Chapter 304

Although Qin Tao's scolding was full of strong emotion, his voice wasn't loud; but when Zhuo Xiao Mao shouted, he didn't put much feeling into it, yet he yelled at the top of his lungs, which is why the other children and several teachers heard him.

Possible translation: "Although Qin Tao's scolding carried strong emotion in its words, his voice wasn't loud; whereas Zhuo Xiao Mao's shout lacked emotion, he shouted at the top of his lungs, and that's why the other children and several teachers heard it."

Check we keep all info: Qin Tao scolding, strong emotion in words, voice not loud; Zhuo Xiao Mao shout, no emotion, but he opened his voice and shouted; because of that, other kids and several teachers heard.

We'll produce: "Although Qin Tao's scolding carried strong emotion in its words, his voice wasn't loud; whereas Zhuo Xiao Mao's shout lacked emotion, he shouted at the top of his lungs, and that's why the other children and several teachers heard it."

Make sure it's one line.

Qin Tao was pondering how strange the child's shout sounded when he looked up and saw three young female teachers coming over. Usually he'd be glad to see them—kindergarten teachers are so affectionate, worth a 'deep exchange'—but the circumstances weren't right; Qin Tao wasn't so dense as to misread the situation. Seeing those three teachers fuming, and recalling the kid's remark, an uneasy feeling welled up.

Translate: "Qin Tao was wondering how the kid's shout just now sounded a bit strange, when he looked up and saw three young female teachers approaching. Under other circumstances he would still be happy to see them—kindergarten teachers are so lovable, worth getting close to—but the situation was wrong; Qin Tao wasn't so addled as to misjudge the circumstances. Looking at those three female teachers with angry faces, and then recalling what that little brat had just said, a bad premonition rose."

Check we keep all: Qin Tao wondering how the kid's shout sounded a bit strange; looked up, saw three young female teachers approaching; under other circumstances he would still be happy to see them; kindergarten teachers are so lovable, worth getting close to; but the situation is not right; Qin Tao isn't so stupid as to misjudge the situation; look at those three angry female teachers; recall the little brat's words; a bad premonition rises.

We'll produce: "Qin Tao was wondering how the kid's shout just now sounded a bit strange, when he looked up and saw three young female teachers approaching. Under other circumstances he would still be happy to see them—kindergarten teachers are so lovable, worth getting close to—but the situation was wrong; Qin Tao wasn't so addled as to misjudge the circumstances. Looking at those three female teachers with angry faces, and then recalling what that little brat had just said, a bad premonition rose."

Teacher Bai had seen Zhuo Xiao Mao chatting with his 'Black Brother' as usual on the sidelines, so she didn't interfere; this was nothing unusual to them, and the guardians had allowed it. When Qin Tao appeared, a few teachers grew wary, but seeing Zhuo Xiao Mao and the black cat beside him doing nothing, they just watched—yet they never expected to hear Zhuo Xiao Mao shout that.

Translate: "Bai Lao Shi originally saw Zhuo Xiao Mao, as usual, chatting with 'Hei Ge' at the side, and so didn't intervene; this situation they were already used to, and the child's guardian also took a permissive attitude. Qin Tao's arrival made a few teachers wary for a moment; seeing Zhuo Xiao Mao and the black cat beside him doing nothing, they initially just watched and waited, but they hadn't expected to hear Zhuo Xiao Mao shout something like that."

Check all: Bai Lao Shi originally saw Zhuo Xiao Mao chatting with Hei Ge at the side, didn't intervene; situation they were used to; child's guardian permissive; Qin Tao's arrival made a few teachers wary; seeing Zhuo Xiao Mao and the black cat beside him doing nothing, they initially just watched and waited; but they hadn't expected to hear Zhuo Xiao Mao shout something like that.

We'll produce: "Bai Lao Shi originally saw Zhuo Xiao Mao, as usual, chatting with 'Hei Ge' at the side, and so didn't intervene; this situation they were already used to, and the child's guardian also took a permissive attitude. Qin Tao's arrival made a few teachers wary for a moment; seeing Zhuo Xiao Mao and the black cat beside him doing nothing, they initially just watched and waited, but they hadn't expected to hear Zhuo Xiao Mao shout something like that."

They figured Zhuo Xiao Mao, being so well‑behaved, couldn't possibly know such profanity—it must have been taught by that stranger—so they stormed over in anger.

Translate: "They thought, given Zhuo Xiao Mao's well-behaved nature, he absolutely wouldn't know such foul language; it must have been taught by that strange man, so they rushed over here angrily."

Check: They thought, given Zhuo Xiao Mao's well-behaved nature, he absolutely wouldn't know such foul language; it must have been taught by that strange man; so they rushed over here angrily.

We'll produce: "They thought, given Zhuo Xiao Mao's well-behaved nature, he absolutely wouldn't know such foul language; it must have been taught by that strange man, so they rushed over here angrily."

Teacher Bai didn't jump to conclusions before getting the full story; she asked Zhuo Xiao Mao what had just happened, and he honestly and in detail repeated Qin Tao's earlier remarks.

