Rat, Rabbit, And Rabbit Transformed Into Humans And Married Their Natural Enemies. Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Bai Zhi watched Xie Yuzhan, waiting quietly.

After a long moment, Xie Yuzhan sighed slightly, seeming both helpless and perhaps relieved.

He said slowly, “Zhi Zhi, I don’t mind that you like grassy plants. It’s good to have your own preferences, and it’s even rarer to turn a preference into a long-term, dedicated pursuit.

“I will support whatever you like and whatever you want to do, whether it’s plants or vegetarianism. People who are dedicated to their passions always shine, and I admire that about you.

“However—

“Sometimes I feel those things take up too much of your energy, especially these grasses. You personally care for them, investing countless hours and effort. Zhi Zhi, a person’s energy is always limited. If you give so much to them, you have less to give to other people and other things.”

Bai Zhi pursed his lips. This was the first time they had discussed this issue so directly and seriously.

He thought for a moment, then replied, “So you mind, and you get jealous of them.”

Xie Yuzhan smiled helplessly, crouching down to maintain eye level with Bai Zhi, and added, “Of course. They are my biggest ‘love rivals,’ and there are so many of them, I can’t even count.”

Bai Zhi was amused by the description. “Thinking about it, it must be quite difficult for you—jealous of them, yet still having to take good care of them.

“He paused, then asked, “Why don’t you let Aunt Lin and Uncle Zheng handle the gardening? Why do you insist on doing these things yourself? If you didn’t manage this, you wouldn’t have to see them every day.

“Who seeks out jealousy? Just thinking about it makes me sour enough to pickle dumplings for a whole village.”

Xie Yuzhan frowned slightly. Since the conversation had reached this point, there was no need to hide anything. He looked into Bai Zhi’s clear, lively, honey-like eyes and confessed, “Because taking care of them is, to some extent, getting closer to you.

“I want to be closer to you.”

Bai Zhi froze, falling silent.

To be honest, he hadn’t expected Xie Yuzhan to say that. It was already surprising enough that he considered the grasses his love rivals, and now he was saying it was to be closer to him.

This person… this person knew exactly how to burrow into his heart!

It made his heart feel a mix of sourness and warmth, soft and fluffy like cotton soaked in sunlight, all because of the depth of affection the man before him held.

He released Xie Yuzhan’s hand, carefully wiped off a bit of loose soil, and then cupped the other man’s cheeks. A light, bright smile was blooming in his clear eyes.

His voice was laced with laughter, and he spoke slowly and meticulously, “To me, you are unique.

“Even if we can’t agree on many things, you still understand me. That is a wonderful collision of minds. And you also protect me, you can talk and communicate with me, you can touch me and ruffle my hair, you can hug and kiss me…

“The grasses can’t do any of those things I just mentioned.

“Yuzhan, all the grasses and flowers combined cannot compare to you. In heaven and on earth, you are the very, very, very best.”

Eyes met. Xie Yuzhan could read Bai Zhi’s sincerity and earnestness—it was endearingly frank. Every word spoke directly to his heart, transforming the sour lemon juice of jealousy into flowing, crystal honey.

What virtue did he possess to receive such a clear affirmation from the person he loved?

He curved his lips and replied, “For that ‘very best’ of yours, I can’t let your words fall flat. Zhi Zhi, you always keep your promises, right?”

“Right!”

Bai Zhi nodded decisively. He hadn’t realized it before, and even if he had, he couldn’t have been sure. Now it was different; these words and emotions were surfacing and flowing out naturally.

This was probably what Lu Qinghe meant by things falling into place naturally.

Although he couldn’t be certain if he liked this person enough to transcend the nature and instincts of a small animal, nor was he sure if he could truly reciprocate the same level of affection.

But it didn’t matter. None of that prevented him from saying what he said today.

The worst-case scenario was that they couldn’t be lovers, but the other person would still be very, very important to him.

He released his hands, stood up, and smiled. “Shall we go eat after we finish cleaning up?”

“Good.”

Xie Yuzhan was clearing the ceramic shards and soil from the floor, still replaying Bai Zhi’s words. They were truly delightful—not a confession, but better than one.

Distracted, his finger was nicked by the edge of a ceramic piece.

Bai Zhi, sharp-eyed, spotted it immediately. He quickly pulled Xie Yuzhan to wash his hands, found a bandage from the medicine cabinet, and carefully applied it, even blowing on the wound like an adult comforting a child.

He held Xie Yuzhan’s hand and gently shook it, frowning. “If a grass dies, I can replant it or grow another. Even if my Pikachu merchandise breaks, I can buy a replacement. If something happened to you, where would I find another you?

