Rat, Rabbit, And Rabbit Transformed Into Humans And Married Their Natural Enemies. Chapter 34

Chapter 34

The more Bai Zhi thought about it, the more wrong it felt. The tips of his fingers, which were clutching Xie Yuzhan’s sleeve, felt scorched, and he started to get anxious.

He abruptly let go, took a step back, and his voice rose slightly as he quickly said, “It’s not okay to eat just anything! Some things are off-limits!”

The corners of Xie Yuzhan’s lips curved into a clear smile. He took Bai Zhi’s hand, which was still holding the mini plushie, and said, “Where did your mind go? I haven’t even said what I want to eat yet, and you’re already scaring yourself?”

Bai Zhi saw the amusement in Xie Yuzhan’s eyes. He blinked and quickly realized that the other person was teasing him!

He let out a soft huff and asked with a smile, “So, is this also Yu-zhan Gege practicing desensitization therapy?”

He was worried about being eaten, so Xie Yuzhan was making jokes like this to help him adapt.

Xie Yuzhan led Bai Zhi downstairs, holding his hand. He only hummed in response, his eyes filled with an indescribable pleasure. That certainly wasn’t desensitization therapy.

It was flirting, silly little bunny.

He suppressed a slight laugh and said, “I really like the way you addressed me just now. I don’t mind if you continue to use that address, both at home and in public.”

Bai Zhi shivered, his rabbit fur practically standing on end.

He pouted and muttered, “No way. I’ll only call you that in private, if at all.”

It was practically the same as acting spoiled. Gege? Using reduplication like that was too cutesy! Rabbits liked to be direct and didn’t care much about what others thought, but the key was that he himself felt embarrassed!

He wasn’t a pika covered in fur anymore; if his face turned red, people could see it clearly!

He quickly changed the subject and asked again, “What do you want to eat? I can make anything that isn’t too complicated.”

Xie Yuzhan squeezed Bai Zhi’s hand. The other person was likely distracted and hadn’t noticed that their hands were still clasped together. After a moment of thought, he said, “Plain noodles will suffice.”

Bai Zhi was a little surprised. “Something that simple is okay?”

Xie Yuzhan glanced at Bai Zhi and said, “Simplicity has many dimensions of measurement.”

Bai Zhi tilted his head, not quite understanding. A bowl of plain noodles was simple from every angle and dimension, wasn’t it? But seeing that Xie Yuzhan didn’t intend to explain further, he didn’t dwell on it or ask more. After all, it was what the other person had ordered.

Plain noodles it is.

When they reached the kitchen, he rummaged around and looked things over.

He still had some mushroom broth left over from the stew he made for dinner, which would be perfect for the noodles. Plus, he had some handmade pulled noodles left from lunch. The medium width was just right for plain noodles—soft yet chewy.

Xie Yuzhan didn’t wait in the dining room; he stood beside Bai Zhi, watching the little rabbit busy himself, turning this way and that.

He was focused and serious.

The air was filled with warm, moist steam and the fresh, savory scent of mushroom broth. It reminded him of when his parents were still alive. His mother wasn’t a great cook, but every year on his and his father’s birthdays, she would go into the kitchen and make a bowl of plain noodles.

The taste wasn’t particularly outstanding.

Yet, he had cherished the memory for all these years.

It wasn’t until Bai Zhi placed the last carved shiitake mushroom flower into the bowl that Xie Yuzhan collected his thoughts. He praised, “It smells wonderful, and it looks beautiful too. I’m sure it tastes great.”

Bai Zhi pursed his lips and smiled. “You’re saying that before you’ve even tasted it!”

Xie Yuzhan took the tray and walked side-by-side with Bai Zhi toward the dining room. He said, “I’d be happy to say it again later. Trust me, Zhi Zhi, with true gourmet food, you know it won’t disappoint just by smelling it.”

Heh, Bai Zhi’s long ears, which he no longer had, felt like they were perking up!

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Then hurry up and try it!”

“Alright.”

The two ate and chatted. Xie Yuzhan was true to his word, praising the noodles thoroughly, from the texture to the aroma. Bai Zhi’s ears felt hot by the end of it. As expected of CEO Xie, he was eloquent; even his compliments sounded so good!

He praised genuinely and meaningfully, hitting all the right notes.

It felt very pleasant to hear.

