Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

Ma Yan stumbled away, clutching his face, thoroughly humiliated. What he thought was an easy target turned out to be an impenetrable fortress. It wouldn't take long before word of his disgrace spread across Soto City. This time, his reputation was in tatters.

Walking several meters away, Ma Yan turned back and shot a resentful glance at the tea shop.

Behind Shen An, Zhu Zhuqing lightly bit her lips, her bright eyes shimmering with emotion. The feeling of having someone stand protectively in front of her—it was wonderful.

Shen An, facing the customers outside the tea house, flashed a bright smile. "The trouble has been dealt with. My shop has just opened, so I hope you can all support it! My name is Shen An, and today, to celebrate the grand opening, all items are 20% off!"

"Tom, play a tune to liven up the atmosphere!"

??? Flender glanced down at his tea. 20% off? Then what about what I just paid? He downed the entire cup in one gulp, frustrated. Little profiteer!

"But it's fine. Soon, you'll enroll in my academy and pay me tuition. Watch how I squeeze dozens of gold soul coins out of you!"

Getting up, Flender made his way to Shen An, pausing to deliver a cryptic remark: "Young man, we will meet again soon."

Shen An responded with a polite smile, thinking, What a weirdo. We're both in Soto City. Of course, we'll meet again!

The clear, spring-like notes of the piano resounded once more. Customers entering the tea house quickly discovered the surprising source of the music: a cat.

"No way! This has to be fake. A cat playing piano? And it's this good?"

One by one, the customers were stunned, unable to close their gaping mouths. Even those who initially thought the tea was a bit expensive now felt it was worth every coin.

Wait, something's off. This isn't just tea—it's something else. But wow, it's delicious!

Every sip was so smooth and layered with rich flavors. The creamy milk and tea aroma lingered, making it irresistibly delightful.

This money was well spent!

With such a magical cat and a unique milk tea, everyone thought the same thing: This tea shop is going to be a hit.

After finishing a full piano piece, Tom gracefully jumped off the bench and bowed to the crowd. This action drew even louder applause from the customers.

"That's amazing! How can this cat be so intelligent?"

"Boss, can this incredible cat play another song? I want to bring my family to see it!"

Shen An smiled and announced, "Everyone, this cat is named Tom. He's a very important partner to me, practically family. In fact, the tea house is named after him."

"As for the piano, Tom has his own preferences. He's already tired today."

"But don't worry. I promise Tom will perform one song each Wednesday and Sunday, though not at fixed times."

Hearing this, the customers, though slightly disappointed, accepted it.

Opening at noon, Shen An's tea shop remained busy until around six in the evening. It wasn't that there were no more customers; he had simply run out of ingredients.

Customers leaving the tea shop eagerly spread the word to friends and family about the new place with its magical piano-playing cat. Some doubted the tales, while others came to see for themselves.

Those skeptics inevitably ordered something to try. And once they had a taste of Shen An's milk tea, they were instantly captivated by its unparalleled flavor. The recipe was centuries ahead of anything on the Douluo Continent.

The crowd grew bigger and bigger. Some stayed for multiple cups of tea; others came solely to see Tom. Eventually, Shen An and Tom couldn't keep up with the demand, prompting Zhu Zhuqing to join in, helping with milk tea preparation.

"Milk Tea Sister Zhu Zhuqing, limited-time appearance!"

The beautiful, fair-skinned, and curvaceous Zhu Zhuqing, paired with the intelligent and hardworking Tom, drove the customers into a frenzy. The shop was packed inside and out, forcing Shen An to close early after running out of supplies.

Hanging a "Closed" sign outside, Shen An collapsed into a chair, utterly exhausted. "Finally, some rest. I'm beat."

"Meow~" Tom echoed his sentiments, sprawled nearby.

Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, rubbing her sore arms. The overwhelming business had even tired her out, despite her rank as a Spirit Grandmaster.

After a brief rest, Shen An gathered the day's earnings and asked Tom to count the coins. Meanwhile, he opened his system panel.

[Fame Points: 17,508]

The number was still climbing. This was undoubtedly the largest fame boost Shen An had ever received.

Excitedly staring at the hefty total, Shen An thought, Finally, I can indulge a little!

System, let me draw the lottery!

"Start with a ten-pull," he murmured inwardly.

[Ding!Congratulations! You've obtained:

[Montezuma's Cursed Stilton Cheese]: From the world of Tom and Jerry, this cheese is highly volatile. Do not take it out casually, or you may cause a disaster.

System Note: Due to its danger level, a Summon Item Storage Space has been unlocked for safekeeping.

[Tom's Dream Cat's Scarf]: Wear this scarf to have Tom eating out of the palm of your hand.

[Solar-Powered Refrigerator]: Self-explanatory.

[Cola x100].[Retro Game Console].

[Ding! Guaranteed Reward Activated: Small Spirit Power Experience Pack.]

Shen An summarized his haul: items from the Tom and Jerry world, household appliances, and snacks.

Wait, does the system only draw from those two worlds?

No, it also dropped a SoulPower Experience Pack. There must be some pattern I haven't noticed, or maybe my Fame Points are insufficient.

And since Tom can be summoned, perhaps other companions can be summoned in the future. The mystery items might even be tied to the summoned companions.

Shen An examined the items more closely. The cursed cheese was highly dangerous—he remembered its episode well. Even its scent could punch through walls. Best left untouched.

The solar fridge, however, was practical. It would make storing items much easier.

As for the scarf… Shen An shivered. He vividly recalled the episode where poor Tom was twisted into all kinds of shapes by a manipulative white cat, reduced to signing away his freedom.

He glanced at Tom, who was counting coins. This thing is pure evil. Better leave it sealed.