Chapter 379

Compared to earlier, Zhuo Xiao Mao's mood today looks pretty good. And the four words 'Let me tell you' hint that there will be a long talk ahead.

Although every time Zheng Tan comes over, it's Zhuo Xiao Mao who does the talking, today this guy's appearance suggests he might say even more.

Sure enough, Zhuo Xiao Mao then talked about going to see Fo Grandpa, proudly recounting how he used his clever brain to act pitiful in front of Fo Grandpa, how he rolled around, and how he negotiated terms with Fo Grandpa.

Zheng Tan suddenly remembered a time when he was strolling through the old street outside and passed a tofu stall, hearing a few aunties nearby say about the child buying tofu, 'He has the brain to get into medical school but uses it to make tofu.' Now, Zheng Tan sees Zhuo Xiao Mao as someone with a physicist's IQ who's using it to cause trouble—and he's succeeding.

After a lot of preamble and buildup, Zhuo Xiao Mao stared at Zheng Tan with bright eyes, his mouth involuntarily splitting into a grin.

"Hei Ge, Ye Grandma agreed to let me start elementary school this year!"

"Ye Grandma" that Zhuo Xiao Mao mentions is actually Fo Grandpa, whose real name is Ye He. Zhuo Xiao Mao usually calls him Fo Grandpa Ye Grandma. Besides this Ye Grandma, there are also "Li Grandma," "Zhang Grandpa," "Liu Grandma," and many other elders with considerable influence; thanks to their help, Zhuo Xiao Mao starting elementary early is no problem.

Moreover, Zhuo Xiao Mao has already passed the test at the affiliated elementary school; he has absolutely no problem entering first grade, and there's no need to go through any back door. If it weren't for Zhuo Xiao Mao being so young, the teacher in charge of the test would almost have said this kid doesn't even need to attend first grade.

Zheng Tan knows this little guy's IQ is higher than other kids'. While other children are still struggling to recognize numbers, he has already encountered pi; while other kids compete to see how many decimal places of pi they can recite, this little brat has already begun studying solid geometry—because once when Zheng Tan visited, he saw Zhuo Xiao Mao measuring the diameter of a small rubber ball, and on the second-to-last page of his sketchbook was written the formula for calculating a sphere's volume.

As for how extensive the knowledge of this now-five-year-old Zhuo Xiao Mao really is, Zheng Tan has no idea. Usually he only hears the kindergarten teachers say Zhuo Xiao Mao is a smart kid, but they rarely mention the word 'genius,' which shows Zhuo Xiao Mao is still quite modest and restrained, at most teasing the teachers and classmates a bit.

"Hei Ge, Hei Ge. You say—after I start elementary school, will my mom come back?" Zhuo Xiao Mao looked at Zheng Tan with eyes full of expectation.

"How would I know!" Zheng Tan muttered to himself. Probably only Fo Grandpa and the woman who usually takes care of Zhuo Xiao Mao would know.

"Right, I asked Mom on Mother's Day, and she said she'd come back if I started elementary school." Zhuo Xiao Mao kicked the wall lightly with his foot and said softly.

Mother's Day just passed. And according to what Zhuo Xiao Mao said, Xiao Zhuo hasn't come back, but he stays in touch with Zhuo Xiao Mao via video calls from time to time; Mother's Day is also a time for those video calls. Since Xiao Zhuo said that, could it be that he really will return this year?

That would be great—although Zhuo Xiao Mao usually lives well, he's had no parents around since he can remember, so compared to other kids, he always feels something is missing.

Even though his intelligence is higher than other kids', he's still a child; Zhuo Xiao Mao has already decided his mom will come back this year, so besides talking more than usual, he's especially happy, and when he's happy he treats his classmates exceptionally well, being patient with those who come to ask questions and no longer playing tricks on people.

Zheng Tan doesn't know whether Xiao Zhuo will be able to come back; if he can't this year, how devastated will Zhuo Xiao Mao be?

Don't let their age fool you—sometimes when kids get stubborn, they're really hard to placate.

Over by the climbing frame, a child was crying with snot all over his face; the more the teacher tried to comfort him, the harder he cried. Zheng Tan glanced over and thought it would be better to prepare something for Zhuo Xiao Mao as a Children's Day gift, which could also serve as consolation.

Starting from middle school, Children's Day is just a date with no special significance anymore, but for every elementary school child, it's a holiday worth commemorating; on that day they have performances, sing and dance, receive snacks from the school, get a vacation, and asking parents for gifts goes especially smoothly.

During the New Year, Zheng Tan gave Zhuo Xiao Mao a big red envelope, but for Children's Day it wouldn't be appropriate to give another big red envelope—so without a red envelope, what should he give?

Over the next few days Zheng Tan kept thinking about it, and coincidentally Xiao Guo's shop had just launched a promotion, with Xiao Guo custom-making some gifts as presents for those VIP customers.

