Chapter 123: Variety Show in Progress (2)
Hearing Xu Qingchen’s words, Shen Xiu instinctively thought Xu Qingchen was concerned about Lucky. He looked at Xu Qingchen and seriously explained, “This is freeze-dried food for main meals. The vet said for a kitten like Lucky, eating five pieces a day is fine.”
This was something the vet told Shen Xiu when he took Lucky for vaccinations.
“Lucky has only eaten three pieces today, so there are still two left.”
After saying this last sentence, Shen Xiu glanced guiltily at the fluffy little furball happily rubbing against his hand after finishing the freeze-dried treat.
He recalled his habit of feeding too much the day before and then deceiving himself by cutting back on treats the next day, feeling ashamed.
At the same time, he silently thanked his lucky star that Lucky couldn’t understand what he was saying, or else how sad the cat would be.
Xu Qingchen: “……”
He even brought the vet into this argument?
While talking back at him, he deliberately gave him a cold look, speaking lightly but with clear disdain and a warning in his eyes.
Just as the rumors said, Shen Xiu was cold-hearted and unforgiving, retaliating over the smallest grievance.
Having tested the waters, Xu Qingchen’s curiosity about Shen Xiu faded. He also learned the boundaries to keep when dealing with him, and with a smile and a hint of apology said, “Oh, is that so? Haha, sorry, I thought it was snack freeze-dried treats.”
They’re all freeze-dried, after all. How was he supposed to know there was a difference between snack freeze-dried and main meal freeze-dried?
Shen Xiu found it strange—if someone cared about Lucky, it meant they liked Lucky. That should have made him happy right away, so why was Xu Qingchen apologizing to him?
Shen Xiu said, “No need to apologize. I should be the one thanking you for caring about Lucky.”
When the topic was about himself, Shen Xiu would at most say two sentences, no more than twenty words, then awkwardly run out of things to say.
But if the topic was about Lucky, especially if the other person showed affection for Lucky, Shen Xiu couldn’t help but say a few more words.
Xu Qingchen: “……”
He had already apologized, so why was Shen Xiu deliberately bringing up that cat in such a sarcastic tone?
Xu Qingchen awkwardly replied, “Well, I was just trying to be kind.”
Hearing Xu Qingchen say he cared about Lucky, Shen Xiu forgave him a tiny bit for barging in without knocking, and sincerely said, “Hmm, thank you.”
Whether it was on Youth Unstoppable, or the variety show Crossing Shen Xiu had participated in, or even during media interviews for endorsements, aside from the scripted lines he was told to say by the brand, Shen Xiu never spoke unnecessarily about things he shouldn’t, nor did he want to.
He cultivated the image of a quiet, cold person—like a walking ice machine.
Now, Xu Qingchen saw that Shen Xiu always replied when spoken to, and with a cold look and a faint tone of voice. Aside from Shen Xiu’s sarcasm, Xu Qingchen couldn’t think of any other explanation.
He deeply regretted letting his curiosity about Shen Xiu get the better of him and coming here to invite trouble.
As the saying goes, pets resemble their owners. After Xu Qingchen entered, the cat on the floor didn’t even glance at him once, behaving toward him with the same awkward and annoyed attitude that Shen Xiu showed.
“Ahem… well, I haven’t finished packing Wang Cai’s luggage yet, so I’m heading out now. Bye-bye.”
Shen Xiu: “Goodbye.”
Because the villa had many live-stream cameras, and the screens were split into multiple views, fans of each celebrity followed their own idols hopping around the various screens.
When Xu Qingchen arrived in Shen Xiu’s room’s live stream, his fans naturally followed along.
After watching the whole thing, the fans of both Shen Xiu and Xu Qingchen had different opinions.
[Lucky is so lucky! Xiu-baby just organized freeze-dried food, canned food, and cat food—all the most expensive brands. After being out for two days, he even brought Lucky so many little toys and beautiful dresses. Looks like he’s really raising his cat with care.]
[Brother Chen must have sensed Wang Cai trying to escape the room, so he came back hahaha.]
[Wang Cai: Don’t blame me! Obviously my owner is here for Goddess Jiang Rong~]
[The colors of main meal freeze-dried and snack freeze-dried are different. In Xiu-baby’s palm it’s so obvious—just one glance and you can tell. How could he mistake it?]
