The White Moonlight is Both Competitive and Predatory - Chapter 9

“Does Chichi know he has to work the night shift?”

Yan Chi was kind-hearted and first considered the kitten’s psychological well-being.

Ji Yueting typed very quickly. “He slept too much during the day. He is a little lazy pig, so I am letting him work the night shift for some exercise.”

Yan Chi’s pupils constricted in the light. He felt himself wavering because the temptation was simply too great. He debated whether to listen or not, but in the end, his fingers were more honest than his resolve.

Yan Chi: “Then it will be hard work for Chichi.”

Ji Yueting did not reply immediately this time, leading Yan Chi to wonder if he had gone to catch the cat. Lying in bed, Yan Chi scrolled through his social media feeds before switching back to WeChat, feeling an inexplicable sense of impatience.

Three minutes later, Ji Yueting asked, “Recording is a bit inconvenient. Can I give you a voice call instead?”

Since Yan Chi had already agreed to the late-night audio, he had no reason to refuse a voice call. He said it was fine and waited with anticipation. However, when the phone began to ring and Yan Chi answered without thinking, he realized that Ji Yueting had actually initiated a video call.

“Ah, I pressed the wrong button,” Ji Yueting said, sounding slightly surprised. “Do you mind? You can turn off your camera.”

Hearing this, Yan Chi hastily deactivated his camera. His corner of the screen turned black, leaving the display filled with a private space bathed in dim, amber light. This was likely Ji Yueting’s bedroom.

“Is it okay for you? We can redial if you prefer,” Yan Chi offered considerately.

Ji Yueting replied, “It is fine. This way is clearer.” As he spoke, he lowered the phone and aimed it at the white cat that had been recruited for the midnight shift.

The white cat was round and plump. Its legs and fur were not long, but its head was perfectly spherical and looked incredibly soft. Currently, it was working hard at kneading the duvet, its throat vibrating with a continuous, rhythmic purr.

Yan Chi was dazed by the cuteness, and his ears tingled with comfort. He could not distinguish Chichi’s breed, so he asked in a soft whisper, “Ji Yueting, what kind of cat is Chichi?” He was afraid that speaking too loudly would disturb the kitten.

Ji Yueting did not seem to mind and poked Chichi’s neck with a finger. “He is a little stray. I picked him up downstairs at the company on a rainy day. He is not a specific breed.”

“Oh,” Yan Chi watched intently. “He is very cute, and his head is so round.”

“Mhm. He eats a lot, so naturally, he grew round.” Ji Yueting took the opportunity to stroke Chichi’s head. Yan Chi’s heart ached because he wanted to pet the cat as well. Even though they were separated by a screen and his camera was off, Ji Yueting seemed to read his mind. “Do you want to try?”

Yan Chi retreated into his blanket and said in a muffled voice, “A little bit.”

Ji Yueting chuckled. “I will bring him out for you to play with next time.”

While his heart was fluttering, Yan Chi wanted to tell him to show the kitten more respect, but he remembered it was not his cat. He assumed Ji Yueting was just speaking casually, so he replied in kind. “Sure. Bring Chichi to my studio next time. I can also see which scents he adapts to best.”

Ji Yueting had mentioned the pet-soothing perfume before, and Yan Chi remembered every detail clearly.

“It is a deal.” Ji Yueting was likely leaning back against his bed. The camera did not capture his face, only his somewhat lazy voice. Unlike the formal version of the man, the Ji Yueting of this moment felt real and warm. It felt as though one could reach him without much effort.

A strange sensation swirled in Yan Chi’s heart. He rolled over and lay on his pillow to focus more intently on the kitten. The cat’s purr was a mysterious thing, sounding like a low motor mixed with soft noises. Drowsiness finally arrived for Yan Chi, and he eventually let out a yawn.

“Are you sleepy?” Ji Yueting’s hearing was sharp, and his voice dropped very low.

Yan Chi gave a vague confirmation. “Ji Yueting, your cat is very loud.”

“Yes. I will help you mute him.” Ji Yueting reached out and squeezed the two front paws to stop the movement. Chichi looked up in a daze and let out an annoyed meow, clearly dissatisfied with the interruption.

As the cat’s paws were lifted, Yan Chi realized that Chichi had been kneading a long, brown coral-fleece blanket.

“What is he kneading?”

“The blanket I used to wrap him in when I rescued him as a kitten,” Ji Yueting explained. “I suppose you could call it his security blanket.”

Yan Chi squinted with sleepiness but still laughed. It was sweet that even a kitten had a security blanket.

“Cute. Your cat is really fun,” Yan Chi said as he pulled up his duvet. “It makes me want to raise one too.”

Ji Yueting did not speak. With the camera pointed at the cat, Yan Chi had no way of knowing his expression.