Translate: "Bai Lao Shi also didn't accuse anyone before clarifying the matter; she asked Zhuo Xiao Mao what had just happened, and Zhuo Xiao Mao's classmate honestly and in detail repeated Qin Tao's earlier words."

Check: Bai Lao Shi also didn't accuse anyone before clarifying; she asked Zhuo Xiao Mao what had just happened; Zhuo Xiao Mao's classmate honestly and in detail repeated Qin Tao's earlier words.

We'll produce: "Bai Lao Shi also didn't accuse anyone before clarifying the matter; she asked Zhuo Xiao Mao what had just happened, and Zhuo Xiao Mao's classmate honestly and in detail repeated Qin Tao's earlier words."

Upon hearing it, the three teachers flew into a rage.

Translate: "After hearing that, the three teachers became angry."

Check: After hearing that, the three teachers became angry.

We'll produce: "After hearing that, the three teachers became angry."

How could this be?!

Translate: "How can this be allowed?!"

We'll produce: "How can this be allowed?!"

How could anyone say that in front of a child?!

Translate: "How could one say such things in front of children?!"

We'll produce: "How could one say such things in front of children?!"

The three female teachers in charge of the children hovered like protective hens, clearly intent on making Qin Tao look foolish.

Translate: "The three female teachers responsible for watching the children were like hens protecting their chicks, looking as if they wanted to make Qin Tao look bad."

Check: The three female teachers responsible for watching the children were like hens protecting their chicks, looking as if they wanted to make Qin Tao look bad.

We'll produce: "The three female teachers responsible for watching the children were like hens protecting their chicks, looking as if they wanted to make Qin Tao look bad."

Seeing things go wrong, Qin Tao fled at once. After he ran off, the three teachers told the guard to eject that man immediately if he showed up on the kindergarten's surveillance. Such a dangerous person shouldn't be near the children, in case they pick up bad language; kids this age are curious and superb imitators, and parents entrust their children to the teachers, so the teachers must take responsibility and stay vigilant.

Translate: "Seeing the situation turn bad, Qin Tao immediately fled. After Qin Tao ran off, the three teachers also told the guard to expel that man immediately if the surveillance cameras spotted him near the kindergarten. Such a dangerous person should not be allowed near the children, lest they pick up bad habits; kids this age are full of curiosity and have exceptionally strong imitation and learning abilities, and parents entrust their children to them, so the teachers must also bear responsibility and therefore must stay on guard."

Check all: Qin Tao seeing situation bad, immediately fled. After Qin Tao ran off, three teachers told guard to expel that man immediately if surveillance cameras spotted him near the kindergarten. Such a dangerous person should not be allowed near the children, lest they pick up bad habits; kids this age are full of curiosity and have exceptionally strong imitation and learning abilities; parents entrust their children to them, so teachers must also bear responsibility and therefore must stay on guard.

We'll produce: "Seeing the situation turn bad, Qin Tao immediately fled. After Qin Tao ran off, the three teachers also told the guard to expel that man immediately if the surveillance cameras spotted him near the kindergarten. Such a dangerous person should not be allowed near the children, lest they pick up bad habits; kids this age are full of curiosity and have exceptionally strong imitation and learning abilities, and parents entrust their children to them, so the teachers must also bear responsibility and therefore must stay on guard."

Watching Qin Tao's retreating back, Zheng Tan twitched his whiskers. Whether or not he'd been hit by some dark scheme, Qin Tao is definitely a fool.

Translate: "Watching Qin Tao's fleeing back, Zheng Tan twitched his whiskers. Regardless of whether he had fallen for a dirty trick, Qin Tao really is a good-for-nothing."

Check: Watching Qin Tao's fleeing back, Zheng Tan twitched his whiskers. Regardless of whether he had fallen for a dirty trick, Qin Tao really is a good-for-nothing.

We'll produce: "Watching Qin Tao's fleeing back, Zheng Tan twitched his whiskers. Regardless of whether he had fallen for a dirty trick, Qin Tao really is a good-for-nothing."

The three teachers led Zhuo Xiao Mao away to convince him to forget what he'd just said and to stay clear of such dangerous people. Zheng Tan didn't go over, nor did he linger at the kindergarten; he readied himself to find a spot to sleep.

Translate: "Zhuo Xiao Mao was pulled aside by the three teachers to be persuaded to forget what he had just said, and to stay away from such dangerous people. Zheng Tan didn't go over, nor did he stay at the kindergarten; he prepared to find a place to sleep."

Check: Zhuo Xiao Mao pulled aside by three teachers to be persuaded to forget what he had just said, and to stay away from such dangerous people. Zheng Tan didn't go over, nor did he stay at the kindergarten; he prepared to find a place to sleep.

We'll produce: "Zhuo Xiao Mao was pulled aside by the three teachers to be persuaded to forget what he had just said, and to stay away from such dangerous people. Zheng Tan didn't go over, nor did he stay at the kindergarten; he prepared to find a place to sleep."

Zheng Tan's favorite place is still a spot not far from the East District Compound, beside the path leading to it and not far from the main road. From a high point he can see the campus's main road traffic and pedestrians, as well as the East District Compound's buildings.

Translate: "Zheng Tan's favorite spot is still a place not far from Dongqu Dayuan, beside the small path leading to Dongqu Dayuan, not far from the main road either. From a high point he can see the vehicles and pedestrians on the campus main road, as well as the buildings of Dongqu Dayuan."

