Back to My Human’s Teenage Years - Chapter 34

After the final exams, Shi Rang packed Jin Manman up and hauled him back to the villa. He felt that Manman had been exhausted by his studies recently and had grown thin, so he counted on Auntie Wu to fatten him back up properly.

Chen Qian tagged along to hitch a free meal as well.

The three of them prepared a hot pot at home. Outside, the sky was overcast, looking as if a storm was brewing, but inside, the atmosphere was steaming and warm. The little orange cat was eating happily, his mouth smeared with sesame dipping sauce.

Shi Rang wiped it for him with a tissue and was rewarded with a hand-fed meatball.

Chen Qian let out a “tsk-tsk.” “Can you two stop flaunting your affection in front of me? I can’t even finish my food.”

Shi Rang sneered. “I don’t see you eating any less.”

Jin Manman nodded in agreement. “Exactly, exactly.”

Chen Qian grit his teeth. “Two peas in a pod.”

Jin Manman had a bad habit while eating; he loved scrolling through short videos on his phone, watching them with pure focus. Shi Rang had nagged him several times, but Jin Manman always acted as if he were deaf.

Chen Qian couldn’t help but comment, “That’s enough. You’re way too strict with him. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were his father.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Jin Manman turned his head and called out crisply, “Daddy!”

Chen Qian, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly sprayed it across the table.

Shi Rang was both frustrated and amused. He grit his teeth and pinched Jin Manman’s cheek. “What are you shouting!”

Unlike when best friends call each other “daddy” while joking around, when Jin Manman said it, it sounded entirely different in Shi Rang’s ears. Under the table, he gently hooked his foot around Jin Manman’s calf. His expression was fierce, but his actions were anything but.

Jin Manman was startled, staring at Shi Rang with wide, innocent eyes. Shi Rang arched an eyebrow.

Clang! A sharp sound rang out. Chen Qian slammed his chopsticks onto the table and said indignantly, “Can you two stop making eyes at each other for one second?”

Back when Chen Qian first teased them, Shi Rang would always argue back. Now, he didn’t even bother. Instead, he leaned back lazily in his chair, his face full of smugness. “What? You got a problem with it?”

Chen Qian’s head throbbed with annoyance. “Fine, I’m full.” He didn’t know if he was full of hot pot or dog food.

He turned his head and saw the snowy scenery outside, slapping his thigh. “Let’s go have a snowball fight.”

Shi Rang frowned in disapproval. A snowball fight? Immature and boring.

Jin Manman jumped up instantly. “Okay! I’ve never played before.”

Shi Rang spoke at lightning speed. “Fine. Let’s have a snowball fight.”

Chen Qian curled his lip. Whipped.

Whenever they went out in the cold, Shi Rang would bundle Jin Manman up until he looked like a round ball.

Chen Qian mocked, “What kind of snowball fight is this? Jin Manman looks like a sphere. Can he even move?”

The little orange cat couldn’t stand being teased like that. In a fit of pique, he scooped up a handful of snow and threw it, but Chen Qian was standing too far away, and the snow scattered in mid-air.

“Learn from the master, Manman. You have to do it like this.” Chen Qian scooped up some snow, squeezed it into a solid, tight ball, and threw it like a baseball.

Before Jin Manman could run, Shi Rang pulled him into a hug. The snowball hit Shi Rang’s back and shattered into flakes.

Chen Qian grumbled, “Not fair! You two are ganging up on me.”

Shi Rang shrugged. “I haven’t even made a move yet. You’re fighting Jin Manman.”

While they were talking, Jin Manman had already fashioned several snowballs behind Shi Rang’s back. Like an angry Pea Shooter, he pelted them one after another—thump, thump, thump. He was responsible for the offense, while Shi Rang handled the defense.

By the time they were done, Chen Qian was covered in snow, while Jin Manman was perfectly clean. Chen Qian threw down his remaining snow in frustration. What’s the point? He simply collapsed onto the snowy ground in defeat.

The little orange cat, mimicking the human, also fell backward into the snow. Shi Rang didn’t have time to catch him; instead, he was pulled down by Jin Manman and fell into the snow as well.

