Shen Huan and Jian Xun didn’t notice the man at all—one was focused on taking pictures, the other was busy posing.
“Ah! I got so many good shots!!”
Every single one could be a screensaver!
Grinning from ear to ear, Shen Huan went back to the sofa to upload the photos. Jian Xun trotted over in small steps, pressing his fluffy head close to peek at the screen.
His eyes widened in surprise.
Am I really this good-looking? He was stunned by his own handsome appearance.
The little cat’s tail swished back and forth.
Shen Xin, who had been coldly watching from the side, had no idea what they were doing. Seeing Shen Huan pause, he hurried over to join the fun.
“Why not just start a livestream?” Shen Huan decided on the spot and actually started one. Shen Xin saw his mom’s mischievous smile, and with a “whoosh” he hid himself again.
He didn’t want to dance.
He didn’t want to sing.
He didn’t want to play games.
Brother, you’re on your own.
Shen Xin continued hiding to watch the show, silently praying that after this livestream Shen Huan wouldn’t go home and catch them to mess around. Though… sometimes it was kind of fun.
People gradually entered the livestream room, most of them cat lovers. Seeing the clean, pristine white cat made their hearts practically explode with excitement.
“I’m going to the bathroom for a bit, keep an eye on the cat for me, okay~” Shen Huan said, then got up and headed to the restroom.
In the study.
After finishing his work, Shang Xuci tapped open a cat-shaped livestream app his cousin had downloaded on his tablet and clicked into the only account he followed.
The account belonged to Shen Huan, and it was currently streaming live.
[“Hahaha, a big gold chain—our kitty is a rich cat!”]
[“That look really suits it!”]
[“The little one’s holding its head higher—afraid we can’t see?”]
[“This is hilarious, the pose, the expression—this gold chain has made it so proud.”]
[“Look closely, sisters, even the whiskers are shaped like “I love you.””]
The audience in front of the screen were all showering the cat with praise—except Shang Xuci, who merely raised an eyebrow.
His Sui Sui liked this tacky chain?
The gold didn’t match his snowy white fur at all, and besides, one look told him the chain was fake.
[“So cute, I want to smooch it!”]
[“Oh! It’s wearing clothes—so pretty!”]
[“Sent 100 candy rewards!”]
[“I’ve seen this kitty before! Super well-behaved, so cute I just want to kiss it.”]
[“Kiss kiss.”]
[“Mwah.”]
[“Snuggle snuggle.”]
[“Mua~”]
Jian Xun stared at the screen full of comments calling him adorable, feeling both nervous and happy. Unable to resist, he began kneading the blanket under his paws right where he stood.
Could he really be this popular too?
Jian Xun had never experienced so much affection and enthusiasm before. Staring at the viewers who kept asking for kisses and cuddles, he hesitated for a moment, then lifted his little cat paws and walked toward the camera. He purred as he pressed up against the lens, puckered his lips, gave it a quick kiss, and then quickly retreated—burying his head shyly into the gap between the sofa cushions.
The comments exploded.
[“Aaaaaa! It kissed me!!”]
[“I’m gonna die! Killed by cuteness!”]
[“You ask for a kiss and it really gives one!!”]
[“Kiss back—mwah!”]
…
Everyone was immersed in the joy of being kissed by a kitten. When Shen Huan came back, she saw Suisui with his head buried in the sofa gap, looking completely confused. Glancing at his little rump sticking up, she suddenly exclaimed in shock, “Suisui, why is your butt bald?!”
The previously shy Sui Sui reacted instantly at her words, spinning around to cover his rear. He had been feeling so pleased with himself just now, but he’d actually exposed himself to the livestream…
Utterly humiliating!
He could already imagine what the barrage of comments would say. For a moment, his entire body went stiff, frozen in place.
Shen Xin, who had been watching the whole scene like a play, only caught two words—“butt” and “bald.”
Combining that with his mom’s expression, Shen Xin couldn’t hold back and ran over to Jian Xun, trying to see his butt.
“Brother, lemme see.” Shen Xin had no idea how annoying his words sounded. He’d seen cats shed before, but never one with a bald spot—especially not on the butt. His curiosity was overflowing.
Jian Xun ignored him completely. Inwardly, he swore he wouldn’t move a muscle. He knew full well that if anyone saw, even if the fur grew back, the title of bald-butt cat would never disappear.
It was just like his previous life as a human—once people started calling him that annoying guy or the one everyone hates, it had never changed, right up until his death.
But still… he desperately wanted to escape this place. Jian Xun’s gaze darted quickly to a cardboard box far from him, the little white cat keeping his head down and staring at his paws.
He didn’t even have the courage to look at the camera.
Someone save me.
The truth was, the viewers sending comments still thought the bald little cat was just as cute—they just couldn’t resist laughing and teasing. After all, the cat couldn’t understand what they were saying…
Seeing Shen Huan about to take action, Jian Xun tensed up. “Meow!”