“I just said you’re unique. You need to remember that.”

Xie Yuzhan felt a tender ache in his heart and chuckled softly. “It’s just a very shallow cut. If the bandage was applied any later, the wound would have already healed. It’s not that serious.”

Bai Zhi glared at Xie Yuzhan and pulled him toward the dining room. “Nonsense! I’m using a small thing to illustrate a larger point. I’m warning you!”

Xie Yuzhan didn’t argue. How could he not be overreacting, baby? But the concern was obvious.

That was enough.

Bai Zhi thoroughly enjoyed dinner. After the meal, he chatted with Lin and Zheng for a while, then went upstairs with Xie Yuzhan.

He remarked with some emotion, “It’s a good thing I left a few stuffed animals behind when I moved out. I can hug one tonight when I sleep.”

Xie Yuzhan followed half a step behind Bai Zhi, watching the light-footed and cheerful little rabbit. He said unhurriedly, “Your room is uninhabitable.”

Bai Zhi paused, looking at Xie Yuzhan strangely. “What do you mean, uninhabitable?”

After a moment’s thought, he laughed with feigned exaggeration. “CEO Xie—you wouldn’t be that heartless, would you? You cleared out all my things right after I moved out? That doesn’t seem like you!”

Xie Yuzhan put an arm around Bai Zhi’s shoulder and led him to the door. Before turning on the light, he said, “You’ll have to see for yourself.”

The words fell, and the light came on.

Everything before his eyes was vastly different from his memory—it was completely renovated.

The original bedroom and study had been combined and transformed into a larger studio, adorned with various flowers and plants, making it resemble a small indoor garden.

What particularly caught his attention were two bookshelves completely filled with books related to plants!

He took a quick tour of the dazzling studio, his eyes sparkling with surprise and delight as he looked at Xie Yuzhan. “This place… how did you… how did you manage to set it up like this?”

Xie Yuzhan’s gaze was gentle and calm, his tone composed. “I hoped that when its owner returned, they would have a better studio. After all, you spend a lot of time here.

“You deserve better, the best.

“And this place isn’t completely finished yet. Some arrangements haven’t been put in place, and some custom-made items require time.”

“It’s already good enough! You…”

Bai Zhi’s words caught in his throat, his eyes shining brightly. “Were you so sure I would come back?”

“Of course,” Xie Yuzhan leaned slightly closer, a pleasant upward curve to his lips. “There are some things you haven’t noticed about yourself, but that doesn’t mean you don’t express them.”

Bai Zhi’s eyes suddenly felt a little sore. He blinked and whispered, “Arrogant, self-important Mr. Wolf.”

“Whether I am arrogant or prescient, the right to judge is yours, Zhi Zhi.”

Bai Zhi hummed twice, not engaging, and instead asked, “Where will I sleep tonight? Will you prepare another guest room for me?”

Xie Yuzhan pinched Bai Zhi’s cheek. The little rabbit wouldn’t know that those little hums were indistinguishable from pouting, making his heart feel soft.

And ticklish.

He composed himself and suggested, “How about the master bedroom?”

Bai Zhi raised his eyebrows, reached out, and pinched back, then laughed and walked around the other man toward the door. “Only if you’re prepared to sleep in the study! Come on, I’m going to find Aunt Lin to arrange another guest room for me.”

Xie Yuzhan followed, taking Bai Zhi’s hand. Since the other man had made up his mind, so be it. He could wait a little longer.

Wait for a more formal opportunity.

Besides, he was quite happy for the little rabbit to be handsy with him.

Bai Zhi settled into the Xie family home. His main tasks every day were eating, drinking, and sleeping in. The restaurant had resumed normal operations, and Xie Yuzhan had preserved all the necessary evidence.

Once the scabs on his abrasions fell off, he contacted Bai Jishan, directly sending over the surveillance video, and stated that he wanted one final meeting with the Bai family.

He demanded that Bai Jishan bring his most favored son, Bai Enfan, to apologize in person.

This time, he intended to completely settle things with the Bai family.

Bai Jishan and Chen Liwen, along with Bai Enfan in a wheelchair, arrived at the Xie residence as agreed. Bai Zhi received the family in the first-floor reception room, accompanied by Xie Yuzhan.

His nominal father, Bai Jishan, had likely hoped Bai En’yan could mediate, so he brought her along. Bai Zhi was fine with this; it was good to have the whole Bai family present.

Time to settle the accounts.

The group took their seats. Bai Zhi was in no hurry to speak. The facts and evidence were clear; he was not the one who needed to rush.

He held a cup of sweet and sour strawberry iced tea, sipping slowly, looking relaxed and comfortable. Except for Bai En’yan, he hadn’t offered tea to the other Bai family members—it would have been a waste.