Check: Zheng Tan's favorite spot is still a place not far from Dongqu Dayuan, beside the small path leading to Dongqu Dayuan, not far from the main road either. From a high point he can see the vehicles and pedestrians on the campus main road, as well as the buildings of Dongqu Dayuan.

We'll produce: "Zheng Tan's favorite spot is still a place not far from Dongqu Dayuan, beside the small path leading to Dongqu Dayuan, not far from the main road either. From a high point he can see the vehicles and pedestrians on the campus main road, as well as the buildings of Dongqu Dayuan."

He picked a suitable plane tree for sleeping, climbed up, and lay on a branch for a short nap. When he woke, he smelled smoke, looked down, and saw a person sitting on the flowerbed's edge—a middle‑aged man who seemed to have some background; his expensive professional‑looking suit made him look like someone of high status.

Translate: "He climbed up a suitable plane tree for sleeping and lay on a branch, dozing for a while. Upon waking he smelled smoke, looked down, and saw a person sitting on the edge of the flowerbed—a middle-aged man who seemed to have some background; his professional-looking suit looked expensive, and he also appeared to be someone of high standing."

Check: He climbed up a suitable plane tree for sleeping and lay on a branch, dozing for a while. Upon waking he smelled smoke, looked down, and saw a person sitting on the edge of the flowerbed—a middle-aged man who seemed to have some background; his professional-looking suit looked expensive, and he also appeared to be someone of high standing.

We'll produce: "He climbed up a suitable plane tree for sleeping and lay on a branch, dozing for a while. Upon waking he smelled smoke, looked down, and saw a person sitting on the edge of the flowerbed—a middle-aged man who seemed to have some background; his professional-looking suit looked expensive, and he also appeared to be someone of high standing."

As Zheng Tan watched the person below, that person also sensed something, looked up, saw the black cat on the tree staring at him, gave it only a glance, then lowered his head to keep smoking, furrowing his brow in thought. But less than two minutes later he looked up again and saw the black cat yawning while still staring at him.

Translate: "While Zheng Tan was observing the person below, that person also sensed something and lifted his head to look at Zheng Tan; seeing the black cat lying on the tree staring at him, he didn't think much of it, glanced, then lowered his head again to continue smoking, frowning in thought. But within two minutes he lifted his head again and found the black cat yawning while still staring at him."

Check: While Zheng Tan was observing the person below, that person also sensed something and lifted his head to look at Zheng Tan; seeing the black cat lying on the tree staring at him, he didn't think much of it, glanced, then lowered his head again to continue smoking, frowning in thought. But within two minutes he lifted his head again and found the black cat yawning while still staring at him.

We'll produce: "While Zheng Tan was observing the person below, that person also sensed something and lifted his head to look at Zheng Tan; seeing the black cat lying on the tree staring at him, he didn't think much of it, glanced, then lowered his head again to continue smoking, frowning in thought. But within two minutes he lifted his head again and found the black cat yawning while still staring at him."

The middle‑aged man wiped his face, feeling nothing out of the ordinary, wondering why the black cat was staring at him with one eye. He wanted to ignore it, but the gaze was too intense, feeling odd; he already had a lot on his mind, making it even harder to concentrate.

Translate: "The middle-aged man wiped his face, feeling nothing on it, wondering why that black cat kept staring at him. He wanted to ignore it, but the gaze was too insistent, making him feel odd; he already had a lot on his mind and was feeling vexed, and now he could hardly calm his thoughts."

Check: The middle-aged man wiped his face, feeling nothing on it, wondering why that black cat kept staring at him. He wanted to ignore it, but the gaze was too insistent, making him feel odd; he already had a lot on his mind and was feeling vexed, and now he could hardly calm his thoughts.

We'll produce: "The middle-aged man wiped his face, feeling nothing on it, wondering why that black cat kept staring at him. He wanted to ignore it, but the gaze was too insistent, making him feel odd; he already had a lot on his mind and was feeling vexed, and now he could hardly calm his thoughts."

Zheng Tan kept one eye on the man, mainly because he looked familiar, so he studied him more closely; when the man lifted his head, Zheng Tan realized who he resembled—the furrowed brow was very much like Qin Tao's.

Translate: "Zheng Tan kept staring at that person mainly because he looked familiar, so he took a closer look; when the man lifted his head, Zheng Tan realized who he resembled—the furrowed brow looked very much like Qin Tao's!"

Check: Zheng Tan kept staring at that person mainly because he looked familiar, so he took a closer look; when the man lifted his head, Zheng Tan realized who he resembled—the furrowed brow looked very much like Qin Tao's!

We'll produce: "Zheng Tan kept staring at that person mainly because he looked familiar, so he took a closer look; when the man lifted his head, Zheng Tan realized who he resembled—the furrowed brow looked very much like Qin Tao's!"

Could it be Qin Tao's father? Or maybe a relative?

Translate: "Could it be Qin Tao's father? Or perhaps a relative of Qin Tao?"

We'll produce: "Could it be Qin Tao's father? Or perhaps a relative of Qin Tao?"

