Back to My Human’s Teenage Years - Chapter 37

With about ten days left of summer break, Shi Rang took Jin Manman to see their new apartment. While it wasn’t as sprawling as the villa, it was bright, spacious, and more than enough for two people. Most importantly.  there was no guest room. Shi Rang took it as a given that their home had no need for such useless things.

Ever since revealing his identity, Jin Manman had grown fond of shifting into his cat form, and the new home was no exception. Shi Rang bent down to place the kitten on the floor. The little orange cat lifted its head and puffed out its chest, sauntering through the rooms like a king inspecting his domain.

Every sharp corner in the house had been wrapped in soft sponge to prevent the kitten from bumping into anything, and the space was filled with cat trees and toys. After his inspection tour, Jin Manman naturally leaped onto a cat tree, gave his tail a lazy flick, stretched, and flopped down with a soft thump.

Shi Rang watched from the side, his heart in his throat, terrified the cat would roll off in its sleep. He leaned in, wanting to bury his face in the fur for a kiss, but remembered they had to go to the mall later; if the kitten delivered a few sharp “punches” to his face, the marks wouldn’t look good in public.

He settled for the next best thing, reaching out to poke the kitten’s nose. The little orange cat took the bait, sticking out a soft, wet tongue to lick his finger. However, after two licks, he grew bored and turned his head away.

Shi Rang stared at the finger the cat had just licked. He felt a desperate urge to shove it into his own mouth, but realized that would look entirely too perverted even in front of Jin Manman, so he desisted.

“Does baby like our new home?”

The little orange cat turned back and meowed twice. Shi Rang’s lips curved into a smile. Unable to hold back any longer, he leaned down and kissed the top of the kitten’s head. “So good.”

A few days prior, Shi Rang had officially broken ties with the Shi family. He had made it clear to his grandfather that he was voluntarily renouncing everything and would not return. The Old Master had been livid, immediately cutting off all of Shi Rang’s dividends and cash flow—a blunt tactic meant to force him back.

But Shi Rang had already snapped the bank cards he’d brought from the capital. He held his mother’s private estate, and his recent stock market gains were substantial enough to start his own life. He had decided to lead a new life one he had never imagined consisting only of himself and Jin Manman.

The two moved in early. Aside from being woken up every morning by a cat blanket (or a literal cat) smothering his face, Shi Rang adapted perfectly.

Jin Manman, however, was not doing as well. He solemnly proposed a “separation.”

Shi Rang’s face turned instantly dark. “Separation? There’s only one bedroom in this house. Where do you expect me to sleep?”

Jin Manman felt a bit guilty, but then he remembered how Shi Rang pinned him down every night, not stopping until he was crying and exhausted. The little orange cat puffed out his chest and became righteous. “You sleep on the sofa!”

Shi Rang grit his teeth. “Why? Why don’t you sleep on the sofa?”

Jin Manman thought for a moment. “Actually, that works. I can turn into a cat and sleep. I can even sleep in the cat bed.”

Works my foot! Shi Rang’s head throbbed with frustration and a sudden sense of desolation. They had only been together like this for a few days was the kitten already tired of him?

Shi Rang took a deep breath, suppressing his annoyance. “Baby, why?”

The cat looked at him with an “Are you serious?” expression. “You take way too long every time,” Jin Manman said, counting on his fingers. “My waist is too sore to play video games the next day.”

Shi Rang nearly choked. After all that, it was because it interfered with his gaming?! He managed a forced smile. “I won’t today, baby. Just once today.”

Jin Manman pouted, not believing him for a second. He held up one finger. “But your ‘one time’ lasts all night.”

Shi Rang choked again. He glared at Jin Manman. “Don’t worry! I have my ways!”

Jin Manman: o.O Really?

In the middle of the night, Shi Rang was still kicked out by Jin Manman. His face was grim, and there were several red marks on his neck. The door slammed in his face. Two seconds later, it opened again just long enough for a pillow and duvet to be tossed out before slamming shut again.

Shi Rang tapped on the door. “Don’t be a cheat, Jin Manman! We agreed it didn’t count if I didn’t go all the way in!”

The room remained silent; Jin Manman ignored him completely.

