Cat O, But Traveling Into The Normal World Chapter 8
byAssistant Wan sat in the front passenger seat, refreshed, regrouped, and restored to his usual elite state.
He had just started a brief, rapid report on work when Jiang Xunzhou interrupted him.
“We’ll talk about it later.”
The man’s low voice made Assistant Wan swallow the words he was about to say.
Assistant Wan bravely glanced into the rearview mirror.
The young man was still nestled in Jiang Xunzhou’s arms, sleeping against his chest, the changing light and shadow sweeping across his cheek.
His thick black lashes drooped like butterfly wings. He looked well, his cheeks flushed, his beautiful eyes showing a hint of satiation, and his lips bore faint teeth marks. His pale, slender fingers were slightly curled, gently clutching Jiang Xunzhou’s shirt over his chest.
The commotion at the door just now hadn’t managed to wake Yu You from his slumber, which showed how soundly he was sleeping.
Jiang Xunzhou suddenly lifted his gaze.
Assistant Wan’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly withdrew his eyes, sitting motionless and looking straight ahead.
Yu You’s original apartment address had been exposed, so they couldn’t go back. The car drove directly into Jiang Xunzhou’s usual villa complex, where security was so strict that not even flies or mosquitoes could get in, let alone the media.
As they neared the destination, Yu You’s long lashes fluttered, and his consciousness slowly returned.
The physical memory of three days and three nights of intense intimacy still affected him. Before he was fully awake, he instinctively tilted his head, his upturned nose nearing Jiang Xunzhou’s neck, sniffing lightly like a small animal.
But he only smelled the scent of shower gel and the faint Iris Flower fragrance he had left on him, not the vetiver scent he had initially smelled.
He shifted around in Jiang Xunzhou’s arms, and Jiang Xunzhou naturally felt it.
Jiang Xunzhou, who had been feigning sleep, opened his eyes. Thinking the young man in his arms still wanted more, he covered Yu You’s fluffy head with his large hand, a hint of helplessness in his voice as he coaxed him, “Not now. I’ll give it to you when we get back.”
Assistant Wan in the front row felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, pretending he hadn’t heard anything, secretly cursing himself for not riding in the same car as Shi Sanlin.
Yu You froze, then lifted his head and clearly saw Jiang Xunzhou before him.
The man’s face was handsome and profound, with a faint shadow under his eyes, and his expression carried a hint of fatigue as he looked down at him.
The tide of the Heat Period receded, and rationality quietly returned.
Yu You snapped wide awake.
The Jiang Xunzhou before him was not his destined Alpha with the vetiver scent; he was just an ordinary person in this world, and his boss.
The kind who would blacklist artists under his management!
But for the past three days, he had been sitting on his boss, acting bossy, and relentlessly clinging to him…
Yu You instinctively leaned back, nearly falling out of Jiang Xunzhou’s arms.
Before Jiang Xunzhou could reach out and catch him, the young man had frantically retreated to the other side of the seat, his back pressed tight against the window, maximizing the distance. He quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, CEO Jiang!”
Jiang Xunzhou frowned.
Having grown accustomed to Yu You calling him “husband” sweetly and softly, kissing him, and clinging to him for the past three days, hearing the proper address “CEO Jiang” now felt strangely jarring.
Jiang Xunzhou asked, “Has the effect of the drug worn off?”
Yu You suddenly understood. Jiang Xunzhou thought he had also been drugged, which was why he had clung to him and kept them busy for three whole days.
He mumbled an ambiguous sound, looked at the unfamiliar scenery outside the car window, and asked awkwardly, “CEO Jiang, where are we going?”
Jiang Xunzhou withdrew the hand that was suspended in mid-air and said, “To my house. What happened at the hotel was photographed. We need to discuss how to handle it.”
Yu You was stunned. “Huh?”
The car stopped smoothly in front of the two-story villa.
Assistant Wan in the front row spoke up at the right moment, “CEO Jiang, Mr. Yu, we have arrived.”
The driver came over and opened the door, and Jiang Xunzhou stepped out first.
Yu You, wearing a shirt and trousers, sat with his knees together, his expression still somewhat bewildered, as if he couldn’t grasp the current situation.
Jiang Xunzhou looked up. “Do you want me to carry you down?”
“N-no, I wouldn’t dare.”
Yu You snapped back to reality and quickly got out of the car. The moment his feet touched the ground, his legs felt like they were stepping on soft clouds, and his entire body lost control, causing him to stumble forward.
