In the bathroom, Qin Yi brushed his teeth while silently pondering today’s tricky conic section problem.
*Click.*
Lin Jin pushed open the door, swept in like a gust of wind, grabbed his toiletries, and vanished just as swiftly.
Was he still angry?
Qin Yi knew his best friend’s temper. Given their bond, Lin Jin’s grudges rarely lasted over two minutes.
But that rushed exit just now? Clearly, he was still fuming.
Finishing his wash-up at a leisurely pace, Qin Yi skimmed an English essay sample once more before ambling up to the rooftop terrace.
This hotel had five floors, with the rooftop making six. Up there sat four rooms and a small terrace—rarely chosen by guests, so the annual rent was cheap. To let Lin Jin focus on his final high school year, his mom had gritted her teeth and scraped savings to rent one room. Qin Yi disliked the noisy dorms and planned to move out too. His grandparents wanted a two-bedroom apartment to care for him, but he refused—they were old, and he didn’t want to burden them. Since childhood buddy Lin Jin rented here, Qin Yi took a room on the same floor. The owner gave a 10% discount for bringing a new tenant, saving him a tidy sum.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Qin Yi scanned the compact terrace and quickly spotted his friend.
He waited patiently for Lin Jin to spit out the last toothpaste foam, then poked his waist. “Seriously, did you really turn into a cat?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you!”
Lin Jin turned, his eyes slightly red-rimmed.
Waking up inexplicably as a cat—of all times, during crucial senior year. His mom worked hard enough to support him; he couldn’t tell her and risk her worry. After weighing options, only this childhood friend—known since elementary school—could be trusted for help.
“Then explain exactly what happened.” Seeing his raw emotion and sincerity, Qin Yi’s expression turned grave.
The door to another room suddenly opened. A temporary guest carrying toiletries stepped onto the terrace, shot them a curious glance, and ducked into the bathroom.
“Let’s talk inside,” Lin Jin murmured.
