The next day, He Xiaoyuan met with Vice President Zhang from Barley for lunch at a restaurant near the Sipu building. It was just the two of them.
This time, Zhang’s attitude had noticeably changed—he was much more approachable and easygoing.
In Zhang’s own words, He Xiaoyuan’s decision to go back to the private room for that final drink the previous night had impressed him. Not just him—other colleagues present had thought the same, and even Xu Guangming, who had left earlier, heard about it and similarly thought He Xiaoyuan handled it very well.
Zhang’s point was: since both companies had a clear intention to collaborate, they should just sign the contract early. Any previously unresolved clauses could be renegotiated. Barley valued Meow Meow Meow highly, and as long as Sipu—through He Xiaoyuan—proposed acceptable terms, the contract could be signed immediately.
This was excellent news for both He Xiaoyuan and Chang Bei.
Both sides then scheduled a new meeting to finalize the contract. To show goodwill, the location was set at Barley’s office, and this time He Xiaoyuan would not be the only attendee—Chang Bei, the two managers from Kelu, and the company’s legal advisor would all be present.
That weekend, the two companies spent two days in Barley’s office meeting room, discussing cooperation, clauses, and details.
On Saturday evening, Barley hosted a dinner at a nearby hotel for several colleagues from Sipu.
As He Xiaoyuan got out of the car, he immediately recognized it as one of the hotels Lu Chen had brought him to recently, and he smiled.
Chang Bei noticed and asked why he was smiling. He Xiaoyuan replied, “This place has a signature Dao-style dish—you should try it.”
Vice President Zhang, assuming He Xiaoyuan had been here before, politely said they could let him order.
Chang Bei also smiled, “No need—we’ll go with whatever the host prefers.”
Zhang chuckled, “Don’t be polite. We’re all on the same side here.”
Zhang and Chang Bei chatted amicably as they entered the hotel, with He Xiaoyuan trailing slightly behind, glancing at the entrance and recalling Lu Chen’s afternoon of hand-held teaching at each hotel. He quietly smiled.
Once seated in the private room, Lu Chen’s “teaching results” became evident.
The menu was passed from Barley’s side to Sipu’s, and the legal advisor and Kelu managers said they were fine with anything. Chang Bei, not interested in the menu, handed it over to He Xiaoyuan.
He recognized the menu and, flipping through it, calmly began selecting dishes—exuding poise and composure.
Once he finished, he returned the menu to the server, and Barley used this as an opportunity to compliment him repeatedly.
Chang Bei, holding his tea, smiled warmly: “Of course. He Xiaoyuan is our youngest and most promising project manager.”
The Sipu legal advisor, seeing He Xiaoyuan for the first time, said, “I’m always nervous ordering at meals. I can never do it right.”
One Kelu manager said, “Ordering is an art. That’s why big bosses usually have someone to handle it.”
Vice President Zhang raised his cup, “Come, come, everyone, tea for now. Let’s toast to He Xiaoyuan solving our ordering problem.”
The atmosphere was harmonious.
Before the meal ended, He Xiaoyuan went to the restroom. Chang Bei, standing beside him, praised quietly, “Not bad today. I thought since you just graduated, you wouldn’t have much experience with business meals. I didn’t expect you to handle ordering so smoothly.”
He Xiaoyuan zipped up, modestly: “I’m new at work; I can’t really be completely inexperienced.”
Chang Bei tugged at his zipper and said, “Since when were you inexperienced? You seem to know quite a lot.”
The legal advisor also entered, standing across from Chang Bei, peering at He Xiaoyuan: “Just graduated? I would never have guessed.”
Chang Bei turned, “Right? I told you.”
He Xiaoyuan smiled inwardly: all thanks to his “teacher.”
He took a moment to message his “teacher” about the practical application of the theory and how successful it had been.
Lu Chen: Not bad, keep it up.
He Xiaoyuan: Little Dinosaur hopping around.jpg
He held his phone, smiling at the reply, imagining Lu Chen’s approving smile if he had said it in person. He chuckled quietly again.
Chang Bei passed by and asked, “What are you grinning at?”
He Xiaoyuan put away his phone.
Negotiations with Barley were still stuck on the terms.
Barley agreed to forgo the intent deposit but replaced it with a condition: Sipu must pay 20 million upfront before the game launches, which would later be deducted from revenue sharing—effectively claiming 20 million from Sipu’s future earnings.
Chang Bei was confident Meow Meow Meow would earn much more than 20 million, but he did not agree to advance payment.
Barley insisted on the 20 million and would not compromise.
On Sunday afternoon, leaving Barley’s office, the two Kelu managers discussed where Barley’s confidence came from that the game could be worth over 20 million.
