
• Xie Wen and Lu Shengfan — Occasional pet-sitters during Gu Bai and Chu Zeshen’s outings. Mocha does not obey Xie Wen as readily as his owners 42 46 47.
• Mimi — Jiang Yi’s missing puppy, whom Mocha helps find. The two later play together 121 137.
• Milk Tea — A golden female Border Collie Mocha enthusiastically courts with toys and Frisbee. Her family’s departure for a neighboring city makes future visits unlikely 241.
• Brandy — Xie Wen’s female Border Collie puppy. Their first meeting develops into friendly play, and Mocha later spends time with her at home 254 260 273.
• Dr. Hu — Familiar veterinarian whom Mocha strongly avoids; hearing his voice is enough to send Mocha into hiding 214.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Trivia

• Gu Bai tells Cheng Huansi that Mocha’s name reflects his liking for the drink. Internally, he acknowledges that he does not know why the original owner chose it 137.
• Regular walks make Mocha a neighborhood celebrity who receives petting from the security guards 14.
• His outwardly aloof appearance contrasts with a preference for whining rather than barking when waiting for his owners 233.
• He becomes popular with Chu Zeshen’s employees, who gather to pet him during working hours 214.