[Maybe he didn’t see clearly and just spoke up out of concern. Also, not everyone feeds main meal freeze-dried. Don’t jump to conclusions.]
[Xiu-baby, turn around! Lucky’s hiding under the bed!]
[Lucky baby, listen to ee and come out quickly—the floor under the bed is dirty!]
[Xiu-baby turns around: ? My big… no, cute little kitten?! He was just there a moment ago!]
The barrage of comments and debates ended as Lucky dashed under the bed while Shen Xiu went to close the door, and as Xu Qingchen’s fans left.
The Xiuologists were only concerned about whether Lucky would end up covered in dust and turn into a little rag.
Watching Xu Qingchen’s back disappear at the door, Shen Xiu stood up and closed the door.
Fearing that staff might need to call him and he’d be too busy to open the door, Shen Xiu still didn’t lock it.
In just the brief moment it took to turn and close the door, Lucky had already vanished.
“…”
Shen Xiu pulled open the second drawer by the bedside where he kept toys and took out a small pink ball.
Skillfully, he tossed it to the edge of the floor by the bed.
Chirp chirp chirp…
A crisp bird-like sound came from the pink plush ball, and the next second, a round, fluffy black ball dashed out from under the bed with lightning speed, pouncing on the pink plush ball rolling on the floor.
Lucky used his two little black paws to paw at the plush ball, which chirped bird sounds as it was touched.
No cat can resist bird sounds, and Lucky, covered in dust from under the bed, was completely hooked.
Seeing this, the live chat was filled with ellipses (“…”).
[Dusty Lucky: The trick is too deep, can’t resist, just can’t resist!]
[Lucky: I don’t want to, but Dad threw a ball that makes bird sounds!]
[The facts prove even Lucky can’t escape the grasp of the Great Demon King Xiu hahaha.]
[I’ve already bought the pink bird-sound ball! Where can I get a Lucky kitten? Waiting online, pretty urgent!]
Shen Xiu crouched down, looked at the gap under the bed barely the size of his fist, then at Lucky who was already as big as his palm, and finally believed what all the cat owners in the group had said.
Cats really are liquid!
And also… the black fur covered in dust was definitely obvious!
Shen Xiu opened the drawer again, silently took out two cleaning gloves, put them on, then grabbed the hairdryer. He attached a cooling, gentle airflow nozzle to the hairdryer, plugged it in, and placed it by the bedside before approaching Lucky.
Lucky, completely absorbed in play, didn’t notice the approaching “danger” at all.
Suddenly, Lucky was lifted by the scruff of his neck with a bewildered expression.
“Meow?”
As Lucky meowed, Shen Xiu quickly used his other hand to put the plush ball that had been attracting Lucky back into the open drawer, then swiftly closed it.
Shen Xiu sat down on the chair in the room, first patting off the dust from Lucky’s fur, then gently wiping it clean.
Having wiped Lucky many times before, Shen Xiu habitually soothed him: “Good boy, don’t move.”
The vet had said Lucky was too young for baths, and cats shouldn’t be bathed frequently anyway. So Shen Xiu bought disposable cleaning gloves that could remove surface dust from the fur.
In just a few strokes, Shen Xiu skillfully cleaned Lucky, placed him on his lap, and picked up the hairdryer from the bedside table.
The vet also told Shen Xiu that wet fur left un-dried could cause skin problems.
Shen Xiu covered Lucky’s two small black ears with one hand and turned on the hairdryer’s low heat to dry the damp fur on Lucky’s body.
Lucky was brave and this wasn’t the first time Shen Xiu had dried him like this, so he wasn’t scared at all.
Still, there was that fear called “the owner thinks you’re scared.”
While drying, Shen Xiu observed Lucky’s condition and couldn’t help but speak up.
“Don’t be afraid, almost done…”
“Lucky is so brave…”
“He can even handle the hairdryer—I’ve never seen such a tough little kitty like Lucky before…”
Lucky was a black long-haired cat, and his black fur, after being blown dry, looked even more like a spiky sea urchin.
The viewers in the live stream watched Shen Xiu’s smooth and practiced routine with amazement and envy.
