Non-Humans Want to Fall in Love Too [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 6

Ji Shijin met his assistant’s incredulous gaze and gave a faint, calm nod. It was true: he intended to bring a pet to the office.

Assistant Zhou’s sharp vision confirmed the situation. He realized the little fox was being uncharacteristically clingy today and that Ji Shijin had not actually initiated this arrangement. Regardless, the level of indulgence his boss showed toward “Xiao Bai” was staggering.

It is worth noting that Xiao Bai, meaning “Little White,” was the name Ji Shijin had given the fox. However, everyone including the fox himself, seemed to harbor doubts about the name. Because the fox never acknowledged it, the household eventually reverted to simply calling him “Little Fox,” a title to which Shi Yan actually cooperated.

Ji Shijin’s decision to bring a pet to work shocked more than just Assistant Zhou; it also surprised the driver, Uncle Zhang, and the entire staff of the Ji Corporation.

That morning, when Uncle Zhang pulled the car up to the villa and opened the door, he did not even see his boss’s face before a streak of red light darted into the vehicle. He peeked inside and realized it was the little fox his boss had rescued and raised.

“Oh, you little ancestor! You cannot come along,” Uncle Zhang exclaimed. Thinking the fox had snuck out, he moved to usher him out of the car, but Assistant Zhou, arriving a step behind, intervened.

Assistant Zhou smiled and explained, “Xiao Bai insisted on following the boss today. No matter how we coaxed him, he would not let go. Therefore, the boss is bringing him to the company today.”

Uncle Zhang froze, rubbing his shiny bald head in confusion. “Ah? Oh, okay then.”

Ji Shijin stepped out a moment later. After boarding the car, he saw Shi Yan quietly crouched on the seat with his small backpack placed beside him. He could not resist reaching out to poke the tip of the fox’s nose.

“You really are,” he murmured. The rest of his sentence faded between his lips; Shi Yan did not hear it, and Ji Shijin did not repeat it.

The Ji Corporation was located in the most prosperous district of the city center, occupying an entire skyscraper. At 8:50 AM, the bright morning sun streamed through the glass walls of the main entrance, illuminating the path for employees rushing to clock in.

Ji Shijin’s working hours were usually synchronized with his staff. As people hurried along with weary, morning faces, the familiar sound of a wheelchair echoed through the hall. Everyone turned to offer their greetings, only to freeze at the sight of a sudden splash of red on their boss.

Ji Shijin’s wheelchair was electric and controllable, though Assistant Zhou usually pushed him during formal occasions. The scene the employees witnessed was this: Assistant Zhou, looking resigned, pushed the wheelchair while carrying a cute little backpack, while a dorky, adorable little fox sat perched on their boss’s lap.

Even though Shi Yan was small and his fur was exceptionally fluffy, it was clear at a glance that he was a fox and not a cat. He lazily looked up, meeting many gazes filled with surprise or delight, before giving a slow yawn and flicking his ears. Ji Shijin heard whispers of “so moe” and “how cute” drifting from the crowd.

His lips twitched involuntarily. Seeing the little fox acting like a peacock showing off its feathers, Ji Shijin could not help but apply a bit of force. He tugged the steady little creature backward until he tumbled into his arms. Looking down at the bewildered little red ball staring up at him, Ji Shijin’s lips curled slightly as he “kindly” helped him sit upright again.

Shi Yan thought to himself, This is so childish. He had never noticed this side of Ji Shijin before. He wondered if the man was retaliating because of the trouble he had caused this morning.

Unaware of the fox’s internal critique, Ji Shijin held the striking bundle of fiery red, becoming a focal point in the dull, formal office lobby. It was not until the doors of the executive elevator closed that the persistent stares were finally cut off.

Ji Shijin suddenly frowned, feeling a trace of dissatisfaction at how many eyes the fox had attracted. He suddenly felt the urge to keep the little fox at home where only he could see his cute side, rather than letting him be treated like a rare exhibit at the company.

“Awoo,” Shi Yan cried out. He did not know what was wrong, but sensing a heavy wave of negative energy from Ji Shijin, he let out a soft sound to distract him.

The little fox sat on his lap, tapping his front paws impatiently and staring intently at him. After a two-second standoff, Ji Shijin tossed his dark thoughts aside to focus on the “little ancestor” in front of him.

“Do not be afraid; we will be out in a moment,” Ji Shijin murmured. He guessed the fox might be scared of enclosed spaces since he had never been in an elevator. He placed one hand on the fox’s fluffy chest while the other stroked him from head to tail. After a few repetitions, the fox flicked his tail comfortably and stopped staring.

The elevator doors opened with a chime. Assistant Zhou silently pushed the wheelchair out. Ji Shijin looked up to see several pairs of eyes filled with joy and curiosity. The staff offered a perfunctory “Hello, Boss” before darting their eyes straight to the fox in his arms.

“Boss, is this your pet? It is so cute!” Xiao Xuan, the Chief Assistant, was a sophisticated woman who had worked with Ji Shijin for many years. She was bolder than the other assistants. At this moment, she had her eyes squinted with affection, and her gaze sparkled as she looked at Shi Yan. The other assistants crowded around, letting out muffled squeals of excitement.

Ji Shijin’s hand paused its stroking. He never knew his assistants were so lively; he realized they must usually pretend to be composed in front of him.

