Rebirth: Using Love as an Excuse for Cruelty - Chapter 5

Wen Cheng didn’t know exactly when he woke up.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying in a basket with a thin blanket over him. He wiped his face with his soft paws and then stumbled as he poked his head out of the basket.

To his surprise, Yu Linfei had actually placed him on the bed.

Didn’t Yu Linfei have a germaphobia? Looking at the snow-white sheets, Wen Cheng felt a strange chill in his heart. Did Yu Linfei only act clean around people, or was it that only seeing him made Yu Linfei feel dirty and uncomfortable?

Haha… so it’s only after dying and becoming a cat that one can truly see a person’s real face. You can know a person’s face but not their heart. Even after living with Yu Linfei for three whole years, he never understood what the man was really thinking.

Wen Cheng also remembered that because he was allergic to cat hair, Yu Linfei once sent away a cat he owned. Although he didn’t know where the cat went, Wen Cheng clearly remembered what was said. Yu Linfei had looked at Wen Cheng’s face, which was covered in red spots from the allergy, and said with a smile: “It’s fine, I already sent it away.” Wen Cheng had hesitated for a moment, but Yu Linfei’s next words made him stop worrying: “It’s just a cat, don’t take it so seriously.”

So, Wen Cheng really didn’t take it seriously.

But the result of not taking things seriously was dying at the hands of his lover. Was he reborn as a cat just to find out why he died? Wen Cheng sniffed and then carefully poked out one small paw.

Yu Linfei’s bed was very big. Little Wen Cheng struggled to climb out of the basket. When he turned around, he saw a scene that made him freeze.

Yu Linfei was sleeping.

His handsome face looked very peaceful in sleep. Without his usual warm and elegant smile, he looked more real—like a wizard who had taken off his mask. Even without magic, he could still trick innocent people.

It would be a lie to say he felt nothing. Wen Cheng stood by Yu Linfei. He silently walked forward a few steps, getting closer to the sleeping man, and then quietly reached out his claw.

Then, Wen Cheng pulled his paw back because he met a pair of wide-awake eyes.

“The kitten is awake?” There was no emotion in those black eyes, but the look—showing no sign of sleep at all—made Wen Cheng shiver.

“Don’t sharpen your claws randomly in the house.” Like he was teaching a child who did something wrong, Yu Linfei reached out and pinched the skin on the back of Wen Cheng’s neck, lifting him up to his face. “If I catch you sharpening your claws…”

As he spoke, his other hand grabbed Wen Cheng’s front paw. Yu Linfei showed his usual smile: “I will cut little Blacky’s claws off completely.”

Although he didn’t understand the difference between “cutting them off completely” and just regular trimming, Wen Cheng’s fur stood up by reflex. He gave a “meow-woo,” his golden eyes full of panic.

“So, be good.” Acting like it was just a joke, Yu Linfei sat up. He looked at the basket and said, “If Blacky is good, big brother will be very nice to you.”

Without noticing that his name had changed from “Er Mao” to “Blacky,” Wen Cheng felt completely drained. After being put back on the bed, he gave a weak, tired meow.

“Hmm, today let’s get Blacky’s place and food ready.” Seeming very interested in the cat, Yu Linfei picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Bring the things over to me first. Yes, thanks for the hard work.” With one hand on the phone and the other petting the cat, Yu Linfei looked at the tired Wen Cheng and smiled again: “Yes, it’s a kitten. The breed? It looks like a Chinchilla. Very gentle. Hmm, haha! He’s still sulking with me right now. Okay, see you soon.”

He hung up and brought his face close to the sad-looking Wen Cheng. He gently tapped the cat’s forehead with one finger: “Don’t be unhappy. Big brother will give you something yummy.”

Hearing this, Wen Cheng felt his future was dark… was he really going to live with Yu Linfei forever? Was he really going to be raised like a cat??

