Chapter 167

"Inside the university?" Er Mao frowned.

Translation: "Inside the university?" Er Mao frowned.

He hadn't really considered renting a place at Chu Hua Daxue; generally speaking, living on campus comes with more restrictions, unlike outside where you can do whatever you want.

He really hadn't considered renting a place inside Chu Hua Daxue; generally speaking, living on campus means more restrictions, unlike outside where you can do whatever you want.

"I remember there are places for rent over there, just a little resistance, but the atmosphere is nice, quiet enough to let you wake up naturally, the residents tend to be of high quality—'near vermilion one becomes red, near ink one becomes black.' Didn't a magazine say that residential environment influences one's character? You ought to pull yourself together." Wei Ling said in an elder-like tone.

"I recall there are places for rent out there, just a bit of resistance, but the atmosphere is good, quiet enough to let you wake naturally, the residents are generally of high quality—you become like those you associate with—haven't you seen that magazine saying residential environment influences one's conduct? You ought to pull yourself together." Wei Leng said in an elder's tone.

Er Mao pursed his lips behind him and said nothing.

Er Mao curled his lip at the back, saying nothing.

Actually, Wei Ling had several considerations in hoping Er Mao would live around there; Er Mao is the one among the fellow disciples who worries people the most. Though he seems clueless, he actually understands many things deep down. However, over the past few years outside, he's probably met all sorts of dubious characters, and Wei Ling worries that after Er Mao comes to Chu Hua Shi he'll continue to hang out with them. He doesn't expect Er Mao to turn over a new leaf immediately, but he hopes for a better transition.

Actually, Wei Leng had several considerations in hoping Er Mao would live around there; Er Mao is the one among the fellow disciples who worries people the most. He seems clueless, but in fact he understands many things in his heart; it's just that over these years outside he's probably met all sorts of people, and Wei Leng fears that after Er Mao comes to Chu Hua Shi he'll continue to hang out, though he doesn't expect this guy to instantly turn over a new leaf, he also hopes for a decent transition.

Wei Ling isn't sure about the environment elsewhere at Chu Hua Daxue, but the Eastern Campus staff dormitory is indeed quite nice. If Er Mao could get some positive energy from those retired teachers, Wei Ling would be quite satisfied, and he'd feel more confident when calling his master.

Wei Leng isn't sure about the environment elsewhere in Chu Hua Daxue, but the Eastern District Family Quarters are indeed quite good; if Er Mao could get some positive energy from those retired teachers, Wei Leng would be quite satisfied, and when calling his master he'd feel more confident.

As for the obstacles to renting there, Wei Ling trusts Er Mao's ability—after all, Er Mao isn't the clueless hothead he appears to be; if he really decides, he'll surely find a way. Wei Ling's own place is also nearby, so if something happens to Er Mao, he won't go running to his father; as his senior brother, he feels responsible to step in and clean up any mess.

As for the obstacle of renting there, Wei Leng trusts Er Mao's ability—after all, Er Mao isn't the clueless hothead he appears to be; if he really decides, he'll surely find a way. Wei Leng's own place is also nearby; if something happens to Er Mao, he won't go running to his father— as his senior brother, he must take responsibility to clean up after him promptly.

Besides Er Mao's side, Wei Ling also considered the Jia family. Associate Professor Jia will be leaving soon, and during that time Wei Ling can't possibly keep watch all the time; if Er Mao were there, he could help look after the Jia household—people say caring for others increases responsibility—so let Er Mao give it a try.

Besides Er Mao's side, Wei Leng also considered the Jiao family. Associate Professor Jiao will be leaving soon, and during that time Wei Leng certainly can't keep watching over them; if Er Mao were there, he could help look after the Jiao household—heard that caring for others increases responsibility—so let Er Mao give it a try.

Zheng Tan had no idea that someone was already eyeing the Eastern Campus staff dormitory; he was busy planning his schedule for the coming week.

Zheng Tan had no idea someone was already eyeing the Eastern District Family Quarters; he was busy calculating his schedule for the coming week.

The Jia family is counting down every day. The time until Father Jia leaves is getting closer, and Zheng Tan is also counting the days.

The Jiao family was counting down every day. The time until Jiao Ba's departure drew nearer. Zheng Tan was also counting the days.