He leaned halfway across the table, propping up his cheek, and confessed, “Actually, your cooking is better. I loved every dish at dinner. To be honest… I think it suits my taste more than what Aunt Lin makes.”

Hearing this, Xie Yuzhan replied, “I learned to cook from my maternal grandmother when I was a teenager. Later, when I studied abroad, I had to deal with all sorts of people. The more I interacted with others, the more I preferred solitude outside of social settings, and cooking was a way to clear my mind.

“So, I’ve just cooked more than you have. You only started learning recently, and you have a lot of talent in this area.”

Bai Zhi looked thoughtful and followed up on Xie Yuzhan’s words, “I always hear you mention your maternal grandparents, but you rarely talk about your parents. Your relationship with them must have been good too.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be thinking about avenging them.

Xie Yuzhan didn’t want to discuss his parents. He simply said flatly, “I spent more time with my maternal grandparents. There is no other reason.”

Bai Zhi looked at Xie Yuzhan. Was he avoiding the topic?

But he didn’t press further. Continuing might touch upon painful memories. He didn’t want to open old wounds or discuss heavy topics.

They were only in a one-year contractual marriage; they shouldn’t delve too deeply into such matters.

He changed the subject, talking about the two botany seniors he had recommended last time. He had already added them as friends and was chatting happily, learning a lot of professional knowledge from them.

The conversation then flowed to his live streams, his online shop, and the sunroom in the backyard.

By the time this late dinner concluded, he was still reluctant to stop talking. It was so comfortable talking to someone who knew how to converse well.

When they parted ways on the second floor, he proactively hugged Xie Yuzhan—it was for the goodnight hug they had agreed upon. He even rubbed his cheek against the other person’s, making up for the hug that was missed last night.

The day was complete and perfect.

Xie Yuzhan watched Bai Zhi return to his room until the door closed. Only then did he lower his gaze slightly and gently touch the side of his face—

It still held the warmth of the other person.

His eyes darkened, silently brewing rolling waves. How could this level of contact ever be enough?

Meanwhile, Bai Zhi, the little rabbit, felt relieved after talking things out with Xie Yuzhan. He happily climbed into bed and slept soundly, having a long, beautiful dream. He rolled around enough in the Grassland Paradise before opening his eyes.

He stretched lazily and reached for his phone. One look and he was instantly wide awake—so many unread messages! Especially from his assistant, who had sent over twenty!

He instinctively felt something was wrong. Chances were, trouble had arisen.

He opened the messages and, sure enough, there was a problem with his online shop. Overnight, there were many new negative reviews claiming that the plants bought from the shop were of very poor quality, not only arriving in bad condition but also impossible to keep alive.

The matter had even made it onto the trending searches.

The Hundred Herbs Garden official flagship store had good sales and was quite well-known in the plant and flower community, having gained prominence for some time. Anyone with eyes could see that this wave of attacks was orchestrated!

Bullying the little bunny?

Absolutely not. He wasn’t someone to be easily bullied. He immediately called his assistant, instructing them to issue an official statement. They should report the matter to the police, process refunds and compensation where necessary, maintain a good attitude, and leave the rest to the police investigation.

He was very clear about the quality of the plants in his shop.

Of course, he didn’t forget to reassure the friends who supplied him with goods. The quality was fine; the problem originated on his end.

After dealing with work matters, he sifted through the remaining messages. He replied to Lu Qinghe, telling him not to worry, that he could handle it, and that he wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Then there was—

His second sister, Bai Enyan.

She offered a suspicion, asking him to pay close attention to Bai Enfan, suggesting that this incident might be related to him.

When it came to understanding the Bai family, he knew he didn’t have as much information as Bai Enyan. Since she said so, she must have sensed something amiss. The investigation could lean in that direction.

By the time he had the situation largely under control and climbed out of bed, it was already ten o’clock.

He quickly washed up and went downstairs to find food. He needed to fill his stomach to work better. He was going to let the troublemakers know that the little bunny was not to be messed with!

Unexpectedly, Xie Yuzhan was sitting in the lounge area by the staircase on the second floor.

He was clearly waiting for him.

Bai Zhi paused, looking at CEO Xie, who was sitting casually with his legs crossed but exuded a subtle coldness. He asked, “I thought today was a workday. Aren’t you going to the office?”

