Panda Novel
Chapter 289
After returning yesterday, Xu Lin had parked the electric scooter in the garage to charge it, leaving the cat carrier in the basket.
The only good news was that the garage had underfloor heating pipes running through it, so it wasn’t too cold. Chen Pi, the orange tabby, should be fine—not frozen, at least.
Relieved, he quickly ran downstairs, only to find Chen Pi sleeping soundly in the carrier, completely unaware that it had been abandoned.
When Xu Lin picked him up, the cat woke up, let out two soft meows, then, upon realizing it was him, simply curled up again and continued its nap.
“You’ve got some nerve, haven’t you?”
As he left the basement and walked toward the elevator, Xu Lin saw Qin Tiantian stepping in.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, I have. Miss Qin, has that big oaf from my family bothered you again?”
“No, after you spoke to him, he hasn’t contacted me or messaged me anymore.”“That’s good. He won’t bother you again, so you can relax now.”
“Mm.” Qin Tiantian nodded, but as she listened to Xu Lin’s assurance that the guy wouldn’t come around anymore, she found herself feeling slightly uneasy instead of relieved.
Back home, Xu Lin found that his parents were already up and making breakfast. They rarely ate out, so Xu Lin hadn’t brought anything back for them.
“What’s that?”
“An orange tabby.”
“Xu Lin, you’re getting bolder by the day. Didn’t I tell you no pets allowed?”
“Mom, Mom, I found this little guy—it’s a life, after all. Plus, I already spent 2,000 yuan at the vet. This is practically a golden egg now.”
“2,000? Hah, your dad and I earn 3,000 yuan a month combined!”
“But my shop is thriving—I make tens of thousands a month!”
“That doesn’t mean you can just throw money around!”
Mrs. Li grabbed a rolling pin as if to strike him. Xu Lin quickly backed away, and Li Muxue stepped in to mediate.
“Auntie, Auntie, don’t be so harsh!”
“Muxue, your cousin may be smart, but he’s way too mischievous. Sigh…”
“Well, he’s still just a kid, after all.”
Though Li Muxue said this, she shot a sideways glance at Xu Lin. Was this flirtatious little rascal really still a kid?
Wait a minute. She needed to confirm something: had this kid already done that?
Sure, he was only 17, but these days, society was much more open. The news on her phone often had stories about puppy love and whatnot. But what did that have to do with her? �
Even if what her master said was true and the two of them were fated, the issue of blood relations made anything else impossible.
“He’s no kid anymore. But since you’ve already spent the money, keep the cat in your room and don’t let it wander around the house.”
“Got it!”
“Wait, wait! Let me see—what kind of cat is it?”
Xu Lin’s dad, who had a soft spot for cats and dogs, eagerly stepped forward, only to be glared at by his wife.
“What’s its name?”
“Chen Pi.”
Xu Lin opened the carrier and carefully took Chen Pi out. The kitten blinked its eyes open, looked around groggily, and didn’t struggle at all.
“So cute.”
“Worth the 2,000 yuan, right?”
“Ahem!” Mrs. Li glared at him but couldn’t help sneaking a glance at the kitten. Her anger dissipated slightly—adorableness truly had the power to conquer anger.
Xu Lin quickly changed into his school uniform and got ready to leave for school. But he noticed that his parents weren’t heading out to work yet.
“What are you two up to?”
“We’re going out to buy some clothes and daily necessities for your cousin.”
“Auntie, you don’t need to! I’m starting work tomorrow anyway.”
“Huh? Where are you going to work?”
Li Muxue explained the work she had arranged with Chu Fengyi to her aunt, who nodded in agreement.
“If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy some clothes. You can’t go to work dressed like that, can you?”
“But I’d have to pay for them myself.”
“Alright, alright.”
“Well, I’ll be off then. You two take Cousin out shopping and have fun.”
“Wait a moment, Cousin.”
“What’s up?”
Xu Lin turned around, and Li Muxue stepped closer to him. Her delicate nose ended up just a few centimeters from his lips.
She took out something that looked like a sachet and put it into his pocket, patting it lightly.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a herbal sachet. It repels insects and smells nice. There’s also a charm inside to keep you safe and healthy.”