He gave a helpless twist of his mouth. “Careful not to catch a cold.”

Shi Rang tried to pull Jin Manman up, but the boy shamelessly hugged Shi Rang’s arm, refusing to let him move. “I’m not getting up. I’m just gonna lie here.”

Jin Manman looked up at the sky and sighed, “So comfortable. The snow is so soft.”

Shi Rang had no choice but to indulge him, even though he didn’t think the snow was more comfortable than a six-figure mattress. But if Jin Manman was being willful, he could only accompany him.

Chen Qian let out a sigh. “Graduation is almost here.” He tilted his head. “Brother Shi, are you going back to the capital once we graduate?”

At the mention of those words, Shi Rang’s face turned cold. He glared at Chen Qian threateningly. Chen Qian realized Jin Manman was right there and quickly shut his mouth.

But it was too late. Jin Manman poked his head closer. “Going back to the capital?”

Shi Rang’s expression was displeased as he pushed Jin Manman’s head back down. “Adult business. Kids stay out of it.”

Jin Manman flattened his lips. “You wouldn’t even let me call you ‘daddy’ earlier.”

How did we get back to that… Shi Rang pinched the boy’s mouth. “Shut up, little duckling.”

Jin Manman glared at him. Why is he calling me that again?

After seeing Chen Qian off, the sky had already grown dark. Having rolled around in the snow, Jin Manman’s clothes were damp, so Shi Rang urged him to go change.

In the quiet moment alone, Shi Rang grew lost in thought. Chen Qian wasn’t wrong. As graduation approached, the Shi family was contacting him more frequently, much to his annoyance. Just yesterday, his grandfather had called, telling him to take the entrance exams for a university in the capital.

Shi Rang had replied sarcastically, “Am I a rubber ball? Kick me away when I’m not needed, then beckon me back when you feel like it?”

Because of those words, he had received another lecture. These matters weighed on Shi Rang like a mountain, making it hard to breathe, yet he didn’t want Jin Manman to know a single thing. He would face everything himself. Jin Manman only needed to be happy.

Life during the winter break was somewhat monotonous. It was constantly snowing outside, and once the weather turned cold, Jin Manman didn’t want to leave the house, opting to “hibernate” every day.

Finally, a few days before the New Year, he was dragged to the mall by Shi Rang to buy things for the holiday. Usually, Shi Rang wouldn’t bother with such chores, but he just wanted to do meaningless things with Jin Manman. If it were the old Shi Rang, he never would have imagined he’d become such a “love-brain.”

With the New Year approaching, the supermarket was crowded. Jin Manman pushed the cart while sliding around on the floor, looking like his IQ was questionable. Shi Rang went through the snacks in the cart, checking the ingredients; only those that passed were allowed, while the rest were ruthlessly rejected.

Jin Manman grumbled, “Chen Qian was right, you’re too strict.”

Shi Rang gave him a significant look. “It seems you don’t want to eat these either.”

Jin Manman shut his mouth instantly and gave a placating smile. Just then, a familiar voice came from the opposite aisle. Jin Manman poked his head over. It was Brother Nian Nian.

He was about to say hello when he saw Nian Nian turn around with a look of fury on his face. The words died in Jin Manman’s throat.

Nian Nian clutched a bag of chips and asked angrily, “Why won’t you buy it for me?”

In contrast, Shen Huai’s expression was very calm. “What did the doctor say at your last check-up? He told you to eat fewer snacks, and you promised me you would, didn’t you?”

The tuxedo cat replied righteously, “The person who promised you then was the ‘past me.’ The person buying chips now is the ‘present me’.”

The eavesdropping little orange cat: Wow! So philosophical. As expected of Brother Nian Nian.

But Shen Huai was clearly a veteran of such battles. He acted as if he hadn’t heard a word, firmly putting the chips back. Nian Nian was fuming. “I’m gonna tell on you! I’ll tell Mom and Dad to give you a double-beating!”

Shen Huai gave a half-smile. “Did you forget? Their flight to England leaves this afternoon.”

Nian Nian’s expression shifted. Shen Huai added leisurely, “Baby, it’s just the two of us at home tonight.”