Xie Yuzhan gestured to the spot beside him. “Come sit. I’ve asked Aunt Lin to bring your breakfast up. You focus on eating, and I’ll talk to you about some things.”

Bai Zhi glanced at the laptop and some printed documents on the table. A sudden realization dawned on him, and he asked, “Are you going to talk to me about the negative reviews on the online shop?”

“Yes.”

Bai Zhi, a little confused, sat down as instructed. He quickly flipped through the documents on the table and asked in surprise, “These…”

Xie Yuzhan’s eyes were slightly cold. He said, “The person who did this made many mistakes. Their methods were the opposite of sophisticated. Don’t worry too much. The people leaving bad reviews were bought off. Once something is done, it leaves traces.”

Bai Zhi nodded, still processing the information. He instinctively shared his own update. “Sister Yan said it might be Bai Enfan targeting me.”

Xie Yuzhan tidied the documents slightly so that Lin Haiyan could set down the breakfast.

After reminding Bai Zhi to eat, he sent a message to his assistant while saying, “Currently, there are a few investigative directions. Since Bai Enyan told you this, she must have some basis for it. We can start by investigating Bai Enfan.”

“Mhm.”

Bai Zhi had been dealing with this matter since he woke up and was already hungry. For some reason, being near Xie Yuzhan silently soothed his anxiety.

Perhaps it was the relaxing tone of his voice.

He ate a soft, sweet custard bun and said, “I’ve already asked my assistant to report it to the police. We’ll handle it according to the law. I didn’t expect you to proactively help me like this. Thank you.”

Xie Yuzhan smoothed Bai Zhi’s slightly messy hair. The other person probably hadn’t had time to properly groom himself.

He explained, “As your nominal spouse, if your shop runs into trouble, I naturally won’t stand by and do nothing.

“Targeting you is targeting me.”

Bai Zhi nodded. “Regardless, thank you.”

Xie Yuzhan curved his lips. “It’s not too late to thank me after the matter is resolved. The investigation results will be out soon. I’ll stay home with you today.”

Bai Zhi put down his spoon. “You don’t need to waste your time like this. I…”

Xie Yuzhan looked serious and asked, “Did you forget what I just said? We are one entity. Your matters are my matters. I should be by your side at a time like this.

“You don’t need to worry about the company. My good uncle will be very happy that I’m doing this.

“Besides, if the company can’t function normally without me for a day or two, then the existence of the management team is rather superfluous.”

Alright, since he put it that way, Bai Zhi didn’t refuse again. To be honest, he was very grateful to have Xie Yuzhan by his side now; it was much better than being alone as a rabbit.

After doing everything he could, he wasn’t in the mood to stream, so he decided to take a day off.

After lunch, Xie Yuzhan tried to coax him into taking a nap, but Bai Zhi couldn’t sleep. In the end, they went to the sunroom. He busied himself tending to the plants, while Xie Yuzhan sat at the table, staring at his laptop—

He was likely following up on the investigation progress.

He was more dedicated than Bai Zhi, the person directly involved. Bai Zhi looked at Xie Yuzhan’s figure, finding him pleasing to the eye. CEO Xie had such good posture; it was a delight to look at.

He needed to thank him properly once this was over.

After finishing up in the sunroom, he took a shower to wash away the dampness, transforming back into a fluffy little rabbit. When he came out of the room, Xie Yuzhan had already showered, changed, and was waiting for him on the sofa.

He walked over quickly and sat down beside the other person, asking with a smile, “Judging by your expression, are there results from the investigation?”

Xie Yuzhan rubbed Bai Zhi’s hair. The delicate, soft texture was irresistible.

He rubbed it a few more times before withdrawing his hand and showing Bai Zhi the document on his laptop. “This matter was indeed orchestrated by Bai Enfan.

“Although he used an intermediary to arrange for buyers to leave bad reviews and simultaneously bought trending searches, he left many clues. Such a low-level method of slander is truly beneath contempt.”

Bai Zhi quickly read through the document. It contained a complete chain of evidence, from the intermediary’s abnormal bank transactions to their testimony, and the chat screenshots and testimonies of the customers who left the bad reviews—everything was there.

He looked at Xie Yuzhan. “Very efficient. Although I don’t fully understand it, with this, detention shouldn’t be a problem. However—”

Xie Yuzhan had a guess and prompted, “What are you thinking?”

