Shang Xuci smiled faintly, stroking the cat’s head with his cold fingertips.
Yes—nothing about the Shang family mattered to him. Based on his experience from his past life alone, he could toy with every single member of the Shang family.
However, in that past life, everything he had was fought for with his own hands. In this life, he refused to be manipulated by anyone. What he wanted, he would obtain personally.
After dinner, Shang Jue played with the cat in the living room. When it got late, he said to Shang Xuci,
“I know you’ve been busy lately, so I won’t keep you here at the old house. You—and the cat—will keep me, an old man who fears loneliness, company.”
Shang Xuci: “…”
Shang Yi sat obediently on the other side. Seeing that a cat had stolen his favor, he gritted his teeth and said sourly, “If Grandpa likes this kind of lion cat, I’ll buy you one. Why steal my second brother’s?”
After saying this, he glanced at Shang Xuci.
Shang Jue shook his head. “You don’t understand. Raising a cat depends on chemistry. Sui Sui and I get along, so I like him.”
Teasing the incredibly adorable cat, his voice softened: “Isn’t that right, Sui Sui?”
As if by magic, he pulled out another small red envelope.
The little white cat’s soft, tender voice grew even louder.
“Meow~”
Grandpa, you truly are my family!
For the first time, Jian Xun used the same technique he reserved only for the elder—on the old man.
Sui Sui’s number one masseur is online—!!
The little white cat expertly placed his front paws on Shang Jue’s legs, kneading them with a gentle touch.
Shang Jue was surprised, then said cheerfully, “See? The little one knows how to care for Grandpa and give massages. His technique is clearly professional!”
He looked at Shang Xuci with a hint of envy.
“Does he usually treat you like this?”
Shang Xuci raised an eyebrow slightly.
More than that.
Sui Sui would learn much more.
“Alright, here’s the deal. Sui Sui, play with Grandpa for two more days, and Grandpa will give you a big red envelope. How about it?”
Jian Xun responded without hesitation.
“Meow!”
Shang Xuci saw that the cat had already been corrupted by money, and his lips curved slightly.
How could such a small cat love money so much?
Walking over, Shang Xuci squatted down and looked the cat in the eye.
“Then stay here with Grandpa and don’t run around. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night.”
“Meow.”
Shang Jue, seeing the usually serious Shang Xuci being so gentle, found the scene heartwarming. He thought to himself, Sui Sui really is special. He should stay for a few more days!
Ah, what a mistake.
Jian Xun was very obedient at the Shang residence, even seeming to actively curry favor with Shang Jue.
He thought of himself as the boss’s cat—if he behaved well and acted sensibly, Grandpa would like him more and, in turn, care for Shang Xuci more.
In the story, Shang Xuci had climbed the corporate ladder of the Shang Group, reaching the pinnacle of power. But now, Jian Xun couldn’t understand why the boss seemed less invested in the group’s headquarters.
Was it because Grandpa was unwilling to delegate power?
But among the younger generation of the Shang family, Shang Xuci was the only one capable of competing.
Jian Xun’s cat brain had limited capacity, so he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he spent the entire day being adorable under Grandpa’s watchful eye, keeping Shang Jue entertained.
…
Five o’clock, Sunday afternoon.
The snow-white cat, tail held high, trotted toward the door with an elegant feline gait.
He sat obediently at the entrance, gazing down the cobblestone path, ears twitching, eyes fixed expectantly ahead.
He was waiting for Shang Xuci to pick him up.
Until the sun set and the clock tower struck six, the winding path remained deserted. The cat’s legs were numb from squatting there.
That evening, Shang Jue had a party to attend. He wanted to bring Sui Sui along to show him off, but the cat’s body language made it clear he refused, intent on waiting for someone.
It went without saying who that someone was.
Shang Xuci had also called earlier, saying he would pick up Sui Sui later.
The old man, seeing he couldn’t persuade him, brought over a cushion and placed it beside the cat.