Shi Rang took a deep breath. “Jin Manman, my pants! You have to give me my pants!!”

From that night on, Shi Rang slept on the sofa for two consecutive nights. It wasn’t until S-University started that Jin Manman finally allowed him back in.

Even though they had decided to live off-campus, the school required students to stay in the dorms during military training. Shi Rang packed two suitcases, mostly filled with Jin Manman’s things. Having shared a dorm for a semester in high school, they were used to it.

The only difference was that university dorms were for four people. Jin Manman was the type to get excited over new things; he dragged Shi Rang out early, making them the first to arrive. When the other two roommates walked in, they were stunned.

There were already two boys inside. The tall one was busy hanging clothes in the wardrobe. The other was sitting cross-legged on a bed watching anime, holding a box of washed fruit. When he hit a sour one, he’d look up and shout, “Shi Rang!”

The tall boy would naturally walk over, open his mouth, and eat the leftover sour grape. “Don’t eat too many,” Shi Rang said, patting Jin Manman’s head. “And keep your eyes further from the screen.”

“I know, I know. You’re such a nag.” Jin Manman swatted his hand away. Seeing the people at the door, his eyes lit up. “Hi! I’m Jin Manman.”

Shi Rang glanced over, his expression cooling as he gave a curt nod. After introductions, they became somewhat acquainted. Someone suggested going out for dinner together. Shi Rang frowned, having no interest in collective activities, but before he could speak, Jin Manman raised his hand enthusiastically. “Yes, yes! I want to go.”

Shi Rang had no choice but to nod. As they prepared to leave, Jin Manman’s shoelace came undone. Shi Rang naturally knelt down to tie it. Jin Manman’s expression was perfectly natural, clearly used to it. Seeing the roommates staring in confusion, he realized and laughed. “Shi Rang and I have known each other for a long time. We were classmates.”

Classmates? What kind of classmate kneels to tie your shoes? Shi Rang wasn’t satisfied with that answer either, frowning up at the boy. But Jin Manman had already turned away to discuss the menu.

During dinner, the roommates grew even more curious. Being in university, drinking was allowed, but Shi Rang tapped the glass and wouldn’t let Jin Manman have any. The boy pouted and grabbed a Coke instead. He really was obedient.

Throughout the meal, Jin Manman barely lifted a finger. Shi Rang served him, peeled his shrimp, and held his soup—just like a servant to a young master.

A roommate joked, “Are you two really just classmates? You look like childhood sweethearts who grew up together.”

Shi Rang arched an eyebrow. “What do you think, Jin Manman?”

Jin Manman blinked, replying instinctively, “Oh, we were also desk-mates.”

Shi Rang’s face turned sour instantly.

Everyone except Jin Manman had had a bit to drink. Shi Rang had two glasses but remained sober. The other two roommates were stumbling back to the dorm, leaning on each other for support.

Shi Rang, meanwhile, was carrying Jin Manman on his back. Jin Manman hadn’t been drinking, so he wasn’t drunk; he was just lazy. He wasn’t even being a “good” passenger, swinging his legs until Shi Rang caught his ankle to make him stop.

The little orange cat rested his head on Shi Rang’s shoulder and asked slowly, “Shi Rang, are you unhappy?”

Jin Manman could always accurately capture Shi Rang’s mood. Perhaps it was a cat’s special ability.

Shi Rang paused before speaking. “Jin Manman, how did you describe our relationship today? Hmm? Just desk-mates?”

Jin Manman was taken aback. He leaned close to Shi Rang’s ear and whispered, “What else should I say? That you’re my brother?”

Shi Rang was nearly speechless with anger. He watched the other two walk ahead, then set Jin Manman down.

“I don’t want to walk,” Jin Manman pouted. “Carry me.”

Shi Rang’s face was solemn. He gripped the boy’s shoulders and leaned down to meet his gaze. “Jin Manman, what is our relationship?”

Jin Manman was startled by the serious expression. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. Only then did Shi Rang realize something was off. Looking back, their progress had been a bit… muddled. On the night of the graduation party, the shock of the “cat-person” reveal had been so great that they had skipped the most important step.