Jiang Xunzhou was only a step away. He extended his arm and caught him precisely, as if he had anticipated it.
The young man hadn’t left the bed for three days and three nights—or, more accurately, hadn’t left his body. Even during meals, he had to sit on his lap to be fed, often moving around and being restless.
It would be strange if he could adapt immediately to standing on the ground.
Jiang Xunzhou wrapped one arm under Yu You’s knees and lifted him up.
Yu You looked embarrassed, pursed his lips, and whispered, “Thank you, CEO Jiang.”
Jiang Xunzhou lowered his gaze, letting his eyes linger briefly on the young man’s flushed lips. He said nothing and carried him inside.
A team of family doctors with equipment was already waiting in the villa living room. Seeing Jiang Xunzhou carry the person in, they greeted him, “Hello, CEO Jiang.”
“Check him first.”
Jiang Xunzhou placed Yu You on the sofa and said, “I don’t know what drug he was given. It’s best to draw blood and check if there’s any harm to his body.”
Several doctors gathered around Yu You on the sofa. Jiang Xunzhou walked a few steps to the side and glanced at Assistant Wan.
Assistant Wan understood and stepped forward, reporting the events of the past few days in a low voice.
“The corridor surveillance footage related to Fang You has been recovered and is awaiting your instructions, CEO Jiang. We still have no leads on how Mr. Yu was drugged. Chairman Qiu has called to ask about you several times, and Old Master Jiang also sent someone over…”
Other matters were manageable, but alarming Old Master Jiang was the most troublesome.
Assistant Wan knew about the internal struggles within the Jianghe Group recently, and his expression couldn’t help but show some concern.
Just as they were speaking, the doorbell rang outside. The bodyguard opened the door, and Shi Shuang led Shi Sanlin inside.
Shi Shuang’s original intention was to have Shi Sanlin quickly apologize to Jiang Xunzhou for failing to supervise his young artist. However, the moment he entered, Shi Sanlin forgot everything and rushed straight to Yu You on the sofa.
“Xiao Yu! Are you alright?…”
Shi Shuang had no choice but to appeal to Jiang Xunzhou, hoping he would give face to the Ace Agent of Star Sky Entertainment and not pursue Shi Sanlin’s mistake. She braced herself and approached Jiang Xunzhou to apologize.
Jiang Xunzhou’s gaze was fixed in the distance.
Yu You sat on the sofa, hands on his knees, waiting for the doctor to examine him. He looked up at Shi Sanlin and smiled sweetly.
Jiang Xunzhou calmly withdrew his gaze. “Since the trending topic can’t be suppressed, then don’t suppress it.”
Shi Shuang was stunned, suddenly realizing something, and felt a wave of dizziness.
No way? Did her foolish younger brother actually bet on the right person?
Jiang Xunzhou said lightly, “The surveillance footage related to Fang You doesn’t need to be released. Just notify everyone that he won’t receive any commercial activities, and the dramas he was slated for can be dropped—I don’t want to hear that person’s name again.”
Shi Shuang tentatively asked, “What about the direction the PR department should take regarding Yu You…”
Jiang Xunzhou’s gaze cut through the crowd and landed on Yu You again.
“It depends on his decision.”
The family doctors first examined Yu You, finding no trace of drugs and confirming he was fine. They then turned to examine Jiang Xunzhou. When they saw the resulting metrics, their expressions were strange, and they hesitated, seemingly struggling with how to speak.
Jiang Xunzhou frowned and said, “Just say whatever it is.”
“It’s… it’s nothing major,” the family doctor carefully phrased. “It’s just that, CEO Jiang, you are a bit weak. You should try to recuperate with dietary therapy recently.”
Jiang Xunzhou rubbed his forehead and asked, “Why is Yu You completely fine?”
The family doctor explained tactfully, “As the saying goes, there are no fields that can’t be cultivated, only oxen that are overworked. Even if you are young, you need to pay attention to your methods and practice moderation…”
Jiang Xunzhou got a headache listening to this and waved his hand to stop them.
Moderation? It was only because they had both been drugged; it wasn’t like this happened every few days.
Once the team of family doctors left, and Shi Shuang also departed, the house became much quieter.
Shi Sanlin stood nervously nearby. “CEO Jiang, then I’ll take Xiao Yu back now…”
“Go back where?” Jiang Xunzhou said. “You want to leave before we finish talking?”
