Ruan Shu’s surprise quickly turned into delight as she wrapped her arms around her father’s neck, her eyes smiling in crescent shapes.
Across from them, Ruan He watched with a pang of jealousy that was impossible to hide. In his human form, his gaze fixed sternly on his son.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Shushu?”
Even though he was retired, did they think he was out of the picture?
Ruan Xiao replied with an unashamed, “I forgot.”
Those two simple words left Ruan He utterly infuriated. If it weren’t for his beloved granddaughter standing right there, he would have likely gone at it with his son.
As for why Ruan Xiao hadn’t told his father about this matter in the first place, it was because, initially, he hadn’t seen the need.
It was just an extra kid in the house, and he hadn’t given it much thought at the time. He hadn’t even planned on publicizing Ruan Shu’s identity.
Over time, as his relationship with his daughter deepened, he had simply forgotten to tell his father, who he hadn’t been in touch with for who knows how long.
Besides…
As if he didn’t know! In the entire Ruan family, only he doted on the little girl. His father couldn’t care less about his sons and grandsons. The moment he was old enough, his dad had sent him out to fend for himself.
Now that he had a daughter, if the old man found out, who knew what he might do to try and steal her away?
So, naturally…he chose not to tell him.
Unfortunately, after Ruan Shu’s name had trended twice on social media, though he had managed to take it down as quickly as possible each time, the old man had found out anyway.
And he had arrived so quickly.
“What are you doing here? When are you going back?”
Ruan He glared, his beard bristling. “What, are you trying to drive me away?”
Ruan Xiao said nothing, but if he were to answer, it would only take one word: “Yes.”
That was what made him so maddening. Call it bluntness, but he had a way of riling people up, though he himself had no clue why others got upset out of nowhere.
Actually, when Ruan Xiao was younger, he used to be quite talkative, but he often offended people, so eventually, he stopped talking so much. Over time, his personality grew colder and colder.
“Grandpa, let’s go inside to talk.”
“Dad, Grandpa just got here, and it’s almost time to eat. Let’s go eat.”
Ruan Shu, not wanting her grandpa and dad to start bickering like her brothers often did, quickly intervened to divert their attention.
During the meal, she busied herself serving food to both, hoping to keep things peaceful between them.
But rather than her serving them, it was clear the two adults were more interested in feeding a certain soft, squishy little dumpling.
Her dad offered her a bite of shrimp; grandpa added a little fish; dad gave her a fish ball; grandpa followed with a mouthful of scallop…
Eventually, Ruan Shu didn’t even need her chopsticks. All she had to do was focus on eating.
Her cheeks puffed out, rounded like two little buns, never deflating.
Then, she was full. But with their competitive feeding, she ended up eating a bit more, pressing her little, protesting belly.
At last, unable to take another bite, Ruan Shu, feeling pitiful, turned back into her little cat form, hugging her fluffy tail in quiet resignation.
“Meow meow meow…”
You guys eat by yourselves; a little cat belly can only hold so much, you know! I’m so stuffed.
The ragdoll cat lay on the chair with a pitiful expression, her tiny, round belly swollen from all the food. She used her little paws to give herself a tummy massage.
Seeing the soft, fluffy little ragdoll cat, Ruan He’s eyes lit up instantly, quickly followed by concern.
“Is it okay for her to stay in her beast form like this?”
Ruan Shu immediately perked up her small ears, a bit worried about her grandpa’s reaction to her star beast form. Her little paws continued to absentmindedly knead her belly.
Then she was lifted up.
Familiar scent, familiar hands.
Ruan Xiao’s fingers moved gently as he massaged the little cat’s belly, and he even instructed the butler to bring a digestive remedy.
“She’s fine.” Ruan Shu leaned against her dad, her tiny paws hugging his hand, her eyes half-closed, purring softly.
Ruan He, still concerned, said, “Better get her checked to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues, just to be safe.”
Realizing her grandpa was worried about her and didn’t mind her star beast form, Ruan Shu’s tail started wagging happily.
Ruan Xiao glanced down and gently pinched her little ear.
The cat gazed at him with wide, innocent eyes.
“Qingran has already examined her; she’s perfectly healthy. It’s just that her star beast form differs from ours.”
Hearing that, Ruan He felt reassured, confident in his son’s abilities.
He had two sons in his lifetime. His eldest son had vanished without a trace in a large-scale battle, along with an entire legion. Most believed they were dead, their bodies lost.
But he didn’t believe it, and neither did his eldest grandson, who had been searching for them all these years.
While his relationship with his sons was a bit distant, their sense of responsibility ran deep. They would raise their children and continue searching for them if they went missing under mysterious circumstances, even if it took decades.
Sadly, there had been no leads so far.
Watching his son ruffle the ragdoll cat, Ruan He was filled with envy. “You keep eating; let me hold Shushu.”
He reached out to take his precious granddaughter.
But Ruan Xiao dodged, making the old man glare in frustration.
“What, I just met my lovely granddaughter, and you won’t even let me hold her?”
As the subject of their competition, Ruan Shu popped up her little head, casting a wary gaze at both grandpa and dad.
“You’re getting on in years. Focus on your food and don’t get distracted.”
Ruan He: “….”
The two continued their open and covert battle at the dining table until Ruan Shu was finally handed over to her grandpa.
She affectionately nuzzled her dad’s hand, letting out soft, adorable meows.
Dad, let’s just let Grandpa have his way. We don’t want to upset him and make him sick.
Holding his dear granddaughter, Ruan He looked very pleased. “Come on, let’s go for a stroll outside to help with digestion.”
Once outside, the grandfather and granddaughter duo started their walk, with the big cat taking the little cat for a stroll. The Qilin tiger gazed lovingly at the fluffy little bundle by his feet.
As they wandered, a feather suddenly floated over from somewhere, soft and downy, its fluff dancing in the breeze.
The little cat’s attention was immediately captured.
Her eyes locked onto the feather gently resting among the grass. Wiggling her tiny butt and fluffy tail, she prepared to pounce.
This was pure feline instinct. At that moment, the cat forgot she was human. Her clear blue eyes were entirely focused on the feather, full of seriousness and concentration.
However, her “hunting” skills were not very polished. Her reaction was a bit slow, and not only did she miss the feather, but the wind she kicked up also blew it away. She rolled forward in a little tumble for several rounds.
Finally, she bumped into a leg that seemed as sturdy as a pillar to her.
Ruan Shu sat dazed on the grass, shaking her head to clear it. The Qilin tiger lowered his head and carefully picked up the soft, dumpling-like ragdoll cat in his mouth.
He was so gentle, as if afraid she would melt away in his mouth.