Bai Jishan was the first to lose patience, his tone slightly accusatory. “Is this your way of treating guests?”

Bai Zhi tilted his head innocently, his smile faint. “I ‘repay’ others exactly as they treat me, nothing more. If Chairman Bai doesn’t understand, think about it some more. People should be good at self-reflection.”

Having been immediately rebuffed, Bai Jishan knew Bai Zhi had no intention of showing them any respect today. Well, at this point, what affection was left between them? Only interests and calculations.

Although he hated to admit it.

He glanced at Xie Yuzhan, who seemed intent on not intervening. Even without speaking, his mere presence was immense pressure.

He had to suppress his anger and frustration as he addressed Bai Zhi. “No matter what, your mother and I raised you for over twenty years. We are family. There’s no need to be so harsh…”

Bai Zhi cut Bai Jishan off directly. “Who was harsh first?”

Bai En’yan, sitting in a single armchair, was quite pleased with Bai Zhi’s attitude. She added, “Courtesy demands reciprocity. I think my little brother is doing very well. His manners are impeccable, no problem.”

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. See? His sister knew how to talk.

Bai Jishan glared at Bai En’yan. Was she brought here just to annoy him?

Bai Enfan still had visible injuries on his face. Sitting in the wheelchair, he stared at his leg, which was destined to be disabled, for a long time. He exuded a sense of gray, defeated despair, having abandoned all pretense of gentleness and humility.

He said impatiently, “Are you willing to reconcile or not? Just state your terms directly!”

Bai Zhi took a sip of fruit tea and said unhurriedly, “Getting straight to the point is good, it saves time.

“My demands are simple: First, compensation for all my losses—the detailed list will be sent to you later. Second, a public apology for this incident. Third, from now on, we have no relationship whatsoever. A clean break. You can pretend you never had me as a son.

“Agree, and we settle this privately. Refuse, and I call the police. I’ll give the evidence to them, and you’ll definitely be eating prison food.”

If Bai Enfan hadn’t been in a wheelchair, he would have jumped up. He roared, “Bai Zhi, don’t push your luck!”

Bai Zhi gave Bai Enfan a cold look, then leaned over to check the time on Xie Yuzhan’s watch. “Say whatever you like. I’m only giving you five minutes to consider. I’m very busy, and I don’t need to waste this much time on such a small matter.”

Bai En’yan admired Bai Zhi’s stance. It was satisfying to hear. There was no need to speak softly to Bai Jishan and the others—they were bullies who preyed on the weak.

Masters of making people sick.

Bai Jishan was so angry his beard seemed to bristle, but he was ultimately wary of the silent, protective posture of the Xie family head.

Bai Enfan’s face was pale. He wanted to retort but was stopped by his father’s look. If the police were involved, his reputation and dignity would be ruined. How could he remain in the social circle afterward?

At this moment, Chen Liwen, who hadn’t spoken since entering, spoke tentatively, trying to persuade him. “Zhi Zhi, we are connected by blood. Don’t be so ruthless. If you are this heartless, how will we ever face each other again!”

Bai Zhi took a small cookie offered by Xie Yuzhan, crunched into it, and finished eating before looking at the weak-willed Chen Liwen. “Remember, you are the ones who were ruthless first.

“You know very well how you treated me since childhood. When I grew up, seeing that I looked decent, you rushed to sell your son for glory, determined to squeeze out every last bit of my value.

“And you still have the nerve to talk about being connected by blood?

“Why don’t we let everyone else judge who is more heartless?”

“Bai Zhi!” Bai Jishan finally couldn’t take it anymore and accused, “Don’t use such ugly words and twist the facts!”

Xie Yuzhan held Bai Zhi’s hand and said leisurely, “Who is twisting the facts? I believe everyone will have their own judgment once the full story is revealed.

“Chairman Bai, how about we publicly review everything you’ve done to Zhi Zhi?”

Cold sweat broke out on Bai Jishan’s forehead.

This was a silent but blatant threat.

Bai En’yan chimed in, “I think CEO Xie has a point. Since you’re unconvinced and unwilling to admit fault, outsiders see clearly. Why not let everyone judge, so certain people can be truly convinced?”

“Shut up!” Bai Jishan, furious at his daughter for dragging him down, snapped, “I made a mistake bringing you. Get out!”

Bai Zhi countered, “This is the Xie family home. You have no right to tell anyone to leave. My sister is my guest, and I plan to keep her for lunch. By what right do you demand she leave now?”

He leaned against Xie Yuzhan’s arm. “CEO Xie—is the Xie family run by Bai Jishan?”

