Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Jinjiang Literature City Premiere

Xie Chen’s two Weibo posts, at first glance, didn’t seem to mention anything specific, but on the trending searches, two blacklisted entries were still heating up, coincidentally containing the keyword “cat.”

Those fans looked at the users who received lawyer’s letters, then at the marketing accounts trending on the search, and the most active personal accounts jumping around.

“Could the ‘cat’ Brother mentioned be that one Tan Yi has?!”

“I went to check; the users in Brother’s lawyer letters all cursed that cat.”

“Damn, don’t you remember the calligraphy Brother posted last time? There was a cat paw print on the characters.”

Nowadays, fans’ radars are very sensitive and accurate.

Xie Chen’s two Weibo posts, once examined this way, were easy to interpret.

The marketing accounts and paid trolls involved never expected to get Xie Chen involved.

The marketing accounts and keyboard warriors, originally arrogantly smearing Tan Yi and that kitten, were all stunned when they saw Xie Chen’s reaction.

“This is over, we totally stepped on a landmine.”

“Who placed the order?! Damn, I got a lawyer’s letter!”

“Hurry, delete everything, delete those posts!”

“Is there anyone who can talk to Xie Chen, get him to withdraw the lawsuit, we’re willing to apologize!”

“No use... Xie Chen is truly angry this time, we’ve hit a brick wall.”

Those spreading the black PR and the marketing and trolling companies behind them panicked, quickly deleting posts and drafting apology statements.

Xie Chen no longer paid attention to this, nor would he stop just because of a later apology.

He was never a good person; if you offended him, you should bear the consequences.

Xie Chen, who considered himself no good, pushed open the hotel room door, but willingly became the good person in the eyes of the innocent and clingy little kitten.

“Meow!”

The gentleman is back.

Bai Li offered his soft little belly, letting Third Brother pet him for a while, finally calming Third Brother’s mood a bit.

Seeing Xie Chen come in now, Bai Li stood up from Tan Yi’s lap, wanting Xie Chen to pick him up.

From last night until now, he had just recovered and realized once again it was the gentleman who saved him.

Tan Yi didn’t stop his younger brother from opening his paws toward Xie Chen.From initially rejecting Xie Chen to now seeing him protect his younger brother, he understood that Xie Chen truly cared for his brother.

Xie Chen held the little kitten sitting in his arms, lowering his head to listen to his meows.

After learning that all the money he had brought out was gone, Xie Chen said softly, “No rush, it will be found.”

He had recorded all the little kitten’s movement tracks.

The wearable cat-version phone Daniel made had top-notch functions in every aspect.

In fact, it was even more comprehensive and refined than the phone he used.

The morning passed without much notice.

In the afternoon, Tan Yi had to go to the crew.

Because of the sudden black PR, most of Tan Yi’s scheduled work was forced to be canceled, only the crew remained, and the director kept urging him to film.

What happened on set that day, the director and the people present saw clearly.

However, the director’s clarifying Weibo post was drowned out by the prior marketing accounts stirring trouble, and no one believed him.

“Sir.”

Knowing Third Brother was going to the crew, Bai Li looked up eagerly at Xie Chen, pleading, “Let us go watch Third Brother act, just a little bit.”

Third Brother getting hit on set made him uneasy; he wanted to watch over Third Brother.

Xie Chen understood the little kitten’s thoughts well; he lowered his eyes and softly said, “Mm.”

With permission granted, Bai Li was extremely happy.

His chubby body stood up from Xie Chen’s arm, his front paws resting on Xie Chen’s collar, and in front of Third Brother, he gave Xie Chen a thankful peck.

Tan Yi: “???”

Tan Yi’s face turned green.

“Li Li.”

He subtly lectured his younger brother who was kissing people at random: “Cats can’t just kiss people casually.”

Especially since his brother might turn into a human!

Bai Li’s beautiful amber eyes showed confusion; he looked at Third Brother and retorted, “Meow, meow meow.”

Daddy said you can kiss the person you like the most.

Sir is, besides family, the person he likes the most.

Tan Yi was annoyed and wanted to give his brother a lesson, but with others present, it wasn’t the right time, so he could only endure it for now.

Xie Chen heard the little kitten say “the person I like the most,” and the corner of his lips twitched slightly.

“Brother Tan.”The agent checked the time and urged, “We should head to the set now.”

Although Tan Yi was just a cameo, he still had several scenes to shoot.

“Got it, let’s go.”

Tan Yi led the way in front, while Xie Chen carried the little kitten’s snack bag in one hand and securely held the little kitten with the other.

The agent’s hands were busy too; he brought some water and loose cat litter for the kitten.

The hotel wasn’t too far from the set. They took the car Xie Chen had parked at the entrance, and about ten minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

“Here you are.”

The director saw Tan Yi and casually greeted him, his attitude unaffected.

“Make sure to shoot your scenes well. The extras have all been checked this time, so no more trouble.”