Before he had time to be sad, Yu Linfei put him back in the basket. Then he grabbed a bathrobe, preparing to take another shower.

“Meow-woo.” Wen Cheng stayed quiet this time. He realized for the first time that he was now just a kitten that people could treat however they wanted.

The woman in front of him was a stranger.

She had a pretty face with light makeup and was wearing professional office clothes. She was carrying a large bag, and because it was heavy, there was a little sweat on her nose.

“Oh, why did you bring these?” When Yu Linfei opened the door holding the basket, a look of disgust flashed across his face. However, he quickly hid it with an elegant smile. He politely took the bag from the woman, his voice sounding surprised.

“Haha, I wanted to surprise you.” Because he was close to Yu Linfei, Wen Cheng didn’t miss the quick change in his expression. He lay in the basket, looking at the woman. A thought popped into his head… Does this woman like Yu Linfei? Is she trying to date him?

“Oh my, is this Blacky?” With a happy look, the stranger tried to reach for the basket, but Yu Linfei moved it away.

“He Yi said Blacky is very shy. He made a fuss all night when I brought him home. Sorry, Qin Xin, I’m afraid the cat is too small and might get sick easily.” The rejection wasn’t very polite, but Yu Linfei didn’t seem to care if she got angry. He turned around and walked away with the bag.

“Haha, I see. That makes sense. I’ve never had a cat, so I don’t understand these things.” Even though she looked embarrassed for a second, the woman named Qin Xin quickly smiled again. She closed the door and followed him.

“What did Fengyu Teng buy?” Sitting on the sofa, Yu Linfei didn’t seem interested in hosting her. He started looking through the bag. “Where is the cat bed?”

“…The bed was too heavy. I’ll bring it next time.” Qin Xin didn’t seem to care about his coldness. She sat down next to him and watched him look through the bag. “What breed is the cat?”

“Chinchilla.” Yu Linfei looked at the curious Wen Cheng, and his cold eyes softened a little. “He’s cute, right?”

“Ah, he is cute, but why is he black? Black is so unlucky,” Qin Xin said, her voice sounding a bit jealous. “Besides, cats don’t care about their homes. They might run away at any time. It’s better to have a dog.”

“I like cats,” Yu Linfei interrupted her. His smile was gone. “What can a dog do besides follow people around to eat bones and bark at strangers?”

“Hehe…” Qin Xin didn’t know what to say except laugh awkwardly. “As long as you like it. Why did you suddenly want a pet?”

“I was bored.” After searching for a while, Yu Linfei asked, “What is this?”

“Oh, it’s a collar.” Qin Xin glanced at the item. “Aren’t you going to the pet center to get a tag and shots?”

“Yes, in a few days.” Yu Linfei turned to her. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Tea is fine.” Qin Xin was surprised he even asked. She didn’t want to believe he was in a good mood just because of this kitten.

“Wait a moment,” Yu Linfei said as he went to the kitchen.

“…A cat.” As soon as he left, Qin Xin looked at the little black cat in the basket. He looked so small. It was… disgusting.

That’s right—Qin Xin actually hated fluffy animals. Because of things that happened when she was a child, she wanted to kill every cat she saw!! But now Yu Linfei was raising one.

She bit her lip and, shaking with anger, reached out her hand.

What does this woman want? Wen Cheng saw her reaching for him. He saw the hate in her eyes, but he couldn’t believe she would do something bad right in front of Yu Linfei.

But Wen Cheng underestimated her. When his head was forced down into the basket by her shaking hand, he realized with despair. He was about to die again.

It was one thing to go from human to cat, but why was being a cat so difficult?? His weak body couldn’t fight her strength. Wen Cheng waved his claws. For a moment, her hand loosened—did he scratch her? But a second later, he lost hope. The pressure became even stronger.

Just as he was about to suffocate, he heard a voice like a god arriving.

Yu Linfei, who should have been making tea in the kitchen, said: “Qin Xin, what are you doing?”