Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Shen Tingzhou looked at Xu Xun with a mix of guilt and suspicion, and after a long moment, he whispered, "It can't be possible. How could I have..."

"If you say it didn’t happen, then it didn’t," Xu Xun said without elaborating, turning to walk downstairs.

This attitude made Shen Tingzhou even more uneasy, and he followed Xu Xun, cautiously pressing, "Did I really... last night?"

Xu Xun stopped, turned around, and asked a soul-searching question, "Have you thought about it?"

Shen Tingzhou was once again left speechless, not quite understanding what Xu Xun meant.

What did he mean by "have you thought about it"? Thought about what? Thought about kissing him?

Shen Tingzhou’s gaze involuntarily swept over Xu Xun's lips, his heart filled with shock and doubt. Could it be that last night he really...

Good heavens, even if Xiao Xu’s lips looked soft, he couldn’t take advantage of being drunk to kiss him.

This is love in the form of a crime, an act of hooliganism!

Just as Shen Tingzhou was silently breaking down, Xu Xun suddenly said, "I was just kidding; you didn’t kiss me last night."

Even with Shen Tingzhou’s good temper, hearing this dramatic twist almost made him blurt out a curse.

The reason he didn’t was because Xu Xun’s eyes had become sharp.

Xu Xun continued, "This is the consequence of getting drunk outside. You can only believe whatever lies people tell you, and even if nothing happened, you still have to swallow the bitter pill."

Truly a vivid and intense lesson!

Shen Tingzhou was speechless, feeling ashamed and guilty.

Xu Xun didn’t mention the previous incident with Lu Yuan but reminded Shen Tingzhou, "Always be cautious. Don’t do this again."

Shen Tingzhou hung his head like a repentant student and replied honestly, "...I understand."

Xu Xun’s tone softened, and his eyes became gentler. "Let’s go downstairs and eat something. I’ve made you some sobering soup."

Shen Tingzhou obediently followed Xu Xun, gazing at his tall back and couldn’t help but think—

Although Teacher Xu tricked him, his intentions were good!

As Shen Tingzhou sat in the dining room sipping hot soup, he felt so comfortable that even the folds of his stomach seemed to relax.

Alcohol is indeed a bad thing. Stay away from alcohol, stay away from post-drinking scams!

Just as he finished his soup, his phone rang.

Seeing it was Zhou Zitan calling, Shen Tingzhou put down his chopsticks and answered.

"Hello, Xiao Zhou." Shen Tingzhou felt a burning gaze immediately fall upon him after saying those three words.

Xiao Zhou seemed to be a taboo in this villa, capable of sparking a storm with just a mention of his name.

Shen Tingzhou’s heart tightened, regretting having uttered the name.

Zhou Zitan on the other end didn’t notice Shen Tingzhou’s tension and began with a provocative statement.

"Doctor Shen, why did you hang up on my calls last night? You hung up several times, and I barely slept."

Shen Tingzhou glanced at Xu Xun, who met his gaze unflinchingly, even boldly.

Could it be—

This was also part of the lesson? Was Teacher Xu trying to tell him that getting drunk not only leads to scams but also leaves one vulnerable to losing control over their belongings?

Shen Tingzhou refocused on the call and explained to Zhou Zitan, "I drank too much yesterday. It must have been an accident."

Zhou Zitan sounded disappointed. "I wanted to leave with you, but you left alone."

Shen Tingzhou laughed awkwardly, changing the subject. "When did you get back last night?"

Zhou Zitan replied, "Around five in the morning."

Shen Tingzhou was shocked. "That late?"

Zhou Zitan didn’t see anything unusual. "Isn’t that how it always is? If you don’t party until three or four in the morning, it’s not really clubbing."

Hearing Zhou Zitan’s energetic voice and thinking of his own headache and weakness, Shen Tingzhou couldn’t help but feel envious.

Indeed, youth is a wonderful thing.

Xu Xun’s voice drifted over, "Eat first; the food will get cold."

Shen Tingzhou told Zhou Zitan, "We’ll talk later; I need to eat. You should get some rest too."

Zhou Zitan replied, "No need for sleep; I’m going to visit my brother soon."

Shen Tingzhou: Young people sure have stamina!

After hanging up, Xu Xun asked, "Was Xiao Zhou there last night too?"

Hearing him use the nickname, Shen Tingzhou felt a chill. "It wasn’t planned; we bumped into each other. You know, young people like to party."

