The girl looked just like a soft little kitten.

Sister Chen quietly observed the girl.

She had seen many good-looking people in the entertainment industry, but someone as striking as this girl, there was only her.

This was the ‘cat-like girl’ who had gone viral online recently.

In that brief moment, ten thousand ideas flashed through Sister Chen’s mind about how to package her and make her famous.

But that wasn’t the most important thing right now.

Sister Chen fixed her sharp gaze on Chi Yan. “What is going on with you?!”

Chi Yan fell silent. He really had nothing to explain. In the end, he could only spread his hands. “She’s just a little friend. She’s going to stay at my place for a while.”

Sister Chen was not satisfied with this explanation.

But she understood Chi Yan’s personality. If he didn’t want to talk, no one could pry a word out of him.

With no other choice, she could only swallow her questions for the time being, but she still warned him: “Even though your fans aren’t strongly against you dating, you’re still a public figure. You need to be careful.”

Chi Yan nodded vaguely.

Sister Chen brought the phone she bought for Li Wan. The little kitten clearly brightened up upon receiving it.

Living at her uncle’s home, she’d always been short on money. She had never used such an expensive phone!

Her human is so nice!

Thank you, human!!

The little kitten happily hugged the phone and played with it for a while, completely unaware that Sister Chen’s gaze had been lingering on her the entire time.

She really was adorable, heart-piercingly so.

Just like a kitten, making people want to bury their face in her soft little belly and take a huge sniff.

A girl like this… no wonder even Chi Yan kept her by his side.

…To be honest, she didn’t believe for a second that there was ‘nothing going on’ between them.

Who was Chi Yan? Did she not know?

This guy would never act so relaxed around a girl who had ‘nothing to do’ with him.

Tsk.

Noticing her staring, Chi Yan shifted slightly, intentionally moving to block her line of sight.

“……”

Sister Chen immediately let out a dry laugh.

“Didn’t you say there was nothing between you? Chi Yan, you know my eye for people is excellent. Otherwise, how could I have made someone like you a Movie Emperor?

“You let her follow me, and I can make her just as famous as you.”

Chi Yan rejected it without hesitation: “She doesn’t need to enter the entertainment industry.”

Since the little kitten had been adopted by him, she was already family. He could support her for a lifetime, even if she had now turned into a human.

If she got used to human society later and wanted to work, that was fine, but absolutely not in the entertainment industry.

It wasn’t a good place.

Sister Chen snorted again.

Look at that. He protects her like this, and yet he claims there’s nothing between them.

Chi Yan understood what she meant, but his eyes stayed calm and he didn’t explain further.

Sister Chen didn’t pursue the topic. She sighed. “Forget it. You have your own thoughts.

“You’ve finished your last drama. Next, you only have promotional work. For the pet variety show, you’ll need to mention it when it airs.

“I’ve also brought a few scripts for you to look through. Choose one and get back to me soon.”

Chi Yan nodded.

While they were talking business, Li Wan couldn’t join in. Very sensibly, she lowered the TV volume and wandered into the kitchen to cut a small plate of fruit.

When she brought it over, Sister Chen instinctively glanced at her.

The little kitten, now a girl, felt a bit guilty. She blinked at her, then realized and gave a soft smile.

Sister Chen couldn’t help but return the smile.

Li Wan could read people well. Having grown up living under someone else’s roof, she was more sensitive to others’ moods than most.

She knew Sister Chen hadn’t liked her at first, thinking she might cause trouble for Chi Yan.

Now that she suddenly gained Sister Chen’s approval, the little kitten was delighted. She decided not to mind the previous negative feelings.

The little kitten had such a good personality!!

Li Wan couldn’t help praising herself. With nothing else to do, she ran back to the kitchen again.

She was quite good at cooking. Back at her uncle’s house, her aunt always found faults with her. When she first cooked, her aunt said it tasted bad.

Her uncle, stuck in the middle, was always awkward, so Li Wan tried harder. Later, her aunt never complained again.

She looked into the fridge. Fortunately, because Chi Yan usually cooked for himself, Assistant Xiao Li always prepared ingredients and seasonings very thoroughly.

Considering Sister Chen was here, she decided to make a few extra dishes.

But before she could even finish shredding the potatoes, her human walked in. “You know how to cook?”

The little kitten puffed up proudly, completely unaware of how shocking it was for a creature who had only been in this world for two months, and had just turned human, to be able to cook.

“I do!”

“Butler—” Li Wan instantly sensed that this form of address wasn’t appropriate in front of the butler himself, so she quickly switched: “Brother Chi Yan, you can ask for anything you want to eat.”

The little kitten knew how to cook many dishes!

A faint, unreadable emotion flashed through Chi Yan’s eyes, and then his lips curled lightly.

“So impressive.
“Just make a little. It’s only the two of us eating.”

Li Wan poked her head out. “What about Sister Chen?”

Chi Yan: “She went back.”

Although he had worked with Sister Chen for a long time, their private relationship wasn’t as good as that between other artists and their managers.

“Okay then.”

The little kitten didn’t get discouraged. She withdrew her gaze, and the potato shreds she cut were as thin as needles.

Noticing that her butler was still watching her, Li Wan blinked her eyes, lifted her head, and flashed him another smile.

Soft and fluffy.

It overlapped again with the image of her cat form.

Chi Yan’s eyes shifted slightly, but before he could speak, his phone rang.

He glanced down at the caller ID, and his expression instantly returned to its usual coldness—colder, even.

“I’m going to take a call.”

With that, he turned and walked out.

Li Wan blinked, not understanding who could make this big villain’s expression change so much. She stood on tiptoe, ears perked.

“…Mom.”

She couldn’t hear much of what came after, but she could feel very clearly the emotions hidden in that one word.

Chi Yan didn’t seem very happy.

Li Wan froze for a moment, remembering the plot of the original story.

She didn’t know what that mother, who had abandoned her own son, wanted now.

Li Wan frowned.

No.

A little kitty should protect her weak, helpless butler. She had to go see what was going on.

The little cat tiptoed over, secretly poked her head out to eavesdrop.

Hmm…

She couldn’t hear a single word.

Damn it!!

---

The little cat stared wide-eyed in shock.

She turned into a human!!!

…Wait! No! Hold on! She wasn’t wearing any clothes!!!

Li Wan hadn’t figured out what to do yet. Her gaze stiffly shifted toward the man beside her.

Very unfortunately, she met the man’s deep peach-blossom eyes head-on.

Although those eyes looked no different from usual, Li Wan keenly sensed that there was nothing inside them.

Very clearly, her butler hadn’t processed what he was seeing.

Oh no!!

Wouldn’t her dumb two-legger be scared into having some sort of problem if his beloved cat suddenly changed species?! Q_AQ

Li Wan swallowed hard and quietly broke the silence. “Um…”

Chi Yan truly hadn’t reacted yet.

Although he had always believed his cat was too smart, that her intelligence far exceeding others of her kind, he also knew very well that cats and humans were fundamentally different.

But now…

A cat had suddenly turned into a human.

The small, fluffy creature that wasn’t even as long as his forearm had suddenly become a young maiden.

If he told anyone, it would sound like the delirious ramblings of someone who’d gone insane and mixed up memories with nonsense from a random fantasy novel.

The girl’s body was completely bare. The soft fur that once covered the kitten had vanished without a trace.

If not for her apricot eyes—staring fixedly at him—and the faint hint of heterochromia he could still recognize, Chi Yan would have thought someone had stuffed a strange woman into his bed.

The skin under his hand was tight, smooth, and springy—like fine jade. Even when she wasn’t moving, he could almost feel the heartbeat beneath her skin.

*Thump, thump, thump.*

Chi Yan’s mind blurred. For a fleeting moment, he felt that this heartbeat sounded exactly the same as the one he felt in his palm the night he was ill, when the little cat rubbed against his hand.

Two completely different species… suddenly sharing similarities.

It was a long while before Chi Yan finally, slowly realized that no matter what, the little cat had indeed taken on a human form.

And she wasn’t wearing clothes.

…Of course, he absolutely had not fully accepted this. He even suspected he’d missed his medication and relapsed again.

But the girl was undeniably real.

He could feel the familiar yet strange warmth from her lying beside him.

This…

Chi Yan forced himself to calm down, or at least appear calm, and turned his head away with great gentlemanly restraint. “Wanwan?”

When he spoke, his voice still carried the hoarseness of early morning.

“…Yes.”

Li Wan replied in a tiny voice.

She was indescribably uncomfortable.

Before she transmigrated into this novel, her parents had died in a car accident when she was young, and she grew up in her uncle’s home. Her uncle placed high expectations on her, but her aunt disliked her in every possible way. From childhood to adulthood, she studied hard and tried to minimize her presence. She had never been in such close contact with any man.

Much less this kind of contact.

They were lying in the same bed.

Even though she had always slept with her butler during the live-show filming, that was different.

A cat and a human, those bodies were not the same at all.

Right now…

Chi Yan’s pajamas were messy, his usually restrained, ascetic button-up undone several buttons, revealing his fair, well-built chest.

And she—

Wasn’t wearing anything.

Li Wan’s cheeks quickly flushed hot.

She wanted to dive straight under the blanket and bury herself, but then she remembered she was no longer a little kitten who could get away with being willful. Doing that as a human girl would definitely make the already awkward situation a thousand times worse.

So she could only face burning embarrassment and slowly roll over under the blanket, turning her back toward the man.

Her apricot eyes glazed with tension and humiliation, long curled lashes trembling like butterfly wings.

Li Wan’s pale fingers clutched the blanket tightly.

She heard the mattress behind her dip slightly, followed by the rustling of the man adjusting his clothes.

She wished—

She really wished Chi Yan would say nothing, turn around, and leave immediately.

But he didn’t. His footsteps hesitantly reached the door, then came back. He opened the cabinet, took out a set of clothes, and placed them beside her.

“These are mine,” he said. “Wear them for now. I’ll have my assistant bring something new.”

“…O-okay.”

Li Wan truly didn’t know what she was supposed to say, so she just responded weakly.

Dammit!

If there were a crack in the floor right now, she would crawl into it instantly!!!

Once she cooled down, she realized her reaction had been completely foolish. If she had been a bit smarter, she should’ve pretended she didn’t understand anything. After all, a cat’s intelligence should only go so far.

But it was far too late to regret it now.

Wuwuwu…

Li Wan let out a miserable little meow in her heart and finally buried herself under the blanket.

After texting his assistant, Chi Yan waited in the living room for the girl to come downstairs dressed.

Even now, he still felt like he was stuck in some absurd dream.

The things the little cat used in the living room were still there. Two bowls sat side-by-side, with only two pieces of kibble left inside, proving that he had indeed been raising a cat during this time.

It wasn’t a hallucination caused by his worsening illness.

But after the little cat turned into a human, her appearance was unsurprisingly soft and obedient. Although she didn’t resemble her cat form much, Chi Yan was still certain, this was his cat.

Chi Yan closed his eyes and finally forced himself to calm down and accept this reality.

At that moment, a sound came from upstairs. The girl slowly appeared, wearing his white T-shirt.

His shorts were too big. The girl’s waist was slender and soft; the shorts couldn’t stay up at all, so she had to hold them with her hands, shuffling down the stairs in tiny, embarrassed steps.

The sight was somewhat comical and oddly dispelled some of the awkwardness earlier.

Li Wan came down and obediently sat on the sofa across from the man.

Her lips moved. She wanted to say something, but what came out was: “Meow.”

Li Wan: “…”

She immediately covered her mouth, flustered, her face turning even redder.

Damn it, she’d gotten too used to being a cat!!

“…”

Chi Yan really couldn’t hold it in. His lips curved into a low laugh.

After laughing, he met the girl’s cautious gaze.

“You are…” For the first time in his life acting like a parent, he carefully picked his words. “What happened?”

