Doctor Gu’s Orange Cat Boyfriend - Chapter 25

Closing the door, Lin Mucí leaned against the door panel, smiling foolishly.

He finally understood that Gu Chaoyu wasn’t avoiding him, he was just… truly preoccupied.

Today might be the anniversary of his mother’s passing.

Lin Mucí lowered his gaze to the hot spring voucher he found clutched in his hand once more.

In his eyes, the meaning of this ticket had completely changed.

It was no longer a “tool for pursuing his crush,” but a “healing getaway ticket” he genuinely wanted to give.

He wanted Gu Chaoyu to truly relax and find some happiness.

The next morning, Lin Mucí rose early.

He baked a batch of fragrant cranberry cookies, carefully packaged them, and knocked on Gu Chaoyu’s door.

Gu Chaoyu opened the door quickly.

“Good morning, Dr. Gu. I baked some cookies and wanted you to try them, I hope you could give me some feedback.”

Gu Chaoyu smiled at him. “Sure, come on in.”

As Lin Mucí handed over the cookies, he deliberately pretended to lose his balance, leaning forward slightly.

His hoodie pocket opened with the movement, “accidentally” revealing a corner of the hot spring resort voucher.

“Oh my!”

【Look! Look here! Look at my pocket!】

【There’s a surprise in here, you know!】

【Find it! Then ask me what it is! Please, Gu Chaoyu!】

【How’s my acting? Pretty natural, right? He definitely didn’t notice I did it on purpose!】

Gu Chaoyu’s gaze fell on the exposed voucher.

He knew exactly what it was.

This little fool.

Gu Chaoyu felt both warmed and amused inside.

He took the cookie box naturally, picked one up, and popped it into his mouth to taste.

Then he looked seriously into Lin Mucí’s eyes.

“The cookies are delicious. Your baking skills are getting better and better.”

“But honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit worn out lately. I’d love to go somewhere relaxing to unwind.”

“Like… soaking in a hot spring. Mr. Lin, the great writer, would you be free to join me this weekend?”

Lin Mucí’s mind froze for a moment.

【What… did he just say?】

【He invited me to soak in a hot spring?】

【Why isn’t he following the script?! My vouchers haven’t even been used yet!】

He hadn’t anticipated that before his meticulously planned “accidental exposure” scenario could even begin, the other party had skipped all the steps and jumped straight to issuing an invitation.

He stared blankly at Gu Chaoyu, his mouth opening and closing like a chick pecking at grain, then nodded dumbly.

Gu Chaoyu watched his utterly dumbfounded expression and finally couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

He reached out, and before Lin Mucí could react, his warm fingertips gently brushed across the corner of his mouth.

“You got cookie crumbs on your lips during the tasting, you little glutton.”

………………

Weekend, the sun was perfect.

Gu Chaoyu drove his understated black SUV, carrying Lin Mucí toward the suburban “Yunqi Mountain Retreat.”

The cabin was quiet, only the soft hum of the air conditioning.

Lin Mucí sat in the passenger seat, his hands nervously clasped on his knees, his body tense.

【Aaaaaaah! I’m actually on a date alone with Gu Chaoyu!】

【Even though I planned it, he was the one who asked me out in the end. Does that count as mutual pursuit?】

【He looks so handsome today. That casual shirt makes his shoulders look so broad…】

【No, no, Lin Mucí, keep your composure! Don’t act like a starstruck fan who’s never seen a handsome guy before!】

He stole a glance at the man in the driver’s seat out of the corner of her eye. Gu Chaoyu was focused on the road ahead, his profile smooth and elegant. The fingers gripping the steering wheel were long and strong, with clearly defined knuckles.

Lin Mucí felt his cheeks start to burn uncontrollably again.

【It’s so quiet… Is this awkward?】

【Should I try to start a conversation?】

【What should I talk about? The weather? Too cliché. Work? We’re here to relax so talking about work would ruin the mood!】

【Should I ask what kind of music he likes? Would that seem too calculated? Might he think I’m prying into his preferences?】

Beside him, Gu Chaoyu appeared as steady as an old dog, but inside, Lin Mucí’s constant stream of thoughts was making him struggle to hold back laughter.

He could clearly “hear” the little fool’s nonstop mental monologue since boarding the car—from complimenting his looks to agonizing over how to start a conversation. Every thought was so endearing it made his heart melt.

Just as Lin Mucí was twisting himself into knots, Gu Chaoyu tapped a finger lightly on the car’s touchscreen.

A familiar, upbeat intro instantly filled the cabin.

It was a song by Lin Mucí’s favorite indie band.

Lin Mucí froze, unable to believe his ears.

Gu Chaoyu turned his head and offered a gentle smile. “Listen to the music. It’ll make the ride less boring. Hope you like it.”

【!!!!!!】

【How did he know I love this band?!】

【Did he secretly follow me? Did he see my social media? Or… does he really…】

【Ahhhhhhh I don’t care! This is telepathy! It’s the chemistry of a destined couple!】

Lin Mucí felt like he was floating on air. He nodded vigorously, his mouth stretching into a huge grin that made his eyes crinkle like crescent moons. “Yeah! I absolutely love this band!”

The car’s atmosphere shifted from earlier tension to lighthearted sweetness.

Unbeknownst to them, a taxi was trailing not too far behind.

In the backseat, Su Wanqing wore sunglasses that obscured half her face. Her phone screen displayed the triumphant WeChat message she’d just received from Lin Mucí: 【Sis, thanks for the hot spring tickets! We’re off! He even played my favorite song!】

Su Wanqing flashed an auntie smile, then pumped her fist in the air.

[Frontline Reporter Su Wanqing is in position! Sworn to defend the front lines of “Morning and Evening” sweetness!]

[I’ll be damned if I don’t see what happens when two people in love share a hot spring room!]

[Brother, this is as far as I can help you! The rest is up to you!】

Over an hour later, the car smoothly arrived at the Yunqi Mountain Retreat hot spring resort.

True to its reputation as the city’s most exclusive resort, it featured pavilions, terraces, winding paths leading to secluded spots, all exuding an antique charm.

Guided by the front desk staff, the two arrived at their reserved luxury suite.

The moment he pushed open the door, Lin Mucí was captivated by the room’s ambiance.

Spacious and bright, the suite featured elegant new Chinese-style decor. But the most eye-catching feature was the private open-air hot spring beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, connected to the terrace. White mist swirled around it, surrounded by lush green bamboo groves and meticulously crafted rockeries, offering perfect privacy.

【Holy crap! Just the two of us! Soaking in a hot spring here!】

【This… this… this… this is even more… thrilling than I imagined!】

【Am I going to get cooked right in here?】

Just as Lin Mucí’s mind began playing all sorts of unspeakable scenes, “Ding-dong—” The doorbell chimed.