"I don’t know," Xu Xun said, blowing on his steaming tea. "After all, I’m not as young as Xiao Zhou."

The Steward approached Xu Xun, asking, "Are you done eating?"

Xu Xun didn’t answer.

The Steward placed a bag of vinegar and an empty seasoning bottle in front of him. "Pour this vinegar after you're done eating."

Feeling bad about eating and drinking for free, Shen Tingzhou quickly said, "I'll do it."

"Let him do it," the Steward smiled. "Being too idle can lead to trouble."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Xu Xun, with a sullen face, was pouring vinegar into the seasoning bottle but ended up spilling quite a bit due to poor control, filling the dining room with the smell of vinegar.

Shen Tingzhou hurriedly wiped it with napkins. "Let me do it."

He only realized when he took the seasoning bottle that it wasn't because Xu Xun was clumsy; the bottle's opening was too narrow.

Shen Tingzhou suspected this wasn't meant for vinegar. "Did the Steward bring the wrong bottle?"

Xu Xun snorted lightly. "Just trying to make my life difficult."

So this small bottle was a new way of making someone's life hard. Shen Tingzhou felt enlightened.

However, hearing Xu Xun's tone, it seemed there was another conflict between them. Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but ask, "Did you argue?"

Xu Xun glanced around, ensuring no suspicious figures were nearby, then said, "This morning, I coughed twice, and he insisted on giving me medicine. I didn't take it, so he started being passive-aggressive."

Shen Tingzhou was taken aback, looking at Xu Xun. "Are you sick?"

Xu Xun coughed once. "It's nothing, just caught a chill."

Shen Tingzhou poured a glass of water and handed it over. "Drink more hot water; it's easy to catch a cold in the early morning or late evening."

Xu Xun hummed in agreement, casually saying, "Last night, I dressed a bit too lightly."

Shen Tingzhou: "Last night?"

Xu Xun: "I rushed out last night."

Shen Tingzhou's heart skipped a beat. "...Was it when you went to pick me up and caught the chill?"

Xu Xun coughed twice again. "...It's nothing..."

The Steward reappeared behind Xu Xun. "Cough a few more times so Dr. Shen can hear it; if you get better, he won't be able to."

What a stealthy Steward; Shen Tingzhou hadn't even seen him approach.

Could it be... snake-like movement?

Under the Steward's watchful gaze, Xu Xun reluctantly drank a large mouthful of cough syrup, and only then did the Steward leave, satisfied.

As soon as he left, Xu Xun looked pleadingly at Shen Tingzhou. "You saw, he—"

Shen Tingzhou always thought this cough syrup made one's voice sound sticky.

"Don't talk anymore," Shen Tingzhou cared. "Wait half an hour and drink some hot water."

Xu Xun: ...

Just as Shen Tingzhou was about to clear the table, Xu Xun suddenly grabbed his hand and pressed it against his own mouth.

"...?" Shen Tingzhou looked over, confused. "What is it?"

Xu Xun held Shen Tingzhou's wrist. "Didn't you say not to talk? Why not just cover my mouth like this?"

Shen Tingzhou was both amused and exasperated.

Xu Xun still held Shen Tingzhou's hand over his mouth, his warm breath continuously touching Shen Tingzhou's palm, almost like kissing it.

Shen Tingzhou felt a tickle in his heart and subconsciously avoided Xu Xun's gaze. "I didn't... tell you not to talk."

Xu Xun's gaze remained fixed on Shen Tingzhou, whispering, "Yes, you did."

As long as Shen Tingzhou was by his side, he didn't want to talk; he just wanted to kiss Shen Tingzhou.

-

On Wednesday morning, Shen Tingzhou went to Su Yu's house as usual.

As soon as the door opened, Shen Tingzhou's hand was caught again, but this time, instead of covering his mouth, it was placed on Su Yu's round belly.

Shen Tingzhou distinctly felt something move under his palm, twice.

He wasn't an obstetrician and rarely encountered pregnant women other than Su Yu. This was his first experience feeling the strength of a little life.

Su Yu smiled warmly. "Dr. Shen, this child is calling you Dad."

Shen Tingzhou quickly withdrew his hand from Su Yu's belly.

Su Yu looked slightly disappointed. "Dr. Shen, don't you like it?"

Shen Tingzhou had become adept at feigning deafness and muteness in this household. "Is Mr. Yu not home?"

Su Yu exclaimed, "You miss Ah Yan? Let me call him back."

Shen Tingzhou quickly stopped him. "I was just asking casually."

