The Cub Comes from Planet Meow 22

Chapter 22: Meow 

After his papas left at noon, Jing Mimi obediently nestled in the hospital bed and slept for a while. Later, he was woken up by the noise of the family of Brother Xiao Tian from the next bed returning.

It wasn’t very loud, but because he was a bit excited about finally seeing Big Papa and officially starting to bring Big Papa and Little Papa back together, he slept lightly, and a little noise woke him up.

After waking up, he found something under his pillow. He reached out his small hand in confusion and took out the hard object.

It was a phone.

It was Big Papa’s phone.

Jing Mimi pressed the side button of the phone with a surprised look, lighting up the screen, but was stumped by the password interface.

He didn’t know what Big Papa’s lock screen password was; Big Papa hadn’t told him.

Jing Mimi tried entering Little Papa’s lock screen password, but it failed. His papas’ lock screen passwords weren’t the same, so he could only give up resentfully.

But he still admired the locked phone for a long time.

Because—the lock screen wallpaper was a photo of their family of three!

A beige Scottish Fold kitten sat between them, its little tail curled in front of it. It was a proper family portrait.

When his papas reconciled, he wanted to take another photo with them using his little human body.

Jing Mimi admired it happily for a long time. When the phone screen went dark, he pressed the side button again to continue admiring.

Although there was only one photo, he insisted on looking until his papas came back.

Little Papa walked in front and was the first to reach him. Seeing the phone in his hand, he said to Big Papa, “Is this the phone you gave Mimi to play with?”

The screen wasn’t even unlocked.

Big Papa put down the bag in his hand, his voice small: “He’s a child, just playing around is fine.”

Little Papa: “Heh.”

Jing Mimi didn’t understand the overtones in his papas’ words. The phone screen in his hand went dark again. This time he didn’t press the side button but put down the phone directly and eagerly approached the bag full of things.

His papas said these were all gifts bought for him.

Among them, Jing Mimi liked a kitten doll the most. Its tail could be pulled out, and when released, it would spin like a propeller and make “meow meow” sounds.

When he returned to the welfare institute, he would show it to Brother Qiuqiu immediately!

Just as he was sitting in Little Papa’s arms unwrapping gifts, Little Papa suddenly put him down, said he had something to deal with, and left the ward directly.

There seemed to be a figure standing at the door. Jing Mimi didn’t recognize them. They were blocked by Little Papa, and the door closed quickly, so he didn’t see clearly.

But Big Papa was still there, so Jing Mimi didn’t think too much about it. He sat next to Big Papa and continued unwrapping gifts, waiting for Little Papa to return.

While unwrapping, Jing Mimi suddenly sensed a gaze directed at him.

It was the brother from the next bed.

In his impression, the brother in the next bed had been reading there all the time.

Jing Mimi also liked reading. He was a kitten who thirsted for human knowledge, but he knew too few characters and hadn’t started school yet. He didn’t recognize a single word of the book title the brother was holding, so he didn’t dare disturb him.

At this moment, he was still holding the book from before, but his gaze quietly fell on Mimi, as if attracted by the gifts his papas brought back for him.

Jing Mimi was a kitten who liked to share, so he immediately waved his small hand at him.

The other party paused, put down the book, and approached with surprise.

No child could refuse so many small gifts.

The gifts were all picked by Jiang Suifeng, referencing the preferences of both the little human Mimi and the kitten Mimi. Each item kept the little cub playing for a long time.

The brother in the next bed was most interested in one of the bookmarks.

The bookmark had an ancient-style ink wash pattern and a line of ancient poetry, with a smooth light yellow tassel hanging below.

If it were before, the kitten Mimi would have loved to bat at the tassel with his paws. Now, the little human Mimi also liked to stroke the tassel with his hand, but not as vigorously as with cat paws.

Mimi hardly recognized the characters on the bookmark, but this brother seemed to know them and read them out: “Rough silk and coarse cloth wrap a life, but poetry and books within give a spirit of their own. Wonderful, wonderful (Miao zai, miao zai).”