“Thank you, Cousin.”
“Mm.” Li Muxue adjusted his collar, and Xu Lin turned and left the house.
Just as Li Muxue turned around, her aunt walked over and gently tugged at her arm.
“You’re not that young anymore.”
“Auntie, what’s the matter?”
“You were standing so close to him just now. You’re a grown woman now.”
“Oh, oh, I’ll be more careful next time. I didn’t think much of it since we’re cousins.”
“It’s not just Xu Lin; you should be mindful around other boys too. Luckily, you’re with that Chu girl, so there shouldn’t be any trouble. That girl’s got quite the temper.”
“Mm, but she’s really a good person.”
“Xu Lin, that boy, always has good girls around him.”
“Honey, I’m off to work,” Xu’s father said, glancing at his phone and grabbing his briefcase.
“Aren’t you working as the driver?”
“Well, a job suddenly came up, and there’s that engagement dinner this afternoon. The sooner I get things done, the sooner I’ll be back.”
“Don’t drink too much alcohol!”
“Got it.”
“By the way, what car are you taking? You’ve been mumbling about it all morning.”
“Our son arranged it for me.”
“Xu Lin did?”
“Mm.” At this, Xu’s father smiled with pride.
“Good, good. Our son is impressive.”
By now, Xu Lin was already walking down the street with Ji Yun. Seeing her slightly pale face, he furrowed his brows.
“What’s wrong? Not feeling well? Did you catch a cold?”
“Just a bit hungover from last night.”
“Hmm?”
“Sister Chu and Miss Liu insisted on practicing drinking with me. I couldn’t refuse and ended up drinking some red wine. I fell asleep right after and almost didn’t get up this morning.”
“You guys, seriously. Still feeling bad?”
Xu Lin moved closer and held her by the waist. Ji Yun immediately pinched him.
“Don’t take advantage of me!”
“I’m just helping since you’re walking unsteadily.”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
Ji Yun blushed but leaned into him despite her words.
“Ji Yun, let’s get married.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Ji Yun raised a finger and flicked his forehead.
“I mean, after we’re both adults and graduate.”
“We’d still be too young.”
“Just a wedding.”
“No way. Let’s wait until later, after we’ve gotten our certificate.”
“Then I’ll find someone else.”
“Go ahead, Class Monitor supports you,” Ji Yun said casually.
“I’m serious. I already promised another girl.”
“?” Ji Yun immediately pushed him away. Xu Lin chuckled, but Ji Yun’s expression turned serious.
“Don’t joke around. What’s going on?”
“Take a guess.”
“I’m not guessing. If you’ve promised someone else, does that mean you’re giving up on me?”
“No, that’s why I asked you first.”
“So if I agree, does that mean you’ll cancel with her?”
Ji Yun looked at Xu Lin, feeling like he was a mix of truth and lies, impossible to fully trust.
“Mm, I’ll cancel it.”
“Hmph! Don’t come back later with two kids in tow, or I won’t accept it! You might as well be honest now, and I’ll take Sister Chu with me to confront her head-on.”
“Is Miss Ji Yun so fierce now?”
“Xu Lin, can you stop messing around? You’ll end up hurting people like this.”
“But, Class Monitor, it’s the same problem. If I choose you, won’t the others be hurt too?”
“That’s your problem, not mine!” Ji Yun gave him a glare but then lowered her head, starting to think.
“I’m sorry… but I can’t turn back. I really hope you’ll stand firm, just as I am.”
To be honest, there were many times Xu Lin wanted to give up—choose one girl, live a simple life, and not have to work so hard or keep strategizing.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
But by now, retreating was nearly impossible. The chain reaction of backing out would be devastating.
Sensing Xu Lin’s emotions, Ji Yun leaned in again and grabbed his hand.
“Alright, alright. I, Ji Yun, won’t care about anyone else as long as you like me.”
“Then I’ll stay with you till the end. I won’t let you face it alone, even if the whole world hates you.”
We are currently recruiting. CN/KR/JP Translators/MTLers are welcome!
Discord Server: .gg/HGaByvmVuw