Chapter Twenty-Nine: Care

Lan Tian was also a bit tipsy, holding his glass as he came over. If he were sober, he would have kept a good distance from the two of them, refusing to be the third wheel.

“Bro, let me toast you,” he said.

Chu Muyun picked up his glass to drink, but before it reached his lips, Bai Chenxi snatched it away.

Bai Chenxi looked at Lan Tian, “What are you toasting for? Stop making things messy. He’s not feeling well and can’t drink too much.”

Chu Muyun stared blankly at the glass that had been taken away, looking at Bai Chenxi in confusion. Under that gaze, Bai Chenxi’s tone softened, “You have stomach issues, you can’t drink much. Otherwise, you’ll feel unwell. Eat a bit more food instead.”

Obediently, Chu Muyun replied and really picked up his chopsticks to eat quietly.

Lan Tian, looking innocent, rubbed his nose. Why did he come over just to witness this public display of affection? He really must have had too much to drink.

Though everyone at the table seemed to be eating and drinking, none of them missed the show. Chu Muyun and Bai Chenxi were the talk of the town lately, drawing more than a little extra attention from everyone present.

Their every interaction was noticed by those around them, and even if no one said anything on the surface, thoughts were buzzing beneath: It must be true, she’s even watching over his drinking now.

After the food and drinks, the wrap party dispersed. Bai Chenxi was about to leave too, having just bid farewell to the director when Jiang Jize called out to her.

He was also slightly drunk, swaying as he walked over, “Miss Bai, I’ll leave Muyun in your care. I’m heading off first.”

Bai Chenxi caught Jiang Jize as he turned to leave, “Why are you leaving him to me? Where’s his agent or assistant?”

“Agent?” Jiang Jize seemed a bit dazed. “He and I came together, what agent or assistant do you need?”

“If you came together, then take him with you!” Bai Chenxi looked at Jiang Jize hopefully, wondering why she was being saddled with this responsibility.

Jiang Jize waved her off, “No can do, I’m drunk.”

Not giving Bai Chenxi a chance to protest further, he patted her shoulder and said, “You know where he lives. I’m trusting you with him. He’s such a big star, you can’t just leave him out on the street!”

Bai Chenxi twitched her lips. For someone supposedly drunk, he sure spoke clearly enough.

Glancing around, she realized she was probably the most sober one left. The problem was, she’d planned to head straight home after the party and hadn’t called her assistant to pick her up.

It took her quite a while to finally get Chu Muyun into a taxi. Luckily, the driver was an older man who didn’t pay much attention to celebrity gossip. He didn’t recognize them and drove off as soon as he dropped them off.

But the security guard at the residential gate was a different story. Seeing Bai Chenxi struggling to support Chu Muyun, he quickly came over to help.

It was only up close that he recognized Chu Muyun, with Bai Chenxi beside him. The guard was only momentarily surprised before lending his support to Chu Muyun.

With the guard’s help, Bai Chenxi was spared much of the effort. The guard, perceptive as he was, slipped away quickly as soon as they reached the door, before she even had time to thank him.

Chu Muyun, having dozed off a bit in the car and now woken by the cold night air, had sobered up.

Seeing that he was much clearer, Bai Chenxi thought to herself: What perfect timing—after all the hard work, he wakes up the moment we reach the door. Was this on purpose?

Aloud, she said, “You’re awake now. My mission is accomplished. Goodbye!”

She waved her hand, ready to leave, but Chu Muyun caught her wrist. “Come inside first.”

Completely bewildered, Bai Chenxi was led into Chu Muyun’s home. No sooner had they stepped inside than Caesar came bounding over, affectionately nuzzling Chu Muyun’s pant leg.

“So this is Caesar?” Bai Chenxi had seen his posts online; ‘Caesar’ was his longtime golden retriever.

“Yes,” Chu Muyun replied quietly, gently patting Caesar’s head. At this moment, he seemed to shed all his usual defenses, his manner softening.

“Can I pet him?” Bai Chenxi asked cautiously.

Chu Muyun didn’t reply, but stepped aside to make room for her.

She reached out carefully, and Caesar nuzzled her hand. Bai Chenxi, like a child who’d just tasted candy, called out excitedly, “Look, he’s rubbing against my hand! I thought he’d bite me.”

“He’s very gentle,” Chu Muyun said, watching the scene before him. A warm feeling rose in his chest, as if this could go on forever.

Normally overlooked by animals, Bai Chenxi, for once, found some confidence with Caesar. After playing for a bit, she remembered she was in someone else’s home and ought to leave.

But looking up, she realized Chu Muyun was nowhere in sight. She hadn’t even noticed when he’d left.

“Chu Muyun, Chu—” Her voice abruptly cut off when she saw him emerge from the bathroom.

Can you imagine a strikingly handsome man, fresh from a shower, suddenly appearing before you? Bai Chenxi found herself utterly transfixed.

Noticing her gaze, Chu Muyun walked slowly over. Bai Chenxi swallowed nervously as he approached. He reached her and flicked her forehead. “Stunned, aren’t you?” How had he never realized she could be so starry-eyed?

“N-no, I wasn’t,” Bai Chenxi said, turning away, her voice betraying her guilt.

“I was just going to tell you: I should be heading off.”

“Heading off?” Chu Muyun glanced at the clock. “Are you sure you’ll be able to catch a cab at this hour?”

Following his gaze, Bai Chenxi saw it was already past midnight.

“Why don’t you stay in my guest room for the night?”

“What?” Bai Chenxi’s voice shot up in alarm. “Stay at your place—?”

Seeing her reaction, Chu Muyun replied calmly, “What, afraid I’ll do something to you?” He looked her up and down. “Relax, someone like you isn’t my type.”

With that, he retreated to his bedroom. Bai Chenxi, behind his back, threw a few mock punches and kicks in the air: “Not interested in me? Please, I’m a goddess in so many people’s eyes. If you’re not interested in me, I don’t care for you either.”

But as she thought about it, she couldn’t help but touch her nose awkwardly. That didn’t sound entirely honest. Remembering the scene from just now, she muttered, “With that attitude, what a waste of such a good-looking face.”

She was still grumbling when Chu Muyun opened the door and came over, startling her—so much for talking about someone behind their back!

He tossed her a set of clothes. “These are new, never worn. You can use them. There are disposable toothbrushes on the sink, and the guest room bedding is fresh as well.”

Standing there hugging the clothes, Bai Chenxi listened to his instructions and thought: This guy is actually quite considerate.

Finishing, Chu Muyun pinched the bridge of his nose. “I have a bit of a headache. I’ll sleep first—make yourself at home.”

Chu Muyun had barely lain down before there was a knock at the door. Too groggy to get up, he called out, “It’s unlocked, come in.”

Bai Chenxi entered and, seeing his condition, realized he really wasn’t feeling well. Who knew why he insisted on holding out. She held up a mug of honey water. “I made you some honey water. Drink it before you sleep, you’ll feel better.”