Jian Ran was well aware that the decision to adopt Purr was not a rash, emotional impulse. She couldn't say whether she'd had the thought before—maybe there was a moment when it crossed her mind, but she subconsciously suppressed it. Earlier, she'd claimed she'd never kept a pet and was afraid she couldn't take good care of it, but those were just excuses. The real reason was something only she knew.
Ever since she came of age, Jian Ran had basically lived alone. She had considered getting a pet, but after learning that cats and dogs only live about a dozen years, she gave up on the idea. She couldn't accept the sudden departure of a life. Just like when her mother died when she was fifteen—sudden, without warning, leaving her alone in a world of helpless pain. The despair of being abruptly abandoned still haunted her in her dreams. So, for fear of loss, she chose never to possess in the first place. That had been her way all these years.
Her therapist had told her many times that this was a psychological defense mechanism of avoidance—it didn't solve the problem, only temporarily relieved stress, but in the long run, it only made things worse. She understood the logic, but after so many years, she still couldn't take that step. In recent years, she had almost given up on herself and accepted that.
But just now, she suddenly found the courage to try. Instead of hoping to find a reliable adopter, she might as well keep the cat herself. After all, if it was abandoned again, who could guarantee it would survive? For Purr's sake, she would be brave once. As for the future, she'd deal with it when the time came. If she could cherish the time they had—a dozen years or so—maybe when that day came, it wouldn't be so hard.
"I'll cooperate with whatever the adoption process requires," Jian Ran said. "If there's an adoption fee, that's fine too."
Adopting through a rescue organization could be either free or fee-based. Free was straightforward. Fee-based usually came in two forms: some legitimate institutions charged a nominal fee to cover initial medical costs like deworming and spaying/neutering—for example, the examination fees Chu Lulin had advanced and needed to get reimbursed for. The other type was less formal institutions that promoted "free adoption" but actually engaged in bundling sales. However, since this was the A University campus stray animal association, that shouldn't happen. And even if it were the latter, Jian Ran would accept it. She knelt down and stroked the little one's head. In any case, she was determined to keep Purr.
"The school association has funding. Adopters don't need to pay any fee," Chu Lulin shook his head and replied.
Jian Ran nodded slightly; this was within her expectations. She knew a bit about A University's situation. But just as she was about to say "Then it's settled," Chu Lulin unexpectedly refused her adoption. He looked guilty, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, Big Sister. This has already been enough trouble for you. Don't worry, I'll find a good adopter for Purr. You don't have to force yourself."
Jian Ran realized he had misunderstood. She quickly said she genuinely wanted to adopt, no forcing at all. But Chu Lulin had suddenly become stubborn, and no matter how earnestly she explained, he insisted she was just trying to comfort him. Jian Ran laughed in exasperation, but there was nothing she could do. She sighed and asked, "What do I need to do to make you believe me?" At least she should have a chance to prove herself.
"I do believe you, Big Sister," Chu Lulin said urgently, as if afraid she would be angry.
Jian Ran: "..." His expression was anything but believing!
"If you believe me, then agree to let me adopt Purr."
"..."
They were stuck in a silent impasse for a long time, until finally Chu Lulin was the first to yield. A flash of helplessness crossed his face as he compromised, "Alright. The adoption process is simple. Just fill out a form. I'll handle it."
Jian Ran breathed a sigh of relief. Arguing with a stubborn-headed person was really not easy.
However, that breath wasn't fully exhaled before Chu Lulin added, "Purr will be raised by both me and you, same as before. I'll come every day as usual to take care of it."
Jian Ran: "..." Wait, how could they raise it together? The custody should at least be clear.
Chu Lulin quickly assured her, "Big Sister, rest assured. Purr's custody is naturally with you. I won't fight you for it. I just want to share the burden."
Jian Ran didn't know what to say. Seeing that he still wore that apologetic expression, she knew that if she didn't agree to this proposal, they would keep debating endlessly. Forget it, let's just go with this for now. She could tell that Chu Lulin genuinely liked Purr. If he weren't a student without the conditions to keep a cat, he would have adopted it himself. Having another person love Purr was a good thing. Besides, time would tell. Over time, Chu Lulin would see that she really wanted to keep Purr. Then he wouldn't be so persistent.
For now, the matter was temporarily settled, and Jian Ran felt a weight off her mind. From now on, she was someone with a cat. The thought made her inexplicably excited. She scooped up the little one and fawned over it, even solemnly introducing herself. "Purr, this is your home from now on. I'm your mom. Please take care of me."
The kitten seemed to understand her words and, at the perfect moment, responded, "Meow~"
Jian Ran's eyes widened. She looked at Chu Lulin for confirmation: "It doesn't actually understand, does it?"
Chu Lulin smiled and nodded. "Animals are spiritual. Purr looks like a clever little cat."
Hearing someone praise her own baby, Jian Ran felt immensely pleased. In her excitement, she did something silly—she started introducing Chu Lulin to the kitten. "Purr, this is..." But she only got that far before she got stuck. How should she introduce him? Whether it was a stalling tactic or not, since she had just agreed they would raise Purr together, she was the mom, so he would be the dad? Well... that was a bit awkward.
Before she could decide whether to continue, she looked up and met Chu Lulin's unblinking gaze. The anticipation in his eyes was almost overflowing.
Jian Ran gritted her teeth and continued to the kitten, "Purr, this is... Daddy."
So what if it was a little ambiguous? After all, their relationship wasn't exactly proper to begin with. Being sanctimonious just wouldn't do. Jian Ran quietly decided that from now on, she would unabashedly take advantage. And not just verbally!
"Meow~" The little one raised its head and obliged with another meow, as if acknowledging its new parents.
In a corner no one noticed, Chu Lulin lowered his gaze, hiding the surging amusement within. When he looked up again, his eyes had switched back to that gentle facade.
*
The school association's process was very simple. The next day, Chu Lulin said it was all taken care of and brought Jian Ran a certificate of adoption issued by the association. Then the two of them took the little one for deworming and vaccinations. As for neutering—Purr was a male cat, and its previous owner had already done it, so that step was skipped. There wasn't much else to do. Keeping a cat was indeed quite low-maintenance. With the automatic feeder and water fountain at home, it became even easier. Almost all the other chores were handled by Chu Lulin, who ungrudgingly came every day to scoop the litter. In comparison, Jian Ran only had to play with it for a while each day and enjoy the pleasure of petting a cat. Life couldn't be more comfortable.
When Chu Lulin came over, he would cook every few days, making home-style dishes she liked. Not gonna lie, it really felt like having a spouse, a child, and a warm bed. But Jian Ran had some worries about this too. How should she put it? She felt she lacked the sensation of being a rich woman. Their current dynamic was very comfortable, but it seemed stagnant. As things stood, Chu Lulin was the one putting in all the effort—emotionally and practically. Her contribution was zero. But she couldn't keep letting Chu Lulin take the loss. If their relationship didn't move forward and he refused to take money, wouldn't she be taking advantage of him for free? That wouldn't do!
Chu Lulin was younger and more bashful, probably too embarrassed or unsure of what to do. Since she was older, it was up to her to take the initiative. So, after some thought, Jian Ran decided to take concrete steps to advance their relationship.