It was that feeling again—being comforted and having his head patted from afar, even though there was no physical contact.

During his recuperation, he had always loved hanging around Shen Zhengning. He didn't have to do anything specific; just being in that person's space made him feel at peace. He also loved the few minutes of aimless, rambling chat with Shen Zhengning before bed every night. It was like a mental grooming, and recently, falling asleep didn't seem as difficult as it used to be.

But tonight, at this very moment, while being accommodated by the other's usual kindness and consideration, he suddenly felt unsatisfied. What he wanted was more than just comforting words, more than sitting so close yet with a galaxy between them. He wanted to hold that moon in his own hands and be gently embraced by its light in return.

'The great detective, so perceptive he can seemingly read minds, can he guess what I'm thinking right now?'

The warm feelings were like water sloshing in a fish tank, about to overflow. But under Shen Zhengning's calm, returning gaze, Zhuang Mingqi hesitated for three seconds, ultimately too cowardly to speak. Awkwardly, he fished out the most unimportant question he could think of: "You... why don't you feed stray cats? Is it because you don't like them?"

Shen Zhengning seemed like a dog person, but on second thought, he seemed to have a special fondness only for Silver, not sparing other dogs so much as a glance. As for cats, that went without saying. Whenever he encountered a stray cat while walking the dog in the community, he would make a detour from ten meters away, afraid the cat and dog would get into a fight.

'Could it be that Shen Zhengning compares him to a cat all day, but actually hates cats?!'

This pointless question was like a cudgel to the head, jolting Zhuang Mingqi. It was as if a silly cat, chasing its own tail, had accidentally bitten itself, jumping up in shock.

Shen Zhengning really didn't know how a sickly person, so weak that a gust of wind could knock him over, had so much energy to wage a battle of wits against thin air. But Zhuang Mingqi's gradually widening eyes and his inexplicably alert expression were quite lively, much more to his liking than his usual cold, handsome, yet lifeless expression.

So he thought about it carefully and gave a serious answer: "Actually, to be precise, they aren't stray cats, but community cats at best. A lot of people at the school feed them, so every one of them is fed until they look like little gas canisters. Some have even been ordered to go on a diet, so there's no need for me to join in."

Zhuang Mingqi rested his chin on a cushion and probed, unwilling to give up, "But some people feed them simply because they like cats, right?"

Shen Zhengning laughed and said casually, "Then all the more reason not to. What if I develop feelings for one after feeding it?"

Zhuang Mingqi was about to say that if he liked it, he should just take it home. But then he remembered the childhood stories Shen Zhengning had told him and instantly understood his implied meaning: "You're afraid that if you develop feelings for it, you won't be able to be responsible for it until the end for various reasons, so it's better not to get close from the very beginning..."

"Something like that. Back then, the main consideration was that I didn't have the means to keep a pet, and I always felt the time wasn't fated." Shen Zhengning said thoughtfully, "Thinking about it, maybe it's my problem... It seems like no stray cat has ever tried to get adopted by me my whole life."

It showed that someone who doesn't make promises lightly isn't necessarily cold-hearted; it could be that they've already made their decision while others remained oblivious.

In a flash, an idea struck Zhuang Mingqi. He pressed a hand against his heart, which was thumping like a disco beat, and forced his voice to remain steady as he feigned a casual tone, "Then what do you think counts as fate arriving—'being found by you on the roadside on a rainy day, drenched and with only one breath left' like that?"

Shen Zhengning felt the description was a bit familiar, but for a moment he couldn't recall where the feeling came from. "I guess so... What's with that expression?"

Zhuang Mingqi said in a very dreamy, girlish tone, "Wow—"

Although Shen Zhengning didn't know what he was 'wowing' about, he had a feeling the other man was up to no good, and a vein couldn't help but pop on his temple.

"I understand everything now." Zhuang Mingqi looked him up and down dramatically, his inner actor taking over as he switched to a profound tone he must have learned from some TV drama. "Great Detective, I never thought you were this kind of person—"

Silver, not understanding what was going on but infected by the intangible, solemn atmosphere, let out a supportive "Awoo—" from the side.

