Work Text:
Chu Wanning needs to stop doing this.
His thumbs caressed the worn leather of the steering wheel, rubbing the flaking material absently. Glancing in the rear view mirror, his gaze was complicated.
A small bundle of cloth shivered on the back seat. Tiny, pathetic whimpers stabbed into one's heart. A pair of small, dirty, pointy ears poked out of the blanket.
Chu Wanning sighed.
It's a good deed, a good deed. That's all it is. Saving a poor defenseless creature from the streets.
It was a mantra he chanted almost every day as he sat in his parked car staring at the sign on the building in front of him.
Five long minutes passed before Chu Wanning inevitably sighed again, engaged the parking brake, and exited the car. He scooped the trembling bundle off the back seat and took heavy, self-defeated steps into the animal shelter.
“Oh, it's Chu-laoshi!”
The bell of the door chimed as it opened and Chu Wanning was greeted by the familiar stale smell of wet dog. His nose had wrinkled the first time he had visited, but now it was a comforting smell that was accompanied by a mind-numbing smile.
That smile never failed to squeeze Chu Wanning’s heart like the fist of a boxer.
“Mo Ran.”
Chu Wanning stiffly nodded his head, returning the greeting as the young, handsome man grinned at him like a small heater in an icy winter.
“What have you brought for us today?” Mo Ran asked, wincing with an “ouch” as the kitten in his arms rewarded him with a bite for his lack of attention. “Okay, okay,” He chuckled, resuming the stroking motion of his hand. He moved from around the counter, gently placing the cat into its home so he could approach their guest. “It's kind of impressive that I see you so often. Who knew this area had so many strays?”
Chu Wanning didn't say anything. His higher than average IQ failed him as he struggled to explain how he had gone out of his way, driving further and further off his route just to find these animals.
It was for the good of the animals. For the good of the animals.
Mo Ran didn't mind Chu Wannings' silence. He was used to it. He took the blanket from Chu Wanning’s arms, unravelling it until a scruffy, skinny face poked out.
“Oh! It's a husky!” Mo Ran announced with surprised joy, his eyes overflowing with glee. “You don't see these puppies on the streets that often.” Then he clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Sure, they might be a little destructive, but look at this adorable face. How could anyone not want this little cutie?”
The puppy's poor, dirty little face was raised next to Mo Ran’s, and both human and dog stared at Chu Wanning with large, soulful eyes, dealing direct damage to his heart.
Yes.
How could anyone not want him?
Mo Ran laughed despite Chu Wanning’s silence, accustomed to the one-sided conversation. He wrapped the husky back up and then shouted to the back of the shelter.
“Mengmeng! We have a new arrival!”
A short while later, another tall and handsome boy appeared with the scowl he usually wore around Mo Ran.
“How many times have I told you not to call me that!” He glared at Mo Ran, then noticed Chu Wanning. The sharp, angry lines melted into naive innocence. “It's Chu-laoshi! Thank you so much for your help last time!”
Chu Wanning nodded at the young man. He wasn't sure what else to say. The last time he had seen Xue Meng, the boy had been struggling with his college work, and Chu Wanning had offhandedly explained it to him; whoever Xue Meng’s teacher was, they seemed to enjoy teaching the subject in a difficult and convoluted way. To help a student was the least Chu Wanning could do as a professional educator.
“Chu-laoshi is beautiful, smart and kind. A rare treasure.” Mo Ran chimed in, agreeing mischievously with Xue Meng. He wasn't on the same course as the latter, but had stuck around for Chu Wanning’s mini lecture, listening with rapt attention. Both boys had decided to call him Chu-laoshi since then.
The compliment went into one of Chu Wanning’s ears and then right out the other. He scoffed silently.
Ridiculous. He thought, his ears feeling warm. How could an old man like him be considered beautiful?
“What has Chu-laoshi brought for us today?” Xue Meng asked, taking the scrawny creature from Mo Ran’s arms.
The little head popped out of the blanket with a whimper. Shivering, it stared at Xue Meng. Xue Meng snorted. He looked between Mo Ran and the husky and said, “Looks dumb. Just like you.”
Mo Ran chuckled.
“I may be dumb,” He replied, then shot Xue Meng a wicked grin along with two finger hearts, “but at least I'm cute.”
Xue Meng physically recoiled, his nose wrinkling as he retreated to the back of the shelter. He muttered to the puppy as he went, “You poor dog, having to share a species with that thing.”
After the puppy was taken away, only Mo Ran and Chu Wanning remained. The latter stood awkwardly while the former returned behind the counter, resting his elbows on the surface and his chin in his hands.
“Thank you, Chu-laoshi.” Mo Ran tilted his head. “The animals may not be able to talk but I'll thank you on their behalf.” He flashed his teeth and Chu Wanning nodded curtly.
With no excuse to stick around, it was about time for him to leave. He had just taken one step towards the door when he heard Mo Ran say, “Chu-laoshi, I don't believe you have any pets. Have you ever considered adopting a dumb little husky?”
