Gu Ming chimed in, “That Ragdoll Cat was the champion of last year’s CFA competition. Little Feng liked it so much that I bought it for him.”
Langlang, munching on a chicken wing with puffed cheeks, asked, “Second Uncle, that Ragdoll Cat must be really pretty, right?”
“Of course.” Gu Ming smiled. “That cat cost 350,000, and the parrot was 100,000.”
Zhou Chiyu wasn’t interested in pets, but he listened very attentively—because Gu Yuan liked cats too.
Even if he didn’t know why Gu Yuan wouldn’t admit it.
“Uncle, is 350,000 a lot?” Zhou Chiyu had no concept of money. While soulfully peeling shrimp, he said, “It’s the same price as my toy car.”
It had been one of his birthday gifts from last year—a red toy car.
He remembered Butler Uncle saying that toy car cost 350,000, enough to buy a real car.
Gu Ming’s expression changed slightly. He smiled and said nothing.
At present, he didn’t have shares in the Corporation. Their family’s finances mainly came from fixed investments or his wife’s small businesses. 350,000 for a cat wasn’t impossible for them, but it wasn’t as casual as buying a steamed bun.
Langlang’s mom chuckled quietly and wiped the grease from Langlang’s mouth.
The Zhou Family’s immense wealth was undisputedly top-tier in the business world. Besides, Old Master Zhou’s son and grandson were both only children—Zhou Chiyu had inherited an estate that Gu Ming could only dream of touching the fringes of in his lifetime.
“Dad, Little Yuan isn’t so little anymore. I suggest sending him to kindergarten.”
Gu Ming spoke with concern. Seeing Gu Yuan’s obvious resistance, he continued, “He can’t stay out of school forever. It won’t help his social development, and it’ll make his personality more withdrawn.”
Gu Yuan’s little face tensed up. With a “clang,” he slammed down his chopsticks.
Old Master Gu frowned tightly. “We’ll talk about this later.”
Gu Ming said no more, but the displeasure between his brows gradually faded.
“Brother can go to the same kindergarten as me.” Zhou Chiyu had already eaten a whole plate of shrimp. His oily lips slowly curved up. “With me protecting Brother, no one will dare bully him.”
Gu Yuan immediately looked at him, his guarded expression gradually softening. He glanced at Old Master Gu several times, wanting to speak but stopping himself.
Old Master Gu smiled indulgently at him. “Our Little Fish is such a thoughtful good child.”
Zhou Chiyu smugly raised his brows and winked at Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan jolted first, then quietly lowered his head.
Gu Ming raised his wine glass thoughtfully. “It seems Little Fish and Little Yuan get along well. They’ve become good friends.”
…
After dinner, the adults chatted a bit more before heading home.
It was afternoon, with plenty of sunlight, but Gu Yuan needed to rest, so he didn’t play with Zhou Chiyu.
Back in his bedroom, he reopened the Cat Series Picture Books, flipped familiarly to the page with the orange cat, and stared off into space silently.
These lively little cats must be so happy.
They could play wherever they wanted, not only healthy but agile and nimble.
Just like… just like Zhou Chiyu.
In the living room, Zhou Chiyu mysteriously whispered a lot into Old Master Gu’s ear. Butler Chen eavesdropped secretly—it was probably about Gu Yuan.
Old Master Gu frowned repeatedly as he listened, but he seemed convinced by Zhou Chiyu.
He asked Zhou Chiyu, “Little Fish, are you that sure?”
Zhou Chiyu puffed up his chubby little face solemnly. “Yes! Every time I read picture books, I flip straight to the page with the hamburger! Because I love hamburgers the most!”
Old Master Gu laughed and pinched his nose. “Let’s give it a try then. You’re right—overcome difficulties. His happiness is what matters most.”
That evening, Gu Yuan never saw Zhou Chiyu. Because of this, he only ate two bites before planning to sleep.
At ten o’clock at night, Doctor Auntie clocked out and left.
Gu Yuan lay in bed, wondering why Zhou Chiyu wasn’t around.
He wanted to ask Grandpa but struggled for a long time without saying it.
Wasn’t that little fatty supposed to live in his house forever?
He wouldn’t leave, would he?
But Zhou Chiyu had promised to take him to the Undersea Palace during summer vacation.
He huddled under the covers, clutching his little hands tightly, his face full of conflict.
If Zhou Chiyu really left, he’d never speak to him again.
Not long after, his bedroom door suddenly opened.
He thought Doctor Auntie had come back, so he didn’t open his eyes. Auntie was like that—always forgetful, often returning for forgotten things. But listening carefully, the footsteps didn’t sound like hers.
They sounded like… a gluttonous fat baby.
“Brother.”
He abruptly opened his eyes. Zhou Chiyu’s voice suddenly rang in his ear.
Was it an illusion?
He forcefully threw off the quilt. Upon seeing the person before him, his eyes trembled, and even his breathing quickened.
“Brother, your little orange cat.”
Zhou Chiyu held up the little milk kitten in his arms, his eyes curving into crescents. “It doesn’t have any viruses—we took it to the hospital. From now on, it’ll stay in my room. You can come see it whenever you miss it!”
Gu Yuan gripped his clothes tightly, his frail body shaking with each breath.
Had Zhou Chiyu gone out that evening to buy him a kitten?
How did Zhou Chiyu know he liked kittens?
“Little Fish.”
He suddenly hugged Zhou Chiyu tightly, burying his damp eyelashes in that head of little curls, and whispered softly, “I like it.”