Most of these gifts are cat- or dog-shaped plushies, ranging from phone charms to pillows, and even stuffed toys about the size of a person. Of course, each gift must correspond to a certain amount of VIP membership points.

Those few largest plush toys are Xiao Guo's special offerings to win over certain particular clients; whenever those clients come by, Xiao Guo always makes a big profit, so Zheng Tan couldn't set his sights on those, and instead fixed on the pillow. He simply chose based on size—since he couldn't take the biggest, he went for the next biggest.

One day after a routine photo shoot at the pet center, Zheng Tan declined Xiao Guo's overtime pay and walked off with a pillow.

The prototypes of these gifts are based on the studio's cats and dogs; even the plush of that 'doggy' has no front legs, just two bumps where the forelegs should be, balancing on its hind legs. Besides, the cat that was rescued from an earthquake by a dog is quite popular, and phone straps and plushies in its likeness are often snapped up.

Although Zheng Tan is also quite popular in the cat community, because of his fur color the plush giveaways don't give him much of an edge over other cats.

Cha Li gave Zheng Tan a ride back to the Jiao Family home, and along the way delivered the 'bc pillow' Zheng Tan had chosen to the Jiao Family.

The front features a black cat's head, while the back is embroidered with the letters 'bc'.

Jiao Ma thought Zheng Tan had brought it back for his own use, never imagining he'd left the package unopened.

Because Children's Day this year falls on a Monday, and the Dragon Boat Festival is close by, the kindergarten simply gave vacation from the Dragon Boat Festival straight through to Children's Day—a full five days off.

If Zheng Tan wanted to give the gift, he could only do it on the day before the vacation, bringing the person to the compound here; otherwise, how would he manage to lug such a big pillow around? It would be terribly inconvenient.

Zheng Tan ran to the kindergarten gate ten minutes before dismissal to wait. He knew the person in charge of looking after Zhuo Xiao Mao, whom Fo Grandpa called 'Xiao Wan,' would be waiting ten meters to the left of the gate, so he headed over there.

Usually Xiao Wan arrives early—anywhere from five to ten minutes ahead—after all, kindergarten dismissal times aren't always strict; there's some flexibility.

But today, after Zheng Tan arrived and waited a few minutes, Xiao Wan still hadn't shown up.

Just as he was wondering why Xiao Wan still hadn't arrived, Zheng Tan heard someone shout his cat name.

"Hei Tan?!"

Upon hearing that sound, Zheng Tan's first reaction was that it sounded familiar, and his second was to turn his head and look.

After getting a clear look at the person, Zheng Tan felt a bit dazed; it wasn't until the other party called out 'Hei Tan' again that he snapped to reality.

Xiao Zhuo!

It's Xiao Zhuo!

Zheng Tan felt his eyes sting a little.

The person before him was Xiao Zhuo, but he was different from how he used to be.

In Zheng Tan's memory, the impression of Xiao Zhuo that stands out most is the scene of him sitting on a bench by the artificial lake, holding a book. That young, gentle man was one of Fo Grandpa's three trump cards, renowned far and wide, with limitless potential.

Because of Zhuo Xiao Mao, Zheng Tan also often saw some of the students Fo Grandpa had brought along—some stayed on campus, some went abroad for further study and then returned, looking largely unchanged from when they left, at most a bit more radiant, since they were all moving upward.

Xiao Zhuo, who was the same age as those people, clearly looked younger than them back then—only four or five years had passed—but his appearance now made it seem as if he'd endured over a decade, and he also carried a gaunt, sickly air; even clothes he used to wear now looked like they were one size too big.

Zheng Tan recalled some of the things Jiao Ba had said. Certain projects inflict greater harm on people; even with protective measures, they can't be completely avoided. It's like draining one's life.

No wonder Jiao Ba said that project was dangerous, no wonder so many people don't come back from it, and no wonder Fo Grandpa originally opposed her taking part in it.

As Zheng Tan was looking at Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Zhuo had already walked up to him.

He crouched, extended a finger, and touched Zheng Tan's forehead, then smiled and said, 'Scared you? Don't worry, it'll get better after a while of rest.'

Xiao Zhuo knows his current condition is not good; normally, after finishing the tasks in the project, one can apply to withdraw and recuperate there for a while, with specialized medical staff to help with treatment. Xiao Zhuo's original plan had been to recuperate there, wait until he looked better, and then return, but his conversation with Zhuo Xiao Mao on Mother's Day changed his mind.

Zhuo Xiao Mao chats with Xiao Zhuo by video every year, so even if Xiao Zhuo didn't do any recuperation or treatment, Zhuo Xiao Mao would still recognize him. Yet when she just now saw the black cat crouched at the kindergarten gate, she actually felt a bit nervous, worrying that if she'd been away too long, the cat might not know her anymore. In fact, from the black cat's gaze she could tell the cat still remembered her; it's just that her current appearance was a little frightening. After all, she now looks as if she's aged over a decade—besides wrinkles, there are some spots, her face lacking the former radiance, and even former classmates seeing her like this might not recognize her.