"Dr. Shen, don't be shy. I won't be jealous. I'll call him." Su Yu turned to grab his phone.

Seeing he was serious, Shen Tingzhou panicked. "Really, no need."

Su Yu's pregnancy didn't affect his agility at all as he dodged around Shen Tingzhou. "Ah Yan will be so happy to hear you miss him."

Shen Tingzhou broke out in a cold sweat. "...Don't disturb Mr. Yu's work."

"No way." Su Yu circled to Shen Tingzhou's left and then to his right, "Doctor Shen, move aside."

At that moment, a voice came from the second floor, "What are you doing?"

Shen Tingzhou looked up to see the broad-shouldered and long-legged Yu Mingyan standing at the stairwell.

Huh, he is home?

Before Shen Tingzhou could understand what was happening, Su Yu turned and said happily to Yu Mingyan, "Mingyan, Doctor Shen is hugging me."

Shen Tingzhou had been cautiously blocking Su Yu, afraid of hurting him, employing a one-on-one defense tactic like on a basketball court, stretching his arms to stop Su Yu from making a phone call.

Su Yu stood close, making it look as if he were nestled in Shen Tingzhou's arms.

Terrified, Shen Tingzhou quickly raised his hands: It wasn't me who pushed Empress Xi.

As Shen Tingzhou stepped back, Su Yu followed, trying to create the illusion that "Doctor Shen is hugging me."

Yu Mingyan not only didn't say anything but also took a photo with his phone.

After taking the photo, Su Yu held his stomach and jogged over, "Did you get it? Let me see, let me see."

Yu Mingyan smiled and handed him the phone, "Got it."

Su Yu leaned in and saw the terrified face of Shen Tingzhou and himself looking small and delicate in his arms.

"Ah, why do I feel like a fat bird?" Su Yu seemed unhappy, "Ugly."

Yu Mingyan covered Su Yu's eyes and said seriously, "Break the illusion spell."

He removed his hand and asked Su Yu, "Look again, isn't it beautiful now?"

Su Yu stared at the photo for a few seconds, "Okay, it is a bit beautiful."

He ran back to Shen Tingzhou, tilting his pretty face and said in a dramatic tone, "Doctor Shen, I need your power!"

Shen Tingzhou pointed a finger at Su Yu's forehead, "Seal, break the illusion spell."

Su Yu dramatically widened his eyes, then returned to Yu Mingyan's side, looking at the photo on the phone, and propped his chin, saying, "Wow, now it's a little bit beautiful."

Yu Mingyan patted his head, his eyes filled with amusement.

Seeing this warm scene, Shen Tingzhou's expression softened.

Su Yu peeked out from Yu Mingyan's arms, "Indeed, this family can't do without Doctor Shen."

Yu Mingyan agreed, "Yes."

Shen Tingzhou felt like a fake smile boy: As long as you two are happy.

At noon, Shen Tingzhou stayed for lunch, careful not to mention any topics related to Su Yu getting rounder, fearing it might make him sensitive.

After lunch, Shen Tingzhou planned to help him do some simple pregnancy exercises after digestion.

They watched a variety show to pass the time, and when the host mentioned weight loss, Shen Tingzhou tensed.

"You and Mr. Yu..."

He originally wanted to ask how Su Yu and Yu Mingyan were doing recently, a common casual conversation, but it didn't apply to Su Yu because Shen Tingzhou wasn't sure if he would say something surprising.

For example, we're not doing well unless Doctor Shen moves in.

The question rolled around on Shen Tingzhou's tongue several times, but he couldn't find a suitable opening, feeling that any question could be dangerous.

Su Yu tilted his head, seemingly waiting for him to continue.

Shen Tingzhou's lips twitched, and in desperation, he asked the most unrefined question—

"Do you and Mr. Yu... have you thought about the gender of the baby, whether you want a boy or a girl..."

Saying these words, Shen Tingzhou felt like he was wearing a sweatshirt, fanning himself with a palm leaf fan, just like every old man basking in the sun by the door.

Su Yu touched his belly, "Either is fine, but I heard that when carrying a boy, your skin gets worse. Doctor Shen, am I ugly now?"

"How could you be!" Shen Tingzhou's voice rose, "If your skin is considered rough, then boiled eggs would grow thorns."

Su Yu lowered his eyelashes, "But I don't even dare to look in the mirror now."

Shen Tingzhou asked, "Afraid of being too beautiful?"