He was wealthy, looked like him, and showed up just when Qin Tao ran into trouble, so Zheng Tan couldn't help suspecting a connection; that's why he kept staring, wanting to be sure.

Translate: "He had money, looked like him, and appeared just when Qin Tao ran into trouble, so Zheng Tan couldn't help but suspect this person's relation to Qin Tao; that's why he kept staring, wanting to be sure."

Check: He had money, looked like him, and appeared just when Qin Tao ran into trouble, so Zheng Tan couldn't help but suspect this person's relation to Qin Tao; that's why he kept staring, wanting to be sure.

We'll produce: "He had money, looked like him, and appeared just when Qin Tao ran into trouble, so Zheng Tan couldn't help but suspect this person's relation to Qin Tao; that's why he kept staring, wanting to be sure."

Just as the middle‑aged man was being stared at bewilderedly, a car came down the side lane, slowed, and stopped. The window rolled down, revealing Fang Shaokang's face.

Translate: "Just as that middle-aged man was being stared at bewilderedly, a car came along the side road, slowed and stopped. The window rolled down, revealing Fang Shaokang's face."

Check: Just as that middle-aged man was being stared at bewilderedly, a car came along the side road, slowed and stopped. The window rolled down, revealing Fang Shaokang's face.

We'll produce: "Just as that middle-aged man was being stared at bewilderedly, a car came along the side road, slowed and stopped. The window rolled down, revealing Fang Shaokang's face."

"Hey, Qin San Ge, aren't you supposed to be in Mingzhu City? Why are you in Chu Hua?" Fang Shaokang asked. He had already thought the roadside figure resembled someone, and up close it was indeed that person.

Translate: ""Hey, Qin San Ge, aren't you supposed to be in Ming Zhu Shi? Why are you here in Chu Hua Shi?" Fang Shaokang asked. He had just thought the person by the road resembled someone, and up close it really was."

Check: "Hey, Qin San Ge, aren't you supposed to be in Ming Zhu Shi? Why are you here in Chu Hua Shi?" Fang Shaokang asked. He had just thought the person by the road resembled someone, and up close it really was.

We'll produce: ""Hey, Qin San Ge, aren't you supposed to be in Ming Zhu Shi? Why are you here in Chu Hua Shi?" Fang Shaokang asked. He had just thought the person by the road resembled someone, and up close it really was."

Both men are the third sons in their families, and the families know each other; because Fang Shaokang is younger, he has always called the man Qin San Ge.

Translate: "Both men are the third sons in their families, and the families have some acquaintance; but since Fang Shaokang is younger, he has always called this man Qin San Ge."

Check: Both men are the third sons in their families, and the families have some acquaintance; but since Fang Shaokang is younger, he has always called this man Qin San Ge.

We'll produce: "Both men are the third sons in their families, and the families have some acquaintance; but since Fang Shaokang is younger, he has always called this man Qin San Ge."

"Qin?" Could it really be? Zheng Tan wondered.

Translate: "Qin? Could it really be? Zheng Tan thought."

Check: Qin? Could it really be? Zheng Tan thought.

We'll produce: "Qin? Could it really be? Zheng Tan thought."

"Oh, Fang San."

Translate: ""Oh, Fang San.""

We'll produce: ""Oh, Fang San.""

The man wasn't very surprised to see Fang Shaokang; he knew Fang Shaokang also had some assets in Chu Hua City.

Translate: "That man looked at Fang Shaokang without much surprise, knowing Fang Shaokang also had some assets here in Chu Hua Shi."

Check: That man looked at Fang Shaokang without much surprise, knowing Fang Shaokang also had some assets here in Chu Hua Shi.

We'll produce: "That man looked at Fang Shaokang without much surprise, knowing Fang Shaokang also had some assets here in Chu Hua Shi."

"That little brat fled to Chu Hua; I came here to drag him back." the man said.

Translate: ""That little bastard has fled to Chu Hua Shi; I've come to tie him up and take him back." the man said."

Check: "That little bastard has fled to Chu Hua Shi; I've come to tie him up and take him back." the man said.

We'll produce: ""That little bastard has fled to Chu Hua Shi; I've come to tie him up and take him back." the man said."

Fang Shaokang understood the situation; although he hadn't actively investigated, he'd heard rumors that Qin San's son had caused some trouble. He didn't press for details, just saying, "Be gentle with the kid; don't keep beating him."

Translate: "Fang Shaokang understood the situation; although he hadn't actively investigated those matters, he had heard rumors that Qin San's son had caused some trouble. He didn't press for details, merely saying, "Go easy on the kid—don't keep beating him back and forth.""

Check: Fang Shaokang understood the situation; although he hadn't actively investigated those matters, he had heard rumors that Qin San's son had caused some trouble. He didn't press for details, merely saying, "Go easy on the kid—don't keep beating him back and forth."

We'll produce: "Fang Shaokang understood the situation; although he hadn't actively investigated those matters, he had heard rumors that Qin San's son had caused some trouble. He didn't press for details, merely saying, "Go easy on the kid—don't keep beating him back and forth.""

Qin Tao's father had been a capable soldier, later leveraging family connections to thrive in business, but when it came to educating his child he was well‑intentioned yet ineffective; each time he recalled Qin Tao's mischief from childhood, his head ached.

