Back to My Human’s Teenage Years - Chapter 30

Perhaps due to the increasing academic pressure of senior year, the school organized a research trip to help alleviate everyone’s anxiety. Each class was allowed to choose their own destination.

After a vote, the class decided to go hiking and camping, where they could have a cookout and watch the sunrise.

Shi Rang had zero interest in these kinds of collective activities. In his view, it would be much better to take a leave of absence and take Jin Manman out on a private trip—or even just stay at home together.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the final say.

The moment Jin Manman heard the announcement, he rushed home and excitedly packed his backpack, completely ignoring Shi Rang’s suggestions.

Shi Rang’s teeth ached with frustration. He pinned Jin Manman into his embrace and leaned down to take a bite of the boy’s ear. He left a clear tooth mark on the earlobe; only after seeing Jin Manman clutching his ear with red, watery eyes did Shi Rang finally feel satisfied.

He pulled Jin Manman onto the bed, gave him some washed fruit to eat, and told him to stay put while he turned around to pack the luggage.

See? He told you he had a high status in the household. Jin Manman wouldn’t dare ignore him!

The “high-status” Shi Rang diligently packed the suitcases while Jin Manman sat on the bed swinging his legs, acting as the supervisor.

“I want to bring snacks!” the little orange cat declared boldly.

To his surprise, Shi Rang didn’t give him a cold refusal this time. Instead, he nodded. “It’s too late to go to the supermarket now. Pick some out on your phone and order them to be delivered tomorrow morning.”

If they were going camping, they had to have snacks. Shi Rang didn’t want to be too strict.

“But don’t pick too many,” Shi Rang added. “Aren’t we supposed to be hiking? We can’t carry too much.”

After all, he would be the one carrying the bags for two people.

After a brief round of packing, Shi Rang turned to see Jin Manman still scrolling through his phone, picking and choosing. Shi Rang snatched the phone away. “That’s enough. Are you trying to move the whole supermarket into our house?”

Jin Manman pouted unhappily.

Shi Rang tossed the phone aside and stood over Jin Manman, staring down at him with a look that held a hint of danger. “What did you promise me today? Didn’t you say you’d help me wash up tonight?”

Jin Manman was stunned by Shi Rang’s audacity. His eyes went wide as he said in disbelief, “When did I ever agree to that?”

Without a word, Shi Rang scooped him up and slung him over his shoulder, marching toward the bathroom. “You just did.”

What he said went!

At seven in the morning, the tour bus pulled up at the school gates.

Whenever it came to trips like this, Jin Manman was exceptionally energetic. He didn’t oversleep at all; he was full of vitality as he ran all the way to the bus, successfully becoming the first person to board.

Shi Rang followed behind him, carrying one backpack on his back and another in his hand. Three-quarters of the contents belonged to Jin Manman.

Yet, the unburdened Jin Manman had the nerve to tease him. “Shi Rang, you’re carrying so much stuff. How are you going to hike?”

Shi Rang’s teeth ached. The little brat.

The bags contained extra jackets for Jin Manman, a small blanket in case the mountaintop got cold at night, a mountain of snacks, and even a small pillow. Jin Manman had insisted on bringing the pillow, claiming he couldn’t sleep without it.

Shi Rang closed his eyes, choosing to ignore him. But Jin Manman sidled over anyway, poking his head in front of Shi Rang’s face and murmuring, “Are you angry, Shi Rang?”

If it were any other question, Shi Rang might have genuinely ignored him, but since Manman asked that… Shi Rang opened his eyes helplessly and pinched the soft flesh of the boy’s cheek.

“No. I won’t get angry with you.”

“That’s great! Then can you go to the convenience store and buy me a cold soda?” Jin Manman blinked his eyes at him, pressing his hands together in a “please, please” gesture.

Shi Rang was so frustrated he lost all his temper. However, he resigned himself to getting off the bus to buy it. Long bus rides weren’t comfortable; he just wanted Jin Manman to be at ease.

But his worries were entirely misplaced. From the moment the bus started moving, it was as if Jin Manman had taken a sleeping pill. He keeled over onto Shi Rang and fell into a deep sleep, only to wake up the exact second before the bus arrived. His timing was impeccable, as if he had an internal alarm.

The bus was stuffy, so as soon as they got off, Jin Manman was like a joyful bird, spreading his wings and flying in all directions. Shi Rang lost sight of him for a moment and he was gone.

He wondered with a headache if he should buy one of those child-leashes online to tether Jin Manman to his side.

As Jin Manman cheered and ran past him once more, golden hair flying, Shi Rang unceremoniously grabbed his collar and hauled him back.

“Behave yourself. What are you running around for?”

Jin Manman’s legs were still churning as he tried to break free, but under the absolute suppression of Shi Rang’s strength, he could only be carried by one hand like a little doll.

To motivate the students for the hike, the teacher had set up prizes. The first student to reach the summit would win a massive snack gift pack.

Shi Rang knew it was over the moment he heard that. Predictably, Jin Manman was suddenly pumped up as if he’d been injected with adrenaline. The word “snacks” was the only thing left in his eyes as he rubbed his palms together, ready to bolt the moment the signal was given.

Shi Rang tilted his chin and warned him, “Walk slowly. No running. It rained a few days ago and the paths are slippery. If you fall, I’m not carrying you.”

Jin Manman pouted. “I’m going to be number one.”

“You just want to eat the snacks,” Shi Rang exposed him ruthlessly. “Don’t fight for that. I’ll buy you some when we get back.”

The little orange cat murmured, “Liar.” If he waited until they got back, he wouldn’t be allowed to eat them. Shi Rang rubbed his nose and acted like he hadn’t heard.