Jing Mimi listened in confusion.

The last few words caught his attention.

Meow zai… meow zai?

Jiang Suifeng’s gaze also fell over.

He was a bit distracted because of Jing Zhi and Auntie Jing. After sending the text message to Jing Zhi, he had been waiting for his response and feedback, somewhat neglecting the little cub beside him.

Fortunately, the little guy was happy unwrapping gifts and didn’t notice Papa’s distraction beside him, even playing with the child in the next bed.

This was the first time Jiang Suifeng heard the child in the next bed speak. In his impression, he had been quietly reading in bed.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he opened his mouth, it was… so… uh, ancient style.

Scholarly and refined, fitting the persona of someone always reading historical classics.

It wasn’t good for adults to interfere too much in children’s play and conversation, so Jiang Suifeng just listened without interrupting.

Not long after, more ancient-style quotes popped out of the mouth of the child in the next bed.

“This humble one is named Cheng Tian, seven years old this year.”

“Jing Mimi? Very good, very good.”

“This sentence comes from Su Shi’s Farewell to Dong Chuan.”

After saying that, he recited the poem once.

“For me? …Then this humble one will respectfully accept!!”

“This humble one is untalented but can teach you a thing or two.”

Jiang Suifeng: “…”

Before long, Mimi also started “Meow zai, meow zai” along with him.

Bai Ying, sitting aside, also noticed. She exchanged a glance with Jiang Suifeng, and the two exchanged glances with the parents in the next bed, all with amused expressions on their faces.

In the end, the adults tacitly didn’t disturb this game of little cubs.

Suppressing his laughter, Jiang Suifeng looked down and sent another text message to Jing Zhi: [Mimi is playing with the child in the next bed. There’s a surprise when you come back.]

He didn’t know if it would be a surprise or a shock for Jing Zhi.

However, Jiang Suifeng couldn’t see Jing Zhi’s reaction with his own eyes because Auntie Jing wanted to see Mimi, so he was forced to “avoid.”

Jing Zhi felt it was half surprise and half shock.

The little foreign cat suddenly turned into an ancient-style kitten, cute but with a hint of toe-curling awkwardness.

A few sentences occasionally were fine, but if Mimi kept talking to him like this in the future, he definitely couldn’t stand it.

He had to correct it properly later.

Xu Sumei standing behind him suddenly exclaimed “Oh my,” her voice full of undisguised admiration and love: “The little treasure looks very educated at first glance.”

Jing Zhi fell silent.

His mother’s generation seemed to really like this style…

Jing Mimi’s gaze fell on Xu Sumei behind Jing Zhi, a hint of doubt and inquiry flashing in his eyes.

She seemed to be the person standing at the door when Little Papa left just now, and now she came back with Little Papa.

Seeing the little guy’s gaze fall on his mother, Jing Zhi immediately introduced: “Mimi, this is my mother. Mimi should call her Grandma.”

Jing Mimi maintained the posture of holding the rock sugar snow pear cup with both hands, his mouth slightly open, eyes wide round, clearly a surprised expression.

It’s Papa’s mother! The kitten’s Grandma!

When he was the kitten Mimi before, there were only the three of them at home. He always thought their family was small, with only him and his papas. He didn’t expect there were other family members.

Why has Grandma never come to see them?

He knew not all family members lived together, but Uncle Fang Yuan said when telling the story of Nian that the New Year was a very important festival, and all family members would reunite during the New Year.

But he had lived with his papas for four years and never reunited with Grandma during the New Year.

Jing Mimi was puzzled, but he couldn’t expose the identity of the kitten Mimi and those four years. He could only clutch the cup tightly with his small hands and ask carefully, “Will Grandma celebrate the New Year with us this year?”

Both Jing Zhi and Xu Sumei were stunned.

