For the sake of the bald human and some jerky, Xiao Hei agreed to Xie Xiaobao’s request to shoot a movie together.
When she heard that Da Zhuang next door was also going to join, she even went over to warn him fiercely.Â
“Be smart about it when the time comes. Don’t drag us down, got it?”
Da Zhuang, however, looked perfectly good-natured, licked his nose, and howled in agreement.
Only then did Xiao Hei wag her tail in satisfaction and return to her own territory.
Feeling that a major issue was resolved, Xie Xiaobao finally relaxed completely.
It had been a while since he last visited the Animal Shelter.
After finishing his business, he let himself loose and began playing with the two kittens.
Finding a clean spot, he sat cross-legged, picked up the two kittens and placed them on his lap.
Holding one kitten in each hand, he gently scratched their bellies.
The two kittens had already grown to nearly his size, their multicolored fur glossy and well-kept.
Even their cheeks were plump, rounder by the day, and they seemed increasingly inclined to snuggle closer to Xie Xiaobao.
Having spent plenty of time petting them, Xie Xiaobao knew exactly which spots cats enjoyed most.
So he scratched with all his heart, making the two kittens squirm in delight.
The kittens had been strictly disciplined by Xiao Hei before and rarely got so close to humans.
This was their first time being held by Xie Xiaobao and having their bellies scratched.
They flipped over comfortably, purring softly in a tone full of affection.
He Yu was standing not far off under a tree.
His imposing aura made animals naturally wary and alert around him.
To prevent them from getting too tense, he could only watch quietly from the side each time he came here.
Xie Xiaobao genuinely loved these shelter animals.
He Yu watched quietly for a while, thinking about He’s Entertainment’s recent projects, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
He waved and greeted Xie Xiaobao, “You keep playing here, I’m going out to make a call.”
Xie Xiaobao smiled and nodded, holding the two paws of the little tortoiseshell kitten as he waved back.
Actually, making a call was just an excuse.
He Yu stepped out from the backyard, asked a staff member where the Shelter Director was, and went straight to find him.
The shelter wasn’t large.
Aside from the staff break room, there was only one room for storing the animals’ food and supplies.
The Shelter Director and the staff member responsible for accounting were checking the remaining food and medicine.
With this month almost over, they had to calculate next month’s expenses in advance.
“Mr. He, what brings you here?” The Director looked up and saw He Yu standing at the door.
“I have something to discuss with you. May I have a moment of your time?” He Yu asked.
The Director scratched his head and smiled with a face full of wrinkles.
“Of course, of course.”
He greeted the accounting staff to continue his work and then led He Yu outside the storage room.
“Wait here a moment. This place isn’t great—please excuse that. I’ll bring a couple of stools so we can sit and talk.”
“I’ll come with you.” He Yu’s expression softened a bit, and he followed him to get the stools.
They were in a small open area separated from the storage room by the wall—there wasn’t much privacy, but at least it was quiet.
After setting down the stools, the Director invited He Yu to sit first before sitting down himself.
“What do you need? If it’s within my power, I’ll do whatever I can.”
He Yu had previously donated a sum of money in his personal capacity to the shelter, easing their immediate financial pressure.
The Director was grateful and treated him with extra courtesy.
“It’s about cooperation between He’s Entertainment’s Pet Hospital and the Animal Shelter,” He Yu said slowly.
He’s Entertainment’s businesses were numerous and complex.
The higher-ups had discussed new project investments before, with various opinions within the group.
Ultimately, He Yu’s plan concerning the pet hospital was approved by majority.
However, the project’s implementation would take time.
The pet hospital had been in preparation until recently when everything was finalized.
The cooperation with the shelter was a decision He Yu made after careful consideration from multiple angles.
He’s Entertainment’s Pet Hospital was positioned as a large chain pet medical and grooming service center.
The first store in Shen City was already fully decorated, with all relevant personnel in place, just waiting for an appropriate day to hold the grand opening.
He’s Entertainment was financially powerful, with personnel and equipment all top-tier.
But the hospital was different from other industries—it was a field that required trust and a sense of security.
The Promotion Department had submitted several marketing plans, but He Yu had rejected them all.
He’s Entertainment’s branding was too high-end and not grounded enough.
While this could attract many upscale clients, this small segment was far outnumbered by the potential mid-tier customer base.
This was an era that valued material life.
