I feel a bit redundant

"From now on, this will be your new home." Ye Shuang gently let the kitten out of its carrier. The little one limped unsteadily, letting out soft mews.

Given its unhealed wounds, the awkward gait was hardly surprising.

The cat wasn’t as skittish as before. It wobbled around before finally settling at Ye Shuang’s feet, rolling onto its back to expose its belly.

Thinking it was an invitation for pets, Ye Shuang reached out—only to get a light nip in return.

"Stingy."

If not for the cat’s recent surgery, Ye Shuang would’ve pinned it down for a thorough belly rub.

"This place might be small, but it’s better than wandering the streets, right?" Ye Shuang mused, then chuckled to himself, as if struck by the irony. "Yeah… better than wandering."

In a way, his own situation wasn’t so different from the cat’s.

After setting up the litter box and a cozy bed, Ye Shuang took a moment to observe the little creature—a long-haired orange tabby, the classic Chinese domestic breed.

Pouring some kibble into a bowl, he watched as the kitten immediately perked up at the scent, hobbling over eagerly before scarfing it down.

"Quite the agile cripple."

"With an appetite like that, you’re definitely not staying slim."

Nine out of ten orange tabbies grow chubby—the tenth could rival an elephant.

Ye Shuang had a feeling this house would soon host a furry little barrel.

"Alright, explore your new kingdom." With the cat settled, the only thing left was for Yu You to return and give it a name.

Stretching out on the sofa, Ye Shuang felt a wave of drowsiness. Back when he was working, he’d never allowed himself the luxury of an afternoon nap.

It wasn’t that he lacked the time—he just couldn’t bear to spare any of it for sleep.

"Now that I’m jobless… maybe a quick nap isn’t too indulgent?" The breeze from the window lulled him as he closed his eyes, slipping into a deep slumber.

"Meow?" The kitten, tired from its wanderings, tilted its head before padding over to Ye Shuang’s feet. Curling up against his slippers, it too drifted off.

The room fell silent, save for the faint rustle of curtains in the wind.

If idle worries don’t burden the heart, every season is sweet.

……

"School’s out! Let’s go, Yu You." As the bell rang at Yinshan Academy, Tang Keke stretched and clasped her hands together, grinning at Bai Yuyou.

"Oh, by the way… can I come over for dinner again today?"

She knew she was being a bit greedy, but compared to her own home’s meals, Ye Shuang’s cooking was in a league of its own. The saying held true—ignorance was bliss.

Bai Yuyou didn’t mind. With three people pitching in the kitchen, Ye Shuang would surely welcome the help.

"Wait—"

Bai Yuyou suddenly noticed something in her desk. Reaching in, she pulled out a pristine white envelope, addressed: To Bai Yuyou.

Tang Keke, seeing her freeze, peeked over—then gasped. "A love letter?!"

Bai Yuyou blinked, unfamiliar with the term.

Tang Keke, long accustomed to her friend’s innocence, launched into an explanation. "It’s a way to confess feelings. You write down what you want to say and put it in an envelope."

Bai Yuyou still looked puzzled.

"Ugh—it means someone likes you!"

Finally comprehending, Bai Yuyou stared at the envelope, lost in thought.

"Want to read it?"

"Mm."

With Bai Yuyou’s nod, Tang Keke eagerly tore it open—though she averted her eyes. Nosy as she was, she knew better than to intrude.

Soon, Bai Yuyou finished.

"Done? Was it from someone in class?"

Bai Yuyou shook her head, tucking the letter back into the envelope and returning it to her desk.

"What did it say?"

"That they… like me."

"Definitely a love letter! Are you going to respond?" Tang Keke’s eyes sparkled with gossipy glee. "Though you should probably reject them. Nothing beats Brother Ye Shuang, right?"

Bai Yuyou murmured, "Can I… not refuse?"

"Huh? You don’t want to reject them?" Tang Keke was stunned.

No way—does Yu You actually like the sender?!

What about the hottie waiting at home?!

Bai Yuyou shook her head again, leaving Tang Keke utterly baffled.

Realizing her confusion, Bai Yuyou pulled out a notebook and wrote:

[I just don’t want to deal with this letter. Or respond.]

"Ohhh! You can just ignore it—that’s basically a soft rejection." Tang Keke giggled. "That’s how it usually goes with love letters."

Bai Yuyou studied Tang Keke’s knowing expression. "Keke… gets them often?"

"Of course!"

It wasn’t a lie. Though Tang Keke had zero dating experience, love letters were a regular occurrence—most fixated on her generous assets.

The letters usually gushed about admiring her voluptuous figure, with little else to praise.

"All those shallow pigs. Too bad none of them measure up to Brother Ye Shuang." Glancing at the clock, Tang Keke realized how late it was. "Let’s head back early today. The sooner we get home, the sooner Brother can whip up something special for us."

With midterms approaching, even Tang Keke felt a twinge of urgency.

Bai Yuyou, eager to see Ye Shuang, nodded in agreement.

By 5 p.m., they arrived home—

And found Ye Shuang fast asleep on the sofa.

His head rested against the backrest, dark bangs slightly tousled over his forehead. His sharp features were softened in slumber, eyes shut beneath thick lashes.

"Ah, Brother’s sleeping," Tang Keke whispered.

Bai Yuyou approached quietly, then—to Tang Keke’s shock—leaned down, her long hair cascading as she pressed her lips to Ye Shuang’s.

"WHA—YU YOU?!"

Bai Yuyou turned, tilting her head. "Not… kiss often?"

"That’s not—you need the right mood!" Tang Keke flailed, though she had to admit… the mood was kinda perfect.

Huh.

Wait, does that make me the third wheel here?

The commotion roused Ye Shuang. Blinking awake, his eyes met Bai Yuyou’s serene gaze.

"……"