Li Wan looked a bit gloomy. “I don’t know.”

She tried to describe the sequence of events. “Last night I felt really hot, then I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was already human.”

She hesitated but didn’t mention transmigrating into a book.

Her owner was already shocked enough. Any more stimulation and he might break.

Uuu…

Chi Yan was speechless. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Maybe it was the alcohol.”

The little cat also remembered and nodded.

Bad alcohol! Evil!
It framed the little cat!!

Seeing her still worried, Chi Yan steadied himself and reassured her, “It’s fine. Let’s observe for two days.”

Li Wan pressed her lips together and nodded lightly.

After that, the two fell silent again.

After all, they hadn’t known each other long, and Li Wan suddenly turning from a cat into a human made things even stranger.

This atmosphere lasted until Chi Yan’s assistant knocked on the door.

Chi Yan got up to open it.

The assistant looked anxious. “Brother Chi, why did you suddenly ask for girl’s clothing? Your popularity is high right now, the public eye is on you, this isn’t something you can joke about!!”

He didn’t want to get scolded by Chi Yan’s manager, Sister Chen!!!

But while he was still talking, a girl peeked her head out from behind Chi Yan.

The assistant instantly froze!!

Then he processed the situation, and realized that this little vixen seducing his Brother Chi was wearing Chi Yan’s clothes!!!

T-t-t-this!!!

The assistant looked like he had caught someone cheating: “Brother Chi, who is she?!”

Chi Yan : “…”

He actually felt a rare headache. He took the bag of clothes and handed it to the little cat. “Go change.”

Then he turned to face his assistant, who was staring at him relentlessly, and helplessly explained : “…Just a little friend¹.”

“A little friend!!”

The assistant nearly jumped!!

He had followed Chi Yan for quite some time. Other than the rumors with Du Qingqing that the company wanted to hype, Chi Yan never interacted with any other women!!

And now, a ‘little friend’!!

And such an intimate tone!!

The assistant felt he needed an oxygen tank to prepare for Sister Chen barging in with a knife!!

Seeing he still wanted to ask, Chi Yan took a deep breath. “She and I have no relationship.”

Right after saying that, he paused strangely—and caught the assistant’s ‘you scumbag’ expression.

“…”

Chi Yan had never felt so exhausted. He sharply sensed that no matter what he said now, it would only make things worse, so he cut the conversation off.

“I’ll explain it to Sister Chen. Don’t worry.”

Once the dazed assistant left, Li Wan—now changed into normal clothes—came over and asked, “Do you need me to explain?”

Chi Yan stared at her for a moment, then withdrew his gaze. “No.”

Whatever they said, no one would believe it anyway.

Li Wan blinked and softly said, “Oh,” then went to sit on the sofa in a daze.

Normally at this time, the little cat would watch TV to pass the time, but now that she was human, she felt a bit embarrassed.

But she hadn’t been sitting long when the man took the initiative to turn on the TV and handed her the remote.

“!!”

The little cat instantly brightened. “Meow meow!”

Her butler was the best!!

Only after saying that did she realize she still hadn’t switched back to human language, and froze.

Chi Yan looked at her. The girl now seemed even more like her cat self. He reached out and rubbed her soft hair in the same way he stroked her as a cat.

“Just watch TV.
“How old are you now…converted to human age?”

Li Wan held the remote carefully and made a hand sign : nineteen.

Even converted, she was indeed a young human.

Chi Yan was charmed by her cuteness, his peach blossom eyes softening even more. “I’ll buy you some necessities and get some documents made for you.”

Li Wan nodded quickly, acting obedient.

Chi Yan assigned the task of buying essentials to his assistant, but unexpectedly, Sister Chen was the one who delivered the items.

When she entered, she immediately asked, “Xiao Li said there’s a girl at your place?”

Xiao Li was Chi Yan’s assistant.

Before Chi Yan could respond, Sister Chen saw the girl sitting on the sofa watching TV, and frowned. “This is…”

Li Wan heard the voice and stood up.

This was actually her first time seeing Sister Chen, but the moment she saw her, all her memories about her flooded in.

Sister Chen looked stern and liked to keep a straight face, but she was very gentle with the little cat.

Li Wan blinked and instinctively showed a soft, milky smile. “Hello, Sister Chen.”

Sister Chen: “…”

Oh no!!

Something just struck her right in the heart!!!

---

1. 小朋友 (xiǎo péng yǒu) most commonly translates to children or kids, but literally it means little friend(s), which was often used affectionately or when directly addressing a child or a group of children. It is a common and affectionate term used to refer to or address young people. ↩︎

---

【Hey, Fu Shilin is really as rude as always.】

【Stop it upstairs, or his fans will come after you later.】

【To be fair, Fu Shilin isn’t wrong. Everyone knows Chi Yan’s family background is terrible. It’s normal he doesn’t know any talents.】

【I agree with that. After all, that’s how showbiz is now. If a celebrity has even the tiniest talent, they’ll hype it up like the whole world needs to know.】

【But Chi Yan’s team has always marketed his acting though.】

【Maybe acting is the only thing their main guy is actually good at.】

【Hahahahaha, of course our Brother Chi’s acting is good. Unlike someone, whose songs are only bought by their own fans.】

Li Wan had thought of that too. From up high, she watched him with a bit of worry.

But she didn’t expect the man to walk straight up onto the stage, lifting the white cloth that had been covering the piano.

Li Xiaoyun exclaimed, “Wow, Brother Chi knows how to play the piano?!”

Zhou Jia : “I really have never seen him play before… guess we’re in for a treat.”

Fu Shilin hated hearing others praise Chi Yan. He immediately rolled his eyes.
“Ha! Like he knows anything. His family was so poor, where would he get the chance to learn piano?”

Then he loudly sneered, “If you don’t know any talent, get off the stage already. Don’t forget we’re live, don’t embarrass yourself.”

【…Uh, regardless of whether Chi Yan knows it or not, Fu Shilin is really, really, REALLY rude.】

【He’s in his late twenties. How is he still acting like an uneducated brat?🤦‍♀️】

【Upstairs, you’re just jealous of our A’Lin. FYI, our A’Lin is a rich young master. Who cares if he’s polite or not? With his family background, no one can demand that from him.】

【Capitalism is making me sick… I’m going to throw up.】

Even Du Qingqing couldn’t listen anymore. She frowned slightly and gave him a disapproving look.

Feeling her gaze, Fu Shilin’s heart skipped, and he restrained himself a little.

But his thoughts didn’t change.

Heh, he wanted to see just how big of a fool this so-called Movie Emperor was about to make of himself.

Fu Shilin smirked.

On stage, the man was already seated at the piano bench. He gently raised his hands.

*Ting*

A clear note floated out from the black-and-white keys.

Fu Shilin’s expression froze.

How—?

He unconsciously clenched his fingers tightly.

Then flowed a smooth piece of music, making one feel as if standing by the seaside in midsummer, running freely in the sunset while holding your heels.

The song was called <Lot to Learn>.

Not too difficult, but not simple either. Very fitting for the moment—unlike Fu Shilin earlier, who only wanted to show off.

Just listening to it lifted one’s spirits.

Li Wan perked up her ears, turning her head away from the audience. Her triangular little ears twitched lightly with the melody.

Her human was the best!!

When the piece ended, everyone applauded.

Li Wan waved her paws too, but realizing fluffy paws weren’t convenient for clapping like humans, she switched to wagging her tail.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but she felt like her two-legger glanced in her direction.

Instinctively, she gave a bright-eyed smile. But seeing no reaction from her human, she realized humans couldn’t understand a cat’s smile.

Still, she wasn’t discouraged. She raised her mangosteen-like paws and waved at him.

Finally, she saw a faint trace of a smile appear in his dark peach-blossom eyes—like a drop of ink spreading in clear water, blooming instantly.

Ah…

She didn’t know why, but the base of her ears grew hot. She hurriedly buried her face in her fluff to hide.

Li Wan felt she had just been attacked by human beauty and decided she’d settle scores with him later.

(=^‥^=)

Li Xiaoyun plucked a flower and handed it to him.

“Brother Chi, I didn’t expect you really could play. This isn’t something you can learn overnight, right?
“You’re seriously good at everything, ugh—such an all-rounder!”

She even gave him a thumbs-up afterwards.

Facing others, Chi Yan’s expression returned to his usual warm and restrained look.

“Thank you.”

Others couldn’t pick up on anything from that, but Li Wan understood.

For Chi Yan to reach where he was today, it definitely wasn’t luck.

He truly worked extremely hard.

And because of that, it made the world feel even more unfair.

Anyone with eyes could see that Fu Shilin couldn’t compare to Chi Yan in any aspect, yet the plot insisted on making Chi Yan lose to someone like him.

The more Li Wan thought about it, the more her heart tightened. Her foolish two-legger was truly pitiful.

She swished her tail and sighed.

For a moment, the atmosphere was harmonious, and no one remembered Fu Shilin’s earlier comments.

It was just that his expression still looked terrible.

【Hahahahahaha, why does Fu Shilin always act like a villain from a novel, jumping out to get himself slapped in the face】

【Honestly, joining this variety show, Fu Shilin’s face is going to get swollen from all the slaps】

Everyone was talking. Li Wan had nothing to do, so she wandered over to the dining table.

Today’s dishes included boiled prawns—each one half the size of the little kitty’s face, plump and tender, looking incredibly juicy and fresh.

Li Wan could practically imagine the exquisite sensation of biting into it.

*Slurp slurp*

But she was a polite little cat and would absolutely never sneak food!!

She stealthily rubbed herself against Mama Qingqing.

Her two-legger would definitely not indulge her at a time like this, but Mama Qingqing was different. Mama Qingqing was the best!!

As expected, after being rubbed sticky and clingy for a moment, Du Qingqing understood immediately. “You want to eat?”

The little cat curled her fluffy big tail around Mama Qingqing’s wrist. Her heterochromatic eyes looked extremely innocent. *Meow meow.*

—”Yeah, yeah.”

To make sure Mama Qingqing fully understood, she even stretched out her paw and pointed at the plump boiled prawn.

Xixi, watching from the side, was speechless, rolled its eyes, and turned away.

—“Glutton.”

Du Qingqing couldn’t help but laugh, but still picked up a prawn, peeled it, and handed it to her. “Eat slowly.”

*Meow meow.*

The little cat rubbed her hand again to show thanks, then elegantly began eating.

*Meow meow meow!!*

Lai Wan was starving, she took a huge bite, and then froze!

—”So spicy, so spicy, so spicy!!”

The little cat spun in circles like crazy, then dove headfirst into her owner’s cup on the table!!

Relief!!

But not even two seconds later, she suddenly leapt straight up with a loud *Meow!!*

That wasn’t water, it was alcohol!!!

Damn it!!!

Now she felt even spicier. She scrambled all over the place for a while, then finally rushed to her own water bowl and gulped mouthfuls of water before settling down.

Everyone watching this series of actions was dying of laughter.

Li Xiaoyun : “Wait, she got spicy?!

“Cats can get this spicy too?? Hahahahahaha!!”

Zhou Jia was cackling: “Now she knows not to be greedy, huh?!”

Du Qingqing wanted to laugh but held it in. “Wanwan drank a little alcohol, but not much. She should be fine, right?”

A trace of amusement flashed in Chi Yan’s peach-blossom eyes. “She should be fine. She didn’t drink much.

“But why is the prawn spicy?”

The director, hearing the commotion, walked over and scratched his head.

“Uh…
“This was supposed to be a mini-game, hehe… didn’t expect Wanwan to stumble into it first.”

They were all laughing, but to be safe, they still had the on-set doctor take a look at Li Wan.

The little cat felt so embarrassed she wanted to bury her face in her fluffy belly. Her ears flattened as she turned her back to them like she couldn’t hear anything.

Everyone laughed even harder.

