Rat, Rabbit, And Rabbit Transformed Into Humans And Married Their Natural Enemies. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Xie Yuzhan’s expression was calm, showing no sign of guilt or annoyance at being caught and directly called out. He explained, “Calling you by your full name outside feels too distant. Let’s get used to it at home first, so we don’t make mistakes later.”

Bai Zhi raised an eyebrow. Really?

He said with some hesitation, “I think you react pretty quickly. I’m also fine with improvising.”

“Just in case,” Xie Yuzhan then added, “If Zhizhi feels it’s unfair, you can also call me by my given name.”

Huh? Bai Zhi felt like something wasn’t quite right.

But he thought about it and couldn’t pinpoint the issue, so he just said, “It’s not that I feel it’s unfair…”

“Good. Since Zhizhi has no objection, it’s settled.”

Zhizhi, Zhizhi—Bai Zhi’s ears were practically numb from hearing the pet name all morning. He vaguely agreed to the naming convention without thinking much of it. It was just a form of address. When he was a pika, he didn’t even have a name, and he still lived happily and freely.

A name was just a code; it wasn’t a big deal.

He nodded, “Okay, okay, I get it.”

Driven by the thought that he shouldn’t be the only one getting his ears washed out, he pointed at the gift box next to the other man’s hand and said, “Yuzhan, Yuzhan, Yuzhan, remember to open your gift~”

Hearing that clear, mellow voice address him by his given name, Xie Yuzhan had to admit it was quite pleasant. A faint ripple of a smile appeared in his eyes, which usually held a hint of detachment behind his glasses.

Bai Zhi indeed had a good voice, no wonder netizens liked him so much.

He replied, “I’ll open it in a moment. However, if Zhizhi enjoys calling me that, you can call me a few more times to get familiar. I don’t mind.”

Bai Zhi gave a light huff. No way!

Xie Yuzhan didn’t pursue the topic. Bai Zhi’s spirited little demeanor was very cute. It was good that he was lively, and the more relaxed he was, the better.

He brought up another matter, inviting him, “There’s a Vegetarian Culture Festival this weekend. Would you like to attend? It might help lift your spirits.”

Bai Zhi hadn’t said much about his hemophobia, but Xie Yuzhan could sense his lingering fear. Losing consciousness was certainly not a good experience; in that moment, he must have felt helpless and scared.

It was perhaps more unsettling than a thunderstorm that always had an end.

A Vegetarian Culture Festival? Bai Zhi knew about cultural festivals, which were usually colorful and varied. If it was vegetarian, wouldn’t he get to taste many different kinds of delicious food?

To think for even one extra second would be disrespectful to his vegetarian brain!

He immediately nodded, “Yes! We can’t miss that!”

After agreeing, he suddenly remembered something. “Are you going with me?”

Xie Yuzhan put down his chopsticks and wiped his hands. “Naturally. How about I be your driver and companion?”

Whoa!

Bai Zhi was surprised and immediately refused. “I wouldn’t dare! You’re a busy man. Wouldn’t accompanying me to a vegetarian event be a waste of your time?”

Xie Yuzhan certainly didn’t think so. “Spending time with you is a serious matter. If I’m willing, there’s no such thing as wasting time.”

Bai Zhi’s earlobes felt a strange tingling sensation. Oh dear! Saying things like that!

He rubbed his ears. “I just…”

Wait a minute!

Going out to play with him is a serious matter? He understood!

He instantly relaxed and said, “Is this what you’re thinking? Being able to accompany me to an event is a form of doting, and we can also take the opportunity to show everyone our good marital relationship. Kill two birds with one stone.”

Xie Yuzhan was uncharacteristically silent, dumbfounded.

The little rabbit actually had that kind of thought process!

To show off a harmonious marriage, the event would need to be attended by many people in their circle to have any meaning. A cultural festival where they wouldn’t run into a single acquaintance clearly didn’t meet that prerequisite; most attendees were outsiders.

But it didn’t matter.

He wouldn’t correct him, just in case it complicated things further.

Moreover, hearing this made him feel a pang of sympathy. Bai Zhi must not have received positive emotional feedback in the Bai family, leading to a lack of confidence in relationships and in himself. He felt they were too far apart and not meant to be, never truly considering that they could be together.

He sighed softly. “Regardless, shall I make the arrangements for the weekend?”

“Great, I’ll leave it to you!”

Bai Zhi was happy not to worry about it. A Vegetarian Culture Festival—he loved it.

Xie Yuzhan planned to open the gift before heading out. He opened the box to find a crystal champagne flute with carved patterns. He was familiar with the brand; it was handcrafted, of excellent quality, and a luxury item among glassware.

He examined it carefully for a moment, then looked at Bai Zhi. “This thank-you gift is quite expensive.”