Yu You had just retrieved his phone and learned that Jiang Xunzhou’s previously good reputation had been completely ruined by their scandalous rumors over the past few days.
He felt nervous. Looking at Jiang Xunzhou, he said seriously, “CEO Jiang, I know what I say now might not be credible. But I promise, give me two years, and I can become famous and create value far beyond your imagination. I can take any role, and I am willing to sign a performance-based contract with Star Sky Entertainment.”
Jiang Xunzhou said, “A performance-based contract requires initial capital. If you can’t prove your own value, you can’t secure capital. Which company would be willing to sign a performance-based contract with you?”
Yu You wanted to argue but held back, pursing his lips, looking like he was sulking.
Jiang Xunzhou’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he inappropriately recalled some details.
In the hotel room, if he was too slow or didn’t satisfy him, the young man would get angry, scratch his back, and whine pitifully, “Can you even do it? If not, I’ll find someone else!…”
That would infuriate him, stripping away all his rationality, making him as rough as possible. But if he was too rough, it would anger the young man, who would bite and scratch his neck.
Too gentle was unacceptable, too rough was unacceptable, too slow would lead to anger, and too fast was also unsatisfactory. These few days had worn him out.
He had been so demanding and bossy back then, but now he had learned to suppress his temper and pretend to be obedient?
Assistant Wan walked back and said, “CEO Jiang, the legal team has drafted the contract. I have printed two copies and placed them on your Study Room desk.”
Jiang Xunzhou nodded and looked at Yu You again. “Come to the Study Room.”
Yu You hesitantly stood up and instinctively cast a pleading look at Shi Sanlin.
Shi Sanlin was about to follow with a smile, but Assistant Wan blocked him, politely saying, “Mr. Shi, the following is a private discussion between CEO Jiang and Mr. Yu.”
This meant Shi Sanlin was not allowed to participate.
Yu You had recovered significantly after sitting for a while. He had no choice but to follow Jiang Xunzhou into the Study Room alone, feeling uneasy.
The Study Room was spacious, with minimalist Nordic decor, dominated by black, white, and gray, exuding a cold atmosphere.
“Close the door.”
Jiang Xunzhou instructed flatly. The expression on his face had returned to the indifferent and severe look Yu You first saw, his demeanor carrying the natural arrogance of a superior.
Yu You closed the Study Room door and slowly walked to the chair opposite the desk to sit down.
The moment his bottom touched the chair, the young man frowned and subtly adjusted his posture.
Yu You asked, “CEO Jiang, is there something you want to discuss with me?”
Jiang Xunzhou pushed a document toward Yu You. “I want to make a deal with you.”
Yu You grew curious. He lowered his head, and after reading the contents of the contract, he was slightly stunned. “Pretending to be… partners?”
“Yes.”
Jiang Xunzhou nodded. “You’ve probably heard of the ancestral rules passed down in the Jiang family: ‘A family that practices kindness will surely prosper, and harmony is the foundation for longevity.’ This is also where the name Jianghe Group comes from. The Old Master believes in the family rules and values kindness and harmony the most, believing that only a harmonious family relationship will lead to the prosperity of the entire clan.”
Yu You was blank.
No, he hadn’t heard that.
And what did this have to do with him?
Jiang Xunzhou continued, “I grew up by the Old Master’s side, and he doted on me the most. He once publicly stated that if I ever got married, he would transfer an additional two percent of the shares to my legal partner.”
Two percent of the shares alone represented a substantial annual dividend, enough to live comfortably for life.
This was why, in the past two years, despite knowing the potential consequence of failure was being blacklisted, Minor Celebrities kept trying to climb into his bed, attempting to marry into wealth.
If there was any hint of a scandal, the public would flock to watch the drama, tirelessly discussing his future partner, just like the trending topics these past two days.
Yu You was even more confused. “But what does your partner have to do with me?”
Weren’t they just a one-night stand?
Or rather, a three-day-and-three-night stand.
“Originally, nothing, but now I need a partner, even a fake one.”
Jiang Xunzhou’s fingers were long as he lightly tapped the desk, his tone controlled and calm.
“The Old Master founded the Jianghe Group and controls the most crucial shares. His health is declining now. He transferred most of his shares two years ago, keeping only a small portion.”
