Rat, Rabbit, And Rabbit Transformed Into Humans And Married Their Natural Enemies. Chapter 67

Chapter 67

The summer night was deep, and inside the bedroom, a silent current of intimacy and romance flowed.

Bai Zhi nervously gripped the bedsheet, softening his breath, and slowly, slowly leaned in. He gave Xie Yuzhan’s lips a quick peck, then stood up and left without looking back.

The bunny has learned bad habits!

He’s even learned how to steal kisses!

Hearing the door close, Xie Yuzhan slowly opened his eyes, raised a hand to touch his lips, his eyes holding a warm, bright, deep light.

A stolen kiss. Very good. What was Bai Zhi thinking when he sneaked that kiss while he was asleep? The implications were worth exploring. He claimed his liking for him was only a little bit—what nonsense.

A little bit of liking wouldn’t lead to stealing a kiss.

If he could restrain himself, he wouldn’t have kissed him.

It seemed the temporary separation wasn’t entirely a bad thing; the physical distance had, conversely, brought them closer emotionally. So, what was next…

After returning to his apartment, Bai Zhi still couldn’t sleep well that night. After tossing and turning until the latter half of the night and finally managing to fall asleep, he was plagued by continuous dreams—the kind that couldn’t be spoken aloud. They just left the bunny feeling utterly flustered.

He really needed to stay far away from Xie Yuzhan. This unfamiliar feeling was too tormenting!

After that night, Bai Zhi tried his best to put the stolen kiss out of his mind, focusing only on Xie Yuzhan’s health. Fortunately, the other man was relatively compliant, taking his medicine obediently for two days. He finally recovered, and Bai Zhi’s hanging heart settled down.

During this time, he focused his energy on the restaurant. It had just opened, and there were many things to handle. The manager could resolve most issues, but some still required his personal attention.

For example, an invitation to an International Vegetarian Culture Week.

After reviewing the details, he didn’t hesitate to accept. Participate? Absolutely, he had to participate. He didn’t like being high-profile; whether it was streaming or running an online shop, he was very laid-back and casual. But those were mostly his own affairs.

This restaurant, however, held the efforts of many people besides himself. He was responsible for the dozens of staff members working there.

In an era where even good wine fears deep alleys, they certainly needed proper promotion to gain more traffic and attention. Participating in appropriate events was one way to advertise. Maybe they could even win an award, which would add another layer of endorsement.

However, once he arrived at the venue, he realized something: the organizer of the Culture Week was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Xie Group.

And the Group’s Chairman and CEO had even made an exception to attend.

He took the sparkling water Xie Yuzhan offered him and took a sip to calm his nerves. “I even mentioned to you that I was going to attend this event! You are truly tight-lipped; you never said you were coming too.”

Xie Yuzhan swirled his champagne glass, a hint of a smile pressed into the corner of his eye. “Apparently, I learned my lesson from the restaurant opening. If I promised to come and then couldn’t due to some unexpected incident, wouldn’t that disappoint you? Zhizhi, I don’t want you to be disappointed in me.”

Bai Zhi pouted and took another drink of sparkling water.

“Fine,” Xie Yuzhan leaned in slightly, half-helplessly, half-indulgently. “I wanted to give you a surprise.”

Hearing the truth, Bai Zhi finally cracked a smile. “If I were to be a little narcissistic, I’d guess that CEO Xie attending an event he normally wouldn’t is because of me?”

“Of course. But I must correct you on one point: that’s not narcissism, that’s self-awareness.”

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. “Then you’re being an overly dedicated friend, even going out of your way to create extra surprises for me.”

“It’s what I should do, after all—”

Xie Yuzhan paused, his tone slightly softer. “We are close friends. It’s perfectly normal to do things that ordinary friends wouldn’t.”

Bai Zhi pursed his lips. “Close friends.” Xie Yuzhan spoke those words as if they carried extra meaning. Ambiguous? Not entirely.

But he had to admit, he didn’t dislike the way the other man emphasized the words.

More than friends, less than lovers—that was acceptable too?

His mood was like the sparkling water in his hand, bubbling, bubbling, letting off cheerful little bubbles that, when caught by the sunlight, shone with a colorful brilliance.

Meanwhile, Tang Chen, who had come along with Xie Yuzhan just to join the fun, was starting to regret it. Lu Yunyi had foresight. His teeth were aching now, severely aching. You shouldn’t eat so many sweet things all at once, should you? Huh?

Showing affection under the guise of friendship?

How could they be even sweeter now that they were separated than when they were together? Good heavens! If this continued, he was definitely going to get cavities. Xie Yuzhan had better reimburse him for the dentist bills!

Bai Zhi chatted with Xie Yuzhan for a while, left someone to watch the Hundred Herbs Garden booth, and then took Meng Tong and two other chefs to mingle with food critics and colleagues. Culture Week was a rare opportunity, and he wanted to talk more.

On Xie Yuzhan’s side, he chatted casually with Tang Chen, his gaze constantly following one specific person.

Tang Chen sighed deeply and slipped away early after a short while. He had already exceeded his daily sugar intake.