One afternoon, Zheng Tan lay on the sofa looking at the wall calendar. He estimated that next Monday he'd spend the whole day at Xiao Guo's Pet Center; Friday night there would be a foreign band performing at the night building; Saturday, Fang San Ye would go to see Old Liu about business. Zheng Tan followed along. He and Old Liu's son Liu Yao "raced" toy cars… Aside from those things, Zheng Tan didn't plan to go far out for a stroll before Father Jia left; he'd just wander around campus, and most of the time he'd nap in the trees of the Eastern Campus staff dormitory. When the Jia family returned, they could just glance over and see him there.

One afternoon, Zheng Tan lay on the sofa looking at the wall calendar. He estimated that next Monday he'd spend the whole day at Xiao Guo's pet center; Friday night there would be a foreign band performing at Ye Lou; Saturday, Fang San Ye would go find Old Liu to discuss business, and Zheng Tan would follow along. He'd play with Old Liu's son Liu Yao, racing toy cars… Aside from those things, Zheng Tan didn't plan to go far out for a stroll before Jiao Ba left; he'd just wander around campus, and most of the time he'd nap on the trees in the Eastern District Quarters. When the Jiao family returned, they could spot him by glancing that way.

However, Zheng Tan wondered whether his days would become harder after Father Jia left, since many times his outings were approved by Father Jia, while Mother Jia was comparatively conservative. Many times Zheng Tan went out to play, especially at night, Mother Jia initially objected, having been frightened by the cat‑napping incident; she thought the streets were full of cat traffickers at night, unsafe, and feared Zheng Tan wouldn't come back if he went out.

However, Zheng Tan wondered whether his days would become harder after Jiao Ba left, since many times his outings were approved by Jiao Ba, while Jiao Ma was comparatively conservative; many times Zheng Tan went out to play, especially at night, Jiao Ma initially objected, having been frightened by the cat‑bagging incident, she thought the streets were full of cat traffickers at night, unsafe, fearing Zheng Tan would go out and never return.

If Father Jia weren't around, Zheng Tan worried that if he made any little mistake outside—like coming home a bit late or getting a minor scrape in a fight—Mother Jia would forbid him from going out. Would he have to stay home all day? That would surely bore him to death and possibly lead to depression. After getting used to running around outside, Zheng Tan deeply felt that staying home was pure wasted time, because at home all you can do is sleep.

If Jiao Ba weren't around, and Zheng Tan accidentally messed up outside—like coming home a bit late, or getting a minor injury in a scuffle—what if Jiao Ma forbade him from going out? Would he have to stay home all day? That would surely bore him to death, likely even cause depression. After getting used to running around outside, Zheng Tan deeply felt staying home was pure waste of time, since at home all you can do is sleep.

Zheng Tan rolled on the sofa, let his head hang over the edge, and twitched the tip of his tail rhythmically as he pondered what to do next. His gaze swept across the living room and came to rest on the master bedroom.

After rolling on the sofa, Zheng Tan let his head hang over the edge, his tail tip twitching rhythmically as he pondered what to do next. His gaze swept the living room and came to rest on the master bedroom.

The master bedroom door was open, as was the door to the balcony, letting in fresh air and sunlight that seemed to raise the room temperature a few degrees. However, Zheng Tan wasn't staring there because of the good light and ventilation; what caught his eye was actually the rather bulky desktop computer sitting on the desk.

The master bedroom door was open, the door to the balcony also open, ventilated, sunlight streamed in, seeming to raise the room temperature a few degrees. However, Zheng Tan wasn't staring there because of the good light and ventilation; what caught his eye was actually the rather bulky desktop computer sitting on the desk.

This computer is normally used only by Father Jia; Mother Jia hardly touches it, and Jia Yuan and Xiao Youzi are allowed to play with it only on weekends, because Father Jia fears Jia Yuan will become addicted to games and has strictly limited his time.

This computer is normally used only by Jiao Ba; Jiao Ma hardly uses it, and Jiao Yuan and Xiao Youzi are allowed to play only on weekends, as Jiao Ba fears Jiao Yuan will get addicted to games and has strictly limited his time.

The computer is password‑protected, and aside from Mother Jia, only Zheng Tan knows the password. Usually when Father Jia uses the computer to go online, Zheng Tan is often nearby watching, so he's quite familiar with the password.