Chi Yan had no choice but to click his tongue softly and pick her up from the cat tree—though a faint smile was hidden in his dark eyes, not easily noticeable by others.

【HAHAHAHAHAHA I’ve never seen a cat get spicy like this】

【Aren’t felines supposed to be super alert? They shouldn’t eat anything that smells off】

【Wanwan, everyone is laughing at you, but you are the funniest one hahahahaha】

The doctor soon finished examining her and said she didn’t drink much alcohol and was fine.

Li Wan also felt nothing wrong with her body and bounced around a bit.

Seeing her energetic, everyone was relieved.

The party continued until eleven. When the party ended, filming for the first season of the variety show was basically complete.

【Ahhh I’m a little sad it’s ending】

【Can’t wait for the edited episodes】

【Goodbye everyone】

【See you next season!】

The guests could stay in the villa until the next day, but Chi Yan lived close by, so he had his assistant drive them home.

Li Wan was already sleepy. The party was too loud, and she hadn’t really slept.

Back in their room, the little cat flopped onto the bed and fell asleep instantly, belly up.

She didn’t know when her butler finished washing up and came back.

Only that in the middle of the night, she woke up from the heat.

It was really hot, like her entire cat body was being steamed in a bamboo steamer.

Her head was dizzy. By the time she realized it, she was weakly rubbing against her butler’s arm.

It was the only cool thing on the bed.

Chi Yan wasn’t a heavy sleeper; he woke up quickly from her rubbing. He frowned but didn’t think much of it, assuming she was being affectionate. He scratched her chin.

The little cat, comfortable, quickly closed her eyes and fell asleep again on top of the blanket.

---

When Li Wan woke again, she couldn’t breathe. She woke up suffocating.

Her owner had somehow pulled her tightly into his arms, making her unable to move at all.

Li Wan got angry and started pushing at the man’s hand, trying to move his hand off her waist.

But the moment she touched it, her body suddenly stiffened—

Wait, hold up!

Hand?!!

---

At night, the villa had already quieted down. In the entire living room, only the little white-furred kitten and the Maine Coon beside her—whose body was a whole size larger—remained.

The two cats, one tall and one short, sat perched on the cat tree, casting two pointy-eared shadows on the floor.

Xixi didn’t really understand. “Did you make your Papa angry?”

Ever since this human and cat came back from the pet shop today, they hadn’t interacted much at all.

Yet this still-underage little kitten was usually the clingiest to that human.

Li Wan froze for a moment before realizing that ‘your Papa’ referred to the two-legger Chi Yan. She hesitated, then gloomily nodded. “I think so.”

Then something came to mind. She lay down, tucked her paws under her, her two pointy ears drooping. She tilted her head again. “But maybe not.”

She had lived as a human for over ten, nearly twenty years, yet now… she felt like she couldn’t understand Chi Yan anymore.

If she said he was angry, well, when Dahuang rushed at her, he still chose to protect her.

If she said he wasn’t angry, well… he really didn’t pay much attention to her during the day.

Meow.

Humans were really strange.

While grooming his fur, Xixi said, “So that’s why you still haven’t gone back to your room?”

Li Wan looked a little embarrassed and muttered softly, “I just don’t know how to face him.”

Xixi shook his head.

“I don’t get what you all are thinking.
“But I will say this—human thoughts are strange and all over the place. As noble feline kings, if we can tolerate them a little, we should.”

His fluffy big tail gently brushed the tip of her tail. “You’re already a grown little cat. You should learn to tolerate and understand the human you raise.”

*Meow.*

“……”

Li Wan was speechless.

At this moment, the stairway lights suddenly turned on. Du Qingqing, freshly showered and wearing pajamas, walked down.

“Xixi?
“There you are. Why did you suddenly come downstairs? Come back to the room with Mama and go to sleep!”

Xixi meowed softly, jumped off the cat tree, and padded toward Du Qingqing.

“I’m going first. You should go back soon too. It’s dangerous for a cat to be alone.”

Li Wan answered dispiritedly.

After they left, the villa’s living room returned to silence.

The little kitten flicked her tail unhappily. After spacing out for a long moment, she finally stood up and shook her fluffy fur.

She admitted Xixi wasn’t entirely wrong.

Her human lacked brain cells to begin with, and no one had taught him what he should or shouldn’t do. That was how his personality had turned out this way.

As a mature little kitten, she should learn to tolerate this clueless two-legger.

No need to fuss with him.

Fine.

Just for the sake of the pretty dress her human made for her, she would reluctantly forgive the foolish two-legger.

Having soothed herself, Li Wan became cheerful again. With light steps, she headed upstairs, ready to coax her ignorant human.

She had sneaked out earlier and planned to climb back through the window, but when she reached the door, she found the lights were off, and the door was left slightly open.

Li Wan froze.

Her two-legger was cautious by nature. He wasn’t someone who forgot to close his door.

So…

He left it open for her?

The kitten’s heart warmed, like a round little sun rising, lighting up the night.

Li Wan squeezed her head through the gap and slipped inside, then kicked the door shut with her hind leg.

The room was pitch black.

Fortunately, her night vision was excellent. Her gaze quickly caught the long, human-shaped figure under the blanket.

Had he already fallen asleep?

Impossible.

Thinking so, yet still instinctively lightening her footsteps, she quietly hopped onto the bed.

And met a pair of dark, peach-blossom eyes blended into the night.

The man’s gaze was indifferent. He grabbed the loose skin on her neck, lifted her, and tossed her onto the floor.

“I’ve told you many times. You shed.
“Don’t get on the bed.”

*Meow~*

Li Wan answered softly. Her heterochromatic eyes darted around. Seeing that the human had nothing else to say, she hopped back onto the bed.

Chi Yan’s expression turned even more openly disdainful.

Thankfully, Li Wan was a magnanimous kitten who didn’t fuss over foolish humans. She simply stared at him quietly, then leaned in to rub against him. *Meow.*

—”Alright, I forgive you already.”

Chi Yan couldn’t understand what she was saying. He placed a finger on her forehead and pushed her away. “Don’t rub against me.”

How cold.

Li Wan licked her nose, pretended not to understand, and rubbed against him again—this time even clingier, her fluffy mangosteen paws kneading at the blanket.

*Meow meow~*

—”Come on, Master Cat has already lowered herself to coax you. Don’t be mad anymore~”

Chi Yan’s expression stayed indifferent.

He wasn’t blind, he could clearly see this cat’s attempts to placate him.

But—

His gaze grew colder. “You don’t need to please me.”

Li Wan’s movements froze. She looked up at him in a daze.

The man didn’t lower his eyes. From her angle, his jawline looked razor-sharp, his bone structure carrying an inherent chill.

“You took out the letters between me and Fu Shilin because you don’t want anyone to be paired with Du Qingqing?”

Li Wan stared blankly, unsure whether to answer. After a long moment, she finally let out a soft, delayed *meow.*

—”Yes.”

Mama Qingqing is very kind. She deserves the lover who loves her most in this world, and the sweetest, most loyal affection.

“So—” the man’s voice sounded again, and before Li Wan realized it, she had already been lifted up by him. “You like Du Qingqing very much.”

You betrayed me for her. And betrayal is the one thing he cannot tolerate.

Of course, that last sentence was something Chi Yan would never say out loud. With his personality, he would never willingly show weakness in front of anyone.

Li Wan met those dark peach blossom eyes.

They looked as if ink had been poured into them, blending with the darkness of the night, yet they weren’t frightening. Instead…

She felt he looked a little pitiful.

As if the man had been walking alone in the cold, desolate night for a long time, his whole being eroded by silence and darkness.

For some reason, Li Wan suddenly felt sad.

Chi Yan said, “After finishing this show, I’ll send you back to the program team. They’ll find you a new adopter.

“Du Qingqing likes you too. Maybe you can go with her.”

Hm?

~(=^‥^)ノ！！！

Li Wan finally processed what he meant, froze for a second, then suddenly clung tightly to his hand. *Meow meow meow!!*

—”No! No! No!!”

She used both paws and feet to climb up his pajama sleeve onto his shoulder, rubbing her fluffy head against his cheek. *Meow!*

—“Not Mama Qingqing, I want you, you idiot!!”

She liked Du Qingqing, and didn’t want Du Qingqing’s love to be manipulated, that was one thing. But on the other hand, Du Qingqing was the heroine of this world!!

Anyone who treated Du Qingqing badly would meet a bad end, let alone Chi Yan, who was a villain!!

The man’s gaze grew deeper and darker as it quietly landed on the panic-stricken little kitten.

He didn’t understand why.

She clearly liked Du Qingqing. Compared to him—unliked by small animals, cold and tough underneath his façade—Du Qingqing should be a much better owner.

Today she even took risks for Du Qingqing, disregarding his will. Wasn’t that proof she valued Du Qingqing more than him?

Then why—

Why was she acting like she couldn’t leave him?

They hadn’t known each other long. Just a few days. Even for a creature with a short lifespan like a kitten, it should be an easily forgotten, insignificant part of her past.

Why was she so clingy?

As if… as if someone was choosing him so firmly.

For some reason, at that moment, something hot seemed to scorch the tip of Chi Yan’s heart.

The firm determination he’d had earlier to send the kitten away suddenly weakened.

But his expression stayed cold and hard.

He needed this cat to understand, what happened today must never happen again.

If she belonged to him, then her heart and body must be absolutely loyal to him.

After a while, Li Wan sensed her attempts at affection were working. Chi Yan finally reacted. “You don’t want to go?”

You finally get it!!

The kitten’s eyes lit up. She bounced back onto the bed, tilted her head up and stared at him obediently, nodding. *Meow meow!*

—”Exactly!!”

Mama Qingqing was wonderful, but her own two-legger was amazing too!!

He even made her pretty little dresses!!

The man seemed to ponder for a moment before reluctantly saying, “Alright.

“But what happened today, I don’t want it happening again.”

Li Wan hesitated. *Meow meow.*

But she couldn’t just watch her dumb two-legger do bad things!

Chi Yan seemed to understand. “You’re asking me not to deliberately approach Du Qingqing either?”

*Meow meow!*

—”Yes, yes!”

The kitten nodded repeatedly.

Chi Yan paused. Under her gaze, he finally nodded too. “Fine. I’ll promise you.”

He actually didn’t want to promise.

Using Du Qingqing to make Fu Shirlin lose his composure was easy and effective. Every time Fu Shirlin broke down, Chi Yan acted calm. But only he knew how satisfying it felt, like jumping off a ten-story building in exhilaration.

No one ever taught him morality. He didn’t have such a useless thing. He only knew it felt good.

Fu Shirlin owed him that.

But this was the kitten’s plea…

Everyone knew the saying about hitting someone with a stick then giving them a sweet date.

So he agreed, for now.

Great!!

She knew her owner wasn’t a bad person!

The kitten immediately brightened, rubbing against him again as a purring rumble came from her throat.

See? Everything can be solved if you just communicate properly!

Chi Yan said softly, “Go to sleep.”

This time, he didn’t make Li Wan get off his bed. The kitten successfully claimed one corner of the human’s bed, and feeling a bit cold, she wrapped herself in his blanket and rolled around.

*Meow meow!*

—”Goodnight!”

Her head wasn’t even the size of a palm, and she didn’t have many brain cells, so she fell asleep in no time.

She didn’t know that the whole night, until midnight, the man’s gaze had been fixed on her.

This cat really was very much like a human. Every movement, every action, as if she were a person transformed.

Chi Yan thought quietly.

If only she were human. The little kitten was so small, so simple-minded; she believed whatever he told her.

If she stayed by his side, then he wouldn’t be alone anymore.

But that thought only surfaced for a moment before he quickly pushed it down.

The man’s eyes grew cold again.

Forget it.

It’s better if she doesn’t become human.

Cats are good—tiny brains, easy to fool with a few words, and then they’d be loyal to him with their whole heart.