After he left, Xie Yuzhan dealt with the people who approached him every now and then with a relaxed and composed demeanor, his attention still fixed on Bai Zhi. The other man looked to be in a good mood.

When he was serious, he had a compelling charisma. When he smiled, his eyes were so bright they seemed filled with the starlight of the Milky Way. When he tasted a dish he liked, a hint of excitement would appear on his face…

He never tired of watching him.

Watching him from afar like this was nice, but he couldn’t just watch.

When he saw Bai Zhi linger at a certain booth for a long time with no intention of leaving, he slightly tightened his grip on his wine glass. That foreign food critic was being a little too enthusiastic.

When the man leaned closer to Bai Zhi, Xie Yuzhan put down his glass and walked over.

This was truly going too far.

First time meeting a stranger? Maintain a normal social distance. Did he understand or not?

Bai Zhi was having a good conversation with the food critic. The man had traveled extensively and was very knowledgeable about the cuisine of different nations and cultures. Bai Zhi listened with great interest, as if hearing fascinating new stories.

Just as the man leaned in and pulled out his phone to add him as a friend, Bai Zhi suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind. It was the sound of leather shoes tapping the floor, a sound he was very familiar with. He knew who it was without turning around.

But the footsteps didn’t sound as composed as usual?

Xie Yuzhan put an arm around Bai Zhi’s shoulder, pulling him back half a step, and didn’t let go. He looked at the food critic with a slight warning in his eyes. Just talk, why get so close?

He spoke calmly, however, smiling faintly. “What are you two chatting about? You look quite engrossed.”

Bai Zhi nodded and introduced him. “This is Charlie, a food critic. We were just talking about foreign cuisine. It’s quite interesting, very different from what we have here.”

Charlie immediately understood the warning in the newcomer’s eyes but didn’t take it to heart.

He glanced at Bai Zhi and said, “I deeply appreciate Mr. Bai’s understanding of food, and we get along very well. Shared interests naturally lead to good conversation.”

Xie Yuzhan chuckled softly, though his eyes were cold. “Talking about food is naturally fine. As long as there are no ulterior motives, it’s good for Zhizhi to communicate more with his peers.”

Charlie stated directly, “Sir, you are mistaken. I have no ulterior motives toward Mr. Bai. On the contrary, I admire him greatly and am very interested in him. I don’t hide that fact. However, you, sir, seem to be obstructing his normal social interactions.”

“Normal social interactions, how interesting.”

Xie Yuzhan said, turning his head to look at Bai Zhi. “Do you regard him merely as a colleague for discussing food, or as a potential suitor?”

Huh? What?

Bai Zhi was stunned. What potential suitor? He didn’t understand what was going on.

He frowned, looking utterly bewildered. “What are you talking about? We were just discussing food. It’s the first time we’ve met. Why bring up suitors? Is your glasses a microscope?”

Charlie was candid and admitted, “I do have such intentions. Mr. Bai, since we get along, why don’t we add each other as friends and get to know each other better?”

Wow!

Bai Zhi raised an eyebrow, looking at Xie Yuzhan with a hint of surprise. The other man’s radar was too accurate!

He looked back at Charlie. Normally, adding a friend would be fine, but now he didn’t really want to. An enthusiastic suitor? No thanks, spare him!

He tactfully refused. “I genuinely don’t have those kinds of intentions right now, I apologize.”

Charlie looked confused and asked, “Is it because he is threatening you?”

Bai Zhi frowned, slightly displeased. “No, don’t talk nonsense.”

Since the accusation of a threat had come up, and Xie Yuzhan also sensed Bai Zhi’s mood, he stopped giving the food critic any face. His voice deepened slightly. “Do you know you are hitting on a married man? I’m not sure if this kind of ‘flirting’ is encouraged in social settings in your country.”

Charlie defended himself. “I’ve already inquired. He is currently separated, and divorce is only a matter of time. There’s no problem with meeting new friends. I haven’t done anything excessive; I’m just making a friend!”

Xie Yuzhan pulled Bai Zhi further into his embrace, the coldness in his eyes intensifying. “Separated, but not divorced yet. Is it appropriate to hit on him right in front of his legal husband?”

Bai Zhi gently nudged Xie Yuzhan with his elbow, whispering a reminder, “Hey—”

It sounded almost like a spoiled complaint.

Charlie listened, feeling very uncomfortable. And the man in front of him… Bai Zhi’s rumored separated partner, Xie Yuzhan. The man’s dark eyes seemed to hold the coldness of an iceberg.

One look, and he felt a chill creeping up his spine.

He was clearly not someone to provoke.

Observing the interaction between the two, Charlie immediately felt that rumors were misleading. They were separated, yes, but their feelings were clearly still there! All talk of broken feelings, separation, and imminent divorce was baseless speculation and rumor!

Anyone who saw how they interacted wouldn’t dare say such things!

Charlie, the victim of rumors, immediately backed away half a step very sensibly. “It is indeed inappropriate. I was presumptuous, I apologize. I genuinely admire Mr. Bai and have no other intentions. Please, both of you, don’t misunderstand.”

