Little Ash: "Meow?"

Chen Mo: "Meow~"

Little Ash: "Meow meow meow meow meow!"

Little Ash wasn’t thrilled, but Chen Mo couldn’t leave its body. Based on Luo Xianxue’s case, it might work at 80 affection points—but not now.

Chen Mo bit into a steamed pork bun, savoring it with pure bliss.

Though Little Ash did the eating, Chen Mo felt every sensation. After a brief grumble, Little Ash quieted down, sharing the meal with him.

Auntie Han’s buns were seriously legit—juicy, meaty, and one left him half-full.

Little White had a smaller appetite. After eating two-thirds, it carried the rest to Chen Mo.

Once the meal ended, Chen Mo shot the girl student an appreciative glance. She’d bought her own bun—that was smart.

This girl would go far someday.

I, Chen Mo, won’t forget this bun of kindness. We’ll meet again in the jianghu.

"Little White, let’s sneak into the school!"

"Meow!"

"Huh?" The girl student froze as Chen Mo and Little White turned to leave. Shouldn’t they repay her kindness? Why ignore the script?

She rushed to block Chen Mo’s path but hesitated—how do you talk to cats?

Could they even understand her? That human-like vibe earlier must’ve been her imagination.

After a pause, she pointed at the breakfast shop. "How about... another bun?"

Chen Mo glared, biting back the urge to speak human words.

What kind of cat did she think he was?

Forget his own iron will—Little Ash was noble, elegant, and lofty. It looked down on the masses, claws ready. No cat matched its caliber.

Did she grasp a noble cat’s worth?

"Little Ash, hungry?"

"Eat!"

"Fine. I’m not full anyway."

Chen Mo turned back with Little White. He wanted to scold Little Ash badly—but those buns smelled heavenly. No, he was just a ghost in this cat’s body. Little Ash called the shots.

The girl’s eyes widened. "Did it understand me... or just want another bun?"

"Auntie Han, one more bun!" She ordered only for Chen Mo since Little White was full. As he ate, she squatted quietly, skirt pressed down, watching him.

After three seconds, she gently petted him. Seeing no resistance, she beamed.

But Chen Mo kept staring at the school. The girl tilted her head. "Kitty... do you want to go inside?"

"Meow?" Chen Mo tilted his head, meowing softly.

Before this, he’d only dealt with pets and A-Shan—who preferred watching from afar. Chen Mo had stuck to "meow language." Now, talking to a human sparked an urge to speak—but he held back. No extra trouble.

"Kitty, can you understand me?" she pressed.

"Meow~" Chen Mo licked his paw and nodded. Her jaw dropped.

Cats really do get humans—it wasn’t just rumors.

Excitement flared in her. She pictured it all: an intelligent cat, soon talking. Its mystery would drag her into wild events, unveiling the world’s dark side. Spiritual energy resurgence. Animals rising. Becoming a magical girl thanks to this cat! None of it seemed impossible.

Chen Mo didn’t know she was fantasizing chuuni plots. He’d hinted at his smarts on purpose. Sneaking into school was easy—but reaching Yun Song? Hard, with crowds everywhere. This needed time. Sensing her kindness, he wondered: could he stay here first, then edge closer to Yun Song’s life? His affection with Yun Song was only at 50. If she wasn’t a cat lover, chances slimmed further.

Through chatting, he learned her name: Zhu Yunqian. Her home thrilled him—it was next to Yun Song’s, a three-minute walk. Her three-story house even had a rooftop view straight into Yun Song’s place. Perfect location.

Chen Mo agreed to stay. The girl and two cats headed to her home instead of school.

Inside, Zhu Yunqian chirped, "Just me here—my parents work late. Let me build you a nest!"

While she bustled, Chen Mo scanned the house. Concrete outside, but clean tiles within. In her room, he spotted a computer, anime posters, and figurines—a hardcore otaku for sure. This girl was loaded!

Chen Mo padded to an empty corner, patting the floor with his paw and meowing twice.

Zhu Yunqian hurried over. "Hungry again?"

He shook his head, patting the spot.

"Oh! You want to sleep here?"

Chen Mo nodded.

"Sure!"

She was certain now—this was a magical cat. Its closeness made her giddy.

Chen Mo wasn’t after Zhu Yunqian—not even with her cute, lively vibe. As a cat (a female one, no less), he couldn’t do much. With adorable Little White around, why not enjoy petting? He wanted her computer.

He’d wondered: were Little Ash’s and Luo Xianxue’s simulated worlds connected? Could he use Little Ash’s or Yun Song’s body to reach the other? A computer meant he could finally test it.

As Zhu Yunqian built the nest, Chen Mo’s first system task completed.