---

The first episode of <A Family of Furry Friends> was only filmed for one week, and next week the guests would all return to their own schedules.

So on Sunday night, everyone held a small party.

Everyone there worked in the entertainment industry, so each person had at least one talent they could perform.

Du Qingqing sang a song, and the whole room cheered. When she finished and prepared to step off the stage, Fu Shilin went up holding a bouquet, intending to give it to her, but she rejected it.

Next was Zhou Jia. Since he originally debuted as a singing-and-dancing idol, the atmosphere heated up again after his performance.

After that came Fu Shilin. After being rejected with the flowers, he played the cello, but the whole time he looked deeply at Du Qingqing.

Unfortunately, the gentleman was affectionate but the lady was indifferent. Du Qingqing didn’t spare him even a glance.

【Wuwuwuwu I’m dying, A’Lin really likes Qingqing so much】

【…If he really likes her, could he maybe stop bothering her all the time?】

The second-to-last performer was Li Xiaoyun. She did a comedic skit, saying she had just learned it, and Dahuang cooperated beside her. The two of them had everyone laughing.

Finally, it was Chi Yan.

When he walked up, Fu Shilin clicked his tongue, not even avoiding the camera, and said, “If you don’t have anything worth showing, get off early. Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

---

As soon as those words came out, everyone’s expressions became especially colorful.

Li Xiaoyun and Zhou Jia exchanged a glance, Du Qingqing held Xixi in her arms and frowned slightly, instinctively turning toward Chi Yan.

His expression was normal, his smile warm as ever. Only Fu Shilin looked particularly awful.

【Hahahahahahaha I’m dying, serves Fu Shilin right for being so arrogant. Instant karma!】

【Aaaaaaaa I can’t take it anymore, why is the director spoiling that stinky cat so much!!】

【What’s the difference between that stinky cat and a human brat?!!】

【Exactly, if not for that stupid cat, our A’Lin wouldn’t be this upset!!】

【Hahahahaha I’m so happy, thank you Wanwan, you’re the cutest kitten in the world!!!】

【Guys, is it just me or did you notice, Qingqing immediately turned to look at Brother Chi when she heard the grouping!!】

【Does she know Brother Chi wrote her name in the envelope too? Ahhh I’m shipping it!!】

But no matter what the guests thought inside, the results had already been announced. They could only accept them.

Soon, everyone began heading to their designated locations with their pets.

Fu Shilin was so angry his fists tightened. Coming from a wealthy family, his stepmother had always treated him with extreme respect. You could say he’d never suffered this kind of humiliation since the day he was born!

He was almost certain that mongrel Chi Yan must have done something to ruin his plans.

But he had no evidence. Even if he wanted to cause trouble for Chi Yan, he couldn’t.

All he could do was yank Qiu Tian toward the car in frustration. His grip was so hard that Qiu Tian felt uncomfortable, let out two low whines, and refused to move.

This only made Fu Shilin angrier. Ignoring the camera, he suddenly kicked Qiu Tian.

“What is your problem?!
“It’s not like I haven’t fed you! If you hate being with me so much, then go follow someone else! See if anyone would want you!!
“An animal is just an animal!!”

The cameraman behind him didn’t expect this at all. His face went pale as he hurriedly cut the livestream. “Teacher Fu, you—!!”

Fu Shilin snorted coldly. “What, me?! Watch your mouth. Know what you should and shouldn’t say. If I hear anything gets out that shouldn’t, don’t even think about keeping your job!!”

The cameraman and staff were furious but didn’t dare speak.

Seeing them shrink back, Fu Shilin regained some sense of superiority and sneered, “Was the livestream cut just now?!”

“It was.”

The cameraman and staff exchanged a look, took a deep breath, and lowered their heads, swallowing their anger given his background.

But after a moment, the cameraman still couldn’t help saying, “Teacher Fu, please be more mindful of your behavior. We’re still live.”

Of course Fu Shilin knew that, but he would never show weakness in front of them.

“Do I need you to remind me?
“If I could watch myself at all times, I wouldn’t need a cameraman. What are you even here for?!”

As he spoke, he gave them a lofty, superior look.

The cameraman and staff could only endure him, though their eyes nearly rolled out of their heads the moment he turned away.

They really didn’t understand how someone like him even became popular. Were his fans blind?!

【Weird… did anyone else’s livestream just lag?】

【Oh right, mine lagged too—I thought it was my internet.】

【If everyone lagged then it’s not our problem, must be the show’s equipment.】

【Wait—none of the other guests’ livestreams lagged, only A’Lin’s!! They’re targeting him!!】

【I’m dying, ‘lag,’ sure… nice excuse for your idol】

【Obviously Fu Shilin did something they couldn’t broadcast, so the cameraman had to cut the feed】

【Shh upstairs, let his fans keep deluding themselves】

【Sometimes I really wanna tell them—Fu Shilin fans, eat something decent】

【You’re starving if you can swallow anything. Can’t watch, shaking my head.jpg】

Meanwhile—

The kitten was feeling guilty. After getting in the car, she sat obediently beside Chi Yan.

She thought the matter had blown over, but unexpectedly, the man’s pale, slender fingers casually brushed the fur at the back of her neck. In a low voice, he asked, “What did you do?”

He wasn’t stupid.

He had clearly handed in his envelope, yet when the director announced the results, his name wasn’t called. And thinking back, the cat had also conveniently disappeared during that time.

Others might think it was coincidence, that the cat wasn’t that smart or human-like.

But Chi Yan had already figured her out. She was that smart.

Uh oh.

Li Wan froze.

Wait, wasn’t her two-legger supposed to not have a phone? How did he know what she’d done?!

Following the principle of ‘if I don’t admit it, it has nothing to do with me,’ she let out a soft *meow,* and sweetly pressed her furry little head into his palm.

—”Not the kitty’s fault, meow~”

But in the next instant, the man’s hand mercilessly moved away, clearly rejecting her attempt to get close.

Li Wan lifted her head and looked over at the two-legger, only to see that the man’s dark peach-blossom eyes had turned cold.

The little cat froze.

Her two-legger… seemed angry…

Ah.

Li Wan furrowed her delicate kitty brows and slowly tried to rub her soft, fluffy body against him to bribe her butler.

But the man still didn’t react.

Their relationship, in the blink of an eye, seemed to have returned to how it was when they first met.

Even when getting out of the car, Chi Yan didn’t reach out to hold her; he had the staff lift her down instead.

【Eh? He’s sulking now】

【Why are they having a cold war?】

【Mind your wording upstairs, it’s not a cold war. It’s Brother Chi, this capricious two-legger, being mad at our Wanwan all by himself】

【Exactly! Our Wanwan is trying to make peace, but this man won’t even give her a step down!!】

【He’s not giving our little kitty any face!!】

【Hahahahaha, this was supposed to be a serious, discussable issue, but now they just look like two little kids】

【They ARE! I’m a Chi Yan fan, but I must speak up—he’s being way too petty!!】

【What did the kitten do wrong! She was just a little playful!!】

Chi Yan truly was a little angry.

Li Wan tried rubbing herself against him several more times, even pawing at him with her soft, fluffy mangosteen-like paws.

But the man remained cold and distant, shifting away as if he didn’t even want to look at her.

No way…

Li Wan frowned her tiny brows.

She did mess up his plan, BUT!

The two-legger didn’t even like Mama Qingqing in the first place! If he still went to flirt with her, wouldn’t that be scummy behavior?!

And yet he was angry.

What a petty man!

He was clearly the one in the wrong!

But honestly, even when this stupid two-legger was angry, he was still handsome.

Those peach-blossom eyes were indifferent, and the gentle, jade-like aura he usually wore faded a little, making his features look even sharper.

Handsome, but petty.

Li Wan decided—she would be angry too!

She flicked her ears and turned her back to him, looking cold and aloof. The tip of her soft, fluffy tail swayed slightly.

Even her back looked round and puffed up with anger, like a little soft, fragrant bread that had risen too much.

【Hahahahaha, as expected of our kitty, even her anger is adorable!】

【Aaaaaaa!! Brother Chi, you’re really ungrateful, our kitty already tried to reconcile!!】

【Fine fine fine, just wait until later when YOU have to coax the kitten back】

【Someone brought this upon himself, humph】

【Hahahahaha am I the only one who thinks Brother Chi being sulky with the cat is adorable?!】

【Chi Yan, I knew I judged you right👍】

The human and the cat sat in silence all the way back to the program villa.

When they got out of the car, Li Xiaoyun and Zhou Jia were already back, and Yueya and Dahuang had been washed clean.

Chi Yan was still ice-cold, obviously unwilling to pay attention to the little cat. The staff exchanged glances, trying hard not to laugh.

They never expected the elegant Movie Emperor, who looked like a refined ancient gentleman, to have such childish moments.

Sulk­ing with a cat, no less.

As they thought this, they approached to pick Li Wan up.

But the little cat shook her head and refused.

Hmph!

She would show a certain petty, hairless, tail-less two-legger that she could live just fine without the stupid human!!

She pushed the staff’s hand away with her soft little paw and jumped down.

But unexpectedly, Dahuang had already been eyeing her!

*Woof woof woof woof!*

—”Pretty kitty pretty kitty!! Kiss kiss kiss kiss!!!”

Da Huang charged toward her wagging his tail like a propeller. The moment the little cat met his gaze, she knew exactly what he wanted, and instantly remembered having her head licked wet last time!!

*Meow meow meow meow meow!!*

Li Wan’s pupils shrank, and she instinctively looked around for a place to hide, but there was nothing nearby—

She shut her eyes in resignation.

Damn it, this cat had just taken a bath!!

But in the next second, her body suddenly lifted off the ground. Someone picked her up.

The little cat froze.

Li Wan blinked her wet, mismatched eyes and looked up, meeting the cold peach-blossom eyes of her own butler.

But cold or not, he still picked her up in time.

---

From now on… it wasn’t suitable to show the livestream audience.

The little cat was agile, fast, and never took the usual path. The cameraman behind her couldn’t keep up at all and lost her in no time.

【Guys, the cameraman really needs more training】

【…hahahahahahaha, bet the cameraman never imagined he’d experience something like this in his life lmao】

【Ugh nooo, if he loses her we won’t get to see my precious kitty anymore】

【!! No no, everyone go to the director’s stream! The kitty is there!!】

Seeing this comment, many viewers shifted their attention to the director’s room livestream.

Right now, the director was still looking at the envelopes the guests had sent him, joking with the assistant director, “What can I say? This isn’t me playing favorites. It was Wanwan who came and took Teacher Chi’s envelope back.

“So that basically means Teacher Chi didn’t send one at all.”

The assistant director gave him a thumbs up. “As expected of Director.”

The director laughed. “Hahahahaha, I wonder what kind of face Teacher Chi will make once he finds out.”

【… Director is so mean. I love him.】

【Brother Chi’s expression is going to be amazing】

【To be honest, I never cared about Brother Chi before. I always felt like he was too pretentious, like he was above earthly things. But now…】

【Hahahahahaha, Brother Chi suddenly feels so much more relatable】

【He really isn’t as distant as before, sob sob sob. Let’s all thank Wanwan the kitty!!】

【Thank you kitty, amen!】

Just as they were talking, the director—who had been staring at the camera—suddenly showed a subtle change in expression, then revealed a rather strange smile.

The assistant director noticed, leaned closer, and raised a brow, “Is that…?”

The director shot him a look, signaling him not to speak.

The assistant director understood immediately and nodded.

Inside the camera view, the fluffy white tips of the kitten’s little ears rose slowly from under the table, followed by a pair of round heterochromatic eyes.

The cat seemed completely unaware that her sneaky movement had already been caught on camera. She cautiously observed the two directors for a while, and after confirming that they didn’t notice her, she let out a sigh of relief.

