Shang Xuci went to pick up Shen Huan first.
As soon as Shen Huan got into the front passenger seat, she instinctively turned around to check on the cat, but she couldn’t see its expression.
“Is it asleep?”
Shang Xuci didn’t answer. He should have been happy—he was about to find a good home for the little guy. But instead, a strange sense of discomfort stirred inside him.
Shen Huan ignored the odd atmosphere between man and cat and excitedly began telling Shang Xuci about her good friend Xiao Yuan, who adored the little white cat, and her family situation.
“Xiao Yuan has tons of experience raising cats. Like me, she’s a total cat slave—very patient and attentive to their moods. She even writes regular diary entries and often participates in stray cat rescue activities.”
After a short pause, Shen Huan continued, “But she already has one cat at home—a very gentle Ragdoll. It’s been spayed and she’s had it for many years. It’s chubby, healthy, and sweet. Both cats are well-behaved, so they’ll definitely get along. Two is the perfect number—just enough to keep each other company when the owner’s not home, so they won’t be too lonely. Any more, and they might start fighting.”
As she spoke about the well-behaved cats, she rolled up her sleeve, revealing several uneven red scratch marks on her fair arm—somewhat shocking to look at.
“See? My brats at home fight all the time. I always get caught in the crossfire trying to break them up.”
Shang Xuci glanced at her indifferently. He couldn’t understand how, despite being scratched by her cats, she could still smile so blissfully.
“But that’s just how cat lovers are,” Shen Huan said with a grin. “Even their farts smell good to us! Just one little meow and I’d give them my life!” She then launched into sweet stories of how she met her mischievous fur babies at home.
Her vivid storytelling brought the fierce, proud, and playful personalities of her cats to life.
Jian Xun listened in growing sadness. He turned away, covering his furry ears with his paws, unwilling to move anymore.
If only he couldn’t understand human speech—it would hurt less.
Forty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of a small villa.
Xiao Yuan, who had been waiting by the door, quickly came out to greet them when she saw the car arrive.
“Huan Huan! Long time no see!”
“It’s only been a month,” Shen Huan replied, stepping forward to give her a hug. The two weren’t just good friends—they were also classmates who had just finished their college entrance exams and were enjoying a long summer vacation.
Shang Xuci came over, carrying the pet carrier.
The man was tall and imposing, and petite Xiao Yuan had to crane her neck to look up at him.
The midday sun was blinding. Its glow outlined the man’s features, giving his slightly pale face a flush of life. He stood tall with an extraordinary presence. His handsome, defined features were striking, and his eyes—like shattered diamonds—were both dazzling and naturally cold.
Xiao Yuan swallowed quietly, flustered. She’d heard that Shen Huan had a ridiculously good-looking cousin, but she hadn’t expected this level of handsome!
“Um… How should I address you?” she asked, her usually brash tone softening considerably.
Shang Xuci pressed his lips together, then gave a faint smile. “My name is Shang Xuci. You can call me ‘Brother’ like Shen Huan does.”
Xiao Yuan immediately chirped a sweet “Brother” and led the two inside. She pointed at the pet carrier and asked, “Is the little white cat in here?”
“Mhm.”
The carrier was set on the table. When the door was opened, the little white cat was curled tightly in the corner, its rear end facing the door—a clear sign of rejection.
Even when the unfamiliar human female reached in to touch him, the cat gave no response.
Whatever. Shang Xuci didn’t want him anymore anyway—who touched him made no difference now.
Then Xiao Yuan carefully lifted him out of the carrier and placed him into a soft cushion she had prepared in advance.
He was the only cat in the room. It had just been cleaned, with no strange smells, though the air was full of unfamiliar scents. He couldn’t even be bothered to explore.
“He’s really so well-behaved,” Xiao Yuan said with admiration.
Shen Huan couldn’t help reaching out to pet him. “Told you—he’s a sweet little guy. Super cute.”
So what if he was cute? So what if he was sweet?
He was still just a cat that had been abandoned.
Jian Xun tried not to look at Shang Xuci. He absolutely hated this man right now. He had brought him home but didn’t take full responsibility in the end.
