I Am a Cat (12)

Hearing that Little Wei liked the food she made, Li Jiewei's eyes curved into happy crescents.

This feeling was quite enjoyable.

She wasn’t entirely sure why—maybe this was the joy of having a cat? Even if the "cat" in question was a cat-eared girl.

Li Jiewei’s chest felt warm and full.

Even after Little Wei finished eating, Li Jiewei kept staring at her.

"What’s wrong?" Little Wei felt goosebumps rising on her skin.

"Nothing, I’ve just never seen this before," Li Jiewei replied awkwardly.

She shouldn’t have been staring like that—it made her seem like some kind of creep.

The thought made her cringe at herself.

Why was she thinking like this?

A flicker of confusion passed through Li Jiewei’s eyes before she noticed Little Wei curling up on the couch again—this time not in human form, but as a cat.

Paws tucked in.

It was the same posture as always, yet somehow, it felt different now.

Li Jiewei walked over and carefully scooped Little Wei into her arms.

"Little Wei," she called softly.

Little Wei lifted her gaze.

Honestly, just looking at her now, it was hard to imagine this girl had once harbored a dark, twisted mindset.

Among all of Si’s incarnations, Li Jiewei was the most carefree.

Well, except for Ning Moqing.

With that thought, Little Wei let out a soft "meow," waiting for Li Jiewei to continue.

Li Jiewei pressed the cat’s head against her slender neck.

Little Wei’s feline face flushed—oh no, no kisses, please!

"I’m so happy you can turn into a cat. You’ll stay with me forever, right?" Li Jiewei murmured, lowering her lashes with a faint smile.

Little Wei thought for a moment, then meowed again.

Of course she’d stay, dummy.

Even when her soul had been scattered, hadn’t Si still found her?

"Is that a yes? But why did you turn back into a cat? It feels a little… awkward." Li Jiewei suddenly loosened her grip, unsure where to put her hands.

Little Wei tumbled onto Li Jiewei’s lap.

She wanted to change back too, but something felt off.

Being alone with Li Jiewei like this made her restless.

Little Wei sprawled across her lap, lost in thought.

After a long pause, she finally shifted back into human form.

Honestly, watching a human revert to human form—anyone unaware might think she had some tragic backstory.

How pitiful.

"If I look like this, you’ll just keep staring," Little Wei grumbled.

Li Jiewei quickly averted her gaze, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, flustered.

"I won’t look then."

She just thought her cat was pretty—how was that her fault?

"Oh! I should take you shopping. Can you retract your ears?" Li Jiewei asked, then instinctively glanced behind Little Wei.

And the tail.

But she was too embarrassed to mention it.

"Shopping for clothes…" Little Wei hesitated.

She didn’t want to spend her wife’s money.

"Come on, hurry up and hide them. I’m buying you cute dresses!" Li Jiewei tugged at Little Wei’s arm, her eyes sparkling.

She was determined to dress up her precious cat in the most adorable outfits.

Little Wei sighed but obliged, retracting her cat ears and tail.

She just hoped no cultivators would spot her—otherwise, they wouldn’t even get the chance to attend each other’s funerals.

What a nightmare.

"Look, this is the street where I always shop. They have so many pretty clothes here." Li Jiewei pulled Little Wei into a Lolita boutique.

She might not suit the style herself, but for a cat-eared girl? Perfect.

"Lolita dresses?" Little Wei grimaced at the frilly, pink monstrosities.

No way. Lolita was so not her vibe.

"Yeah, they’re gorgeous! See anything you like?" Li Jiewei held up a pleated skirt against Little Wei.

Oh no.

Little Wei’s soul screamed for escape.

"Not really. I prefer pants," she insisted.

"You should at least try," Li Jiewei pressed, stubborn as ever.

Little Wei tried to resist, but Li Jiewei shoved several outfits into her arms.

"Check the sizes. If they fit, we’ll take them."

This store didn’t allow try-ons.

Little Wei eyed the garish clothes with distaste. They were pretty, sure, but she’d rather see Li Jiewei wear them.

"Are we really buying these?" she asked weakly.

"Of course!" Li Jiewei grinned. "Why not? If they’re cute, we’re getting them."

Little Wei: "…"

In the end, Li Jiewei bought four sets.

As they left, Little Wei stared mournfully at Li Jiewei’s phone.

"You… spent so much," she murmured, heart aching for her.

She could’ve transferred money, but explaining its origin would be impossible.

"It’s fine. I used my New Year’s money, and I’ve been working part-time since graduation. Small expenses—raising you wasn’t cheap before, you know."

Little Wei had no comeback.

All she could say was, "Damn, sis is impressive."

"Em… that wasn’t my fault, right?"

Little Wei swore the previous spending sprees were the original owner’s doing.

"Not blaming you. My earnings can cover you now."

Little Wei: "…"

The guilt of being supported by her wife was crushing.

Ugh, this was unforgivable.

No self-respecting cat would do this.

"Forget it, I’ll earn my own money," Little Wei declared, struck by sudden inspiration.

That’s right—she’d make bank.

She’d take Li Jiewei to the top.

"You’re going to work? But you don’t have an ID," Li Jiewei pointed out, scratching her head.

Little Wei: "…"

Great point. Please never bring it up again.

"I have other ways. I’m a—" She glanced at the crowded street and swallowed the word "cat demon."

Saying that out loud would get her arrested on the spot.

"Alright, but let’s go home first." Li Jiewei ruffled Little Wei’s hair.

Ahhh, her cat’s hair was so soft and smooth!

Petting her was pure bliss.

The meaning of life? Raising cats.

Li Jiewei felt newly motivated for her part-time job.

"Mm." Little Wei nodded.

Back home, Li Jiewei immediately dumped the clothes onto Little Wei.

"Go try them on! I want to see how they look," she urged.

Little Wei sighed but took the dresses into the bedroom.

"Hey, Si… wanna borrow these?" she mused, tapping her chin.