Due to the nature of his job, Cheng Fengyang's overtime hours were always irregular, which naturally led to an equally unpredictable time for him to return home.
This resulted in the Cheng family automatically developing their current system regarding whether or not to save dinner for their son.
If he came home early, there was definitely a portion for him.
If he came back late, any leftover food automatically became a second helping for the family's sheepdog, Xingxing, as it generally wouldn't be kept until the next day anyway.
If the dog could talk, it would probably pray very devoutly for its master to work overtime at the company every day.
The person in question, Cheng Fengyang: "..."
Well, he was actually quite used to this treatment. As for whether his parents saw him or Xingxing as the final food disposal unit, that was a question he really didn't want to consider.
"I actually don't want to know the truth about dinner at all. But every time I finish work early and come home to eat, I always get Xingxing's resentful look as he paws at his empty bowl. Combined with what my parents usually say to me, it's just too hard to pretend I don't understand even if I try to play dumb."
Driving along the road towards the villa community, Cheng Fengyang recounted the previous night's events with a helpless expression.
Lin Lan, sitting in the passenger seat beside him, was already laughing uncontrollably.
After more than half a month, they had received an invitation from the Yuan family to come and see how Yuanyuan and the family were getting along. The two happily accepted and were now on their way.
"Your story reminds me of the first couple of years after I got Xuehua," Lin Lan shared her own experience. "Back then, I was home from university on holiday and pestered my mom to make fish balls for me. Her homemade fish balls are amazing, but they're a hassle to make so she rarely does it. Naturally, I got rejected. Then two days later, she suddenly made a whole plate, but not for me—it was for Xuehua, who had gotten sick and suddenly become a picky eater. That's one of the better examples, not to mention all the things she'd hesitate to buy for the family but wouldn't blink an eye at buying for the cat. Things like the cat tree at my place were all bought by my parents. Honestly, once a pet enters the household, in the eyes of the elders, it really does become a case of 'pets over people.'"
They had been the ones to bring the cats and dogs home in the first place, so why did it end up making them feel like they weren't the biological children anymore?
Both people in the car thought of this, exchanged a look, and shared a bittersweet smile.
Soon, the villa community came into view. The weather was getting warmer, and the greenery within the community had changed noticeably, with vibrant flowers blooming all along the way.
"Last time we came, there weren't so many flowers in bloom."
"Well, it is spring after all. The cherry blossom valley attraction over in West City has already become a hotspot, with tons of people going to see the flowers."
When they arrived at the gate of the Yuan family villa, the hosts came out together to greet them this time.
The cat, Yuanyuan, was being held in little Leilei's arms.
"Welcome, Miss Lin, Mr. Cheng." This time, both the host and hostess looked visibly refreshed and energetic.
"Old Cheng." Yuan Jiaqing was also present, greeting them with a smile.
Lin Lan looked down at the cat. The long-haired tabby was docilely letting its little owner hold it, swishing its fluffy tail with no sign of wanting to escape or being uncomfortable.
"Just from this first impression, I can see your family is doing very well now. Both the people and the cat seem very comfortable," Lin Lan replied with a smile.
"Yes, thanks to both of your help, we really have no need to move back anymore," the hostess said, also smiling happily. "Please, don't stand at the door. I've specially prepared some good tea today, I hope you'll both enjoy it."
The group entered the villa and settled into the seating area in the foyer as before.
Some of the rugs and furniture in the foyer had been replaced, and that indescribable smell from their last visit was completely gone, replaced only by the soothing fragrance of tea.
"After you left last time, we took Yuanyuan to the vet first. An X-ray revealed a slight bone fracture in its back. We've been having it treated since then. We also followed Mr. Cheng's suggestions and made protective modifications to the villa. Within less than a week after finishing, there were no more little creatures scurrying around the garden, and no more bird droppings appeared on the roof. Later, after Yuanyuan came back, it stopped urinating and scratching inappropriately too."
The hostess served tea and briefly explained the follow-up. She looked back at the cat now lying on her husband's lap, a constant smile on her face.
"We invited you both over this time not only to express our gratitude but also to ask you to take another look and see if there are any other areas that need improvement," Mrs. Yuan said, then looked at Lin Lan. "Especially you, Miss Lin. Last time, I noticed you were incredibly perceptive about cats' various emotional expressions. So, I'd also like to ask you to observe Yuanyuan for us. Moving to this new house must have been quite an adjustment for it. If you could give us some more suggestions based on Yuanyuan's situation, that would be wonderful."
"Of course, I can do that," Lin Lan agreed immediately with a smile, holding her teacup. One certainly doesn't refuse requests from a valued client—higher satisfaction is directly related to the thickness of the red envelope later.
After drinking tea and chatting around the coffee table for a while, they soon got down to business.
"Yuanyuan." Lin Lan, ready to start work, called to the long-haired cat on the host's lap. When the cat immediately turned its head, she beckoned. "Come here!"
The previously relaxed cat promptly leaped down from the host's knee, circled around the coffee table, and jumped into Lin Lan's waiting arms.
"Wow!" Little Leilei, playing with toys nearby, was the first to exclaim in surprise. "Sister Lin, Yuanyuan listens to you so well!"
The other members of the Yuan family also looked surprised. Yuan Jiaqing added, "After so many days, it still remembers Miss Lin. You really are a cat-whisperer, as expected."
"That's my honor," Lin Lan laughed heartily, looking down at the cat in her arms, who was also looking up at her.
"Meow!" (I remember you, human! You're the one who told Mom and Dad to take good care of me and let me heal!)
Lin Lan reached out to stroke the kitten's head, then scratched under its chin. "Your territory is completely safe from invaders now, aren't you happier?"
