20. Adoption of Big Cake
Chi Jin quickly lowered her eyes, staring at the rice in her bowl, feeling her cheeks getting hot. Should she explain? What? She and Duan Xingche were innocent, but Chen Yisheng's retelling of her story...
Chi Jin took a bite of his rice and said calmly, "Xiao Duan is a good person, very down-to-earth. But when it comes to internship guidance, I don't actually play a major role. It still depends on the team atmosphere and the allocation of resources in the editorial department, right?"
She threw the question back to Chen Yisheng, both as a professional response and to gauge his true attitude. She didn't mention Duan Xingche's "urgency" or explain any "ambiguity," simply returning the focus to the workflow.
"Of course." Chen Yisheng nodded, his eyes falling on Chi Jin's face again, a little scrutinizing. "So, what are your preferences? Putting aside Duan Xingche's 'personal preference', do you think you have the energy to mentor a newcomer at this stage? Or, would you rather focus on the column at hand?"
"Actually, I don't have a new column right now, nor do I have any good topic ideas. Besides, Xiao Duan has been calling me "Master" for several days, so I can't go back on my word." Chi Jin said in a relaxed tone, "As for coaching, I'll obey my boss's orders. I'm lucky he doesn't think I'm unqualified. Of course, if you coach him personally, the standards will be higher, and Xiao Duan will definitely be more than happy to do so."
"He asked for you by name."
Duan Xingche was a good kid, and Chi Jin didn't want him to be seen as a "troublemaker" by the editor-in-chief. She immediately spoke well of him: "Little Duan is diligent, doesn't complain, and is very capable. I'd love to mentor him."
Chen Yisheng nodded. "Okay. Then you all work together. My rules remain the same. We will handle everything impartially and resources will not be biased."
…
After lunch, the interview continued. The video chat connected, revealing a slightly messy yet youthful room. The walls were covered with cultural magnets from various regions and slogans like "Good luck on your postgraduate entrance exams." A young man with a buzz cut and black-framed glasses appeared on the screen, smiling brightly but with a touch of student shyness.
"Hello, hello! Hello, brother and sister!" Xiao Wu said in a clear voice, "Wow, is this the pancake? So cute! It's even rounder than in the photo!"
Chen Yisheng nodded slightly. "Hello, Mr. Wu. Thank you for participating in the adoption consultation."
His tone was gentle, but Chi Jin could feel his scrutinizing eyes scanning the piled suitcases and scattered review materials in the background.
"You're welcome! I love cats!" Xiao Wu excitedly showed off the cat bed, scratching post, and a bunch of toys she had prepared. "Look, I've got everything ready! It might be a little small, but I promise to give it the best!"
Chi Jin smiled and asked, "Xiao Wu, how are you preparing for the exam? Are you under a lot of pressure?"
"It's fine!" Xiao Wu waved his hand, but a subtle hint of fatigue flashed in his eyes. "It's just that time is tight. I have to study for more than ten hours every day. But if I don't pass the exam, then forget it. I'll take Da Bing on a trip!"
Chen Yisheng spoke at the right moment, his question hitting the nail on the head: "How long will your exam preparation plan last? If you're admitted to graduate school, or if you choose to work after failing, your place of residence and living conditions may change significantly. Frequent changes in environment can be a major stressor for cats, especially those with sensitive personalities like Dabing who have just settled down. Have you considered how to deal with this situation?"
Xiao Wu's enthusiasm visibly faltered. He pushed his glasses and thought seriously, "This... I've certainly thought about it. If I get in, I'll try to rent a stable apartment near campus and bring my pet with me. If I work... I might be a bit busy in the beginning, but I'll do my best to settle him down before looking for a job, or perhaps a roommate who allows pets. I won't abandon him!"
Chi Jin noticed the dog-eared copy of the "Postgraduate Entrance Examination Core Politics Exam Paper" on his desk, and the densely packed notes spread out beside it, and added softly, "Cats need a stable environment and constant care. Even when they're quiet, they need attention. During the exam preparation period, you studied intensively for more than ten hours a day. Can you really guarantee that you will have enough time and energy to deal with the cat's needs for interaction or emergencies, such as illness?"
Xiao Wu was silent for a few seconds, and the bright smile on his face faded a little: "I... I will do my best. I can adjust my sleep schedule, get up earlier and go to bed later to play with it. I really want to keep it..."
Chen Yisheng and Chi Jin exchanged a glance. Xiao Wu's enthusiasm and sincerity were undeniable, and he'd put a lot of thought into the cat's preparations. However, the uncertainty lurking behind the word "try your best," along with the high pressure and potential volatility of the exam preparation period itself, was indeed worrying.
"We understand. Thank you for your honesty and preparation," Chen Yisheng said calmly. "I wish you good luck with your exam preparation."
After hanging up the video, Chen Yisheng didn't call the next person immediately. He seemed to be waiting for Chi Jin to explain.
"Actually, you see, he's prepared quite a lot and is very enthusiastic. And of all the candidates, he's the one who's expressed the strongest love for cats to me." Chi Jin scratched his head, looking at the "X" next to "Xiao Wu's" name. "I just think if I were a cat, I'd probably prefer to go to his house..."
"Enthusiasm can't be eaten, especially for cats. The phrase 'try your best' is too risky for a small, dependent animal. His life is at a crossroads of drastic change, and he shouldn't be burdened with another life that also needs stability."
Chi Jin knew that he was not satisfied with this candidate. In fact, the moment she sent him the list, she knew that Xiao Wu would not be chosen.