Bai Zhi could tell Xie Yuzhan was quite pleased. He put his hands on his hips, looking a little proud. “Anything I give you, I can’t bear to give you something ordinary. But to be honest, if it were too expensive, the pressure would be too much for me. My online shop is planning to stock a batch of new products soon. So, after thinking it over, I decided to choose something expensive in a smaller category—

“The main thing is that you like it, and it’s best if it’s practical!”

Xie Yuzhan appreciated Bai Zhi’s logic. It was a very clever approach. Giving him a watch wouldn’t have meant much, but that depended on who was giving it.

If the other person gave him a free little wild flower picked from the roadside, he would still find it wonderful.

He gently swirled the wine glass. “I like it very much. I can use it tonight.”

“Mhm!”

Bai Zhi felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Business was business; he didn’t want to owe favors.

Over the next few days, he stocked his shop with a new batch of small potted flowers perfect for autumn, including but not limited to White Chrysanthemum, Phlox, Campanula, Dwarf Larkspur, and the Alpine Saxifrage that he loved in his previous life!

These small, vigorous flowers were very endearing, hardy, and easy to care for, leading to good sales.

Besides managing his live streams and shop, he also diligently ate his meals and exercised.

After dinner, he would take a short break and then consciously go for two laps of jogging in the backyard. The autumn temperature was very friendly to rabbits. After running, he would take a bath, feeling refreshed. Moderate exercise was indeed beneficial; CEO Xie’s suggestion was sound.

He clearly felt his condition improving.

On the weekend, he woke up without an alarm clock before six. He was very excited. If he still had ears, they would be standing straight up. An ocean of vegetarian food, a rabbit’s paradise!

There was no resisting this!

He chose a loose white hoodie with long rabbit ears, paired with light blue jeans and sneakers, prioritizing comfort and ease.

When he saw Xie Yuzhan still wearing a suit at the dining table, he tentatively suggested, “Um… today isn’t a banquet, it’s an outdoor event. Are you sure you want to wear that? Of course, you look great in a suit, it suits your temperament.”

Xie Yuzhan wasn’t displeased. If anyone else had said that, he would have found it meddlesome and an overstep.

But the fact that his little rabbit could say this was a big step forward.

And looking at the other man’s outfit today, his current gray suit was indeed inappropriate. He readily agreed, “Zhizhi makes a good point. I’ll go change in a moment.”

Bai Zhi acknowledged him. Having heard the pet name so often recently, he was almost immune to it.

Fortunately, Lin Haiyan and Zheng Feng didn’t call him that.

After breakfast, he waited for Xie Yuzhan to change, kneading his mini plushie. When the other man appeared in his sight, his eyes lit up. Xie Yuzhan was wearing a casual white shirt without a tie, and the top button was unbuttoned, a rare sight, making him look gentle, refined, and relaxed.

He jumped up from his chair and praised him with a smile, “Doesn’t that fit the occasion better!”

Xie Yuzhan adjusted his cuff, saying calmly, “It’s because of Zhizhi’s excellent suggestion.”

Bai Zhi pursed his lips, unable to suppress a smile. Oh, CEO Xie’s mouth—when he was teasing someone, he could leave them speechless, but when he said nice things, it was like honey.

He cleared his throat, pointed the plushie toward the door, and declared, “Let’s go! Destination—Central Park!”

The event location was in the city’s large park, very close by.

Xie Yuzhan looked at the ecstatic Bai Zhi and silently gave a thumbs-up to the friend who had suggested the idea. The dating expert’s suggestion seemed to be quite effective.

The drive to the park took just over ten minutes. As they walked toward the main entrance after parking, Bai Zhi’s steps were practically flying.

Xie Yuzhan watched the person walking quickly ahead of him. The other man’s excitement was obvious, and the rabbit ears on his hoodie bobbed up and down, looking utterly adorable.

The autumn sun shone brightly, and everything was perfect, except for the overly intense sunlight.

Upon reaching the entrance, Bai Zhi saw a stall selling potted flowers and immediately became interested. He picked out several pots that his shop didn’t currently stock. He planned to observe them for a few days and then add them to his inventory if they were suitable.

After choosing seven or eight pots, the two of them turned back to put the small plants in the car.

Before closing the trunk, he looked at the flowers, and an idea suddenly popped into his mind. “Wait!”

Xie Yuzhan looked over. “What’s wrong?”

Bai Zhi glanced at Xie Yuzhan’s pure white shirt, wiggled his finger, and said mysteriously, “A small gift for you. It’ll be ready in a second.”

With that, he snipped off a small cluster of purple and white gradient Dream Campanula, stripped away the excess leaves, removed the white thin ribbon from the wicker basket, and tied the Campanula into a small bouquet.

He presented the small flower to Xie Yuzhan and smiled. “When you wear formal attire, I often see you accessorize with pocket squares, tie pins, or brooches. Today, you look a bit plain, like something is missing. If you don’t mind, this little flower is for you. The color matches your temperament.”

It possessed an elegant mystery, delicate and refined.