Jing Zhi had imagined many reactions Mimi might have upon seeing Grandma, but this sentence far exceeded his expectations.

But remembering Mimi’s impression of Fang Yuan, Chestnut, and her owner, he quickly guessed the reason for this question—in the four years the kitten Mimi lived with them, he had never seen Grandma, even during the New Year when families should reunite.

Every New Year, he and Jiang Suifeng would go back to their respective homes, leaving the kitten Mimi alone in the rented apartment with water, food, and litter prepared. Outside was lively and bustling; the kitten was lonely.

Mimi was wondering why he had never seen Grandma.

Mimi was looking forward to seeing Grandma again.

How was this not his and Jiang Suifeng’s wish too?

Hoping their small family could be accepted by both families, hoping to meet each other’s family openly, hoping not to be separated during the New Year, a time meant for reunion…

Jing Zhi’s throat felt slightly dry.

Xu Sumei didn’t know the identity of the kitten Mimi, but she was stunned for a similar reason to Jing Zhi.

In the past, Jing Zhi always came to her place for the New Year. The two of them would have a reunion dinner, chat, and watch the Spring Festival Gala. A few days after the New Year, they would visit some relatives on her side, but not many. Jing Zhi would always leave early with the excuse of going back to take care of the cat.

She had never been to Jing Zhi’s small home, never eaten a meal there, never spoken to his boyfriend, and never seen the cat he mentioned.

This New Year…

Xu Sumei took a step forward, bent down slightly, and gently touched the top of the little cub’s hair with her palm, answering his question: “Of course. Grandma will take Mimi to buy new clothes for the New Year.”

This wasn’t the first time she was called Grandma. Her old sisters had brought their grandchildren out, and the little ones would also call her Grandma, but they were ultimately not her grandchildren, but someone else’s. Hearing it didn’t evoke much feeling.

But the little guy in front of her was different—he called her son Papa, called her Grandma; he was hers.

Hearing the word “Grandma” from his mouth just inexplicably felt extra heartwarming.

The light yellow hair was also particularly soft, and he was born so beautiful. Dressing him up in a new outfit for the New Year, he would definitely be the most likable cub.

Jing Mimi was very happy.

Although he didn’t know why he hadn’t seen Grandma during the New Year in previous years, the kitten didn’t care too much. As long as they could celebrate the New Year together this year, it was good!

Jing Mimi hurriedly took out a candy from his pocket and gave it to Grandma.

The candy was also from that bag of gifts. The candy wrapper was beautiful and colorful, bling-bling, which he liked very much.

Although Xu Sumei had slightly high blood sugar and couldn’t eat candy, she accepted it.

Jing Zhi watched the interaction between the two, his heart filled with mixed feelings, pursing his lips not knowing what to say.

Perhaps he should explain to his mother that he had already broken up with Jiang Suifeng.

But whether he and Jiang Suifeng broke up or not didn’t affect his mother celebrating the New Year with Mimi this year. It seemed there was no need to explain suddenly.

…Let’s talk about it later.

There was still some time before the New Year.

Not long after, Jing Mimi and Grandma sat side by side, listening to Grandma tell many stories about Little Papa’s childhood.

Perhaps because he was listening too intently, or perhaps he wasn’t used to ancient-style terms yet and they were only triggered by key questions, words like “this humble one” and “meow zai” didn’t pop out of the little guy’s mouth again.

Xu Sumei: “Your Papa liked setting off fireworks the most when he was little. Let him take you to see fireworks during the New Year; they are very beautiful.”

Fireworks!

Jing Mimi liked fireworks.

The Cat God set off fireworks on Planet Meow. They were very, very beautiful and could even change into the shape of a cat’s head, lighting up the darkness he disliked very much.

Mimi’s name was also like two exploding fireworks. A very beautiful name, given by Papa!

He wanted to watch fireworks with his papas!

