Rat, Rabbit, And Rabbit Transformed Into Humans And Married Their Natural Enemies. Chapter 59

Bai Zhi’s gaze was fixed intently on Xie Yuzhan, carefully trying to discern the other man’s expression. But no matter how he looked, Mr. Wolf seemed very composed, not much different from usual.

Yet, his intuition was rarely wrong.

Should he just be direct?

He shook their clasped hands, his eyes curving into smiles, and asked slowly, drawing out his words, “If I don’t give you kisses, will Brother Yuzhan not sleep with Zhi Zhi?”

Yes, that’s right, he was mimicking baby talk.

Speaking like he was talking to a child, with a softer tone and using reduplicated words—the goal was to sound more intimate and relaxed.

Xie Yuzhan’s eyes flickered slightly, and he reminded him, “Zhi Zhi, speak properly.”

Bai Zhi blinked innocently and purely, continuing, “Alright, alright, I’ll give you kisses, I’ll give you two, okay? Brother Yuzhan, be good, come here for a kiss—”

Their eyes met. Xie Yuzhan used his other hand to vigorously rub Bai Zhi’s hair. In that short time, the strands had already been warmed by the sun, making them very pleasant to touch.

He sighed slightly. Fine, Bai Zhi was adorable even when acting like this.

It was a side no one else got to see.

As Xie Yuzhan leaned closer, Bai Zhi kissed his left cheek, then his right cheek, before pulling him down to sit beside him.

He placed one hand on Xie Yuzhan’s leg, leaned in, and looked into the eyes that held a warm glow in the sunlight, asking, “Were you flirting with me just now when you asked for a kiss?”

Xie Yuzhan’s breathing hitched, and he retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I’m the kind of person who would do that?”

Bai Zhi nodded solemnly, saying earnestly, “You don’t look like it, but everyone has many facets. Maybe I’m just lucky enough to see a side of you that you rarely show.”

That side, which side?

The side that flirts? Xie Yuzhan didn’t think so, so there was no need to argue about whether to admit it or not.

Did he flirt?

The answer was clearly no.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, pinched Bai Zhi’s cheek, and said, “What are you thinking with that little head of yours? Your jokes aren’t even hitting the mark. I was learning from Zhi Zhi how to be direct.”

Bai Zhi allowed Xie Yuzhan to rub and pinch him. It didn’t matter if the other man didn’t admit it; he got the message, and he was very susceptible to this approach. Being tough with him wouldn’t work.

His voice was muffled, and he whispered, “No matter what, the effect of what you said and did was great. Whether it’s being direct or flirting, you can do it more often~~”

Xie Yuzhan finished rubbing and let go, looking at Bai Zhi’s slightly flushed cheeks, which looked like white jade stained with a touch of rouge—even more beautiful.

But what needed to be emphasized still had to be emphasized.

He reiterated, “I said it wasn’t flirting. If anyone else heard you, it would be a huge misunderstanding. What about my reputation and image?”

Bai Zhi thought for a moment and changed his perspective, saying, “I think people who flirt are very cute. That’s a good trait.”

“…Zhi Zhi.”

“Fine, fine, I won’t say it anymore.”

Bai Zhi drew out his words, his eyes curved in a smile, and he changed the subject, asking, “How about a nap? The sun is so nice; it’s perfect for stretching out and getting warm.”

He then added, “Just keep me company. I’m used to taking naps, and if I don’t, I’ll definitely be sluggish this afternoon. I still have to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma, and I don’t want to be listless then.”

Xie Yuzhan watched Bai Zhi, who was bathed in sunlight. How should he put it? Although he didn’t have the habit of napping and didn’t particularly like the sun, at this moment, he was willing to indulge.

What couldn’t he give to the person he held dear? It was just a nap.

He took off his glasses and placed them on the side table, saying, “Then let’s sleep for a bit. Shall we go to the bed?”

Bai Zhi pursed his lips slightly, realizing Xie Yuzhan had ignored the second half of his sentence. He shifted over to make space, patted his own leg, and motioned for the other man to lie down, saying, “Right here.”