Xie Yuzhan gazed at the person before him. Bai Zhi’s smile was bright and pure, and the sunlight gently fell upon his face, giving him a soft glow.

He looked like a natural spirit draped in light.

Even the bright sun became less annoying.

When Bai Zhi tilted his head and asked again, Xie Yuzhan lowered his gaze slightly and replied, “Of course I don’t mind. The little flower is very cute, and the person who suggested it is even cuter.”

Bai Zhi’s eyes curved into crescents. The flower was cute, he was cute, and the world was also very cute~

He then asked, “Shall I pin it on for you?”

“Yes.”

Bai Zhi stepped forward and used a mini safety pin to secure the small bouquet to Xie Yuzhan’s chest pocket. He then stepped back, examined it carefully, and said with satisfaction, “It looks great!”

The small purple and white gradient flower was vibrant, a striking accent on Xie Yuzhan that made him seem more approachable.

Before, CEO Xie always felt refined but calm and unruffled.

Xie Yuzhan felt quite good about it too. Looking at Bai Zhi, he suddenly thought of the wedding they hadn’t had. The wedding attire should also be accompanied by flowers, and choosing the small flowers the other man liked would be best.

It would certainly be perfect.

He pulled his wandering thoughts back and said, “Let’s go.”

“Okay~!”

This time, Xie Yuzhan didn’t let Bai Zhi walk ahead. Instead, he took his hand. When those clear eyes looked up at him, he calmly explained, “There are a lot of people. Be careful not to get separated.”

Bai Zhi didn’t believe him. Was he trying to trick a child?

He pointed to himself with his other hand. “I’m an adult. I won’t get separated, and I won’t get lost.”

Xie Yuzhan asked, “Is it you who stops moving when you see a small cake?”

Bai Zhi flushed. It was true. He tucked his other hand into his pocket and squeezed the plushie. “That’s not… that’s because I like it! Anyone would be involuntarily drawn to something they like. Besides, no one says adults aren’t allowed to like small cakes.”

“So—”

“Fine, fine, hold my hand!”

Bai Zhi couldn’t argue with Xie Yuzhan, and eager to get to the event, he simply gave in. After all, they had hugged more than once or twice; holding hands was nothing. No big deal.

It was just that… his ears felt a little hot.

However, his attention was quickly captured by the various things at the cultural festival, from all kinds of specialty foods to inedible fluffy vegetable plushies, and many other cultural and creative products. The selection was dazzling.

He wanted this and he wanted that, buying a whole pile of things. If Xie Yuzhan hadn’t helped him, he wouldn’t have been able to carry it all.

It wasn’t until the other man reminded him that he realized it was already one in the afternoon, and neither of them had eaten lunch.

He smiled sheepishly. He hadn’t noticed the time while he was excited. Just as he was about to offer to pay for lunch, Xie Yuzhan said everything was arranged. Huh? CEO Xie had been accompanying him, wandering around, missed the mealtime, and was still so good-natured and thoughtful?

The rabbit was utterly flattered.

The restaurant was outdoors, set on the bank of the water. Tree shadows swayed, and the water rippled gently. Just being there felt relaxing.

He hadn’t been hungry, but seeing the dishes on the table immediately whetted his appetite. Besides two vegetarian dishes, two meat dishes, and an individual mushroom stew, there was a plate of crispy cream puffs, a crepe, a chestnut brownie, and a milkshake with a flower stuck in it!

He picked up a cream puff and tasted it. Mm~ delicious. Eating here felt different from eating at home.

He looked at Xie Yuzhan, lowering his voice to ask with a smile, “It’s fine to show we have a good relationship, but won’t this be too much?”

Xie Yuzhan countered, “What are you basing your judgment on, Zhizhi?”

Bai Zhi paused, then admitted, “Intuition.”

Xie Yuzhan chuckled softly. “Intuition can sometimes be a misconception. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. With such good food in front of us, just relax and enjoy it. Otherwise, wouldn’t we be letting this beautiful weather down?”

Alright.

Bai Zhi didn’t press the issue. Xie Yuzhan had far more social and life experience than he did. He certainly wouldn’t mislead him on something like this; there was no need!

As long as the other man knew what he was doing.

With a gentle breeze blowing and the warm sun shining, he happily enjoyed his lunch.

The young couple at the next table must have noticed the pile of things he had bought. They enthusiastically struck up a conversation with him. After a brief chat, they found they got along very well. The couple was very knowledgeable about vegetarianism, so they simply merged tables and continued chatting while eating.

However.

Xie Yuzhan’s mood was not particularly pleasant at the moment.

Since they merged tables, Bai Zhi’s attention had been focused entirely on the couple, chatting excitedly with them. He was now witnessing firsthand the powerful attraction of shared interests.

It was highly threatening.

He narrowed his eyes slightly. Could he admit defeat? Could he just accept it? Absolutely not. He had to do something, right now.