[Lucky: I used to be a carefree, free little kitty, until Dad grabbed me by the scruff of my neck. Life’s tough, little meow sigh!]
[!!! That voice, unbelievable! Boss Xiu in this scene really made me swoon! Footage please @editors]
[Could this be the legendary ‘low cold voice but gentle actions’ in real life?!]
[I have a strong feeling Boss Xiu thinks Lucky’s just amazing even when breathing.]
[(Sour lemon face) Of course he does, sisters, Boss Xiu is totally biased toward Lucky! Honestly, I’m at peak envy of Lucky right now!]
[Doesn’t anyone else think Boss Xiu’s expressionless face while grabbing Lucky’s fluffy scruff and quickly picking up the toy ball and tossing it in the drawer was super cute?!]
[Ahem, I also think Boss Xiu tricking Lucky out with a cold and ruthless pink plush ball was adorable!]
After drying Lucky’s fur, to avoid Lucky licking dirt back into his tummy, Shen Xiu skillfully dressed him in a thin pink little dress.
Feeling comfortable from the drying, Lucky leapt onto Shen Xiu, rolled onto his back, and started acting like a clingy little cat, meowing and refusing to leave.
Shen Xiu lowered his eyes, looking at the spoiled Lucky, and couldn’t help but sigh, “So cute!”
[Boss Xiu buying Lucky a pink little dress… this contrast is killing me with cuteness!]
[This proves even the coldest boss can’t resist a kitten’s affection. This messy world really wouldn’t turn without little cats!]
After Lucky fell asleep, Shen Xiu gently placed him on the bed.
To prevent Lucky from slipping under the bed again, Shen Xiu quietly stepped out, braving himself to find the show staff and borrow something to block the gap under the bed.
While Shen Xiu was off camera, some fans followed the screen switch with him, while others stayed in the bedroom livestream to watch Lucky sleep and keep an eye on him for Shen Xiu.
Five minutes later, Shen Xiu returned with borrowed tools and blocked all the gaps around the bed.
At the same time, the live chat suddenly changed tone.
[Ahhh Boss Xiu, your little buddies are here, haha, go greet them!]
[So shocking, we Nian fans never expected that Nian Nian’s pet was a big rooster.]
[Hmph (takes a deep drag), we didn’t expect Xi-baby’s pet to be a big goose!]
[In comparison, Yi-baby’s hamster seems so normal, haha.]
[Isn’t the most normal one Boss Xiu’s little kitten?]
[This Xiuologist is genuinely puzzled — this is the cold-hearted Demon King Xiu, raising a tiny kitten the size of a palm? Do you really think that’s normal?!]
[…I declare, among The Galaxy members present, Boss Xiu still MVP and utterly dominates the scene!]
The others put their things away, and the show staff, worried everyone might forget, continued reminding everyone to gather at the pavilion.
Shen Xiu held Lucky as he followed behind the show staff. The staff, hearing Lucky’s soft, kitten-like meows, found it oddly jarring considering the cold, intimidating aura Shen Xiu gave off.
Before reaching the pavilion, Shen Xiu spotted Ning Sinian’s chicken and Jiang Yanxi’s goose strolling side by side on the grass not far from the pavilion.
Shen Xiu: “!”
Jiang Yanxi could tame a goose, and Ning Sinian’s chicken dared to walk alongside it — Shen Xiu genuinely admired that.
In Shen Xiu’s impression, the village geese were the bullies of the place — either chasing chickens or snatching at dogs. Anyone, adult or child, who dared provoke a goose would be pecked relentlessly.
As for how Shen Xiu could identify whose pets the chicken and goose were without introduction, it was because both animals wore name tags with Ning Sinian’s and Jiang Yanxi’s names, as well as their own.
Shen Xiu withdrew his gaze and looked down at Lucky, who was eyeing the goose and rooster, clearly eager to pounce. He quietly hugged Lucky tighter, silently praying the kitten wouldn’t get brave at this moment.
“Captain Xiu!”
“Captain Xiu~”
“Captain Xiu is here!”
Zhuang Yi, Ning Sinian, and Jiang Yanxi stood up and waved greetings at Shen Xiu.
Shen Xiu saw that besides his teammates who were already somewhat familiar, there was also the still-stranger Xu Qingchen and a complete unknown, Jiang Rong, in the pavilion.