Shi Rang’s expression grew increasingly grave, which frightened Jin Manman. “What—”

Before he could finish, Shi Rang suddenly dropped to one knee.

“Jin Manman, it’s my fault. I haven’t officially confessed to you.”

“Be my boyfriend. When we graduate, let’s get married. I’ll earn money, I’ll take care of you, I’ll take care of the kitten, for the rest of our lives.”

Shi Rang cursed his own bluntness, unable to say anything poetic. He looked up at Jin Manman nervously, even though he knew the boy wouldn’t refuse.

Jin Manman suddenly bent down and hugged Shi Rang’s neck tightly, rubbing against him. “Then… can I call you ‘Hubby’ now?”

Brother Nian Nian had said that was the most intimate title. He had wanted to be the most, most, most intimate person with Shi Rang for a long time!

Shi Rang was stunned, the surprise hitting him like a physical weight. His head buzzed. It took several seconds before he could stammer, “O-of course.”

Jin Manman gave a loud mwah on Shi Rang’s cheek. “Hubby!”

Shi Rang’s heart nearly stopped. In the next moment, he felt something warm and wet trickling down. In the dark corner of the campus, the boy’s panicked voice rang out.

“Hubby! Why are you having a nosebleed?!”

The title “Hubby” was temporarily banned. Simply because Shi Rang was so unpromising that he developed a “condition” where he’d get a nosebleed every time he heard it.

Jin Manman, being a chatterbox, told Nian Nian, who told Shen Huai. The next day, Shen Huai sent his “condolences,” which nearly finished Shi Rang off with embarrassment.

He sat with tissues stuffed in his nose, wearing headphones and listening to a recording of Jin Manman on a loop: “Hubby, hubby, hubby.” Desensitization therapy.

The door opened, and a sweaty Jin Manman walked in. Shi Rang ripped off his headphones and pulled out the tissues. “Why are you so sweaty?”

Jin Manman had gone to the Dean’s office to deliver materials likely secret cat-business, as Shi Rang wasn’t allowed to follow. He pouted. “I saw a big dog on the way back and got nervous, so I ran all the way.”

Shi Rang was heartbroken, his brows knitting together. “I should have picked you up.”

Jin Manman pressed his sweaty body against Shi Rang, but Shi Rang didn’t mind at all, holding him tighter. The little orange cat took the chance to ask, “The other two have extracurricular practice today. I want to turn into a cat to sleep.”

Shi Rang wouldn’t refuse such a request. He kissed the boy’s forehead. “Okay.”

That evening, Shi Rang was doing push-ups on a mat in his tank top. On his back sat a little orange cat, tail swishing. Jin Manman had seen a video of a guy doing push-ups with his girlfriend on his back and wanted to try it, thoughtfully turning into a cat to reduce the weight.

Suddenly, the door opened. Man and cat froze. The two roommates walked in and the three (and a half) of them stared at each other.

“Where did the cat come from?” someone asked.

The little orange cat let out a “Meow,” his paws scrambling as he tried to hide, finally getting caught and shoved into Shi Rang’s shirt. Shi Rang regained his composure quickly. “I thought you weren’t coming back tonight?”

“The session was canceled,” the roommates said blankly.

Shi Rang set the cat on his bed. “Oh, right. This is my cat. I usually keep him off-campus, but I brought him in today. If you mind…”

“No, no! Not at all. He’s so cute.”

Hearing the compliment, Jin Manman cheered up, jumping down to parade around the room with his chest out. One roommate knelt to pet him, but Shi Rang scooped him up first. He was stingy—no one was allowed to touch his cat.

“Where’s Jin Manman?” the roommate asked. “I haven’t seen him.” Usually, Manman was Shi Rang’s shadow.

Both man and cat froze. Shi Rang stroked the cat’s fur. “He’s staying off-campus tonight.”

The roommates nodded, though they were surprised. Usually, the two were inseparable. They even secretly called Shi Rang “Papa Shi” because he was always taking care of Manman. It was strange for “Papa Shi” to be so calm with Manman away.

The roommates soon went to sleep. Shi Rang lay in bed, and the little orange cat poked his head out from the duvet to rest on Shi Rang’s shoulder. Shi Rang was so overwhelmed by the cuteness that he pulled the duvet over both of them and started kissing the kitten’s belly.