The length of this sofa was just right for one person to lie down.

Xie Yuzhan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he quickly understood what Bai Zhi meant.

Such a thoughtful little rabbit.

How could he bear to refuse?

After lying down, his ankle rested perfectly on the armrest at the other end. When he met the gaze of Bai Zhi, who was looking down at him, he gently pinched the tip of his nose, his voice carrying a rare, weary laugh, “Were you planning on making me take a nap from the start? That’s unusual. Zhi Zhi is learning to be subtle.”

Bai Zhi hummed twice, not denying it.

This was a case of being influenced by one’s company, wasn’t it?

He adjusted his posture slightly so both of them would be more comfortable, and said, “You’re busy, but you know what you’re doing. I won’t lecture you, but you can at least take a break when you have a moment, right? This weather is perfect for a nap, to sleep until you’re all warm and cozy.”

Xie Yuzhan looked at the person before him, his mind peaceful and calm.

He took Bai Zhi’s hand and squeezed it. After letting go, he closed his eyes. “Alright, let’s sleep. Good afternoon, Zhi Zhi.”

Bai Zhi acknowledged him and stared blankly at Xie Yuzhan’s face. Those phoenix eyes, that nose bridge, that cupid’s bow—the curves were all just right. He could look at them forever without getting bored; they were simply pleasing to the eye, simply handsome.

When he realized he had been staring for a long time, he touched the corner of his mouth. Well, it was clearly curved upwards.

Happiness was that simple. The person he liked had been tired for days, and being able to rest in front of him for a while made him happy. He didn’t need anything else.

This feeling was certainly unfamiliar, but not unpleasant; rather, it brought a sense of joy.

Humans said love was one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Having experienced it firsthand, he strongly agreed. The wise do not fall into the river of love, but the truly wise, even if they enter this river, can wade across and successfully reach the shore.

Having experienced it is enough; there’s no need to be entangled or sink into it.

And he was not a wise man. He couldn’t wade across this river of love, so being able to stand on the bank and splash the water was more than sufficient.

Xie Yuzhan hadn’t expected to actually fall asleep.

It was a very peaceful, dreamless, and rare good rest. When he opened his eyes, he saw Bai Zhi’s hand, with a faint red glow between the fingers.

It was shielding his eyes from the light.

He paused, took the hand, and pulled it down to rest on his chest. Then he saw the person leaning against the sofa, staring at him. Their eyes met, and his voice was slightly hoarse as he asked, “You didn’t sleep at all?”

Bai Zhi shook his head. Warmed by the sun, he felt lazy and his thoughts were somewhat sluggish.

He stretched, played with Xie Yuzhan’s hair a few times, and smiled, “I don’t get many chances to watch you sleep, and I wasn’t tired anyway.”

Hearing this, Xie Yuzhan’s chest felt warm and melted.

The sunlight was warm and bright, but the warmth of the human heart far surpassed the sun.

He gazed steadily at Bai Zhi. After his parents left, he only found the sun glaring. No matter how good the weather was, it couldn’t dispel the gloom in his eyes and heart, and he couldn’t feel the sun’s warmth at all. Even standing in the bright sun, he only felt cold all over, a chill deep into his bones.

But now?

It was exactly as Bai Zhi had said—he had slept until he was all warm and cozy.

The sun was indeed very warm, and getting warm and taking a nap was extremely pleasant. These were all changes brought to him by the person in front of him. If he hadn’t been sure how to start a new life after his parents’ matter was resolved—after all, he had only lived for that goal since he was twelve.

Then now he knew.

His future life was already taking shape before his eyes.

When he got up from Bai Zhi’s lap, he felt a lingering reluctance. He could get used to naps like this; truly, he could take one every day.

It didn’t take twenty-one days to form a habit at all.

He sat up, stroked Bai Zhi’s cheek, and leaned in to touch foreheads. The scent of warm sunshine filled his nostrils. He asked softly, “Do you want to rest a little longer? I have work to do this afternoon. We’ll go home together after dinner.”

