Chapter 224

Wei Leng's wedding is scheduled for the day after the National Day holiday; Jia Ma also didn't plan to take the kids out this year during the holiday, because the crowds are huge during National Day, and if they went traveling, she alone couldn't handle two kids plus a not-so-well-behaved cat.

But we need to be concise, not add extra. Keep meaning.

Let's produce: Wei Leng's wedding was set for the second day of the "National Day holiday"; Jiao Ma this year also had no plan to take the kids out for a trip during the "National Day holiday", as the holiday crowds are too large—if they went traveling, she alone couldn't handle two kids plus a not-so-well-behaved cat.

Make sure it's one line.

Earlier Wei Leng said he wanted to send a car to pick them up, but Jia Ma refused; today Wei Leng is the main character, he'll surely be busy all morning, plus he has to go fetch the bride, needing people and vehicles in many places; besides, the Jia family already has a car, and Jia Ma knows the venue—Shaoguang Hotel—so there's no need for all that trouble.

Translate: Earlier Wei Leng said he wanted to send a car to pick them up, but Jiao Ma refused; today Wei Leng is the main character, surely busy all morning, plus he has to go fetch the bride, needing many people and cars; besides, the Jiao family already has a car, and Jiao Ma knows the wedding venue—Shaoguang Jiudian—so familiar, no need for such trouble.

Make one line.

After checking the cat food early this morning, Er Mao had already disappeared; today he has to help Wei Leng. He came back very late last night from being busy, and if it weren't for the cat at home, he'd probably have just slept outside.

Translate: Er Mao had checked the cat food early this morning and then ran off without a trace; today he has to help Wei Leng. He came back very late yesterday from being busy, and if there weren't still a cat at home, he'd probably have just slept outside.

Make one line.

After going downstairs, Jia Ma drove to the gate of the compound and stopped; Zheng Tan looked outside and saw two people still standing at the gate. He found them familiar, lowered his gaze, and saw the little girl—no older than Xiao Yuzi—holding a cage, and suddenly realized it was this family.

Translate: After going downstairs, Jiao Ma drove to the gate of the compound and stopped; Zheng Tan looked out and saw two people still standing at the gate. Zheng Tan found them familiar, lowered his gaze, and saw the little girl—no older than Xiao Youzi—holding a basket; then it dawned on him: this must be that family.

Make one line.

Inside the cage was a guinea pig; Zheng Tan had seen it before and remembered that Wei Leng called this fellow "Chestnut". Two years ago, when this little guy wandered out on his own, he almost got torn apart by the police chief and A Huang; Zheng Tan also saw Wei Leng then. This mother and daughter are the wife and child of Wei Leng's comrade-in-arms, who died tragically on a mission; Wei Leng and other comrades have always helped them, and Wei Leng often visits them; this time, for Wei Leng's wedding, the mother and daughter will certainly come.

The basket held a guinea pig; Zheng Tan had seen it before and remembered that Wei Leng called this fellow "Chestnut". Two years ago, when this little guy wandered out on his own, he almost got torn apart by the police chief and A Huang; Zheng Tan also saw Wei Leng then. This mother and daughter are the wife and child of Wei Leng's comrade-in-arms, who died tragically on a mission; Wei Leng and other comrades have always helped them, and Wei Leng often visits them; this time, for Wei Leng's wedding, the mother and daughter will certainly come.

Make one line.

Jia Ma greeted the two and got them in the car; they had already coordinated everything the night before, so she was just giving Wei Leng a ride with these two. Jia Ba wasn't home, but with two extra people the car still had enough room.

Translate: Jiao Ma greeted the two and had them get in the car; they had already coordinated last night, so she was just giving Wei Leng a ride with these two. Jiao Ba wasn't there, and with two more people the car still wasn't too cramped.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan and Xiao Yuzi were sitting in the back seat; when the mother and daughter got in, they were a bit surprised to see the cat, while the girl was more cautious—after all, many cats aren't very friendly toward guinea pigs.

Translate: Zheng Tan and Xiao Youzi were sitting in the back seat; when the mother and daughter entered, they were a bit surprised to see the cat, but the little girl was more cautious—after all, many cats aren't friendly toward guinea pigs.

Make one line.

Seeing Zheng Tan sitting quietly beside Xiao Yuzi, the mother and daughter finally relaxed.

Translate: Seeing Zheng Tan sitting quietly beside Xiao Youzi, the mother and daughter finally relaxed.

Make one line.

"Don't worry, our Hei Tan is well-behaved and won't bully other small animals," Jia Ma said.

