The White Moonlight I Chased, the Divorce I Never Expected - Chapter 45

[I’ve already eaten.]
[Xiao Yi, what time are you coming back today?]
[Not rushing you, just wanted to ask.]
[Cat lounging.jpg]

It was nearly 6:30 p.m. by the time Chi Yi finally started packing up and tidying her desk. She’d been buried in work all afternoon, hadn’t even touched her phone. When she checked it, she saw these messages from Wen Ranqing waiting for her.

It was already late, but she still replied:

Chi Yi: [Heading back now.]

For once, Wen Ranqing didn’t respond immediately. Chi Yi paused for several seconds, staring at the picture—a meme of a cat lounging lazily, no idea where Wen Ranqing had even found it. She tucked her phone into her pocket with a faint smile.

“You’re actually leaving on time today, Boss.”

Chi Yi slung her bag over one shoulder, the corner of her lips curving slightly. “Mm.”

She had told Wen Ranqing not to overwork herself, not to rush things—but she herself had been working late for days on end, sitting alone in front of blueprints deep into the night, carving out time with quiet determination just to make room for Wen Ranqing.

This morning someone had sent her flowers again. She had turned down an invite to a small evening get-together. Now she looked relaxed and visibly in a good mood. Gao Tianzong couldn’t help but joke, half-suspecting:
“Boss, even though we’re living under the same roof, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that you’ve got someone secretly stashed away. When are you bringing your better half out to meet us? I’ll treat.”

The moment he finished, a thick stack of documents landed in his hands—courtesy of Qu Yinan, who clearly meant watch your mouth. The company had its share of shameless media always eager to gossip. Chi Yi never addressed such things directly. She simply ignored them.

Even though she and Chi Yi worked closely, Qu Yinan still felt it necessary to remind him—friend or not, some boundaries were worth keeping. Casual jokes could cut deeper than intended.

“Qu-jie—”

Gao Tianzong wasn’t clueless. Raised in a well-off family, with open-minded parents and a progressive education, he was simply someone who spoke his mind. Divorce wasn’t some dark taboo anymore.

In his eyes, Chi Yi was just like him—straightforward, no unnecessary drama.
“Don’t be so old-fashioned. We’re all modern Alphas now. What’s there to tiptoe around?”

Qu Yinan sighed inwardly. She wasn’t upset with his words, just worried he might say the wrong thing. Everyone could see for themselves how Chi Yi treated them—fair, respectful, if a little emotionally reserved on the surface. In truth, she was the ideal partner: polished, respectful, quietly attentive to even the smallest details.

That grace—deeply ingrained—combined with her delicate features and calm demeanor, gave her a natural charm that no one could deny.

Qu Yinan didn’t say anything more and turned to look at Chi Yi. Chi Yi took out a few chocolates she had stashed in her bag—ate one herself, handed one to Qu Yinan, and tossed another to Gao Tianzong.

In her clear, luminous eyes was a softness that put Qu Yinan at ease, melting away her earlier worries.

From the moment the topic began, Chi Yi had deliberately stayed quiet—listening carefully to how her team would respond if she were to publicly confirm a relationship. She wanted to know. That’s why she’d kept silent, letting Gao Tianzong speak his mind.

He raised an eyebrow at her and shot a thumbs-up with a knowing grin.
“Even if you’re not hiding some delicate beauty in a gilded cage—Boss, you’ve got my full support. Everyone deserves to love freely.”

Chi Yi paused, surprised at how blunt—and oddly touching—it was. His words might’ve been crude, but the meaning behind them wasn’t. She couldn’t help but soften, smiling as she nodded in thanks.

She tossed her empty coffee cup in the trash and did her final cleanup before leaving.

Her fingers brushed the little cat-shaped charm still tucked in her jacket pocket—the one she had meant to give to Wen Ranqing the moment they reunited… but forgot in the heat of their first embrace. Under Gao Tianzong’s curious, wide-eyed stare, she said nothing—didn’t confirm, didn’t deny.

But yes—there really was a little cat waiting for her.

There were many overseas Chinese in Country X. They had even chosen to stay in a hotel with a distinctly Chinese design: elegant and minimalist, with traditional folding screens separating the bedroom from the living area.

When Chi Yi returned, all the lights were on—but there was no sign of anyone.

The folding screen had been drawn shut at some point. She hung up her bag, about to call out, when she heard the soft, rustling sound of movement coming from behind the screen.

A few seconds later, Wen Ranqing stepped out, wearing a pure white robe.

They looked at each other—no words needed. Just a glance was enough to bring a sense of peace between them.

Wen Ranqing looked like she had showered not long ago. Her hair was still slightly damp, strands falling against her snow-pale skin, the ends brushing the curve of her chest. Her white robe wasn’t tied too tightly, and with each step, it struggled to contain her figure.