The long-haired cat narrowed its eyes contentedly, even starting to purr softly: (Happy. The annoying ones are all gone.)
"Well, there are even happier things coming your way. Your mom says she wants to get you more of your favorite toys, and she's asking if there's anything you dislike about the new house. You should really take this chance to tell her everything this time."
The Yuan family watched her interact with the cat. As Lin Lan finished speaking, the kitten opened its eyes and began meowing. The next second, it wriggled out of Lin Lan's arms and started running up the stairs.
They were familiar with this scene. Without waiting for Lin Lan to say anything, they all automatically followed this time.
(I don't like this scratching post! It's for scratching vertically, but I want one for scratching horizontally.)
(I want to jump from here onto that cabinet over there using something as a step. From there, I can see lots of places in the house, but there's nothing to step on.)
(Mom sometimes shuts me out of the room. I want to sleep with Mom and Dad too!)
("This food tastes the best! The food in that metal container over there is the worst!")
...And so on, Lin Lan gathered the little cat's various opinions about the home, with likes and dislikes among them.
"Yuanyuan loves this type of scratching post, it prefers to scratch in this direction, did you notice, Mrs. Yuan?"
"Does it always try to jump up here? Actually, you could install a cat walk shelf on this wall, making it easier for the cat to reach high places. It would give Yuanyuan a great sense of security."
"...Hmm, this cat wants to sleep with you at night and hopes you won't close the door. That's something for the two of you to consider whether to accommodate or not."
"Yuanyuan is a bit picky about food. The palatability of main course canned food definitely isn't as enticing as treats, Mrs. Yuan. You'll need to put some thought into this area. You can't just let it have its way; it could affect its health."
Expert Lin Lan talked all the way, and Mrs. Yuan took notes all the way. After making another round through the house, everyone returned to the foyer.
On the other side, Cheng Fengyang had also finished looking around the inside and outside of the house with the male owner, similarly offering some timely small suggestions.
With the annoying foul smell gone and the hidden danger of wild animals occasionally scurrying about eliminated, the villa had truly regained its due comfort and elegance. The client's family was very happy, and Lin Lan expressed she was very happy too.
Being treated to good food and drink in the villa, having a cute kid and a little cat to play with, and then scoring a luxurious lunch at noon—there was no reason not to be satisfied and happy.
When it was almost time to leave, as expected, they received the promised thick red envelopes, one for both Lin Lan and Cheng Fengyang. Just as the two were about to say their goodbyes, the male owner suddenly spoke up.
"Miss Lin, thank you so much this time for helping our family resolve this trouble. It also let me witness the skill of a cat training expert. I have another favor to ask of you, if it's convenient?"
Huh? Does this mean another new job?
Although sometimes completing one job well doesn't just represent that single job, but also other potential clients hidden behind this customer, Lin Lan truly hadn't expected a new job referral to come so immediately.
After receiving Mr. Yuan's five-star satisfaction rating, he introduced Lin Lan to another client—another CEO who partners with his company. That family also has a cat and is experiencing some troublesome situations. Having witnessed Lin Lan's sufficient capability this time, Mr. Yuan planned to recommend her to his business partner to solve their difficulties.
Having just earned some extra cash, new extra cash appeared. Lin Lan's expression was somewhat dreamy after returning to the car.
"Congratulations, Lanlan, the market is opening up for you," Cheng Fengyang teased with a smile. "This is a very niche but promising venture."
"The prerequisite is that the clients all have to be wealthy, right?" Lin Lan replied after snapping out of her reverie. "But if I can really keep this going, I really won't have to worry about whether the teahouse business is good or not."
Just this one job from Mr. Yuan was already equivalent to two months of the teahouse's revenue, and the time she spent was less than a day in total—a veritable huge profit.
"Isn't that great?" Cheng Fengyang held the steering wheel, a smile on his face. "No more worrying about the teahouse operating at a loss. You can even rest more every day. That's way better than us corporate slaves."
Lin Lan glanced at him: "You could also choose not to be a corporate slave. I remember your family's shop in the city center is in a prime location. Just the rent alone should be enough for you to travel every year."
"No, no, no, work is still necessary," Cheng Fengyang immediately shook his head. "Even if you don't starve without work, you don't get a sense of achievement. I still like being a designer."
Lin Lan, who originally could have been an excellent 3D printing technician but now switched careers to become a cat trainer and teahouse owner: "...Tch."
The car drove all the way back to the front of the small building. Lin Lan unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to say goodbye to Cheng Fengyang and head back when her peripheral glance out the car window at her own small shop suddenly paused. The words on the tip of her tongue changed into something else: "Fengyang, if you're not busy, why not come sit at the teahouse for a bit? Jiayi has been developing a lot of nice teas lately. I'll treat you to some tea."
Cheng Fengyang, who had been waiting for Lin Lan to say goodbye, also paused. The next second, he immediately nodded: "Sure! I've been so busy with work lately, it's been a long time since I've tried the new teas at your shop!"
The palpable happiness overflowing from the young man made Lin Lan purse her lips, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed. "Mhm."
After parking the car, the two walked one after the other towards the teahouse.
Not long after pushing open the glass door, someone suddenly rushed towards Lin Lan: "Lanlan! Finally, you're back!"
"Whoa!" Lin Lan was startled. Seeing who it was, she couldn't help but be surprised. "Wei Yan, why are you so excited all of a sudden?"
It was Miss Wei, whom she hadn't seen for almost a month.
The programmer lady looked very nervous now, reaching out to grab Lin Lan's arm. "Nian, Niannian... Dr. Liu says Niannian is going to give birth either tonight or tomorrow morning!"