Translate: "Don't worry, my Hei Tan is very well-behaved and won't bully other small animals," Jiao Ma said.

Make one line.

"Exactly. Hei Tan never bullies the weak—unless it's a thieving mouse." Jia Yuan turned his head to look back, his eyes fixed on the furball in the cage.

Translate: "Right, right. Hei Tan never bullies the weak—except for thieving bad mice." Jiao Yuan turned his head to look back, his eyes fixed on the furball in the basket.

Make one line.

However, the mother smiled but said nothing; she didn't really believe that. Fortunately, her guinea pig was in a cage, which the cat couldn't get into.

Translate: However, the mother smiled but said nothing; she didn't really think that. Fortunately, her guinea pig was kept in a basket, which the cat couldn't get into.

Make one line.

Xiao Yuzi and Jia Yuan, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, kept their eyes mainly on "Chestnut". On the way to the hotel, Jia Yuan talked a lot and actively asked about the guinea pig.

Translate: Xiao Youzi and Jiao Yuan, sitting in the front passenger seat, mainly focused their gaze on "Chestnut". On the way to the hotel, Jiao Yuan, who was talkative, actively asked about the guinea pig.

Make one line.

"We should have left Chestnut at home, but the child didn't want to part with him. She said she'd take this chance to bring Chestnut out to play," the mother said.

Translate: "Originally we should have left 'Chestnut' at home, but the child couldn't bear to part with it. She said she'd take this chance to bring 'Chestnut' out to play," the mother said.

Make one line.

"That's right; ours is the same—we have to bring it wherever we go. But ours is well-behaved and never runs off," Jia Ma laughed. In front of outsiders, they'd only say the good things; Jia Ma didn't expose Zheng Tan's background.

Translate: "That's how it is; ours is the same—we have to bring it wherever we go. But ours is very well-behaved, never running around." Jiao Ma laughed. In front of outsiders, they'd only say the good things; Jiao Ma also didn't expose Zheng Tan's background.

Make one line.

However, Jia Yuan and Xiao Yuzi felt a bit guilty listening, knowing full well how their Hei Tan behaves: as long as the weather is decent, he spends most of the daytime running around outside.

Translate: However, Jiao Yuan and Xiao Youzi felt a bit guilty listening, knowing full well how their Hei Tan behaves: as long as the weather is fine, during the day he spends most of his time running around outside.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan didn't blush at Jia Ma's somewhat insincere praise—even if he did, it wouldn't show—and he sat primly on Xiao Yuzi's leg. However, the guinea pig in the seat next over was restless, squeaking a few times at Zheng Tan, not sure if it recognized him.

Translate: Zheng Tan didn't blush at Jiao Ma's somewhat insincere praise—even if he did, it wouldn't show—as he sat primly on Xiao Youzi's leg. However, the guinea pig in the seat next to the next one was restless, letting out a few squeaks at Zheng Tan, not sure if it recognized him.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan glanced at it and ignored it. The creature had grown a bit since the first time he saw it—now about twenty centimeters long—its appearance is indeed appealing and harmless, which explains why the kids like it.

Translate: Zheng Tan glanced at it and ignored it. This fellow had grown a bit since the first time he saw him, now about twenty centimeters long; his appearance is indeed quite likable and harmless, no wonder the kids like him.

Make one line.

"Chestnut doesn't seem to be afraid of Hei Tan," the girl holding the cage said. After all, having raised Chestnut for so long, she could roughly understand what it was trying to express from its calls and behavior.

Translate: "'Chestnut' doesn't seem to fear Hei Tan," said the girl holding the basket. After all, having raised 'Chestnut' for so long, she could roughly understand what it wanted to express from its calls and some behaviors.

Make one line.

"You can probably tell the cat means no harm; animals' sixth sense is quite sharp," the mother laughed.

Translate: "You probably know this cat means no harm; animals' sixth sense is very keen," the mother laughed.

Make one line.

It still takes some time to get from Chu Hua University to the hotel; en route, Yuan Zhiyi called once. Since Jia Ma was driving and couldn't answer, Jia Yuan took the call. Yuan Zhiyi said he'd set out later; he had originally planned to help bring a few things if the Jia family had too many people, but since it wasn't needed, he wasn't in a rush. Some people at the company who are fairly close to Wei Leng—such as the comrades Wei Leng introduced earlier—had already left before dawn.