☆
Mo Ran's question had stuck in Chu Wanning's head the entire week.
Whenever he was at home in his apartment, he would look at the untidy mess and think it was unsuitable for a pet. He could just about keep himself alive, there was no way he could look after another living being. But when he was at work, he would find himself researching low maintenance pets during his spare time.
He had to admit, the husky he had taken in last time was very tempting. Remembering the husky and Mo Ran’s faces together, peering at him with puppydog eyes, created a fluttering in his chest that had become increasingly commonplace since he had met Mo Ran.
No. He couldn't. A husky is high maintenance. He wasn't confident he could give it the care and attention it needed. Besides, the husky wouldn't want an old, ugly owner like him.
Yet the emptiness of his large, messy apartment whispered to him. The husky would definitely make his cold home warmer.
It was the weekend when Chu Wanning finally made his decision.
Having been busy at work, it had been a rare few days since he had visited the animal shelter. It was a boring saturday. Chu Wanning felt too cooped up at home, too restless, so he went for a drive. He roamed the streets, venturing further than usual, his eyes peeled for anything unusual on the streets that may require his attention. An hour had passed with nothing creeping up, and Chu Wanning found his car parked outside the shelter.
Well, a handsome husky may be off the cards, but perhaps a cat would be agreeable.
☆
“So Chu-laoshi has decided to adopt a little lover?” Mo Ran teased his customer. His lips curled and he asked, “Then why don't you consider a dumb little husky.”
Chu Wanning's eyes widened but quickly relaxed. He felt a bit helpless and blamed Xue Meng for his inappropriate train of thought. He just had to compare Mo Ran to that husky!
He shook his head and explained, “I don't have the time to care for a husky. I was thinking maybe a cat.”
Mo Ran stared expressionlessly at Chu Wanning. He poked out his lower lip and played with a pen on the counter.
“Some huskies can be low maintenance.” He mumbled, “You might find one that can look after you instead.”
“Hm? What was that?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Mo Ran laughed. “Well, let me ask you some questions and we can try and match you with one of our animals.”
Chu Wanning nodded nervously.
“Right.” Mo Ran twirled the pen between his fingers and pulled over a blank piece of paper. “Then, how old are you?”
That wasn't exactly the first question Chu Wanning had expected, and he wondered what his age had to do with anything. Still, it's not like he understood the animal adoption process. He answered, “I'm 39.”
Mo Ran's hand paused and he looked at Chu Wanning, muttering quietly, “Fuck, that's hot.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh,” Mo Ran’s eyes crinkled pleasantly, “I was just saying that you don't look your age.”
“...Mn.” Chu Wanning shuffled his feet, his shoes suddenly very interesting. He knows. He knows he's decrepit. Almost old enough to be Mo Ran’s father. He's probably too old to adopt. How foolish of him. He should just lea-
“You look really good, Laoshi, especially for your age.”
That sweet, cheeky smile froze Chu Wanning's brain, and the next question was asked before he could back out.
“Are you single?”
“En?”
“I mean, do you have a wife? A partner?” Mo Ran pressed on eagerly. “What about a husband?”
Chu Wanning blushed. He couldn't help it. If this were a movie, he felt that once he said no, Mo Ran would ask “do you want one?” And that would be completely ridiculous.
“And what about kids? Any kids?” Mo Ran reeled off the questions from memory. He must have to ask these questions a lot. He looked up from his notes, “Do you want kids?”
“No, I- I'm single.” He replied, hastily adding, “I live alone.” Because that had to be the reason for these questions. He loosened his dress shirt, the shelter's air conditioning must be broken, and maybe he was so warm that he was seeing things. No, it must be that Mo Ran's eyes brightened because his answers make the matching process easier.
“So, what's your type?” Mo Ran asked, leaning over the counter, abandoning the paper and chewing intently on the pen. “Of animal,” He expanded upon seeing Chu Wanning's lost expression. “Can you handle them big?” He asked, letting his gaze slowly travel down then up Chu Wanning’s slender but sturdy body. He gashed the pen lid between his teeth and answered himself, “You can. For sure. I'll help you if you can't.”
Chu Wanning was completely flustered.
Were they still talking about animal adoption?
“Okay.” Mo Ran suddenly stood up. He beamed at Chu Wanning. “Thank you, Laoshi. I'll be right back, I just need to grab our animal brochure from out the back.”
“But, isn't this it?” Chu Wanning reached for the folder on the counter, but Mo Ran snatched it up before he could touch it.
“This is an old version.” He grinned. “Take a seat, Chu-laoshi. I'll get one with all the latest animals in.”
And, with that, Mo Ran disappeared into the back office.
Chu Wanning assumed Mo Ran would be back in a matter of minutes, but it took the young college student almost fifteen minutes to return. He was out of breath by the time he ran back, holding the folder.
“Here you go, Laoshi.” Mo Ran handed over the ring binder. “Have a look through and let me know if any animals catch your interest.” He then, very sincerely, tacked on, “I recommend reading all the way to the end before making a decision.”