Nian Nian’s eyes went wide, and he swallowed hard. He became obedient in a second, clinging to Shen Huai’s arm. “Brother, I don’t even like chips that much.”

Shen Huai let out a soft snort, but didn’t expose him.

Jin Manman didn’t get a chance to say hello before they left. He pouted, thinking that all cat-people seemed to have low status at home and were managed so strictly.

“They’re gone. Still eavesdropping?” Shi Rang walked up and patted Jin Manman’s shoulder. To his surprise, Jin Manman stood up and glared at him.

“What’s wrong with you?” Shi Rang asked innocently.

Jin Manman asked fiercely, “Who has the final say in this house?”

Shi Rang was taken aback, his heart racing. Why the sudden intimate talk? He coughed and instinctively licked his lips, his voice becoming tender. “You do, of course. When have I ever not listened to you?”

Jin Manman huffed. “Then put back all those snacks you took out.”

Shi Rang: “…”

Right!! He shouldn’t have expected anything romantic from this golden-haired brat. Shi Rang’s voice turned cold as he uttered two words: “In your dreams.”

He reached out, hooked an arm around Jin Manman’s neck, and pulled him close. “Behave.”

Speaking of behaving, Jin Manman suddenly looked up and asked seriously, “Why did Brother Nian Nian suddenly become so obedient the moment President Shen said they were the only ones at home?”

Shi Rang choked. He flicked the boy’s forehead. “Adult business. Don’t ask questions.”

Jin Manman pouted. That phrase again!! Why did Shi Rang always treat him like a kid? He didn’t act like that when they were kissing!! Hmph!

But Jin Manman never stayed angry for more than five minutes. As soon as they got home, he pulled out the New Year couplets and tried to stand on a chair to put them up, but Shi Rang stopped him. “Wait until New Year’s Day.”

Seeing Jin Manman’s disappointed look, he added, “But you can hang the lanterns first.”

The little orange cat cheered up again. He refused Shi Rang’s help, standing on the chair himself. It was a bit unstable and he wobbled. Shi Rang stayed right by his side, terrified he’d fall. But it was all safe in the end. The little orange cat happily hung lanterns all over the villa.

With the holidays near, even the flower arrangements were replaced with red ones. Combined with the lanterns, the house felt very festive. The exhausted little orange cat collapsed onto the sofa, mouth open as he waited for Shi Rang to feed him orange slices one by one.

“Hard work, Student Jin Manman,” Shi Rang said with a smile. “Thank heavens for you, otherwise what would we do with this house?”

Jin Manman patted his chest. “Of course. I’m very important.” This house couldn’t function without a little orange cat!

Shi Rang nodded in agreement. Jin Manman remembered something else and sidled up to Shi Rang. “I heard everyone gets red envelopes for the New Year. Do I get one?”

Shi Rang feigned surprise. “Really? Is that a thing? I didn’t know.”

The smile on Jin Manman’s face vanished. He flattened his lips. “It’s okay. I was just asking.”

Shi Rang didn’t bring it up again. That evening, he watched TV in the living room with Jin Manman for a while before carrying him to bed.

On New Year’s Day, Jin Manman woke up very early. He was still thinking about making dumplings. He didn’t even wait for Shi Rang to help him dress; he ran to the washroom with his messy bed-hair, afraid the dumplings would be finished if he were late.

Shi Rang was helpless. “What’s the rush? We aren’t making them until lunch. Besides, Auntie Wu will wait for you.”

Jin Manman was still in a hurry, pushing Shi Rang. “Hurry up, I have to send New Year greetings to my classmates later.”

Shi Rang’s expression shifted. “New Year greetings? I don’t see you greeting me. What? Am I not your classmate?”

The little orange cat was stunned; he hadn’t thought of that. He paused and said dryly, “Shi Rang, Happy New Year.”

What a half-hearted greeting. But Shi Rang was never truly angry with him. He smiled instead and pulled a red envelope from nowhere, handing it to Jin Manman.

“Okay. Thank you, baby. Happy New Year to you, too. I wish you safety and success.”

Looking at the envelope, Jin Manman was stunned. “I-I thought you didn’t…”

“Stupid. How could I not give you a red envelope?” Shi Rang shoved it into his hand.

