Chapter 63: Mine
The Alpha didn’t say a single word. He reached out his arms, looping them around Ruan Zhimian’s waist, pulling him in to sit on his lap. “Where did you go?”
Ruan Zhimian brought his knees together, resting his arms against the broad shoulders, and answered in a soft, sweet voice, “The Shi residence.”
There was nothing to hide.
Lying about something like this would only produce the exact opposite effect.
The young Master Ruan, who had just been raging in fury at the Shi residence, lowered his beautiful small face, cupped Shi He’s cheeks, and gave him a gentle kiss first. “I want to understand you and care for you, but I didn’t want you to have to rip open your own scars.”
He feigned a troubled look. “I even gave your grandfather a thorough scolding. Are you going to be angry?”
He was exactly like a little kitten with its tail perked up, fishing for a compliment.
“I’m not angry.”
Shi He held Ruan Zhimian’s waist with one hand and shrugged off his coat. His long, clean fingers pressed against the pattern of the small pajama top. The warm, yellow-toned lighting in the entryway spilled over them softly, creating an isolated barrier.
Within this space, there was only the two of them.
No one else.
“Ruan Zhimian, aren’t you afraid that I might truly be that kind of person?”
“What if everything is just an act I’m putting on?”
Two soft, white little hands pressed against Shi He’s ears. He leaned his small face in, tilting his head like a curious cat, and said with absolute seriousness, “Don’t listen to the things they say, and don’t doubt yourself.”
“I am standing right by your side, so whatever I say is the truth.”
Shi He’s psychological issues were also taking a toll on his physical health.
Those painful physiological reactions essentially stemmed from the trauma he endured during his childhood. It was as if a massive, pitch-black hole had been torn open in his heart, continuously tormenting Shi He over the years.
This place was supposed to be filled with an abundance of love.
Shi He, if only I could give you that much love.
He gave him a loud smack on the lips, hiding his deep sorrow, and pressed another kiss against his brow.
Standing in only his socks on the wooden floor, he wrapped his arms tightly around Shi He’s neck, dropping his head to act spoiled. “Let’s go rest. It’s time to sleep; staying up late is bad for your health.”
The Alpha scooped Ruan Zhimian up with a single arm. “Alright, let’s sleep.”
Before Ruan Zhimian returned, it felt as though he had a million questions to ask, but now, he didn’t want to ask a single one.
After washing up again, Ruan Zhimian was tucked into bed by Shi He, who pulled the blanket over him. He nuzzled his head against the pillow, settling into a comfortable position, his small hands hugging Shi He’s arm.
Shi He stared at him for a long, long time before finally closing his eyes.
Baby, as long as you are by my side, nothing else matters.
…
The next day, early morning.
When Ruan Zhimian woke up, Shi He was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. On an exquisite porcelain white plate sat the bear-shaped cheese bread Ruan Zhimian had made, alongside a glass of apple juice.
A ding-dong sounded from the door, and the special assistant appeared at the entrance.
Ruan Zhimian trotted over to open the door, seeing the assistant holding a pet carrier. “Good morning, Young Master Ruan. The kittens our boss sent to the pet hospital a few days ago have been discharged.”
It wasn’t just the pet carrier; various pet supplies were gradually being moved inside as well.
An empty room in the apartment was quickly transformed into a living space for the cats, completely set up in no time.
Standing by the door next to Shi He, Ruan Zhimian watched the black and white kittens scurry into their bed. Their two heads pressed together, overlapping in a ‘cat stack.’ It was overwhelmingly cute. “Shi He, are you going to raise cats now?”
The socially anxious kittens let out tiny, quiet meows.
“We are going to raise them together.”
Shi He handed him a cup. Ruan Zhimian lowered his head, his dark eyes curving into a bright smile. “Mhm, we will raise them together.”
With the kittens’ companionship, Shi He wouldn’t be so lonely anymore.
