Chapter 29.1

“Jing Xi teased, ‘You’re shedding.’”

　　Once Jing Xi was done, he reached out to Duan Chi, conveying his wish to dine together in the evening. He extended an invitation to Duan Xiuwen and Jin Yumeng as well.

　　[Duan Chi: You have something special to share?]
　　[Jing Xi: You always catch on quickly.]
　　[Duan Chi: Is it good or bad news?]
　　[Jing Xi: You’ll find out tonight.]

　　 Elsewhere, Duan Chi narrowed his eyes as he felt that was never a good sign.

　　Try as he might, the other party played their cards close to the chest and was unwilling to disclose the truth. So, all he could do was wait until dusk painted the sky, and everyone had their fill. Little did he know, that was when someone would drop a bombshell. 

　　“I deferred my studies.”

　　In a split second, a loaded silence settled over the table, leaving everyone in equal states of shock. Suddenly, the room erupted with Duan Xiuwen and Jin Yumeng’s synchronized exclamation. “—What?”

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　　Only then did Duan Chi share his opinions. “Tell me the truth.”
　　Jing Xi insisted, “I really just want to head out and have some fun.”
　　Duan Chi inquired, “Any place in mind? And for how long do you plan to be gone?”
　　Jing Xi responded, “Not at the moment, but don’t worry! I’ll make time to see you regularly.”
　　Duan Chi probed further, “Any specifics on when we’ll meet regularly?”
　　Jing Xi answered, “Not for now.”

　　In the lapse of time, Duan Chi fixed him a look. Although he could not quite wrap his head around it and even found the idea a tad absurd, he could not refrain from trusting his instincts and blurted out a question. “Could it be because Xiuwen and Yumeng have ended up together?”

　　The moment these words escaped his lips, System gasped in astonishment while Jing Xi blinked his eyes, looking as innocent as a puppy. “Why would you even consider that? What in the world does their love life have to do with me?”

　　This was also something that baffled Duan Chi the most.

　　In all the time they had shared, there was only one thing that consistently sparked his suspicion, aside from his lingering doubts about Ye Zhou. It was something he could not quite comprehend or make sense of, no matter how hard he tried.

　　Jing Xi explained, “You’ve probably witnessed your fair share of devious schemes in the business world, so your mind is accustomed to scrutinizing every nook and cranny. But, truth be told, our younger generation often lives in a much simpler world.”

　　Duan Chi retorted, “I beg to differ.”

　　Nevertheless, he understood the futility of changing the other’s mind. Gently gripping their hand, he reminded, “Don’t forget about the promise you made, and make sure to keep me informed of your whereabouts.”

　　Jing Xi replied, “I promise to try.”
　　Duan Chi added, “I’ve barely taken any annual leave in the past few years. Perhaps I should accompany you.”
　　Jing Xi assured, “I’ll keep you updated.”

　　Only then did Duan Chi let out a sound of acknowledgment begrudgingly. Instead of heading home, their evening stroll led them to Jing Xi’s place, where he lingered until dusk began its descent. And as he prepared to depart, he took the chance to sink his teeth into the shoulder as planned.

　　On the contrary, the sweetness on his tongue did not bring a smidgen of pleasure; instead, it stoked suspicions that something was up. How could it be so effortless to converse with him this time, unlike their usual encounters?

　　Ignoring the frown that marred Duan Chi’s face, Jing Xi obediently saw him out before indulging in a hot bath back in his room. As he settled onto the plush bed, he reached for his phone and logged into StarNet as he always did.

　　System wondered, “Are you not curious about the second storyline?”
　　For some unknown reasons, Jing Xi’s enthusiasm waned. “Do you know what time it is?”
　　System answered hesitatingly, “It’s past evening?”
　　Jing Xi refuted, “No, it’s my last day of freedom before work. Let’s not spoil these precious moments of joy, alright?”

　　Upon hearing that, System was rendered speechless and could not help but criticize inwardly, ‘Well, it is not like you have done anything during this period either. You have been out having fun for so long that I wonder what happened to the past you who specifically requested for the second storyline?’

　　Despite that, it found itself unable to complain nor challenge him. Hence, it was left with no choice but to remain silent.

　　With that, Jing Xi played with his phone until the clock struck midnight before he finally decided to call it a night.

