Chapter 28
The kitten and the man stared at each other across the table, the air thick with tension.
Director Li, slightly tipsy, hadn’t noticed anything amiss, assuming the man was simply hesitant to approach Lu Dingyun.
Since the man had been quite attentive and sociable lately, he decided to make the introduction.
“Sun Mao, Dingyun just looks aloof, he’s actually very easy to get along with. Come, let me introduce you.” Director Li, smiling, put his arm around the man’s shoulder, leading him forward.
Sun Mao, snapping out of his daze, felt a cold sweat on his back.
He saw Lu Dingyun staring at him, his usual indifferent expression giving nothing away.
It’s fine.
Sun Mao reassured himself.
It was just a kitten. It couldn’t talk, let alone tell on him.
Although the damn cat was clearly hostile, as long as he didn’t mention the abuse, who would know?
Even if Lu Dingyun sensed the cat’s hostility, he wouldn’t suspect him of animal abuse.
He could just claim he also had a cat at home and that the scent of another cat on him was upsetting the kitten.
Animals couldn’t talk, which was why he abused them. It was a way to release his pent-up frustrations.
They could never tell anyone what he had done.
Reassured, Sun Mao put on his usual affable smile, calling over the new actor he was managing, and prepared to approach Lu Dingyun with Director Li.
Wei Yuan, seeing all this, bared its teeth.
It had been raining heavily that night, but cats had excellent night vision, and the cat abuser had made such a strong impression that Wei Yuan remembered him clearly despite having only seen him once.
It had suffered so much, with its broken leg and the glue. If Lu Dingyun hadn’t rescued it, it would have died.
Wei Yuan still felt it hadn’t scratched him hard enough.
It had thought that if it ever saw the cat abuser again, it would teach him a lesson.
And now, the opportunity had presented itself.
The kitten glared at Sun Mao, its claws extended, ready to attack.
Of course, it wasn’t all talk.
Seeing that Sun Mao had also recognized it but was pretending to be friendly, even preparing to approach Lu Dingyun, Wei Yuan’s anger reached its boiling point, and it sprang into action.
The kitten nimbly jumped onto the table, avoiding the dishes, and charged towards Sun Mao without hesitation.
Even as a human, it had always been one to address grievances immediately, never one to hold back.
The kitten was fast, almost a blur.
Lu Dingyun, who had been observing the stranger, saw his expression change upon seeing Wei Yuan and instantly understood that the man knew the kitten.
And he knew his own kitten, which was always well-behaved and wouldn’t be hostile towards someone without reason.
In a flash of insight, he had a suspicion.
Perhaps this man was the cat abuser.
If so, he would definitely let the kitten have its revenge, and he would also seek justice for the kitten in his own way.
So, when the kitten charged, Lu Dingyun reacted instantly.
He stood up, quickly rounding the table to chase after the kitten, wanting to protect it from harm.
Besides him, only Sun Mao, who had also been watching the kitten, reacted as quickly.
He knew this kitten wasn’t easily bullied. It would fight back, it was intelligent, and therefore dangerous.
So, when the kitten charged, his expression changed, and he instinctively retreated.
The two screenwriters, who had been eating, saw the kitten dash past them and gasped.
The room fell silent, and everyone looked over curiously.
Since everyone else was standing still, Lu Dingyun and the kitten were particularly conspicuous.
As everyone watched in confusion, the kitten reached the other side of the table and, under their astonished gazes, leaped into the air, pouncing on Sun Mao.
Sun Mao’s face paled.
Logically, he knew it was Lu Dingyun’s cat and that he shouldn’t touch it.
But his addiction to cat abuse kicked in, and he instinctively reached out to grab the kitten, his expression twisting with malice.
Wei Yuan, not surprised or afraid, attacked even more fiercely.
It extended its claws, raking them across Sun Mao’s wrist.
Sun Mao groaned, his other hand quickly reaching out to grab the kitten’s neck.
If he caught it, the kitten’s fragile neck would be broken.
But just as he raised his hand, another hand shot out from the side, grabbing his wrist in a vise-like grip.
A sharp pain shot through his wrist, and Sun Mao cried out, trying to break free.
