Chapter 58: The Kitten’s Restless Night

Chapter 58: The Kitten's Restless Night

After the first round of auctions concluded, there was a shift in the crowd, with the number of guests significantly reduced.

A knock sounded at Liang Xigui's room, and to his surprise, it was Mr. Dan Er who appeared. Dan Er managed a smile that he hoped came across as kind but instead left one feeling uneasy after prolonged exposure.

"Mr. Dan Er, is there something you need?"

"Liang Xigui, the real show is about to begin, and I strongly suggest you stay. I assure you, it will be an unforgettable experience."

Tan Xing watched from the side, thinking that Dan Er needed to improve his acting skills; the exaggerated tone was nauseating.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Dan Er, but I have work early tomorrow morning and can't afford any more distractions." Liang Xigui feigned distress, his tone even more insincere.

This response nearly made Dan Er laugh out loud. A big boss claiming to have a regular work schedule was quite the excuse.

"That's unfortunate. Well, Mr. Liang, please do as you wish. I won't insist on your company."

Liang Xigui glanced at Tan Xing, and the two of them left in unison, their steps synchronized. Dan Er turned his wheelchair to watch Liang Xigui's retreating back, his expression darkening.

"Mr. Liang, don't you have anything else to say to me?" Dan Er suddenly called out.

Liang Xigui paused but didn't turn around. He merely stopped and said, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you're referring to, Mr. Dan Er."

Realizing he had been toyed with, Dan Er's face fell further, anger simmering within him. With a cold laugh, he decided to teach this presumptuous Chinese man a lesson.

Tan Xing followed Liang Xigui through the long glass corridor, where they could see the circular stage outside. Tan Xing noticed several attendants carrying a massive object to the center of the stage.

From its shape, it seemed to be a cage, covered with a large red velvet cloth, concealing whatever was inside.

Reaching the end of the corridor and stepping out, Tan Xing found that they had arrived at the area where the guests had been seated earlier. There were attendants waiting with blindfolds.

In the split second before putting on the blindfold, Tan Xing caught a glimpse of the red velvet being lifted slightly, revealing a mature brown horse and a naked couple inside.

He felt a wave of shock, unable to imagine what sort of "show" was about to unfold or how many more cruel "performances" would follow.

Liang Xigui, sensing Tan Xing's distress, moved closer and forcefully intertwined his fingers with Tan Xing's, their hands clasped tightly together. Tan Xing felt the chill in his heart being enveloped by a warm embrace.

"Don't be afraid, Star."

Hearing these words, Tan Xing realized that Liang Xigui was aware of everything.

He understood Liang Xigui's decision; a wise man does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. Some matters require careful planning to resolve.

As they were led back, when they opened their eyes again, they were back in the noisy ballroom. This cacophony strangely brought peace to Tan Xing's heart.

"Liang Xigui, I'm tired. I want to sleep."

"Alright, let's go home now."

Seated in the passenger seat, Tan Xing's mood remained subdued. He looked at Liang Xigui and asked, "Liang Xigui, will you still cooperate with that Dan Er?"

"No."

"Hmm."

With a muffled grunt, Tan Xing drifted off to sleep. Whenever faced with something difficult, he always retreated into slumber, as if it were a protective mechanism.

While waiting at a traffic light, Liang Xigui glanced over and lowered the volume of the car's music.

Arriving at the apartment complex, Liang Xigui parked in the underground garage. Tan Xing, unaware, continued sleeping. Liang Xigui got out of the car and walked around to the other side.

He opened the passenger door, bent down, and gently slid his arms under Tan Xing's armpits and behind his knees, lifting him up effortlessly.

Checking the weight in his arms, Liang Xigui noted that Tan Xing had gained some pounds, a testament to his careful nurturing of this beautiful kitten.

Quietly closing the car door, Liang Xigui carried Tan Xing into the elevator. Tan Xing, disturbed by the movement, frowned and grumbled softly.

Liang Xigui kissed Tan Xing's forehead in reassurance. Despite the unpleasant events of the evening, seeing Tan Xing in his arms filled him with warmth.

The joy of a weary traveler returning home, opening the door to be greeted by their beloved feline companion, was akin to this moment.

Tan Xing opened his eyes upon touching the bedsheet. He yawned irritably and looked up at Liang Xigui through teary, half-lidded eyes.

Liang Xigui was about to undress Tan Xing, believing it would make for a more comfortable sleep.

"Take off your clothes and sleep," Liang Xigui whispered, giving Tan Xing's nose a gentle peck.

Tan Xing sat up and started undressing himself, his haphazard movements betraying his agitation. Liang Xigui sighed and took over.

"I'll do it."

"Does Liang Xigui think I'm dirty?"

The sleep-deprived Tan Xing lashed out at everyone indiscriminately, his words sharp like venom.

But the accusation was baseless, and Liang Xigui assured him that he had never thought such a thing. Seeing Tan Xing's drooping eyelids, he decided not to argue with the sleepy cat.

"Liang Xigui—"

Tan Xing wouldn't relent, drawing out Liang Xigui's name in a prolonged whine.

"Star doesn't want to sleep, so let's do something else."

Having finished undressing Tan Xing, Liang Xigui was about to take a shower when he heard Tan Xing's continued protest. He knew just what to say.

At these words, Tan Xing fell silent, burrowing deeper into the blankets. Within three seconds, he was fast asleep.

Liang Xigui tucked the covers around him, ensuring he was settled before turning to the bathroom. Standing under the warm spray of the shower, Liang Xigui pondered alternative strategies for the project's development.

Dan Er, he now had to not only deal with his lack of cooperation but also be wary of any underhanded tricks he might pull.

By directly rejecting Dan Er's proposal for collaboration today, Tan Xing had essentially provoked a rat living in the shadows, who might resort to low and dirty tactics against him.

As for finding a partner, Liang Xigui would continue his search. If all else failed, he would have no choice but to put the development plans on hold for now. This thought left him in less than a pleasant mood.

After drying his hair, Liang Xigui stepped out of the bathroom, immediately spotting Tan Xing sprawled across the bed, the blanket barely covering half of his body.

Liang Xigui sighed as he approached, deftly gathering Tan Xing's limbs and tucking them neatly before climbing into bed and pulling the covers over both of them.

Their naked bodies pressed tightly together, exchanging warmth, their breaths intertwining in the confined space. Liang Xigui lowered his head, gently rubbing his nose against the back of Tan Xing's neck.

In the secrecy of the night, Liang Xigui could finally let his guard down, showing his vulnerability to the one he loved, exposing his softness without reserve—a scent of comfort and safety.

Tan Xing nestled obediently in Liang Xigui's embrace, no longer tossing and turning. His subconscious was well-acquainted with this sleeping position, likely due to countless nights spent like this, now ingrained as a habit.

"Goodnight, my star."

In the morning, Tan Xing, who should have been snoozing in, was now yawning while changing into his workout clothes. Liang Xigui's memory was impeccable; he had roused Tan Xing from his slumber early, insisting that he join him for a morning run.

"Star?"

"I'm coming, I'm coming."

Staring at the two shoelaces of his sneakers, Tan Xing felt a moment of confusion—how did one tie these again? Deciding it wasn't worth the effort, he bunched the laces together and stuffed them inside the shoe. Though uncomfortable, it was a simple and efficient solution.