Translate: From Chu Hua Da Xue to the hotel it still takes some time; en route, Yuan Zhiyi called once. Jiao Ma, inconvenient while driving, had Jiao Yuan answer. Yuan Zhiyi said he'd set out later; originally he planned to help pick up a few things if the Jiao family had too many people, but since it wasn't needed, he wasn't in a hurry. Some people at the company who are fairly familiar with Wei Leng, such as the comrades-in-arms Wei Leng introduced earlier, had already rushed out before dawn.

Make one line.

Today Wei Leng actually looks presentable, quite proper.

Translate: Today Wei Leng actually looks presentable, quite proper.

Make one line.

During the wedding ceremony, everyone's attention was on the bride and groom; Zheng Tan crouched on a stool and couldn't see anything, with his back against the wall, so he didn't have to worry about anyone behind him. Both sides were blocked by Xiao Yuzi and Jia Yuan, so if he tried to look out he could at most peek half a cat's head from under the table, and he'd have to press his ears down to avoid being noticed.

Translate: During the wedding ceremony, everyone's attention was on the bride and groom; Zheng Tan squatted on a stool and couldn't see anything, his back against the wall, so he didn't have to worry about anyone behind him—both sides were well shielded by Xiao Youzi and Jiao Yuan. If he wanted to look out, he could at most peek half a cat's head from under the table, and he'd have to press his ears down to avoid being noticed by others.

Make one line.

Although the people at this table wouldn't mind, we can't be sure about other tables, so we need to give Wei Leng some face. As for Chestnut, it had already been hidden in a special bag—even less noticeable than Zheng Tan.

Translate: Although the people at this table wouldn't mind, one can't be sure about those at other tables having no objections; overall, we need to give Wei Leng some face. As for "Chestnut", it had already been hidden in a special bag—even less noticeable than Zheng Tan.

Make one line.

Everyone at this table is an acquaintance; Yuan Zhiyi made a special trip today, one reason being Wei Leng's wedding, another to catch up with the Jia family and also see the "money cat". Usually this big boss is very busy and has little time, but now that he finally has free time he wants to pick up some luck—this is a live, modern version, not the figurine of a money cat in his office.

Translate: The table was full of acquaintances; Yuan Zhiyi specially made time to come today—one reason was Wei Leng's wedding, another was to chat casually with the Jiao family and also see the "Lucky Cat". Usually this big boss is very busy and has little time, but now that he finally has free time, he wants to pick up some "luck". This is the real, living version, not the lucky-cat figurine on his office desk.

Make one line.

Besides the Jia family, Yuan Zhiyi, and that mother‑daughter pair, the rest at this table are Wei Leng's comrades; a few of them often help that mother and daughter, so they have plenty to talk about and won't let the table go quiet.

Translate: Besides the Jiao family, Yuan Zhiyi, and that mother-daughter pair, the other few at this table are Wei Leng's comrades-in-arms; some of them often help the mother and daughter, so they can keep conversation going and avoid awkward silence.

Make one line.

Er Mao had mentioned they hired someone to film it, so later they could watch the footage—anyway, Zheng Tan isn't very curious about that. Although he couldn't see outside, during certain parts of the ceremony he heard Er Mao, the Walnut senior brother, and a few unfamiliar voices raising a ruckus, shouting especially loudly.

Translate: Er Mao had said they hired someone to film it, so later they could watch the footage; anyway, Zheng Tan isn't very curious about that. Although he couldn't see outside, during certain stages of the wedding ceremony he heard Er Mao, Hetaoshixiong, and a few unfamiliar voices raising a ruckus, shouting especially loudly.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan felt so hungry he wanted to sleep; his breakfast had already been digested, leaving him both hungry and bored. When the banquet finally started, he just buried himself in eating, since there was no shortage of people helping to pass dishes—especially Yuan Zhiyi, who was dishing out food with great enthusiasm, leaving several people at the table bewildered.

Translate: Zheng Tan felt hungry enough to want to sleep; his breakfast had already been digested, leaving him both hungry and bored. When the banquet finally started, he just buried his head and ate voraciously—there was no shortage of people helping to pass dishes, especially Yuan Zhiyi, who was aggressively dishing out food, making several people at the table look bewildered.

Make one line.

When Wei Leng came over to make a toast, he wanted to signal Zheng Tan, but Jia Yuan and Xiao Yuzi blocked the view too solidly, so Wei Leng only saw a black pointed ear.

Translate: When Wei Leng came over to propose a toast, he actually wanted to signal Zheng Tan, but Jiao Yuan and Xiao Youzi blocked the view too solidly, so Wei Leng just saw a black pointed ear.

Make one line.