Minutes later, the kitten struggled to crawl out, only to be dragged back in. He was going to be sucked into a mango pit at this rate!

The next morning, the roommates woke up to find a stiff-faced Jin Manman sitting in a chair.

“Oh, Manman! You’re back early?”

Before he could answer, Shi Rang walked in with a mountain of breakfast items. There were clear red marks on his neck.

“Whoa, Shi Rang, what happened to your neck?”

Shi Rang touched the marks nonchalantly. “Nothing. The cat scratched me.”

“That cat is fierce, huh?” the roommate murmured.

Jin Manman’s brow furrowed as he glared at them. Shi Rang’s lips curved. “He’s not fierce. My cat… is very good.”

Once military training ended, they moved out. Though they liked their roommates, Jin Manman’s secret identity made things awkward.

On the first day at their own home, Jin Manman chose to play games, while Shi Rang chose… other activities. They were slightly at odds, but manageable.

In the gaming room, Shi Rang sat in a large gaming chair with Jin Manman in his lap. He reached around the boy’s waist to help him control the controller. But Jin Manman’s face was pale yet flushed, his hands were trembling, and tears were welling in his eyes.

Shi Rang, meanwhile, looked leisurely. “Not focusing on the game? Didn’t you say you wanted to play?” He even scolded him lightly.

A tear fell from Jin Manman’s eye. Shi Rang finally softened, kissing the boy’s cheek before tossing the controller aside and carrying him to the bedroom. Behind them, a shimmering wet patch remained on the chair.

During freshman year, extracurriculars were everywhere. Jin Manman was cute and friendly, making him a target for every club mascot position. He returned one day with a stack of brochures. Shi Rang was drowning in jealousy all day.

“How many people added you on WeChat today? Is your list full?”

Jin Manman didn’t catch the tone, showing Shi Rang his phone. “I haven’t accepted them yet. There are too many, my finger is tired. Can you do it for me?”

Shi Rang nearly fainted with rage. “Are you not planning to study? You can’t handle this many clubs. Don’t come crying to me when you fail.”

“Don’t be so mean! I’m not gonna fail, and I’m not joining them all anyway.”

“Then why bring them back?”

“The upperclassmen gave them to me, I couldn’t just throw them away.”

Shi Rang sneered. “So polite.” If he hadn’t been there today, everyone would have been trying to pinch Manman’s cheeks or pet his hair. He was fuming. This was HIS cat! HIS Jin Manman!!!

For a moment, he thought about locking Manman in the house so no one else could see him. But he crushed the thought immediately. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt Jin Manman not even himself.

Shi Rang didn’t hide their relationship, but he didn’t flaunt it either. However, it soon became campus knowledge: the cute golden-haired boy had a “cool guy” boyfriend.

Shi Rang spent his time at the laptop, blacking out any forum posts asking for Jin Manman’s WeChat.

Jin Manman was in the kitchen sneaking an ice cream when he heard footsteps. He couldn’t hide it in time, so he just took a bite and gave Shi Rang a placating smile. Shi Rang was annoyed by the forum posts, but couldn’t be angry with Manman. He held out his hand, and Jin Manman obediently handed over the half-eaten treat.

Shi Rang took a bite himself. “How was the fitness test?” They were in different groups.

Jin Manman was overjoyed. “I was first!”

Shi Rang smiled. “A gym-cat.”

“I’m an orange cat!” Jin Manman said solemnly.

Shi Rang scooped him up, patting his rear. “A heart-stealer.”

“What? I’m not wearing perfume.”

“Where do you want to go for the holidays? The beach?”

It was cold in their city, and Shi Rang wanted to take him on a vacation. He’d wanted to go since senior year, but Manman had been too focused on studying. Jin Manman didn’t care where they went, as long as he was with Shi Rang and being served by him.

Shi Rang didn’t mind; he felt his life only had meaning when he was taking care of Jin Manman.

As soon as exams were over, they flew out. Jin Manman slept the whole flight and woke up refreshed a natural traveler. At the hotel, Shi Rang took him out for seafood.

