Ruan Qingxiao was truly an expert at playing the “pathetic” card.
That was the thought that flashed through Li Mengjue’s mind once more. It was one of the many reasons why, on this rainy night, she had actually brought Ruan Qingxiao home.
The hotel front desk had confirmed that a stranger had come by asking about Ruan over the past two days. When questioned, the suspicious person claimed to be a relative but couldn’t specify the exact relationship. While the staff hadn’t leaked any info, the threat was real. Someone knew Ruan’s habits and was looking for her.
With Ruan staring at her expectantly, Li Mengjue—already wavering—finally nodded. After retrieving Ruan’s luggage, they took a taxi back to Li’s apartment.
At the complex entrance, Li Mengjue stopped to speak with the security guards, mentioning the stalker. The guards, used to handling famous residents, promised to increase patrols. “Don’t worry, Teacher Li. If we see anyone suspicious snooping around, we’ll notify you immediately.”
“My place might not be much better than a hotel,” Li Mengjue warned as they walked toward her building. “I only have one guest room. The sheets and covers were bought recently, but they aren’t some luxury brand. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t force yourself to stay.”
“Can I change them myself?” Ruan asked.
“Of course.”
“Is there a wardrobe in the room?”
“Yes.”
Ruan nodded, seemingly satisfied. It was only for a few days, after all.
“One last thing,” Li Mengjue added. “Do you hate cats?”
“Cats?” Ruan thought for a moment and shook her head. “No. Do you like them, Sister?”
“They’re cute. Though I prefer dogs, honestly,” Li said. “I’m just fostering these temporarily. They might scratch at the door at night, but they were better yesterday. My friend will pick them up in a few days when she’s back from her business trip.”
“How many are there?”
“Two. I found them on the same day I found you.”
Ruan paused. How envious, she thought. She even felt a tiny spark of jealousy toward the cats. But she quickly shook the thought away and smiled. “It seems like fate. I think I’ll like them.”
“I hope so,” Li Mengjue sighed. She had a hard time imagining the “Princess and the Pea” and stray kittens coexisting harmoniously.
Li Mengjue lived on the fifth floor. Her apartment was spacious—four rooms and a living area—but only one was set up for guests. The rest consisted of her master bedroom, a study-slash-studio, and a utility room currently occupied by the cats.
As Li opened the door and pushed the luggage inside, she gestured for Ruan to enter. Ruan stepped across the threshold with a sense of reverence, like a pilgrim entering a holy site.
The apartment was clean and well-designed, but surprisingly sparse for a young woman living alone. There were few decorations; the white walls were almost entirely bare. However, the flowers on the balcony bloomed with such vibrant, wild energy that they looked like a painting against the night sky.
“Sit and rest for a bit,” Li said, heading off to open the windows in the guest room for ventilation.
As Ruan sat on the sofa, she heard a faint scratching sound. Then, a few weak, high-pitched meows drifted from the utility room. Meow, meow, meow. They sounded sweet and needy, desperate for attention.
“Almost forgot to give them food and water,” Li said, passing Ruan to open the north room.
The moment the door opened, the two kittens scrambled out, circling Li’s ankles and trying to climb up her legs. Li bent down to refill their water and kibble, constantly detaching the tiny claws from her thighs.
Maybe I should buy a cat tree, Li thought. But they’re only here for a few more days. Is it worth buying things I won’t use later? Raising pets really was a hassle.
She scratched a kitten under the chin. “Eat properly,” she said in a lazy, mock-stern voice. “Or no food tomorrow.”
The kittens just purred against her fingers. Once they were occupied with their bowls, Li stood up and turned around, only to find Ruan Qingxiao staring at her intensely.
Li almost bumped into the wall—she had briefly forgotten there was another human in the house. “Is there something on my face?” she asked.
Ruan’s face instantly turned beet-red. She looked away, her hands fidgeting with her wrist. “I… I’m just tired. I want to rest now. Is that… okay?”
“Of course,” Li nodded. “The bathroom is over there. There are disposable toothbrushes and towels in the cabinet under the sink. The guest room is ready; just make do for tonight.”
Ruan hurried into the guest room to grab her things, her movements frantic and panicked. When she emerged to go to the bathroom, she had calmed down slightly, though the embarrassment lingered.
“This is the first time I’ve ever stayed at someone else’s house,” Ruan cleared her throat, her voice growing smaller. “I’m a bit nervous.”
Or just uncomfortable, Li thought. Given her reaction to physical touch, she probably wasn’t used to sharing space. Li felt a sudden twinge of guilt for “tricking” her into this situation.
“Do you want some milk?” Li offered. “To help you sleep. I’m worried you won’t be able to rest well in a new place.”
“Ah… okay. Thank you.”
“Go ahead and shower. I’ll heat it up. Don’t brush your teeth yet—do you want honey in it?”
“Yes… a little. Thank you.”
Ruan watched her for a moment before turning into the bathroom. As the water began to splash and steam filled the air, Ruan crouched in the corner under the hot spray. She pinched her own ears and buried her face in her knees.
The heat burning her ears didn’t come from the water.
Is this a dream? she wondered, her eyes misty and dazed.