Chapter 28: Reunion

Chapter 28 Reunion

Nine o'clock in the evening

The vast bathroom was filled with mist, and the marble walls shimmered with cold light.

A strong figure stood under the shower. The man’s brows were heavy and gloomy, motionless as water rolled down along his muscle lines.

Song Ji lowered his eyes, replaying the scene from the day over and over in his mind.

Fei Yu was holding a child, not far from him.

The child was neatly dressed, lively in manner, and unabashedly shook Fei Yu’s hand while acting spoiled—clearly well taken care of.

Growing up in the love of parents, presumably.

Song Ji closed his eyes briefly, experiencing a helpless pain for the first time in his life.

If Fei Yu now had a happy family, a lover, and a child.

Should he wish him well and stop disturbing him?

Song Ji, his eyes full of pain, walked out of the bathroom in dejection.

His phone rang with a message notification. A bitter taste in his throat, Song Ji stood still for a long moment before reaching out a trembling hand.

Afraid of seeing Fei Yu’s love life with someone else, he only dared to look from the beginning.

Lin Feiyu...

No wonder he couldn’t find Fei Yu’s identity information back then—there was a missing surname.

Song Ji’s gaze slid down slowly. Birthday: XX Year, December 24th. Hometown: Qinghe City, XX Lin Family Village...

Marital status: Unmarried, Relationship experience...

—Unmarried?!

Unmarried?

Song Ji roughly wiped his face with his hand, his eyes red-rimmed as he looked again.

“Marital status: Unmarried, Romantic relationship: None.”

Fei Yu had no lover!

Overwhelming joy flooded him. Song Ji’s breath caught, and his gaze swiftly moved downward.

The family relationship table also had only one entry filled in.

“Family member: Sui Sui, my baby... Reason for work: To let Sui Sui attend kindergarten in the city.”

No trace of another person.

Whoever the other parent was, Fei Yu hadn’t acknowledged him!

His heart pounded wildly, blood rushing through his veins. Song Ji trembled with excitement as he gripped his phone.

In just a few minutes, Song Ji felt as if he had lived again.

Lin Sui Sui, Sui Sui—Song Ji softly repeated these two words, a thought stirred within him.

Because that day, the little kitten that had suddenly jumped at his feet and acted spoiled without a care was Fei Yu’s child.

They had met long before.

Song Ji clenched his phone, a sharp ache spread deep in his heart.

Since Fei Yu had returned for the child’s education, why wasn’t the child enrolled in school?

Was it because he hadn’t saved enough money?

The child was still so young. When Fei Yu worked, the child had nowhere to go, so he turned into a kitten and had to beg for food from people on the school grounds.

Fei Yu had to work and take care of the child alone. It must have been very hard.

Had he suffered any injustice?

Song Ji’s chest felt stuffed with cotton, making it hard to breathe.

His heart aching, he immediately dialed another number.

He frowned at whatever the person on the other end said.

Having grown up wealthy without ever worrying about money, Song Ji hesitated for once.

He asked with some hesitation, “Isn’t it possible to increase the average salary at the coffee shop to thirty thousand?”

On the other end of the line, Zhou Xun wiped his sweat and spoke as tactfully as possible.

“That’s not really feasible, President Song...”

“The average salary at Chunjian Coffee Shop is already among the highest in City A. If we raise it to that figure, it might cause internal turmoil.”

He said slowly, “Of course, if you want, you could use the store anniversary as an occasion to give out celebration red packets to all employees.”

Song Ji: “Then do that. And you’ve worked hard—I’ll double your bonus this month.”

Zhou Xun: “Thank you, President Song!”

Having convinced his boss to abandon the pay raise plan, Zhou Xun hung up, silently staring at the computer screen.

Without a doubt, this was the strangest employee information form he had ever handled in his career.

No background check, no education credential verification—the whole form was a cautious probing of someone else’s feelings.

How oblivious would one have to be not to notice how unusual this form was?

And all of this was because earlier that day, President Song had run into a father and son at A University.

Zhou Xun sighed deeply. Had that day finally arrived?

He, as the chief secretary, was about to undertake the mission of safeguarding the president’s love life?

