Chapter 38: The Cat Will Scratch Your Face!

The people from the Ye Residence all seemed to have straightforward and efficient personalities—Liu Qingqing was like that, and so was Yan Feilang, with incredibly strong action-oriented drive. As a result, early the next morning, Jiang Xiaoyu was groggily licked awake by the Colorful Civet Old Cat. When he heard the doorbell and went to open the door, seeing the person standing there made him think he was still dreaming.

There was someone standing next to Yan Feilang. At first glance, Jiang Xiaoyu almost thought he was looking in a mirror. The man didn’t look any particular age, around 5’11” tall, with a well-proportioned build, clear eyes, and healthy wheat-colored skin that gave off a very gentle vibe.

“I told you he looks just like you.” Yan Feilang wasn’t smoking for once and compared the two of them side by side. “Aside from the skin tone, you’re practically identical.”

Ye Qingxu was also a bit surprised, scrutinizing the young man before him carefully.

Handsome features, very fair skin, and a pair of emerald-like eyes that looked exceptionally clean, inexplicably stirring goodwill in one’s heart.

“Hello.” Ye Qingxu smiled and greeted him. “Mr. Yan said you want to design a garden.”

The Half-Ear Civet curiously rubbed against Jiang Xiaoyu’s leg and meowed, “Boss, this guy looks just like you.” They generally didn’t rely much on vision to identify humans, but these two were just too similar.

Jiang Xiaoyu picked it up, still a bit dazed and not fully awake. “It’s not really designing… I just want to build a few shelves for the cats and dogs to live on.”

He led the two into the yard. Behind him, Yan Feilang chatted with Ye Qingxu. “You’re over ten years older than me, just call me Feilang directly.” He bent down and scooped up a passing little stray dog. “Or call me by name, whatever.”

Ye Qingxu didn’t respond upon hearing this, just smiled politely. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoyu pondered internally—Yan Feilang was probably twenty-seven or twenty-eight, so over ten years older would make Ye Qingxu over forty?

He thought of Chen Siming, who was also around forty, then looked at Ye Qingxu before him. He had to admit, time really favored some people. As he thought this, he recalled Ye Lian too—that old bastard should be in his mid-thirties by now, yet his skin was unreasonably smooth and delicate; even cat paws would slip on it.

Ye Qingxu noticed the young man in front of him inexplicably blush and found it odd, but he wasn’t one to pry into others’ business. Even though he had a good feeling about the guy, he didn’t plan to get too close—especially with the age gap, there wasn’t much to chat about. Once he’d repaid Yan Feilang’s favor, he didn’t intend to have much further interaction even with him.

“I’ll just take some measurements, no need to mind me.” He unpacked his toolkit and busied himself in the yard on his own.

Yan Feilang saw this and didn’t push, instead glancing at Jiang Xiaoyu, who was holding the cat nearby, and asked, “Eaten yet?”

Jiang Xiaoyu retracted his gaze from Ye Qingxu, his bedhead hair sticking up messily as he shook his head.

“Then go eat up on the mountain—Aunt Qing will definitely welcome you, hubby—” He switched tones as if his throat had been pinched. “The housekeeper heard you want to grow flowers and prepared a bunch of cuttings.”

Jiang Xiaoyu had no idea what those were, but Ye Qingxu, tools in hand nearby, asked, “What kind of cuttings? It’s too hot this season; the seedlings might not survive well.”

Yan Feilang said, “All roses—Blue Storm, Fragrant Cloud, and the like.”

Ye Qingxu glanced at Jiang Xiaoyu and asked, “Haven’t asked your name yet?”

Jiang Xiaoyu set the cat down and said, “Jiang Xiaoyu. You can call me Little Jiang.”

Ye Qingxu nodded warmly, but when he spoke again, he still said Mr. Jiang. “Mr. Jiang, you can look at some garden varieties you like. I’ll design and plan based on the courtyard layout.”

Jiang Xiaoyu scratched his head. “You handle it however—I’m clueless about this stuff. As long as there’s space for the cats and dogs to move around.” Thinking of this, he started worrying about the money again. Seeing Ye Qingxu focused on his work, he tugged Yan Feilang’s clothes, signaling him to come inside.

Yan Feilang saw his serious expression and the way he yanked at his shirt like a cat clawing—pretty amusing for this little cop. He raked a hand through his hair and turned to follow.

Inside the house, Jiang Xiaoyu asked quietly, “How much is Mr. Ye’s fee usually?” He’d never dealt with landscape designers, but since Yan Feilang said he was famous, it must be pricey.

“No charge.” Yan Feilang waved it off. “I told you, he owes me a favor. Otherwise, even if you had money, he wouldn’t take it—the guy’s won international awards left and right and wouldn’t bother with something this small.” It wasn’t entirely false, but free wasn’t quite true either; no design fee, sure, but materials couldn’t come out of his pocket.

