The silver tabby cat rubbed its head against Shen Jingqi's calf, the feathery brush of its fur against his ankle sending a shiver up his spine.
"This time it's real."
He murmured to himself, his nails digging into his palm. Pain surged clearly along his nerves.
Lin Xiaocan twirled spaghetti with her fork, tomato sauce sliding down the edge of the porcelain plate. "Brother Jing, you don't look well."
Shen Jingqi picked up the noodles and put them in his mouth. The fragrance of wheat spread over his tongue, the fruity aroma of olive oil entwined with crushed basil, the warm, steamy flavor dispersing the effects of the illusion.
"Meow." The silver tabby cat padded silently around Shen Jingqi's feet, continuously rubbing against his leg with its soft body.
Shen Jingqi looked down, his gaze shifting from the chopsticks in his hand to the little cat with its shimmering silver fur. He gently stroked the cat's back, and the cat squinted its eyes in comfort, purring contentedly.
