Chapter 8: Red Thread Tangled Around the Cat

Red Thread Tangling the Cat.

The smile on the little cat’s face had visibly grown more frequent.

The novelty of the toys had not faded for a long time.

Ning Jiu chased the wind-up mouse all over the house, delighting in the joy of hunting and exploring.

Of course, the cat had grown even more attached to the owner who brought him home.

No matter how much he liked a toy, he would always put it down on time, sit by the door, swaying his white tail, waiting for it to open so he could say, “Welcome home.”

The spacious, elegant house now carried more warmth because of the little cat’s presence.

That day, when Mu Jingyi opened the door, he did not see the familiar white figure.

His gaze swept around the living room once, but there was no sign of the cat.

“Aunt Chen, have you seen Ning Jiu?”

Aunt Chen, busy in the kitchen, leaned out and glanced around.

Ning Jiu usually kept his eyes on the clock.

He would only arrive early at the door.

Never late.

“Maybe kitty is playing in the bedroom.

I saw him run upstairs with toys this afternoon.

I haven’t seen him since.”

Mu Jingyi responded and loosened his meticulously tied tie before heading upstairs.

A trace of unease rose within him.

Not anger at the lack of greeting.

But worry that something had happened.

“Ning Jiu.

Ning Jiu…”

He pushed open the bedroom door.

A white bundle was curled in the corner.

Red yarn was wrapped tightly around his body in layer after layer.

The strands bound his wrists together, forcing him to remain huddled as if tied up.

The yarn around his ankles tugged strangely, compelling him to lift one foot slightly to prevent it from tightening further.

Several loops wound around his fluffy tail, pulled taut and leaving indented marks in the fur.

Two strands circled his face, crossing at his mouth and tugging at the corners of his lips.

Even his cat ears were caught, pulled inward by the red thread.

His eyes were wet and shimmering.

Tears clung to his cheeks like a thin veil.

Those blue eyes looked up at Mu Jingyi pitifully.

“Sir… save me…”

The sight struck hard.

Mu Jingyi stood frozen for a second.

In helplessness, Ning Jiu had finally found support.

The tight threads burned against his skin.

His limbs were stiff from holding the same position too long.

When he had been alone, he swallowed his tears.

Now that Sir had arrived, the grievance burst out.

“I’m here, kitty.

Don’t be afraid.”

Mu Jingyi wiped the fresh tears from the corners of his eyes.

He lowered his head to search for the end of the yarn, but found only a tangled mess.

He gently tugged at the strand on Ning Jiu’s wrist, trying to loosen it.

“Mm… Sir… it hurts…”

The pull affected his entire body.

Ning Jiu whimpered and edged closer to him cautiously.

“Sir… can you be gentler… it hurts…”

“I’ll get scissors.

Wait for me.”

Mu Jingyi hurried downstairs and returned shortly with scissors.

The cold metal brushed against his skin as it cut through the yarn, making the little cat shiver.

His nose, already red from crying, looked even pinker.

He bit his lip and let tears fall silently.

Once the threads were cut away, he was finally free.

He sniffled, scolding himself inwardly for being a foolish cat while still aching from the tightness.

Mu Jingyi gathered the cut strands and tossed them aside.

Suddenly, the white bundle lunged into his arms.

Ning Jiu wrapped both arms around his waist tightly.

He pressed his face into Sir’s chest, rubbing without restraint, smearing tears against the expensive suit.

Like a child seeking comfort after being wronged, he trembled as he cried.

Mu Jingyi’s heart softened painfully.

He held him close, brushing a thumb over the abraded corner of his lips and wiping away a trace of blood.

“It’s alright.

Don’t cry.”

That firm, warm embrace gave him courage.

“Sir… kitty hurts…”

“Let’s go downstairs and apply medicine, alright?”

Ning Jiu nodded obediently.

He tried to stand, but Mu Jingyi circled his waist and lifted him up instead.

His legs left the ground, kicking briefly in surprise.

“Wrap your legs around me, kitty.”

Strong arms supported him securely.

Ning Jiu complied, locking his legs around Sir’s waist.

He clung like a koala, arms around his neck, forehead resting against his own arm.

The weightless sensation made him nervous.

His tail swayed faintly behind him.

His heartbeat raced.

Perhaps from the closeness.

In the past, injured, he would hide alone and lick his wounds.

If he had not been held this time, perhaps he would not have cried so much.

This shoulder was perfect to lean on.

Broad.

Reassuring.

Steady.

On the sofa, Mu Jingyi applied cool ointment with a cotton swab.

Red marks circled his slender wrists like delicate cuffs.

Pale pink lines traced his waist and skin.

The sight made Mu Jingyi’s throat tighten.

He cleared his throat softly.

“Does it still hurt?”

Ning Jiu shook his head vigorously.

His ears wobbled.

“I was there too long.

No one helped me… I tried to get free, but it only tightened…”

He muttered softly, embarrassed.

“I thought the string looked fun.

I tossed it and ran with it… and then I got tangled…”

Mu Jingyi’s thumb brushed lightly over the faint red line on his cheek.

Ning Jiu noticed the tear stain on the navy suit collar.

A dark patch on expensive fabric.

His eyes widened.

“I— Sir, take it off.

I’ll wash it tomorrow.”

“There are professionals for that.”

Mu Jingyi patted his head gently.

“But what if it doesn’t come clean…”

“At a time like this, you’re worried about that?”

His tone remained calm and steady.

“I have more than one suit.”

“Is it really not important?”

“Your injuries are more important.

If cutting this suit into pieces would make you happier, I’d do it.”

“No need to cut the suit…”

The pure-hearted cat saved the suit’s life.

Mu Jingyi smiled.

“Then what would make you happy?”

The pink inner ears flipped outward slightly as he thought seriously.

His blue eyes brightened.

He scooted closer and opened his arms.

“Then Sir should hug kitty.”

Mu Jingyi removed the stained jacket and pulled him into his embrace.

Through the thin shirt, warmth transferred easily.

Ning Jiu melted into it with a soft sigh.

His tail swayed rhythmically.

He rubbed against Sir’s chest contentedly.

The sleeve garter pressed faintly against him.

It looked austere and restrained, yet became a toy in the curious cat’s hands.

He hooked a finger under the elastic band, tugged it slightly, and watched it snap back.

Looking up with his chin resting against Sir’s chest, he asked softly,

“Does it hurt, Sir?”

“It feels fine.

If you want to play, go ahead.”

Mu Jingyi stroked his hair gently, even as a faint ache spread along his arm.

He did not interrupt.

His cat was discovering the world like a blank page.

The factory walls had once blocked his curiosity.

Beyond those walls had only been darkness.

For the first time, Mu Jingyi had a thought.

He wanted to raise his little cat all over again.