The Entire Entertainment Industry Knows the Best Actor Has a Crush on Me - Chapter 6

Their destination was a private restaurant a hidden gem with a traditional, antique decor that resembled a grand old estate (artificial hills) and greenery lined the pathways, and a pond teemed with various ornamental fish. It had a “winding path leading to a secluded spot” vibe; Qiao Zhiyu mused that it would likely look even more beautiful at night.

Pei Yuan had brought him here in his previous life as well, though the interior design back then was slightly different.

Trying to find a topic of conversation, Qiao Zhiyu asked, “How did Teacher Pei find this place?”

“You don’t need to call me ‘Teacher’,” Pei Yuan replied. “This place belongs to my grandfather. He loves researching food and wanted a place to show off, but he’s paranoid about people stealing his recipes, so he opened this private restaurant.”

“Though, if you ask me,” Pei Yuan added dryly, “if someone really wanted to steal them, eight hands wouldn’t be enough to stop them.”

Qiao Zhiyu was caught off guard by the blunt answer and burst into laughter. It felt like he hadn’t stopped smiling since the little incident in the car.

The Encounter at the Pet Shop

After lunch, they headed to the pet shop as agreed. Qiao Zhiyu unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to the man beside him. “Stay in the car. I’ll just be a moment.”

Pei Yuan nodded and watched him walk into the shop.

The chime of the doorbell alerted the clerk immediately. “You’re here! Come, come, let me take you to see it.”

The girl led him to a back room where a woman was filling food bowls for the cats. She gave them a polite nod likely the owner. Qiao Zhiyu stood by the cage, looking at the bold little kitten inside while the clerk chattered away.

“It has a bit of a temper, but it won’t attack unless you provoke it.” “It’s only a month old, but it eats like a champion!” “By the way, have you seen it before? Your description was so spot-on.”

Qiao Zhiyu gazed at the kitten and whispered, “I dreamed it was here. It told me to come pick it up and take it home”

The girl’s eyes widened with a “wow,” though he couldn’t tell if she actually believed him.

As he was picking out supplies, he passed the glass cage from his previous visit and saw the Silver Shaded Shorthair that had bumped its head. After a moment’s thought, Qiao Zhiyu decided to take it along as well.

One set of supplies turned into two. The clerk, being helpful, began assisting him in moving the bags to the car.

“Don’t Mess with Me, My Butt’s on Fire”

In the car, Pei Yuan was busy responding to messages.

Manager (Explosive Version): [Where are you?] Manager (Explosive Version): [Not at the company, not at home. What are you doing?] Manager (Explosive Version): [Don’t tell me you snuck out to sign a contract behind my back?

The culprit replied with a straight face.

Don’t Mess with Me, My Butt’s on Fire: [Out to lunch with a friend. DND.]

Manager (Explosive Version): [I’ll be watching you. Always]

Knock, knock, knock!

Pei Yuan looked up to see Qiao Zhiyu struggling with two giant bags of cat food, tapping on the window. He mouthed the words: [Could you please open the trunk?]

Pei Yuan nodded, opened his door, and stepped out. “Is there more inside?”

“Yes… I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop myself from buying too much…”

“Loving them isn’t a crime.” Pei Yuan unlocked the trunk and took the two heavy bags from Qiao Zhiyu with one hand.

The clerk, coming out with more items, expected to see Qiao Zhiyu but was met with the tall, imposing figure of Pei Yuan.

“…Ah… Pei… Pei… PEI…!”

Pei Yuan gave her a brief nod, took the items from her hands, and stowed them in the trunk before heading back into the shop to help with the rest. He was efficient and silent.

The clerk stood frozen. If my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me… that was PEI YUAN taking those bags!!! Her mind raced. Qiao Zhiyu and Pei Yuan know each other?! He accompanied him to buy cats?!!! She slapped her own cheek to stop the spiral. No, no, it’s just pure male friendship! Don’t bring scandal to the fandom!

New Life, New Names

Pei Yuan’s strength made short work of the remaining supplies.

“Please come again!” the clerk called out. Qiao Zhiyu rolled down the window and waved. “Thank you for the help with the cat.”

On the way back, Qiao Zhiyu expressed his gratitude again. “Thanks for today, Teacher Pe—” He caught himself, realized he didn’t know how to address him now, and quickly pivoted. “Thanks, Yuan.”

“…No problem. We’re colleagues.”

The drive back felt twice as fast. Qiao Zhiyu borrowed a cart from the security guard at his apartment complex to move the supplies in. He declined Pei Yuan’s offer to help; he had already bothered him enough, and since many of his agency’s employees lived in the building, being seen together wouldn’t be ideal.

Once inside, Qiao Zhiyu sprayed some calming pheromones to prevent the cats from getting stressed. He washed the bowls, set out the food, and assembled a cat tree. By the time the kittens were settled, he collapsed onto the sofa in exhaustion.

He checked his phone nearly two hours had passed. There was a new WeChat notification.

[Don’t Mess with Me, My Butt’s on Fire] has requested to add you as a friend.

Pfft… What a unique name. He didn’t realize the man’s online persona was so dorky when he was younger.

Don’t Mess with Me, My Butt’s on Fire: [Finished with the chores?]

Zz: [Finished.] [Image]

The photo showed one kitten curled on the sofa and the other batting at the new cat tree.

Don’t Mess with Me, My Butt’s on Fire: [Cute. What are their names?]

Zz: [Naidou (Milk Bean) and Tudou (Potato).]

Pei Yuan seemed busy and went offline shortly after. Qiao Zhiyu returned to his main message list and saw two new messages from a different contact. His expression darkened. He didn’t want to reply, but after a moment’s thought, he clicked on the chat.