“I’ll make you something else next time,” Xie Xiaobao said, thrilled to find a kindred spirit. “It was my first time making these. My sister-in-law always says my desserts are too sweet.”
Xie Xiaobao loved sweets, always adding extra sugar despite Qu Yanning’s warnings. Though he tried to cut back, his creations stayed sugary.
Surprised He Yu liked them, he hesitated. “You don’t think… they’re too sweet?”
He asked with his neck tucked, eyes wide, like a wary kitten ready to bolt.
He Yu paused, calmly finishing the half-eaten donut and sipping water to ease the sweetness. “Not at all. They’re just right.”
The skittish kitten perked up, leaning forward, eyes sparkling. “Good!”
He Yu took another sip of tea, packing away the remaining donuts. “Eat your lunch. I’ll take these home.”
Xie Xiaobao nodded, still smiling as he dug into his rice.
Lunch done, it was barely noon. With no plans, He Yu suggested, “Since we’re out, how about a movie before heading back?”
Xie Xiaobao, with nothing else to do, agreed, and they headed to the movie theater to buy tickets.
There were plenty of films showing. He Yu let Xie Xiaobao pick one he liked, and they watched together.
By the time the movie ended, it was afternoon. He Yu had work at the company, so he drove Xie Xiaobao home.
They parted downstairs. Xie Xiaobao, backpack slung over his shoulder, waved at He Yu before dashing to the elevator.
Back home, he tossed his bag on the sofa, transformed into his cat form, and rolled vigorously on the carpet. Reaching the coffee table, he hugged its leg, scratching eagerly, purring with delight.
Done clawing, he flipped upright, turned human, and quickly posted on WeChat Moments.
[*Xie Xiaobao: Super happy today.*]
He attached a photo of the starry donuts and two movie tickets.
Right after posting, Old Wang messaged:
[*Out having fun?*]
[*Just got back.*]
Old Wang replied instantly:
[*Good. Stay home—I’m coming over with something to discuss.*]
Then he went silent. Xie Xiaobao figured he’d arrive soon, so he changed clothes, sliced a fruit platter, and set out the remaining starry donuts.
Shortly after tidying, the doorbell rang. Xie Xiaobao scampered to open it.
Old Wang strode in, briefcase in hand, hair and clothes unusually disheveled but spirits high.
“Where’ve you been these past few days?” Xie Xiaobao asked, pouring him warm water, eyes curious.
“Negotiating a deal for you.” Old Wang gulped the water, smoothed back his messy hair, and pulled a proposal from his briefcase. “Take a look.”
Xie Xiaobao took the thick document, marked with key points, and skimmed the important parts, surprised. “A duo stream? I’ll be streaming with someone else?”
Old Wang shook his head, explaining, “It’s a collaboration. Your popularity’s still growing, and since you don’t want to do shows, we’ll boost it through streams. Teaming up with another streamer can help.”
Xie Xiaobao thought it over. It didn’t sound bad. “But what would we stream?”
Old Wang said he didn’t need to worry. “We’ll tailor it to both your strengths. Just set aside one day a week.”
No need to stress, Xie Xiaobao was all for it. Old Wang’s plans were always solid.
Business done, Old Wang noticed the fruit platter and donuts. He popped a starry donut in his mouth, chewed twice, and froze. Unable to swallow or spit, he chugged water to force it down.
“Why’s it so sweet?”
Choked by the chocolate, he coughed, downing more water to dull the cloying taste.
Xie Xiaobao, hurt by his exaggerated reaction, mumbled, “Is it that bad?”
Seeing his puppy-dog eyes, Old Wang realized his mistake—Xie Xiaobao made these. He coughed theatrically, backpedaling. “No, I just ate too fast and choked.”
Xie Xiaobao stared, unconvinced. “You just said it was too sweet.”
Old Wang, embarrassed, touched his nose. “Alright, it’s a bit sweet, but I’m not big on sweets.”
Xie Xiaobao bought it, muttering, “Must be a taste thing. I gave a box to President He this morning, and he said they were good.”
Old Wang nearly choked again. “Who?”
“President He,” Xie Xiaobao said, puzzled by his reaction. “We went to the gym together this morning.”
Old Wang took two deep breaths to calm his shock. “Since when are you two so close…?”
Xie Xiaobao thought back. “Wednesday, I guess. We had lunch and got to know each other.”
Old Wang: *…*
When Old Wang left, he gave Xie Xiaobao a long, pained look, as if he’d done something wrong. Xie Xiaobao nearly doubted himself until Old Wang sighed, patted his shoulder solemnly, and walked out.
Xie Xiaobao stood there, baffled: *??*
Meanwhile, He Yu arrived at his office, habitually checking WeChat Moments. He saw Xie Xiaobao’s post and smiled, leaving a comment.
[*The donuts were delicious.*]