“Okay.”

Tan Yi was polite and respectful to the director, responding with a faint smile after hearing the instructions.

The director patted his shoulder, intending to chat about the script, but his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of someone.

“Oh, Xie Chen?”

The director was slightly surprised; he was nearly fifty this year and had dealt with Xie Chen years ago. He had never seen Xie Chen visit anyone on set before.

“Director Lian.”

Xie Chen greeted him and exchanged a few casual words.

“I won’t entertain you.” Director Lian was serious about filming; he pointed to an empty chair on set: “Find a seat yourself, I’ve got to get busy.”

“Mm.”

Xie Chen didn’t hide his presence. He picked an empty spot, set up the cat litter, placed the kitten’s snack bag on the table, then sat down.

Bai Li lay on Xie Chen’s lap, staring without blinking at Tan Yi not far away.

Xie Chen gently soothed the slightly tense little kitten along his back: “Li Li, don’t be so nervous. No one will bother Tan Yi today.”

Bai Li didn’t reply.

He probably wouldn’t be at ease unless he saw Third Brother finish filming properly.

Just as Xie Chen expected, no one caused trouble in the following scenes.

Everyone watching Xie Chen sitting on the chair, occasionally glancing at Tan Yi...

They understood now.

Xie Chen and Tan Yi’s relationship was probably not simple at all!It is known that Xie Chen announced on Weibo: the little kitten he is holding is his.

It is also known that Tan Yi brought this little kitten the day before, saying it was his own.

From these two known facts, one inference can be made—

This kitten is obviously raised together by Xie Chen and Tan Yi!

Under what circumstances would two people raise the same cat? It has to be an unspeakable situation.

Not only did people on set speculate this way, but fans on Weibo, after tearing apart the rumor-spreading marketing accounts for Brother, also belatedly caught on.

In the #XieChen# super topic, usually very active big fans surprisingly toned down.

The usual flood of clips about Brother was replaced by another kind of topic.

“Hmm, has our cabinet been opened?”

“Sisters, I have a bold guess...”

“Brother has debuted for ten years; could this be the first time he has a CP?”

Fans did not reject the idea of Xie Chen being in love. He wasn’t some idol or celebrity who relied on looks—though handsome, he didn’t live off his face.

He had talent; his status in the music industry was unshakable.

He also had power and influence. The Xie family, an old prestigious family, was a bona fide aristocratic clan.

Though they called him Brother, they knew that outside, he was called President Xie.

Others guessed and speculated wildly about Xie Chen and Tan Yi’s relationship. Xie Chen himself was completely unaware.

If he knew, he’d probably dismantle the CP with his bare hands on the spot.

He had nothing to do with Tan Yi—he only had a relationship with the little kitten in his arms.

“Meow meow.”

Sir, I need to step out for a bit.

Bai Li lay on Xie Chen’s lap for a while, then stretched out a paw to poke him, reporting.

Xie Chen frowned: “Where are you going?”

Bai Li embarrassedly shook his head: “I-I need to use the litter box.”

He was shy and never allowed Xie Chen to see him use the litter box, insisting Xie Chen only dispose of the litter after he had cleaned it thoroughly with no smell.

Xie Chen knew his habit, so he didn’t stop him or follow, only watching him trot off to the litter box.

The litter box was placed somewhat hidden.

After using the litter box, Bai Li saw someone familiar on his way back.

“Liu Yi, are you here watching Brother Xie?”In a corner of the set, the second male lead Liu Yi was holding a bottle of water, standing still. The female lead smiled lightly and said something to him.

Liu Yi turned his head to look at the female lead. His face, which resembled Tan Yi’s somewhat, showed a gentle expression.

“Aren’t we all watching Brother Xie? I’m a fan of Brother Xie, so of course I want to take the chance to look at him a little more.”

The female lead smiled, “Since you’re a fan, you could go ask for an autograph.”

Liu Yi shook his head, looking understanding: “Better not, I don’t really want to disturb Brother Xie.”

The female lead heard this and wasn’t sure if anyone would believe that excuse. She gave a meaningful chuckle and whispered, “You’re a good fan.”

Liu Yi shook the water in his hand and said goodbye: “I’ve finished filming my scenes today. I’ll go back and read the script, see you.”

After Liu Yi left, the pretty female lead picked up her phone and called her close friend.

“This Liu Yi is too slick and cautious. I still haven’t caught him slipping.”

“Not sure if it has anything to do with Tan Yi’s matter...”

The female lead’s close friend’s surname was Zhou, and her father was the respected Mr. Zhou.

She liked Tan Yi and had been chasing after him persistently, but Tan Yi was hard to pursue; she still hadn’t caught up.

Bai Li, who had unintentionally overheard the entire gossip, tilted his head with some confusion in his eyes.

He clearly remembered Liu Yi had tried to scam Master at the banquet.

Now Liu Yi said he didn’t want to disturb Master—what a lie.