Shen Xiu knew Jiang Rong’s name and appearance because he had heard Jiang Yanxi mention her casually in the dorm — she had also attended the VG offline event.
But he had only heard her name called from afar and had never actually spoken to Jiang Rong.
In this unfamiliar environment, Shen Xiu instinctively gravitated toward the companions he was familiar with, seeking a sense of security.
He responded, “Yanxi, Sinian, Zhuang Yi.”
After calling out, Shen Xiu was still hesitating about how to greet the other two people when Jiang Yanxi spoke up: “Sis, this is our Captain Xiu!”
Just as Xu Qingchen stood up, Jiang Yanxi snatched away his chance to do the introductions, prompting Xu Qingchen to glance at him.
Jiang Yanxi, oblivious to Xu Qingchen’s look, turned to Shen Xiu and said, “Captain Xiu, this is my older sister, Jiang Rong.”
So they’re siblings!
Not needing to think of a topic himself, Shen Xiu felt relieved and greeted her naturally, “Hello.”
Jiang Rong also replied, “Hello.”
When Shen Xiu approached, everyone in the pavilion—except Xu Qingchen—couldn’t help but turn their eyes to him and the fluffy black kitten in his arms, who was wearing a pink dress and had striking emerald-like big eyes.
Shen Xiu wore a cold expression, yet he was holding a soft, babyish fluffball dressed in pink.
Everyone was captivated by Lucky’s cuteness, but just like the netizens, they also felt a strong sense of contrast seeing Shen Xiu hold him.
At the same time, due to Shen Xiu’s demeanor, no one dared to casually pet Lucky’s little kitty head—let alone pick him up for cuddles.
Xu Qingchen wasn’t bothered by Shen Xiu or the cat in his arms; he was just annoyed that Jiang Yanxi beat him to the introduction. All he could say was, “Come on over.”
The host, Sun Qi, followed up warmly, “Sit here!”
“Okay.”
Shen Xiu strode over.
The host had saved a seat for him, placing Shen Xiu to the left of Zhuang Yi, with Ning Sinian next to Zhuang Yi. To Shen Xiu’s right was Jiang Yanxi, and beside him sat Jiang Rong.
Jiang Yanxi and Jiang Rong were siblings, and Shen Xiu was friends with Jiang Yanxi—so by extension, Jiang Rong felt more familiar than Sun Qi or Xu Qingchen.
The two people he was least familiar with—Sun Qi and Xu Qingchen—weren’t seated next to him. Everyone near him was, more or less, someone he knew. Shen Xiu’s nervous heart settled, and he sat down calmly with Lucky in his arms.
After sitting down, Shen Xiu noticed that, aside from the hamster named Dingdang—whose name tag was on the table in front of Zhuang Yi—he was the only one who had brought a pet.
He couldn’t help but glance at Devil and Angel, the goose and rooster who were strolling around together nearby. Nervously, he asked, “Should I let Lucky out to play with them? Or… place him on the table?”
The show hadn’t given any clear rules. Everyone just looked at Lucky without saying anything, so Shen Xiu couldn’t tell if they liked having him around. He had no choice but to ask.
But—
If he put him on the table, he was worried for Dingdang’s safety.
If he let him roam free, he was worried for Lucky’s safety.
Taking everything into consideration, Shen Xiu came to a conclusion: “I can just hold him.”
[I’ve already worn out the word “jealous”!]
[Boss Xiu not willing to put down his fluffy little Lucky—he’s so cute too!]
Sun Qi, who hadn’t even gotten the chance to speak yet: “……”
He’s that protective?! Not letting anyone else touch his kitten at all? That’s some serious possessiveness!
And the way he said he’d just hold Lucky—in such a calm, indifferent tone—looked so contradictory it was almost surreal!
Everyone else in the pavilion had the exact same thought as Sun Qi when they heard Shen Xiu’s words.
Jiang Rong, Ning Sinian, and the other two had originally hoped to pet Lucky’s little cat head, but in that moment, their hopes were ruthlessly crushed by Shen Xiu’s cold and unyielding attitude.
The four of them: …Better not touch. Scared now.
Sun Qi cleared his throat: “Ahem, no problem.”
“Mm, thank you,” Shen Xiu replied.
