Chapter 78: Cat Boy 41

In the end, Qing Tian defeated all those men, leaving them limping away in pain.

"Ah, finally some peace and quiet." She lazily closed the door once they were gone. "What a waste of my time!" She flopped onto the couch, grumbling.

After a while, she transformed back into her human form, casually watching TV, venting her irritation on snacks.

On a table, a phone rang.

Xiao Ling picked it up and pressed it to her ear. "Hello? ...Are you sure?"

A group of grown men getting beaten up by a cat? No way she was buying that. Clearly, they were just incompetent fools! "Useless trash! How dare they disobey my orders! Just wait, I'll have my dad deal with them properly!"

A cold glint flashed in her eyes. If that plan didn't work, she'd simply switch to another one. An eerie smile spread across her face as she thought of something.

"Looks like I'll have to do it myself."

She picked up her designer bag and casually left the café.

Meanwhile, Qing Tian was staring at the TV, but her mind had drifted far away.

Did she really have to find a girlfriend for him? The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she felt.

After a while, she looked up, her round eyes sparkling. "System! Since I've never been in a relationship before, why not just forget about finding one for him? I'll do it myself!"

The system twitched. "I knew this would happen!"

Honestly, it had already suspected something. She was probably falling for Xuan Li. Otherwise, why was it blocked out for so long yesterday? They must have done something suspicious. Sigh, the system felt a little guilty toward a certain someone, but even if it told her now, she wouldn't remember. Instead, the system itself would get blocked. Forget it—it wasn't worth meddling anymore.

Qing Tian tilted her head in confusion. "How did you know? Am I being that obvious?"

The system nodded. "Yup. Painfully obvious. Your whole face screams 'I like him!'"

Hearing that, Qing Tian's cheeks slowly turned pink. She playfully swayed and sighed dramatically, "This is my first time wanting to fall in love. And he treats me so well, how could I not like him?"

The system wanted to gag. "Do whatever you want! I'm outta here!" It retreated into its system space, wallowing in guilt toward Luo Chen.

—

After school.

Xuan Li rushed home, excitement bubbling in his chest. But when he arrived, all he saw was a familiar white fluffball lounging on the couch.

It was the same person, he reminded himself.

He softened his steps and quietly approached.

Qing Tian lazily lifted her paw and placed it on his hand. "Meow~ You're back (=￣ω￣=)!"

She tried to pull her paw away, but he gently trapped it in his palm. Slowly, he lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss on it.

"I'm back."

Embarrassed, she immediately withdrew her paw, covering her face with both paws before turning her back to him.

So, she did have feelings for him.

Xuan Li's usually cold face gradually warmed with emotion. His smile, fleeting like a blooming night flower, was breathtaking.

He lightly ruffled her little head before turning and walking away.

Once inside his room, he locked the door.

His expression darkened, as if he was about to do something serious.

Rolling up his black sleeves, his long and toned arms were revealed. A pair of glasses rested on his high nose bridge, adding a touch of restraint to his appearance. Yet, his beauty remained unaffected—if anything, he looked even more dangerously alluring.

His fingers glided over the mouse, opening the surveillance footage.

As he watched, his dark eyes grew even colder.

His grip on the mouse tightened, veins popping on the back of his hand.

He was barely holding back.

/

Chapter 79: Cat Boy 42

The screen displayed everything Qing Tian had done that day.

"Damn it!"

A heavy punch slammed onto the table, producing a loud bang.

Glaring at the figures on the screen with ruthless intent, Xuan Li vowed—if he ever found out who was behind those people, he would make sure they suffered a fate worse than death.

Meanwhile, Qing Tian tilted her head in confusion, glancing upstairs.

What's he doing up there ⊙⊙? Why hasn't he come down yet?

Curious, she padded up the stairs, only to find the door tightly shut.

She lifted her tiny paw and gave the door a pat—just as the boy slowly opened it.

She immediately waved her little claws accusingly. "Meow meow~ Why'd you lock the door?"

Seeing her puffed-up, angry little appearance, he instantly knew she was upset.

Squatting down, he scooped her up, his voice gentle as he coaxed, "I didn't mean to close it—it was just the wind. I wasn't paying attention."