Bai Li’s memory was poor, but for some reason, he remembered this person who tried to scam Xie Chen very clearly.

Neither the pretty female lead nor Liu Yi just now noticed the tiny kitten no bigger than a palm behind them.

Bai Li waited until they all left before returning to Xie Chen’s side.

He voluntarily stretched out a paw, and the next second, Xie Chen took out a wet wipe from his bag and carefully cleaned him.

After the pink paw pads and claws were all wiped clean, Xie Chen placed the kitten on his lap and casually fed him snacks.

The agent standing beside Xie Chen watched with envy.

Humans are no match for cats.

He wanted to be Xie Chen’s cat too.

No, now he thought this little kitten was not an ordinary cat at all. The way Xie Chen personally took care of him made it clear this was Xie Chen’s pampered little ancestor.

The little ancestor opened his mouth, enjoying being fed.

Not only did he eat himself, but he audaciously wanted Xie Chen to eat too.

The agent watched the little kitten hook a dried fish snack with his paw and deliver it to Xie Chen’s mouth, feeling horrified.Damn.

Even those not close to Xie Chen know he has OCD.

This little ancestor must be sick of living, wanting to be buried as a real ancestor?!

While the agent nervously tried to call Tan Yi back to save the cat, an even more horrifying scene happened.

OCD Xie Chen only glanced at the dried fish the little kitten offered, then without blinking, ate it.

Agent: “???”

Ridiculous!

He widened his eyes, staring at Xie Chen eating the dried fish like watching a horror movie, seriously doubting if he should see an ophthalmologist or a psychiatrist.

In short, he felt either his eyes were blind just now or he had hallucinations from mental confusion.

“Tastes not as good as Xie Bo’s.”

After finishing the dried fish, Xie Chen even commented.

Bai Li agreed with a “Meow meow”: “Right, Xie Bo’s fried dried fish is really delicious.”

Xie Chen patted his head and said casually, “Mine’s not bad either, I’ll fry you more when we get back.”

“Mm!”

Bai Li nodded heavily, full of anticipation for Xie Chen’s fried little fish.

It’s not unusual for two people to share food.

At first, Xie Chen refused when Bai Li fed him dried fish.

He not only refused the dried fish but also refused to have a cat bed by the bedside and refused cats in the bedroom.

But now, Xie Chen only understood one thing: with the little kitten, it’s best not to set any flags.

Otherwise, he’d be slapped in the face every time.

They stayed at the set until evening. After finishing his scenes, Tan Yi wiped the sweat from his forehead and strode over to Xie Chen.

Others looked at each other knowingly.

“See? Tan Yi’s walking so fast, he must want to find Xie Chen quickly.”

“Look! Xie Chen’s standing up too! He’s waiting for Tan Yi.”

“Wow, mutual pursuit!”

To outsiders, the “mutual pursuit” pair didn’t even exchange a glance.

When they got close, the conversation was like this:

“Li Li, are you bored waiting? Let me hold you.”“Meow meow.”

Not bored, watching Third Brother acting carefully!

“My Li Li is so good at talking. Come, Third Brother will buy you something delicious.”

After eating all afternoon, Bai Li: “Hic.”

Full, really full.

Tan Yi: “...”

Tan Yi looked up at Xie Chen, who had fed his younger brother until he was stuffed, and felt speechless.

There was no communication between the two of them. At night, Bai Li didn’t go to sleep with Xie Chen but stayed with Tan Yi.

He would return to A City with Xie Chen the next day; this was the last night to accompany Third Brother, so Xie Chen didn’t insist on taking him.

“Li Li.”

On the big bed, Tan Yi turned back into a cat. The two cats slept close, and Tan Yi looked a bit down: “Don’t you think Third Brother is pretty lame?”

Among the siblings, he’d always been the worst at fighting, even having a hard time competing for Li Li.

Bai Li comforted Third Brother by rubbing against him and meowed, “Third Brother is not lame.”

“Third Brother is great, handsome, hardworking, Third Brother is a very good cat.”

Tan Yi was still quite down.

“I’m not great. I don’t know anything. When I first came down the mountain, I realized I was too lame. Except for being a bit good-looking, I had no skills to show off, so I entered the entertainment industry.”

After entering the industry, he wanted to be a pretty face, but unexpectedly learned some acting and managed to do okay in the circle.

Seeing Third Brother in such a depressed state, Bai Li felt worried he couldn’t cheer him up.

“Third Brother.”

He raised his paw, struggled to pat Third Brother’s head, imitating Xie Chen’s comforting gesture: “Good boy, I really like Third Brother. Don’t be discouraged.”

With his younger brother’s various comforts, Tan Yi finally recovered his spirits.

The next day.

After watching Tan Yi finish his morning scenes, Bai Li was reluctant as Xie Chen picked him up and put him in the car, heading back to A City.

They didn’t take a car back.

This time, Bai Li got on a plane — they could take the private cat plane.