Many people kept pets, and many were willing to spend on them.
For He’s Entertainment to attract this middle segment, a more down-to-earth approach was needed.
The Animal Shelter was a perfect entry point.
It attracted high public attention and came with its own buzz.
By stepping in at this moment, He’s Entertainment would provide free vaccinations and medical services for the shelter’s animals every year, not only gaining free promotional exposure but also winning public favor.
From both a public and private perspective, cooperating with the shelter would not result in a loss.
“Th-this is real?” The Director was stunned after hearing this, then excitedly stood up, shaking He Yu’s hand repeatedly.
“This is truly wonderful. You’ve helped us so much—I don’t know how to thank you.”
“This isn’t a one-sided favor,” He Yu said businesslike, but he didn’t pull his hand away from the Director’s grip.
“He’s Pet Hospital will have its grand opening soon, and we’ll need the shelter’s cooperation for some of our promotions.”
“Of course, of course,” the Director said, excitedly pacing two circles with his hands behind his back, his voice trembling.
“This will save us a lot of money every year. With the savings, we might even be able to renovate here a bit—to make things more spacious.”
“Thank you so much.”
The Director bowed deeply to He Yu, his bald head even flushed red.
“If there’s anything you need the shelter to help with in the future, just say the word.”
He Yu nodded annd replied, “Will do. Someone else will follow up with the contract. And we’ll notify you ahead of time whenever we need help with promotions.”
The Director nodded repeatedly.
If He Yu weren’t so tall and stern-faced, he might have hugged him enthusiastically.
While they were talking, Xie Xiaobao came over hesitantly from the side and called out, “He Yu? Director.”
“Well, let’s settle on this for now. We can discuss any issues later.” He Yu nodded at the Director and then turned to look at Xie Xiaobao with gentle eyes.
“Done playing?”
Xie Xiaobao smiled with crescent eyes.
“Yeah, it’s getting late. Let’s head back first. We’ll come visit them again next time.”
He Yu naturally had no objection.
Xie Xiaobao said goodbye to the Director and walked out with He Yu.
The shelter was in the suburbs.
By the time they returned to the city, it was already past eleven.
He Yu lived nearby.
Looking at Xie Xiaobao’s profile, he suggested, “It’s pretty late. Why don’t you rest at my place tonight? I’ll take you home tomorrow.”
Xie Xiaobao let out a small sound and looked at him.
He Yu’s gaze was as gentle as ever.
Xie Xiaobao nervously fiddled with his fingers and asked, “Wouldn’t that trouble you?”
“No.” He Yu smiled.
“It’s an honor to have you as my guest.”
“All right then.” Xie Xiaobao glanced at him secretly before quickly looking away.
“Thanks for the trouble.”
He Yu smiled softly and drove toward his home.
Come to think of it, this wasn’t Xie Xiaobao’s first time at He Yu’s house.
He had stayed here for several days before, yet his heart still couldn’t help but race when following He Yu inside.
He trailed behind He Yu and rubbed his face hard while He Yu wasn’t looking.
“The bedroom is upstairs. There’s only one bedroom in the house. You sleep there tonight; I’ll sleep in the study.”
He Yu handed him a pair of slippers.
They were He Yu’s size, so they were quite big on Xie Xiaobao’s feet, making a loud clacking sound as he walked.
“I’d rather sleep in the study,” Xie Xiaobao declined.
He Yu led him upstairs and handed him a new towel and fresh pajamas with underwear.
“Go take a shower first. The pajamas are new, but might be a little big.”
Xie Xiaobao opened his mouth to say something but was stopped by He Yu gently rubbing his head.
“There’s no way a guest sleeps in the study. It’s late, hurry up and shower so you can get some rest.”
Xie Xiaobao’s eyes darted around before settling back on his toes.
“I’ll go wash first then.”
“Mm.”
He Yu pointed toward the bathroom.
“Watch your step.”
Xie Xiaobao clutched the pajamas and towel as he slipped into the bathroom, exhaling heavily against the door, then patting his chest.
“Why does my heart feel like it’s possessed, racing so fast?”
No one answered in the empty bathroom.
He calmed his heartbeat for a moment, put down the towel and pajamas, then stripped to take a shower.
He Yu was still waiting outside.
Not wanting to hog the bathroom too long, Xie Xiaobao quickly finished and came out wearing the pajamas.
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