But looking up, he saw that it was Lu Dingyun holding him, and he cowered, not daring to resist, even stifling his cry of pain.
Wei Yuan, having had its fill of scratching, jumped off the man and nimbly landed on Lu Dingyun’s shoulder.
It glanced at the blood on its claws, careful to tuck them in, so as not to stain Lu Dingyun’s clothes.
Then it slowly looked down at the man.
Sun Mao’s face was ashen, his forehead covered in sweat.
He hadn’t expected Lu Dingyun, who looked so delicate, to have such a strong grip. He felt like his bones were about to shatter.
He forced himself to calm down, forcing a shaky smile. “Teacher Lu, what… what is the meaning of this?”
The entire sequence had happened so quickly that most people in the room were only now reacting.
Director Li, sobered up, quickly put down his glass and approached them. “What’s going on? Let’s talk things out, no need for violence.”
He grabbed Lu Dingyun’s wrist. “Dingyun, let go.”
Lu Dingyun released his grip.
Sun Mao’s hand dropped, his sleeve hiding his bruised and throbbing wrist, but he didn’t dare to rub it.
Director Li, standing close, saw the dark bruises on his wrist, realizing how much force Lu Dingyun had used.
Lu Dingyun, after releasing Sun Mao, calmly picked up a wet wipe from the table and meticulously cleaned his hands, focusing on the hand that had grabbed Sun Mao.
The room was silent.
The new actor Sun Mao had brought, who had a minor role in the drama, was terrified, shrinking back, not daring to speak.
The two male leads, returning from the restroom, had witnessed the entire scene.
They were young actors, and although Lu Dingyun hadn’t been on set much lately, they had often consulted him via WeChat, and he had always answered patiently, so they naturally sided with him.
And the kitten alone was enough to win their affection. Both of them were cat owners and adored the little creature.
So, while everyone else hesitated, they exchanged a look and approached Lu Dingyun.
Lu Dingyun lifted Wei Yuan off his shoulder, and the kitten immediately extended its blood-stained claws, wanting him to clean them.
Lu Dingyun silently cleaned its claws, his expression unchanged, but Wei Yuan, knowing him well, sensed his displeasure.
Did he think it was being unreasonable?
Wei Yuan, anxious, jumped off Lu Dingyun’s arms.
Lu Dingyun was startled, then saw the kitten jump onto the table.
“Meow~” It called out to him, then began its performance.
Everyone watched the kitten curiously.
It pointed at its head, then pretended to pour something onto its head with its paw.
“Mew!”
Glue! Poured on the kitten’s head, understand?
Wei Yuan stared at Lu Dingyun with wide eyes.
Lu Dingyun’s heart was still racing. He didn’t dare think about what would have happened if he had been a moment too late, if Sun Mao had actually grabbed the kitten’s neck.
But with so many people present, he didn’t want them to think the kitten was being unreasonable, so he calmed himself down and played along.
“Xiao Yuan, are you talking about the incident where someone poured glue on your head?” Lu Dingyun’s voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Wei Yuan’s eyes lit up, and it nodded vigorously, then pointed its paw at Sun Mao.
“Meow, meow!” This asshole did it!
Wei Yuan blatantly accused him.
Lu Dingyun’s gaze turned icy as he looked at Sun Mao, and Director Li was also stunned.
Sun Mao’s face turned ashen.
Everyone else gasped, whispering amongst themselves.
Some of them had been following Lu Dingyun’s news and knew that he had rescued the kitten, which had been covered in glue and severely injured.
Those who knew explained to those who didn’t, and everyone quickly pieced together the story.
“So, the one who poured glue on the kitten was that Sun Mao?” someone voiced everyone’s thoughts.
Sun Mao’s lips trembled, and he forced a smile. “How could that be? I would never hurt an animal. I even have a cat at home.”
Humans would defend themselves, but animals couldn’t speak, often forced to suffer in silence.
But Wei Yuan wasn’t one to be bullied.
It angrily swatted a glass off the table.
The glass landed on the carpet without breaking, but the kitten had once again captured everyone’s attention.
Wei Yuan continued its accusations.