【HAHAHAHAHAHAH I’M DYING—stupid kitty, why are you acting like a thief?!】

【Dumb kitty dumb kitty, you’ve already been caught on camera!】

【Wait, didn’t Wanwan already take Brother Chi’s envelope? Why is she back??】

【And looking so suspicious again】

【Ha, don’t you know pets resemble their owners? If someone can’t show their face, of course their pet can’t either.】

【Isn’t it obvious? She’s here to steal things!!】

As soon as this comment appeared, many viewers started condemning Li Wan’s behavior, especially Fu Shilin’s fans.

Hmph! They hadn’t forgotten that if the cat hadn’t run upstairs with the cameraman last time, their dear A’Lin wouldn’t have been captured on camera at all!

If a person had done this, their outrage might’ve made a little sense to outsiders, but—

This is a freaking cat!!

What does a cat even understand?!

【Sometimes I really wonder if some of that idol’s fans secretly have the urge to abuse cats.】

【Guys, am I the only one who remembers? When Fu Shilin’s dog-abuse incident was exposed, his fans were still defending him, saying ‘so what, it’s just a dog.’】

【Honestly, Fu Shilin’s fans did say one thing correctly: like idol, like fans.】

【Their idol is an animal abuser, so of course the fans also hate cats and dogs. Makes sense to me.】

【So disgusting. If you hate animals so much, why are you watching a cute-pet variety show?】

【Clicked out immediately. Gross.】

【HAHAHAHA I CAN’T—don’t you get it? Their idol is too irrelevant now, so the only way to get attention is to leech off others.】

【And ride on others’ popularity.】

【Guys please, can’t we ask Fu Shilin to stop clout-chasing our Qingqing?】

【Seriously, if they don’t have mirrors at home, do they at least have a puddle to look at their reflection?】

【Actually no—guys, be understanding. Their reflection is matte.】

This drama grew hotter and hotter, and even passersby joined in. Fu Shilin had only just started rebuilding his reputation, but it began plummeting again.

The big fans in his group were so stressed their hair was about to fall out. They hurriedly guided the less crazed fans to clarify everywhere.

【What? Those weren’t our A’Lin’s fans saying that!】

【A’Lin loves small animals. Of course we love them too. How could we possibly cyberbully a little kitty?】

【Yes yes, A’Lin’s favorite on this show is Wanwan! She’s so cute, who wouldn’t like her?】

【“Like idol like fans”? That’s nonsense. The person attacking the cat wasn’t one of our fans at all.】

【Isn’t it obvious that was a hater pretending to be us? Haters are so disgusting nowadays.】

【Exactly, exactly.】

These comments spread widely, and quite a lot of people believed them. Logically, the Fu Shilin fan who said that in the first place only needed to come out and clarify that he was actually an anti-fan—or simply stay silent—and the whole matter could have been cleanly separated from Fu Shilin.

But for some reason, that fan was stubbornly insistent that she was truly Fu Shilin’s fan, and even posted a screenshot of her daily check-in in Fu Shilin’s super-topic on Weibo.

Good grief. One look at that, and people saw her fan level wasn’t low either. It instantly became solid evidence.

Because of her, Fu Shilin was immediately nailed to the ‘pillar of shame’ by variety show fans.

Fu Shilin had always been haughty in the entertainment industry, looking down at others as if from his nostrils. Plenty of people disliked him, but no one dared say it to his face because of his family background.

But now that he’d finally gotten into trouble, fans of many entertainers in the industry started joining the fray.

For a while, Fu Shilin’s super-topic was as chaotic as a world war—anyone passing by with Fu Shilin’s name on them, even a dog, would be cursed at a few times.

But Li Wan didn’t know any of this.

The little kitty quietly tugged Fu Shilin’s letter away and tossed it into the trash, following the same procedure she used for Chi Yan’s letter—after throwing it in, she even pressed it down with her paw.

【Wuwuwu, Wanwan is so smart!】

【Quick, take a screenshot, it’s another cat-meme material!】

【Is no one concerned whose envelope she took this time?】

【I don’t know whose it is. I only know that after stepping on that trash can with her paws, those paws are going back to step on Brother Chi’s bed.】

【…You upstairs, you’re too outrageous hahahahaha】

【Oh no, poor Brother Chi. Don’t forget he has OCD!!!】

The cameraman was waiting right beside the trash can. When he saw her coming out with an envelope in her mouth, his heart nearly jumped out of his chest.

This ancestor! It was one thing if she took Chi Yan’s, but if she took another guest’s—

But he quickly calmed down. If the envelope was originally with the director and assistant director, and the kitty managed to take it out, that must mean the two directors allowed it.

Then it was fine.

Before leaving with the kitty, he was still cautious enough to point the camera into the trash can.

On the envelope were three clear characters : Fu Shilin.

Fu Shilin’s fans were instantly devastated.

【As expected, a thief!! She actually stole A’Lin’s envelope!!!】

【What do you mean “stole”? Don’t make it sound so ugly. The director saw everything. If the kitty could take it out, that means the directors agreed.】

【Hahahahahahahaha】

【I’m so happy, my mom asked why I was rolling around on my bed—because the kitty fulfilled my wish!!】

【Even with our toes we can guess Fu Shilin must’ve written our Qingqing’s name inside. Thank you kitty!】

【Thank you kitty for saving our Qingqing from wasting time dealing with a stinky man!!】

【Guys, I have a thought.】

【Wanwan is so smart. If she were simply interested in envelopes, she wouldn’t only take Brother Chi’s and Fu Shilin’s.】

【Could it be she just doesn’t want Qingqing to go with another man?】

【Kitty: Stinky men, go away! Mama Qingqing is mine!!】

【Everyone, this suddenly became very shippable.】

After finishing her mischief, Li Wan calmly returned to her room.

Her owner didn’t know anything that had happened. Seeing her return, he opened a can of cat food for her, then patted her little cat head.

“Eat.
“You can’t even behave when eating. Running everywhere.”

“…” Stop patting! The kitty’s hairstyle will get messed up!!

Li Wan flicked her tail impatiently, but remembering that she’d just done something bad, she at least let out a soft *meow,* choosing to endure.

After finishing her food, it was almost time.

Everyone returned to the living room to wait for the director to announce their teammates.

Fu Shilin glanced at Chi Yan with visible pride, curling his lips into a mocking smirk.

Ha. He knew Chi Yan would definitely write Du Qingqing’s name just to annoy him.

But this time Movie Emperor Chi would be disappointed. He had already bribed the staff to throw away Chi Yan’s envelope.

That way, Du Qingqing would have only him to choose. They were sure to be paired together.

By then, in everyone’s eyes, Chi Yan would be a pathetic simp who ended up with nothing.

The more Fu Shilin thought about it, the more delighted he became. He even deliberately provoked in front of the camera:

“Teacher Chi.
“Who do you think your teammate will be?”

Chi Yan didn’t need to look at him to know nothing good was going on in his head, but his expression remained perfectly calm. “Not sure. We’ll go with whatever the production team arranges.”

【I genuinely don’t know where his confidence comes from, guys. My eyes are burning!!】

【Why did Fu Shilin intentionally ask Chi Yan? Is it because he knows Chi Yan also wrote Du Qingqing’s name? But how can he be sure Du Qingqing will choose him?】

【Is that even a question? I’ve said it before, our A’Lin and Qingqing are totally into each other.】

【Don’t disgust Du Qingqing. Go disgust someone else. You can even say your A’Lin likes Chi Yan instead!!!】

【…uh, upstairs, please don’t】

【To be honest, I have a guess. It’s not very nice, but it really fits Fu Shilin’s personality.】

【…I also have one】

【Guys spill it】

【No no, I can’t afford to provoke a certain top idol’s fans】

The director was very satisfied with everyone’s reactions. He cleared his throat and finally announced with a smile, “Based on everyone’s preferences, we’ve completed the group assignments.”

“Li Xiaoyun and Zhou Jia will be together. The rest of the guests will act alone!!”

---

Two days later, Qiu Tian was finally sent back by the production team.

Fu Shilin looked extremely guilty. His eyes instantly reddened, and he frowned as if he didn’t want to show this side of himself in front of the cameras.

【Look at A’Lin like this!! Who still dares to say he doesn’t like Qiu Tian!!】

【I’ve said it already, A’Lin was innocent in the shock-collar incident! Why do people keep dragging it out, ughhh it hurts my heart!!!】

“Qiu Tian.”

He reached out to pet the dog’s head—but in the next second, the dog simply took a step back with a completely blank expression.

“……”

Right in front of everyone, his expression twisted for a moment.

This stupid dog!

If not for all these people watching, he would’ve kicked this ungrateful mutt already!

【Hahahahahahaha! Look look look! Talk about instant karma!】

【Animals can feel human emotions the most. If Fu Shilin really liked Qiu Tian, would Qiu Tian be this cold to him?!】

【Shhh, upstairs don’t say that】

【You’re disturbing a certain someone’s fans in their self-delusion】

【Hahahahahahahaha don’t expose them like that!】

Before breakfast, the director announced the day’s task: “All pet owners know that taking your little babies to the pet shop for a bath can be a huge headache!

“To help everyone get used to living with your pets sooner, today’s task is—take your babies out for a bath!!”

Everyone looked at each other. This task actually sounded pretty easy.

Li Xiaoyun gave a thumbs-up. “The director finally has a conscience.”

Zhou Jia nodded and held Moon tightly. “I’ve taken Yueya out for baths before. It’s pretty simple.”

But the director narrowed his eyes and smiled like a fox. “Buuut! To add a bit of fun, you may freely choose your teammates!

“During breakfast, just write the teammate you want on a slip of paper and hand it to me. I’ll assign groups based on your choices!

“Of course, Teachers can choose to act alone too.”

Du Qingqing avoided the gaze Fu Shilin shot at her and raised her hand. “Director, what if several people choose the same teammate?”

The director had been waiting for that question. He snapped his fingers immediately, his whole face wrinkled up from smiling. “Then of course we respect the guests’ wishes.

“If multiple Teachers choose the same person, we’ll notify that lucky one and let them choose.

“Alright!” He clapped his hands. “Everyone can return to your rooms. Come down to the living room at nine, and I’ll announce today’s groupings!”

The guests exchanged looks again and went upstairs with their own thoughts.

This arrangement was clearly designed to stir up drama.

Makes sense, since only drama creates buzz.

Fu Shilin kept staring at Du Qingqing, who was holding Xixi. When he heard the task, his eyes lit up instantly.

This was obviously a setup to give him private time with Du Qingqing.

Chi Yan’s gaze slid over him without expression, a hint of a cold smile flashing in his eyes.

【OMG OMG OMG the production team really knows how to PLAY! Isn’t this just giving everyone a chance to ship their CP?!!】

【I’m losing it guys, I really want to see my CP on screen together!!!】

【This director must have shot dating shows before. This is literally the same routine.】

【I don’t care I don’t care, give us A’Lin & Qingqing together!!!】

【LMAO Qingqing might not even choose that someone, please 😂】

【Let the Parents CP be together please I’m begging you】

【Uh… who are Parents??】

【Chi Yan and Du Qingqing of course. One’s the dad, one’s the mom, it fits perfectly】

Li Wan had no idea what the livestream chat was saying, but she did personally watch her scheming butler write Du Qingqing’s name on the card and put it in the envelope.

Uh oh.

If Chi Yan and that guy Fu Shilin both wrote Du Qingqing’s name, then with Du Qingqing’s current level of disgust toward Fu Shilin, she’d definitely choose Chi Yan.

Wouldn’t that end up giving her two-legger and Mama Qingqing alone time?

Absolutely not!!

The little kitten’s whole face scrunched up.

Xixi was right, her two-legger didn’t actually like Mama Qingqing. If Mama Qingqing got fooled by his act, that would be totally unfair to Mama Qingqing!

So, after watching her butler hand the envelope to the director, she quietly slipped out the door.