“If you are tired, you should rest. Do you have to work tomorrow?”

“I do. I have to be there before nine o’clock, which is very early.” Yan Chi’s voice trailed off. Out of politeness, he added, “I am going to sleep now. Ji Yueting, goodnight.”

Before Ji Yueting could respond, Chichi flicked his tail and advanced toward his owner. With no hesitation, a paw swiped the phone right out of Ji Yueting’s hand. The camera spun wildly before landing face-up, capturing everything in its sight.

The lighting was dim. The Alpha was sitting by the edge of the bed with his pajama top unbuttoned and hanging completely open. Yan Chi saw the clear, powerful lines of his physique. The light and shadow made him look more flawless than a professional sculpture.

Quickly, the phone was picked up again, and the image vanished like a dream. Ji Yueting seemed unaware of what Yan Chi had seen. He only said, “Goodnight to you too. Sweet dreams.”

The call ended. Yan Chi stared wide-eyed, the sleepiness brought by the cat having been chased away by the sight of the man’s physique. He thought to himself that the man looked quite good. He did not have complicated romantic thoughts yet; it was simply pure appreciation of the man’s character and body.

The question from earlier that day was still fresh in his mind. Ji Yueting had asked if they could keep in touch long-term with a sincere expression. Yan Chi had blurted out, “Are you trying to be friends with me?”

Ji Yueting’s gaze at that moment had been difficult to describe, but he had eventually nodded. Yan Chi was quite happy about it. This was a friend with whom he could maintain a lasting connection. This mood peaked after seeing Ji Yueting’s physique.

Yan Chi hugged his duvet as his mind blurred. Just before falling asleep, he thought that if he ever met Chichi in person, he would have to ask the kitten what his owner’s pheromones smelled like.

The orphanage project temporarily concluded, and Yan Chi immediately began other projects. The feedback from Director Fang indicated that the aromatherapy was working well and the children were having fewer nightmares. This put Yan Chi in a good mood.

However, he was truly busy. He had to balance working in the studio with frequent business trips. Time flew by, and his chat frequency with Ji Yueting was not particularly high. Aside from the daily greetings and cat photos, their conversations were casual. This distance was perfect for Yan Chi because it provided comfort without pressure.

After finishing a long day of work, he finally stepped away from the fragrances. Even for a professional, high intensity could lead to scent fatigue. Outside the window, the sunset glowed like gold. He opened the window, smelled some coffee beans to clear his senses, and ate the last corner of his chocolate before leaving with a smile.

When Yan Chi smiled, it felt gentle and ethereal. Contrary to the coldness others perceived, he actually had a very good temper.

Since it was Friday, Yan Chi planned to have dinner at his aunt’s house. On his way, he stopped at a bakery to buy canelés and lemon egg tarts. The clerk perked up instantly upon seeing Yan Chi’s face and carefully packaged his items. The clerk assumed he was a beautiful Omega, but as Yan Chi turned around, the clerk saw no mark or suppression patch on his neck. It was only after he left that the clerk realized the guest was actually a Beta.

Yan Chi arrived at the villa of his aunt, Yan Fei. Before he could knock, she opened the door with a tender smile. She insisted there was no need for gifts, but Yan Chi reminded her that she had mentioned liking the treats previously. He felt at home as he put on an apron and entered the kitchen.

While Yan Chi normally kept a very bland diet, he allowed himself to indulge at his aunt’s house. Yan Fei finished the cooking quickly and encouraged him to rest. The home-cooked meal was vibrant and delicious. Yan Chi praised every dish, which delighted his aunt.

She encouraged him to eat more, noting that he was so thin a typhoon might blow him away. Yan Chi gave in and continued eating. After the meal, the dishes were placed in the dishwasher. While Yan Fei put the cake in the refrigerator, Yan Chi wandered through the house to aid his digestion.

Yan Fei had been his guardian since his mother passed away. She was an Omega who had taken excellent care of him. Yan Chi had lived here for years, and his bedroom and study remained unchanged. When he entered the study, he saw that it was perfectly clean.

His phone vibrated with a message from Ji Yueting asking if he had eaten. Yan Chi replied that he had and asked the same. Ji Yueting explained he was at a company dinner but wanted to escape.

Yan Chi found it funny that a CEO would feel that way. He asked why he didn’t just leave, and Ji Yueting admitted that his departure would make his managers anxious. Yan Chi chuckled and told him he had just finished dinner at his aunt’s house. Ji Yueting sent a shrugging emoji and told Yan Chi to give his regards to his aunt.

With a smile, Yan Chi turned off his screen. He looked up and saw something in the center of the bookshelf that caused him to freeze. He had almost forgotten that he had placed it there. It was a clean, empty plastic water bottle with the label intact. It was being cherished and displayed right in the center of the shelf.