Bai Zhi stared at the document. “I want to meet Bai Enfan. This time, I have leverage over him. I want him to apologize to me face-to-face, in person.

“If his attitude is acceptable, I don’t mind withdrawing the case. As long as he stops causing trouble in the future, I don’t want to get tangled up with them too much.”

Xie Yuzhan reminded him, “Even if Bai Enfan apologizes under pressure, it certainly won’t be sincere.”

Bai Zhi shrugged. “That doesn’t matter. As long as he apologizes, I don’t care if it’s sincere or forced. Being unwilling but unable to avoid apologizing—that works too.”

Hearing Bai Zhi say this, Xie Yuzhan didn’t try to persuade him further. He added, “I’ll go with you.”

“You’ve already helped me so much. I can go by myself. Don’t worry, I can handle it. It will save you from having to listen to them say unpleasant things.”

Xie Yuzhan sent the document to Bai Zhi, then said, “I believe you can resolve it yourself. I just want to accompany you.”

Bai Zhi frowned in confusion. “You don’t have to… you don’t have to go to such lengths.”

“Just consider it me seeing a good deed through to the end.”

“But…”

Xie Yuzhan closed his laptop and smiled. “I’m very happy to see the Bai family embarrassed, Zhi Zhi. Are you unwilling to grant me this small pleasure?”

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. Just go and watch the show, but don’t stoop to their level. Just make sure you don’t get angry. I’ll message Bai Enfan now.”

“Good.”

A dark glint flashed in Xie Yuzhan’s eyes. The little rabbit was very perceptive and agile, but if things turned unpleasant, two fists couldn’t fight four hands. He didn’t want any accidents, even minor ones.

With the evidence in hand, Bai Enfan had no reason to refuse a meeting. The time was set for half an hour later.

The afternoon tea restaurant for the meeting was chosen by Xie Yuzhan. Bai Zhi had no objections; CEO Xie was more experienced in many aspects, and he was happy to save himself the trouble. When they arrived at the private room, the Bai father and son were already waiting inside.

Bai Zhi had specifically requested that Bai Jishan come along.

The hypocrisy of the father and son was inherited, and the elder clearly cared more about appearances. With his father present, Bai Enfan would likely feel more confident.

Bai Zhi placed the printed documents on the table. The file folder made a sharp sound, like a loud slap.

He got straight to the point. “My dear elder brother, the turmoil in the online shop was your doing. I’ve already reported it to the police. Apologize properly, and once I feel satisfied, I’ll withdraw the case. If you don’t want to talk nicely, then we’ll see each other in court.”

Xie Yuzhan remained silent, though he didn’t forget to order a milk tea and some pastries for Bai Zhi.

Upon hearing this, Bai Enfan’s face flushed red then pale, while Bai Jishan picked up the folder and flipped through it for a while, grinding his teeth, the flesh on his cheeks trembling.

Bai Zhi ate a small cookie shaped like a blade of grass, then took a sip of the milk tea Xie Yuzhan handed him to wet his throat. He urged, “Yu-zhan and I still need to go home for dinner. You two should watch the time.”

Bai Jishan looked at Bai Enfan, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot. “You scoundrel, why are you causing trouble for your younger brother? He’s being generous by giving you a chance to apologize. Hurry up and do it!”

If this matter got out, what would happen to the Bai family’s reputation!

The good reputation and image he had cultivated for years could not be ruined. On the way here, he had just learned that his proud eldest son had deliberately targeted his good-for-nothing, useless younger brother out of jealousy because the online shop was doing so well.

This was an embarrassment to him.

Bai Enfan felt indignant, but on the surface, he tried his best to maintain his usual gentle and humble demeanor. He said, “We had a bit of an unpleasant incident on Mid-Autumn Festival. I listened to the instigation of others and made this mistake. Little brother, please be the bigger person and forgive me this time.

“We are family, after all. There’s no need to take this to court and let others laugh at us.”

Bai Zhi finished another small cookie. Xie Yuzhan held his hand and carefully wiped his fingers. Then, Bai Zhi folded his arms and leaned back in his chair, his tone chillingly cold. “You’re retaliating against me, right? Think whatever you want. What’s done is done, and an apology is due.

“Also, I am family with Yu-zhan now. Don’t claim kinship randomly.”

“You—”

“Shut up!”

Bai Jishan interrupted his eldest son, the veins on his clenched hands jumping. “Wrong is wrong. There’s nothing more to say.”