“Sui Sui, Grandpa’s going out. Are you really not coming with me? I even had someone prepare a special cat cake,” Shang Jue coaxed.
Jian Xun held onto the door frame with his paws, showing his determination.
Shang Jue sighed regretfully.
“Is that so? Then Grandpa’s leaving. Xiao Ci will pick you up later.”
Hearing this, the little white cat wagged his tail, sending the old man off. Then he turned away and found a secluded corner of the garden to relieve himself.
Xu Rong stood by the window, looking down. When she saw the old man and the cat disappear into the garden, she confirmed with the gate guard, dismissed the servants, and made a call on her cell phone.
…
Night fell, and the vast manor grew silent.
Jian Xun lay on the silk cat mat Shang Jue had prepared for him. He rolled over and let out a sigh.
Without his cardboard box and without Shang Xuci, he simply couldn’t sleep.
I miss the boss so much.
I wonder if he’s asleep… if he’s taken his medicine… if he misses Sui Sui.
Will he pick me up tonight?
Or did he just forget?
The cat’s beautiful eyes stayed fixed on the door as he let out a sigh.
If only he were human—then he could call the boss and ask when he’d be back.
Jian Xun silently recited the familiar numbers in his mind.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. There’s a phone upstairs!
He might be a cat, but even a cat could call Shang Xuci!
I’m so smart!
Jian Xun excitedly clenched his paw, eyes sparkling, and scurried upstairs.
…
Third floor.
Xu Rong had her own room.
Fang Xiuyuan, medical kit in hand, knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
He pushed the door open and saw a woman in a lace halter dress, reclining seductively on a Simmons bed. Her legs gleamed pale under the light, and her eyes were bright and inviting.
“Didn’t you say you had a stomachache?”
Why did she look so… flirty?
Xu Rong met his gaze with a faint smile and gently stroked her slightly bulging belly.
“The baby wants to see his father, and his mother wants to have a deeper conversation. Is that okay?”
Fang Xiuyuan glanced around the room, his brows knitting together.
“Don’t worry,” Xu Rong said, stepping forward slowly. “It’s just the two of us in this yard today, and there’s no surveillance in the room.”
“Grandpa’s out, Shang Wei’s out of town, and Shang Yi’s at school.” She traced circles on the man’s chest with her fingers. “Here, it’s just you and me.”
Fang Xiuyuan finally relaxed his guard. With a gentle motion, he caressed her belly, lowering his head and whispering, “So the stomachache was really just an excuse? Or do you actually miss me?”
“You’re a doctor—you’d know best.” Xu Rong wrapped her arms around him, breathing in his scent with longing.
Since she became pregnant, Shang Wei hadn’t touched her. She knew he was having affairs, and as a wife, she was naturally upset. Why should only men be allowed to cheat, but not women?
If her husband was enjoying himself outside, then she would enjoy herself at home.
Especially with a man as capable as this one.
Xu Rong was truly hungry for intimacy and began moving her hands over him.
Fang Xiuyuan caught her hand and said gently, “Wait. Let me examine you first.”
“I’m fine. I only told the old man that so I could see you.” Xu Rong pointed to her belly and teased, “This little brat just loves to cause trouble. Do you think it’s because A Yuan was also naughty when he was little?”
Only in front of Fang Xiuyuan did Xu Rong show her genuine, affectionate wifely side. At first, she and Fang Xiuyuan had been drawn together purely by physical attraction, but over more than a decade of knowing each other, they had developed a real emotional bond.
Fang Xiuyuan was already over forty—a late-born child in his family. He valued this baby greatly, and so did Xu Rong.
…
Jian Xun headed straight for the second-floor living room, where the phone was kept. Spotting the vintage black rotary phone, his eyes lit up, and he hopped over on his short legs.
Jumping onto the table, he silently recited:
135xxxx9327
Jian Xun stared at the phone for a moment. Then, feeling slightly nervous, he reached out with his paw and began dialing the number.
