The boy had just stepped out of his front door when a girl came sprinting toward him.

"An Qing! An Qing!"

Her voice bubbled with joy. Yu Ting’s face flushed with excitement—she’d finally spotted her best friend.

"Mm, Yu Ting."

A smile bloomed on the boy’s face as he waved.

"I’ve been waiting for you forever!"

Yu Ting gently took his little hand, her tone laced with playful grievance.

"I… I was just about to come find you," he stammered, flustered, thinking she was upset.

"No worries! I’d never be mad at An Qing. C’mon, let’s go play at my place!"

Just seeing him melted all disappointment away—how could she stay upset?

"Okay!"

Hand in hand, the two kids skipped along, laughter dancing between them.

"An Qing! Mom bought you special indoor slippers—just like mine! Adorable bunny slippers. So cute!"

At the doorstep, Yu Ting eagerly pulled two pairs of fluffy bunny slippers from the cabinet, eyes sparkling.

"H-how much…?" An Qing faltered, cheeks warming. He felt uneasy—unworthy of such a gift. Money always made him sensitive.

"Dunno! Mom’s got plenty. Don’t be shy—try ’em on! See if they’re comfy."

Yu Ting didn’t spare a thought for the cost. She nudged him eagerly. *An Qing’s already so cute… in these, he’ll be perfect.* She felt a warm, doll-dressing thrill.

"No… I shouldn’t. You keep them."

He shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum.

"Why not? Don’t you like them?" Yu Ting’s face fell. She’d dreamed of this moment.

"It’s not… it’s just…" He fumbled for words, tongue-tied and adorably clumsy.

"Please, An Qing! You’ll be the cutest boy in the whole world!"

Yu Ting crouched, gently cradling his little feet, slipping the slippers on despite his quiet protests.

"…"

"An Qing, you’re *so* cute!" Yu Ting beamed, eyes scanning him up and down.

"N-not really…" He shyly glanced at the bunny-patterned slippers. Truth was, he loved them—but hated feeling like a burden.

"Hehe, don’t be shy! You’re the handsomest, most adorable kid ever!"

Yu Ting adored his flustered blush and cheered him on.

"Woof woof woof… Seriously, you two little lovebirds—could you *not* flaunt your cuteness in front of a single person? Flirting this young? Ugh, this brat’s gonna break hearts someday."

Meng Qiutong had recognized the little cutie’s voice from afar. Her short legs carried her over in a hurry—only to find Yu Ting teasing An Qing. *So jealous.*

"Wow! Xiao Bai!"

Shyness vanished. An Qing’s eyes lit up at the sight of the little puppy.

"Yu Ting, can I hold Xiao Bai?"

Though a cutie himself, he adored other fluffy things too.

"Of course!"

Yu Ting felt a tiny pang—his shyness was gone—but smiled anyway.

"Hehe, the little cutie *adores* me! C’mon, hug me tight!" Meng Qiutong purred inwardly. Being held by him was a joy she’d never known as a human.

"Xiao Bai, hug time!"

Unaware a grown woman’s soul lived inside the pup, An Qing knelt, hands outstretched, cooing softly.

"Ah… I’m dead."

The puppy flopped onto the floor, utterly smitten.

"Yu Ting! Is Xiao Bai okay?" An Qing panicked, voice tight with worry.

"Dunno! Maybe hungry? Hehe, An Qing—feel her tummy! So soft!" Yu Ting poked the pup’s belly, giggling.

"Pup… you okay?" His touch was gentle, concern outweighing play.

"Oops! Got too excited and worried the little cutie." Meng Qiutong scrambled up. "Hey, brat—scram! Don’t touch my belly. *Only* the little cutie gets to."

She shot Yu Ting a glare. *Angel.* *Brat.* Two very different children.

"See? All better!" Yu Ting guided An Qing’s hand to Xiao Bai’s head. "Pet her—feels nice."

To Yu Ting, any pup making An Qing smile was a good pup.

"So soft… fluffy… nice," he murmured, stroking gently.

"An Qing, let’s go upstairs! Snacks, TV, games!"

"Mm! Oh… is your mom home?" Cradling Xiao Bai, he asked softly. Adults always made him a little nervous.

"She’s showering. Ugh, Mom’s *so* mean! I was full, but she forced another bowl of rice and piled veggies on me. Look!" She lifted her T-shirt, showing her round little tummy. "Can’t even have snacks now!"

"Maybe she just worried you’d go hungry. Kids need to eat to grow tall. Don’t blame her, Yu Ting."

His quiet words soothed her. Parents *were* a child’s closest treasures.

"Okay… since An Qing says so, I forgive my silly mom." His words were gospel to her.

"Hmph. Brat."

Meng Qiutong sighed inwardly, still blissfully cradled in the little cutie’s arms.