He thought that once the matter passed, he could smooth things over. They were family, after all; blood was thicker than water. These were just angry words.

Bai Zhi was soft-hearted; a few kind words would be enough to coax him.

Xie Yuzhan looked at Bai Zhi and asked, “Zhi Zhi, are you satisfied with this apology?”

Bai Zhi tilted his head, showing a hint of distance and coldness. “So-so.”

“Very well,” Xie Yuzhan said, looking at the Bai father and son, who had just let out a sigh of relief, with composure and calmness. “A verbal apology is necessary, but actual compensation is even more so. The negative impact on the shop’s operations requires someone to take responsibility.”

Huh?

Bai Zhi looked at the person beside him. Why didn’t he know anything about compensation?

Unlike Bai Zhi’s confusion, the Bai father and son were more surprised—surprised that Xie Yuzhan would bring up compensation, especially for such a small amount of money.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t pay, but talking about money would hurt their relationship.

Bai Jishan deliberated, “CEO Xie, we are family, after all. Since an apology has been made, can we let this matter rest?”

Bai Zhi wouldn’t turn down money, and demanding compensation was reasonable, legal, and fair.

He finished another small cookie and chimed in, “There’s no relationship to hurt.”

Xie Yuzhan’s lips curved slightly. He said, “I made myself very clear at the Bai family residence last time, Chairman Bai. It seems I was too polite to you previously, considering you dared to bully my spouse.”

The words were spoken with a hint of nonchalance, but Bai Jishan shivered at the cold severity in Xie Yuzhan’s eyes. He felt a chill run through him and was momentarily choked up.

It was as if the person sitting opposite him was not the refined, elegant, and courteous Vice President of the Xie Group, but a ruthless, decisive, and ambitious schemer.

He was a superior who was absolutely not to be provoked.

Completely different from his usual image, Bai Jishan suddenly realized something profound. The supposed gentle and good-natured demeanor… perhaps it was just a cover to lull someone into a false sense of security?

The gold-rimmed glasses with the fine chain made Xie Yuzhan look more scholarly, but also increasingly inscrutable, impossible to see through or guess.

He suddenly realized he might know something significant, and a bone-deep coldness washed over him, making it difficult to breathe.

He gritted his back teeth, trying to keep his tone steady. “CEO Xie, aren’t you worried about what I might tell outsiders?”

Bai Zhi could sense the change in Xie Yuzhan’s demeanor and didn’t understand why he wasn’t concealing it. Wasn’t he supposed to maintain a harmless, gentle persona? What was he doing?

Bai Jishan must have realized something to say that.

Xie Yuzhan took Bai Zhi’s hand and squeezed his palm, signaling him not to worry. He said to Bai Jishan, “Such threats are meaningless. Say whatever you want to say.”

Bai Jishan paused, realizing he had no room for negotiation with Xie Yuzhan. The man before him might be young, but his mind was incredibly deep.

Even if he spoke out, would anyone believe him?

Could years of carefully cultivated persona be changed just by a few words from him? Others would only think he was slandering Xie Yuzhan because he hadn’t gotten what he wanted.

Even if Xie Yuzhan remained as the Vice President of the Xie Group, or even if he left the Xie Group later, a person like him could bring immense benefits to the Bai family.

It was far better to befriend him than to antagonize him.

Thinking this, he took a breath and said, “I was just asking. Please don’t take it seriously, CEO Xie.

“This incident was indeed Little Zhi’s elder brother’s fault. We will absolutely compensate whatever is necessary. We just hope this doesn’t cause any bad blood between us; that wouldn’t be worth it.”

Xie Yuzhan was noncommittal. Bad blood? Of course there was, but it wasn’t caused by this incident.

The real rift was already insurmountable before this marriage alliance.

He didn’t say anything more and went straight to the point. “My assistant will send you the specific details of the compensation shortly. How does settling this matter within three days sound, Chairman Bai?”

“No problem, no problem. We will cooperate fully.”

The conversation had reached its conclusion.

Before leaving, Bai Zhi didn’t forget to take the unfinished small cookies. As he walked downstairs side-by-side with Xie Yuzhan, he relaxed and said, “If I had handled this myself, it would have been a bumpy ride and taken a lot of time. Thank you for helping me do all this and minimizing the negative impact.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

Once the details of the slander and framing were clear, the matter was mostly handled. The rest was just clarification and wrapping things up.