…
At a high-end restaurant—
Shang Xuci shook hands with his business partner. Fu Qian opened the door, and the representatives from both sides walked out together. Out of the corner of his eye, Shang Xuci caught sight of a familiar figure.
“Is that Shang Wei?”
Fu Qian also noticed and nodded.
“It’s President Shang.”
Wasn’t he supposed to be on a business trip? Why was he back?
And… he was hugging a woman.
Fu Qian didn’t dare ask, but seeing his boss staring at Mr. Shang, he ventured, “Should we go over? The man next to him looks like the head of Aishile.”
“Xu Yuan?”
“I think so. I’ve only seen him once.”
Shang Xuci narrowed his eyes, pursed his lips, and started walking toward them.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He paused and pulled it out—it was a call from the old house. More than once, in fact. Who would be calling him from a landline at this hour?
A slender finger slid to the right, and a pale fingertip tapped to connect the call.
“Hello?”
“Meow, meow, meow, meow!! Woo“
Shang Xuci froze.
Fu Qian and a female employee behind him exchanged glances. Had they just heard… a cat meowing?
…
At the Shang old house
Jian Xun had called several times, but the other party hadn’t answered.
Beep, beep—
“Hello?”
Upon hearing that familiar, melodious voice, Jian Xun meowed excitedly.
“Meow—”
You finally picked up!
“Meow, meow, meow?!!!!”
It’s Sui Sui! Why haven’t you come to pick me up yet?
Shang Xuci couldn’t understand the words, but he could hear the aggrieved tone, the rhythmic cadences of the meows—clearly urging him to come home.
Great, you’ve learned how to use the phone now.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He gestured to Fu Qian, who understood and immediately called for a driver from the nearby parking lot.
The female employee nudged Fu Qian’s shoulder and whispered, “The boss is smiling. Who’s he talking to? He looks so happy… his expression is so gentle.”
Fu Qian just shook his head.
Don’t gossip about the boss.
“Sui Sui, good boy. I’ll be back right away. Wait twenty minutes.”
At his gentle tone, Jian Xun’s voice grew even more coquettish—soft, slow, and tinged with sweet playfulness.
“Meow, mua~”
This was the first time Shang Xuci had ever received a phone call from a cat, and he immediately hit the record button.
The image flashed through his mind: the cat dialing numbers, paws neatly placed in his lap, tail twitching slightly. His little face must have been full of excitement, right? Or maybe pouting when he felt wronged?
It was a strange, yet oddly pleasant feeling.
The three of them left the restaurant together. Fu Qian’s strides were longer than before, his pace noticeably faster.
…
After hanging up, Jian Xun sighed and sat on the table, staring down at his soft white belly.
Twenty minutes…
He should be here after a nap, right?
Adjusting his posture, he curled up on the table, paws tucked neatly in his lap, and prepared to sleep.
I’m so hungry! I want dried fish! When I get home, I’ll eat some cat food… and then steal a few snacks.
Smacking his lips, the little white cat hugged his tail and closed his eyes.
Outside the window, the breeze rustled the leaves—a refreshing night wind that occasionally brushed against the glass. The patterned, translucent curtains swayed gently, casting shifting shadows on the wall.
From time to time, the cat’s ears twitched, as if listening to the wind… and to footsteps.
The moonlight filtered through the curtains, draping the cat’s snow-white fur in a silver sheen, adding a quiet warmth and serenity to the dim room.
The sound of hurried footsteps upstairs roused Jian Xun. He rolled over, stretched, yawned, stood, shook out his fur, and pricked his ears.
There was movement upstairs.
Is it the boss?
Then he remembered—he hadn’t told Shang Xuci where he was waiting. Could the boss already be here?
Jumping to the ground, Maomao prepared to head upstairs.
Xu Rong finished her shower, her eyes fixed on Fang Xiuyuan as he examined her. Sometimes she wondered what it would be like if she divorced Shang Wei and lived with Fang Xiuyuan instead.