His large hand stroked her back soothingly.

"Does your little paw hurt?"

Qing Tian shook her head. "Meow meow~ Just knocking on a door, why would it hurt?"

Wait a minute... Was there wind just now? I don't remember feeling anything... Maybe I was too focused on watching TV.

Enjoying the comforting strokes too much, Qing Tian rubbed her head against his chest.

Even through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel the softness of his chest.

Her affectionate nuzzling sent a tingling warmth through him, melting away the darkness in his heart.

But something still didn't make sense.

The surveillance footage showed that she could freely switch forms and even fight as a cat.

How much was she still hiding from him?

Did she turn back into a cat the moment he returned because she was afraid of him?

Was it because he went too far that day? Or was there another reason?

Frustrated by his unanswered questions, Xuan Li vented his irritation by planting several kisses on her fluffy little face.

His warm breath and lingering moisture left Qing Tian fuming.

She angrily rubbed at her face with her paws.

"Meow meow~ Don't you know too much saliva smells bad?"

"Be good~ If you wipe it off, I'll just kiss you again," Xuan Li teased, catching her little paw to stop her movements.

This was his punishment for her—for hiding so much from him and not telling him anything.

Did she still not trust him enough?

The little cat's fur bristled in shock, but she didn't struggle.

"Meow meow~ You're such a rogue!"

She grumbled, but deep down, she wasn't really mad.

The next day, It was Saturday—no school today.

Xuan Li decided to take Qing Tian out, tempting her with all kinds of delicious food.

But no matter what, she refused to switch back to human form, leaving him helpless.

So, he had no choice but to carry her while strolling down the bustling streets.

Unbeknownst to them, not far away, Xiao Ling sat in a parked car, eyes twisted with excitement as she observed them.

Like a venomous snake, she silently waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Qing Tian waved her tiny paw, pointing at a cake in the shop window.

"Meow meow~ I want to eat that!"

She gazed at him with pitiful, pleading eyes.

"Alright! But cats can't eat cake, so you'll have to change back into a human when we get home," Xuan Li said firmly.

Qing Tian eagerly nodded, her bright eyes locked onto the cake.

"Meow~ Okay!"

"Good girl~"

He fondly patted her little head before stepping into the cake shop.

Carefully, he balanced the cake in one hand while keeping the other arm securely around her.

Thinking about how she would turn human after they got home, he figured this would be a great opportunity to get some benefits in return for the treat.

His gaze softened as he looked at her.

"Be good~ If there's anything else you want, you can buy it now."

"Meow meow~ Really?"

Qing Tian blinked her big eyes at him in disbelief.

"Mhm."

Hearing his confirmation, she happily rubbed her fluffy little face against his cheek.

A cool, soft sensation brushed against his skin.

Xuan Li froze.

This was the first time she had ever kissed him on her own.

It felt completely different from the times when he kissed her.

Thump-thump-thump

His heartbeat quickened.

So... this is what it feels like to be kissed by her?

A faint blush crept up his pale ears, though he kept his face carefully neutral.

But the slight curve of his lips completely betrayed him.

/

Chapter 80: Cat Boy 43

After a while, the pile of items in the boy's arms grew larger.

Seeing that he was carrying so much in one hand while still holding her with the other, Qing Tian patted his neck with her small paw. "Meow~ Put me down, I want to walk by myself!"

"No," the boy frowned and refused firmly.

"Meow~" She looked at him pitifully.

"Be good~ Not now. Once we get back, I'll let you down."

Seeing that he was still unwilling, Qing Tian simply jumped out of his arms herself. Hmph! I can get down on my own!

The sight of her tiny, fierce yet adorably soft figure made his Adam's apple bob. He wanted to kiss her again. But if he did it suddenly now, she might get mad. And if that ruined his "benefits" for the night, that wouldn't be good! So, he held himself back.

After buying everything they needed, they headed toward the parking lot. To get there, they had to cross the street.

The traffic light turned green. There were only a few scattered pedestrians crossing the road.

As they were about to step forward, Xuan Li felt uneasy and reached out, intending to pick her up again.

