Chapter 68 Part 1

When Jiang Jingyun caught him, the first thing Zhong Nian sensed was the sweet, dessert-like fragrance— so pleasant that it dispelled any sense of wariness.

Thus, he didn’t react right away.

With Mr. Administrator’s help, the Little Cat’s sharp claws were removed from Zhong Nian’s clothes.

It showed no remorse whatsoever. Once freed, it went straight to lick up the Cat Treats scattered on the floor.

Zhong Nian watched, feeling both exasperated and helpless.

He stood up and thanked Jiang Jingyun.

“No problem.” Jiang Jingyun’s gaze fell on the area below the young man’s collarbone. “Did it scratch you?”

“It seems like it…” Zhong Nian pulled his collar open a bit and looked down to see a streak of bright red blood.

It didn’t hurt too badly—just a stinging sensation.

[So pale… I wanna lick it.]

[Wifey, be careful! Don’t pull your collar like that in front of others!]

[Looks painful. Hubby will lick it better.]

[Bad cat.]

The little cat had done something naughty, but Zhong Nian couldn’t really do anything about it— it had been an accident, after all.

Fortunately, Jiang Jingyun had told him that the Tabby Cat had received its Rabies Vaccine, so there was no worry about infection. Still, the wound needed disinfecting.

“Come to my place. I’m pretty experienced with this sort of thing and can help you treat it,” Jiang Jingyun suggested.

“Uh…”

Though Jiang Jingyun gave a good impression, they had only met that day. Suddenly going to his home felt too abrupt, and Zhong Nian remained somewhat cautious.

Jiang Jingyun seemed to notice his hesitation and changed his approach, explaining the treatment method instead.

“The soapy water needs to flow continuously for at least fifteen minutes. A Rinsing Device makes it easier—just mix it up and rinse. Do you have one at home?”

Zhong Nian, who had thoroughly searched the apartment, knew they had all sorts of tools except for this uncommon Rinsing Device.

With the other man being so helpful, Zhong Nian felt bad refusing again.

He followed Jiang Jingyun upstairs but, out of caution, stayed at the door: “I’ll just wait here. No need to invite me in and disturb you.”

“Alright, give me a moment.”

Jiang Jingyun smiled and nodded, then turned to go inside.

The door remained ajar, allowing Zhong Nian to openly survey the interior.

Though it was the same Apartment, every unit had its unique layout.

Jiang Jingyun’s room reflected his personal style: clean and warm in light tones, with original wood furniture and flooring. Numerous green plants were placed around, their lush, vibrant leaves clearly well-cared for.

The decorations and wall art followed a pastoral romantic theme, mostly handmade. A full bookshelf added an artistic flair to the entire space.

A wind chime seemed to hang on the balcony— Zhong Nian couldn’t see it, but he heard its crisp tinkling.

The room appealed to both sight and sound, and Zhong Nian caught a sweet aroma as well.

It wasn’t some distant, high-end perfume; it was the fresh-from-the-oven scent of a Cake Shop, the natural fragrance of butter and Chicken Eggs baked together, evoking a warm, soft sense of happiness.

Zhong Nian couldn’t help tilting his head back, sniffing around eagerly.

When Jiang Jingyun emerged, he saw Zhong Nian looking like a gluttonous, curious little animal desperately seeking the source of the scent.

“I baked Cookies. Want to try some?” Jiang Jingyun asked with a smile.

Realizing his impolite sniffing had been caught by the host, Zhong Nian flushed with embarrassment: “Sorry, it smelled too good…”

He thought to himself that this explained the similar scent he’d noticed on Jiang Jingyun earlier.

“No worries, I baked plenty.” Jiang Jingyun handed him the Rinsing Device first, then turned to fetch the Cookies from the Kitchen.

Each Cookie was delicately shaped, piped like flowers, golden-hued and utterly appetizing.

Zhong Nian tried one; it was crisp, sweet, and buttery, filling his mouth with flavor. His eyes lit up.

“Like them?”

“I love them!” Zhong Nian answered without thinking, praising sincerely. “Your baking skills are amazing!”

“Take them all home then.” Jiang Jingyun simply shoved the sealed jar of Little Cookies into Zhong Nian’s hands.

Zhong Nian felt too embarrassed to accept, but Jiang Jingyun insisted.

“Baking is one of my hobbies. I make a lot every day and worry about having too many. You can help me out by taking some.”

“Th-then… okay. Thank you so much for today.”

Jiang Jingyun smiled gently: “You’re welcome. Remember to treat that wound properly when you get home to avoid infection. Feel free to come find me if anything comes up— I’m usually home.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

After eating and taking gifts from someone else’s home, Zhong Nian’s face was still flushed when he left 3001.

He never expected the Apartment’s Administrator, Mr. Administrator, to be such a good person.

It seemed the fourth rule in the Apartment Rules was genuine— one could fully trust him.

Descending from the top floor to the 16th Floor, Zhong Nian couldn’t resist sneaking a few more Little Cookies during that one-minute elevator ride.

They were just too fragrant, melting in the mouth with a crisp texture.

Freezing them in the fridge might make them taste like ice cream.

In high spirits with that plan, Zhong Nian’s steps were lighter as he exited the elevator.

As he walked along, popping a fresh one into his mouth, he suddenly sensed a subtle gaze. He snapped his head up to catch it.

There, from a palm-width door gap at Room 1604, a tall shadowy figure lurked like a massive beast in the dark, fixating on its prey with sinister, pitch-black eyes.

Zhong Nian froze mid-lick of the crumbs on his lips, his little tongue sticking out for two seconds before he snapped it back, then pretended nonchalance as he quickly unlocked and entered his own door.

“Our neighbor next door is really creepy…” He rubbed his arms, making a mental note.

He decided to ask Mo Heng about it when he returned.

He ate another Little Cookie to calm his nerves, then followed Jiang Jingyun’s instructions, thoroughly rinsing the wound with soapy water for a full fifteen minutes.

To avoid wetting the floor, he did it in the Bathroom.