They set up everything for the kittens together, and soon it was noon. The little white cat lay across Ruan Zhimian’s arm; it had a tiny patch of grey fur on the tip of its ear, barely noticeable.
The little white cat was very well-behaved, allowing itself to be held without scratching. The little black cat, however, stayed hidden inside the cat bed, refusing to come out.
It wasn’t until Shi He pinched the scruff of its neck and lifted it that the socially anxious cat let out a few tentative meows and even tried to swipe its claws, only to be effortlessly subdued by Shi He.
The human in front of it was radiating far too much oppressive pressure.
Terrifying, meow meow meow.
Ruan Zhimian and Shi He headed out to dine at a riverside restaurant in Huajiang.
There was an amusement park nearby. Since it was a weekday, the crowds were sparse. They went on numerous rides together, sliding down from towering artificial mountains while wearing raincoats, waiting in line for the Ferris wheel, and even partaking in childish bumper car battles.
“Shi He, this is my first time playing this.”
Shi He stood by the side. “Mine too.”
After they finished playing and exited, Shi He handed him a drink. Ruan Zhimian pointed at the cartoon balloons being sold near the exit, acting just like a little kid. “I want a balloon.”
Shi He bought one and, mimicking a parent standing nearby, meticulously tied it around Ruan Zhimian’s wrist. “Mine.”
“Yours.”
Ruan Zhimian tilted his head up, his thick, dense eyelashes fluttering as he placed a soft kiss on the corner of his lips. “Shi He, today is the absolute happiest day.”
The Alpha’s hand pressed against the small of his back, pulling him flush against him. He pinched the back of the boy’s neck and kissed him back fiercely.
They were standing behind a tree. The tall, broad-shouldered figure leaned over, blocking almost all line of sight, only pulling away after a long while.
On the way back, Ruan Zhimian received a phone call.
“I understand.”
After being locked up for twelve hours, Su Ning was “accidentally” allowed to escape.
There were three days left.
Ruan Zhimian lowered his head, tapping away on his phone keyboard to continue executing his plan.
Even if he had to leave, he would leave Shi He a world free of hidden dangers.
“What happened?”
“A family matter. Just reminding me to go for my follow-up appointment next week.”
Ruan Zhimian locked his phone screen and changed the subject. “We’ve been out playing all afternoon. Do you think the kittens are hungry?”
“The assistant came by to feed them.”
“I want to feed them too.”
Shi He thought for a moment. “Let’s go home and check. They’re probably asleep by now.”
They headed home first. Shi He had a few contracts to sign, and Ruan Zhimian sat in the living room, staring fixedly at his phone screen for a long time. Upon hearing a ding-dong from the door, he trotted over eagerly to retrieve his items.
The assistant finished his work and emerged from the study. Ruan Zhimian was in the middle of decorating the living room. He had bought many pre-made decorations that only needed to be set up.
The young Master Ruan spoke with utmost sincerity. “Go stall him for a little while longer.”
The assistant immediately grabbed the documents and turned right back around. “Boss.”
Nonsense, Young Master Ruan’s orders had to be obeyed.
Ten minutes later, the special assistant emerged once again and made a swift exit.
The study door opened, and Ruan Zhimian poked his head out from behind the door, his tone soft and sugary. “Shi He, I’m trying to take care of the kittens, come help me quickly.”
The deep green blackout curtains in the living room were drawn shut. A faint glow emanated from the tinted glass table. Upon closer inspection, it was the flickering light of candles arranged on several different-shaped cakes.
Ruan Zhimian was wearing a pink and white dress retrieved from the wardrobe. He knelt on a plush black cushion, his pale, flawless calves slightly exposed. He had carefully put on waist-length black hair extensions, his beautiful features radiating a soft, gentle warmth. He was incredibly sincere.
He held up one of the small cakes with both hands.
“Shi He, happy birthday every year.”
He silently made a wish in his heart. Shi He, you must be happy.
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