She went to the director’s room and politely knocked.

The cameraman who’d been filming her the whole time raised his eyebrows in surprise.

This cat was truly smart, she even knew how to knock on doors.

【OMG OMG OMG I just saw a cat knock on a door!! What is happening!!!】

【Wanwan is so smart she even understands human social etiquette!!】

【She’s really not like other cats!!】

【I showed this to my cat. He says it’s all acting and told me not to believe it!!】

【Guys I beat my cat upside down eight hundred times and he STILL won’t admit he’s as smart as Wanwan, what do I do?!】

The director opened the door and froze for a moment when he saw the long-haired kitten sitting properly at the entrance. He hesitated for a while before speaking: “You… came to find me?”

The kitten calmly nodded.

Director: “……”

He must’ve gotten up too fast¹, he thought he was about to see a cat talk.

Honestly, it looked a bit supernatural like this, but unfortunately, the kitten in front of him was snowy white, fluffy, and when she sat upright, she looked exactly like a little furball.

Too cute. So cute that he couldn’t even feel scared.

All he felt was overwhelming cuteness and the urge to pet.

The thought appeared, and the director hesitated for a moment before he failed to resist the urge and committed the crime of petting—rubbing her little head twice.

Then he realized this was in front of the camera. He should be restraining himself. Awkwardly, he pulled his hand back.

“Does Wanwan need something?”

Of course she did.

The kitten padded into the room, accurately leapt onto the desk, and meowed twice, *Meow meow!*

She pointed her white mangosteen-like little paw toward the envelope her butler had brought over.

The director blinked. After a moment, he seemed to barely piece together what she meant. With difficulty, he said, “You… want to take this back?”

*Meow!*

Finally, someone who could be taught.

The kitten nodded and even leaned forward to rub against his hand.

*Meow-aow!*

—”Give it to me give it to me!”

Director: “……!!!”

His heart was melting!!

At that moment, no matter what the kitten wanted—give it!! Everything must be given!!

The assistant director poked his head over. “She wants the envelope? But Teacher Chi just brought this over…”

【No way no way, the kitten is sneaking in to take the envelope. Seems like Brother Chi doesn’t know.】

【HAHAHAHAHA Wanwan with the perfect backstab!!】

【Where are the people who said Chi Yan treats the kitten well? If he really treated her well, why would she do this behind his back~】

【Stop using your disgusting brain to judge our precious kitty!】

The director put on a mysterious expression and shook his head, personally handing the envelope to Li Wan so she could grab it in her mouth and walk out.

Li Wan nodded at him, flicked her tail to express her thanks, and padded out the door.

The assistant director was dumbfounded, but the director just waved his finger. “You don’t get it~”

He could still tell the difference between a dating show and a cute-pet variety show.

For them, the traffic brought in by the kitten coming to retrieve the envelope herself was way more than any flirting between guests.

The assistant director thought for a moment, suddenly understood, and patted the director’s shoulder. “As expected of you!”

After Li Wan left the room, she walked straight to the trash can by the door and tossed the envelope inside. To avoid being discovered, she even pressed the trash down with her little paw.

She was already tiny, and doing this made her look like a child.

The cameraman watching beside her had a full doting smile on his face. He practically wanted to scoop her up and squeeze her into a hug!

Kittens this cute are at risk of being kissed bald by adults!!

Li Wan noticed his gaze, paused, and walked over to place her fluffy tail lightly across the cameraman’s wrist.

*Meow-woo meow-woo.*

—”Be quiet. Don’t tell the two-legger about this.”

Cameraman : “!!!”

His heart was melting!! He almost fell over right there and smothered the kitten with kisses!!!

But soon, in a dizzy flash, he realized something and looked at the kitten in surprise. “You’re trying to tell me something?”

Was the kitten really this smart? She understood humans?!

Li Wan tilted her head, trying hard to figure out how to make him understand. She pointed at the trash can. *Meow meow!*

The cameraman looked confused. “You want me to throw trash? I don’t have any trash to throw?”

Li Wan : “……”

—AAAAAAA YOU FOOLISH HUMAN!!

【HAHAHAHAHAHA I CAN’T STOP LAUGHING!!】

【Cameraman what are you doing, you’re making the little kitty so anxious she’s about to start speaking human!!】

Li Wan gestured several more times, practically working up a sweat before the cameraman finally understood. “You want me to not tell Teacher Chi?”

The kitten immediately nodded rapidly. *Meow meow!!*

—”Yes yes!!”

The cameraman wiped his forehead. “Okay.”

He felt like the kitten was judging his intelligence…

Thinking about it, he decided to regain some dignity. “Wanwan brought Teacher Chi’s envelope back. Is it because you don’t want Teacher Chi to be with someone else?

“But there might be other people who wrote his name too.”

If so, Chi Yan could still pair with someone.

As soon as he said that, the kitten visibly stiffened.

Damn damn damn! She forgot!!

Chi Yan wrote Du Qingqing’s name, and Fu Shilin must have written her name too. If Chi Yan were there, Mama Qingqing could pick one of them.

But without Chi Yan, Mama Qingqing would have to be paired with that bad guy Fu Shilin!!

No no no!!

Absolutely not!!!

The kitten’s eyes immediately became determined.

She had to go back again, and steal Fu Shilin’s envelope this time!!!

---

1. The raw is 起猛了 (qǐ měng le) literally means “got up too fiercely/quickly”. It’s a slang used to humorously suggest the speaker is disoriented or hallucinating, hence seeing something unbelievable. ↩︎

---

Fu Shilin’s fists clenched tight.

That guy, Chi Yan, was cozying up to Du Qingqing right in front of him on purpose, just to disgust him!!

His expression darkened, eyes almost bulging as he glared at the two people getting closer and closer.

Damn it!!

Li Wan sensed the commotion on their side. She hopped onto the table and paced over, deliberately blocking Fu Shilin’s line of sight and sat down with her back to him.

Hmph, she was going to annoy this bad guy on purpose!

But honestly, Mama Qingqing was so gentle and beautiful, and her own human was all dressed up. Those two actually looked quite good together.

Wuwuwuwu.

The little kitten tilted her head, secretly shipping the two of them in her heart, then began plotting how to bring them even closer.

When her gaze landed on the various items on the table, a shiny little light bulb seemed to pop up over her head.

Heheh.

Got it!

She slowly crept over and deliberately swiped a paw at the spool of thread on the table.

The cylindrical spool toppled just as planned and rolled toward the edge of the tabletop with a clatter.

Gotta admit, that was pretty fun.

The little kitten pretended to lick her paw nonchalantly, but her attention was glued to the thread spool.

It’s about to fall! Woohoo!!

【Hahahahahaha, what a mischievous little kitty】

【Kitty’s so naughty, Auntie’s going to kiss you bald, muah muah muah muah muah】

【I really don’t get why you all like this cat so much, she’s so annoying】

【That’s just how cats are. If a kitten isn’t mischievous, is it even a kitten?】

【And you upstairs, look at our precious Wanwan right now, how can you say the word ‘annoying,’ wuwuwuwu】

【…Fine, she is adorable】

At that moment, Chi Yan and Du Qingqing, who were discussing details of the design sketch, also noticed the noise and both reached out to catch the spool.

Just then—

Their fingers brushed against each other.

【Wuwuwuwuwu!!! They touched!!! Mama, my ship is real!!】

【I’m shipping a real couple here!! So sweet, so sweet, so sweet!!!】

【…You people really have wild imaginations】

【Wuwuwu, poor A’Lin, how can Du Qingqing be such a flirt】

【LOL, Du Qingqing hasn’t even said a single word showing she likes Fu Shilin】

【Everyone knows Fu Shilin is just the clown!!】

Chi Yan and Du Qingqing both froze.

They withdrew their hands; instead of any romantic spark, there was only a touch of awkwardness as they set the spool back on the table.

Du Qingqing studied the design sketch again. “Thank you, Teacher Chi. I think I can almost draw it now.”

Chi Yan gave a slight nod. “No need to thank me.”

Somehow it didn’t feel like a drama scene full of pink bubbles of romance at all—it had turned stiff and polite instead.

Li Wan didn’t get it and flicked her ears.

The next second, the fur on the back of her neck tightened and the little kitten’s body was lifted into the air. She found herself staring into a pair of peach-blossom eyes with a half-smile. “Naughty.”

Li Wan: “……”

*Meow meow!*

—”I didn’t do anything!”

But the hateful two-legger was merciless, ignoring her protest and setting her down on the lawn.

So mean.

Li Wan flicked her tail and looked up, only to meet Xixi’s probing gaze.

Awk…

She trotted over lightly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Xixi withdrew its gaze with a light snort. “Stupid cat.”

The little kitten bristled, sitting down in front of the Maine Coon that was a size bigger than her. To keep her pretty little dress from getting dirty, she even used her tail as a cushion.

She argued loudly, “Why do you call me stupid? Hmph!”

Xixi gave a disdainful snort. “What were you just doing?
“You were trying to create an opportunity for your Papa and my Mama to…□□¹?”

“……”

Hearing the words ‘□□,’ Li Wan’s cat face flushed red. But after rummaging through her mind, she couldn’t think of any other way to put it, so she just lowered her head and muttered softly, “Why say it so bluntly…”

She twitched her ears. “Don’t you think they’re a good match? My…”

Li Wan wasn’t quite used to calling her own human his ‘Papa,’ so she mumbled vaguely, “He’s a really good person, way better than Fu Shilin!

“If they got together, he’d definitely treat you well!! Meow meow meow!!”

Xixi flicked its tail, looking displeased. “I don’t care!??

“Mama doesn’t like that man at all! Whoever she wants to be with, she doesn’t need you making opportunities for her!!”

Li Wan froze, and hurried to explain that in the original novel, Mama Qingqing was tricked by Fu Shilin’s sweet words and ended up with him!

But Xixi seemed to see right through what she was thinking and said scornfully, “You’re worried my Mama will end up with that guy?”

Li Wan blankly nodded. Thinking of what it’d just said, a guilty feeling slowly crept over her. “I…”

Xixi stood up and walked toward Du Qingqing. “She would never like that man!”

Li Wan wanted to argue, but as she opened her mouth and watched its back, she couldn’t say a word.

Well… that’s true.

Mama Qingqing isn’t stupid.

Since she already knows that Fu Shilin treated Qiu Tian badly and that all his previous niceness was just an act, how could she possibly still get together with him?

Then… she wants to play matchmaker for Mama Qingqing and her two-legger…

Li Wan froze again. She slowly turned her head to look at her own butler.

After all, Chi Yan only approached Du Qingqing to provoke Fu Shilin; and when he drew close to Mama Qingqing, he had his own ulterior motives.

It wasn’t because he liked Mama Qingqing. So how could he be considered a good match?

She’d been wrong.

This wasn’t how it should be.

Mama Qingqing is such a wonderful person. She deserves a healthy relationship, a lover whose heart and eyes are filled only with her. And if she prefers to stay single, she can live a perfectly good life on her own.

Just because Li Wan wanted her beloved Mama Qingqing to bring a bit of warmth to her own two-legger, she kept trying to pair them up.

That was way too selfish.

Li Wan suddenly felt very guilty.

The little kitten pressed her lips together and slowly padded over.

Xixi saw her coming, gave an exaggerated “Hmph,” and turned its head away.

“Sorry,” Li Wan whispered.

Xixi didn’t want to pay attention to this stinky cat who already had her own butler yet kept letting its Mama pet her.

“No need to apologize to me. The one you wronged is Mama.”

“I know. I won’t do it again.” Li Wan replied softly. After a pause, she leaned forward and rubbed her soft cheek against Xixi’s.

Among cats, that gesture means friendship.

Xixi’s body went stiff. If the fur on its face hadn’t hidden it, its whole face would have been bright red.

“Fine, fine,” it muttered.
“Don’t snuggle up to me. So clingy.”