Zhou Xun glanced at his last month’s salary and bonus. Well, that’s not bad.

The gold-medal secretary was silent for two seconds, then quickly opened another webpage and began studying intently by lamplight.

*

The next morning, gentle sunlight streamed into the modest bedroom.

On the narrow bed, the father and son lay cheek to cheek, their delicate, dewy-fresh features equally exquisite, nestling together under the soft quilt.

Dreaming of who knows what, Fei Yu's fair, soft face flushed slightly, like the most tender peach on a branch.

As sunlight fell on his face, Fei Yu slowly opened his eyes and sat up lazily from the bed.

His cheeks were rosy, his jet-black hair messy, with a few cute little tufts sticking up.

His eyelashes fluttered twice, and his almond eyes immediately misted over, a dazed look making them appear dewy.

Fei Yu sat in a daze for a few seconds, then suddenly raised his hand to cover his burning cheeks, his ears reddening, as if his head were steaming.

Blame it on that strange job application form yesterday! He actually dreamed of Song Ji last night!

Song Ji, who had been naked and propped on either side of him, was now wearing a black suit.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, sharp features—he looked even more handsome than three years ago.

His body unexpectedly stirred awake, and Fei Yu was almost driven crazy.

Aren't all Catfolk supposed to have no libido? His heat was already over; how could he still have such reactions!

It's all Song Ji's fault for being too charming—even though he's far away across the sea, he can still affect him.

Fei Yu sat by the bed, took a moment to calm down, and ran his hand through his hair, finally clearing his cluttered mind.

Only when the heat faded from his cheeks did he dare look to the side.

Suisui lay on the pillow, a fluffy, tiny little thing.

Little Meow was fast asleep, breathing steadily and deeply.

His round little head was nestled deeply in the pillow, one hand clutching the edge of the pillowcase, squishing his face into a soft, cute shape, his lips pouting slightly.

What a sweet little treasure.

Fei Yu couldn't help but smile, reaching out to touch the baby's soft hair, his heart instantly softening.

He was happy now, and he hoped Song Ji was happy too.

Fei Yu gently lifted the blanket and got up, ready to wash up and make breakfast for the baby.

At the dining table, Fei Yu scooped up a spoonful of fragrant tomato fish porridge and brought it to the baby's mouth.

"Baby, you're going to stay with Drumstick Brother and DunDun Brother again today."

He spoke softly to the baby, "When Dad saves up enough money, I'll take you to check out the nearby kindergarten, okay?"

Suisui sat in the high chair, swallowed the fish porridge, and waved his little fists, shouting loudly, "Okay!"

His phone buzzed. Fei Yu put down the bowl, wiped his hands on his apron.

He comforted, "Wait a moment, sweetie. Dad's going to see if it's work calling."

Suisui obediently swung his legs, neither fussing nor making noise.

Fei Yu opened his phone, read a few lines, and a delighted glint immediately shone in his eyes.

He lifted Suisui out of the high chair, ecstatically sharing the news with the baby.

"The boss is really generous. Even new employees get a store anniversary bonus—twenty thousand!"

Fei Yu exclaimed excitedly, "Baby can go to kindergarten now! When Dad gets a day off, I'll take Suisui!"

Feeling his dad's happiness, Suisui also rejoiced, giggling and rubbing his face against his dad's.

After a moment, his dark eyes darted slyly.

Dad works hard—today, baby has to work hard to hunt for Dad too!

*

The sunlight was perfect. The spring scenery around Jingxin Lake was incredibly beautiful, with crowds of people strolling everywhere.

On the lawn, a tiny white kitten that wasn't fully grown yet raised its tail, held its head high, and strutted forward.

It walked with great pride, its tail held high behind it, quickly catching the attention of a group of college students.

Someone waved at Suisui, "What an adorable little treasure! Psss psss psss, little mango, come here to big sis."

The little kitten trotted on its short legs toward them cheerfully and enthusiastically.

Suisui skillfully lay down at their feet, revealing his soft cat belly, front paws and back legs kicking the air vigorously.

In a soft, milky voice, he acted cute: "Meow meow!"

Human good! Human, please give baby food!

