Chapter 22: No Need to Unwrap the Gift So Early Part 4

Their height difference in such close proximity was perfect for a kiss, and Mu Shanyi didn’t disappoint Miao Zhu’s initiative. She held her as they exited the elevator, out of the camera’s range, then lightly kissed those sweet lips.

Along with Mu Shanyi’s unique fragrance came the rich aroma of coffee—the first time Miao Zhu had smelled it on her. Thinking of the reason, she couldn’t help curving her eyes in a smile. “Sister A-Heng, you drank a lot of coffee today.”

“No chance for a nap.” They shared an unspoken understanding. Mu Shanyi pecked Miao Zhu’s lips again, her gaze falling on the slender ribbon neatly following the curve of her neck. She paused, then met Miao Zhu’s eyes. “Hungry? I booked a restaurant.”

She was a bit hungry, but after days of group travel with varied takeout, Miao Zhu wasn’t in the mood to eat out. Still, she was used to going along and not spoiling the fun. After a second’s hesitation, she said, “Sure.”

Mu Shanyi didn’t miss that flicker of reluctance. “Don’t want to go out?”

Mu Shanyi always saw right through her so easily. Miao Zhu admitted, “I’m fine either way, Sister A-Heng. Which restaurant did you book?”

“It doesn’t matter. If you don’t want to go out, we won’t.” Mu Shanyi’s fingers threaded into Miao Zhu’s hair, cradling the back of her head as she gazed at her gently. “Tell me what you really think. I’m just discussing it with you, not demanding.”

Whether to go out for dinner was such a small thing that even though Miao Zhu had said something against her feelings, she hadn’t felt forced. Yet Mu Shanyi had pointed it out specifically, making Miao Zhu feel like she truly cared… cared about her thoughts.

Miao Zhu rarely received such clear, respectful acknowledgment in close relationships. The experience felt unfamiliar, leaving her a bit at a loss.

She lowered her eyes with a smile, then heard Mu Shanyi ask, “How about something simple at home, then?”

That was easy to answer. Miao Zhu went along readily. “Sure.”

Mu Shanyi took Miao Zhu’s hand and turned to press the elevator button for the upper floor.

One level up was the top of the building. Since Mu Shanyi had elevator access, it was clearly her property too.

What was up there?

Before they exited, Mu Shanyi suddenly asked Miao Zhu, “You’re not allergic to pet hair, right?”

“Not at all.” Miao Zhu paused. “Why do you ask…”

Before she finished, a glossy black-and-white Border Collie charged toward them enthusiastically.

“Grace, quiet.” Mu Shanyi pressed down with two fingers, and the Border Collie immediately dropped to a prone position. Its tail spun like a propeller, its deep brown eyes slanting toward Miao Zhu on the side. Seeing no objection from Mu Shanyi and sensing no fear from Miao Zhu, it stretched its neck to sniff her scent.

Miao Zhu’s eyes lit up. Miao Ling never allowed any furry pets at home, but Miao Zhu loved dogs and had never had the chance to keep one.

“A-Heng’s back?” A woman’s voice carried over, vaguely familiar to Miao Zhu. Sure enough, Mu Shanyi replied, “Ye Yi, it’s me.”

A slightly plump, robust figure appeared in the elevator hall.

“This is Miao Zhu. You’ve met her,” Mu Shanyi said without avoiding Ye Yi, leading Miao Zhu inside.

“I remember, I remember—it’s Longlong. We’ve met before.” Ye Yi’s smile didn’t waver; her memory was sharp. “Must be seven or eight years now. Back then, Longlong was sick, face all thin and gaunt. Now she’s even prettier than before.”

“Ye Yi, long time no see. I had a fever those days—thanks to your care.” Miao Zhu smiled gratefully.

Ye Yi had been Mu Shanyi’s wet nurse. Mu Shanyi’s mother had passed too early, and whether at home or abroad, Ye Yi had always been by her side.

That time the Sheng Family visited Mu Shanyi, Miao Zhu had run a high fever overnight, and Ye Yi had prepared special meals for her.

They entered the living room, where the style differed sharply from downstairs. Ye Yi had arranged it neatly and warmly. She loved crocheting—the light coffee waffle-weave bag on the rack, the colorful knickknacks on the cabinet, even the floral blanket on the sofa, all handmade stitch by stitch.

…Wait.

If Ye Yi was here, did that mean downstairs was Mu Shanyi’s regular residence?

Ye Yi headed to the kitchen to cook for them. Miao Zhu followed Mu Shanyi further in and spotted a chubby cow cat on a wooden chest of drawers.

The cow cat sat primly, a colorful crocheted bib around its neck, tail tip draped over its front paws.

Miao Zhu instinctively tightened her grip on Mu Shanyi’s hand. Cats and dogs!!

“Princess,” Mu Shanyi leaned in to tell her. “You can pet it. Both it and Grace have great temperaments.”

“…” The unexpected name made Miao Zhu’s heart skip, her ears instantly reddening. “You…”

“Princess, come here.” Amusement colored Mu Shanyi’s tone. The shy, dignified cat understood its name, hopped down from the chest with tail raised, and rubbed against Mu Shanyi’s pant leg.

“Meow~~~”

Miao Zhu: “…”

The kind-hearted Grace came over to join the fun, saving Miao Zhu from her misinterpretation embarrassment. It pushed its fluffy head into her hand, its wet nose nudging her palm. Miao Zhu couldn’t stand the tickle and bent down to interact with Grace.

The ribbon slipped from her shoulder. As Miao Zhu reached to adjust it, Mu Shanyi picked it up and loosely tied it into a bow at her neck.

Ye Yi bustled in the kitchen. Grace and Princess—cross-species twins with matching patterns—tilted their heads, four eyes rolling as they watched. Mu Shanyi kissed Miao Zhu’s rounded shoulder lightly. “No need to unwrap the gift so early.”

·

Ye Yi was efficient; four dishes and a soup didn’t take long.

There were three chairs around the round table, just enough for the three of them.

All home-style dishes, balanced meat and veggies. Miao Zhu tasted them—light and delicious.

Miao Ling only cooked occasionally these days when in a good mood; a chef handled meals at home, with elaborate plating. It had been ages since Miao Zhu ate such everyday fare, especially at Mu Shanyi’s place.