The computer was password‑protected, and aside from Jiao Ma, only Zheng Tan knew the password. Usually when Jiao Ba went online, Zheng Tan would be nearby watching, so he was quite familiar with the password.

Consider this: Father Jia will be abroad, Mother Jia will be working, and Jia Yuan and Xiao Youzi attend school Monday through Friday. That means Zheng Tan can surf the net boldly without worrying about Father Jia catching him. Mother Jia isn't that observant, so if Zheng Tan is careful, he won't be noticed.

Think about it: Jiao Ba goes abroad, Jiao Ma works, Jiao Yuan and Xiao Youzi attend school Monday to Friday—in that case Zheng Tan can surf the net boldly, without fear of being caught by Jiao Ba. Jiao Ma isn't that observant; if Zheng Tan is careful, he won't be noticed.

It's been a long time since I've been online.

It's been a long time since I've been online.

Although Father Jia knows their cat is unusual, he would never imagine that the cat has already started scheming to use the computer.

Although Jiao Ba knows their cat is unusual, he would never imagine that the cat has already started scheming to use the computer.

After finally figuring out something to do at home to kill time, Zheng Tan happily jumped off the sofa and decided to go out for a stroll.

After finally thinking of something to do at home to kill time, Zheng Tan happily jumped off the sofa and decided to go out for a stroll.

In Chu Hua Shi the temperature rises quickly; it won't linger slowly waiting for you to prepare mentally. Once the weather warms up, you won't see those overcoats, padded jackets, or down garments anymore.

Chu Hua Shi warms up quickly; it won't linger waiting for you to prepare mentally. Once the weather turns warm, you no longer see those overcoats, padded jackets, down garments, etc.

Da Pang was squatting on his balcony, kicking his paws while basking in the sun. Seeing Zheng Tan come out of the building, he opened one slit of his squinting eyes, took a glance, then went back to dozing with his eyes closed, showing no intention to move.

Da Pang lounged on his balcony, kicking his paws in the sun; seeing Zheng Tan come out of the building, he opened one slit of his squinting eyes, glanced, then went back to dozing with eyes closed, showing no intention to move.

The other two cats Zheng Tan didn't see, and the constable hasn't been yowling around lately—maybe he's gone elsewhere looking for a female cat.

The other two cats Zheng Tan didn't see, and Jingzhang hasn't been yowling around lately—maybe he went elsewhere looking for a female cat.

As Zheng Tan leisurely walked out of the dormitory gate, he noticed a person in sportswear and sunglasses squatting on a stone curb by the dormitory entrance, holding a lollipop in his mouth. When Zheng Tan came out, the person kept staring at him, curling the corner of his mouth into a weird smirk that made him look especially deserving of a beating.

As Zheng Tan leisurely walked out of the quarters' gate, he noticed a person in sportswear and sunglasses squatting on a stone curb beside the gate, holding a lollipop in his mouth. When Zheng Tan came out, the person kept staring at him, while curling his lips into a weird smirk, looking especially deserving of a beating.

At first Zheng Tan just glanced over, thought "what a nutcase," and ignored him. But after two steps he suddenly stopped.

Zheng Tan at first just glanced casually and didn't look further, muttering "nutcase" in his mind, and wasn't going to pay attention. But after two steps he suddenly stopped.

No way!

No!

This person must be someone I know!

This person must be someone I know!

Zheng Tan turned his head for a second look at the person squatting on the stone curb, and after examining him closely realized that even thick sunglasses couldn't hide that ** aura—this guy is definitely that idiot Er Mao!

Zheng Tan turned his head for another look at the person squatting on the stone curb; after a careful glance he realized that even the thickest sunglasses couldn't hide that **air—this brat is definitely Er Mao the idiot!

Unlike the last time Zheng Tan saw Er Mao, today Er Mao wasn't wearing his usual out‑of‑style outfit; his hair had been dyed back to black, and he was wearing sportswear similar to what campus students wear for athletics. Without the sunglasses, he actually blended in well with the surroundings here.

Unlike the last time Zheng Tan saw Er Mao, today Er Mao wasn't wearing that non‑mainstream outfit; his hair had been dyed back to black, and he wore sportswear similar to what campus students wear on the field. Without the sunglasses, he actually blended in well with the surroundings here.