Bai Zhi replied with a nasal sound, “Okay~ I’ll spend time with Grandpa and Grandma.”

After the nap, Xie Yuzhan went to the study, calling his grandfather in to inform him of his recent plans.

It was essentially the final stretch.

Bai Zhi, meanwhile, had afternoon tea with the elders. Luo Shuyue was gentle and amiable, with insightful conversation. Deng Bo, who joined them halfway, might not have had the best temper, but he was kind to Bai Zhi and spoke eloquently about flowers, birds, fish, and insects.

Perhaps because the elders had more life experience, Bai Zhi felt very grounded and comfortable in their company.

The only thing was that they couldn’t go home that night. At the enthusiastic insistence of the two elders, they ended up staying over. The elders didn’t know they slept in separate rooms, so—

Not only would they share a room, but they would also share a bed.

He calmly looked at the only bed in the room. It was nothing; it wasn’t like they hadn’t slept together before… ahem.

He crossed his arms and looked at the person beside him, forcing a calm wink and asking with a smile, “Perhaps you’d be willing to lend me a pair of pajamas?”

Xie Yuzhan curved his lips, “Of course.”

He chose a navy blue bathrobe. The moment Bai Zhi emerged from the shower, he knew his choice was correct. The color was perfect.

The dark fabric made the already fair-skinned person look like he was glowing.

Navy blue and cool white—the combination was devastatingly beautiful.

Moreover, his clothes were a bit large on Bai Zhi, making the other man’s figure appear even more slender, especially the thin waist accentuated by the sash. It looked like it would fit perfectly in his embrace.

Most importantly, Bai Zhi was wearing his clothes, wrapped up in his garments. This fostered a secret sense of satisfaction in his heart, as if this person, in this moment, belonged entirely to him.

How was this not another form of possession?

It would be even better if the other person could be permeated with his scent, inside and out.

He walked over slowly, put his arm around Bai Zhi’s waist, pulled him into a hug, and then chuckled softly, “I’m going to wash up. Feel free to look around the room.”

Bai Zhi leaned lazily in Xie Yuzhan’s arms. Hearing this, he tilted his head and confirmed, “You’re not worried I’ll find something scandalous?”

“If you can find it.”

“Alright then.”

Watching Xie Yuzhan enter the bathroom, Bai Zhi wandered around the room, touching things here and looking there, like he was on a treasure hunt.

This room had a very lived-in feel and contained Xie Yuzhan’s childhood. Many things here wouldn’t exist in the villa they currently shared.

For example, airplane models, LEGOs, and many children’s books.

It was a colorful childhood.

He finished his tour and was about to get into bed when his gaze caught a cabinet in the corner. A sudden inspiration struck him. He walked over and pulled open a drawer. Inside were neatly arranged, thick albums with numbered labels.

He pulled one out and saw they were all photo albums, the numbers indicating the years.

He sat down on the carpet, a hint of carefulness in his expression. This was Xie Yuzhan’s past, a part he hadn’t had the chance to touch, and he wanted to see it.

Starting from birth, he flipped through the photos, album by album, as if he were accompanying the other man through the first twelve years of his life.

Yes, that’s right, there were only twelve albums, stopping at Xie Yuzhan’s twelfth birthday.

He was engrossed until the other man sat down beside him. He suddenly snapped out of it, turning to Xie Yuzhan and saying dazedly, “Your father and mother must have loved you very much, very much.”

These photo albums were the proof.

From toddling steps and baby talk to carrying a small backpack to kindergarten and primary school; from spring camping and picnics, summer boating and amusement parks, autumn outings and mountain climbing, to winter snow trekking and ice skating…

Xie Yuzhan’s parents were never absent.

Despite their busy careers, they had done their utmost to accompany their child’s growth.

Xie Yuzhan looked at Bai Zhi’s bright eyes, wiped away the dampness at the corner of his eye, and then his gaze fell on the open photo album in Bai Zhi’s hand. The picture was taken when he was twelve—

It was his last family portrait.