Xie Yuzhan refilled Bai Zhi’s tea cup. Without even looking at the Bai family, he said calmly and indulgently, “If you wish.”

Bai Jishan was drenched in cold sweat. “CEO Xie! I wouldn’t dare, I didn’t mean that.”

Bai Zhi glanced at Bai Jishan, finding the whole thing pointless.

He delivered his final statement. “I have evidence of Bai Enfan’s infidelity, and evidence of commercial regulatory violations by you and your son. Is that enough to help you make a decision? A reminder: five minutes are up.”

Based on the information provided by Liu Ye, Xie Yuzhan had supplemented the file significantly. If this were released now, they would definitely be spending years behind bars.

At these words, Bai Jishan flinched.

This was no longer just about Bai Enfan; this was about the life of the Bai family! Could they go to prison? Absolutely not. Of two evils, choose the lesser. The decision was not difficult.

Compared to a public apology, jail was clearly the unacceptable choice.

He had to protect his eldest son.

He looked at Bai Enfan, made his calculation, and said in a deep voice, “Fine, we agree to the terms you just stated. I hope you keep your word and don’t mention calling the police again.”

“Deal.”

Bai Zhi smiled faintly, feeling a mix of resignation and relief. He was finally done with the Bai family. What was the point of having a family like this?

Nothing but trouble.

Although Bai Enfan was unwilling, there was clearly no better option. Losing face was inevitable. Since things had come to this, he could only swallow his pride and the consequences—it was better than actually going to jail.

He hadn’t expected this marriage alliance to backfire so spectacularly. He gained no significant advantage, but instead paid the price for his opportunism and scheming.

He slumped in his wheelchair, looking at his father with a miserable expression.

This must be retribution.

Bai Zhi didn’t involve himself much in the aftermath. The specific details were confirmed and pushed through by Yu Fei, and everything was settled within three days.

After the Bai family issued a public apology, they were utterly disgraced in their social circle and could never hold their heads high again. Everyone knew he had completely broken ties with the Bai family—a clean cut. And who was behind him?

The Xie Corporation.

Consequently, the Bai family didn’t just suffer social death; it directly impacted their company.

There was never a shortage of sycophants. Since Xie Yuzhan stood by Bai Zhi, ostracizing the Bai family was an unspoken way to curry favor with the Xie Corporation. The Bai family didn’t hold any core technology; there were plenty of alternatives. In business cooperation, they weren’t essential, so why choose the unpopular option?

As a result, the Bai family’s decline was like riding a high-speed slide, rapidly plummeting to the brink of bankruptcy and fading into obscurity.

They would merely be surviving now.

Dead, but not completely dead—that was safer, preventing them from being driven to desperation.

The more people mocked and ridiculed Bai Jishan and Bai Enfan, the more they praised him. He didn’t care about that; he just listened casually to what others said.

He had nothing to say about the Bai family; they got what they deserved.

The matter was closed.

Once the bruises on his body had faded, he returned to his own apartment. He couldn’t just stay at the Xie family home indefinitely without a clear status.

When Xie Yuzhan drove him back, he was certain the other man was reluctant. That reluctance wasn’t even well-hidden; even the little scooters on the non-motorized lane were moving faster than they were.

He didn’t call him out, just picked a bag of dried vegetables from the storage box and munched on them.

Their current relationship was subtle. The social circle knew they were separated but not divorced. Given CEO Xie’s status and methods, no one dared to openly gossip.

Netizens, despite the distance of the internet, were sharp-eyed and quick-witted, using magnifying glasses to analyze everything. From his vague statements, they inferred that he was having “marital problems” with Xie Yuzhan. He also had fans in the industry, so the separation was no secret.

During his livestreams, people frequently asked if he was divorced or when they would reconcile.

He ignored all such questions. He could pretend not to see questions he couldn’t answer, briefly acting like a shrinking little rabbit. Emotional matters were too complicated; there was no shame in hiding.

But Xie Yuzhan clearly had no intention of letting him continue to hide in his burrow.

That evening at eight, he was livestreaming, focusing on introducing the grasses in his hand, occasionally glancing at the comments to see if there were any questions. As usual, most were casual chats and compliments.

But!

When he looked at the comments again, he found his fans were in an uproar, seemingly mocking someone. Some called the person presumptuous, others summoned moderators to ban them, and a few took advantage of the chaos to confess their love to him. It was very lively.

He scrolled up suspiciously and quickly spotted the comment that had caused the stir. A user with the nickname “BunnyComeHomeWithMe” asked, “Baby, how can I get you to say yes?”

He frowned slightly, feeling a vague sense of foreboding.

This user seemed a little strange.