Back to My Human’s Teenage Years - Chapter 31

Even when it was time to sleep, Jin Manman couldn’t keep still.

Usually, after a barbecue, it would be time to head back to the tent to rest, but since they were finally out on a trip, no one wanted to end the night so soon. A few students gathered around to start telling ghost stories.

Jin Manman was both terrified and curious. He sat by the tent opening, poking his head out and staring longingly toward the group.

Inside the tent, Shi Rang had already set up the bedding and hung a small nightlight, giving the space a warm, amber glow. He nodded in satisfaction. While the environment wasn’t perfect, the experience of sleeping under the stars while holding Jin Manman sounded quite nice.

“Jin Manman, come back and go to sleep!”

The boy turned to look at him pitifully. “Shi Rang, I want to listen to the stories.”

“What stories? There are mosquitoes out there.”

Shi Rang hauled him back unceremoniously, letting out a snort. “With your courage, you’re going to listen to ghost stories?”

Jin Manman immediately clung to his arm. “Then come with me.”

Shi Rang replied coldly, “I’m not going.”

“Come on, make some room! Brother Shi, you two sit here.”

Shi Rang was dragged over by Jin Manman. Perhaps to heighten the atmosphere, everyone was huddled close together. They managed to squeeze out two spots, and Shi Rang sat down with an arm half-wrapped around Jin Manman’s waist to keep anyone else from bumping into him.

Before the stories even began, the tension was already high. Jin Manman took several deep breaths, eventually having to clutch Shi Rang’s arm for support. Luckily, the other students were all nervous and no one paid them any mind.

The boy in the center cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “There was an abandoned apartment building where, every night at midnight, the lights would flicker on. Through the glass, you could see a woman pacing by the window…”

Crunch, crunch…

The storyteller faltered and looked around. “Did you guys hear that?”

Crunch, crunch…

A girl spoke up tremulously, “I think I really heard something.”

Jin Manman took another potato chip. Crunch, crunch… “What sound?”

Everyone: “…”

Shi Rang confiscated Jin Manman’s chips, leaving him to listen aggrievedly while clutching a carton of milk.

The boy cleared his throat and continued. “Until one day, a new tenant moved in—a poor student. She lived there to save money, but every midnight, she heard a strange sound.”

Thump, thump, thump…

The boy nodded. “Yes, exactly like that.”

The surroundings went silent for a split second before everyone burst into a synchronized scream. “AHHH—”

The huddle of students scattered in a panic. Jin Manman let out a yelp and dove straight into Shi Rang’s chest.

Shi Rang took the chance to hold him tight, feeling the boy’s head rubbing against his neck—it was ticklish, yet it felt like a jolt of electricity zinging straight to his heart. The other students had run off, leaving only the two of them huddled together. The world seemed to go silent at that moment, as if it had no room for anyone else.

After a brief silence, Jin Manman whispered, “Why did the sound stop?”

Shi Rang, unwilling to let go, lowered his voice to scare him. “Don’t move yet. There’s a shadow over there.”

The little orange cat was terrified; forget moving, he didn’t even dare to breathe. As he held him, Shi Rang’s hand rested on the boy’s rear—firm and rounded, making it hard to resist a pinch.

Suddenly, a cold gust of wind blew through. Feeling the boy shiver, Shi Rang’s stray thoughts evaporated. He stood up with the boy in his arms and hurried back to the tent.

Jin Manman was still dazed, clutching Shi Rang’s shirt. “Did the ghost run away?”

Shi Rang said grumpily, “It’s been gone. Are you stupid? You didn’t even say you were cold.”

He poured some warm water from a thermos for Jin Manman and wrapped him in a small blanket, ruffling his hair. “Drink up and sleep. Don’t you want to see the sunrise tomorrow?”

Jin Manman nodded obediently, burrowing into the bedding after finishing his water. He looked incredibly well-behaved. Shi Rang’s heart melted completely, his voice softening. “Why are you looking at me? Close your eyes.”

Jin Manman mumbled, “Hold me while I sleep.”

Shi Rang’s gentle mask shattered instantly. He let out a heavy breath and asked, “What did you say?”

Even though they slept together, they usually had separate duvets—unless Shi Rang secretly hauled the boy over in the middle of the night. This was the first time Jin Manman had taken the initiative.

“I’m a little scared,” the kitten whispered, his voice soft and sweet. “Hold me.”

Thank heavens the ghost was fake. If it were real, Shi Rang would have gone out and burned incense for her in gratitude.

