Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Cat Capture Operation

As he spoke, he picked up a small syringe resting nearby, then took a tiny vial and inserted the needle.
The doctor said, "That's life. A little pain, a little pleasure."
He drew out the liquid, adjusted the dose, all while the Garfield cat squinted at him attentively.
The doctor remarked, "Looks like I need to help you out, liven things up a bit."
He set the prepared syringe aside, opened the cage, and stroked the mother cat. Then he reached in for the tom, but the male cat clung stubbornly to the cage, refusing to let the doctor take him.
"Hey, you've got some strength, haven't you? Be good, sweetheart," the doctor coaxed.
After much effort, he managed to wrestle the cat out, but it squirmed so fiercely that it broke free, dashing around the room. The doctor ignored its antics and calmly picked up the syringe, holding it delicately between his fingers. He waited for the cat to leap onto the sofa, then flicked his wrist—a perfect throw. The syringe struck its mark; the cat howled and collapsed onto the sofa cover.
The doctor made a victory gesture, sauntered over, removed the needle, and scooped up the cat to bring back to the cage.
At that moment, Wang Zixuan pushed the door open and entered. His eyes swept the room, missing nothing.
The doctor swiftly tucked the cat into a cabinet and stroked it, glancing up to greet Wang Zixuan.
With a smile, the doctor said, "Hello, beautiful. Is there any service you require?"
Wang Zixuan produced a photo of a burly, broad-waisted man.

Wang Zixuan asked, "Have you seen this person before?"
The doctor studied the photo for a long time before shaking his head. "Never seen him."
Wang Zixuan put away the photo and took out another—this one of a yellow Garfield cat.
"And this cat?" he asked.
The doctor gazed at it, then nodded. "Seems familiar."
He pointed casually in a direction. "I think it ran that way."
Wang Zixuan looked where he indicated. At that moment, the Garfield cat scratched him viciously. Wang Zixuan sensed something was wrong.
He turned to the doctor. "What was that noise?"
The doctor suppressed his pain and replied, "Nothing at all."
But just as he finished, a loud yowl erupted and the cat wriggled free from the doctor's grasp, darting from the cabinet. Wang Zixuan hurried after it, weapon drawn, aiming at the feline. Man and cat locked eyes; in an instant, Garfield bolted, weaving through the furniture for cover.
Wang Zixuan kept changing his angle, firing several shots, but the cunning cat dodged every one. When Wang Zixuan finally cornered the cat, ready to finish the job, the doctor leapt out, clutching his phone.

"Friend, I have a small suggestion," the doctor said. "Not sure if I should say it."
He kept his phone trained on Wang Zixuan, recording everything, which only irritated Wang Zixuan further.
"What are you doing?" Wang Zixuan demanded.
"I've recorded the entire incident," the doctor replied. "I demand you compensate me for all damages to my store, including emotional distress and lost work."
"Then let me advise you," Wang Zixuan warned, "put down the phone—now."
"And if I refuse?" the doctor retorted.
With a swift high kick, Wang Zixuan sent the doctor's phone flying into the wall, shattering it to pieces. In the scuffle, his own credentials fell to the floor.
Just then, two cat yowls rang out. Wang Zixuan turned to see the cat darting out the door. As only its hind legs remained visible, Wang Zixuan fired without hesitation, but the shot missed yet again.