They were essentially asking: if Meow Meow Meow failed to earn 20 million after operating costs and revenue share, wouldn’t Sipu lose money?
Chang Bei, casually draping his suit jacket over his shoulder, said, “Barley is just cautious.”
Others asked, “What do you mean?”
Chang Bei explained: “They’re worried the game might flop. The 20 million is a minimum guarantee. If it flops, they still make 20 million. If it succeeds, getting 20 million upfront doesn’t hurt either.”
He Xiaoyuan pondered quietly.
That evening, he crouched downstairs in the dorm to feed the cats, silently thinking about how to ultimately finalize cooperation with Barley.
He thought about the high traffic from Kelu—if Meow Meow Meow really turned out as good as Chang Bei predicted, it would absolutely be the next big hit.
Sipu had offered Barley a fair revenue share. Why would Barley insist on several million upfront? Once the game launched, a flood of traffic and eight-figure revenue would be waiting for them.
Could it be that Barley, just as Chang Bei had said, really couldn’t guarantee how Meow Meow Meow would perform post-launch?
He Xiaoyuan finished pouring the cat food, twisted open a bottle of mineral water, and poured some into the other side of the bowl.
A large, somewhat scruffy long-haired cat immediately pressed over, brushing against He Xiaoyuan’s legs and tail, then lowered its head to eat.
He Xiaoyuan poured water, set the bottle down, and continued crouching to watch the big cat eat.
As he watched, he reached out and patted the cat’s head, thinking: if only Barley would let him play Meow Meow Meow, even just watch a demo video—then he could have some understanding of the game.
What should he do now?
He stroked the big cat from head to neck to back. The gray-furred feline purred contentedly as it ate, clearly enjoying both the food and the attention.
“No one’s taking your food, eat slowly,” He Xiaoyuan murmured.
The big cat purred in response.
He Xiaoyuan whispered, “I wonder if Meow Meow Meow has anything to do with you guys cats.”
The cat purred again.
He Xiaoyuan: So what exactly is the game like?
After thinking it through, he decided it was necessary to learn more about the game. But Barley certainly wouldn’t provide the game guide or demo video before the contract was signed.
He Xiaoyuan: Need to figure out a way.
The next workday, He Xiaoyuan shared his idea with Chang Bei. Chang Bei said, “You have to think from their perspective. Imagine if they’re not 100% confident in Meow Meow Meow, worried it might flop—how could they possibly show it to us in advance? If we saw it and didn’t like it, thought like them, wouldn’t it all fall through?
“Forget not—the competing company abandoned Meow Meow Meow.
“Guess what? When Barley was preparing to cooperate with them before, did they show the demo or guide? And what happened in the end?”
The implication: Barley had experienced a failed collaboration before, which only made them more cautious, not generous enough to share the game openly.
Even so, He Xiaoyuan didn’t abandon his idea.
He discussed it with Qin Chengfei, the “transparent guy” in this case.
Qin Chengfei didn’t pour cold water on the idea. He gave a direct suggestion: “Since Barley lacks confidence, you need something on your side to make them believe their game will definitely succeed.”
He Xiaoyuan: “Something?”
Qin shrugged, implying it was up to him to figure it out.
He Xiaoyuan: Make them believe the game will definitely succeed…
Believe, them, success…
He Xiaoyuan suddenly realized something: Chang Bei had never seen Meow Meow Meow either—how could he be so sure it would be a hit?
Besides confidence in Kelu and their own traffic, and precise instinct on the project, wasn’t it because the creator of Meow Meow Meow was already a master with multiple hits?
Even a master wouldn’t be completely confident in their own game?
Did the master know Barley had struggled to push forward the cooperation with Sipu?
What was the master’s attitude?
So He Xiaoyuan decided to make a special trip to Barley to meet the lead creator of Meow Meow Meow.
The crescent moon hung high, thin clouds drifting across it.
A taxi stopped outside the Sipu employee residence. He Xiaoyuan stepped out of the back seat, carrying his laptop bag.
Breathing in the fresh night air, he took a few deep breaths and exhaled slowly, then headed toward Building E.
He had been busy all day—running to Barley, back to the office, to Kelu, back to the department, and to Barley again. Nonstop.
Now, finally off work, though his mind hadn’t fully relaxed, his body was exhausted.
He walked through the residence, carrying his laptop bag, still thinking about work for a moment before shaking his head. He decided to focus instead on whether the big cat had been waiting for him outside the hallway, and whether the water and food he left yesterday had been eaten.
Near Building E, he subconsciously glanced toward the usual feeding spot in the hallway. A familiar figure crouched there.
He Xiaoyuan was surprised and quickened his pace: “Ge?”
Lu Chen’s hand rested on the big cat’s head as it ate.
