Chapter 14: The Big Tiger and the Little Tiger Cub
“Awoo?” Where did Dad go? Bai Tuanzi poked his head out from the break room. He had just been reading with his dad, but Brother Ziyu had called his dad out, and his dad hadn’t come back. Bai Tuanzi waited and waited, finally deciding to come out and see.
Tang Yinlang, lost in his memories, was suddenly interrupted by Bai Tuanzi’s voice. He looked up and saw a round, fluffy white tiger cub.
Also a member of the White Tiger alien race, Tang Yinlang didn’t see Bai Tuanzi as just a large cat like ordinary people would; he immediately recognized Bai Tuanzi as a young alien.
“How is there a cub here?” Tang Yinlang wondered. Their White Tiger alien race wasn’t large, and every member, from the elderly to newborns, was recorded in the family tree. He was certain he knew them all. So, where did this cub come from?
In an instant, Tang Yinlang’s mind raced through various possibilities.
“Awoo?” Who is this uncle? Bai Tuanzi also saw Tang Yinlang and curiously asked.
Tang Yinlang didn’t answer. Although he understood Bai Tuanzi’s words, he didn’t want to reveal his identity yet, so he remained silent. He had a strong suspicion about the truth, but he wasn’t certain.
Despite not answering, Tang Yinlang walked towards Bai Tuanzi and gently picked him up.
“Good boy!” The thought that the little tiger cub might be the offspring of him and his beloved made Tang Yinlang’s heart melt.
The little cub’s chubby face and lively spirit were undeniably adorable!
“Awoo?” Due to his alien nature, Bai Tuanzi usually only got close to Lin Xia and people he knew. He was wary of strangers. But for some reason, he felt that this uncle was kind and drew him in.
“Purrrr…” Under Tang Yinlang’s gentle stroking, Bai Tuanzi purred contentedly, sprawling on his lap, his four legs in the air, looking from afar like a fluffy white cushion.
When Lin Xia came out after finishing the surgery, he saw Bai Tuanzi lying comfortably on Tang Yinlang’s lap, eventually falling asleep. Lin Xia smiled helplessly and picked up his son.
In reality, he was somewhat afraid, because Bai Tuanzi lacked caution. Thankfully, Tang Yinlang wasn’t a bad person; otherwise, he wouldn’t know where to cry. No, he had to properly teach Bai Tuanzi not to play with strangers once he woke up.
“Sir, I’m sorry, did my baby cause you any trouble?” Lin Xia apologized. The man’s suit looked expensive, yet his pants were now wrinkled and covered in Bai Tuanzi’s fur.
“It’s fine.” Tang Yinlang said calmly. His gaze fell upon Lin Xia, observing him carefully, as if he couldn’t get enough.
The boy in front of him had shed his youthful awkwardness, becoming a mature and steady adult. Perhaps because he had become a father, there was a gentle tenderness in his eyes.
More than two years had passed, with so much happening, and Tang Yinlang deeply regretted the time he had missed. But thankfully, they had met again. This time, he would hold on tight.
“By the way, sir…” Lin Xia wanted to ask him some questions.
“Tang Yinlang.” Tang Yinlang felt a pang of sadness; his beloved still didn’t know his name.
“Sorry, I forgot.” Lin Xia realized he still didn’t know the man’s name, and calling him “sir” was awkward.
“Hello, Mr. Tang. My name is Lin Xia, and I’m the owner of this pet shop.”
Lin Xia! So the boy’s name was Lin Xia, not Cheng Cheng. No wonder he had used almost all his resources to find him only to get a “no record found” result, the trail going cold.
“Mr. Tang, are you the owner of the dog?” Lin Xia didn’t know how much pain Tang Yinlang was suppressing; his mind was fixed on the dog that had just had surgery.
“I found the dog on the road.” Tang Yinlang relaxed his furrowed brows, temporarily putting aside his worries. Let the past be the past; he had to focus on the future.
“Then, Mr. Tang, what are your plans for the dog?” Lin Xia was more concerned about the dog’s future than its origin.
Lin Xia had received many kind people who brought stray animals for treatment; some adopted them, and some didn’t, so Lin Xia needed to ask.
“I’ll keep it.” After a moment of contemplation, Tang Yinlang said.
As an alien, he didn’t particularly like keeping pets, but to get close to Lin Xia, Tang Yinlang decided to adopt the dog, giving him a reason to approach Lin Xia.
Before, without finding Lin Xia, Tang Yinlang had been extremely anxious. But now that he had found him, the usually invincible CEO was no longer in a rush. Because being in a rush wouldn’t help; he couldn’t just appear and say “I love you, we had a relationship,” and expect Lin Xia to be with him. To win Lin Xia over, he had to win his heart. Based on his judgment, Lin Xia wouldn’t leave the pet shop anytime soon, so he had plenty of time to pursue him.
Tang Yinlang didn’t intend to directly reveal their past relationship to Lin Xia, as that might scare him off, resulting in a worse outcome.
Therefore, Tang Yinlang decided to take things slow. Most importantly, he had to thoroughly investigate Lin Xia’s situation to proceed effectively. CEO Tang never fought an unprepared battle; he had the patience to get his wife and son back!
After paying for the dog’s medical expenses and checking on it, Tang Yinlang had no reason to stay at the pet shop, so despite his reluctance, he had to leave. Besides, he had important things to do.
After leaving the pet shop, Tang Yinlang contacted his assistant, You Hai.
“You Hai, help me check the information on the Jiangcheng Story Pet Shop and the manager, Lin Xia. …Yes, as detailed as possible. Also, contact Lao Jiang; I need to have something verified…”
The low, pleasant male voice faded into the wind along with his steady footsteps. In the distance, under an evergreen tree, sat a family—a calm father, a kind mother, and a tender child, happy and harmonious.
The man looked back enviously, then seemed to remember something. A slight smile, like a spring breeze, appeared on his usually expressionless face.
Author’s Note: Happy Qixi Festival! May all lovers eventually become husband and wife!
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