Don’t come closer.
Unfortunately, with one person, one cat, and one camera blocking all escape routes, he had nowhere to run. Just as he resigned himself, closing his eyes and leaning into the sofa gap, a pair of strong, firm arms scooped him up.
A faint scent of cedar—like the clean freshness left behind after mountain rain—wrapped around him.
A tall figure blocked the camera and scared away the American Shorthair. The man held him securely in his arms, showing only the back of the little cat’s head.
A mechanical chime that hadn’t sounded in a long time indicated that intimacy had increased, but the dazed little white cat didn’t even notice—he just buried his head in the warm embrace and savored it.
Wu wu wu…
I knew you’d come to save me!
Shang Xuci picked up the cat and glanced at Shen Huan, his voice calm. “You should head home.”
Shen Huan was completely stunned.
Then came the shock.
This was her cousin—the one who never touched or held cats?!!
He’d just said this morning that she should stay for dinner!
And now he was kicking her out?!
Remembering that she was still livestreaming, Shen Huan scooped up Shen Xin with one arm, used the other to grab the cat’s paw, and waved it at the viewers.
At the very least, she had to stream for an hour before leaving, right?
Smiling sweetly, Shen Huan said to Shang Xuci, “Just a little longer, a little longer.”
Then she plopped herself back down on the sofa, making the deadpan Shen Xin “work” for the camera.
Meanwhile, Shang Xuci carried Jian Xun into the study. Once the door closed, he bent slightly, letting the kitten jump to the floor and follow at his heels.
From the desk cabinet, Shang Xuci took out a box and gave the tabletop a light tap.
Jian Xun, already familiar with the routine, leapt onto the desk and padded over to him.
“Head up.” Shang Xuci hooked a finger under the kitten’s chin, removed the big gold chain from around his neck, and opened the box to take out a blue gemstone necklace, fastening it gently around him.
Unlike the previous emerald necklace, this one wasn’t so flashy. It had been specially commissioned by Shang Xuci for the cat, with a design focused on comfort.
Of course, Jian Xun didn’t know that.
To him, it was simply a gift—and he was overjoyed, meowing at the big boss and cautiously rubbing against his hand. When he realized the man didn’t push him away, he leaned in harder.
“Meow meow meow!”
Shang Shang, you’re the best!
While the man’s attention was elsewhere, the little white cat quickly grabbed the gold chain in his mouth and hid it away.
Shang Xuci then took out his phone to snap some photos, and Jian Xun posed like a pro, staring straight at the lens.
Several great cat pictures were taken.
The next day—
Shang Xuci left for school, and Jian Xun stood at the door watching him go. Then he returned to his own little nest, curled up with his rump pressed against the cardboard box, and dozed off.
Even when sleeping, a cat remains alert—that instinct was in his bones. At the sound of movement outside the window, Jian Xun’s ears twitched, and his eyes flew open.
He caught a scent—familiar, yet strange.
Jian Xun darted toward the balcony.
Could it be the tabby big brother?
He skidded to a halt, staring warily at the man sneaking around on the balcony.
A closer look revealed the man was stark naked, with only some leaves wrapped around his butt. The sight was ridiculous.
“Meow—Awoo—!!”
A pervert!
Jian Xun bared his teeth, arched his back, and fluffed up in warning.
Get out now!
“Meooow—!”
Help! There’s a bad guy!
He completely forgot that he was the only cat in the house right now.
The man tried to lift the window to climb inside, but was met with the fearless kitten’s flurry of “kitty punches.”
They had no form and no real strength—just thump, thump.
Finally, when a small gap opened, the naked man quickly said, “Sui Sui, it’s me!”
“It’s me—Xu Tutu, your big brother Tutu!!”
Liar! My big brother Tutu doesn’t look like you!!
Xu Tutu sighed and blurted everything he knew: “Your name is Shang Suisui. You used to live by the Flower Brand Tree. I once traded you a piece of candy for two glass marbles, and later…”
“You’ve still got a bald patch on your butt—it was me who—”
“Stop!!” The mention of that sad topic made Jian Xun go limp with despair. He now believed the man really was Xu Tutu.
“How did you turn into a human? And why aren’t you wearing clothes?!”
Could it be cats had no sense of modesty?
But Xu Tutu had said before that he’d turned human before—he’d even used leaves to cover himself, which did show some shame.
“I’m a cat—how would I have clothes?” Xu Tutu asked tentatively. “Why don’t you lend me one? If I walk around the neighborhood like this, people will think I’m a pervert and I’ll be arrested.”
“Sui Sui doesn’t have clothes either. I’m a kitten—I don’t wear human clothes.”
“I know, I mean you could lend me one of your owner’s clothes.”
Jian Xun hesitated. “But I’m not allowed in Shang Shang’s bedroom. The door’s closed.”
Xu Tutu’s eyes dimmed, and he said disappointedly, “Alright… then I’ll just have to hide inside a cardboard box.”