If it were in the past, he would have immediately closed the album, refusing to recall or discuss anything related to it. But now, his finger brushed over the faces of his parents in the photo, his expression peaceful. He said, “Twelve years, both long and short. Sometimes I think they never left.

“And sometimes it feels like they’ve been gone for a very long time.”

To be honest, Bai Zhi couldn’t fully empathize with that emotion. He had never lost someone important, so it was hard to understand what it felt like for something to be both near and far.

Was it remembering certain past events and the people involved very clearly, but in reality, things had changed irrevocably?

Perhaps…

But no matter what, he could sense Xie Yuzhan’s melancholy and nostalgia.

He tilted his head slightly, blinked, and said, “I’m very grateful that they brought you into this world and raised you so well. Twelve years old isn’t young; some personality traits should have been set.

“You had a very, very good childhood.”

A person’s character could be seen in childhood. Even after a major upheaval, the current Xie Yuzhan was still a very good person. In a way, the lives of his parents continued through their child.

Xie Yuzhan was silent for a moment. His childhood was indeed radiant, but it had been covered in dust for too long, almost forgotten.

After all, it hadn’t been recalled for a very, very long time.

Sitting on the carpet, which was against his image and habit, he chatted with Bai Zhi about many things, wiping away the dust of those years. Everything was as clear as yesterday.

All this time, he had only remembered the need for revenge, forgetting that he shared so many warm and bright memories with his parents. Hatred needed to be resolved, but life also had to move forward, carrying beautiful memories and expectations.

Finally, he chuckled softly, saying, “When they were around, we created many beautiful memories. That was my fortune. However, my childhood ended when I was twelve.

“After they left, I was no longer a child.”

Bai Zhi understood this clearly. He closed the album and turned to give Xie Yuzhan a hug. “Growing up can happen in an instant. It’s okay, it’s okay. Fortunately, things will have a resolution soon.”

Xie Yuzhan leaned his head on Bai Zhi’s shoulder, a gentle smile appearing in his eyes.

He sighed softly. The person in his arms had a small frame and a slender build, seemingly unable to withstand much hardship, yet holding him made Xie Yuzhan feel very secure.

Resilient and strong.

He straightened up, cupped Bai Zhi’s cheeks, and praised him earnestly, “Baby, you have a magnificent and broad soul, as vibrant and bright as a rainbow.”

Huh?

Bai Zhi was a little confused, not immediately grasping Mr. Wolf’s train of thought. Why the sudden comment?

But, but!

That serious expression and tone made him laugh immediately. “That’s a good metaphor! I also think I’m a little rabbit with a rainbow living in my heart! Life is supposed to be colorful~

“But don’t call me baby. I’m an adult.”

Xie Yuzhan rubbed Bai Zhi’s cheeks, only letting go when he was satisfied, and explained seriously, “Calling you baby has nothing to do with age. It’s a term of endearment.”

“You didn’t let my fans call me that before, but now you’re calling me that yourself?”

“Yes, they can’t. Only I can.”

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but smile. He gave a small huff and poked Xie Yuzhan’s chest. “Alright then, seeing as Brother Yuzhan has so frankly admitted his double standards, I permit you to call me that.”

Xie Yuzhan absolutely loved Bai Zhi’s slightly arrogant expression. The spirited little rabbit was very endearing.

He pulled the person into his arms. “Thank you for your permission, Zhi Zhi. But I have one more question.”

Bai Zhi relaxed in Xie Yuzhan’s embrace, lazily narrowing his eyes. His guard was at its lowest. He answered casually, “What is it?”

Xie Yuzhan gently stroked Bai Zhi’s back and asked, “How did you spend those years in the Bai family? Will you tell me about your past? Especially your childhood.

“I want to know.”

Bai Zhi’s ears immediately perked up. His past in the Bai family? Especially his childhood?

He didn’t have a past in the Bai family!

As a pika born and raised on the great plains, what childhood did he have to talk about? He wouldn’t even know where to start making up a story!