However, Qing Tian lightly pushed off the ground and dashed forward before he could grab her.

At that moment, a black sedan suddenly sped toward her.

The car was fast, and it was too late to stop.

The boy lunged forward without hesitation, trying to pull her into his arms.

Qing Tian, in a panic, used all her strength to push him away!

She could have escaped, but that moment she spent saving Xuan Li cost her precious time.

In her mind, only two words flashed— It's over.

She closed her eyes, awaiting death.

Bang!

The sound of flesh colliding with steel echoed.

Xuan Li, due to the force of her push, rolled onto the roadside several times. Still, his leg got scraped by the car.

His bloodshot eyes immediately searched for her—

Only to see Qing Tian lying in a pool of red.

Her white fur was slowly being dyed crimson, blood dripping down in delicate streams.

Ignoring the searing pain in his own body, Xuan Li crawled toward her, trembling hands scooping up her small body.

His hoarse voice was filled with despair, icy tears sliding down his face.

"You're lying to me, right? Be good... wake up..."

His large hands trembled as he held her close.

But the little cat in his arms remained motionless.

Her blood had already soaked through his clothes.

Kneeling on the ground, he let out a soul-crushing scream, as if he had lost everything.

Even when the ambulance arrived, no matter how much the paramedics tried to persuade him, the moment anyone reached for the cat in his arms, his dark, lifeless eyes locked onto them like a death sentence.

It was as if... if they dared take even a step closer, he would kill them.

Fear gripped the weaker doctors, making them hesitate to approach.

He clung tightly to the lifeless little cat, refusing any treatment for himself.

The on-site medical staff didn't know what to do.

At that moment, a braver doctor stepped forward, cautiously placing a hand on Xuan Li's shoulder.

"People can't come back from the dead, and the same goes for cats. Please... restrain your grief. Your leg is still bleeding. If you don't receive treatment now, it might cause permanent damage—or even paralysis."

Xuan Li shot him a cold, empty glance and didn't reply.

He turned, intending to leave with Qing Tian in his arms.

The doctor stared at the boy's lifeless eyes—eyes that looked exactly like those of a husband who had just lost his wife.

Something clicked in his mind.

Steeling himself, he hurriedly stepped forward, blocking Xuan Li's path.

Even as the boy's terrifying gaze sent a chill down his spine, he refused to back down.

Raising his voice, he declared, "The cat in your arms... might still be saved!"

Xuan Li's empty eyes flickered with a hint of life.

His fingers trembled as he gripped the doctor's shoulder.

"Please... save her."

In that moment, all his pride, all his dignity—gone.

His eyes, once filled with arrogance and indifference, now held only desperate, fragile hope.

Seeing him like this, the doctor's heart twisted in pain.

He wasn't even sure if the cat could be saved.

But in his words just now—there had been more than just reassurance.

There had also been a promise.

/

Chapter 81: Cat Boy 44

Xiao Ling crouched inside her closet, arms wrapped tightly around her knees, her pale face frozen in terror.

"I killed someone? I killed someone? I killed someone?"

She had only wanted to hit that damn cat!

But he was the one who threw himself in front of her car.

It wasn't her fault.

He wanted to die!

This had nothing to do with her!

Fear surged through her, overwhelming her completely.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

And then—she started laughing.

"Haha... I killed him? I really killed him? Hahaha!"

Her expression twisted, shifting between pure excitement and gut-wrenching fear.

One moment, she was laughing hysterically.

The next, she was sobbing in agony.

The reality of what she had done had finally broken her.

She truly believed she had run over Xuan Li and killed him.

Slowly, her contorted face lowered, her lips trembling as she muttered to herself,

"I killed someone! The police... will they come for me? No, I can't get caught! I haven't confessed to Ming Ye gege yet! I haven't married him yet!"

Then, as if struck by inspiration, she suddenly brightened, her eyes gleaming with delusion.

"Yes! I still have to marry Ming Ye gege! I have to call my dad! He'll definitely fix this for me!"

With trembling hands, she picked up her phone.

Choking on her sobs, she wailed, "Dad! I... I just ran over someone! You can fix this, right? You'll help me, won't you?"