Jin Manman blinked, then acted like an expert, squeezing the envelope. “It’s so thin.”

Shi Rang was amused by his mercenary attitude. “Open it and see.”

Jin Manman opened it to find a thin card. He flipped it over. “What is it?”

“The money I earned myself is in there.” Not allowance from his grandfather or the Shi family. Shi Rang spoke very solemnly for the first time. “From now on, the money I earn will go into this card. Jin Manman, will you manage the money for me?”

Managing the money meant managing him. Shi Rang was giving himself, his entire being over to Jin Manman.

Jin Manman blinked blankly. Though he didn’t quite understand, he sensed a special meaning behind it. He lunged forward and hugged Shi Rang’s neck, practically hanging off him. “Then I have the final say in the house, right? I’m the boss!”

Shi Rang supported his rear to keep him from falling, smiling helplessly. “Yes. You’re the King. We listen to you.”

Jin Manman loved the title “King.” A little orange cat is a Cat King!! He was so happy that he even forgot about how Shi Rang had just chewed on his lips until they hurt. A Cat King couldn’t be bothered with such human trifles.

He ran down with his red lips to make dumplings with Auntie Wu. She stared at his swollen mouth with a complex expression, said nothing for a long time, then sighed and decided to make two extra dishes for dinner to “replenish” him. She looked at Jin Manman like he was her own grandson; she couldn’t spoil him enough.

“Place the wrapper in your hand like this.” Auntie Wu taught him step-by-step. Jin Manman tried his best to learn, but his hands were clumsy. The filling either leaked from one side or the other. He grew frustrated, but eventually managed to make two, even though they were lopsided.

Auntie Wu said nothing, but Jin Manman felt embarrassed. He pouted and said tentatively, “They’re so ugly, I’m not eating them. Give them to Shi Rang.”

Auntie Wu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. They say everything has its match in this world; today was proof. The former Young Master Shi was cold and arrogant, acting as if nothing mattered. But in the face of Jin Manman, he had utterly lost.

Just then, Shi Rang walked over after washing some fruit. He popped a grape into Jin Manman’s mouth and smiled. “Which ones did you make? Let me guess…” He didn’t have to guess; it was painfully obvious.

Jin Manman gave a “Hmph,” looking unhappy. Shi Rang saw his expression and quickly said, “But looking at them now, they’re actually not bad. Quite cute.”

Jin Manman tilted his chin. “Then you eat them.”

Shi Rang nodded in indulgence. “I’ll eat them.”

Only then was Jin Manman satisfied. That evening, as they sat down for dumplings, a special plate was placed in front of Shi Rang. They were misshapen, and most had the filling and wrapper separated. Even the usually frugal Jin Manman couldn’t help but say, “Maybe you shouldn’t eat those.”

Shi Rang wouldn’t have it. “Why not? I want to eat these.”

Jin Manman smiled with curving eyes. Though he wasn’t eating his own handiwork, he ate with great gusto. Shi Rang watched him and felt his own appetite grow, polishing off his own plate of dumplings.

“Ya! What’s this?” Jin Manman clutched his mouth and blinked.

Auntie Wu looked at Shi Rang and smiled. Shi Rang held out his hand. “Spit it out.”

Jin Manman leaned over and spat out a small gold coin. It was real gold, with the teeth marks Jin Manman had just made on it.

Shi Rang laughed. “We only put one coin in the whole batch, and you got it. That means you’re going to be rich next year.”

Jin Manman’s eyes went round. He was grinning from ear to ear. He grabbed Shi Rang’s sleeve and asked repeatedly, “Really? Really? Am I really gonna be rich?”

Shi Rang found it hilarious; he hadn’t realized Jin Manman was such a little money-grubber. “What do you want money for?” He pinched the boy’s face. “When have I ever mistreated you?” He’d even given him his bank card that morning.

Jin Manman replied naturally, “I want to provide for you! Once I have money, I’ll provide for you so you don’t have to go back to the Shi family.”

The table went silent. The smile vanished from Shi Rang’s face. He narrowed his eyes and stared at Jin Manman. “What did you say? The Shi family? Who told you about that? Chen Qian?”

