Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Bang!

  Sounds of heavy fireworks and firecrackers started early in the morning.

  Zhang Zian picked up his phone to look at the time. It was almost time to get up.

  He had lots of unread Wechat messages. After clicking on them, he found that most of them came from Little Celery’s hamster group. Ever since he helped Little Celery and the others revive the hamsters, they dragged him into the group chat, so that they could ask him questions. Zhang Zian never gave them all the answers. Instead, he encouraged them to search for the answers on their own. He was only there to observe and correct them if they made mistakes.

  After getting proper guidance, the kids had a great time, discussing their progress in the group chat everyday. They continued the discussion even after Zhang Zian went to sleep. They watched every move the hamsters made, regardless of whether they were on duty that day or not.

  During the process, they experienced being independent, and became better at thinking and asking questions. They might not have noticed the little changes, but Zhang Zian did. Maybe that was the school’s intention with the project.

  Everyone in the group had a role to play.Wang Yaning had always thought she was a good student and class leader. Her sharp tongue made her the perfect person to deal with teachers and school administration. Little Celery was more like the glue of the group, keeping everybody together. Nobody disliked her. By the end of Christmas break, they’d be able to see their growth.

  After Wang Yaning talked to the school, the air conditioner in the cabin stayed on all day and night, so that the hamsters lived in a warm and dry environment. After eating the dried apples, the hamster’s soft poop had returned normal.

  Zhang Zian browsed through the group chat to make sure that everything was fine. Those on duty had to submit a brief summary to the group at the end of the day, so that the person taking over would know what happened the day before, and what should be done next.

  He tucked his phone back under the pillow, and wondered if he should get dressed or sleep for a few more minutes. Surprisingly, Pi had already gotten up, and was typing on the computer, wearing his old winter coat.

  Its glasses reflected the light from the computer screen. It stopped from time to time to flip through the nameless book for reference or yawn. It seemed exhausted.

  Zhang Zian threw on some clothes, walked to the desk, and asked in a low voice: “Pi, did you just get up? Or did you stay up all night? ”


  Pi was so focused, that it was startled by Zhang Zian’s sudden appearance. Once it got over its shock, it typed with a grin: “I slept for a while, but I got up since I couldn’t stay asleep. ”


  Zhang Zian understood why it was nervous, it was like taking the College Entrance Exam. Despite the fact that many students were successful without taking the exam, it remained to be an important moment in most students’ academic careers. He couldn’t sleep the night before his College Entrance Exam.

  Today was the 29th of December, and Pi’s novel would became Premium tomorrow, on New Year’s Eve. This was Pi’s College Entrance Exam.

  Zhang Zian knew it was pointless to tell Pi not to be nervous. He had to stand by its side and support it, so he didn’t say much before starting his day.

  The Love Lovely Pets crisis wasn’t over yet. People were still posting all over the Internet, seeking animals for trade or adoption. There were people who didn’t get the breed they wanted, and wished to trade with those who got better breeds. If things continued this way, there won’t be any customers in the store today.

  When he took the trash outside, he saw Masanori Suzuhara running with Snoopy and Zhuang and Ting Ting volunteering at the snack bar. The sulfur smell in the air was stronger than usual. Neighbors were greeting each other happily, asking if they had everything prepared for the Spring Festival. The temperature was slowing rising, so the snow was melting at an gradual rate.

  Zhang Zian stood by the shop and thought about his life in the past six months, feeling kind of sad. However, once he heard the various elfins in the shop behind him, he felt stronger, and couldn’t wait for the future.

  “Master! Happy almost New Year!”


  Wang Qian and Li Kun walked towards him, with pastries and goodies in their hands. Tomorrow, they were heading to their hometown in the countryside for the holidays. Today was their last day of work before the Spring Festival.

  “Happy almost New Year. If you finish early today, you’re free to go. You still need to pack, right? Don’t procrastinate.” He advised them with a smile. After taking their gifts, he gave each of them a red packet. “Open it when you get home.”


  After a while, Lu Yiyun came into work. She had always been shy, but today, she was smiling. Perhaps, she was getting in the festival spirit. There were times where she’d stare into the distance, where her parents were.

  Zhang Zian gave her a red packet. “Happy almost New Year! Call your family today.”


  She stared at the red packet, as if she didn’t know what it was. After a while, she took it with both hands and whispered, “This is my first red packet from a non-elder. Thank you!”


  “Consider it your end of the year bonus,” Zhang Zian said casually. “You’ve worked hard these past few months, you deserve it.”


  As there hadn’t been any new pets, the cleaning was done quickly.

  “Store Manager, what about the pregnant Abyssinian cats?” Lu Yiyun asked. She was in charge of taking pictures of the pregnant cats, as some customers had reserved the unborn kittens.

  “They’ve been moved next door.” Zhang Zian pointed at the new shop next door. “You can skip the photos today. They could give birth at any time, so let’s not bother them. You can head home if you’re finished.”


  “See you after the holidays!” Wang Qian and Li Kun waved goodbye.

  “I’m leaving, too. See you after the festival!” Lu Yiyun also left.

  After seeing them leave, Zhang Zian went to the reclining chair and got comfortable.

  He took out his phone, clicked on the Qidian app, cleared his throat and told the elfins, “Today, I’d like to read you Pi’s novel.”