With everyone’s agreement, Shen Xiu finally felt at ease holding Lucky.
But Lucky didn’t share the sentiment. Upon seeing the hamster, Dingdang, on the table, he got restless and tried to squirm out of Shen Xiu’s arms.
Shen Xiu held him tight, but Lucky grew anxious, looking up at him and meowing in protest.
Meow?
Meow!
Meow meow meow!!!
From his voice, it was clear to everyone: he was really anxious.
Shen Xiu couldn’t bear it. He looked around— Devil and Angel were pretty far from here—and then glanced at Dingdang on the table.
Left with no better option, he reluctantly stood up and placed Lucky on the ground. “Don’t run too—”
He had meant to tell him not to run too far, in case Devil chased him, but before he could finish, he saw Lucky, still wearing his pink dress, circling the table and meowing upward as he walked—clearly trying to get on the table.
But the table was too high, and Lucky obviously couldn’t jump up. He was in a panic.
Shen Xiu: “……”
He had underestimated the hamster’s appeal to Lucky.
[Who could resist a kitten in a pink dress spinning in circles?]
[Lucky: Furious dragon roar — Damn it!!!]
[Just a question—do Devil and Angel count as “fluffball”…? And another question: does this count as an unconventional mini variety show group?]
Meooow…
While Lucky was anxiously circling the table, a meow suddenly came from the flower bushes on the grassy field not far away. Upon hearing a fellow feline’s call, Lucky’s attention was instantly drawn. He turned his head to look.
A black-and-white kitten poked its head out from the bushes and meowed at Lucky.
Without hesitation, Lucky ran toward it. Shen Xiu immediately stood up. “Lucky!”
Xu Qingchen also followed nervously, yelling into the bushes at the cow-patterned cat, “Wang Cai!”
As Xu Qingchen called Wang Cai’s name, Shen Xiu had already rushed forward and scooped Lucky up just in time.
Lucky, suddenly lifted off the ground, was clearly displeased. In Shen Xiu’s arms, he kept meowing at the spot in the bushes.
Hearing Xu Qingchen’s voice, Wang Cai immediately shrank back into the grass and stopped making a sound, crouching down quietly.
Lucky was still just a kitten, while Wang Cai was a full-grown cat—several times his size. Since it was their first time meeting, everyone had been worried that Wang Cai might bully Lucky.
When they saw Lucky safely picked up and Wang Cai hiding in the bushes, everyone visibly relaxed.
Seeing everyone’s tense expressions, Xu Qingchen let out a deep sigh, looking troubled.
“Don’t be fooled just because his name is Wang Cai—it sounds simple and friendly, but don’t let it deceive you. He’s actually super aloof and doesn’t even bother acknowledging me, his owner.”
“That’s not a big deal, though. I didn’t adopt him expecting affection anyway. A few years ago, I was filming a drama and saw him wandering outside, all pitiful and scruffy, so I decided to take him in. Who would’ve thought he’d turn out to be a scratchy little devil—super aggressive and always drawing blood when he scratches me.”
“Sigh.” Xu Qingchen let out a long, heavy sigh, clutching his chest like he was deeply troubled. “Misfortune has struck my household.”
[I can vouch for this—Wang Cai really has no feline morals. Props to Brother Chen for putting up with him.]
[I remember Wang Cai didn’t used to be this aggressive. Brother Chen said that ever since he took him for neutering, Wang Cai has held a grudge and turned fierce—he never went back to his old, sweet personality.]
[Isn’t neutering supposed to make cats more chill? Wang Cai’s case is… unique.]
[Wang Cai perfectly embodies the phrase “pretend to behave for a while, then act like royalty once you become the owner’s favorite.”]
After saying that, Xu Qingchen looked toward Shen Xiu, showing no intention of comforting Wang Cai and clearly shifting his attention away from the cat.
“Good thing you were quick, Shen Xiu. Otherwise, if Wang Cai had gone berserk, I really wouldn’t have been able to con—”
Before Xu Qingchen could finish his sentence, something no one expected happened.
Wang Cai, who had been hiding quietly in the bushes, suddenly darted out and began circling Shen Xiu’s feet.
He rubbed his head against Shen Xiu’s legs and looked up with a soft meow: “Meow~”
Hmm