On August 18, the Yanjing morning already carried a hint of early autumn chill.
Even with a change in his living and learning environment, Chen Shi'an's habit of rising early hadn't changed in the slightest.
It was only five in the morning when he woke, gently eased away the little hands wrapped around his waist, and got up quietly, tucking the covers around his still-sleeping Sister Wanyin.
Just as he was about to put on his trousers and head out, a little hand reached out from under the covers again and grabbed him, refusing to let him go.
"Shi'an..."
"Hmm? You're awake, Sister Wanyin?"
"What time is it..."
"Five."
"So early... sleep a little longer..."
"I've had enough sleep. I'll go out for a few laps. You go back to sleep, Sister Wanyin."
"Mmm..."
Chen Shi'an bent down, brushed aside her tousled hair, and kissed her smooth forehead. Then he gave her his pillow to hold, and his half-awake sister finally drifted back to sleep.
It was still very early. Even Sister Wanyin hadn't fully woken up, let alone Little Cicada and the Class Monitor, who loved sleeping in.
Seeing Chen Shi'an come out of the room, Cat lazily yawned on the sofa, stretched, and jumped down, rubbing against his legs with tail raised.
"Meow."
"All you want to do when you wake up is eat. Wait a bit. Want to go for a run outside together? Lose some weight."
"Meow..."
Chen Shi'an quickly finished washing up, then went out onto the balcony to water the scallions, garlic shoots, flowers, and plants he had planted a few days earlier.
The soil in the foam boxes still gleamed with moisture. Tender green shoots had already emerged, brimming with life in the morning light.
Fat Cat lay on the balcony railing, the