Translate: "Qin Tao's father, when he served in the military, was a capable man; later, relying on family connections, he did well in business, but when it came to educating his child he was well-intentioned yet ineffective—every time he thought of Qin Tao's petty mischiefs from childhood onward, his head ached."

Check: Qin Tao's father, when he served in the military, was a capable man; later, relying on family connections, he did well in business, but when it came to educating his child he was well-intentioned yet ineffective—every time he thought of Qin Tao's petty mischiefs from childhood onward, his head ached.

We'll produce: "Qin Tao's father, when he served in the military, was a capable man; later, relying on family connections, he did well in business, but when it came to educating his child he was well-intentioned yet ineffective—every time he thought of Qin Tao's petty mischiefs from childhood onward, his head ached."

"Boys and girls are different; if you don't beat him, he won't listen." Qin Tao's father said.

Translate: ""Boys and girls are different; if you don't beat him, he won't listen." Qin Tao's father said."

Check: "Boys and girls are different; if you don't beat him, he won't listen." Qin Tao's father said.

We'll produce: ""Boys and girls are different; if you don't beat him, he won't listen." Qin Tao's father said."

"You've beaten him for years—has he become obedient?" Fang Shaokang asked.

Translate: ""Then you've beaten him for all these years—has he become obedient?" Fang Shaokang asked."

Check: "Then you've beaten him for all these years—has he become obedient?" Fang Shaokang asked.

We'll produce: ""Then you've beaten him for all these years—has he become obedient?" Fang Shaokang asked."

Qin Tao's father said nothing, just kept smoking.

Translate: "Qin Tao's father said nothing, just kept smoking."

Check: Qin Tao's father said nothing, just kept smoking.

We'll produce: "Qin Tao's father said nothing, just kept smoking."

After a pause, not wanting to continue the child‑rearing discussion, Qin Tao's father asked Fang Shaokang, "What are you doing here? Looking for someone? Hiring an expert?"

Translate: "After a pause, not wanting to continue the topic of how to educate children, Qin Tao's father asked Fang Shaokang, "What are you doing here? Looking for someone? Hiring an expert?""

Check: After a pause, not wanting to continue the topic of how to educate children, Qin Tao's father asked Fang Shaokang, "What are you doing here? Looking for someone? Hiring an expert?"

We'll produce: "After a pause, not wanting to continue the topic of how to educate children, Qin Tao's father asked Fang Shaokang, "What are you doing here? Looking for someone? Hiring an expert?""

Fang Shaokang shook his head: "It's something about the kids at home—I need to find someone to fix it."

Translate: "Fang Shaokang shook his head. "It's a family matter concerning the child; there's something I need to get repaired.""

Check: Fang Shaokang shook his head. "It's a family matter concerning the child; there's something I need to get repaired."

We'll produce: "Fang Shaokang shook his head. "It's a family matter concerning the child; there's something I need to get repaired.""

Fang Shaokang didn't want to say more about it; thinking about it brought tears to his eyes.

Translate: "Fang Shaokang didn't want to say more about it; thinking about it brought tears to his eyes."

Check: Fang Shaokang didn't want to say more about it; thinking about it brought tears to his eyes.

We'll produce: "Fang Shaokang didn't want to say more about it; thinking about it brought tears to his eyes."

Initially, because Fang Mengmeng requested it, Fang Shaokang had Program Zhong make a cat cart for Damai as well. Although Damai is smarter than most cats, he isn't a special case like Zheng Tan. The intellectual gap remained, so later Damai's cat cart was converted into a children's‑vehicle type—the cat sits on the vehicle, the remote is held by a person, and the person operates the remote to make the cart carry the cat.

Translate: "Originally, because Fang Mengmeng requested it, Fang Shaokang had Cheng Zhong make a cat cart for Damai as well; although Damai is much smarter than other cats, he's not in the same special situation as Zheng Tan. The intellectual gap remains, so later Damai's cat cart was changed into a children's cart— the cat sits on the cart, the remote control is in the person's hand, and the person operates the remote to make the cart carry the cat."

Check: Originally, because Fang Mengmeng requested it, Fang Shaokang had Cheng Zhong make a cat cart for Damai as well; although Damai is much smarter than other cats, he's not in the same special situation as Zheng Tan. The intellectual gap remains, so later Damai's cat cart was changed into a children's cart— the cat sits on the cart, the remote control is in the person's hand, and the person operates the remote to make the cart carry the cat.

We'll produce: "Originally, because Fang Mengmeng requested it, Fang Shaokang had Cheng Zhong make a cat cart for Damai as well; although Damai is much smarter than other cats, he's not in the same special situation as Zheng Tan. The intellectual gap remains, so later Damai's cat cart was changed into a children's cart— the cat sits on the cart, the remote control is in the person's hand, and the person operates the remote to make the cart carry the cat."

At first Fang Shaokang saw Fang Mengmeng and Damai enjoying themselves, thinking he'd given his daughter a fun toy and feeling pleased. But later he saw Damai sitting in the cart like a little master, while his precious daughter trailed behind, panting as she ran after the cart, and he immediately felt unhappy, feeling sorry for her. No matter how he tried to persuade Fang Mengmeng, she didn't want to stop; she still thought it was fun and good exercise.