Shi Rang swallowed and quickly slid into the bedding. No matter how large the tent was, it wasn’t a bed; the moment he lay down, a warm Jin Manman squeezed against him until they were pressed flush together.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to close his eyes, though he realized this wasn’t as great as he’d imagined. Doing nothing in a situation like this was pure torture.

If they had just slept peacefully, it would have been fine. But Jin Manman was never one to stay still. After two minutes of silence, he leaned in, his lips brushing Shi Rang’s ear as he whispered, “Is the ghost here?”

Shi Rang: “…”

He kept his eyes closed. “I don’t know, but I heard ghosts only catch people who are awake. You’re safe if you’re asleep.”

The little orange cat nearly panicked. “I-I-I’m already asleep!”

Shi Rang found it hilarious. He opened his eyes to see Jin Manman right in front of him, eyes squeezed shut, his eyelashes trembling with nerves. The heart he had just barely calmed began to race again.

Shi Rang intentionally leaned closer, his warm breath fanning across Jin Manman’s face. The boy’s eyelashes trembled even harder.

So stupid. Even faking sleep, he’s a mess.

Shi Rang whispered, “Whatever you do, don’t open your eyes, or you’ll be discovered.”

The kitten squeezed his eyes shut even tighter. Shi Rang moved in inch by inch, his nose tracing the boy’s features—eyes, nose, mouth…

Jin Manman finally reached his limit. When one loses sight, the other senses become heightened. He felt someone right in front of him… could it be the ghost? The kitten shivered, imagining the ghost opening its massive maw.

He snapped his eyes open, only to see Shi Rang staring deeply at him.

In the next moment, Shi Rang leaned down and kissed him.

In that cramped tent, on that mountaintop, in that enclosed space, they exchanged breath and soul. Jin Manman was dazed at first, but was soon pulled into the atmosphere of lingering affection. It felt like falling into a giant marshmallow enveloped in a sweetness that made it hard to breathe.

He tried to push against Shi Rang’s chest, but his strength was nothing to Shi Rang. The older boy easily pinned his wrists above his head, deepening the kiss.

Eventually, Shi Rang let him go. The kitten looked dazed, his amber eyes clouded with mist and his lips swollen and red. He looked utterly pitiful. As if he didn’t realize what had happened, he called Shi Rang’s name in a husky voice.

Hearing that, Shi Rang nearly lost control again. He wanted to keep kissing him until the boy could only pant with his tongue out; he wanted to bite those lips and see that pleading look in his eyes. He wanted to do things much more excessive.

But considering they were outside, he couldn’t go too far. Shi Rang took a heavy breath, lay back down, and closed his eyes. “Sleep.”

Jin Manman wanted to say something, but feared Shi Rang would kiss him again if he spoke—his mouth already hurt a little. He pursed his lips aggrievedly, leaned against Shi Rang, and fell asleep.

Sensing the steady breathing beside him, Shi Rang breathed a sigh of relief. He held the boy tighter and fell asleep himself.

And so… they completely missed the sunrise.

Jin Manman was still grumbling about it while they were heading down the mountain. A classmate couldn’t help but say, “We were all up! We even called you guys several times but there was no response. Did you stay up too late last night?”

The classmate meant playing games on their phones, but to Jin Manman, it meant something else entirely. He remembered Shi Rang pinning him down to kiss him, their warm breaths intertwining into an intimate scent.

The boy’s ears turned bright red. He frantically covered his mouth and mumbled, “No, we didn’t do anything last night.”

Classmate: “…”

Shi Rang couldn’t take it anymore. He yanked Jin Manman toward him, afraid the “little golden retriever” would blurt out everything. Jin Manman had no one else to blame, so he pouted and blamed Shi Rang for not waking him up. He was a pro at bullying Shi Rang.

Shi Rang apologized submissively, promising to take him to see the sunrise alone next time, which finally smoothed the “kitten’s” ruffled fur.

After returning from the mountain, the school added two extra periods of evening self-study. By the time they got back to the dorm each day, it was dark, and Jin Manman wanted nothing more than to crash.

But Shi Rang seemed to have opened a floodgate. Since that night in the tent, he couldn’t help but stick close to Jin Manman whenever there was a spare moment.

In the dorm, before Jin Manman could even change out of his white T-shirt, Shi Rang pulled him onto his lap to kiss him. Straddling Shi Rang’s legs, the boy tried to dodge, only to get two smacks on the rear.

Jin Manman didn’t dare move then, letting Shi Rang kiss him until his mouth was red. In the gap between kisses, he managed to gasp, “No… stop, I haven’t showered yet.”