Xie Yuzhan’s lips curved slightly. “It’s good that you have no other intentions. Zhizhi and I are just having a minor, harmless disagreement. I hope Mr. Charlie will keep his eyes open and not be misled by rumors.

“By the way, since you and Zhizhi seemed to hit it off, I can tell you one thing: I am currently pursuing him again.”

Hit it off? Charlie quickly denied the claim. “We just got along well, nothing more. I wish CEO Xie success in his endeavors soon. I won’t bother you any further.”

Even as he turned to leave, Charlie felt uneasy. What separation!

A separation that wasn’t aimed at divorce was just a way to show off their affection! Those so-called insiders who couldn’t see this were just waiting to be proven wrong by this couple.

Bai Zhi raised his phone, wanting to ask if they should add WeChat, but seeing the man flee like a startled bird, he sighed. Forget it. If they couldn’t add each other, it meant the fate wasn’t there. He’d let nature take its course.

More importantly, he focused on what Xie Yuzhan had just said.

He shook his shoulder, breaking free from the hand resting there, stepped back, crossed his arms, and asked, “You’re the one talking nonsense. What do you mean you’re pursuing me again? Aren’t we close friends anymore?”

Xie Yuzhan properly withdrew his hand and replied, “Of course we are.”

“Then why did you say you were pursuing me again? Is that your true intention? I’m highly suspicious.”

Bai Zhi knew Xie Yuzhan was cunning. In terms of strategy, ten of him wouldn’t be a match for CEO Xie. If the other man was truly planning something, Bai Zhi needed to evaluate whether he should continue being a “close friend.”

He hoped it wasn’t another one of those expedients.

If this continued, he was going to develop a psychological trauma from all the expedients!

Xie Yuzhan noticed Bai Zhi’s hesitation and timely curved his lips into a gentle, innocent arc. He explained, “If I hadn’t said that, the international friend just now wouldn’t have given up on pursuing, or rather, harassing you so easily.

“Zhizhi, are you perhaps very interested in him? Did you want to try getting to know him better?”

Bai Zhi shivered and quickly waved his hands. “Don’t talk nonsense! I only chatted with him purely about food. I didn’t mean anything else. Look, I didn’t even add him on WeChat, and I won’t contact him again.”

“That’s good.”

Xie Yuzhan lowered his eyes, his glasses concealing the dark, lingering light in them. “You two are not suitable. Even if you were to start a new relationship, I hope it would be with someone more outstanding, someone who deserves you more.”

Bai Zhi shook his head and admitted naturally, “I haven’t thought about starting a new relationship. You are my only one, even though we can’t be together.”

Hearing that particular phrase, Xie Yuzhan’s mood immediately lightened considerably. This was excellent. He had no competitor… no, his love rivals were far too many.

How many blades of grass were there on the green prairie?

He looked at Bai Zhi, hinting meaningfully, “Don’t speak too soon.”

Bai Zhi thought Xie Yuzhan was referring to the “only one” statement and shrugged carelessly. “Being alone is very comfortable. I think being single is great.”

Xie Yuzhan was noncommittal. Being single was fine, but having a loving, understanding person by your side was equally wonderful. They were just different paths in life, and he wouldn’t stand by and watch Bai Zhi walk down a path that had little to do with him.

He intended to occupy a sufficiently important position in the other man’s life.

And he was determined to succeed.

The Culture Week concluded with an awards ceremony. Hundred Herbs Garden Vegetarian Restaurant won an Emerging Talent Award. For a new restaurant that had only been open for a short time, this honor was the icing on the cake.

Bai Zhi was very satisfied. He gave everyone bonuses, added two days of compensatory leave, and hosted a celebratory dinner that evening. He even arranged for a second venue, participation optional.

He didn’t go himself; he didn’t like overly lively places.

He called a car home. On the way, the weather turned gloomy. Looking at the heavy darkness, he kept kneading his Pikachu plushie with both hands, feeling a sense of foreboding.

Summer was always prone to thunderstorms.

He opened his phone and checked the weather forecast. Sure enough, it was scheduled to start raining around eleven that night.

The entire bunny started feeling anxious.

After arriving home, he took a shower. He definitely couldn’t sleep. He hadn’t streamed much lately due to the Culture Week, so he simply set up his equipment. With so many people accompanying him, the problem shouldn’t be too big… right?

The facts proved he was overly optimistic.

Raindrops the size of marbles hammered against the window glass, creating a continuous, loud clatter that made his hands tremble uncontrollably. His voice was also unstable. Streaming was clearly impossible.

He hastily ended the stream and scurried into his nest.

He hugged the Pikachu plushie, hoping the Pokémon could emit some electricity to protect him, but the thought that it was a thunderstorm night made him feel depressed. His heart was pounding, and the entire bunny was shaking like a sieve.

When he heard a familiar sound, he almost thought he was hallucinating. The next second, seeing the person appear at the entrance of his nest, his eyes immediately welled up.

It was the person he most wanted to see at that very moment.

No one else.