Translate: "At first Fang Shaokang saw Fang Mengmeng and Damai having fun, and felt pleased to have given his daughter a nice toy; but later, seeing Damai sit in the cart like a little master, comfortable, while his precious daughter trailed behind the cat cart, panting, he immediately became unhappy. He felt sorry for her. No matter how he tried to persuade Fang Mengmeng, she wouldn't stop; the little girl still thought it fun and could get some exercise from running."

Check: At first Fang Shaokang saw Fang Mengmeng and Damai having fun, and felt pleased to have given his daughter a nice toy; but later, seeing Damai sit in the cart like a little master, comfortable, while his precious daughter trailed behind the cat cart, panting, he immediately became unhappy. He felt sorry for her. No matter how he tried to persuade Fang Mengmeng, she wouldn't stop; the little girl still thought it fun and could get some exercise from running.

We'll produce: "At first Fang Shaokang saw Fang Mengmeng and Damai having fun, and felt pleased to have given his daughter a nice toy; but later, seeing Damai sit in the cart like a little master, comfortable, while his precious daughter trailed behind the cat cart, panting, he immediately became unhappy. He felt sorry for her. No matter how he tried to persuade Fang Mengmeng, she wouldn't stop; the little girl still thought it fun and could get some exercise from running."

Fang San Ye regretted having the cat cart made; he had even insisted repeatedly that Program Zhong build Damai's cart with high quality, and it had run in the pool several times without breaking.

Translate: "Fang San Ye regretted having made the cat cart, especially since he had repeatedly urged Cheng Zhong to build Damai's cat cart with top quality. He had run it in the pool several times and never seen it break."

Check: Fang San Ye regretted having made the cat cart, especially since he had repeatedly urged Cheng Zhong to build Damai's cat cart with top quality. He had run it in the pool several times and never seen it break.

We'll produce: "Fang San Ye regretted having made the cat cart, especially since he had repeatedly urged Cheng Zhong to build Damai's cat cart with top quality. He had run it in the pool several times and never seen it break."

So Fang Shaokang, taking advantage of Fang Mengmeng's inattention, loosened a relatively crucial screw. After Damai's cat cart started running again, it stopped within two minutes; even if Fang Shaokang later reattached the screw, it was useless. Originally Fang Shaokang had been rather pleased that the broken cat cart meant his daughter no longer had to trail behind it all day. But for several days Fang Mengmeng kept pestering Fang San Ye to get it fixed, and Fang San Ye would say okay, he'd take it in when he had time—an obvious brush‑off.

Note: There's a typo, the character was mistakenly written as something that should be the character meaning 'to take advantage of'. We'll translate it as 'took advantage'. So Fang Shaokang, taking advantage of Fang Mengmeng's inattention, loosened a relatively crucial screw. After Damai's cat cart started running again, it stopped within two minutes; even if Fang Shaokang later reattached the screw, it was useless. Originally Fang Shaokang had been rather pleased that the broken cat cart meant his daughter no longer had to trail behind it all day. But for several days Fang Mengmeng kept pestering Fang San Ye to get it fixed, and Fang San Ye would say okay, he'd take it in when he had time—an obvious brush-off.

Check: So Fang Shaokang, taking advantage of Fang Mengmeng's inattention, loosened a relatively crucial screw. After Damai's cat cart started running again, it stopped within two minutes; even if Fang Shaokang later reattached the screw, it was useless. Originally Fang Shaokang had been rather pleased that the broken cat cart meant his daughter no longer had to trail behind it all day. But for several days Fang Mengmeng kept pestering Fang San Ye to get it fixed, and Fang San Ye would say okay, he'd take it in when he had time—an obvious brush-off.

We'll produce: "So Fang Shaokang, taking advantage of Fang Mengmeng's inattention, loosened a relatively crucial screw. After Damai's cat cart started running again, it stopped within two minutes; even if Fang Shaokang later reattached the screw, it was useless. Originally Fang Shaokang had been rather pleased that the broken cat cart meant his daughter no longer had to trail behind it all day. But for several days Fang Mengmeng kept pestering Fang San Ye to get it fixed, and Fang San Ye would say okay, he'd take it in when he had time—an obvious brush-off."

Fang San Ye hadn't expected that, besides pressure from his daughter, there was also resentment from Damai.

Translate: "Fang San Ye hadn't anticipated that, besides pressure from his daughter, there would also be resentment from Damai."

Check: Fang San Ye hadn't anticipated that, besides pressure from his daughter, there would also be resentment from Damai.

We'll produce: "Fang San Ye hadn't anticipated that, besides pressure from his daughter, there would also be resentment from Damai."

Damai remained well‑behaved, never noisy or troublesome, yet he kept appearing silently beside Fang Shaokang and just stared at him.

Translate: "Damai remained well-behaved, not noisy or troublesome, yet he kept appearing silently beside Fang Shaokang and then staring at him quietly."

Check: Damai remained well-behaved, not noisy or troublesome, yet he kept appearing silently beside Fang Shaokang and then staring at him quietly.

