Chapter 34
The Jiang family estate was vast, with five interconnected courtyards.
After entering the main gate, it took another twenty minutes to reach the residential area.
Lu Dingyun got out of the car, holding the kitten, and gazed at the traditional buildings, awestruck.
This was a true garden estate, meticulously preserved over generations.
Wei Yuan, which had been nervous throughout the journey, felt a sense of peace. It was home.
Jiang Su glanced at the kitten and led Lu Dingyun through the arched gateway towards the main hall, Junzi Tang (Gentleman’s Hall). He explained that his grandparents lived there, and the house had modern amenities.
“Wei Yuan and I don’t live here often,” Jiang Su continued as they reached the main hall. “My maternal grandparents are also staying here. I’ll take you to meet them first.”
They entered the spacious, ornately decorated hall. Lu Dingyun complimented the renovations, and Jiang Su proudly explained that his mother, an internationally renowned landscape architect, had designed them.
The kitten nodded vigorously, sharing his pride. Lu Dingyun, surprised, hadn’t realized his mother was a designer.
They entered an elegant tea room, where the two patriarchs of the Jiang and Wei families were seated.
Jiang Su introduced Lu Dingyun as Wei Yuan’s friend, suggesting he address the elders as “Grandpa” and “Maternal Grandpa.”
Lu Dingyun, despite his emotional detachment, was polite and greeted them respectfully, although he maintained a formal distance, addressing them as “Mr. Wei” and “Mr. Jiang.”
The elders, seeing the composed and handsome young man, had a favorable first impression.
Wei Yuan, nestled in Lu Dingyun’s arms, looked at its grandparents with watery eyes, feeling a pang of sadness, noticing their aged appearance.
Old Master Wei, noticing the kitten, asked if it was Lu Dingyun’s. Lu Dingyun confirmed, and Wei Yuan meowed softly.
Old Master Wei, fond of cats but unable to own one due to his grandson’s phobia, was captivated by the kitten.
Wei Yuan, knowing this, acted cute and begged to be held. Lu Dingyun, seeing its eagerness, let go.
Old Master Wei held the kitten, stroking its soft fur, and Wei Yuan purred contentedly, charming its maternal grandfather effortlessly.
Old Master Jiang, although not usually fond of animals, also felt drawn to the kitten and asked to hold it.
The kitten nimbly jumped into his arms, surprising both elders with its intelligence.
“Xiao Lu, your kitten is quite remarkable,” Old Master Jiang said, petting it affectionately. “What’s its name?”
“Gui Yuan,” Lu Dingyun replied.
The two elders looked at him sharply.
Lu Dingyun paused. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jiang Su explained. “It’s just that my brother’s nickname is also Gui Yuan.”
Lu Dingyun looked at him in surprise, then at the kitten, which nuzzled its grandfather’s hand.
Old Master Jiang’s gaze softened even further. “Gui Yuan, Xiao Gui Yuan,” he murmured, as if calling someone else.
“Meow~” Wei Yuan responded to every word.
Old Master Wei sighed. “Perhaps it’s fate.”
Jiang Su and Wei Yuan had agreed not to reveal the kitten’s true identity yet.
The two elders took turns cuddling the kitten, their spirits lifting. Lu Dingyun and Jiang Su sat with them, Lu Dingyun’s composed demeanor further improving their impression.
After a while, Jiang Su took Lu Dingyun and the kitten to Wei Yuan’s courtyard, Yu Fei Xuan. The main house was a two-story building, the upper floor decorated in Wei Yuan’s personal style.
Jiang Su led Lu Dingyun upstairs to the modern living room.
Lu Dingyun immediately noticed the large poster of Wei Yuan on the wall, the young man looking vibrant and charismatic. He recognized the stage performance and felt a familiar surge of desire, quickly averting his gaze.
Wei Yuan, embarrassed by the ostentatious poster, cringed, worried Lu Dingyun would find it narcissistic.
Lu Dingyun, oblivious to the kitten’s embarrassment, followed Jiang Su towards the bedroom.
But as they reached the door, he stopped, remembering that Wei Yuan was afraid of cats.
“What’s wrong?” Jiang Su asked.
Lu Dingyun petted the kitten. “Can Xiao Yuan go in?”
Jiang Su, realizing his oversight, chuckled sadly. “It’s fine, Wei Yuan shouldn’t be afraid of cats anymore.”
Wei Yuan, paws tucked beneath it, glanced at its brother, remembering how difficult it had been to adjust to its own feline form.
Lu Dingyun entered the bedroom, where Wei Yuan’s grandmother and maternal grandmother were waiting.
The two ladies, seeing the handsome young man, a friend of their beloved grandson, were enthusiastic.
“Meow~” The kitten meowed, demanding attention.
The two ladies, captivated by the kitten, were startled when they learned its name was “Gui Yuan,” their gazes filled with a mixture of affection and sadness.
Wei Yuan, feeling their sadness, nuzzled their faces, purring and acting spoiled until they smiled.
Lu Dingyun, watching the kitten interact with Wei Yuan’s family, felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if the kitten knew them well.
It was as odd as its immediate affection for Jiang Su.
And Lu Dingyun knew the kitten was usually quite proud and aloof, rarely acting spoiled with others, not even with Lu’s parents.
The strange feeling intensified when they entered the bedroom.
He saw a woman sitting by the bed, her back to him, her figure thin and frail.
Hearing their approach, she slowly turned around.
Her face was gaunt, her eyes dark and hollow, her usual beauty replaced by a haunting fragility.
This was Wei Yuan’s mother, Wei Qingyao.
Lu Dingyun instantly recognized her, but before he could greet her, the kitten leaped from his arms and ran towards her.
He was startled and was about to call it back when Jiang Su stopped him.
In that brief moment, the kitten reached the bed, stopping at the woman’s feet, looking up at her, its small body trembling slightly.
Wei Qingyao’s vacant gaze slowly lowered, meeting the kitten’s watery eyes.
She froze, her eyes widening in shock.