Jing Zhi indeed liked setting off fireworks and playing with throw-down poppers when he was little. What impressed him most was picking up unburnt firecrackers at people’s doors with Fang Yuan during the New Year, taking out the powder, piling it together, and igniting it with a lighter to create beautiful flames.

Later, setting off fireworks and firecrackers was restricted for environmental protection, but there were dragon dance teams and fireworks shows every New Year that one could go out to watch.

Xu Sumei: “But fireworks and firecrackers are also quite dangerous. You must be careful. Your Papa accidentally burned his pants when he was little, and his butt turned red.”

Jing Mimi’s eyes widened in horror.

Jing Zhi: “…”

Some embarrassing dark history really doesn’t need to be mentioned.

***

Xu Sumei went back before dinner. She lived alone, and it was winter. Some dishes would be eaten for two days. She had to go back to finish them at night, or it would be a waste if they went bad.

Seeing this, Bai Ying got up and went downstairs with her to buy dinner on the way.

Jing Zhi wanted to buy it himself since he had already troubled Bai Ying to buy lunch at noon, but Bai Ying complained that staying in the ward all the time was too stuffy and wanted to go out for some activity, so Jing Zhi didn’t say anything more.

Actually, it was because taking care of Mimi should have been her job. Jing Zhi was just an ordinary volunteer at the welfare institute; there was no need for him to do these things.

And Mimi obviously preferred to stay with Jing Zhi. As long as Mimi was happy, it was fine.

Having stayed in the ward for so long, Bai Ying had chatted with Xu Sumei. After leaving the ward, they also chatted casually.

Walking into the elevator and starting to descend, Bai Ying suddenly spoke: “Little Jing and Little Jiang are actually lovers, right?”

Xu Sumei was stunned. “They didn’t tell you?”

Bai Ying smiled: “No, but I could tell.”

Xu Sumei nodded, daring not to say too much, afraid of saying something wrong. After all, it was her son’s private matter. She even regretted admitting it just now, afraid of bringing unnecessary trouble to her son.

The smile on Bai Ying’s face didn’t diminish. “I don’t discriminate against homosexuality, don’t worry. I just feel that they are doing quite well now. Mimi is also taken care of very well and is very happy. Some heterosexual families can’t even treat their children as well as they do.”

Xu Sumei empathized with this sentence, as she hadn’t given Jing Zhi a complete and happy home with her ex-husband.

The elevator doors opened. While walking out, Xu Sumei asked casually, “Are you married? How old is your child?”

This person should be in her thirties, approaching forty, and wore a ring on her ring finger, so she was likely married.

Bai Ying nodded and told her about her child who died of a genetic disease.

Xu Sumei looked apologetic after hearing this. “Sorry for bringing up your sad past.”

Bai Ying shook her head indifferently.

Since her child passed away from illness, she had become open-minded about many things.

Bai Ying: “Now I just feel that as long as people are healthy and happy in this world, it’s good. If my child could survive, as long as he didn’t do anything illegal, I would respect and support him in everything else.”

She saw everything that happened this afternoon. She actually not only saw that Jing Zhi and Jiang Suifeng were a couple but also saw that Xu Sumei might not support them being together, although Xu Sumei liked Mimi very much.

She was just an outsider, but she also wanted to contribute a little to some small happiness.

She didn’t know if Xu Sumei heard her implied meaning, but when they were about to part, the other party suddenly sighed and said, “The gift money given out over these years can’t be collected back.”

Bai Ying couldn’t help laughing out loud.

That was indeed something worth caring about.

…

After his mother left, Jing Zhi clutched his phone and struggled for a long time before sending a text message to Jiang Suifeng: [Where are you now?]

Jiang Suifeng replied quickly: [Nothing to do, went to the pediatrics department to watch kids getting injections. It’s quite fun.]

Jing Zhi: “…?”

What kind of bad taste is this?

Jiang Suifeng: [Did Auntie leave? Can I come back?]

***

Author’s Note:

Poor Little Jiang.