When Xiao Zhuo returned yesterday, Buddha Elder recognized him immediately; seeing Xiao Zhuo's appearance, the usually expressionless Buddha Elder's eyes reddened, but he said little, only: "It's good that you're back."

When I was young I was rather willful, always unwilling to heed others' advice, and I committed many mistakes, making decisions impulsively; over the past few years I have also thought through and understood a lot.

What she feels most guilty about is Zhuo Xiao Mao; now that she has returned, she will not leave again, and for the rest of her life she will stay by Zhuo Xiao Mao's side, watching him grow up.

Xiao Zhuo was still about to speak with Zheng Tan when a child emerged from the kindergarten over there.

Zhuo Xiao Mao ran out, and I rarely see this kid so impatient.

"Mom, Mom!" Zhuo Xiao Mao, who ran out, looked straight here; upon seeing Xiao Zhuo, the anxious and worried expression on his face instantly turned into a smile.

Zhuo Xiao Mao leapt into Xiao Zhuo's arms, then looked down and called Zheng Tan "Hei Ge," and said to Xiao Zhuo: "Mom, Mom, let's invite Hei Ge to eat together."

"Hei Tan, together?" Xiao Zhuo looked toward Zheng Tan.

Zheng Tan turned his head. Forget it for today; let this mother and son spend more time together. Looking at Zhuo Xiao Mao's lively spirit, it won't cool down for a while.

Zhuo Xiao Mao called Zheng Tan twice, but he didn't follow. After Xiao Zhuo led Zhuo Xiao Mao away, Zheng Tan headed back to the big courtyard, walked two steps, paused, turned a corner, and stayed not far behind the mother and son. It's still early; Jiao Ma hasn't returned home yet, so Zheng Tan can linger outside a bit longer, and incidentally hear what Xiao Zhuo and Zhuo Xiao Mao are saying.

However, along the way Zhuo Xiao Mao did all the talking; Xiao Zhuo just listened and smiled, occasionally uttering a couple of responses, letting Zhuo Xiao Mao perform.

As they passed the International Academic Hall, a group of people emerged from inside, surrounded by several well-known young overseas-returned professors. Most were around thirty, about the same age as Xiao Zhuo now; even if older, they were only a few years older. They just looked younger than Xiao Zhuo and far more radiant.

The crowd surrounded them, with some experts and scholars accompanying, and phrases like "young and accomplished," "limitless potential," and "pillars of the state" kept appearing.

If Xiao Zhuo hadn't participated in that project back then, she might now be among these people, or even surpass them.

A group of halo‑clad figures brushed past Xiao Zhuo and Zhuo Xiao Mao. They didn't pay much attention to this mother‑son pair, instead chatting among the throng of flatterers about their own ideals, ambitions, achievements, and radiant futures.

After passing them, Xiao Zhuo glanced back at the group, feeling little envy. Everyone has their own choices, their own path. Although, in terms of contribution, her achievements might surpass theirs combined, but her accomplishments cannot be displayed openly—at least not yet.

After that glance, Xiao Zhuo turned back and continued leading Zhuo Xiao Mao home.

When Xiao Zhuo looked back, she didn't notice Zhuo Xiao Mao's movements, but Zheng Tan, following behind, saw them. Zhuo Xiao Mao also glanced at those people, and when Xiao Zhuo turned back, Zhuo Xiao Mao turned back as well.

Around them were other parents picking up their children from kindergarten. A little child sat on the back of his mother's electric scooter, proudly showing off a poem he had learned that day—Luo Binwang's "Ode to the Goose," though he'd miswritten a few characters. Reciting a poem is no easy feat for a child this age, and even if they don't grasp the meaning of the lines, the parents are still delighted.

Zhuo Xiao Mao glanced at the child, then tugged Xiao Zhuo's hand and said, "Mom, Mom, let's recite a poem too."

"Sure, Little Mao, what poem do you want to recite?" Xiao Zhuo said.

"Let's do a poetry match!"

"All right, for the poetry match, Little Mao goes first."

Zhuo Xiao Mao thought for a moment, raised her chin, and said, "Hydrogen helium lithium beryllium boron!"

Xiao Zhuo stared for a second, then couldn't help laughing as she replied, "Carbon nitrogen oxygen fluorine neon!"

"Sodium magnesium aluminum silicon phosphorus!"

"Sulfur chlorine argon potassium calcium!"

Zheng Tan, following behind and hearing everything clearly: "……"

"Is this poetry?"

"This is clearly the periodic table!!!"

"Zhuo Xiao Mao, you're so **, do you know your future language teacher will be shocked by this?!" (To be continued…)

PS: I had planned to release two chapters, but I was delayed working on a table, so I only managed four thousand words—sorry about that.

Also, thanks for everyone's support in August. Chen Ci never expected to receive over six hundred monthly votes and so many rewards on the last day of the month—she'd never gotten that many votes in a single day before, nor did she imagine that so many people would be following Returning Cat.

Thank you, everyone!