"Meow~"
The Ragdoll cat lifted its head and meowed at him when it noticed the cardboard box being opened.
It was so adorable that even a tough guy would melt into a pile of mush.
However, Su Cheng was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned peculiar.
A cat, about three months old, abandoned.
A cat that looked unmistakably purebred.
At least worth tens of thousands, and appeared to be in perfect health.
Who in their right mind would abandon such a cat?!
This Xuan Ying was treating him like an idiot!
She was using such a cheap trick to try and win him over!
At least use an ordinary cat if you want him to believe you!
Su Cheng forced himself to suppress the urge to vent, forcing a strained smile as he addressed Xuan Ying: "This cat is really cute, but it's so pitiful. Who abandoned it?"
Xuan Ying blinked her eyes, then said pitifully: "I don't know. I've been looking for someone to adopt it, but no one wants to take it in."
"......"
Su Cheng clenched his fists, wanting to pinch her chubby cheeks hard to wake her up.
This girl's intelligence is probably on par with Cornelia!
Seeing Su Cheng suddenly go silent, Xuan Ying thought he didn't believe her. She quickly added: "My family doesn't allow pets, so Su Cheng, you have to help it!"
Su Cheng's mouth twitched.
He can't even afford three meals a day for himself.
How is he supposed to take care of a cat?!
"But I don't have the conditions to raise a cat."
Su Cheng shook his head regretfully.
Seeing that he didn't agree, Xuan Ying pleaded: "I'll cover all the expenses, just please don't leave it alone!"
"No, no. I've never raised a pet before, and I have no experience."
Su Cheng hastily waved his hands, wanting to see what Xuan Ying's ultimate goal was.
Xuan Ying grew anxious and continued: "You just need to keep it at your place, and I'll come every day to take care of it. You don't have to worry about that!"
"No, no, I really can't take it in."
Su Cheng shook his head.
Xuan Ying was on the verge of tears. Finally, she put the cardboard box on the ground, took out a bank card from her pocket, and handed it to Su Cheng: "This is my allowance. You can deduct the expenses from here. Just keep it at your place for now, and I'll find it a new home in a few days."
"If the money isn't enough, I'll ask my family for more!"
She said as she forced the bank card into Su Cheng's hand.
Su Cheng: "........."
"Xuan Ying classmate!"
Suddenly, Su Cheng looked at Xuan Ying seriously. He was about to directly expose her childish scheme and then solemnly explain that he was only focused on studying and had no interest in anything else.
Seeing Su Cheng so serious, Xuan Ying felt an ominous premonition. She swallowed nervously and asked cautiously: "W-what is it?"
"I'm going to be blunt with you..."
Before he could finish, a familiar voice came from behind.
"What are you two doing?"
Hearing that voice, both of their expressions stiffened slightly. Xuan Ying's eyes flashed with panic, and she quickly turned around.
A car slowly stopped beside them, and the person inside was Zhao Yan with her golden hair cascading over her shoulders.
She glanced at Su Cheng, then at the cardboard box on the ground.
"Oh, I happened to pass by and saw this cat being abandoned."
As she spoke, she picked up the cardboard box and carefully placed it on the backseat of Su Cheng's bicycle.
Su Cheng glanced at her, nodded, and said: "We couldn't take it in."
"I see."
Zhao Yan got out of the car, her finger resting under her chin as she said thoughtfully: "Well, I've been wanting to get a pet recently. This cat will do. I'll have my driver take it to the vet for a check-up."
Su Cheng: "Alright."
Su Cheng got off his bike, took the cardboard box, and handed it to Zhao Yan, saying: "Please take care of it for us! I have to get back to class."
"Sure."
Zhao Yan looked down at the cardboard box in her hands, slightly surprised by his words, then smiled warmly.
Xuan Ying, who was beside her, hesitated to reach out her hand but eventually withdrew it, saying awkwardly: "Since Zhao Yan is going to adopt it, then I'll leave it to you!"
Meanwhile, Su Cheng quickly rode away on his bicycle. Xuan Ying watched his retreating figure, biting her lips, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Why are you just standing there? Get in the car and let's go to school."
Zhao Yan reminded her.
Xuan Ying nodded and got into Zhao Yan's car.
The two of them sat with the cardboard box between them.
Zhao Yan glanced at Xuan Ying, who was silent and looking down, then at the cardboard box in the middle, and her expression turned displeased.
"You're being a bit too enthusiastic, don't you think your behavior is strange?"
Zhao Yan looked at Xuan Ying beside her, speaking in a reproachful tone.
Xuan Ying, hearing this, lightly bit her lips, looking like she had been wronged. She lowered her head and said: "I... I just wanted him to take in the cat..."
"You clearly like him and want to get into his house!"
"I don't!"
"Then tell me, who would abandon a cat like this?"
Xuan Ying was silent, unable to say a word.
"He was clearly getting impatient with you. I can't imagine how hurt you would have been if he had said what he was about to say!"
Hearing this, Xuan Ying's eyes reddened, tears welling up in her eyes, realizing it herself.
"Don't cry!"
Seeing this, Zhao Yan frowned and comforted her: "Luckily, he didn't say it, and everything can still be fixed. But you need to be more careful in the future and never do anything that feels forced."
"I... I understand..."
Xuan Ying sniffled, her voice choked with sobs.
"Sigh."
Zhao Yan sighed. She had been following Xuan Ying since this morning, so she knew what Xuan Ying was planning.
Originally, she had intended to just watch the show, but in the end, she couldn't bear to see her childhood friend get hurt.
So she stepped in to save the day.
"When it comes to someone like Su Cheng, tricks won't work. In my opinion, only sincerity is the ultimate weapon."
Zhao Yan turned her gaze to the window, her eyes distant as she said: "No matter the situation, always be sincere."
…………………………………
"Is this a letter?"
As soon as he entered the school building and opened his shoe locker, a letter fell to the ground. Su Cheng glanced around to make sure no one was watching.
He looked down, frowned, then picked it up and stuffed it into his pocket. After putting on his shoes, he walked into the classroom.
Throughout the entire class, Su Cheng remained silent.
When the bell rang for the end of class, he declined Wang Guancong's invitation to go to the bathroom, ensuring no one was paying attention to him. He took out the letter.
The handwriting was neat and elegant.
He recognized this handwriting.