Jiang Xiaoyu pursed his lips, pulled out his phone, and said, “Then I’ll give you the money.” He couldn’t just take someone else’s favor for free.

Yan Feilang tsked, looking a bit disdainful as he was about to say he didn’t need the cash, but then remembered Ye Lian’s instructions. Somewhat awkwardly, he said, “Fine, give a ten thousand upfront then. Settle the rest later.”

Even ten thousand was beyond what Jiang Xiaoyu had right now. He gripped his phone for a few seconds, then opened the streaming app and withdrew the reward money from Ye Lian.

After transferring the money to Yan Feilang, for a moment, Jiang Xiaoyu’s emotions were incredibly complicated. He’d spent a long time at the Welfare Institute, and those gray days had taught him gratitude but also to refuse charity. Even with Jin Ge, he’d stuck to his principles, unwilling to owe anyone. But now, he was using Ye Lian’s money. It left him puzzled and uneasy, yet at the same time, a strange peace settled in—he’d said it was for his little cats anyway.

His face flushed red as he shook his head, feeling ashamed of himself. How could he be so shamelessly enjoying this? Yet deep down, there was an indescribable flicker of joy that left him utterly confused.

Yan Feilang watched the little cop put on a whole show, blushing from cheeks to neck, practically steaming from the forehead. He couldn’t fathom what went on in the minds of these lovesick fools—himself included. Originally not quite right in the head, he’d gone even more neurotic after falling for that cat freak.

Yes, in Yan Feilang’s mind, though he respected Ye Lian greatly, he still thought that pleasure-above-all mindset was downright sick. Of course, he’d never say it to Ye Lian or “hubby” no matter what.

“Right, I’ll be out of town in a few days—could you help look after the Husky?” Yan Feilang asked. “We’ve got plenty of staff at home, but the Husky always runs over here.”

Jiang Xiaoyu nodded. “Sure, there are lots of little strays here, and they’d play with it.” Dumb dogs had dumb luck—purebreds thought the Husky stupid and bullied it, but these wild little strays were different. As long as the Husky shared food, it was a packmate.

After that, Yan Feilang didn’t linger. He called out to Ye Qingxu, “I’ll head out then. Thanks for handling the design, Mr. Ye.”

Ye Qingxu nodded, his face still wearing that polite smile.

Once Yan Feilang had been gone a bit, Jiang Xiaoyu tidied himself up, fed the cats and dogs, then crouched nearby quietly making some little crafts. Occasionally, he’d glance up at Ye Qingxu, sensing a scholarly air about him that made one think he’d read mountains of books.

Jiang Xiaoyu found it a bit wondrous—there was actually someone in the world who looked so much like him yet was a total stranger. After hesitating, he stood and walked over to Ye Qingxu. “Need any help?”

Ye Qingxu packed up his toolbox unhurriedly. “No need, I’ve got all the measurements. I understand the basic layout now; my assistant will come later for the detailed survey.”

Neither of them were the chatty type. Once business was done, Ye Qingxu prepared to leave. Before going, he handed Jiang Xiaoyu his business card. “If you have a style you like or specific design ideas, call me. Or contact my assistant later.”

Jiang Xiaoyu nodded, took it, and saw him out the gate.

Ye Qingxu called a ride and waited under a roadside tree’s shade. The breeze this season was languid; he lowered his gaze to the leaves on the ground that couldn’t seem to take flight, absentmindedly thinking the kid really did look a lot like him. At first he’d wondered if maybe some distant relative from his parents’ side, but hearing the surname Jiang ruled that out. Their clan rarely married outsiders, and no Jiangs in the family tree for generations.

The world was vast and full of wonders; with billions on Earth, reports of total stranger doppelgangers weren’t unheard of. Probably just a coincidence.

—

Perhaps because Ink Orchid Mansion was nestled against the mountain and water, far from the city, the evening glow here was always gorgeously vivid and intense, just like the scenery when Jiang Xiaoyu first laid eyes on Ye Lian.

In his cat form, Jiang Xiaoyu padded along the mountain road, mosquito-repellent sachets he’d made dangling from his neck. This was the worst part of living here—mosquitoes everywhere, and he was especially prone to bites. He’d made a bunch and planned to give some to the folks at Ink Orchid Mansion, even if they weren’t worth much.

Head down, he felt a bit dejected, thinking what he could offer was nothing compared to what others gave.

Car headlights slowly approached from behind. Jiang Xiaoyu didn’t stop, just scooted to the road’s edge.

But the car pulled up right beside him. He looked up and met Ye Lian’s handsome face.

“So black-furred—if Uncle’s eyes weren’t sharp, I really wouldn’t have spotted you.”

Jiang Xiaoyu felt a bit indignant and twisted his butt to keep walking ahead. Though he didn’t look back, he heard the car stop, followed by the sound of someone getting out.

Ye Lian’s legs were long, and he caught up to Jiang Xiaoyu in just a few steps. Bending at the waist, he scooped him up and held him right in front of his face. “Hmm? What’s this on your neck?”