After the banquet ended, many people with busy duties or other matters had to leave. Wei Leng had also booked some rooms at the hotel; anyone free in the afternoon who wanted to rest and play cards could go upstairs, and he had even arranged dinner.

Translate: After the banquet ended, many people with busy official duties or other matters had to leave. Wei Leng had also booked some rooms at the hotel; anyone with no other affairs in the afternoon who wanted to play cards and rest could go upstairs, and he had also arranged dinner.

Make one line.

Yuan Zhiyi left, and Jia Ma took the kids and that mother‑daughter pair upstairs to a room to rest. The three kids prepared to play poker, while the two mothers chatted. Zheng Tan planned to sleep, but the guinea pig released from its cage kept nudging him; he kicked it away, only for it to return seconds later, annoying him. He jumped onto the sofa backrest and ignored the guinea pig's squeaks from below.

Translate: Yuan Zhiyi left; Jiao Ma took the kids and that mother-daughter pair to an upstairs room to rest. The three kids prepared to play poker, the two mothers chatted. Zheng Tan intended to sleep, but the guinea pig let out of its basket kept nudging up against him; Zheng Tan lifted his leg to push it away, but after a few seconds it came back, annoying him. Zheng Tan jumped onto the sofa backrest and ignored the guinea pig's squeaks from below.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan hadn't even been asleep long when Er Mao came over.

Translate: Before Zheng Tan could get much sleep, Er Mao came over.

Make one line.

"Hei Tan, want to come play?" Er Mao looked at the black cat lounging on the sofa back. He knew whether he could take the cat depended on the cat's willingness, and the cat agreed. The Jia family would at most say a few neutral words or give a mild reminder; they basically wouldn't object.

Translate: "'Hei Tan, want to go play?'" Er Mao said, looking at the black cat sprawled on the sofa back. He knew whether he could take the cat away; the main thing was the cat's intention. It agreed. The Jiao family would at most say a few indifferent words or give a bit of advice; basically they wouldn't object.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan thought it over—staying here was boring anyway—so he followed Er Mao out for a walk, also wanting to check out the legendary master.

Translate: Zheng Tan thought it over—staying here would be boring anyway—so he followed Er Mao out for a walk, also wanting to check out the legendary master.

Make one line.

Er Mao had originally been in the large suite catching up with a few senior brothers he hadn't seen in ages, but the conversation turned into the master lecturing each disciple in turn. Wei Leng, the main character today, had just come to the room a moment earlier; seeing the situation wasn't right, he made an excuse to accompany the bride and greet guests and left, leaving the other brothers to continue receiving criticism. Especially those like Er Mao who hadn't been caught by the old man in a long time were the main targets of the lecture.

Translate: Er Mao had originally been in that large suite catching up with a few senior brothers he hadn't seen in ages, but the conversation turned into the master lecturing each disciple in turn. Wei Leng, being the main character today, had just come to the room for a while; seeing the situation wasn't right, he made an excuse to accompany the bride and see off the guests and left, leaving the other brothers to continue being scolded there. Especially including Er Mao, who hadn't been caught by the old man in a long time, these were the main targets of the lecture.

Make one line.

"Hei Mei Tan, you'd better watch out later… uh, just stay alert and sharp," Er Mao couldn't help adding as he was about to open the door.

Translate: "'Hey, coal, you'd better pay attention later… uh, just stay alert, okay.'" Er Mao couldn't help adding another line before opening the door.

Make one line.

Er Mao hadn't finished speaking when Zheng Tan wondered what exactly he meant—was there some danger inside? Not really.

Translate: Er Mao hadn't finished saying that, and Zheng Tan didn't know exactly what Er Mao meant—was there some danger inside? But that wouldn't be the case.

Make one line.

After Er Mao opened the door, Zheng Tan followed him inside.

Translate: After Er Mao opened the door, Zheng Tan followed him inside.

Make one line.

Inside there was no smell of smoke—quite remarkable, a bunch of old gentlemen none of whom smoked, or perhaps they were refraining out of respect for the master.

Translate: Inside there was no smell of smoke—truly rare, a bunch of old gentlemen not a single one smoking; or perhaps they were refraining out of respect for that master?

Make one line.

However, there was no smoke odor, but there were other smells—besides the strangers', there was something else…

Translate: However, there was no smoke smell, but there were other odors. Besides the strangers', there was also something…

Make one line.