Wuwuwu.
Bad human! I hate you!
“He’s getting cuter the more I look at him!” Simple petting wasn’t enough for Xiao Yuan anymore—she scooped him up and buried her face in his fur, taking a deep sniff.
Jian Xun’s eyes went wide. Wh—what was she doing?! Why was she holding his whole big head?!
Whether as a former human or a first-time cat, Jian Xun was completely stunned.
Mama mia, what does this even mean?!
His tail began to tremble, and he curled his paws tightly, letting out a mew of protest at the action.
Unable to help himself, he looked up at Shang Xuci with pleading eyes. Shang Xuci’s fingers twitched slightly. He spoke up as a reminder: “It doesn’t seem to like that.”
Shen Huan laughed. “Cousin, you just don’t get it. This is how we show love to our kitties! Giving kisses builds affection!”
Xiao Yuan also put the white cat down and added, “He’s really obedient.”
Jian Xun let out a weak little meow.
Because Shang Xuci had spoken up for him, it seemed he was still holding on to a shred of hope. He limped toward him.
Shang Xuci, however, quietly took a step back. The cat’s body froze mid-step, and he nearly stumbled, but Xiao Yuan quickly caught him and gently placed him into a cat cage so he could get used to the new environment.
Shang Xuci’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, slowly curled into a fist. He lowered his gaze slightly to conceal the unusual emotion in his eyes and said expressionlessly, “He’s had a full medical exam. His injured leg will recover completely in about a year. Other than that, there are no major issues.”
Thinking back on the cat’s behavior, Shang Xuci recalled that he had been well-behaved and didn’t require much attention—just a bit clingy.
“He likes sleeping in cardboard boxes.”
“He likes being around people.”
“He likes sitting by the door.”
It was rare for the usually quiet Shang Xuci to go into such detail about a cat’s habits. Xiao Yuan sat nearby with a notebook, seriously taking notes—she was clearly sincere about taking responsibility for the cat.
From what he could tell, she came from a middle-class family, financially stable. The little white cat wouldn’t have any issues with food, shelter, or care.
The two added each other on WeChat. Once everything was settled, Shang Xuci didn’t stay long and drove home.
As he was leaving, Jian Xun seemed to sense something and began throwing himself against the cage, crying out in a heart-wrenching wail.
Shang Xuci paused for only a moment, then walked away without a trace of hesitation.
His car stopped in the central business district. Shang Xuci pulled out a cigarette, pinched it between his fingers, and had just stepped out and taken a drag while leaning against the car when he saw a man approaching from a distance.
“Xuci, I didn’t expect it to really be you,” Shang Ye said with a face full of pleasant surprise and a smile. “I thought I’d mistaken someone else.”
Shang Xuci stared calmly at the man who was two years older than him. He carried a faint scent of cologne—who knows where he’d picked it up. His handsome face wore a gentle smile, and the overly familiar tone he used made it seem like the two were on very close terms.
Shang Xuci knew that this man only appeared to be earnest, but in truth, he had inherited their father Shang Wei’s philandering nature.
In his past life, Shang Xuci had strongly disliked Shang Ye. He was living proof of his father’s betrayal of his mother—an illegitimate child scorned by high society.
By all rights, someone like him should never have been allowed into the main company of the Shang family. But the legitimate wife had passed away, and the stepmother showed up with her blood-related stepson, becoming a legitimate part of the Shang family.
As the son of the original wife, Shang Xuci had been demoted to second place—and had to obediently call Shang Ye “big brother.”
At first, Shang Xuci didn’t know that Shang Ye was the child of his father and his stepmother. Out of courtesy, he had called him “big brother”. But after learning the truth, the word became bitter in his mouth.
The stepmother had certainly played her cards well. In his previous life, Shang Xuci had only found out later that although Shang Ye was indeed Shang Wei’s son, he wasn’t actually born of the stepmother.
Stealing someone else’s child—how fitting for Xu Rong.
Shang Ye probably still didn’t know the truth about his own parentage. Pathetic.
And yet here he was, still speaking up on Xu Rong’s behalf.
“I heard you’ve got a cat now?”