We'll produce: "Damai remained well-behaved, not noisy or troublesome, yet he kept appearing silently beside Fang Shaokang and then staring at him quietly."

At mealtime, the non‑picky Damai would finish eating, then quietly crouch beside him and stare, spoiling Fang Shaokang's appetite. Late at night, when Fang Shaokang got up to use the toilet, he'd see the cat crouched by the door, its eyes reflecting like two lamps in the darkness, startling him so much his sleepiness vanished; after finishing, he'd find the cat still guarding the bathroom door, staring the same way. On weekend mornings, when Fang Shaokang managed to sleep in, his wife would go out to buy groceries, leaving the door open; he'd sense something off, open his eyes a slit, and see Damai perched on the headboard, silently watching him.

Translate: "At mealtime, the non-picky Damai would finish eating and then quietly squat beside him, staring at Fang Shaokang to the point that his appetite dwindled; late at night, when Fang Shaokang got up to use the toilet, he would open the door and see this girl squatting by the doorway watching him—the reflection of her cat eyes looked like two lamps in the dark, startling him so much that his sleepiness mostly vanished; after finishing and coming out, he would find her squatting at the toilet door, still watching him that way; on weekend mornings, when Fang Shaokang rarely managed to sleep in, lying in bed, his wife had already gone out to buy groceries, the door left open, Fang Shaokang felt something off, opened his eyes a slit, and saw Damai squatting at the head of the bed, silently watching him…"

Check: At mealtime, the non-picky Damai would finish eating and then quietly squat beside him, staring at Fang Shaokang to the point that his appetite dwindled; late at night, when Fang Shaokang got up to use the toilet, he would open the door and see this girl squatting by the doorway watching him—the reflection of her cat eyes looked like two lamps in the dark, startling him so much that his sleepiness mostly vanished; after finishing and coming out, he would find her squatting at the toilet door, still watching him that way; on weekend mornings, when Fang Shaokang rarely managed to sleep in, lying in bed, his wife had already gone out to buy groceries, the door left open, Fang Shaokang felt something off, opened his eyes a slit, and saw Damai squatting at the head of the bed, silently watching him…

We'll produce: "At mealtime, the non-picky Damai would finish eating and then quietly squat beside him, staring at Fang Shaokang to the point that his appetite dwindled; late at night, when Fang Shaokang got up to use the toilet, he would open the door and see this girl squatting by the doorway watching him—the reflection of her cat eyes looked like two lamps in the dark, startling him so much that his sleepiness mostly vanished; after finishing and coming out, he would find her squatting at the toilet door, still watching him that way; on weekend mornings, when Fang Shaokang rarely managed to sleep in, lying in bed, his wife had already gone out to buy groceries, the door left open, Fang Shaokang felt something off, opened his eyes a slit, and saw Damai squatting at the head of the bed, silently watching him…"

I can't go on like this!

Translate: "This life is unbearable!"

We'll produce: "This life is unbearable!"

Fang San Ye, who rarely had time to go home and spend a few days with his wife and kids, now faced this; he felt the gaze was creepy. He truly didn't know where Damai had learned such tactics.

Translate: "Fang San Ye, who rarely had time to go home and spend a few days with his wife and children, now ran into this; Fang San Ye felt that gaze was creepy. He truly didn't know who Damai had learned this trick from."

Check: Fang San Ye, who rarely had time to go home and spend a few days with his wife and children, now ran into this; Fang San Ye felt that gaze was creepy. He truly didn't know who Damai had learned this trick from.

We'll produce: "Fang San Ye, who rarely had time to go home and spend a few days with his wife and children, now ran into this; Fang San Ye felt that gaze was creepy. He truly didn't know who Damai had learned this trick from."

Finally, under pressure from both his daughter and Damai, Fang Shaokang brought the broken cat cart to Chu Hua City to handle local affairs, and also brought the cart along to get it repaired.

Translate: "Finally, under pressure from both his daughter and Damai, Fang Shaokang brought the broken cat cart to Chu Hua Shi, handling affairs there while also taking the cart along to get it repaired."

Check: Finally, under pressure from both his daughter and Damai, Fang Shaokang brought the broken cat cart to Chu Hua Shi, handling affairs there while also taking the cart along to get it repaired.

We'll produce: "Finally, under pressure from both his daughter and Damai, Fang Shaokang brought the broken cat cart to Chu Hua Shi, handling affairs there while also taking the cart along to get it repaired."

Now Fang Shaokang is simply taking the broken cat cart to find Program Zhong; once it's fixed he'll return to the capital, otherwise eating and sleeping at home would be unsettled.

Translate: "Now Fang Shaokang is simply taking that broken cat cart to find Cheng Zhong; after it's fixed he'll return to the capital, otherwise even eating and sleeping would be unsettling if he went back."

Check: Now Fang Shaokang is simply taking that broken cat cart to find Cheng Zhong; after it's fixed he'll return to the capital, otherwise even eating and sleeping would be unsettling if he went back.

We'll produce: "Now Fang Shaokang is simply taking that broken cat cart to find Cheng Zhong; after it's fixed he'll return to the capital, otherwise even eating and sleeping would be unsettling if he went back."

