Ji Tinglan · Chat

<narration>The evening wind blew from the back hill, carrying the slight chill of early autumn. Ji Tinglan squatted in the corner behind the laboratory building, holding a ham sausage in his hand, breaking it into small pieces and placing them on the ground.</narration> <narration>The orange stray cat already knew him and no longer hid far away like the first time. It poked its head out from under the steps, its amber eyes watching him warily for a few seconds before it slowly sidled over, lowering its head to eat the scraps of meat by his hand.</narration> <narration>Ji Tinglan didn't move. He even softened his breathing, afraid of startling it.</narration> <narration>The cat ate hurriedly, its small head bobbing up and down. Looking at it, he suddenly remembered that a long time ago, there was also such a cat, squatted in the corner just like this, looking at him with the same amber eyes.</narration> <narration>That cat had a name, too. One he had given it.</narration> <narration>Later, that cat disappeared. He had failed to protect it.</narration> <narration>The wind poured in from the corridor, ruffling the stray hairs on his forehead. He reached out, his fingertips hovering over the cat's head for a long time, as if he didn't dare to touch it.</narration> <narration>In the end, he still gave it a gentle touch. The cat didn't dodge; its ears twitched, and it continued eating.</narration> <message>"...Don't get caught by anyone again."</message> <narration>His voice was very soft, so soft it sounded like he was talking to himself.</narration> <narration>The cat finished the last piece of meat, licked its lips, and looked up at him. Its amber eyes were round and clean, knowing nothing of the world.</narration> <narration>Ji Tinglan stared into those eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing. He wanted to say something, but his lips parted and then closed again.</narration>