“Where did you hear that from?”
“Mom told me. Last time she came to visit, she got scared by a cat,” Shang Ye replied casually. He and this younger brother weren’t especially close, and he knew exactly why the other didn’t like him. There was a mutual understanding between them to avoid each other when possible.
Still, feeling that some things needed to be said, Shang Ye forced a smile and added, “She’s getting on in age… and she’s just gotten pregnant. Pregnant women are naturally moody. Don’t take it personally—just humor her a little.”
Childish words. Shang Xuci nearly laughed.
He raised an eyebrow. Pregnancy wasn’t much of a surprise anyway. That child wouldn’t survive.
“You’re still so eager to speak up for her,” Shang Xuci sneered. “With how bold Xu Rong is, how could she possibly be scared by a little kitten?”
“Unless she has a guilty conscience,” Shang Xuci added lightly, his tone vague but clearly suggestive.
Shang Ye sighed. He knew Shang Xuci didn’t like Xu Rong and quickly changed the subject. “Since I ran into you today, there’s something I need to tell you. A month from now, Mom is hosting a banquet. Don’t forget to attend.”
“You really do care about her—coming all this way just to be her messenger,” Shang Xuci said, his tone cool and indifferent.
“Of course I care,” Shang Ye replied matter-of-factly. “She’s my mom.”
Shang Xuci stared at him and asked, “And what if she’s not?”
Shang Ye frowned, locking eyes with him. “What are you trying to say?”
“Just talking. Don’t read into it,” Shang Xuci replied, eyes flickering as he buried his thoughts deep inside.
Even though he said it casually, his words left Shang Ye feeling vaguely unsettled. But considering how moody and unpredictable Shang Xuci had always been, he didn’t dwell on it.
“Just remember to show up.”
Shang Xuci’s cold expression softened. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll be there.”
In his past life, Xu Rong had used her pregnancy to throw this banquet in an attempt to gain real acceptance and recognition from the Shang family. She had even chosen an auspicious date—which happened to be his mother’s death anniversary. Shang Xuci had been so disgusted and furious that he refused to attend.
Looking back now, he realized he had been too young. Not showing up had just been a way to avoid facing it—his silent protest. But there were many other ways to fight back.
This time, he wouldn’t just watch Xu Rong’s show—he’d watch Shang Ye’s too. Let’s see just how “deep” their mother-son bond really was.
Shang Xuci’s smile deepened. In high spirits, he returned to his car and drove off.
Shang Ye was stunned by how readily he had agreed. Xu Rong had specifically asked him to deliver the invitation in person. In the past, Shang Xuci had never attended any events related to his stepmother—birthdays or otherwise. But this time, he had agreed so easily.
Had he changed?
After returning home, Shang Xuci picked up his phone and made a call. “Look into someone for me. Zhou An’an. Lives at Building 23, Renmin Lane, East Street. The sooner, the better.”
He hung up and sat alone in his study, closing his eyes as a rush of unpleasant memories flooded his mind.
When he opened them again, he went to the living room to pour a cup of hot water. Seeing the untouched cat bed and cardboard box, his heart felt strangely empty.
…
Three days had passed since Jian Xun arrived at his new home. He refused to leave the cage to play. Xiao Yuan had tried everything to cheer him up, but Jian Xun ignored her.
Thinking he was just afraid of the unfamiliar environment, Xiao Yuan moved all the cat toys into his designated room, giving him plenty of space and time to adapt and feel safe.
She also came in every day to visit him. Worried that he’d get lonely, she even brought in her Ragdoll cat ahead of schedule. Seeing that the two cats didn’t react negatively to each other, she finally felt comfortable letting them play together.
The Ragdoll was quite happy about the arrival of a new family member, sweeping its fluffy tail back and forth and chattering away with him.
Meow meow meow.
“What’s your name?”
The little white cat ignored him.
“You can play with my toys if you want, okay?”
Still no response.
“Aren’t you hungry? You’re not eating anything. If you can’t finish it, I can help you eat it.”
Jian Xun frowned, found an empty cardboard box, and crawled inside. He squeezed his paw pads—there was nothing on them.
He missed his button.