Chen Yisheng whispered, "Just like you said, being alone for too long can make you feel insecure. Cats are the same, even more sensitive."
Chi Jin didn't expect that his words would be mentioned like this.
"Okay, Aunt Wang is waiting for communication. Let's get started."
Unlike the previous ones, Aunt Wang's video background is a warm and tidy living room. Sunlight filters through the gauze curtains onto a coffee table covered with a neat tablecloth. A gentle, silver-haired woman wearing thin-framed glasses sits in a rattan chair, a kind smile on her face.
"Hello." Aunt Wang's voice was gentle and soothing, with the clear enunciation unique to older teachers. "My daughter is using her phone to help me video chat. I'm an old woman and I don't know how to use these new gadgets. If anything goes wrong, please let me know immediately."
A helpless yet gentle voiceover sounded: "Mom, don't worry."
"Hello, Aunt Wang." Chen Yisheng and Chi Jin lowered their voices, unconsciously adding a hint of respect.
"Hello." Aunt Wang smiled. "I heard from the little girl that you are looking for a good home for a ginger cat. My husband passed away a few years ago, and my children are busy with work, so I am alone at home. Now that I am retired, I have more time, so I want to have a companion, talk, and make the house more lively."
Behind her, an old fabric sofa had a crocheted sofa cover draped over its armrest, and a glass sugar jar and several photo frames were placed on a small table next to it.
Chi Jin noticed that Auntie Wang's house was very clean and tidy, and everything was in order. He asked softly, "Auntie Wang, have you ever had a pet before?"
"I had a Pekingese named Maomao, who stayed with me for over ten years and passed away due to old age." Aunt Wang's eyes flashed with nostalgia, and then she smiled again. "I know cats and dogs are different. I specifically asked old colleagues who also raised cats, and I also read a lot of books. Cats are more independent, but they also need love and care. I just like this kind of quiet and companionship."
Chen Yisheng was concerned with more practical issues: "Auntie, Dabing is an adult male cat. Although he looks lazy now, he still has energy. He may be more active at night, running and jumping, or he may cry out when he's hungry around 5 or 6 in the morning. How is your sleep quality? Can you adapt?"
Aunt Wang waved her hand, her smile still gentle. "As we get older, we naturally sleep less. Maomao used to be like this too, going for a walk in the morning. What's the big deal about a few meows? I get up early in the morning, so I can just make food for him. Besides, if he gets really fussy, I'll get up and talk to him, read the newspaper to him, and he'll be quiet in no time. I've taught children my whole life, and I can't even coax a cat?"
Chi Jin was infected by the aunt's optimism and laughed: "Auntie, Dabing is quite heavy. It may take some strength to hold it or cut its nails or feed it medicine..."
The voice-over said: "Don't worry, I'm here!"
Aunt Wang said, "I see you two are very considerate people. This cat has been with you for a while, so you must have developed feelings for it. Don't worry, now that it's here with me, it's my little grandson. I will definitely treat it well and let it enjoy a happy life."
Chi Jin felt warm in her heart, and inexplicably thought of her grandmother. When she was a child, her grandmother knitted a sweater for her, and she would cling to her grandmother's arms and refuse to leave. Her grandmother said she was like a kitten, and would make trouble when she saw the wool.
"We'll consider it, and thank you for your participation. I wish you good health."
After the interview, Chen Yisheng stood up and poured her a cup of yogurt. Chi Jin looked at the carefully marked table on the table, which clearly listed the strengths and weaknesses of the four candidates.
"Auntie Wang's environment is indeed the most stable, and her mentality is the most peaceful. This kind of undisturbed security is what Da Bing needs." Chi Jin said, "You also prefer her, right?"
"But we need to verify Auntie's health. Many teachers aren't in good health." Chen Yisheng was as serious as ever. He looked at the fat cat sprawled out on the cat climbing frame, snoring softly, and his eyes softened unconsciously. "Also, we need to see Dabing's reaction. He might not understand, but his feelings are important."
He stretched out his finger and gently touched the tip of Pancake's pink nose, as if teasing a baby.
The afternoon sun framed Chen Yisheng's profile, his usual sternness now softening. For the first time, she saw him more than just the imperious Editor-in-Chief Chen, a man she needed to carefully manage. Today, he wore loose, comfortable casual clothes, curled his lips at Da Bing's protest of "cat in a truck," listened patiently to her complaints about friendship, offered her yogurt and unpacked her dishes, and remembered her casual remarks. He had the habits of ordinary people, his own persistence and gentleness.
The thought that "maybe we could really become friends" emerged quietly, like a new sprout breaking through the soil in spring, with a bit of tentative timidity.
"Then... when can we arrange for Da Bing and Aunt Wang to meet offline?" Chi Jin asked.
Chen Yisheng raised his head and met her gaze. He clearly caught the familiarity of her disarming gaze, no longer the cautiousness and distance of a subordinate facing their superior. Instead, it felt more like a natural discussion between friends.
A faint but heartfelt smile appeared on his face, and he said, "No rush. Let's wait until Auntie is ready, and wait until we politely decline the other people's kindness. We must finish the job well."
"Leave this to me!" Chi Jin volunteered.
"Well, I'm not very good at cleaning up after this. When I go to deliver the pancakes..."
"Don't worry, I will go with you no matter how far you go."
"Is that still one hundred and fifty per hour?"
"Let's forget about that day! I'll just count it as my...after-sales service!"
Chi Jin was too embarrassed to "slaughter" him any more.
Dabing turned over on the cat climbing frame and purred with satisfaction.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