It patted its chest with its paw, then lifted its previously injured hind leg, lying down on the table, its eyes half-closed, looking weak and in pain.
After a few seconds, it quickly got up and pointed at Sun Mao again.
“Mew, mew, mew!”
He was the one who injured the kitten!
It glared at Sun Mao, then looked at Lu Dingyun with sparkling eyes, expecting him to translate.
Everyone was stunned. Director Li, his professional instincts kicking in, was impressed by the kitten’s performance.
Seeing the kitten so lively and energetic reassured Lu Dingyun.
He walked over, picked up the kitten, kissed it, and said, “Baby, are you saying that this man broke your ribs and leg, almost killing you?”
“Meow!” Exactly!
Wei Yuan nodded vigorously, patting Lu Dingyun’s hand with its paw.
Everyone looked at Sun Mao with disdain.
This scumbag, he dared to abuse a cat and then lie about it.
Look how angry it had made their Xiao Yuan, almost speaking human language.
Lu Dingyun’s eyes turned cold. “Do you still want to deny it?”
Sun Mao’s face was pale.
What was there to deny? This cat was clearly too smart, actually telling on him!
He was trapped. Whether he admitted it or not, he was in trouble.
But he couldn’t just leave. The director, producer, screenwriters, and even Lu Dingyun and the other actors present all had influence in the industry.
If this matter wasn’t resolved today, his career would be over.
He had worked hard to climb from a lowly assistant to a successful manager and couldn’t let this ruin his future.
Those who climbed from the bottom were those who could endure what others couldn’t.
Sun Mao was no exception. After analyzing the situation, he made his choice.
His eyes reddened as he looked at Lu Dingyun, his voice trembling. “I’m sorry, Teacher Lu, I… I was drunk that day, and I was in a bad mood. It was a momentary lapse of judgment.”
Then, under everyone’s scornful gazes, he quickly added, “But I immediately regretted it. I went back to find the kitten, wanting to take it to the hospital, but it was gone.”
He had indeed gone back the next day, but not to save the kitten, but to vent his anger.
That damn kitten had scratched his face and forced him to get rabies shots.
But he hadn’t been able to find the kitten.
“Pfft!” The kitten stuck its tongue out at him. As if anyone would believe that.
Lu Dingyun didn’t believe him either, but abusing stray animals wasn’t a crime, and they couldn’t legally punish Sun Mao.
“You shouldn’t be apologizing to me,” Lu Dingyun said, stroking the kitten’s fur.
The kitten was wearing a grass-green elf costume with transparent wings, looking like a pure little angel.
Its beautiful blue eyes stared at Sun Mao, full of disdain and mockery.
You idiot, this cat will be your downfall.
Sun Mao felt humiliated, with so many people watching, but he had no choice but to bow his head and apologize to a kitten. “I’m sorry, little cat, I was wrong. I’ll never hurt an animal again.”
Wei Yuan scoffed, not believing his words.
But it knew this was the best outcome it could hope for.
But once it turned back into a human, things wouldn’t be so easily forgotten. Everyone had to pay for their actions.
And as the young master of the Jiang and Wei families, making someone regret their actions was child’s play.
Sun Mao fled in disgrace, knowing his reputation as an animal abuser would spread throughout the industry.
But the entertainment industry was full of all sorts of people, not all of them kind and compassionate animal lovers. Perhaps his notoriety would attract some like-minded individuals.
And, as far as he knew, a certain influential investor had some… peculiar preferences.
The incident was quickly forgotten, and everyone resumed their dinner and conversations, although the topic inevitably shifted to sympathy for the kitten and condemnation of Sun Mao.
Many people came over to express their concern for the kitten, but the kitten was busy appeasing Movie Emperor Lu.
The movie emperor was clearly still upset about the kitten’s near-miss earlier, his mood foul.
Wei Yuan, understanding the cat slave’s mindset, felt both embarrassed and secretly pleased.
“Meow~” It stood on Lu Dingyun’s lap, its front paws gripping his chest, nuzzling its head against his neck.
Don’t be angry anymore, I won’t be impulsive again, okay?
Lu Dingyun, holding the kitten, felt its soft fur against his neck, its small ears twitching.