Chu Wanning glanced at Mo Ran. Of course he would look to the end. He had to evaluate all of the animals before making a decision. Mo Ran smiled sweetly in return.
The folder was opened and Chu Wanning flicked through each page slowly.
There were cats, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, there was even a micropig! Chu Wanning recognised some of these creatures as strays he had picked up and brought in. It made him sad that not all of them had found homes yet, but there were many more that were no longer in this book and he reassured himself; their time would come.
The first page Chu Wanning paused at was for a fluffy little husky pup.
“Look at him, he's like a completely different dog after being cleaned up, isn't he?” Mo Ran peered at the picture in the book. Chu Wanning nodded, studying the page intently.
“Taxian-Jun?”
Mo Ran chuckled. “Good name, right? I chose it.”
Chu Wanning made no comment on the name choice. He stroked his finger over the furry, happy-looking pup. Despite his questionable reasons for picking up this stray, he was very satisfied seeing the difference he had made.
Everyone deserves happiness, even animals.
He continued turning the pages, pausing only once more on a pretty white cat called Shizun.
“Beautiful, isn't he?” Mo Ran commented. “He's my favourite here.”
“I'm surprised he hasn't been adopted.”
“He has.” Mo Ran replied. “But he keeps coming back. Most people want a friendly, fussy cat, but this one, well, he's a little bit cold.” Mo Ran chuckled. “Actually, he reminds me of you.”
Chu Wanning frowned.
He knows he can come across a little… stiff, unfriendly. But that's not something anyone would want to hear. It's not something Chu Wanning wanted to hear from Mo Ran .
“I don't mean that in a bad way!” Mo Ran stumbled to say. “At least, I like it.”
The barks, meows, and the clanging of metal was suddenly deafening.
Chu Wanning didn't know how to interpret Mo Ran's words, so he didn't. He just turned the page and let the stifling air settle.
He was nearing the end of the folder with two potential pets in mind. He knew which he would likely choose, but he still turned the plastic pockets, carefully looking at each animal.
With each turn of the page he could sense Mo Ran growing restless. Was he taking too long? But this is a decision that requires careful consideration. Chu Wanning subconsciously picked up his speed until he reached the last page where his actions froze.
The last page was different from all the others. While all of the previous pet profiles were neat, clean, and carefully created, this last page seemed to be the opposite.
The ink of the words had smudged in places. The paper was slightly crinkledq, like someone had rushed to stuff it into the plastic pocket. And the description itself was full of spelling and grammatical errors.
However.
The photo of this animal was far more eye-catching than the rest.
A young man took a picture of himself. His hair was messily, but charmingly, tousled. His smile was bright and wide. His eyes were alive with character and excitement. He looked effortlessly handsome.
Chu Wanning turned from the photo and confirmed that Mo Ran's hair style and t-shirt were the same. Although Chu Wanning had never seen the shelter's back office, the decoration style was the same. He looked at Mo Ran again, bewildered and the latter wore a nervous quirk to his lips and angled himself, as if trying to show off his best side.
Chu Wanning returned to the profile, trying to make sense of it all.
The advert was riddled with simple errors, showing the haste with which the writer had written it. However, despite the mistakes, it was bursting with appeal.
This so-called pet was very low maintenance. In fact, it would even look after its owner well. It could clean, it could cook, it could even offer unparalleled bed services. All it asked for in return was for early morning kisses, bedtime cuddles, and a pair of arms to call home.
“Well, what do you think?”
Chu Wanning blinked.
“Mo Ran… what is the meaning of this?”
“It's just as it looks, Chu-laoshi.” Mo Ran answered. He tried to sell himself with uncertainty. “I'm a really good cook, I used to work in a kitchen. And I'm a professional with a mop, I took on some work as a cleaner before. And, and I can open any jars for you, and reach high places, and…” He trailed off, realising that he was rambling, offering things that the tall, strong Chu Wanning wouldn't need. He widened his eyes and earnestly finished his sales pitch: “I really am very good in bed.”
Chu Wanning didn't know whether he should find it amusing or if he should be scandalised. His thin face was causing him to lean towards the latter.
Seeing things take a downwards turn, Mo Ran lunged forward, taking Chu Wanning's hands into his own.
“Chu-laoshi, I'm sorry, I'm not good at this.” He scratched his head with one hand. “I don't do this. I never do this. I'm just so, so… nervous.” He really did look pitiful, like a dog trying to sneak a treat from a countertop. “But I promise that I'm genuine, Laoshi.”
Chu Wanning was left speechless.
He was just an old man. An ugly old man. With no redeeming qualities. What on earth could Mo Ran see in him?
But, although Chu Wanning couldn't read himself, he could read Mo Ran's sincerity.
“How about it, Laoshi?” Mo Ran smiled sheepishly, a last attempt at selling himself. “This is an exclusive offer, only available to you.”
Chu Wanning hesitated. Then, he made a decision.
He closed the folder. He placed it on the counter. Then he asked for the adoption papers.
Needless to say, Chu Wanning returned home that night with two huskies and a cat.