Su Yu lifted his head, showing Shen Tingzhou his profile, "I have acne on my face."

Shen Tingzhou leaned closer, examining closely, "These aren't pimples, they're moles! How beautifully placed, so pretty!"

Su Yu stretched out his foot for Shen Tingzhou to see, "But my feet are swollen."

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed angrily, "Your mother must have played with jade every day and ate white rice balls when she gave birth to you!"

Su Yu said, "I was born to a dad, not a mom."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Su Yu looked at his hands and said, "My hands are not pretty either."

Shen Tingzhou looked over and exclaimed, "Scallion segments would jump into the oil in shame seeing your hands!"

After praising his hands, Shen Tingzhou complimented Su Yu's nose, eyes, and mouth, regretting not learning more from Xiao Sang the Steward.

If Xiao Sang were here, he would instantly come up with thousands of compliments.

Just as Shen Tingzhou was scratching his head for words, Su Yu's shoulders began to shake more and more violently.

Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but look over and saw that his eyes were filled with amusement.

Su Yu pulled out his phone from the side, "Ah Yan, did you hear that? Doctor Shen praised me; your words aren't even as many as his."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Can we just let President Yu work properly?

Moreover, when did this call go out? How did he not notice at all!

President Yu himself clearly wasn't bothered and humbly said, "Then I'll ask a few opera performance teachers to teach me later."

Su Yu laughed so hard he swayed, "Do you also think Doctor Shen looks like an opera singer?"

Shen Tingzhou was shocked. How could it be? Could it be...

He had been unknowingly influenced by Steward Xiao Sang and Mr. Fu!

After hanging up the call, Su Yu licked his strawberry-flavored lollipop and looked at Shen Tingzhou innocently, "Doctor Shen, continue, I'm listening."

Shen Tingzhou: "...I've run out of words."

Su Yu shed tears in a second, "I knew I wasn't good enough."

The unyielding Doctor Shen thought, stop acting; I won't fall for it again!

Seeing that Shen Tingzhou didn't come to comfort him, Su Yu sniffled, "I knew I'm not as important as that Xiao Zhou."

Shen Tingzhou felt this line of reasoning sounded familiar, as if he had heard a similar phrase somewhere before.

Su Yu got more and more into his act, taking a tissue to continue shedding tears.

Although he knew it was fake, crying is bad for the eyes, and mood swings during pregnancy shouldn't be too extreme. Shen Tingzhou said helplessly, "Alright, it's my fault."

Su Yu looked up with teary eyes, "Where did you go wrong?"

Shen Tingzhou recalled the scene where his uncle apologized to his aunt, "I was wrong... to talk back?"

Su Yu shook his head, "No, you were wrong for not staying tonight."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Sometimes being a family doctor can be quite helpless.

-

After a busy day, Shen Tingzhou went into the kitchen in the evening to prepare a good meal for himself.

While cutting beef brisket, Zhou Zitan called.

During the past half month since He Yanting returned home, he had been shouting every day about wanting to find Jiang Ji. Zhou Zitan wanted to take his brother out to play for a couple of days.

But He Ranjie wasn't too reassured; one, Zhou Zitan was careless, and two, He Yanting, after losing his memory, didn't get along with him.

Zhou Zitan called to invite Shen Tingzhou along, fearing that Shen Tingzhou might have other work, he boldly declared he would buy Shen Tingzhou's time with money.

Shen Tingzhou: "Xiao Zhou, this isn't about money."

Zhou Zitan named a figure, and Shen Tingzhou paused, "...Actually, I do have time."

Zhou Zitan was relieved, "Good, as long as you have time."

Shen Tingzhou felt guilty, "I'll give you an 80% discount."

The rich Xiao Zhou said, "No need, my financial advisor just gave me the dividends for this quarter."

Shen Tingzhou was shocked, "You have a financial advisor?"

Zhou Zitan countered, "Isn't everyone supposed to have one?"

Shen Tingzhou: "...Not everyone has one."

Zhou Zitan: "Oh, my mother found mine for me; she's been managing my money since I was sixteen."

Even though Zhou Zitan wasn't He Ranjie's biological son, she treated him exceptionally well.

Hearing that Zhou Zitan had someone managing his money since he was sixteen, while others struggled their whole lives without pocket money, Shen Tingzhou thought, you rich people, I'll go travel with you.

For someone like Zhou Zitan, as long as they don't start their own business, the money in their bank account will be endless.

Fortunately, Zhou Zitan had no desire to prove himself and lived off the golden mountain.