'A bit too lively, aren't you.' Shen Zhengning sighed at their combined foolishness and asked patiently, "What kind of person am I?"

Zhuang Mingqi declared with absolute certainty, "A nurturing enthusiast!"

Shen Zhengning: "..."

He stood up expressionlessly and started to leave. "My patience quota for idiots has been overdrawn for the day. If I listen to any more of this, I'm afraid my blood pressure won't be able to take it. You two have fun on your own. My words are getting harsh, so I'm leaving..."

Zhuang Mingqi laughed so hard he collapsed onto the sofa. "Cough, cough, cough, cough!"

He choked as if he'd inhaled dog fur, successfully making a second vein pop on Shen Zhengning's forehead. The only reliable human in the house stopped in his tracks, turned back helplessly, and set a glass of water down firmly on the coffee table in front of Zhuang Mingqi. "Tone it down. Have you forgotten about your idol image?"

The ambiguous atmosphere from a few minutes ago, which they both seemed to tacitly understand, was completely laughed away. Zhuang Mingqi sat up, took a couple of sips of water to soothe the itch in his throat, and looked up at him from that position. His eyes, just like Silver's, were like sparkling glass beads carved from the same mold. "Zhengning, you actually like the kind of... cat that's pitiful and unwanted, that you pick up and raise with your own hands, that only acknowledges you, and will never run away from your side, right?"

Shen Zhengning asked suspiciously, "Is that the kind of nurturing you were talking about?"

Zhuang Mingqi blinked innocently. "What else?"

Shen Zhengning met his gaze silently for three seconds, so close he could even see his own reflection in those amber irises. Then, he lowered his eyelids, concealing most of his emotions, and said lightly, "It's time. You should go back to bed. Good night."

Zhuang Mingqi was very familiar with this expression. Whenever he pestered Shen Zhengning with some unreasonable demand, Shen Zhengning would indulge him and tacitly agree with his actions but would be unwilling to consent verbally too easily. He would often show this kind of expression while changing the subject.

It meant 'yes'.

Zhuang Mingqi pulled Silver into a hug, burying his face in its thick, soft fur to hide the triumphant smile he could no longer control.

Those who love too deeply often don't fall in love easily; only those who have tasted bitterness know the value of sweetness. No wonder he said it wasn't too late for them to meet. Thinking about it now, perhaps this was the best possible time.

'So I had you right from the start.'

·

The atmosphere in the office was strange, with a faint restlessness brewing under a cloud of suspicion. Shen Zhengning had used up his annual leave, and on his first day back at work, he spent the entire morning just catching up on the gossip. Yuan Hang had protected his information well, so no one in the company knew he was the one who had provided the clue to the police. However, his colleagues, who had long-standing grievances, showed no mercy when gossiping about Gao Qihui. The topics ranged from major offenses like his gambling, cheating, nepotism, abuse of power for personal gain, and harassment of female colleagues, to minor ones like him taking home a microwave that another colleague had won at the company's annual party and left in the office for everyone to use... In short, he was a rotten person, and getting to this point was entirely his own doing, completely undeserving of sympathy.

After listening, Shen Zhengning deeply agreed and expressed his high admiration for their ability to uncover the truth. But what was running through his mind was the same question Yuan Hang's superior had raised that day: Gao Qihui was certainly a wicked man and no good person, but did he really have the guts to kill someone?

Gao Qihui loved luxury and pleasure, was greedy by nature, and liked to claim things that didn't belong to him. It wasn't surprising that a personality like his would get involved in financial crimes, but he had no reason to want Ye Tongsheng dead. First, the cost of the crime was vastly disproportionate to the benefit, unless he was absolutely confident he wouldn't be discovered. Second, both physically and psychologically, murder would be quite difficult for the pampered, middle-aged Gao Qihui. Unless his movements were restricted, Ye Tongsheng, who was much younger, should have had the upper hand whether in a fight or an escape.

A colleague posted a forum link in a small group chat. The title was quite direct—[BREAKING] [A Certain Pharmaceutical Software Company Suspected of Maliciously Leaking User Information, Person in Charge Has Been Arrested by Police].