They wouldn’t be as wealthy as they were now, but perhaps life would be a simpler kind of happiness.
Still, she wanted more—better—for herself and for their child. Shang Yi needed Shang Wei’s wealth, and the one in her belly needed it even more.
Fang Xiuyuan was intelligent, and she was no less capable herself. Their child would surely be just as smart. By the time the old man died, Shang Ye’s abilities would be limited, and Shang Wei—that lustful, wine-soaked dandy—would eventually wear himself out. Shang Yi would eventually fall into her hands.
The only variable was Shang Xuci.
The old man clearly had high hopes for him.
For now, Shang Ye could still compete with him, but once Shang Xuci grew up, the child in her belly would have far fewer chances.
“Will the poison you gave Shang Xuci really wear him down? When I saw him this time, he seemed even more radiant and full of energy.”
Fang Xiuyuan paused, his gaze dropping slightly.
“All medicine is toxic. He’s been taking it since he was a child, and you’ve seen the effects. It’s just that he hasn’t been getting it from me lately.”
“Do you think he knows something?” Xu Rong asked, her voice tinged with worry. She recalled how he had looked at her—like she was already dead—when they visited the flower tree. Every time she met his gaze, a chill ran down her spine.
“What does he know? What could he know? The prescription was prepared exactly as the old man requested.” A sinister glint flashed in Fang Xiuyuan’s eyes. “If you want to blame someone, blame the old man.”
Outside the door, Maomao’s eyes widened as he eavesdropped.
He nudged the door open just enough to peek inside. Through the crack, he saw Xu Rong sitting by the bed, and a man standing with his back to him.
It was clearly Xu Rong’s bedroom. The man wasn’t Shang Wei. Could this be Doctor Fang Xiuyuan—the one she was having an affair with? Maomao craned his neck for a better look. He had never seen Fang Xiuyuan before. What did he look like to make Xu Rong so taken with him?
The two were sitting close together, their heads inclined toward each other.
“Well, let’s not talk about this anymore.” Xu Rong reached over to turn on the record player, then slipped her arm around the man’s waist.
The room filled with elegant, pleasant music—not loud enough to drown out the sounds she would soon make.
Fang Xiuyuan didn’t refuse again. One arm circled her, while the other began unbuttoning his shirt.
The next scene made the little white cat’s jaw drop. He straightened up, eyes wide in shock.
Oh my god, they’re eating mouths!!
In his previous life, Jian Xun had only just reached adulthood. He had no experience with this sort of thing, no knowledge, and had never even seen a movie. This live performance left him completely at a loss—both confused and curious.
…
Shang Xuci drove back to the old house, finding it empty except for the security guard at the gate.
No—there were still lights on the third floor.
As was his custom, the cat liked to wait for him at the door.
He stepped inside but didn’t see the cat. Shang Xuci went to the telephone room on the second floor—still no sign of him.
Quietly, he walked up to the third floor.
The dim orange light in the hallway was on. Shang Xuci glanced over and saw his cat standing in front of his stepmother Xu Rong’s door.
The cat’s usually fluffy tail wasn’t wagging. Its ears stood erect, head motionless. It leaned against the wall in a stealthy posture, as if frozen after seeing something shocking.
Shang Xuci calmly walked over, stood behind the cat, and peered inside.
The “fight” was in full swing…
Shang Xuci clenched his phone and lifted his hand slightly.
He looked down at the cat. The usually alert feline hadn’t noticed anyone behind it. It was staring intently at the two people “fighting” on the bed, mouth slightly open in an O shape, eyes focused and dead serious.
“…”
How could such a little kitty be watching this?!
Shang Xuci frowned, glanced at the scene with disgust, then squatted down and covered the kitty’s eyes with his broad, pale hand.
Jian Xun froze for a moment, startled. His chubby body sagged into the man’s sturdy arms, and he turned his head—
The man’s face was sour, his expression full of displeasure.