Hearing footsteps, he turned to see He Xiaoyuan. Seeing the late hour, he spoke gently: “You’re late tonight.”
He Xiaoyuan replied, “Ran over to the partner company.”
Then asked, “Why are you here so late?”
He thought Lu Chen must have come for him, and instinctively pulled out his phone, which hadn’t been used in a while, worried he’d missed a message and made Lu Chen wait.
Lu Chen stood up but said, “I came to take the cat, and also wait for you.”
He Xiaoyuan: ?
Lu Chen explained, “A few days ago I heard you had a cat here. I thought I’d get one too.”
A few days ago?
Had he told Lu Chen about the cat?
He didn’t remember.
He Xiaoyuan paused and realized that “a few days ago” referred to the night he had gotten drunk.
He Xiaoyuan: “…”
He really had said everything that night.
He was surprised that Lu Chen wanted to raise a big cat.
He blinked, confirming, “You’re taking it home?”
Looking down at the big cat still eating, he noticed Lu Chen hadn’t brought dry food but cans—probably intentionally.
There was more than just the canned food; a cat carrier sat by Lu Chen’s feet.
Lu Chen replied, “Yeah, just happened to have time tonight.”
He added, “You said you feed it at night, so I figured it would be around then, and came over.”
Confirming that Lu Chen really intended to adopt it, He Xiaoyuan couldn’t help but inwardly gasp on behalf of the big cat: some cats, still strays yesterday, are going to live in a luxury home today!
Along with the envy came genuine happiness. He had even asked around in the management trainee group before, trying to see if anyone wanted to adopt the cat and give it a home—now it was finally taken care of.
He crouched down and ruffled the big cat’s head, joyfully saying, “You’re about to have a home!”
Lu Chen crouched too and reached out to pet the cat.
He Xiaoyuan looked at Lu Chen while stroking the cat, thinking: how can a man this perfect exist in the world? Strong, capable, good-natured, and kind-hearted.
He marveled inwardly, then, still stroking the cat, asked, “Are you taking it home right now?”
He Xiaoyuan had looked up some information earlier: before bringing a stray pet home, it’s best to take it to a veterinary hospital for a checkup. Nowadays, vet hospitals offer comprehensive services, including health checks and grooming, like washing and drying.
Lu Chen said, “First to the veterinary hospital.”
He Xiaoyuan’s fatigue from the day instantly lifted, his eyes lighting up.
He picked up the long-haired cat that had finished the canned food. “Come on, little cutie, first stop: the vet.”
Lu Chen drove, He Xiaoyuan sat in the passenger seat, and the cat, secured in its carrier, accompanied them to a 24-hour veterinary hospital near Yanlan Bay.
When the vet lifted the long-haired cat out of its sizable carrier, she was surprised: “A Maine Coon! No wonder it’s so big.”
She looked puzzled: “Are Maine Coons starting to roam the streets these days?”
The big cat behaved obediently, letting out a soft, flirtatious meow when lifted.
He Xiaoyuan laughed at Lu Chen. “Don’t let the size fool you—it’s still a little girl’s voice.”
Lu Chen studied He Xiaoyuan’s beaming expression and could tell the boy’s mood was genuinely good.
The vet did a quick health check on the cat; seeing everything was fine, she asked what specific tests they wanted. She recommended bloodwork and fecal tests, as thorough as possible—especially for a cat that had been a stray.
Before she finished, Lu Chen said, “Everything.”
He added, “Vaccinations, medications—give whatever’s needed, no need to ask. Include all fees in the final bill.”
Calm, decisive, and ordinary in expression.
To He Xiaoyuan, this was absolutely manly. He quietly watched, eyes reflecting admiration.
Lu Chen noticed him looking and turned his head; He Xiaoyuan quickly averted his gaze, smiling faintly.
Since the bloodwork and vaccinations meant the cat couldn’t be bathed immediately, the vet took the cat to grooming first while Lu Chen and He Xiaoyuan waited outside.
Noticing the waiting area sold cat food and supplies, the two browsed together.
He Xiaoyuan habitually pulled out his phone to check which food was best, while Lu Chen had already picked the two most expensive options from the shelf.
He Xiaoyuan: ?
Lu Chen, seeing his surprise, explained, “In case it doesn’t like one, we’ll have the other as backup.”
He Xiaoyuan realized Lu Chen had taken the most expensive food—just as he had said before, he didn’t choose cheap options. Late to realize, he understood: Lu Chen had plenty of money.
He didn’t mention it, just smiled and offered, “I’ll pay for these.”
Lu Chen was already covering the checkup and vaccinations; He Xiaoyuan felt he shouldn’t contribute nothing.
Lu Chen, holding the small bag of food, glanced at He Xiaoyuan while reading the ingredient list. He said nothing.