“My father, my brother, and I each hold a portion, originally forming the majority management stake. But the Jianghe Group has undergone several reshuffles. My two uncles acquired nearly equal shares through various means. They both want to take the position of the head of the company, which means where the Old Master’s last bit of shares goes is critically important.”
Jiang Xunzhou didn’t originally care about the shares or have any interest in the internal power struggle, but in recent years, his two uncles have been relentlessly pressuring his father and brother, even attempting assassination several times in secret. He had no choice but to start considering his next move.
His two uncles had also considered this issue, and many of the Minor Celebrities who tried to climb into his bed were sent by their side.
Old Master Jiang is an upright man who despises those who mess around in their private lives. They were trying to gather evidence in this regard to make Old Master Jiang completely disappointed in Jiang Xunzhou and withdraw his previous promise.
Yu You felt a little lost. “Then why choose me?”
Jiang Xunzhou’s finger tapping the desk paused.
He lifted his eyes and scoffed. “What other reason could there be? Your name and mine are currently all over the trending topics. I checked your background; you weren’t sent by other forces, and you’re clean—all things considered, you are suitable.”
So that was it.
Yu You nodded in sudden realization.
For some reason, seeing his reaction, Jiang Xunzhou felt a sudden blockage in his chest, an inexplicable sense of suffocation.
“You can look at the contract. Aside from the share exclusion agreement, there are other compensation clauses for you.”
Jiang Xunzhou looked down, speaking in a cold, businesslike tone. “If you want any other compensation, feel free to propose it. The legal team is on standby to make revisions.”
“Of course, you are also free to refuse me.”
Yu You flipped through the thick contract in his hand, studying it carefully.
The agreement term was two years.
The beginning mentioned the rights and obligations of the two parties during the period of their fake partnership, including attending family dinners to see Old Master Jiang and so on.
The middle section covered confidentiality requirements, and the end listed a stack of compensation plans.
An S-Class Artist contract with Star Sky Entertainment, a change to an established Ace Agent, tailor-made drama resources, several properties in the city center…
There were still several pages after that.
Yu You didn’t continue reading. He gently closed the document and looked at Jiang Xunzhou across the desk.
Jiang Xunzhou’s heart skipped a beat. He asked, “Are you going to refuse me?”
“No.” Yu You shook his head, pushing the document back to Jiang Xunzhou. “I can sign this contract, but I don’t want money, nor do I want to change agents or get an S-Class Artist contract—these are not what I want.”
Jiang Xunzhou frowned, puzzled. “Then what do you want?”
Yu You found it a little hard to say. His cheeks slowly flushed. He glanced at Jiang Xunzhou and said, “I want you… to accompany me.”
Jiang Xunzhou’s mind went blank.
What did he just hear?
Yu You’s long lashes fluttered like small fans. His gaze was slightly evasive, showing great embarrassment.
The young man said very softly, “When I need you, I want you to accompany me, just like the past few days.”
Yu You had thought it through.
An Omega’s Heat Period comes every two or three months, and he needed someone to help him through that time of intense heat.
Through the discussions on the trending topics, Yu You understood that there were very few men in this world who could do this.
By that measure, Jiang Xunzhou was qualified and could just about be used to temporarily resolve his Heat Period needs.
Yu You had made up his mind. His clear eyes lifted, carrying a hint of timid pleading. “Can you? Please.”
“How could you?—”
Jiang Xunzhou’s ears turned completely red. He glared at him fiercely, seemingly angry and embarrassed, gritting his teeth. “I knew it!…”
But the suffocating feeling that had been blocking his chest since the drive home miraculously vanished, replaced by a light, ballooning sense of proud pleasure.
He knew it.
The way he had avoided him and drawn a clear line after waking up was all fake. In reality, given a chance, his true intentions couldn’t be hidden; he just wanted more intimate contact with him.
He was willing to sign this contract not for the money, but for him.
He had truly underestimated this Minor Celebrity.
He looked innocent, but in reality, he was playing the long game.
Seeing Jiang Xunzhou’s delayed response, Yu You asked anxiously, “Is it not possible?”
If not, he would have to find someone else.
“It is possible.”
Jiang Xunzhou snorted lightly, interlaced his hands under his chin, and tilted his head slightly, warning him arrogantly, “But let me make one thing clear: even if I agree to this, I will not respond to any other intentions you might have. Give up.”
Even if he could have his body, he would never have his heart.
“Oh…”
Yu You nodded, confused.
What other intentions? Give up, give up what?
He didn’t even know himself.