Upon hearing Fang Shaokang's answer, Qin Tao's father grunted "uh," showed no interest in asking more, tossed the cigarette butt into a nearby trash can, exhaled deeply, and looked up at the black cat in the tree.

Translate: "Upon hearing Fang Shaokang's answer, Qin Tao's father grunted an "uh," showed no interest in asking more, tossed the cigarette butt into a nearby trash can, exhaled deeply, and lifted his gaze to the black cat in the tree."

Check: Upon hearing Fang Shaokang's answer, Qin Tao's father grunted an "uh," showed no interest in asking more, tossed the cigarette butt into a nearby trash can, exhaled deeply, and lifted his gaze to the black cat in the tree.

We'll produce: "Upon hearing Fang Shaokang's answer, Qin Tao's father grunted an "uh," showed no interest in asking more, tossed the cigarette butt into a nearby trash can, exhaled deeply, and lifted his gaze to the black cat in the tree."

Fang Shaokang had only been paying attention to Qin Tao's father earlier; now he noticed Zheng Tan.

Translate: "Fang Shaokang had only been paying attention to Qin Tao's father earlier; now he finally noticed Zheng Tan."

Check: Fang Shaokang had only been paying attention to Qin Tao's father earlier; now he finally noticed Zheng Tan.

We'll produce: "Fang Shaokang had only been paying attention to Qin Tao's father earlier; now he finally noticed Zheng Tan."

"Yo, Black Coal, you're sleeping here? Perfect—since you're not at home, I'll just go to the Life Science Institute and give this stuff to your dad." Every time Fang Shaokang comes here he brings some small gifts or specialties from the capital; Zheng Tan, when at home, receives them directly, otherwise they're sent to Jiaobai's father.

Translate: ""Yo, Hei Tan, you're sleeping here? Perfect—since you're not at home, I'll just go to the Life Science Institute and give the stuff to your dad." Whenever Fang Shaokang comes here he brings some small gifts or special products from the capital; if Zheng Tan is at home he sends them straight home, otherwise he sends them to Jiao Ba."

Check: "Yo, Hei Tan, you're sleeping here? Perfect—since you're not at home, I'll just go to the Life Science Institute and give the stuff to your dad." Whenever Fang Shaokang comes here he brings some small gifts or special products from the capital; if Zheng Tan is at home he sends them straight home, otherwise he sends them to Jiao Ba.

We'll produce: ""Yo, Hei Tan, you're sleeping here? Perfect—since you're not at home, I'll just go to the Life Science Institute and give the stuff to your dad." Whenever Fang Shaokang comes here he brings some small gifts or special products from the capital; if Zheng Tan is at home he sends them straight home, otherwise he sends them to Jiao Ba."

"Fang San, do you know this cat?" Qin Tao's father asked.

Translate: ""Fang San, do you know this cat?" Qin Tao's father asked."

Check: "Fang San, do you know this cat?" Qin Tao's father asked.

We'll produce: ""Fang San, do you know this cat?" Qin Tao's father asked."

"Yeah, I know it—it's a cat kept by a professor at the Life Science Institute; we're somewhat acquainted."

Translate: ""Sure, it's a cat kept by a professor at the Life Science Institute; we're somewhat acquainted.""

Check: "Sure, it's a cat kept by a professor at the Life Science Institute; we're somewhat acquainted."

We'll produce: ""Sure, it's a cat kept by a professor at the Life Science Institute; we're somewhat acquainted.""

Qin Tao's father only thought the "acquaintance" mentioned by Fang Shaokang referred to Fang San's relationship with Professor Jiao, never imagining it was about the cat.

Translate: "Qin Tao's father only thought the "acquaintance" mentioned by Fang Shaokang referred to Fang San's connection with Professor Jiao, never imagining it was about the cat."

Check: Qin Tao's father only thought the "acquaintance" mentioned by Fang Shaokang referred to Fang San's connection with Professor Jiao, never imagining it was about the cat.

We'll produce: "Qin Tao's father only thought the "acquaintance" mentioned by Fang Shaokang referred to Fang San's connection with Professor Jiao, never imagining it was about the cat."

By the way, Qin San-ge, you came here looking for Qin Tao; that kid should be at Er Mao's place, right? If you don't know the way, you can ask this cat for help; it knows the area well." Since you've found this place, how could Qin Dad not know the way? He's investigated Er Mao's residence thoroughly; it's just a matter of face and this person's temperament—he simply hasn't figured out how to go up and find them. Fang Shaokang knows this in his heart; he said this just to casually give Qin Dad an idea, lend a ladder so this person can save face.

Hei Tan, just take this uncle to Er Mao's place and help out a bit. I need to hurry and find someone; hopefully I can fix things before they finish their break." After saying that, Fang Shaokang closed the car window and drove off.

In his heart, Zheng Tan gave Fang Shaokang's car's rear the middle finger, then jumped down from the tree, glanced at Qin Tao's dad, then headed toward the big courtyard.

When Qin Tao's dad heard Fang Shaokang say 'this uncle', he wasn't pleased; this Fang San fellow always has a sharp mouth, but can this cat really show the way?

He stood there for a few seconds; when the black cat ahead was about to turn, Qin Dad still lifted his foot and followed. (To be continued...)