Shen Zhengning clicked on it and glanced through. The content was more or less the same as the news circulating in the company, with no new information. Other gossip-loving colleagues said, "For such explosive news not to hit number one on the trending list is just embarrassing." Others joked, "I went to the temple to pray that work wouldn't be so busy this year. The Buddha isn't going to grant my wish by making me unemployed, is he?"

A WeChat call invitation suddenly popped up on his phone screen. The name made Shen Zhengning's gaze sharpen slightly. He took his phone, walked out of the office, and found an empty stairwell before answering, "President Cheng, what a rare guest. What made you suddenly think of calling me?"

His words sounded a bit barbed, but Cheng Junsu on the other end was very familiar with this tone and said bluntly, "Of course I have something to discuss, why else would I call you? I need to ask you about something."

Shen Zhengning: "You're not talking about the gossip at my company, are you?"

Cheng Junsu's polite words were even more robotic than a customer service bot: "Yes, dear. Give me some inside info. How serious is it? Is there any hope of saving it?"

"What are you planning? Taking advantage of the crisis or exploiting a weakness?"

"Is there a difference?" Cheng Junsu commented nonchalantly. "The one involved is your company's vice president... Gao Qihui, right? How short-sighted. Even a rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its own burrow."

Shen Zhengning remained suspicious. "The news is already all over the internet. Since you're specifically asking me, you must have something in mind. Are you trying to get us as a client?"

An impatient "tsk" came from the other end of the line. "Aiya, I can't stand your roundabout way of talking. I'm asking you a question, what's with you trying to pump me for information?"

Shen Zhengning lowered his head, his eyes downcast, and laughed silently.

Cheng Junsu was his university classmate. He had also studied computer science, but after graduation, he had gone into public relations. Now he had his own company, and business was flourishing; he was in the "young and promising" category. Their relationship had always been pretty good, and they remained good friends after graduation. It was just that both of them had a habit of "asking a lot but saying little." Their chats were like mutual interrogations, and they could easily devolve into personal attacks.

"I'm not intentionally beating around the bush with you. There are confidentiality requirements that are higher than the company level. What I can say is about the same as what you can find online," Shen Zhengning explained. "As for whether it can be saved, I can't make that judgment either. I can only say that it will definitely be major negative news for a while. But you're the expert in this area, so you should know better than me. It all depends on how the company's upper management handles it."

Cheng Junsu didn't say anything. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "In your opinion, what are your company's development prospects? How much market potential does the software still have?"

"Me?" Shen Zhengning was stunned for a moment before continuing, "Personally, I hope this software can continue. Many people need it. Before this incident, our user base was growing steadily. But if we can't overcome this crisis of confidence, it's only a matter of time before we're eliminated by the market."

Cheng Junsu teased, "You sound quite resentful towards the company. What's wrong? Do you have a premonition that your year-end bonus is gone and you're preparing to jump ship?"

Shen Zhengning said calmly, "Oh, that's not the reason—I'm jumping ship because I also participated in reporting our superior."

Cheng Junsu: "..."

"We're friends, so I won't hide it from you. Remember to protect the witness's privacy," Shen Zhengning said in a light tone. "If you have any suitable positions, you can recommend me."

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on!"

Cheng Junsu couldn't afford to be shocked for too long and urgently stopped him. "Sigh, you really... sigh, I really... I really came at the right time today. Don't be in a hurry to make a decision. I can't say about your superiors, but you should still be salvageable."

Shen Zhengning: ?

"Let's put it this way, we have a major client who wants to create a pharmaceutical software similar to Juquan's. They're hesitating between building their own team or acquiring an existing one. It just so happened that your company ran into trouble, so I figured I might be able to act as a middleman. That's why I called you," Cheng Junsu said. "If this works out, a shake-up in upper management is inevitable. And in order to retain technical talent, that little thing you did can be completely overlooked. So, you'd better wait and see."

This news was quite a plot twist. Shen Zhengning couldn't help but ask curiously, "Which company is it?"

"It feels like we're doing a hostage exchange. You'd better remember to keep it confidential for our big client," Cheng Junsu couldn't help but quip. He didn't keep him in suspense and said directly, "It's Heng Rui."