A faint blush colored her face. The moment she stepped out, her eyes fell on Chi Yi—dressed in a crisp, architecturally styled white shirt that afternoon. The shirt’s collar draped slightly, and only the bottom few buttons were fastened, revealing a white bandeau beneath. The hem was tucked neatly into black suit pants, accentuating her slim waist and long legs. She looked sharp, cool—yet perfectly composed.

Wen Ranqing’s thoughts flickered to the props and accessories she had left scattered across the bed, and her body trembled instinctively. She bit her lower lip to keep her composure, then handed Chi Yi a glass of warm water, her voice soft and measured:
“Xiao Yi, do you have other plans tonight?”

She’d spent the afternoon shopping, picking up a few things she thought might be meaningful, then washing, drying, and disinfecting them all before showering again. Not long after, Chi Yi had returned.

If Chi Yi had something else planned—like dinner, or a date… Wen Ranqing wasn’t hoping for anything in particular. She was happy with anything as long as they were together. She just didn’t know what to do with the items she’d bought—things that made her blush just to look at.

“I don’t,” Chi Yi replied, not knowing what was running through her mind. Unable to resist, she leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Wen Ranqing’s warm cheek.
“I’m exhausted. The Festival of Lights is tomorrow night—shall we go see the lanterns?”

The truth was, after several recent video calls, Chi Yi had sensed something a little off in Wen Ranqing. It was nothing obvious—just a subtle change in her mood, a heaviness that wasn’t there when they were physically together.

Instinctively, Chi Yi had decided that Wen Ranqing needed a day to rest before doing anything else.

“Okay,” Wen Ranqing murmured, her fingers brushing the spot where Chi Yi’s lips had lingered. Her body was unusually sensitive today. She bit her lip and gently adjusted the robe slipping off one shoulder, then quickly pulled it back up. Her voice was soft:
“Xiao Yi, go take a shower first.”

It was a simple, gentle suggestion. Chi Yi didn’t think much of it. “Mm.”

She stepped into the bathroom, placing clean clothes on the counter. Just as she was about to call out to remind Wen Ranqing about the alcohol-free red wine she had ordered, her eyes landed on the laundry basket on the lower shelf.

Inside was a recently discarded lingerie set—lace, matching, clearly just taken off.

Her gaze snapped away as if scalded. Even her ears turned red.
Forget it… She’d shower quickly. Better to say something after she was out.

The warm water washed over her skin. The temperature was constant, but today—somehow—it felt hotter than usual. Suffocating, even. Her thoughts were anything but calm.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Wen Ranqing’s ears were just as red.

She stood in front of the full-length mirror, holding the most “acceptable” of the cat ears she had bought. After a long moment of squirming, she slowly, hesitantly placed them on her head.

She only glanced up once before quickly looking away, biting her lower lip hard.

She’d barely seen the product on her phone screen before, but once she arrived at the store, she realized the set was complete—from head to toe, every fluffy little detail.

Being cutesy through a screen was one thing. Actually pretending to be a cat in front of Chi Yi? That was something else entirely. Her face burned at the thought. But… Chi Yi had said she liked kittens. And Wen Ranqing… wanted to give her a little surprise.

From the bathroom, the sound of water flowed steadily—constant, grounding. It reminded Wen Ranqing not just that Chi Yi was there, but of what she was preparing to do. Her breathing quickened.

The bell on the black lace choker jingled at the slightest movement. She’d chosen the softest one. The tail came in two versions: one with a ribbon tie, and another… whose purpose she wasn’t entirely sure of. She bought both anyway. They were smooth, plush, surprisingly well-made.

The overhead lighting was harsh, glaring—every inch of her skin felt exposed under its glow. Every movement, every inch could be seen in perfect clarity.

Wen Ranqing finally raised a hand, pressed the switch, and turned off the bedroom light. Only the ceiling light in the living room remained on, casting a faint glow across the space. It wasn’t total darkness, but it was enough. Enough to give her a little courage.

She stood frozen for a long time.

It wasn’t until the sound of running water began to fade that her trembling fingers reached for the little bell on her collar.

Is she done…?

They had already napped earlier, and that nap had been longer than expected. Could she really already be asleep again?

Chi Yi raised a hand to towel-dry her hair, her footsteps instinctively light. A brief wave of tenderness swept over her, followed by a flicker of disappointment.

But that disappointment was nothing compared to the thought of letting Wen Ranqing rest well. She made no sound, quietly returned to the bathroom, and set the hairdryer to its lowest setting to dry her hair slowly.