Shi Yan seemed largely uninterested in the warm welcome. Being a fox demon, his tribe excelled in the art of charm. Even without using his demonic power, his innate talent was enough to captivate ordinary humans. To humans who already liked animals, he was irresistible.

Sensing the hands holding him tighten slightly, Shi Yan turned around. His tail brushed against Ji Shijin’s arm, leaving a lingering tingle. Ji Shijin’s expression remained cold, but he released his hold on Shi Yan. Regardless of whether the fox understood, he said, “Stay here. Let them play with you.”

Seeing that Ji Shijin did not want to bring him into the actual meeting, Shi Yan obediently jumped down and wagged his tail as if saying “goodbye.” At least, that was how Ji Shijin interpreted it. Watching the little fox walk toward the circle of assistants without looking back, Ji Shijin clenched his palm and maneuvered his wheelchair into his office.

Assistant Zhou caught a hint of resentment in the boss’s retreating back. Looking at the staff who clearly had no intention of returning the fox, he sighed wearily and handed the backpack to Xiao Xuan.

“These are Xiao Bai’s snacks and meals. You can feed him; he will stop on his own when he is full. I need to report to the boss, so I am leaving Xiao Bai to you.”

Xiao Xuan took the cute blue bag, which stood in stark contrast to the boss’s usual style, and smiled at the sight of the pet snacks and toys. “Xiao Bai? The boss’s naming style is as consistent as ever.”

Assistant Zhou shrugged and ended the small talk. After reminding Xiao Xuan to take good care of the fox, he headed to his station to prepare his report.

“Oh, let big sister pet you! You are such a little darling!” Xiao Xuan turned back to the group. She heard several high-pitched voices that were sweet enough to be nauseating. The girls in the department were desperate to pet him, but the little fox at the center of the crowd was unmoved. He stood firmly on a high point, dodging every reaching hand.

Xiao Xuan watched for a bit before pulling a piece of jerky from the backpack and holding it near Shi Yan’s mouth. Shi Yan took the jerky, but he still refused to be touched. A new intern sighed enviously, “He only lets the boss touch him. What a proud little angel!”

Shi Yan chewed his jerky with a blank expression, ignoring the girls’ attempts to entice him. In the system space, 61 was spinning in circles, laughing while taking photos of this rare scene.

Xiao Xuan let them play for a while. Although Shi Yan would not let them touch him, he was generous enough to let them watch. He did not need any tricks; just standing there, yawning, or stretching was enough to mesmerize the humans.

“Ahem, everyone back to your stations,” Xiao Xuan said, putting on a stern face to ensure the morning was not wasted. “Xiao Bai will move freely in this area. Keep an eye out so you do not step on him. Now, get to work!”

The girls dispersed, chattering. Shi Yan breathed a sigh of relief and jumped down from the cubicle partition, moving away from the busy work zone. In his human form, he was popular, but his cold aura usually kept people at a distance. He had never experienced such a passionate welcome before and found it somewhat overwhelming.

Unknowingly, he wandered to the door of Ji Shijin’s office. He did not need demonic power to hear the voices inside. Assistant Zhou had just finished his report. Footsteps approached the door, only to stop and turn back suddenly.

“President Ji! What is wrong?” Assistant Zhou’s voice was panicked.

Ji Shijin felt that phantom pain again. He was not sure if it was an illusion, but it felt like the frequency was increasing lately. Now was not the time for that. He caught his breath and said coldly, “I am fine. Leave.”

Assistant Zhou hesitated. “But you—”

“Out,” Ji Shijin emphasized. Assistant Zhou had no choice but to turn and leave.

Encountering the waiting Shi Yan at the door, Assistant Zhou paused. He intentionally let Shi Yan slip inside before slowly closing the door. He thought to himself that since the boss would not let a person stay, letting Xiao Bai in should be acceptable. Xiao Bai was a smart fox; he would not cause trouble and might even be of some help.

By the time Shi Yan slipped inside, Ji Shijin’s consciousness was fading. He was using all his focus to suppress the pain and avoid a scene. He did not notice Shi Yan until the fox hopped onto the desk.

“You,” Ji Shijin whispered. His vision was blurred. He only saw a vibrant red shape that looked completely out of place in his minimalist, monochrome office. It was like a sudden burst of fire.

Shi Yan walked up to him, a solemn expression on his small fox face. In his dazed state, Ji Shijin felt like he was back in that dream where holding such a flame made the pain vanish. His self-control collapsed instantly. Ji Shijin reached out and pulled Shi Yan into a tight embrace, though he carefully moderated his strength so as not to hurt him.

Shi Yan was caught off guard. He could have dodged, but considering Ji Shijin’s current state, his heart softened and he allowed it.

There was another long sigh. This time, Ji Shijin was not in enough pain to lose consciousness, and he was almost certain it was not a hallucination. A faint but undeniable warmth entered his body through his chest. Ji Shijin could vaguely feel that heat wandering through his system, eventually heading toward his paralyzed legs.

Suddenly, a strong surge of heart palpitations hit him. The feeling was so familiar that it made him uneasy, and he struggled instinctively to resist the force.

“Hmm?” Shi Yan, who was casting a spell to make Ji Shijin fall asleep, paused. He realized that Ji Shijin could actually sense his demonic power and was fighting it. Shi Yan had no choice but to increase the output of energy. In the end, Ji Shijin was just an ordinary human. After resisting for a mere second with sheer willpower, his strength gave way, and he fell into a deep sleep.