Xie Yuzhan glanced at Bai Zhi and suggested, “I actually have a small wish. If Zhi Zhi is willing, how about fulfilling this small wish as a thank you gift?”

Bai Zhi fell silent. A small wish?

A s-m-a-l-l w-i-s-h?

His intuition told him that this small wish was suspicious and shouldn’t be agreed to easily, but how should he put it? Under the current circumstances, Xie Yuzhan had no need to trick him, right?

He had just helped him.

It should be fine.

Xie Yuzhan curved his lips. “I’m very happy to see the Bai family embarrassed, Zhi Zhi. Are you unwilling to grant me this small pleasure?”

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. Just go and watch the show, but don’t stoop to their level. Just make sure you don’t get angry. I’ll message Bai Enfan now.”

“Good.”

A dark glint flashed in Xie Yuzhan’s eyes. The little rabbit was very perceptive and agile, but if things turned unpleasant, two fists couldn’t fight four hands. He didn’t want any accidents, even minor ones.

With the evidence in hand, Bai Enfan had no reason to refuse a meeting. The time was set for half an hour later.

The afternoon tea restaurant for the meeting was chosen by Xie Yuzhan. Bai Zhi had no objections; CEO Xie was more experienced in many aspects, and he was happy to save himself the trouble. When they arrived at the private room, the Bai father and son were already waiting inside.

Bai Zhi had specifically requested that Bai Jishan come along.

The hypocrisy of the father and son was inherited, and the elder clearly cared more about appearances. With his father present, Bai Enfan would likely feel more confident.

Bai Zhi placed the printed documents on the table. The file folder made a sharp sound, like a loud slap.

He got straight to the point. “My dear elder brother, the turmoil in the online shop was your doing. I’ve already reported it to the police. Apologize properly, and once I feel satisfied, I’ll withdraw the case. If you don’t want to talk nicely, then we’ll see each other in court.”

Xie Yuzhan remained silent, though he didn’t forget to order a milk tea and some pastries for Bai Zhi.

Upon hearing this, Bai Enfan’s face flushed red then pale, while Bai Jishan picked up the folder and flipped through it for a while, grinding his teeth, the flesh on his cheeks trembling.

Bai Zhi ate a small cookie shaped like a blade of grass, then took a sip of the milk tea Xie Yuzhan handed him to wet his throat. He urged, “Yu-zhan and I still need to go home for dinner. You two should watch the time.”

Bai Jishan looked at Bai Enfan, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot. “You scoundrel, why are you causing trouble for your younger brother? He’s being generous by giving you a chance to apologize. Hurry up and do it!”

If this matter got out, what would happen to the Bai family’s reputation!

The good reputation and image he had cultivated for years could not be ruined. On the way here, he had just learned that his proud eldest son had deliberately targeted his good-for-nothing, useless younger brother out of jealousy because the online shop was doing so well.

This was an embarrassment to him.

Bai Enfan felt indignant, but on the surface, he tried his best to maintain his usual gentle and humble demeanor. He said, “We had a bit of an unpleasant incident on Mid-Autumn Festival. I listened to the instigation of others and made this mistake. Little brother, please be the bigger person and forgive me this time.

“We are family, after all. There’s no need to take this to court and let others laugh at us.”

Bai Zhi finished another small cookie. Xie Yuzhan held his hand and carefully wiped his fingers. Then, Bai Zhi folded his arms and leaned back in his chair, his tone chillingly cold. “You’re retaliating against me, right? Think whatever you want. What’s done is done, and an apology is due.

“Also, I am family with Yu-zhan now. Don’t claim kinship randomly.”

“You—”

“Shut up!”

Bai Jishan interrupted his eldest son, the veins on his clenched hands jumping. “Wrong is wrong. There’s nothing more to say.”

He thought that once the matter passed, he could smooth things over. They were family, after all; blood was thicker than water. These were just angry words.

Bai Zhi was soft-hearted; a few kind words would be enough to coax him.

Xie Yuzhan looked at Bai Zhi and asked, “Zhi Zhi, are you satisfied with this apology?”

Bai Zhi tilted his head, showing a hint of distance and coldness. “So-so.”

“Very well,” Xie Yuzhan said, looking at the Bai father and son, who had just let out a sigh of relief, with composure and calmness. “A verbal apology is necessary, but actual compensation is even more so. The negative impact on the shop’s operations requires someone to take responsibility.”