At the mention of a cardboard box, Jian Xun suddenly thought of something. “Wait here.”
He turned and pat-pat-pat ran toward the living room.
This time, he leapt onto the balcony carrying the shirt Shang Xuci had given him, reluctant to part with it.
“This is something very precious to me,” he said. “Make sure you give it back, okay?”
Xu Tutu immediately took it and slipped it on. The oversized shirt hung down to cover his rear.
The fabric carried a mix of human and feline scent. Xu Tutu fumbled clumsily with the buttons, then pointed at his lower half and muttered, “Feels kind of chilly here.”
“Can you lend me a pair of pants?” he asked, squatting on the narrow windowsill and pointing to the only pair of trousers left out on the balcony.
Jian Xun hesitated. But then he thought of how Xu Tutu had helped him so many times. If he only wore a shirt without pants, people would still see him as a pervert and he’d end up in a police station. Jian Xun’s eyes hardened with resolve.
“I’ll see if I can get them down,” he said, padding over to the trousers and trying to hook the pant leg with his “divine claws.”
Sorry, big boss. When Sui Sui has money in the future, I’ll buy you a new pair.
The little white cat apologized silently in his heart. On one side was the loyalty of a brother, on the other was the sacredness of his owner’s pants—he chose the former.
The big boss had plenty of pants, but he only had one friend.
Jian Xun silently swore that one day he’d buy the big boss an even better pair of trousers!!
After several attempts, the trousers swaying in the air finally dropped to the floor.
Jian Xun handed them over to Xu Tutu, who quickly pulled them on. They were a bit long for him, but better than nothing—his face lit up in satisfaction.
“Sui Sui, you really are a good cat.” Xu Tutu reached out and patted his head. “I’ll pay you back someday.”
“Mm.” Helping a friend made Jian Xun very happy. He carefully looked over the human form of Xu Tutu—so this was what they meant by “clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse”!
Xu Tutu looked ridiculously handsome like this—full of that devil-may-care youth vibe, with striking “cat-like” black eyes, long brown hair, and a clean, handsome face that could outshine TV idols.
Would he be this handsome if he turned human too?
What expression would the big boss make if he saw his human form?
While Sui Sui was lost in thought, Xu Tutu smirked smugly. “Well? Stunned by your big brother’s good looks, huh? Hahaha.”
Grrr—
His stomach gave a loud protest.
Xu Tutu froze mid-laugh.
He’d turned into a human yesterday but hadn’t wanted to eat the cat food he’d saved up. The smell of someone stir-frying wafting through the neighborhood had made him drool.
He really wanted a proper meal.
He didn’t miss Xu Huai, but he did miss Xu Huai’s fried rice with egg.
Hearing his stomach growl, Jian Xun quickly jumped down from the windowsill. “I’ll get you some cat food and dried fish.”
“Hey, no, wait—”
But before he could finish, Jian Xun shot off like a little cannonball.
In no time, a bag of cat food and two dried fish were set in front of Xu Tutu.
Jian Xun nudged them forward. “Eat. Don’t be polite with me.”
Xu Tutu shook his head and continued where he’d left off.
“I don’t want to eat that. I want to eat human food.”
Jian Xun tilted his head. Human food?
Because of his health, aside from breakfast, all of the big boss’s meals were specially prepared by professional nutritionists for the chef—there was never any extra.
Still, there should be some bread in the fridge.
The little white cat was too small to open the fridge, so he went to the kitchen fruit bowl instead, picked a red apple that was just the right size, and carried it with great effort—trying not to let it touch the floor—wobbling all the way back to the balcony.
Tap tap tap—
“Want to try this?”
Xu Tutu leaned in to sniff, his eyes lighting up. “That’s it!”
He took the apple and began munching away with loud crunches.
Watching him happily gnaw on the apple, Jian Xun fell into a daze. Do cats’ stomachs change after turning human? He himself didn’t like human food—it was either too bland or too greasy and salty. Dried fish was still the best.
Only after Xu Tutu finished the apple did Jian Xun ask, “Brother Tutu, what exactly happened? How did you turn into a human?”
He remembered clearly that Xu Tutu had told him turning human required the right opportunity, and that being a cat was better than being human—so he hadn’t intended to change forms.
So what on earth had happened?
Xu Tutu tossed the apple core into the trash can with perfect accuracy. His expression turned strange and alarmed.
“Lately, for some reason, people in the neighborhood have been rounding up all the stray cats and sending them to the vet for neutering!”
He hadn’t wanted to turn human either, but he’d been one of the targets!
Recalling how he’d scrambled to escape, his voice dropped.
“At the worst moment, someone even touched the tip of my tail—I broke out in a cold sweat.”
“Do you remember that orange cat I fought last time?”
Jian Xun swallowed and nodded.
How could I forget? He ripped out a whole chunk of fur from my butt, and it still hasn’t grown back!
Xu Tutu said grimly, “They neutered him too!”