His heart softened, and he poked its forehead gently. “You bad kitten, I’ll spank you next time you do that.”
Wei Yuan blushed, burying its face in his arms.
S-spank me then.
The man and cat reconciled, and Lu Dingyun took out a cat treat for it.
As it was enjoying its treat, Director Li approached with a wide smile.
“Haha, Xiao Yuan is eating.”
Wei Yuan ignored him, turning its back to him.
Director Li was truly talented, having offended Lu Dingyun twice now, first with the stalker incident and now with Sun Mao.
He felt incredibly guilty, the superstitious man even thinking he and Lu Dingyun might be incompatible, his presence a curse to the movie emperor.
But he had worked so hard to cast Lu Dingyun and couldn’t let him go now.
He clasped his hands together, bowing slightly. “Dingyun, it’s my fault, I’m so sorry. I’ll be more careful in the future. Please give Xiao Yuan and me another chance!”
Lu Dingyun knew it wasn’t Director Li’s fault. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault.”
“No, no, I should have been more discerning.” Director Li continued chatting with Lu Dingyun, his gaze constantly drifting towards Wei Yuan.
After a while, both Lu Dingyun and Wei Yuan sensed his intentions.
Wei Yuan jumped into Lu Dingyun’s arms, staring at Director Li warily.
“Director Li, is there something you want to say?” Lu Dingyun asked directly.
Director Li, slightly embarrassed, chuckled, scratching his head, then looked at the kitten. “Well, I just noticed that Xiao Yuan seems to have a talent for acting. Its expressions are so vivid and expressive.”
Lu Dingyun: “So?”
Wei Yuan lifted its chin proudly, thinking, you have good taste. This young master has won a Best Actor award, you know?
Director Li seized the opportunity, smiling. “We have an important supporting character in the drama who hasn’t appeared yet.”
Lu Dingyun paused, instantly understanding.
In the drama, Lu Dingyun’s character, the Grandmaster, had a spirit beast, a fire qilin, which later followed him into the demonic realm, cultivating demonic fire and becoming a divine beast of the demon race, his most loyal companion.
Director Li had initially planned to use CGI for the qilin, having Lu Dingyun act without a physical counterpart.
But after seeing Xiao Gui Yuan’s performance earlier, he had a new idea.
If the kitten could play the young qilin, it would not only save money on CGI but also be a great publicity stunt.
After all, Gui Yuan was now an internet-famous cat.
Wei Yuan often read the script with Lu Dingyun and had watched him act, so it also understood.
So, Director Li wanted it to act?!
Director Li, as expected, said, “I was thinking, maybe we could let Xiao Yuan try a couple of scenes?”
Wei Yuan immediately sat up straight, its eyes shining, looking up at Lu Dingyun excitedly.
“Meow~”
Let me act! Let me act!
Lu Dingyun knew his kitten was smart, and its acting skills were undeniable, based on its performance earlier.
He looked down at the kitten, which was now on his shoulder, nuzzling his face and purring.
“You want to act?” Lu Dingyun’s eyes crinkled with amusement.
“Mew!” Yes!
Lu Dingyun chuckled. “Okay, talk to Lao Liu about it later.”
Director Li, seeing their interaction, was even more excited. He immediately stood up and rushed towards Liu Ying. “Lao Liu, we have a business opportunity!”
Wei Yuan happily rolled around in Lu Dingyun’s arms, making him chuckle and shower it with kisses.
Wei Yuan let him kiss it, for the first time not retaliating.
It loved acting and had thought its acting career was over after becoming a cat, but unexpectedly, there was still hope.
The thought of going from an internet-famous cat to a cat movie star thrilled it.
Its heart pounded with excitement, making it slightly dizzy, and its paw accidentally landed on Lu Dingyun’s inner thigh. Lu Dingyun’s expression changed, and he instinctively flinched.
At the same time, in the largest bedroom on the third floor of the Jiang residence, the heart rate monitor beside the bed beeped erratically, then returned to normal.
And the young man, lying motionless on the bed, twitched his index finger.
Ack, careful there Wei Yuan xD
Thank you for the update!!