Shi Rang coaxed him, “A little longer, then I’ll wash you.”

Jin Manman’s eyes went wider. What! Shi Rang washing him? That was a disaster waiting to happen!! He scrambled to get away, nearly tumbling off Shi Rang’s lap.

Shi Rang caught him. “Slow down!” He scooped the boy up, supporting his rear as he walked toward the bathroom.

Jin Manman kicked his legs. “I said I’ll wash myself.”

Shi Rang ignored his struggle. “I’ll wash you cleaner.”

By the time they came out of the bathroom, the little orange cat was half-dead, limp and sprawling like a pancake once he hit the bed. Shi Rang picked him up; Jin Manman was soft and boneless, resting his chin on Shi Rang’s shoulder with his eyes closed.

Shi Rang slowed his movements, gently blow-drying the boy’s hair. Jin Manman had been exhausted lately with the exams coming up; he was afraid of his rank dropping, but also wanted to improve and become a “top-tier cat-person.” Shi Rang saw his effort and felt a deep ache in his heart.

In his mind, Jin Manman didn’t need to work so hard; as long as he was around, he could provide for the boy forever. But the boy was stubborn and wouldn’t listen. Shi Rang had no choice but to go along with him.

By the time the hair was dry, Jin Manman was already purring. Shi Rang carefully tucked him into bed and then shamelessly squeezed in next to him. Lately, the other bed had been left empty; the single bed was a tight fit, but it meant Jin Manman could sleep on top of him.

That night, Jin Manman had a very strange dream. He dreamed a large dog was chasing him. The little orange cat ran and ran, but was eventually caught and pinned down on its back. The cat was terrified the dog would eat him, but instead felt a wet tongue licking him.

The dog licked the cat over and over, making every hair shine. Waaa… stop licking. Don’t lick my fur!!! He licked his own fur every day until it was fragrant!

“Jin Manman!”

Hearing his name, Jin Manman blurted out, “Stop licking…”

“What are you saying?”

Jin Manman looked up to see Chen Qian standing there with a twisted expression. “Are you and Shi Rang playing that dirty in the dorm?”

Jin Manman shook his head frantically. “No, no, Shi Rang didn’t lick me.”

Chen Qian: “…”

“Fine,” Chen Qian said painfully. “I don’t need to know about your bedroom business. I’m just here to deliver something.” He handed over a Christmas card. “Someone from the class next door asked me to give this to you.”

Christmas was approaching, and the festive atmosphere at school was thick. Everyone was exchanging cards and chocolates. This was the first card Jin Manman had ever received. He was delighted, unboxing it while asking, “Who’s it from?”

He really was popular! But that made sense everyone loved a cute kitty!

“I don’t know him, just a tall guy…” Chen Qian quickly added, “Not as tall as Shi Rang, of course.”

Before Jin Manman could open it, Chen Qian pressed down on his hand. “Wait, you’re just going to open it here? Shi Rang has a terrible temper, you know.”

Jin Manman was puzzled. “What does a card have to do with Shi Rang?”

The “kitten” didn’t understand that on a holiday like this, a card was more than just a greeting. Chen Qian wanted him to hide it, fearing that if Shi Rang saw it, he’d be dragged into the fallout.

But as luck would have it, Shi Rang returned with a soda for Jin Manman at that exact moment. He walked in to see Jin Manman holding a flashy card with a beaming smile. Shi Rang’s internal radar started pinging frantically. He paused before stepping closer.

“What’s so funny? Tell me too.”

Hearing Shi Rang’s dark tone, Chen Qian shivered and scrambled back to his seat, pretending to read. Only the dim-witted little orange cat failed to sense the danger.

“Chen Qian brought me a card,” Jin Manman said cheerfully.

Chen Qian’s hair nearly stood on end. Brat!! You can’t say it like that?! He felt a cold gaze fix on him.

“It wasn’t me, Brother Shi! I wouldn’t dare. Someone at the door asked me to bring it in.”

Jin Manman nodded. “Chen Qian said it was a tall boy.”

Chen Qian felt numb. This kid really is something. Why only tell half the story?

Shi Rang’s expression grew darker by the second. Finally, Jin Manman noticed and asked carefully, “Do you want one too?”

Shi Rang thought coldly: I want to tear that piece of trash apart and beat up whoever sent it. As for Jin Manman, I should haul him back and kiss him until his mouth is swollen so he learns not to take things from strangers.