The air seemed to freeze. No one dared to breathe. Everyone knew that since Shi Rang moved here, the Shi family was a sore spot; even mentioning it would make him explode.

He spoke every word clearly: “Don’t ever say that again.”

“Why can’t I say it!” Jin Manman spoke up boldly. “I want to provide for you! I don’t want you going back to the Shi family!”

Shi Rang’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice sounding husky. “Why would you say that?”

Jin Manman pouted. “You’ll be unhappy if you go back.”

Shi Rang sneered. “And how would you know that?”

Jin Manman nodded. “I just know.”

Shi Rang closed his eyes and didn’t speak further. It was New Year’s, and he didn’t want to fight. They continued eating, but the warm atmosphere from before was gone.

After dinner, everyone went to rest. Shi Rang looked calm and even asked Jin Manman if he wanted to watch the New Year Gala. Jin Manman shook his head, holding his gold coin. “I want to wear this around my neck.”

“I’ll have someone bring a string for you tomorrow.”

Jin Manman thought for a moment, then sidled over and hugged Shi Rang. “Did I make you angry today?”

Shi Rang nodded, then shook his head. “I was a bit angry, but not at you.” He reached out and touched Jin Manman’s face, his voice deep. “I told you, I’ll never be angry with you. I just…” He was just angry at himself, not wanting Jin Manman to be troubled by these things. It made him feel useless.

Shi Rang suddenly pulled Jin Manman into his arms, pressing against his back and kissing the boy’s ear. “Baby, you don’t need to worry about anything. Just trust me.”

Jin Manman pursed his lips and nodded. Shi Rang smiled, let him go, and took his hand. “Follow me.”

He led Jin Manman out of the villa to an open clearing where fireworks had been prepared. Jin Manman’s eyes lit up. “It’s New Year’s, of course, we need fireworks.”

Shi Rang held Jin Manman’s hand to light the fuse. The moment it sparked, Jin Manman grew scared and dove into Shi Rang’s chest. Shi Rang held him tight and covered his ears.

In the next moment, fireworks exploded in the sky. Boom, boom, boom. One after another, brilliant colors burst across the heavens, layering upon each other.

Jin Manman’s eyes were shining. “So beautiful.”

Shi Rang’s lips curved, but his eyes weren’t on the fireworks; he was staring intently at Jin Manman. He whispered in his heart, “Yes, beautiful.” But he wasn’t talking about the fireworks.

On New Year’s Eve, in Shi Rang’s eyes, his beloved was more beautiful than any firework.

After the New Year, the peaceful days didn’t last long before school started again. As the college entrance exams approached, everyone felt a sense of tension. Jin Manman, surprisingly, felt more relaxed, sneaking to the stairwell to eat ice cream during breaks.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Jin Manman took several large bites in a panic. Predictably, Shi Rang walked up and held out his hand with a cold face. Jin Manman licked his lips and handed over the wooden stick.

Shi Rang laughed out of frustration. He stared down at Jin Manman. “Which one is this today?”

Jin Manman weakly held up one finger. Shi Rang narrowed his eyes. “Mhm?”

Jin Manman hesitated, then held up another. “Three?” Shi Rang asked. Jin Manman grit his teeth and held up a third.

Shi Rang smacked his hand. “You have the nerve to say it! Aren’t you afraid of a stomachache? Don’t come crying to me when it hurts.”

Lately, Jin Manman had developed a craving for ice cream. Shi Rang hadn’t noticed at first, until one day Jin Manman ate five behind his back and ended up with a stomachache that night.

It was late at night, and Shi Rang had just fallen into a light sleep when he felt movement beside him. He woke up to see Jin Manman curled up and shivering. He was instantly alert. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

He patted Jin Manman, and when there was no response, he turned the boy over to see a pale face drenched in cold sweat. Shi Rang’s heart nearly stopped. He scooped the boy up and rushed out. The last time he’d felt such terror was when he learned of his parents’ death. He felt utterly destroyed.

They rushed to the hospital, where a check-up revealed acute gastroenteritis. Only then did Shi Rang learn how many ice creams the boy had eaten. His expression was darker than it had ever been. He wanted to flip Jin Manman over and spank him right then and there. But looking at the pale face and watery eyes, he just held him tight and asked hoarsely, “Does it still hurt?”