He tucked the cat into the crook of his arm, flicking its chin with his slender yet powerful fingers. Before Jiang Xiaoyu could bristle, those fingers slid downward, hooking the sachet dangling from his neck. “Smells like peppermint and citronella.”

The faint blue sky of pre-dusk framed the man from behind. Even as night deepened, he still glowed with an elegant aura. Jiang Xiaoyu twisted his head away, refusing to look, and let out a soft meow. “It’s for repelling mosquitoes. I brought them for you guys—if you don’t mind, that is.”

A car drove past the cat and the man with barely a sound. Ye Lian’s voice was like a summer night breeze, warm and low. “Smells pretty nice. Give me one?”

His tone sounded like a request. Jiang Xiaoyu’s ear tips flushed faintly red as he shifted his neck to let him take it. “Go ahead.”

There were four or five hanging from the cat’s neck. Ye Lian examined them closely, then curved his eyes in a smile. “Uncle wants Little Yu.”

Jiang Xiaoyu’s heart jolted, his pulse suddenly racing hot. He watched the man’s finger hook the sachet, cradling it in his palm before tapping his own nose. “The Little Yu pattern on this sachet is super cute. I’ll take this one.”

Oh… so he wanted the mosquito-repelling pouch with the Little Yu design. Jiang Xiaoyu breathed a sigh of relief, tamping down that inexplicable twinge of disappointment at the same time.

This man’s embrace was so warm. Sprawled in the crook of his arm, Jiang Xiaoyu dangled his two cat paws in the air, swinging them. “Um, I spent your tip money today.”

Emboldened by the fact that the man couldn’t understand him, he felt an urge to vent his inner thoughts. “Before spending it, I felt kinda bad about it. But after actually spending it… I felt pretty happy.”

Even in cat form, he muttered under his breath. “It’s all your fault—saying it was for the cat to spend, making the cat feel like a freeloader and messing up its head.”

If Ye Lian didn’t have such sharp ears, he really might have missed that adorable grumble. A hint of amusement danced at the corner of his eye as he asked, “Little guy, has your little master been taking good care of you? Uncle told him last time to stock up on more treats for you. Uncle’s gonna keep an eye on it, you know.”

Having just moved and jumped into a new case, Jiang Xiaoyu hadn’t streamed in days. He meowed back. “The cat’s not streaming—how are you gonna supervise?”

Ye Lian obviously couldn’t answer that directly, so he said, “Uncle sees your little master can’t even take care of himself properly. How about someday we talk it over with him, and he hands your custody over to Uncle?”

Uncle this, Uncle that—Jiang Xiaoyu’s ears burned as irritation boiled over. “Don’t call yourself Uncle! I said the cat isn’t the cat’s master! The cat’s custody belongs to the cat itself, obviously! The cat doesn’t want you raising it!”

Wait—no! What custody does “the cat itself” even have? What nonsense! His thoughts had been derailed, tangled up beyond sorting. In a fit of reckless frustration, he ducked his head and chomped down on Ye Lian’s arm. “Old bastard!”

The guy didn’t look bulky under his clothes, but the muscle in the crook of his arm was rock-hard. If not for the smooth skin, Jiang Xiaoyu would’ve sworn he’d bitten a stone. He threw a pointless little tantrum. “It’s all your fault!” Not even he knew if he was mad at the tough meat or at Ye Lian for throwing him off balance.

Ye Lian patted his head, his voice gentle as rising moonlight. “Always biting people. Maybe Uncle should bite back?”

If he hadn’t mentioned it, fine—but now Jiang Xiaoyu flashed back to that little whip, fury and shame exploding as he yowled. “You dare! The cat will scratch your face to shreds! So you won’t dare strut around with that pretty mug anymore!”

Ye Lian nearly burst out laughing. Was this little guy cursing him out or complimenting him?

Jiang Xiaoyu meowed nonstop the whole way, stunned at how chatty his mouth could get. But whatever—the cat had things to say!

“The cat’s telling you: until the case is crystal clear, no contacting Yang Guo, got it? And you better come clean upfront about why Yang Guo came looking for you! Don’t call yourself Uncle! Don’t—” The meowing cut off abruptly. He’d spotted Yan Feilang walking his Husky.

Scolding Ye Lian was fine when it was just them, but now with company, he clammed up instantly. Embarrassment flooded him as he buried his head in Ye Lian’s arm.

Yan Feilang took a drag from his smoke, his voice rough as a drum. “What’s up with this cat? In heat? Yowling like that in the dead of summer?”

In heat? Jiang Xiaoyu’s brain short-circuited. Then he heard Ye Lian say, “Who knows… Let me take a look.”

Even as he spoke, the man’s hand reached for Jiang Xiaoyu’s cat bell. Enraged, Jiang Xiaoyu leaped onto his shoulder and sank his teeth into his ear.