Internally, he was a storm, but externally, he couldn’t bring himself to be harsh. He sat down gloomily and said sarcastically, “Go ahead, open it. Let’s see what great thing they sent you.”

Jin Manman felt uncomfortable under the gaze, but opened the card anyway. After reading it, the “cat” was stunned. He thought it would be a “Have a happy day” message, but instead it said: “Your smile is so cute,” “I want to kiss you,” “I like you very much,” and “Will you go out with me?”

The little orange cat’s brain short-circuited. This… is this allowed?

Shi Rang snorted. He didn’t need to see it; the look on Jin Manman’s face said everything. “So?” Shi Rang said icily. “Do you like the card?”

Jin Manman dropped the card on the desk as if it were a hot potato and shook his head violently. Shi Rang’s expression softened slightly. At least he’s behaving.

He picked up the card, tapping it against his palm. “Want me to take care of it for you?”

The little orange cat nodded frantically, looking at Shi Rang with gratitude as if he were a savior. He really was the type to be sold and then help count the money. Shi Rang felt no guilt at all as he lectured him, “You’re still young. Don’t think about this nonsense, okay?”

He completely ignored the fact that he held the boy and kissed him into a daze every night. Jin Manman nodded like a little chick. Shi Rang, finally satisfied, handed over the soda. “Want to go out for Christmas? Let’s go set off some fireworks.”

“Okay!”

Christmas… everyone was sending cards.

The little orange cat was lost in thought. Sending a card was one thing, but did you have to write those things? So embarrassing. But… if others had one, he wanted Shi Rang to have one too. He wanted to give Shi Rang a card!

Jin Manman didn’t have money of his own, but Shi Rang was always stuffing cash into his bags and pockets. Shi Rang wanted to be with him every second, but feared there would be times he couldn’t, so having cash was good. Jin Manman usually called Shi Rang “stingy,” but he was the real miser, saving a small fortune while never spending a cent on himself.

This time he was generous, buying the most expensive card at the convenience store. But then he ran into a problem: what to write?

He didn’t have much time alone because Shi Rang watched him so closely. He wanted it to be a surprise, so he had to write it in secret. With time running out, he managed to scrawl two simple lines. Before bed, he slipped the card under Shi Rang’s pillow.

It was a “huge” surprise.

Shi Rang had lingered in the bathroom for ten minutes, waiting for the little idiot to finish whatever he was doing. With a face that showed every emotion, how could Jin Manman keep a secret? When Shi Rang went to the bathroom, the boy watched him expectantly, asking, “Will you be in there a long time?”

Shi Rang stayed in there for twenty minutes just to give him time; Chen Qian was already sending him links to urology clinics on WeChat.

Finally, he came out. Jin Manman was tucked into bed, only his head showing, looking incredibly well-behaved.

“So obedient today,” Shi Rang arched an eyebrow.

“Go to sleep!” Jin Manman blinked.

Shi Rang played along, walking over to lie down. He patted the pillow and let out a “tsk.”

“What’s wrong?” Jin Manman asked immediately.

“The pillow feels weird.”

Jin Manman sat up. “Maybe there’s something under it?”

Shi Rang nearly lost it. Too fake. But he adjusted his expression to one of realization. “Maybe.”

Under Jin Manman’s expectant gaze, he lifted the pillow to see the beautiful card. Even though he knew it was there, seeing it made his heart race. Only Jin Manman would spend all day being sneaky just to give him a card.

What was inside? A love letter? A long essay? Or something nonsensical? Whatever it was, Shi Rang planned to lock it in his safe.

Watching Shi Rang’s silence, Jin Manman grew nervous, his palms sweating. “Wow, what is that?”

“A card,” Shi Rang said, snapping out of it.

“Who sent it to you?” Jin Manman gathered his courage.

Shi Rang couldn’t hold it back anymore and laughed. Who else could put a card under his pillow in this dorm? He opened it. “Let’s see.”

Jin Manman sat up straight, looking nervous and expectant. Unlike the card the boy had received, this one only had two lines:

Shi Rang, stay safe. Manman will love you forever and ever and ever and ever and ever most!

The “forever” had run out of space, so he’d added a string of ellipses. Shi Rang wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t. He slowly set the card down and looked at Jin Manman, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he suppressed his emotions.

Jin Manman was hiding half his face behind the duvet to cover a giggle, though his eyes gave him away. After a full minute, Shi Rang asked in a husky voice, “Mhm? Manman will love me most forever?”

Jin Manman nodded vigorously.

Shi Rang reached out, pulled the duvet away, and leaned down to kiss the boy’s nose. “So stupid.”