The good news was that Jin Manman didn’t get a spanking. The bad news was that he was managed even more strictly after that. Ten minutes of break time meant three minutes of sneaking ice cream and seven minutes of being scolded by Shi Rang.

A dejected little orange cat would then follow Shi Rang back to the classroom. Chen Qian saw them and laughed. “Caught again?”

Shi Rang stared at him. “Did you buy the ice cream for him?”

Chen Qian’s hair nearly stood on end. “Not me!”

Jin Manman clenched his fist. “Shi Rang, it was him.”

“Hey, you two…”

Shi Rang caught Jin Manman’s wrist and glared back. “You still have energy to talk about others? Go sit down. You have to report to me even if you want to go to the bathroom from now on!”

The little orange cat went back to his seat in a huff. He was ANGRY! If you mess with Jin Manman, you’re messing with cotton!

Shi Rang wanted to laugh at the sight, but kept a cold face. He knew Jin Manman was just stressed by the heavy workload. He didn’t want to be so strict, but Jin Manman had no self-control.

The countdown on the blackboard ticked away. Shi Rang thought about the increasingly frequent calls from his grandfather. The graduation, the exams… it was all piling up. But then he saw Jin Manman’s face, and the stress evaporated.

Fifteen days, seven days, one day. Finally, it was the day of the exams.

The night before, Jin Manman had checked his stationery bag five or six times, but when he woke up the next morning, he still tried to check it with his eyes closed. Shi Rang pulled him back and helped him dress. “Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong.”

Jin Manman yawned and rested his head on Shi Rang’s shoulder. “Shi Rang, do you think we’ll do well?”

Shi Rang touched his face. “Of course. You’ve studied so hard, you’ll definitely get a good score.”

Jin Manman was instantly energized, nodding firmly. Auntie Wu had also followed a superstition, boiling two eggs and frying a dough stick so they’d get a 100-point score. Jin Manman ate with full cheeks, nodding. “Don’t worry, Auntie Wu, I’ll do my best.” He didn’t mention that the exams were no longer out of 100 points.

On the way to the exam hall, Jin Manman sat in the car and rolled down the window slightly, letting the wind blow through his golden hair. “So comfortable.”

Shi Rang watched him, afraid the wind would give him a headache. “Are you going to blow all the knowledge out of your head?” he teased.

Jin Manman panicked and shut the window instantly. He couldn’t have that! He’d reviewed two poems that morning. Shi Rang smiled and fixed the boy’s hair. He was getting better and better at making the “golden retriever” behave.

“Wait for me at the school gates after the exam, okay?” Shi Rang added, “Auntie Wu made your favorite milk-crisp cakes at home. They won’t be good if they get cold.”

Jin Manman nodded vigorously. “Okay, I’ll wait for you!”

One exam, two exams… after two days of testing, Jin Manman felt like a dried-up cat. After the final exam, he practically ran out of the building. Shi Rang, having finished early, was already waiting for him at the gates. Jin Manman ran over and threw his arms around him. Shi Rang leaned down and kissed the boy’s forehead without hesitation.

The day after the exams ended, the class chat was organizing a dinner. Usually, Shi Rang wouldn’t attend such things, but Jin Manman loved a good crowd. If Jin Manman was going, Shi Rang had to go. They were two peas in a pod, after all.

The party was at a KTV. Because it was graduation season, rooms were scarce, and it was only thanks to Shi Rang’s phone call that they got a deluxe room. The classmates were even more friendly now, pulling Shi Rang into the middle and insisting on drinking with him. Over the past semester, thanks to Jin Manman, Shi Rang’s relationship with the class had improved significantly, though they were still mostly just acquaintances.

But seeing Jin Manman so happy, Shi Rang didn’t want to spoil the mood. After several refusals failed, he drank two glasses. When he turned around, Jin Manman was already clutching the microphone and singing passionately.

“Don’t look at me like I’m just a cat, the grass is sweeter because of me…”

Shi Rang was half-amused, half-shocked. He’s even singing the lyrics wrong. But seeing Jin Manman so happy made him happy too. He turned back and finished his drink.

