Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Xia Xin continued, âYou might be feeding these stray cats, but you look so worried while you do it. Youâre obviously concerned about your own pet cat, arenât you? Youâre also desperate for moneyâprobably to pay for its medical treatments.â
Chen Li remained silent, which didnât bother Xia Xin. She continued, âThe sickness must be severe to have you so distressed. Have you ever considered letting go and just spending quality time with it instead? Your news-hounding and blackmail might make you quick cash, but youâre breaking the law and missing out on precious moments with your cat. Cats, like humans, crave companionship.â
Chen Li didnât respond, but he was clearly wrestling with his thoughts. Anan had been with him for four years, ever since he started college. Now that Anan was sick and needed money for treatment, the idea of giving up was heart-wrenching.
Even though every veterinarian had declared Anan beyond help, Chen Li still couldnât bring himself to believe it. But Xia Xinâs words had touched a chord in him. He thought perhaps what Anan really needed now was his company, not medical interventions.
Xia Xin gently patted Chen Liâs back and comforted, âSpend quality time with your cat. I can give you the money for treatments if youâd like, but donât be too hard on yourself if it doesnât work out. Cats love their owners more than anything. Anan wouldnât want you to be sad because of its departure.â
As if on cue, two stray catsâLittle White and Little Blackâmewed in unison and ran to nuzzle Chen Li, as though comforting him. Moved by their gesture, Chen Li finally dropped his guard and said, âI apologize for misunderstanding you earlier, and for blackmailing you. I hope you can forgive me.â
Treating the moment like a courtroom verdict, Xia Xin said, âGiven that your intentions were for the sake of a cat, Iâll overlook it this time. But be warned, not everyone will be as forgiving next time.â
Chen Li nodded and handed over the memory card containing the blackmail evidence. He had to get back to Anan. Just as he was leaving, Xia Xin stopped him. He looked back, puzzled, and asked, âIs there anything else? Iâve given you the evidence.â
Xia Xin displayed a QR code on her phone and suggested, âLetâs become friends. I promised to help you with Ananâs treatment, remember?â
Chen Li actually already felt that Xia Xin was not a hypocrite, so he was too embarrassed to accept her money again. So he pretended to be cold and said, âI donât want your money!â
âThis money isnât for you, itâs for the cat. You can pay me back when you have money,â Xia Xin said.
Chen Li was struggling. He really needed the money. Ananâs illness couldnât wait any longer, so under Xia Xinâs request, he accepted the money half-heartedly.
Later, Xia Xin returned to her film set, leaving behind cat food for the strays.
Sadly, Anan couldnât hold on and passed away two weeks later. Xia Xin heard from Little White and Little Black that Anan had departed peacefully, even asking them to thank her.
The news left Xia Xin pensive. She was suddenly struck by the realization that animals also possess a range of intricate emotions, just like humans. This understanding seemed to clarify the purpose of her unique gift to communicate with animals.
Xia Xin suddenly had an idea. Since she had become a celebrity and had a certain amount of influence, she must make use of the advantages of her identity to help more animals, so that humans can value animals and live peacefully with animals instead of hurting them, invading their homes, ignoring their thoughts, and wantonly using them as a way to profit.
Resolute, Xia Xin called an animal welfare organization, inquiring about charitable initiatives. She wanted to make a donation in Ananâs name for animal protection.
The staff told Xia Xin that there were many people doing charity work. They noted her interest and promised to involve her in upcoming projects.
Then, a message from Chen Li popped up, surprising Xia Xin.
Chen Li: [Anan has passed away. Thank you for your help and advice. Iâm sorry for my previous actions. If thereâs any way I can assist you in the future, please let me know.]
Though Xia Xin did have something in mind that Chen Li could help with, she chose to let it pass for now. He had just lost Anan, and his emotional well-being was a priority..