Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

"I'll give you 500 gold soul coins for that cat," Ning Rongrong declared with an imperious tone.

Shen An was slightly startled. Who was this girl? Starting with an offer of 500 gold soul coins for a cat? Clearly, she was from a wealthy family.

However, selling Tom was out of the question, so Shen An planned to refuse politely.

After a moment's thought, Shen An said, "Miss, Tom is not just a cat to me. He's my dearest family, my closest companion, my brother. So I'm afraid he's not for sale."

Tom crossed his little paws in front of his chest and lifted his head proudly, casting a triumphant look at Ning Rongrong. Give it up already. My master would never sell me!

Ning Rongrong frowned deeply. Another rejection? How irritating.

"There's no such thing as something that can't be bought. If there is, it's just a matter of the price. And I, young lady, have plenty of money," she said arrogantly.

In her mind, Shen An's refusal wasn't because of emotions but because he wanted a higher price.

"This is my final offer," Ning Rongrong said with a haughty air. "10,000 gold soul coins. No negotiation."

Shen An, now thoroughly annoyed by her pestering, felt his patience wearing thin. He decided to ignore her.

"Step aside. I still have plans with my friend, so please stop bothering us," Shen An said, holding Tom close and walking away. Zhu Zhuqing followed silently behind him.

Ning Rongrong, rejected once again and blatantly ignored, was livid. Her small fists clenched tightly, her teeth ground together, and she glared furiously at Shen An.

"You dare to ignore me? Do you even know who I am? Believe me, I can make you regret this!" Ning Rongrong shouted petulantly.

Shen An's patience finally snapped. He had tried to be civil, but her constant arrogance and even threats had gone too far.

Releasing his soul power, Shen An unleashed a sharp and overwhelming aura of sword energy that enveloped Ning Rongrong entirely. It was as if a thousand invisible blades pressed against her, ready to slice her apart.

Ning Rongrong paled instantly, her face devoid of any color. Her heart raced wildly as fear surged through her, every fiber of her being screaming one word: Danger.

Her lips trembled, and her body quivered uncontrollably. She could no longer muster the arrogance she had earlier.

Shen An retracted his aura as suddenly as he had unleashed it, once again becoming the calm, gentle young man.

Looking at the shocked and trembling Ning Rongrong, Shen An thought, Some people really don't know how lucky they are.

This girl was clearly spoiled by her family's wealth. Someone who could casually offer 10,000 gold soul coins for a cat was obviously from an extraordinary background.

Without giving her another glance, Shen An continued walking with Zhu Zhuqing and Tom, heading toward the evening's fireworks show.

"Wait! What's your name?" Ning Rongrong cried out, her eyes red with tears.

Shen An didn't turn around. He waved casually and replied, "Shen An."

Watching Shen An's retreating figure, Ning Rongrong's tears spilled over. She squatted down on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably in the middle of the busy street.

She, the proud and pampered little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, had never been treated like this. For the first time, she had experienced rejection, humiliation, and a terrifying brush with death.

Her tear-filled eyes stared at the spot where Shen An had disappeared. Shen An, huh? I'll remember you!

Meanwhile, Shen An continued on his way, commenting to Zhu Zhuqing, "You're so much better, Zhuqing. You come from a prestigious family but don't have any of that spoiled princess attitude."

Zhu Zhuqing chuckled softly but said nothing.

Tom, however, kept glancing back over his shoulder.

"What's wrong, Tom? Why are you looking back?" Shen An asked.

Tom gestured with his paws, trying to communicate something.

"Feeling like someone's watching us?" Zhu Zhuqing suggested.

Shen An's expression grew serious. Tom rarely misjudged. If he felt something, there was likely some truth to it.

"Tom, can you pinpoint where?" Shen An asked.

Tom hesitated, then shook his head and scratched on the ground: Felt it earlier, but it's gone now.

Shen An breathed a sigh of relief. "Maybe it was that bratty girl's family keeping tabs. Let's not worry about it for now."

Unbeknownst to them, Flender, watching from the shadows, was both impressed and uneasy.

"That boy, Shen An, his soul power has progressed significantly. The aura he unleashed earlier… it was sharp and deadly," Flender muttered to himself.

He had been surprised and alarmed when Shen An frightened Ning Rongrong. She was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's little princess, after all. If anything had happened to her, the consequences would have been dire for both Shen An and Flender himself.

This boy's talent is extraordinary. Perhaps he'll enroll at Shrek Academy soon. I'd love to see what heights he can reach under proper guidance, Flender mused.

Later that evening, Shen An, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tom found a tall tree near the outskirts of Soto City to watch the fireworks.

"Zhuqing, come up here! The view's much better from above," Shen An called.

Zhu Zhuqing leaped gracefully, landing lightly on a branch beside Shen An. The three of them—two humans and one cat—settled in to enjoy the fireworks, the world below seeming far away and tranquil.