Upstairs, down her neck, and even along her spine, there was a faint heat Wen Ranqing hadn’t yet realized Chi Yi hadn’t seen—but she herself already felt unbearably flushed. The faint movement from earlier had faded away, and the room fell into silence, save for the near-imperceptible hum of the dryer.

Wen Ranqing sat in the darkness, her chaotic heartbeat the only thing she could hear—growing louder, more erratic.

The folding screen was thick. She couldn’t see a shadow, not even a trace. Staring helplessly toward the side someone might walk through, she waited. The longer it went on, the more overwhelming her embarrassment became. Every passing second felt like an eternity. Her heart hung suspended, wholly controlled by Chi Yi’s unseen movements.

Only two minutes had passed. But to Wen Ranqing, it felt longer than any night before.

Her pale fingers finally let go of the sheet she’d been clutching. Bare feet touched the floor lightly. She couldn’t take it anymore—she stood and walked out.

At that moment, in the dim transition between light and dark, Chi Yi stepped out of the bathroom, having just set down the dryer.

She wore only an oversized T-shirt. Her long, slender legs were fully exposed—slim, toned, yet graceful. Mist clung to her bright, beautiful face, and under the soft light, her whole figure exuded a gentleness difficult to describe.

Wen Ranqing’s heart skipped wildly, faster than before. She stood frozen, staring at Chi Yi, momentarily forgetting entirely what she looked like herself.

The two small shapes on Wen Ranqing’s head were difficult to make out in the lighting, but the black lace ribbon around her neck was unmistakable. Against her snow-pale skin and white robe, that thin strip of dark fabric stood out starkly. Add to that her bashful, uncertain expression—pure and seductive all at once.

Chi Yi’s expression didn’t change, but a storm surged in her chest. Her feet moved without thought, bringing her directly to Wen Ranqing’s side.

The temperature in the room began to rise—thick, sultry.

Only when Chi Yi drew close did Wen Ranqing fully realize the position she was in. She couldn’t walk away, couldn’t speak. She stood still, eyes pink with heat and uncertainty, hands gripping the belt at her waist tightly.

The lace choker had a tiny brass bell—like something a pet might wear.

Chi Yi’s gaze dropped to study it carefully. Wen Ranqing’s lips parted, drawing in a breath. Her dark lashes trembled with the thought, heart pounding in her chest.

She didn’t know why Wen Ranqing had dressed like this. But without thinking, Chi Yi’s elegant, defined fingers reached forward and gently tapped the bell.

Jingle. The sound was crisp and delicate—beautiful.

It rang directly in Chi Yi’s heart. The metal was cool, but her fingers burned.

Wen Ranqing trembled at the touch. Her cheeks were flushed deep red, eyes glistening faintly with tears—fragile and vulnerable. She looked like someone anyone would want to… ruin sweetly.

Time passed. She couldn’t say a word. Her body heat surged upward. She gritted her teeth against the shame and gently tugged on Chi Yi’s wrist, leading her back into the bedroom.

Something soft brushed Chi Yi’s thigh. It tickled slightly, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes were fixed on the two black cat ears atop Wen Ranqing’s head. Her heart pounded so hard it echoed in her ears.

She followed silently, stunned, sitting down on the edge of the bed without a word.

Wen Ranqing’s warm hand left hers, and Chi Yi couldn’t think straight. Her mind was entirely filled with her.

Tonight, Wen Ranqing felt… different.

Neither of them spoke. The room was dim, no one acknowledged the silence.

After a moment, Wen Ranqing slowly lifted the hem of her robe, and—moving a bit stiffly—knelt on Chi Yi’s lap.

Her body was light, soft. A full, feminine figure leaning into her, with a delicate fragrance that lingered. Chi Yi trembled. She forgot how to breathe. Her throat went dry.

“You…”

She didn’t even finish. Wen Ranqing’s soft hand gently covered her mouth. If Chi Yi said one more word, she might just pass out from embarrassment.

Minutes passed.

The breath beneath her palm was hot. Wen Ranqing, too, was flushed and warm all over, her mind full of the little cat charm on Chi Yi’s phone.

She still didn’t know if it had been a birthday gift—from someone else.

For no reason at all, she started to feel a little jealous. That lifeless, silent cat… surely Chi Yi would like her more. Right?

Even Wen Ranqing didn’t realize she was jealous. Much less Chi Yi. But the woman on her lap stayed still for so long—and in this posture, even if Wen Ranqing didn’t move, it was hard for Chi Yi to keep control.

She wanted to ask—Are you tired? Do you want to lie down? Should we rest a bit? Or maybe… something else?

Her throat moved, but just as her lips parted, the hand on them pressed more firmly.

Chi Yi understood—and said nothing.

The next second, something soft, warm, tickled her ear.

“Meow…”

“Meow meow.”

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