The people sitting in the room, aside from Er Mao and the Walnut senior brother, were all strangers to Zheng Tan; Er Mao is the youngest among them. In terms of age, besides the one elderly person, there are several middle‑aged folks who look about the same age as the Walnut brother. Earlier, when Wei Leng and his comrades chatted, it sounded like there were even older ones, but they're tied up with important duties and can't get away; the big red envelopes have surely reached Wei Leng's hands, and that rascal is probably counting money right now.

Translate: The people sitting in the room, aside from Er Mao and Hetaoshixiong, were all strangers to Zheng Tan; Er Mao is the youngest among them. In terms of seniority, besides the sole elder, there are a few middle-aged men who look about the same age as Hetaoshixiong. Earlier, listening to Wei Leng and them chat, it seemed there were even older ones above, but they hold important positions and are tied up with affairs, so they can't just leave; the big red envelopes must already have reached Wei Leng's hands, and that rascal Wei Leng is probably counting money right now.

Make one line.

From the moment Zheng Tan entered the room he had a strange feeling, as if someone were lurking in the dark watching him. Several pairs of eyes were fixed on him; saying the pressure isn't big would be nonsense, but Zheng Tan sensed these people meant no harm, so he relaxed a bit—their gazes were mostly evaluative, especially that of the old man who looked unusually spirited.

Translate: From the moment Zheng Tan entered the room, he had a strange feeling, as if someone were lurking in the dark watching him. Several pairs of eyes were fixed on him; to say the pressure wasn't great would be nonsense, but Zheng Tan sensed these people had no ill intent, so he relaxed a bit—their gazes were mostly evaluative, especially that of the old man who looked unusually spirited.

Make one line.

At first glance the old man seemed to have a sturdy style, but the longer one looked, the more he seemed slippery; while he was looking at Zheng Tan, his hands were fiddling with dominoes. I don't know whether Er Mao's habit of playing cards came from here, but as the saying goes, if the beam isn't straight, the rafters will be crooked.

Translate: At first glance the old man seemed to have a sturdy style, but the longer one looked, the more slippery he appeared; while he was looking at Zheng Tan, his hands were still playing with dominoes. I don't know whether Er Mao's habit of playing cards came from here, but as the saying goes, if the beam is not straight, the rafter will be crooked.

Make one line.

After Zheng Tan followed Er Mao inside, the people in the room fell silent—some played cards, some drank tea, some picked their teeth, each busy with their own thing, yet they kept glancing at Zheng Tan, as if waiting for something.

Translate: After Zheng Tan followed Er Mao inside, the few people in the room fell silent—those playing cards played cards, those drinking tea drank tea, those picking teeth picked teeth, each busy with their own thing, yet they also diverted some attention to Zheng Tan, as if expecting something.

Make one line.

That feeling grew stronger for Zheng Tan, who has always trusted his intuition.

Translate: Zheng Tan's feeling grew stronger; he has always trusted his intuition.

Make one line.

Since the opponent hadn't moved, Zheng Tan decided to make the first move.

Translate: Since the enemy wasn't moving, Zheng Tan decided to make the first move himself.

Make one line.

Zheng Tan lifted his foot and walked from the doorway toward the sofa, ears perked, alert to any movement around him, his eyes on the few people seated on the sofa—but there was little to read in their expressions; fittingly, they were Wei Leng and Er Mao's senior brothers, each better at pretending than the last.

Translate: Zheng Tan lifted his foot and walked from the doorway toward the sofa, ears perked, alert to any movement around, eyes fixed on the few people seated by the sofa; unfortunately, there was too little to read from their eyes—no surprise, as they are Wei Leng's and Er Mao's senior brothers, each better at pretending than the last.

Make one line.

As that feeling intensified and he simultaneously sensed movement behind him, Zheng Tan suddenly turned and lashed out with his claws, not even bothering to look at the attacker; his claws snagged the attacker's clothing, and with a swift turn he flung the assailant away.

Translate: As that feeling grew stronger and he simultaneously sensed movement behind him, Zheng Tan suddenly turned and lashed out with his claws, not even bothering to look closely at the attacker; his claws snagged the attacker's clothing, and with a turn he flung the assailant away.

Make one line.

Then a sharp sound—whether from fear or anger—came from the attacker's mouth, stinging Zheng Tan and making him want to go over and slap them a few more times. (To be continued…)

Translate: Afterwards, a sharp sound—whether from fear or anger—came from the attacker's mouth, piercing Zheng Tan and making him want to go over and slap him a few more times. (To be continued…)

Make one line.

Chinese: ps：（4.14）

Translate: ps: (4.14)

Make one line.

ps: (4.14)