During the hike, most people paired up. Fearing Jin Manman would get tired, Shi Rang pulled a telescopic hiking pole out of the bag for him. But when he looked up, Jin Manman was already three steps ahead, climbing with gusto.

Shi Rang paused and called out to him. He asked seriously, “Have you ever considered a career in athletics?”

Little Orange Cat: Huh?

Eventually, the two of them successfully reached the summit, but Jin Manman didn’t get first place. He watched with envy as a classmate returned from the teacher with a huge bag of snacks.

Shi Rang set down the two heavy bags and let out a long breath. “I slowed you down,” he said sarcastically. “Otherwise, you would have been first.”

Jin Manman, never picking up on the irony, replied earnestly, “Well, a little bit. You climb so slowly, I always had to wait for you. But it’s okay, I don’t mind.”

The cat doesn’t mind the human’s slowness. Shi Rang was fuming. He grabbed Jin Manman and grit his teeth as he pinched the boy’s ear. “You little brat.”

Luckily, the teacher started distributing tents, and Shi Rang released his grip. He went over and claimed their tent, picking a large one specifically so Jin Manman would be comfortable.

While others worked in pairs to set up, Shi Rang didn’t expect any help from Jin Manman. It was a miracle if the “young master” didn’t cause any trouble. Having some outdoor experience, Shi Rang’s movements were practiced, and he had the tent up in no time.

He moved the bags inside, pulled out Jin Manman’s pillow and blanket, and set them up. He turned around to show off his handiwork, but what he saw nearly took his breath away.

A few boys nearby had set up a grill and were cooking meat skewers. Jin Manman had pulled up a small stool and was sitting right next to them, chatting away with a bright smile. One of the boys had leaned in close, and the two of them were laughing together.

A surge of fury rushed through Shi Rang. He had been working himself to the bone here, worried that the boy might be uncomfortable, yet Jin Manman was off having a grand old time with someone else.

Shi Rang didn’t realize he looked like a jealous husband throwing a tantrum; he only knew that if he looked for one more second, he’d faint from rage. He marched over and spoke icily: “Jin Manman!”

Suddenly hearing his name called so sternly, Jin Manman sat up straight as a reflex, looking a bit dazed. “What is it?”

You have the nerve to ask what is it! Shi Rang grit his teeth. “Come here.”

Not only was Jin Manman confused, but the boy with the grill also looked bewildered, watching Shi Rang warily as if he were about to bully Manman. But Jin Manman was very obedient; at Shi Rang’s call, he trotted over, only to have his ear pinched unceremoniously.

“What are you doing hanging around other people?”

Jin Manman clutched his ear, sounding aggrieved. “He said he’d give me the first batch of skewers once they’re done.”

Shi Rang was livid. “Didn’t I bring you snacks?” The bags were full of the things Jin Manman had ordered the night before; Shi Rang hadn’t had the heart to take a single item out, which was why he’d been hauling two massive packs up the mountain.

Jin Manman replied righteously, “How can snacks be as good as meat?”

Shi Rang grit his teeth. “Grill! I’ll grill for you!!”

This was a bit of a challenge for the young master. Before he met Jin Manman, he had never lifted a finger for himself. All his survival skills had been honed because of the boy. But outdoor BBQ was a first.

It took him half an hour just to get the fire started. Shi Rang wiped the soot from his face and looked over; the other boy had already finished a batch and was handing them out to everyone. Jin Manman was salivating, but he didn’t dare go over and take any—Shi Rang’s face was far too terrifying. He could only twitch his little nose and try to inhale the scent.

With a dark face, Shi Rang fanned the flames frantically, wanting to get the meat done quickly. The fire flared up too high for a moment, and by the time he pulled the skewers away, they were charred black.

Seeing the movement, the little orange cat hurried over. “Is it ready, Shi Rang? Let me taste.”

He looked down, saw the charcoal-black meat, and silently took a step back. “You eat first… I’m not that hungry. I’ll stick to my chips.”

Shi Rang had never been this embarrassed in his entire life! He pulled out his phone with a grim expression. So what if we’re on a mountaintop? If the money was right, he could have a whole roasted suckling pig carried up there!

But before he could make a call, Jin Manman tugged on his sleeve. “Let’s just go eat with the classmates, okay?” he whispered.

Shi Rang didn’t say a word. Jin Manman leaned in closer. “Come on, let’s go.”

Shi Rang was half-pulled and half-dragged over. Throughout high school, he’d had almost no interaction with anyone besides Chen Qian. Now, standing there expressionless, he felt quite awkward.

Jin Manman didn’t care about any of that. He took a skewer and handed it to Shi Rang. “Try it. It smells so good.”

Shi Rang cursed the “little ungrateful brat” a thousand times in his heart, yet he still took the meat under Jin Manman’s urging.

Mhm… it was a thousand times better than the charcoal he’d produced.

He let out a cough and spoke a bit awkwardly. “The taste isn’t bad.”

The other boys laughed and pulled a few hidden beers out of their bags, tentatively offering one to Shi Rang. “Brother Shi, want a drink?”

Shi Rang didn’t say much; he took it and clinked cans with them. Jin Manman poked his head in. “What is it?”

Shi Rang turned his body to block him. “Not for you.”

Jin Manman puffed his cheeks and mumbled, “Stingy.”

The mountain breeze was cool, carrying the scent of the trees. Shi Rang tilted his head back and took a long drink, the cold bubbles sliding down his throat. This was his first time eating with “classmates,” and the feeling wasn’t unpleasant at all.

Or perhaps, it was simply because Jin Manman was by his side. The boy had opened up his world.

Shi Rang is finally letting his guard down!

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