“Is that all you can write in a love letter?”

“It’s not a love letter, it’s a card. It’s a blessing for you.” Jin Manman struggled out of the embrace and reached out to rub Shi Rang’s hair. “I’m here to protect you, so you have to stay safe.”

Jin Manman had come from the future, ten years back, just to see a safe and sound Shi Rang. His little kitty self was going to protect this human!

But Shi Rang didn’t know that. He thought it was just a sweet sentiment. He pinched the boy’s arm. “How are you going to protect me?”

“If a car is coming, I’ll stand in front of you,” Jin Manman said seriously.

Shi Rang froze. The smile faded from his face. Jin Manman wasn’t joking; his eyes were wide and round, the way they always were when he was serious. Shi Rang was intimately familiar with those expressions.

And because he was familiar, he felt a surge of panic. What is Jin Manman saying!!

Shi Rang’s face darkened. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Jin Manman, thinking Shi Rang didn’t believe him, said urgently, “Really, Shi Rang. I really will protect you.”

The fact that it was true was what made Shi Rang truly angry. He grabbed Jin Manman’s chin, his tone colder than ever. “Listen to me clearly. I don’t need your protection. No car crashes, no nonsense. If there’s danger, you run as far away as you can. Do you hear me!!”

Shi Rang had never used such a cold, harsh tone with him. Jin Manman’s eyes immediately turned red. But Shi Rang didn’t soften. “Did you hear me? Run if there’s danger!”

“No!” Jin Manman shouted back, trying to hold back tears. “Why should I run? I’m going to stand in front of you…”

A fire rose in Shi Rang, making his heart race. He grit his teeth, suddenly pulled Jin Manman into a hug, and delivered two smacks to his rear. He didn’t hold back; his own palm stung, and the delicate Jin Manman burst into tears.

But the boy didn’t dodge or run. He didn’t take back his words. He just hugged Shi Rang tighter, rubbing his tears onto the boy’s shirt and sobbing slurred words: “No… Shi Rang… hurt.”

Shi Rang felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to teach the boy a lesson once and for all, so he’d never say such reckless things again. Did he not know that he himself was the most important thing?

But as he felt the boy sobbing in his arms, his heart felt like it was being scorched. He couldn’t say another harsh word. He could only hold him tight, as if trying to merge their bones.

Jin Manman didn’t want him to be hurt. But how could Shi Rang let a single hair on Jin Manman’s head be harmed? Jin Manman’s words were like knives to his heart.

Jin Manman cried for a long time, mumbling things Shi Rang couldn’t understand. Shi Rang didn’t coax him; he just waited for the crying to stop, patting his back when he started to hiccup. Eventually, he set the boy down and got a warm towel to wipe his face.

Jin Manman’s eyelids were swollen. Shi Rang felt both heartache and anger. He wiped away the tears, but Jin Manman’s nose twitched as he prepared to cry again.

“No crying,” Shi Rang whispered.

Jin Manman let out a hiccup, his voice thick with nasal congestion. “I wrote you a card, but you… scold me, hit me, and don’t even comfort me.”

He made Shi Rang sound like a monster. Shi Rang nearly laughed, pinching the boy’s face. “Only you would say that. I don’t need you to stand in front of danger. Just stay safe yourself.”

“But—”

Shi Rang pinched the boy’s mouth into a little duck shape. “No ‘buts’.” He paused, looking at the red eyes, and sighed. His voice softened. “Jin Manman, remember this: you are always the most important.”

Jin Manman looked dazed, blinking his eyes, but didn’t say anything more. Shi Rang thought that after such a fight, the boy wouldn’t let him hold him. But when the lights went out, Jin Manman rolled over and dove accurately into his arms.

Holding the soft person, Shi Rang’s heart turned into mush. How could anyone be as good as Jin Manman?

He pulled him tighter, patting his back. “Thank you for the card. I love it.”

Jin Manman didn’t speak, but rubbed his head against the boy’s chest. Shi Rang’s heart melted at the kitten-like gesture. His hand moved down to the boy’s rear and gently rubbed the spot he’d hit. Jin Manman looked like he might cry again, but he held it back.

Though he’d been scolded and hit, the stubborn little orange cat believed he was right. Protecting Shi Rang was never wrong!

They had stayed up late. As midnight passed, a phone screen lit up. Shi Rang glanced at it; it was Christmas Day. He leaned in and kissed Jin Manman’s forehead.

“Merry Christmas, baby.”

Shi Rang and Jin Manman finally shared a Christmas kiss! 

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