"So cute!" The college students exclaimed in admiration, crouching down to form a circle around the kitten.

They cooed 'baby, baby,' reaching out to rub his face, pinch his ears, and stroke his belly.

Suisui's fur was all ruffled, but he stayed obedient and still, letting their hands slide over his body.

Baby is so well-behaved—surely he'll get lots of prey.

But when he got dizzy from all the petting and stood up groggily, the group of college students had all left, leaving no prey at all.

Suisui's world collapsed. He pouted in grievance.

How could they cheat baby like this!

DunDun quickly swayed his tail and came over to comfort him: "That's normal—you don't always get food when you hunt."

Drumstick Brother also consoled him: "It's okay if you didn't catch anything. I heard from Caiyun and the others that today the humans' offering for lunch is premium canned cat food!"

The orange cat was unusually generous: "Suisui, don't worry. I'll share some with you!"

Suisui ate the cat food Dad had prepared, took a few bites of the premium canned food from the orange cat and the Cow Cat, and finally felt a little better.

Too bad the canned food belonged to the college kids, so he couldn't bring any back for Dad.

After eating, the soft little kitten sprawled on the lawn, his sky-blue eyes tinged with worry for the first time.

Without canned food, what could he bring Dad?

Suisui's airplane ears were pressed low, his whiskers drooping.

He turned over unhappily, and suddenly a tall figure appeared in his line of sight.

It was the kind big brother who had given him prey yesterday!

Suisui instantly bounced up from the ground, like a little cannonball, and rushed to the person's feet.

His soft head nuzzled his ankle, meowing enthusiastically.

"Hello, human! Got any food today?"

Song Ji knelt on one knee, his hand hanging in the air, hesitating to lower it.

After a moment, he swallowed hard and called out awkwardly, "Suisui."

Hearing his name from the nice big brother's mouth, Suisui immediately meowed louder, the tip of his tail twitching rapidly.

"Meow meow meow!"

"Human, you called my name! Pet me, pet me, c'mon!"

This is Fei Yu's kitten?

Song Ji carefully extended his fingertips, aiming for the kitten's round little head, then landed as soft as a feather.

The kitten's head was round and soft, felt like a warm ball of cotton.

Song Ji's heart stirred slightly as he tentatively curled his fingers.

The nice big brother's hand was super gentle, gently sliding over his ears—totally different from the group of people earlier.

Suisui squinted in contentment, lifting his head to nudge his palm, purring softly to urge him on.

The little guy was so tiny that Song Ji's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, his movements more careful and cautious than ever.

His fingers slowly moved downward, sliding from Suisui's head toward his tail.

Once the kitten's whole body relaxed, he slid his hand under Suisui's tummy and carefully lifted him onto a nearby bench.

The little one was worn out from playing, curling up into a little cat ball, purring away happily.

Song Ji sat up straight and didn't dare move.

He thought anxiously, "Suisui must've liked me, right?"

Fei Yu usually takes care of the little guy alone—it must be very hard.

Would he want someone else to help?

The afternoon sun slanted down on them. Suisui twitched his nose, stretched his limbs, and slowly woke up from Song Ji's embrace.

He blinked, saw the sun had shifted to the other side of the lake, and quickly jumped off the nice big brother's lap.

Baby's gotta go home now.

Song Ji asked, "Suisui, are you leaving?"

Suisui nodded his head.

"Suisui, are you hungry?" Song Ji pulled a piece of chicken from his bag, tore open the package, and held it out to the kitten.

Suisui's eyes lit up instantly. He chomped down on the chicken.

Baby's not hungry; baby's bringing prey for Daddy.

The kitten's expression was very similar to "Pearl's."

Song Ji's heart softened as he watched Suisui walk away. "Goodbye, Suisui."

After taking a few steps, Suisui suddenly stopped and turned around.

The kitten stared at Song Ji with wide, round eyes, not blinking, and meowed a couple of times.

Though he couldn't understand kitten language, Song Ji saw some kind of expectation in those eyes.

He smiled slightly and said softly, "I'll be back tomorrow."

Only then did Suisui feel reassured. With his trophy in his mouth, he happily walked away.