He’d booked a special suite. It had a regular bed and another room with… a water bed.

“Is it the kind that’s cool when you sleep on it?” Jin Manman asked.

“Yes,” Shi Rang smirked.

“I love it!!”

“Good. We’re sleeping there tonight.”

They ate at a BBQ stall on the beach. Jin Manman salivated over the scent, and Shi Rang peeled crab meat for him. He even allowed Jin Manman a bottle of cold beer. The boy was delighted, sipping it slowly, yet still ended up drunk.

Shi Rang had to carry him back. Even though it was late, the beach was crowded with people setting off fireworks. Jin Manman rested on Shi Rang’s back, watching the colors bloom over the sea.

“Baby, you okay?” Shi Rang asked.

“Just a bit dizzy,” the boy murmured.

“Don’t move your head then. We’re almost there.”

Minutes later, Jin Manman kicked his legs. “Shi Rang, my tail wants to come out.”

“Wait just a bit longer.”

Once in the room, Jin Manman kicked off his pants, his tail and ears popping out. Because Shi Rang had been so “bad” lately, Manman rarely let him see them at night.

Shi Rang’s gaze was deep as he watched him. “Baby… didn’t you want to sleep on the water bed?”

Jin Manman was seeing double. “Okay… sure.”

Next thing he knew, he was on the bed. He felt like a boat on the sea, swaying with Shi Rang’s movements.

“Shi Rang, I’m falling into the water,” he cried.

“No, I’ve got you,” Shi Rang laughed.

Jin Manman started to cry, though he didn’t know why. Shi Rang paused. “Baby, what’s wrong? Is it… broken?”

Jin Manman’s eyes were misty. “It’s… it’s broken.”

Shi Rang smirked and leaned down. Jin Manman’s eyes were out of focus, his mouth open as he let out broken sounds, a bit of saliva trickling from the corner of his lips. Such a pitiful, beautiful baby.

Shi Rang cupped his chin and leaned in for a kiss, but the dazed Jin Manman shook his head to avoid him. “Dirty…”

Shi Rang was half-amused, half-fuming. “Doting on your own stuff?” He went to brush his teeth and shower. When he returned, Jin Manman was fast asleep, purring softly. Shi Rang held him and fell asleep too.

The next morning, Shi Rang was kicked out of bed. He looked up to see a furious Jin Manman sitting on the water bed with his ears out.

“You! Liar!”

“How did I lie?” Shi Rang stood up.

“You said the water bed was for staying cool! You tricked me into sleeping here and tricked me into drinking so I’d show my ears and tail!”

The cat was getting smarter. Shi Rang arched an eyebrow. “Did you drink it yourself?”

“Yes…”

“Did you want to sleep on the bed yourself?”

“Yes…”

“Then why blame me? Is that how a good little orange cat acts?”

Jin Manman stayed silent for a while. “You’re KFC-ing me again.”

They spent the day taking photos. Jin Manman spent hours editing his photos on the bed. Shi Rang walked over to see a picture of a guy with an unnaturally sharp chin.

“Who’s this?”

“What! It’s me! It’s Jin Manman! Don’t you recognize me!!”

Shi Rang laughed. “I thought it was a new cat-person in your organization.”

Jin Manman was upset. Shi Rang spent five minutes apologizing before the boy forgave him.

They went diving that afternoon. Shi Rang, an expert, helped Jin Manman with his gear. They took a boat to a quiet area and dove in, holding hands. Jin Manman was nervous, but Shi Rang’s presence calmed him. Small fish circled them. Shi Rang watched Manman closely, afraid the boy would try to grab a fish and eat it.

Luckily, no such incident occurred. The instructor took photos for them. On land, Jin Manman was busy editing his chin again. Shi Rang decided not to interfere.

Exhausted, Jin Manman lay on a lounge chair while Shi Rang fed him coconut water. He was falling asleep with his phone in his hand. Shi Rang caught it before it dropped, seeing a post ready to send:

I love Shi Rang!

Shi Rang looked at it for a long time, then opened his own phone. He liked the post and left a comment:

I love Manman!

And they lived happily ever after! 

Support Back to My Human’s Teenage Years