Li Wan flicked the tip of her tail, then obediently hopped onto the table, settling beside Mama Qingqing.

Du Qingqing’s design sketch was for a dress too: a fairy-pink color, all made of tulle—sweet and ethereal at a glance.

It just didn’t quite suit the Maine Coon Xixi’s vibe.

When Xixi put it on, it gave off a distinct ‘domineering female CEO’ vibe.

Li Wan took one look and quickly turned away, burying her head in her own butler’s arms, afraid Xixi would catch her laughing.

Li Xiaoyun was different—she burst out on the spot.

“Hahahahahahaha!!
“Sister Qingqing, you’re a genius! How could you put Xixi in such a frilly pink dress!!”

Zhou Jia couldn’t hold back a grin. “Isn’t Xixi a boy cat?”

Even Chi Yan’s lips quirked.

Fu Shilin glanced over. Though he felt it was a bit of an eyesore, this was finally his chance to get closer to Du Qingqing. Forcing himself, he said, “It actually looks pretty good, really suits Xixi.”

Xixi heard every word: “…”

It shot the man an evil glare, rolled its eyes, and turned its back with a sharp flick of its tail.

Du Qingqing couldn’t help laughing either and stroked the cat’s head. “Sorry, Xixi, but a dress was the simplest to make.”

Xixi : “…”

It was thoroughly unwilling, but in the end still leaned over and rubbed against its Mama. “Meow-woo, meow-woo.”

—“Woman, I’ll spoil you this once. Hmph.”

【Wuwuwu, Xixi is really so sweet. It obviously doesn’t like the dress!】

【Xixi’s temper is actually pretty good!】

【Most Maine Coons have great temperaments~】

【Hard to imagine that such a gentle Xixi was once abandoned, even though he’s a purebred!】

【There are really so many irresponsible owners nowadays】

【Everyone should help push for the Animal Protection Law!!】

After this comment, lots of people started looking up the “Animal Protection Law,” and the director watched with a gratified smile.

This, after all, was the biggest purpose of airing the show:

to let more people understand pets, know their needs, feed them scientifically, and reduce the number of stray animals caused by humans.

Fu Shilin was the last to finish.

His design sketch was very complicated, and he didn’t have the skills to complete it himself, so he had to rely on the tailor and Chi Yan for help.

Of course he hated the idea of accepting Chi Yan’s help.

This guy helping him just proved that he wasn’t as capable as Chi Yan!

But there was no choice. With everyone waiting to eat, if he stubbornly refused the help and slowed things down, the internet would roast him alive.

Because his design was so complex, almost nothing he’d made himself was usable. Pretty much everything was finished by Chi Yan and the tailor together.

By the time they were done, night was already falling, but fortunately the crew had prepared plenty of lights so the little animals could be photographed.

Li Wan’s outfit turned out best and looked the most beautiful; during the shoot she posed so well that she naturally stood in the center.

When the photos were done, the guests began taking the clothes off the pets, but Li Wan didn’t want to.

Twice Chi Yan reached out only to have his hand pushed away by a soft pink paw. He paused, a little uncertain.

“You don’t want to take it off? You’re going to keep wearing it?”

Li Wan raised her chin proudly. “Meow-woo, meow-woo!!”

—”Yes!
—”This kitten looks gorgeous in clothes!!”

Everyone laughed at her vanity.

“Wanwan really isn’t like other cats, she loves it!!”

“Hahahaha, how can a kitten be so vain!!”

“Just like a little girl who loves to dress up!!”

Chi Yan’s dark peach-blossom eyes glimmered with helplessness. “Alright then. If you want to wear it, keep it on.”

Li Wan was delighted and went to show off her pretty outfit to the other animals.

Xixi refused to look, turning its head away in exasperation.

The bunny didn’t get it and ignored her.

But the dog Dahuang couldn’t help itself. It rushed over and lavished her head with licks, “Woof woof woof!!”

—“Pretty kitty, kiss kiss kiss kiss!!!“

Li Wan was disgusted but couldn’t break free. In the end, she could only shrink back into her own butler’s arms with a head full of wet fur that smelled like doggy breath.

---

1. It’s like this from the raw ↩︎

---

After lunch, the director announced the afternoon’s task.

“Everyone’s probably seen plenty of videos online of people dressing their pets in cute little outfits, right? Well, this afternoon the guests’ mission is to make a little outfit for their own pets! Then just take a commemorative photo and you’re done!!”

The guests immediately groaned, especially Zhou Jia and Li Xiaoyun.

Zhou Jia: “Why do we have to make clothes too—wahhh!”

Li Xiaoyun: “Exactly! At least I could say I’ve cooked instant noodles before, but making clothes? I’ve never even touched that.”

The director listened to their complaints with a smile, then added, “Of course the production team considered that, so we’ve invited a professional tailor to teach everyone.”

The guests’ eyes lit up—except for Chi Yan, who merely raised an eyebrow.

Li Wan tilted her head up to look at him. The moment he sensed her gaze, he lowered his own and, without the slightest hesitation, ruffled her back with his hand.

“……”

—Hmph!! Bad guy!!

The little kitten puffed up angrily, turning her back to start grooming the fur that the villain had deliberately mussed.

【…Why do they feel like students zoning out in class】

【Hahahahaha—can’t believe someone like Brother Chi can’t keep his hands to himself】

【I don’t blame Chi Yan. Faced with such a cute little kitten, who could resist?】

【I couldn’t! Wuwuwu, Wanwan, come let Auntie give you kisses, mwah mwah mwah!】

【Such an adorable kitten is going to get kissed bald, wuwuwuwu】

The director was pleased with their reactions and waited until everyone had cheered up before adding unhurriedly, “But you can’t just look up tutorials on your phones like you did this morning.

“The little outfits for your babies need to be designed by you yourselves. Our tailor will only teach you how to sew.”

That meant the challenge just got harder.

Li Xiaoyun dragged out a wail: “Ahhh—”

Zhou Jia added, “I’m really all thumbs!! Wuwuwu—Baby Yueya, Papa’s sorry, wuwuwu!”

Du Qingqing thought for a moment and asked, “Is there a time limit for this task? What if we just can’t finish?”

“There is,” the director said with a snap of his fingers. “If any guest fails to finish, then no one gets dinner. Of course, this doesn’t include the little pets.”

“Any other questions?”

Chi Yan paused, then looked up. “Cats aren’t suited to wearing clothes.”

【Wuwuwu, who says Brother Chi doesn’t like animals? He knows cats’ habits inside out!!】

The director was delighted he’d raised that point and gently explained, “That’s fine. We’ve taken that into account. We only require you to put the outfit on the pet long enough for a photo.

“Alright,” he clapped his hands with a bright smile, “let’s get started!”

The production team had prepared everything needed on a long table in the yard. It was an overcast day with a light breeze, perfect weather for some outdoor handicrafts.

The guests all took their seats and began sketching their designs.

Li Wan lay beside her own butler, watching as he sketched a simple little floral dress.

It actually looked pretty nice: a small sundress style with two blue bows where the straps met the bodice, like something a child might wear.

When he finished, Chi Yan held the design up to the little kitten. “Make it like this?”

Li Wan gave a soft *meow,* showing her approval.

But Chi Yan thought a moment, then added a small cross-body pouch shaped like a sunny-side-up egg to the blank space on the page.

Even cuter.

“How about this?”

Li Wan: *Meow meow!*

Her human was amazing!!

To show her praise, the little kitten rubbed her fluffy head against the silly two-legger’s hand.

On the other side, the tailor, seeing that he had finished the design, came over with a look of surprise. “Teacher Chi, have you made clothes before? It seems like you have quite a solid foundation.”

Everyone’s eyes turned toward Chi Yan.

“Right, right,” Li Xiaoyun’s eyes sparkled. “Such a cute little outfit, Wanwan will look absolutely adorable in it!!”

Zhou Jia: “And Teacher Chi is so thoughtful, he even added a cross-body bag. Even cuter!!”

Du Qingqing glanced at her own messy design sheet, fell silent for a moment, and couldn’t help exclaiming, “Brother Chi, are you a professional?!”

【Wow, Brother Chi really is an all-rounder, nothing can stump him】

【Am I the only one wondering why an award-winning actor like Brother Chi can cook and make clothes?】

【Fans, don’t exaggerate, he hasn’t done everything! He just drew a design, the clothes aren’t made yet】

【Heehee, still better than a certain someone. Look, he’s already wasted several sheets of paper and still can’t draw a thing】

【And he call himself a rich second generation? Never even learned to draw?】

【To be honest, Chi Yan always looks like someone untouched by worldly concerns. I never thought he’d be good at so many things. Total boyfriend material!】

Only Fu Shilin’s eyes had a fleeting hint of mockery.

Others might not know, but he knew perfectly well why Chi Yan seemed capable of everything: from childhood he hadn’t even had money to buy clothes. Most of what he wore were pieces he’d scavenged and altered from what others threw away.

Ha.

A beggar like that, daring to compete with him?

Daring to steal Du Qingqing away from him?

Even Chi Yan’s own mother had abandoned him—what right did he have to take Du Qingqing?

Fu Shilin’s face grew darker and darker. When his gaze caught the ever-present camera, his expression eased a little.

---

Once the sewing teacher gave her approval, Chi Yan began making the tiny outfit.
The production team had provided a small sewing machine, so the work went quickly. Before long, the clothes were already taking shape.

By now Zhou Jia and Li Xiaoyun’s design sketches had also been approved, and they too began sewing according to their drawings.

Du Qingqing, spoiled since childhood and never exposed to anything like this, still couldn’t get her sketch right.

Even Fu Shilin’s design had already passed, yet she was still revising.

Fu Shilin narrowed his eyes. His chance had come. Hands behind his back, he walked over, “Qingqing, let me help you.”

Du Qingqing glanced at his sketch and fell silent: “……”

She couldn’t quite keep her tone in check. “You help me?”

All eyes instantly shifted to Fu Shilin’s drawing.

For a moment the air itself seemed to pause.

What was that supposed to be? Had the sewing teacher really understood it?

【Hahahahahaha what on earth is Fu Shilin thinking?】

【I’m A’Lin’s fan, but honestly, even I can’t watch this. Babe, check your own skills first!】

【LOL Fu Shilin is hilarious!】

【Our young master insists on helping Du Qingqing no matter what—this is love, woo woo woo!】

【Better not drag her down instead of helping, okay?】

【At least he’s trying. Unlike a certain Movie Emperor. He’s the fastest, but has he offered to help anyone?】

Fu Shilin’s pride smarted; he cleared his throat. “It just looks a bit abstract. The sewing teacher has seen through essence. Don’t worry, Qingqing, I’ll show you how to draw it.”

Du Qingqing still looked doubtful.

Across the way Zhou Jia and Li Xiaoyun exchanged glances, barely stifling their laughter. They quickly lowered their heads and busied themselves to hide it.

Just then Chi Yan finally stopped working.

The sewing teacher, standing beside him, gasped in admiration.

“Teacher Chi, you’re a superb tailor trapped in an acting career!”

Everyone turned at once.

Li Xiaoyun’s eyes sparkled; she ran over. “Wow!! Teacher Chi, you’re amazing!”

Zhou Jia gazed enviously, hugging his own little one. “Don’t look, baby Yueya. It’s all fake. Your Papa’s level—that’s reality, Q_AQ.”

The dress really was stunning.

The straps were made of sky-blue fabric, thick enough for comfort, with two bows as accents, utterly adorable.

The skirt itself was a field of tiny blue and orange flowers, adding a sweet touch.

And that little fried-egg shoulder bag—its yolk the same orange as the flowers—made the whole outfit as harmonious as a store-bought piece!

“Let’s try it on Wanwan!”

Li Wan meowed and cooperated as the humans dressed her and added the little bag.

