Wen Tinghan was undoubtedly the perfect person to ask.

His love and care for his cat Zaizai shone through every word and gesture.

Gu Chuan could feel it—Zaizai was a deeply cherished companion who’d stayed by his side for years.

Back when Wen Tinghan was misunderstood by everyone…

In those lonely moments…

But that was all in the past.

He had already found the catalyst to become his true self.

An Qianmeng glanced back, seemingly casual, toward Gu Chuan’s seat.

Sitting so close to the front, she knew teachers and classmates would notice.

As last year’s undisputed campus beauty, this behavior felt slightly beneath her dignity.

Countless students sighed inwardly: even goddesses go blind for love.

Yet those whispers barely touched An Qianmeng. Instead, Gu Chuan unwittingly became the imaginary rival of half the male student body.

She watched him laughing with Wen Tinghan—a flicker of concern in her eyes.

Her girl-radar pinged. Something felt… off about Wen Tinghan.

If he weren’t a boy, she might’ve mistaken him for a love rival.

Wait—didn’t that chubby underclassman wait for Gu Chuan at noon? She wasn’t here today.

Did this mean… a chance to have him to herself? To mend things, even briefly?

Meanwhile, Gu Chuan absorbed Wen Tinghan’s cat-care wisdom:

decoding meows, reading moods, safe foods, trusted brands versus toxic kibble.

Hearing Gu Chuan also owned a cat, Wen Tinghan shared everything without hesitation.

Boys weren’t as meticulous as girls with pets—

thankfully, Xuechun was endlessly patient with her owner.

Otherwise, ignoring a clingy cat for an hour while gaming would’ve crushed any kitten’s heart.

“By the way… you mentioned wanting to see Zaizai, right?”

“Mm, yes! You said Zaizai can…” Gu Chuan trailed off, remembering.

Wen Tinghan’s cheeks flushed. He murmured, voice barely audible:

“…do a backflip.”

“Right! A kitten who face-plants off a cat tree—even onto carpet—doing backflips? Wild.”

“S-so… Gu Chuan, would you… come to my place this afternoon? To see the cat?”

His whisper was mosquito-soft. Ears hidden beneath dark hair burned crimson.

He pushed through shyness to voice the trembling question.

Gu Chuan, oblivious, thought of Xuechun. “Will it take long?”

“No! My house is super close…”

“Okay. First time visiting a classmate’s home.” His heart fluttered.

No friends in high school meant this invitation felt monumental.

He’d always envied manga friendships—gaming, snacking, karaoke after school.

But solitude left him unable to imagine that joy.

After a full year, Wen Tinghan was his only friend.

Visiting his home? A rare breakthrough.

Anticipation lit Gu Chuan’s face.

“Is Zaizai shy?”

“Nah! Just a little rascal.”

“Rascal?”

“He’ll dash to girls for pets. Boys? Zero luck.”

*Chuckle* “Hah—a tiny flirt, huh?”

Gu Chuan pictured Xuechun. *She’d ignore anyone but me. Boy or girl. Jealous, devoted little catgirl.*

*Ding-ding-ding!* The dismissal bell echoed across the sunset-gilded campus.

They packed books and exercise sheets.

Homeroom teacher Old Song cleared his throat mid-lecture:

“…Class dismissed.”

He strode out—briefcase tucked, rule unbroken.

No one dared leave before him.

But today, An Qianmeng was first. Bag in hand, waiting by the hallway window.

*Obviously for Gu Chuan.*

Yet he emerged shoulder-to-shoulder with Wen Tinghan, chatting warmly.

An Qianmeng’s eyelid twitched violently.

*Left eye for wealth, right for trouble… Which one was it?*

“Gu Chuan! I… need to talk.”

Maidenly pride held her words short.

Normally, he’d comply.

But this was his first friend visit—*miss this, no next time.*

He craved ordinary high school bonds: guy friends over girls, gaming sessions, shared snacks.

Right now, An Qianmeng felt like a roadblock—a meowing tigress.

Wen Tinghan clenched his small, pale fists.

*Don’t yield.*

Yet the words slipped out anyway:

“Gu Chuan… maybe next time.”

“An Qianmeng’s waiting. I’m fine.”