Seeing Zheng Tan look his way, Er Mao raised his hand and said, "Yo, Black Coal, off to play?"

Seeing Zheng Tan look over, Er Mao raised his hand in greeting: "Yo, Black Coal, out to play?"

Zheng Tan: "……" Black Coal, you bastard!

Zheng Tan: "……" Black Coal, you damned old man!

People who randomly add or subtract characters in others' names are the most infuriatingly deserving of a beating.

People who randomly add or drop letters in others' names are the most deserving of a beating.

Zheng Tan glanced around; the dormitory gate really isn't a good place to fight. Forget it. He'll let Er Mao off this time, turned his head, and kept walking, quickening his pace so he wouldn't have to stay and face Er Mao.

Zheng Tan glanced around; the quarters' gate really isn't a good place to fight. Forget it. Let Er Mao off this time, Zheng Tan turned his head and kept walking forward, quickening his pace, not wanting to linger here facing Er Mao.

"Right, Black Coal. I'll be moving in a few days. Well, my rough estimate is that I'll be in your building." Er Mao said leisurely.

"Right. Black Coal. I'll be moving in a few days. Well, my rough estimate is that I'll be in your building." Er Mao said leisurely.

Hearing the words behind him, Zheng Tan made a sudden stop, pulled his ears toward Er Mao, trying to judge whether what Er Mao said was true.

Zheng Tan heard the words behind him, made a sudden stop, pulled his ears to look at Er Mao, trying to judge whether what Er Mao said was true.

Zheng Tan had thought Er Mao would be like Long Qi—upon seeing a cat, he'd keep as far away as possible. But looking at Er Mao's contemptuous demeanor, this guy seems ready to "swim against the current," growing bolder with each setback. Clearly, Er Mao is the type who, the less you like him, the more he insists on showing up just to flaunt his presence and annoy you.

Zheng Tan originally thought Er Mao was like Long Qi and his ilk—upon seeing a cat, they'd keep as far away as possible. But seeing Er Mao's lowly demeanor, is this guy preparing to "go against the current," growing bolder with each setback? It's obvious Er Mao is the type who, the less he likes you, the more he insists on showing up to flaunt his presence just to annoy you.

But…

But……

Zheng Tan thought about the residents of his building. Many teachers in the dormitory tend to reject outsiders, considering them too complicated and untrustworthy because their backgrounds are unknown. In the B building where the Jia family lives, although some residents aren't around much, if one wanted to rent a place to someone off‑campus, the first hurdle would be Lan Lao Tou. Lan Lan hates renting his rooms to unreliable people just for money; offering gifts or bribes doesn't work—it only makes him dislike you more. Since those avenues are blocked, what can you, Er Mao, actually do?

Zheng Tan thought about the residents of his building; many teachers in the quarters are rather exclusionary toward outsiders, thinking they're too complicated and of unknown background, untrustworthy. Moreover, in the B block where the Jiao family lives, although some residents don't actually stay much there, if one wants to rent a place to off‑campus people, the first hurdle is Lan Lao Tou. For the sake of money, renting to unreliable people, Old Lan dislikes it most. Offering gifts, bribes, or pulling favors not only fails, it actually makes Old Lan dislike you more. If those avenues are blocked, what can you, Er Mao, do?

After judging that Er Mao's chances of success were slim, Zheng Tan felt much more at ease, stopped paying attention to him, and jogged away.

Thinking Er Mao's chances of success were slim, Zheng Tan felt more at ease, stopped paying attention to him, and jogged away.

Er Mao watched the retreating black cat and muttered under his breath, "He really does understand!"

Er Mao watched the receding black cat and muttered softly, "He really understands!"

Thinking Er Mao's odds of securing a rental were low, Zheng Tan didn't take his words seriously, figuring Er Mao was just saying it to provoke him. Until Sunday morning, when Father Jia took Jia Yuan and Xiao Youzi for a run and Zheng Tan joined them, passing the campus square, he saw among the elderly women dancing with fans the sole male participant—and then it suddenly dawned on him that Er Mao might actually be telling the truth.