The first half of the party was rowdy with dice games, singing, and laughter. Shi Rang had lost track of how much he’d had, and his head was feeling a bit fuzzy. He stood up to go to the bathroom. Just as he stepped out of the room, someone blocked his path.

It was Jin Manman. He had followed him out and now stood in front of him. “Shi Rang, I have something to say to you.”

Shi Rang pulled him into a hug, kissing his ear. “Baby.”

Jin Manman struggled to push him away. “I really do have something to say.”

Shi Rang smiled. “Good boy, let me go to the bathroom first, then I’ll listen.”

But Jin Manman wouldn’t let him go, pulling on his arm. “I’ve spent a lot of time preparing this, you have to listen now.”

Hearing that, Shi Rang’s alcohol-induced haze mostly cleared. Graduation season was also confession season. How many boys and girls used this time to reveal their feelings? Shi Rang swallowed, straightened his posture, and looked solemn. “Okay, baby. Speak. I’m listening.”

Jin Manman had gathered all his courage. He didn’t want to hide it anymore. He had graduated, and no one could separate them now. He had decided!! He was going to tell Shi Rang today!!

He was a kitten!!! A super beautiful little orange cat!!

In the dim corner, Jin Manman suddenly grabbed Shi Rang’s wrist and led it toward his rear. In an instant, Shi Rang’s brain nearly stopped functioning. Even though he’d touched that area many times, this was the first time Jin Manman had been so proactive!!

Shi Rang looked down into Jin Manman’s sparkling eyes, which were full of expectation. “Shi Rang, can you feel it!”

Shi Rang’s head was spinning, and his heart was racing. What was Jin Manman asking? Was it soft? Of course, it was soft and firm. It was too direct… he hadn’t even proposed yet. Maybe they should get engaged tomorrow. Shi Rang’s mind flickered through several ring styles.

He was a total blank, replying instinctively, “I feel it… so soft…”

Wait… what was that fluffy thing in his hand?

Shi Rang froze and looked down. Jin Manman’s waistband was low, and because he was wearing loose sweatpants today, a golden-yellow tail had popped out and was now resting in Shi Rang’s hand. In an instant, he lost the ability to speak.

“You…”

While he was trying to process it, the tail even gave a little wag in his hand. Shi Rang swallowed hard, struggling to find his voice. “Is this… electric?”

Jin Manman pouted, looking a bit angry. “What? This is my tail.”

Shi Rang repeated like a parrot, “Your… tail.”

Jin Manman lowered his head to show the top of his hair. “Look. My ears.” From the golden-yellow hair, two fluffy little ears popped out. They looked familiar.

Shi Rang paused, reaching out to touch them. The tips of the ears flickered against his palm. It was ticklish. A familiar sensation. Shi Rang closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, the ears were still there. It wasn’t a hallucination.

Which meant… that time he saw the ears and tail before wasn’t a dream!

Shi Rang stared at him for two seconds, then pulled Jin Manman’s hat down over his head, shoved the tail back into the pants, and grabbed the boy’s hand to lead him out.

Half an hour later, the classmates noticed they hadn’t returned. Chen Qian held up his phone. “They went home. Drank too much.”

“Why go home so early? We just graduated.”

Chen Qian smiled but said nothing. Yes, they had finally graduated. Of course, they had to go back early.

But the atmosphere between the two wasn’t quite what Chen Qian imagined. Shi Rang took Jin Manman home in total silence. Once they were in the bedroom, Shi Rang locked the door and finally faced Jin Manman.

He spoke every word clearly: “Ears. Tail. You’re a cat?”

Before Jin Manman could respond, Shi Rang added firmly, “You’re that little orange cat?”

Jin Manman blinked. “Are you angry, Shi Rang? You don’t like my ears and tail?”

Shi Rang grit his teeth. He was angry. He was angry that the little cat was so stupid as to reveal himself in such a place. Wasn’t he afraid of being seen?

But Shi Rang didn’t say those things. He just narrowed his eyes. “Baby, put your ears and tail back out. I need to perform an inspection.”

Shi Rang finally knows the truth!