Huh?

Bai Zhi looked at the person beside him. Why didn’t he know anything about compensation?

Unlike Bai Zhi’s confusion, the Bai father and son were more surprised—surprised that Xie Yuzhan would bring up compensation, especially for such a small amount of money.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t pay, but talking about money would hurt their relationship.

Bai Jishan deliberated, “CEO Xie, we are family, after all. Since an apology has been made, can we let this matter rest?”

Bai Zhi wouldn’t turn down money, and demanding compensation was reasonable, legal, and fair.

He finished another small cookie and chimed in, “There’s no relationship to hurt.”

Xie Yuzhan’s lips curved slightly. He said, “I made myself very clear at the Bai family residence last time, Chairman Bai. It seems I was too polite to you previously, considering you dared to bully my spouse.”

The words were spoken with a hint of nonchalance, but Bai Jishan shivered at the cold severity in Xie Yuzhan’s eyes. He felt a chill run through him and was momentarily choked up.

It was as if the person sitting opposite him was not the refined, elegant, and courteous Vice President of the Xie Group, but a ruthless, decisive, and ambitious schemer.

He was a superior who was absolutely not to be provoked.

Completely different from his usual image, Bai Jishan suddenly realized something profound. The supposed gentle and good-natured demeanor… perhaps it was just a cover to lull someone into a false sense of security?

The gold-rimmed glasses with the fine chain made Xie Yuzhan look more scholarly, but also increasingly inscrutable, impossible to see through or guess.

He suddenly realized he might know something significant, and a bone-deep coldness washed over him, making it difficult to breathe.

He gritted his back teeth, trying to keep his tone steady. “CEO Xie, aren’t you worried about what I might tell outsiders?”

Bai Zhi could sense the change in Xie Yuzhan’s demeanor and didn’t understand why he wasn’t concealing it. Wasn’t he supposed to maintain a harmless, gentle persona? What was he doing?

Bai Jishan must have realized something to say that.

Xie Yuzhan took Bai Zhi’s hand and squeezed his palm, signaling him not to worry. He said to Bai Jishan, “Such threats are meaningless. Say whatever you want to say.”

Bai Jishan paused, realizing he had no room for negotiation with Xie Yuzhan. The man before him might be young, but his mind was incredibly deep.

Even if he spoke out, would anyone believe him?

Could years of carefully cultivated persona be changed just by a few words from him? Others would only think he was slandering Xie Yuzhan because he hadn’t gotten what he wanted.

Even if Xie Yuzhan remained as the Vice President of the Xie Group, or even if he left the Xie Group later, a person like him could bring immense benefits to the Bai family.

It was far better to befriend him than to antagonize him.

Thinking this, he took a breath and said, “I was just asking. Please don’t take it seriously, CEO Xie.

“This incident was indeed Little Zhi’s elder brother’s fault. We will absolutely compensate whatever is necessary. We just hope this doesn’t cause any bad blood between us; that wouldn’t be worth it.”

Xie Yuzhan was noncommittal. Bad blood? Of course there was, but it wasn’t caused by this incident.

The real rift was already insurmountable before this marriage alliance.

He didn’t say anything more and went straight to the point. “My assistant will send you the specific details of the compensation shortly. How does settling this matter within three days sound, Chairman Bai?”

“No problem, no problem. We will cooperate fully.”

The conversation had reached its conclusion.

Before leaving, Bai Zhi didn’t forget to take the unfinished small cookies. As he walked downstairs side-by-side with Xie Yuzhan, he relaxed and said, “If I had handled this myself, it would have been a bumpy ride and taken a lot of time. Thank you for helping me do all this and minimizing the negative impact.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

Once the details of the slander and framing were clear, the matter was mostly handled. The rest was just clarification and wrapping things up.

Xie Yuzhan glanced at Bai Zhi and suggested, “I actually have a small wish. If Zhi Zhi is willing, how about fulfilling this small wish as a thank you gift?”

Bai Zhi fell silent. A small wish?

A s-m-a-l-l w-i-s-h?

His intuition told him that this small wish was suspicious and shouldn’t be agreed to easily, but how should he put it? Under the current circumstances, Xie Yuzhan had no need to trick him, right?

He had just helped him.

It should be fine.