When they brought the cat food, canned food, snacks, summer cat bed, food and water bowls to the counter, Lu Chen told the staff, “Combine it with the vet fees.”
He Xiaoyuan, who had just pulled out his phone: ?
He insisted, “I’ll pay.”
Lu Chen’s expression remained calm, but with a subtle assertive tone: “No need. It’s my cat.”
He Xiaoyuan: …
He couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time—already before even reaching home, the cat was “mine”?
Was the sense of ownership always this strong?
He went along with it: “Your cat, your cat—I’ll just buy things for your cat.”
He opened the payment code and gestured for the staff to scan it.
Lu Chen gently placed his wide, long hand over the screen, preventing He Xiaoyuan from paying, then turned to him.
He Xiaoyuan, under that gaze, explained, “I’m not being polite—I just want to buy things for the cat, after feeding it for so long.”
The staff holding the scanner looked at them, unsure what to do.
Lu Chen returned his attention to He Xiaoyuan and said simply to the staff: “Charge everything together.”
His hand remained on the screen, pressing slightly, clearly indicating He Xiaoyuan wouldn’t pay, but he didn’t say anything further.
Okay.
He Xiaoyuan didn’t insist further and put away his phone.
But when he looked at Lu Chen again, he couldn’t help staring—Lu Chen’s aura and presence were so compelling, even in a simple transaction.
Truly amazing, He Xiaoyuan thought.
An hour later, the long-haired cat had finished its bath, blow-dry, grooming, bloodwork, and vaccinations. The vet held it up, revealing its full beauty.
He Xiaoyuan took the cat into his arms, face beaming with delight. “You’re too beautiful! How can you be this beautiful?!”
The sight of a handsome guy holding a gorgeous cat made the vet and the receptionist laugh.
Lu Chen, meanwhile, discussed the cat’s condition with the vet and paid the bill at the counter, then looked over at He Xiaoyuan with a soft, indulgent smile.
Finally, He Xiaoyuan held the cat in his arms while Lu Chen carried a pile of assorted cat supplies, and the three of them left the veterinary hospital.
Back at Yanlan Bay, in the elevator, He Xiaoyuan cradled the big Maine Coon like he was holding a child, murmuring, “You’re about to move into a super—big house! From now on, this will be your home, got it?”
Lu Chen, hands full, glanced at him with a smile, thinking how different the boy seemed with the cat—he was noticeably livelier than usual.
As the elevator doors slowly opened, He Xiaoyuan flipped the cat so its back faced him, its face toward the doorway, and, with a light and cheerful tone, exclaimed, “Ta-da! Surprise! Welcome home!”
Lu Chen watched quietly, noting that he had never returned to this place feeling so cheerful.
He remained composed, but he knew adopting the cat had been the right decision.
“Welcome home,” he echoed, glancing at He Xiaoyuan and then at the Maine Coon.
The big Maine Coon, its beautiful glassy eyes reflecting the luxury mansion beyond the elevator, tilted its head and let out a soft meow.
The next afternoon, He Xiaoyuan was deep in work, mulling over whether to invite Meow Meow Meow’s creator, Xu Fenghai, out for dinner, when he received a message from Lu Chen.
Lu Chen: 【Coming over to see the cat tonight?】
He Xiaoyuan: 【Already have plans tonight.】
Lu Chen: 【Work?】
He Xiaoyuan: 【Yeah.】
Lu Chen: 【Will you finish late?】
He Xiaoyuan: 【Should I come after I’m done?】
Lu Chen: 【Mm, okay.】
That evening, He Xiaoyuan was having dinner with Xu Fenghai when another message arrived.
Lu Chen: 【Photo.】
Opening it, He Xiaoyuan saw a selfie of the Maine Coon sitting in Lu Chen’s lap. Lu Chen’s face wasn’t visible; the focus was entirely on the cat. He Xiaoyuan pressed his lips together, smiling quietly.
Xu Fenghai, sitting across, noticed his smile and asked curiously.
He Xiaoyuan held up his phone for him to see, saying, “Look—the cat.”
Xu Fenghai: “Yours?”
He Xiaoyuan didn’t explain that it wasn’t technically his. “Yeah, a stray cat, just adopted.”
Xu Fenghai: “I’ve got fourteen.”
He Xiaoyuan lowered his phone. “Fourteen, huh.”
…
At nine-thirty that night, Yanlan Bay.
As the elevator doors opened, He Xiaoyuan cheerfully called out, “Big kitty! Big brother’s home!”
The long-haired Maine Coon immediately jumped off the sofa, letting out a “meow,” and trotted toward the elevator on all fours.
Hearing the movement, Lu Chen came down the stairs.
“Here?”
He walked down with a smile, greeting them.