But the voice on the other end of the call was anything but comforting.

A furious, rough voice barked back at her.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?! You're my daughter, and you killed someone?! Do you know how much damage this will do to my company if the media finds out?! I can't help you! My company in Z City is small—I don't have the power to manipulate the police! Before this news gets out, I'll be publicly announcing that I've severed all ties with you. From now on, you're on your own!"

Beep—Beep—Beep—

The call disconnected.

"Aaaaaahhh!"

A piercing scream filled the room.

Smash!

The phone was hurled across the room, shattering against the wall.

Darkness slowly swallowed her whole.

Meanwhile...

The doctor avoided meeting Xuan Li's eyes, guilt flickering across his face.

"Please, hand the cat over to me. Her wounds are still bleeding. If we don't treat her immediately, she might not make it."

He reached out his hands.

Xuan Li hesitated for a moment before gently placing the small, bloodied body into the doctor's arms.

Then, without a second thought, he followed him into the ambulance.

Inside, he never once took his eyes off the little cat.

He knew—

He knew the chances of saving her were slim.

But he couldn't let go.

Not even the slightest hope.

He had to hold on to it.

The only sounds in the ambulance were the rustling of medical supplies.

The doctor worked swiftly to stop the bleeding and bandage the tiny feline.

Once he was done, he reached for Xuan Li's arm, intending to treat his wounds next.

This time, Xuan Li didn't resist.

He sat silently, letting the doctor patch him up.

Finally, the doctor spoke.

"We're heading to an animal hospital."

As soon as the ambulance stopped, the doctor stepped out first, sweat beading on his forehead.

"This hospital is owned by a close friend of mine. Back in our youth, he won countless veterinary awards overseas. He has an excellent reputation in animal medicine... But whether or not we can save her—it all depends on her will to live."

Without another word, he rushed inside with the cat in his arms.

Xuan Li tried to follow, but the blood loss had taken its toll.

His vision blurred.

His legs gave out.

And before he could take another step—

Darkness consumed him.

—

A Sterile White Hospital Room

The boy lying on the hospital bed slowly opened his eyes.

Then, in a flash—he sat up violently, reaching to yank the IV from his arm.

"Don't move! Your cat is fine!"

The voice belonged to the familiar doctor.

His words made Xuan Li pause for just a second.

The doctor continued, amazement in his voice.

"You won't believe this—when we examined her, she had no vital signs. She was dead. But just minutes after you passed out, her heart started beating again... I don't understand it—it's a complete medical miracle!"

Xuan Li froze for only a moment.

Then—without a word—he continued his unfinished action.

The IV needle tore out of his skin.

Blood dripped onto the pristine white sheets.

/

Chapter 82: Cat Boy 45

"Why don't you take better care of your body? I already told you your cat is fine!" The man scolded him helplessly.

"My body is none of your concern!" Xuan Li replied coldly. Right now, he only wanted to see his little cat and had no patience to waste time here.

"Fine, but remember to pay for the medical expenses!"

"Mm."

Watching his departing figure, the man sighed, shaking his head. "Young people these days... They really don't care about their own well-being."

—

System Space

Lying on the bed, the girl sprawled out in boredom, lazily flicking her tail. "When can I go back? I'm so bored I feel like mushrooms are about to grow on me!"

The speaker was none other than Qing Tian herself. Just before she was about to be hit by the car, the system had forcibly pulled her into the system space.

"Hey! It's not that I don't want to let you out, but your body outside still can't handle your soul. You have to wait until it has recovered enough before you can return!"

Then, as if expecting praise, the system continued proudly, "Besides, if I hadn't acted fast and pulled you back in time, you'd probably be really dead by now!"

"Thank you, oh mighty system! My dear system, my life-saving hero, my little lucky star! No—my big lucky star!" Qing Tian sweet-talked him in a voice so sweet it was almost sickening.

"At least you know it! As your system daddy, this is my duty!" The system lifted its chin smugly.

"..."

"Fine, whatever you say."

After countless past arguments with it, she no longer had the energy to debate.

For a moment, the space fell into silence again.

Qing Tian quickly searched for a new topic.

"I still think