Watching Suisui disappear into the woods, Song Ji's eyes darkened. He looked down and stroked his fingers.

Suisui was pure white all over, his appearance and personality very similar to "Pearl's."

But his eyes were a sky blue—completely different from "Pearl's."

Did he take after his mother?

A bitter taste spread on Song Ji's tongue. His long lashes lowered, shielding the pain in his eyes.

Today, when Fei Yu got off work, Suisui was still grinning. He pulled out the chicken from his chest fluff and offered it to his daddy like a gift.

Fei Yu was surprised. "Baby is so amazing! You went hunting again today."

"Who gave this to Suisui today?"

Suisui answered loudly, "It was the same big brother from yesterday! Today he was Mr. White!"

College kids are so nice nowadays.

Fei Yu didn't think much of it. He ate the chicken right in front of the baby and happily took him home.

For days on end, every time Fei Yu picked up the baby, Suisui would bring back food—sometimes chicken, sometimes beef.

One day, he even brought back half a cooked fish in his mouth!

From what Suisui said, it was always from that nice big brother.

Fei Yu felt more and more guilty as he ate. Judging by this, the baby might be taking the guy's own lunch!

Sometimes in black clothes, sometimes in white... This guy didn't seem to have much either.

He was busy with graduation interviews and job hunting, yet he still shared his own food with Suisui.

How could we keep troubling him?

Fei Yu felt this couldn't go on.

During his afternoon break, he rode his e-bike toward Jingxin Lake, planning to apologize to this nice guy.

The warm spring sun shone down, a gentle breeze stirred ripples, and the lake sparkled with ripples of light.

Willows along the shore had sprouted new buds. On the platform, a few kittens were chasing each other around.

Fei Yu walked along the path, feeling a little dazed.

It was as if someone whispered in his ear, asking what the little cats were saying.

Everything was the same as three years ago, except this time, he didn’t have Song Ji by his side.

Fei Yu reluctantly looked away and looked toward the main path—

Hey, hey, hey!

His eyes widened instantly, and he was too stunned to speak.

The person sitting on the bench, the one Suisui was lying on—if it wasn't Song Ji, who else could it be?!

Under the willow branches, the tall and upright man in a white shirt, with his sharp brows and eyes lowered, gazed gently at the little creature before him.

On his lap, Suisui the kitten was curled up like a tiny sticky rice ball, fast asleep.

The man’s features were deep and sculpted, his handsome face softened by the kitten in his arms.

The collar of his white shirt was wide open, faintly revealing smooth, defined muscles. This wasn't a dream—he really was even more handsome than three years ago.

How incredible, fate had come full circle, back to where it should be.

The kind stranger who fed Suisui every day turned out to be Song Ji!

Fei Yu stood frozen in place. His legs felt as heavy as lead, unable to move.

Sensing his gaze, the man suddenly looked up, his deep eyes stared straight at him.

The wind picked up.

Willow catkins drifted, and the willow branches gently brushed Fei Yu’s shoulders, as if giving him a tender embrace.

Their eyes met, and neither spoke.

Fei Yu’s lashes trembled. He saw Song Ji’s handsome thin lips curve upward, a smile spreading across his face.

He said softly in a low, magnetic voice: “Fei Yu, long time no see.”

Fei Yu moved his lips and answered in a daze: “Long time no see, Song Ji.”

Hearing his father’s voice, Suisui’s eyes snapped open and he jumped off the kind brother’s lap.

The little kitten circled around Fei Yu’s feet, meowing excitedly.

Fei Yu bent down and scooped Suisui into his arms.

The little cat waved his front paws and jumped around excitedly, introducing: “Dad, he’s the kind brother!”

Fei Yu looked at his baby, then at the tall man walking toward him, and was silent for a moment.

Baby, I think you’ve mixed up the family tree.

Author’s note: Later, Song Ji: “So that was me” (clown).

-----------------------

As a kitten, Suisui is two months old, and his irises haven't fully developed yet, so his eyes are still sky blue. When he grows up, they'll turn golden like his father's.

I'm really happy with this chapter—I'm teary-eyed. Let's celebrate this reunion of the long-separated couple with some nutrient fluids (blush).