Thinking Er Mao's odds of securing a rental were low, Zheng Tan didn't take his words to heart, figuring it was just Er Mao venting at himself. Until Sunday morning, when Jiao Ba took Jiao Yuan and Xiao Youzi for a run and Zheng Tan joined them, passing the campus square, he saw among the elderly ladies dancing with fans the sole young man—then it suddenly dawned on him that Er Mao might be telling the truth.

Over at the square, a group of elderly women waved their fans, while some students stood nearby laughing and watching. Unaccustomed to seeing old ladies fan‑dance, they were surprised when a twenty‑something young man, holding a bright red feather fan, performed the dance with perfect form, utterly unaffected by the onlookers, causing the elderly women to chuckle warmly—especially Auntie Zhai, who smiled at Er Mao with particular affection.

Over at the square, a group of elderly ladies waved their fans; some students stood nearby laughing and watching. Unaccustomed to seeing old ladies fan‑dance, they were surprised when a twenty‑something young man took up the dance, especially since he held that scarlet feather fan and performed it proficiently, unaffected by the onlookers, causing the elderly ladies to laugh heartily—especially English: Zhailaotaitai, who smiled at Er Mao with particular warmth.

Having won over Auntie Zhai, what's there to worry about not being able to win over Lan Lao Tou?

Having won over English: Zhailaotaitai, what's there to worry about not being able to settle Lan Lao Tou?

Zheng Tan had an epiphany: Er Mao was actually courting the middle‑aged and elderly women's favor!

Zheng Tan had an epiphany: Er Mao was actually taking the "middle‑aged and elderly women's friend" route!

Let's be honest, Er Mao has a remarkably thick skin, and those elderly ladies seem to like that shameless attitude, complaining that today's youth are too shy and concerned with saving face to let loose.

Let's be frank: Er Mao's cheek is truly thick, and those elderly ladies seem to like this shamelessness, finding today's youth too shy and face‑conscious to let loose.

To corroborate Zheng Tan's guess, three days later, as he passed the little flower bed, he saw Er Mao busy working there.

As if to confirm Zheng Tan's guess, three days later, as Zheng Tan passed the little flowerbed, he saw Er Mao busy inside.

"Teacher Lan, where should I put this pot of flowers?" Er Mao asked, holding the flower pot.

"Teacher Lan, where should I put this pot of flowers?" Er Mao asked, holding the flowerpot.

Speaking of Lan Lao Tou, while he's formally called "Professor," he sometimes prefers to be addressed as "Teacher." Most people, out of respect for his high moral standing, call him "Professor Lan" or "Old Lan," but Old Lan doesn't necessarily appreciate that; now Er Mao's way of addressing him practically scratches an itch he's been feeling.

Speaking of Lan Lao Tou, compared with the title "Professor," he sometimes prefers "Teacher"; moreover, most people, to show respect and highlight his lofty virtue, address him as "Professor Lan" or "Old Lan," etc., but Old Lan's heart may not necessarily appreciate it; now Er Mao's way of addressing him practically scratches Old Lan's itch.

"Put it there, right next to that azalea pot." Lan Lao Tou pointed to a spot.

"Put it there, beside that pot of azalea." Lan Lao Tou pointed to a spot.

"And what about this pot of rhododendron?"

"And this pot of rhododendron?"

"Put it over there."

"Put it over there."

……

……

Watching Er Mao help move the flower pots and dig the soil, Zheng Tan couldn't help but admit that Er Mao's goal was nearly achieved.

Watching Er Mao help move flowerpots and dig soil, Zheng Tan couldn't help but admit that Er Mao's goal was nearly achieved.

Because of this, Zheng Tan's mood lately has been really unpleasant.

Because of this, Zheng Tan's mood lately has been really not good.

As he headed back toward the dormitory, Zheng Tan walked while thinking about how to sabotage Er Mao's plan, when suddenly a childish, clear voice came from diagonally ahead.

As he headed back to the quarters, Zheng Tan walked while thinking how to sabotage Er Mao's plan, when suddenly a childish, crisp voice came from the front‑left.

"Black——bro——"

"Black——bro——"

Upon hearing that shout, Zheng Tan didn't stop; he quickened his pace and moved forward, silently cursing to himself: "Damn it!" (To be continued…)

Hearing that shout, Zheng Tan didn't stop but quickened his pace forward. He silently cursed: "Damn!" (To be continued…)

ps: (2.19)