*Meow meow!*

Li Xiaoyun clutched her chest, pretending to swoon.

“Too cute—aaaahhh!
“Come give Aunt a kiss!”

Everyone wore an expression of sheer delight.

Li Wan tilted her head toward her own human. *Meow?*

—”How do I look?”

Chi Yan somehow read her expression; a smile flickered in his peach-blossom eyes, “Vain little cat.”

—Hmph!

The kitten proudly strutted over to Xixi, “Pretty, right? My human made it!”

Xixi snorted, looking away, “Hmph. Just so-so.”

It would never admit it looked good.

Then Li Wan padded over to Du Qingqing. *Meow meow meow.*

—”Mommy Qingqing, look at me!”

Du Qingqing laughed, patting the kitten’s head in praise, “Wanwan is the prettiest!”

Xixi: “……” Hmph! Vain cat!

But the next second the girl’s warm palm landed on its head too, “Baby, you look handsome as well!”

“……”

Its little cat face slowly reddened. It turned away awkwardly, not daring to meet her eyes.

After showing off to everyone, Li Wan finally went to admire herself in the mirror.

—Woooow, so pretty!

As expected of her. Even as a cat, she was a great beauty!

【This is too cute, Wanwan kiss!】

【Hahaha never seen such a vain little cat!】

【Brother Chi is totally two-faced, calling the cat vain while never taking his eyes off her.】

【Understandable! If I were Chi Yan, I’d kiss her bald on the spot!】

【Chi Yan’s finished, Qingqing should ask him for advice!】

Du Qingqing didn’t need to read the barrage to know what they were saying.

Looking embarrassed, she held her own sketch and went up to Chi Yan, “Brother Chi, could you help me? I don’t know why, but I keep getting it wrong.”

Chi Yan of course wouldn’t refuse.

His gaze slid, unnoticed, across Fu Shilin, a flash of mockery in his eyes, while his face remained as composed and elegant as ever.

“Of course.”

---

Only Chi Yan and Zhou Jia still looked relaxed.

For Chi Yan, ever since his father passed away, his mother, who couldn’t stand him, had moved back to her parents’ home without even giving him living expenses, let alone cooking for him.

Whenever he had the means, he basically cooked for himself. Of course, most of the time he didn’t have the means, and in those cases he would work for kindly neighbors in exchange for a meal.

Zhou Jia, on the other hand, had cooked for himself back when he was still a trainee. Besides, his family’s pet, Yueya, was a bunny. Unlike cats or dogs, a rabbit didn’t need special ‘cat food’ or ‘dog food.’

The production team gave him a different task: behind the villa there was a patch of grass rabbits liked to eat. All he had to do was cut some, wash it clean, and give it to Yueya.

Li Wan, always quick to read the room, hopped right over to today’s ‘provider of food and shelter.’

Chi Yan lowered his gaze to look at her, a fleeting smile flashing in those dark, peach-blossom eyes. He reached out and flicked her forehead.

*Meow meow!*

—“So mean, so mean!”

The director announced the start. The production crew, at least somewhat humane, returned their phones so everyone could look up tutorials on how to make cat or dog food.

Fortunately the recipes online were simple. For example, for cat food you just put all the ingredients together in set proportions, blend them, and steam them—then it’s ready for the kitty to eat.

The guests finally relaxed and began preparing ingredients according to what they found online.

Li Wan craned her neck to peek at her human’s phone. Spotting a recipe with lots of meat, she couldn’t help but tap the screen with her paw.

Chi Yan raised an eyebrow. “Want to eat this one?”

Li Wan licked her tongue and nodded. *Meow meow!*

—“Looks so tasty, *slurp slurp*!”

The smile in Chi Yan’s peach-blossom eyes deepened. He didn’t refuse. “Alright, this one it is.”

Li Wan was delighted. Her fluffy little head rubbed against his hand twice.

The kitten’s head felt so soft that Chi Yan paused, then couldn’t resist scratching her chin.

【Family, I’m dying!! I don’t even know which one to be jealous of right now!!】

【Who said our Brother Chi doesn’t like kittens? Look how gentle he is with her!!】

Once Chi Yan had chosen the ingredients, he started preparing them. Everything went smoothly, until he began adding the vegetables. Then the little kitten stretched out a paw in weak protest.

*Meow meow~*

She tilted her tiny head back, those heterochromatic eyes wet and pleading, as innocent as could be, trying to stir a trace of pity in her human.

But Chi Yan simply moved her paw away and, heartlessly, said, “No. You have to eat it.”

Li Wan : “……”

—Waaahhh!

The kitten, unhappy, flicked her tail against her human’s wrist and turned to head over to Du Qingqing.

Du Qingqing was clumsily chopping vegetables.

Her family wasn’t especially wealthy, but they had always spoiled her, so she had rarely cooked before.

Even now, the way she held the knife was something she had just learned on the spot.

Xixi sat crouched on top of the cupboard, looking down from on high.

When it saw Li Wan approaching, it turned its head away with a look that said it couldn’t bear to watch. “Why do you always go to her?”

Li Wan rubbed against the hem of Du Qingqing’s skirt. *Meow meow.*

—“Because Mama Qingqing is so nice! I like being with her!”

Xixi sounded a little angry. “She’s not even your owner! Your owner’s over there!!”

Li Wan blinked and stared at it. “Are you jealous?”

“……”

Xixi puffed up with indignation, turned its head again and said stiffly, “Of course not!!”

This time it moved a little too abruptly and accidentally bumped the pot hanging on the wall. The iron pot wobbled and looked as though it was about to fall!

Startled, Xixi leapt from the top of the cupboard to the other side, while Li Wan reacted even faster. Pushing off with her hind legs, she jumped up and used her head to nudge the iron pot back the other way!

*Whoosh*
*Clang!!*

Du Qingqing jumped in fright, and the knife in her hand slipped and nicked her finger. She hissed in pain.

The noise drew everyone’s attention. “What happened?!”

Fu Shilin arrived first, striding over and reaching out to grab her hand to check. “Are you okay, Qingqing? Did you get hurt?!”

Du Qingqing instinctively stepped back to keep her distance. “I’m fine, just a small cut.”

Chi Yan also came over, handing her a band-aid and speaking gently: “It’s bleeding. Here, put this on.”

Du Qingqing took it and murmured her thanks. “Thank you, Brother Chi.”

That different treatment made Fu Shilin’s fingers clench tight in irritation.

—Damn it. Again, it’s you, Chi Yan.

【I remember yesterday Qingqing was still calling him “Movie Emperor Chi” or “Teacher Chi,” right? And today it’s suddenly “Brother Chi,” wuwuwu】

【Honestly, these two are way more fun to ship than Qingqing and ‘someone else’】

【Even Wanwan really likes Qingqing. Get together, get together, get together!】

【Can we not randomly ship people? This isn’t a dating show, we came to see cute animals. Stop spamming.】

【Gross.】

【If you don’t like it, then leave. I’m gonna spam, spam, spam, hehehehehehe】

Li Xiaoyun and Zhou Jia came over. “How are you, Sister Qingqing?”

“How did that pot suddenly fall down?”

Li Wan’s head was still aching. She gave a soft little *meow~*, instinctively wanting to explain, then realized no one could understand her cat talk.

A bit deflated, she flicked her ears awkwardly. Then, the next moment, a warm big hand rested gently on her head.

Li Wan froze and looked up into a pair of deep, peach-blossom eyes. “Are you okay?”

—Ah.

Li Wan went even more blank.

Just now everyone’s attention had been on the female lead, yet right now she was just a little kitten…

Her throat bobbed slowly, and her heart felt as if something soft had poked it. Her head hadn’t really hurt that much, but the instant her own butler asked, somehow it suddenly did.

The little kitten blinked and slowly snuggled toward the man’s hand. *Meow meow~*

—“I’m fine~”

Everyone’s gaze followed, landing on Li Wan.

Li Xiaoyun added with concern, “She must’ve been scared. Kittens are timid by nature.”

Only Fu Shilin kept replaying that earlier moment in his mind. Hearing this, he immediately seized on a chance to blame Chi Yan and sneered, “Why didn’t you watch your cat properly! If it weren’t for that cat, Qingqing wouldn’t have gotten hurt!!”

【Exactly, that cat’s such a troublemaker】

【Qingqing treats her so well and she still got Qingqing hurt】

【Ungrateful little beast】

Chi Yan’s eyes instantly cooled. He scooped the little kitten off the stove and was about to speak when Du Qingqing’s voice came from the other side.

“What are you talking about, Fu Shilin?” Du Qingqing looked utterly baffled. “You don’t know a thing.

“It was Xixi who accidentally bumped the iron pot so it nearly fell on me. Wanwan helped me push it aside.”

Li Wan, who’d been stunned by the accusation, finally came back to her senses and huffed, *Meow meow!!*

—”I really hate the original novel’s male lead!!”

Du Qingqing didn’t bother with him anymore. She turned to Li Wan. “Thanks, Wanwan.”

Li Wan enjoyed the chin-scratching service and felt the bump on her head wasn’t so bad anymore. She purred, *Prrrr~*

“But this cat—” Fu Shilin started again, only to meet Chi Yan’s gaze.

The man holding the kitten still smiled as warmly as a spring breeze, but his words were sharp: “Mr. Fu, perhaps pay more attention to your own dog, Qiu Tian. Wanwan may be playful, but she’s never chased anyone to bite them.”

The moment those words fell, everyone’s expression turned a little…interesting.

Fu Shilin’s face went pale, then flushed, and finally he had nothing to say. He turned back to continue preparing the dog food.

【Waaah, Brother Chi hardly ever speaks so sharply!】

【Is it hard to understand? That ‘gentle as jade’ act of his has always been just that—an act, hehe】

【I agree. The way Chi Yan shows himself on this show is nothing like the persona he marketed】

【Ah yes yes yes, unlike your beloved A’Lin. He was a natural furry magnet, so the moment he’s on a variety show, every furry creature adores him~】

【Hahahahahaha, the shade upstairs is next-level, I bow to you hahahaha】

【I seriously don’t get why Fu Shilin joined this show. Talk about a slap in the face】

【Maybe…for love?】

【Can people stop tying our Qingqing to him already? It’s honestly disgusting, seriously, does he even deserve it?】

That matter was considered settled.

Du Qingqing kept chopping vegetables. Xixi, still startled, slowly realized it’d caused trouble. Feeling guilty, it rubbed against Du Qingqing.

—Sorry.

Du Qingqing smiled and petted the little cat’s head. “It’s okay, baby, Mama’s fine.”

Xixi gave a soft *meow,* then refrained from jumping back on the counter and instead went to sit on a chair, watching her from a distance.

Chi Yan worked deftly, quickly finishing the cat food, enough for Li Wan to eat for about a week.

After setting aside today’s portion to steam, he brought Li Wan over. “Need any help?”

【Wuwuwu, I’m shipping this so hard!!】

【See, told you Chi Yan must like our Qingqing a bit, right?! Li Xiaoyun isn’t done either, why isn’t he helping her?!】

【…Uh, maybe because Zhou Jia is already helping Li Xiaoyun?】

【Hahahaha, look at what Wanwan is doing!!】

Du Qingqing shook her head. “No need, Brother Chi, I’ll be done in a moment.”

She reached for the last bit of pumpkin, but her hand came up empty. Turning, she spotted a certain little kitten holding that small chunk in her mouth as if planning to hide it.

Chi Yan, of course, saw it too: “…”

He clicked his tongue softly and picked the kitten up. “What are you doing?”

Li Wan blinked, flicked her big fluffy tail innocently. *Meow meow.*

—”Nothing at all.”

—Heehee, Xixi, don’t say your big sis never helped you. You’ll have to eat lots and lots of yucky pumpkin!

Sensing something, Xixi looked over as well and gave a ‘can’t even look’ expression again.

—Stupid cat.

---