　　In his dream, a mesmerizing landscape unfolded before his closed eyes — a thousand towering mountains and their sheer cliffs plunging into a turbulent sea of clouds. Amidst this breathtaking vista, a majestic black leopard-like giant beast unfurled its wings and swept him away as they descended from the lofty summit.

　　The clouds and mist raced by, transforming the landscape beneath from glistening white snow to dense forests. In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from chimneys while the wheat fields undulated like waves in the wind.

　　The massive beast descended and transformed, taking the form of a long-haired young man clad in black robes.

　　He possessed an otherworldly beauty that was accentuated by a pair of furry ears gracefully perched upon his head. A smile graced his lips as he inquired, “Having fun?”

　　Before Jing Xi could utter a single word in response, a sudden eruption of applause filled the air.

　　Startled, he opened his eyes, only to recall the instruction he had given the AI to add sound effects whenever CEO Duan climbed over the wall.

　　As he sat up, his mind remained ensnared by the clutches of the dream.

　　The scene felt incredibly real, like a place he had been to before. Judging from the youth’s attire and the ability to conjure clothes after transforming, it was highly probable that it was a fantasy world.

　　However, a cascade of unanswered questions swirled in his mind. Who was that young man? Could he be the data stream the Department Head mentioned? If so, was it related to his subsequent decision to become a Divine Lord? And what has become of him now?

　　In addition, was his fondness for caressing ears something he developed in that world?

　　On this night, Duan Chi acquired the right to enter the mansion without gaining the owner’s consent. With a graceful leap onto the balcony, he stealthily entered the bedroom. 

　　Inside, he noticed a young man with eyes cast down, deep in contemplation.

　　Amidst the hush of the night, Jing Xi’s senses prickled as a peculiar sound caught his attention. With a swift gaze, he instructed the AI to switch on the lights in the room, only to reveal an unexpected sight — the CEO clad in pajamas. Arching a questioning brow, he inquired, “What brings you here at this ungodly hour?”

　　Duan Chi admitted, “I simply couldn’t resist the urge to see you. And since you’re struggling with sleep tonight, I highly doubt I’d be disturbing you.”

　　When those words left Duan Chi’s lips, Jing Xi became utterly flabbergasted.

　　In a swift motion, Duan Chi settled onto the bedside and reached out to draw the other close into his embrace. His ears appeared on top of his head as he affectionately nuzzled against the other party’s neck and whispered, “I had a nightmare where I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

　　Despite his pitiful words, his body exuded an unsettling cold aura that was creeping into Jing Xi’s very bones.

　　In that fleeting moment, Jing Xi could not help but suspect whether he might just devour him on the bed.

　　His senses tingled with anticipation, every nerve on high alert. Yet, he found himself distracted by the irresistible furry sensation.

　　His rebellious hand rose of its own accord, caressing Duan Chi’s ears. Without thinking, he murmured, “I won’t.”

　　Even so, Duan Chi stayed quiet and continued to hold him close.

　　With a tender touch, Jing Xi stroked Duan Chi’s ears once more, but his attempt to push Duan Chi away was met with stubborn resistance. He arched an inquisitive brow and questioned, “Why don’t you stay for the night?”

　　“Sure,” he proclaimed, straightening his posture and shedding the cloak of pity in a mere instant.

　　Jing Xi’s gaze lingered on him before he swiftly rose from the bed, grabbed a blanket, and playfully tossed it his way. With an inviting grin, he made room beside him, and they nestled together on the bed. As the world faded into darkness around them, they closed their eyes, reveling in an undeniable sense of joy.

　　Sleeping, even if only temporarily, could provide one with some relief from the troubles.

　　Initially, he doubted his ability to get a good night’s sleep, yet drifted into the most tranquil slumber. 

　　Dawn broke, revealing an unexpected situation — a tail wrapped snugly around his waist and his entire being enveloped by another’s embrace. After a silent pause, he called out to the Artificial Stupidity, “When did this cuddle session begin?”

　　System reported, “Around 1:40 am.”

　　Jing Xi firmly refuted, “That’s impossible.”

　　At that very moment, he should have just fallen asleep for not too long. The warm embrace all night made him wonder whether he had indeed slept like the dead.

　　System insisted, “I swear I am not lying!”

　　Jing Xi criticized inwardly, ‘Could it be that I’ve grown a bit too cozy, perhaps even a tad decadent?’ He could not help but harbor doubts as he reached down to stroke the tail coiled around his waist.