Zhou Zitan arranged the entire trip, and Shen Tingzhou only needed to bring himself.

He Ranjie didn't want them to go too far, so Zhou Zitan obediently stayed within the city.

Within two hours of driving, Zhou Zitan and He Yanting quarreled several times.

The first fight was because Zhou Zitan wanted to play with He Yanting's building blocks, but He Yanting wouldn't let him touch them, yet he insisted on touching them, claiming he bought the blocks.

The second fight was because He Yanting didn't want Zhou Zitan to sit next to him, but Zhou Zitan insisted on sitting beside him.

The third fight was because whatever He Yanting ate, Zhou Zitan followed suit, which made He Yanting angry and refuse to let Zhou Zitan eat the same thing.

The fourth fight was because He Yanting was sleepy and wanted to sleep, but Zhou Zitan kept blowing air at his eyelashes, making He Yanting furious and hit him.

Shen Tingzhou repeated for the nth time, "Stop it! Xiao Zhou, apologize to your brother."

Zhou Zitan reluctantly said, "Sorry."

He Yanting wouldn't listen at all and continued hitting Zhou Zitan.

Zhou Zitan cast a pitiful glance at Shen Tingzhou and complained, "He's still hitting me."

Shen Tingzhou held He Yanting back. "Stop it, he's already apologized."

The pulled-away He Yanting said angrily, "I want to get out of the car; I don't want to sit with him. I'll find Jiangjiang."

Shen Tingzhou skillfully persuaded him, "Jiangjiang is at work. When he's free, I'll have him call you, okay? Hey, hey, look, what's that?"

He Yanting and Zhou Zitan both leaned toward the window.

He Yanting pressed against the car window. "What?"

Zhou Zitan mimicked him, pressing against the car window. "Yeah, Doctor Shen, what is it?"

...Shen Tingzhou had made it up; he didn't know what was outside either.

Fortunately, He Yanting's attention was drawn by Zhou Zitan, who frowned and pushed him hard. "Stay away from me."

Zhou Zitan deliberately squeezed He Yanting, sticking close even when hit.

Shen Tingzhou sighed helplessly. "Can't you just sit in your own seat?"

Zhou Zitan turned around, covering his mouth and whispering to Shen Tingzhou, "When we were kids, he never let me stick to him like this. Back then, if I wanted to go out with him, he'd just give me a look and never say much."

Shen Tingzhou felt a pang of sadness.

But seeing Zhou Zitan intentionally poke and touch He Yanting, pretending it wasn't on purpose, Shen Tingzhou inexplicably wanted to hit him too.

Zhou Zitan really acted like those troublesome younger brothers who seek attention, causing trouble before getting a lesson.

The more annoyed He Yanting got, the closer Zhou Zitan came, enjoying it endlessly.

The amnesiac He Yanting bore no resemblance to his past self, not even to his childhood self.

According to Zhou Zitan, young He Yanting was very aloof, never showing any childishness, completely unlike his current demeanor.

Throughout the journey, Shen Tingzhou felt he deserved the money he was paid.

Individually, they were well-behaved, but together, they were two mischievous kids. As the guardian, Shen Tingzhou had his hands full.

Upon arriving at the resort Zhou Zitan had booked, the three rested briefly, ate something, and then went to soak in the hot springs together.

Zhou Zitan's habit of causing trouble didn't change; once in the water, he kept creating accidents, splashing water at He Yanting.

He Yanting didn't indulge him; they ended up fighting in the hot spring pool.

They splashed each other, and Shen Tingzhou ended up drenching both of them.

Shen Tingzhou's brow twitched as he raised his voice, "Stop it."

The two obediently stopped, but as soon as Shen Tingzhou turned to grab a towel to wipe his hair, they both attacked simultaneously, escalating the battle.

Hearing the water splash differently, Shen Tingzhou turned to see He Yanting pushing Zhou Zitan under the water.

Shen Tingzhou's eyes widened. "Stop!"

When Zhou Zitan emerged from the water, his nose was bleeding.

He usually held back, but He Yanting did the opposite, so Zhou Zitan always ended up losing.

Shen Tingzhou went over to check, confirmed Zhou Zitan was fine, and sent him back to the rest area first.

Zhou Zitan covered his nose, looking back pitifully, repeatedly promising not to cause trouble anymore.

Shen Tingzhou didn't believe him. "Go back, drink some water. The temperature here is too high; your nose will hurt later."

Seeing Shen Tingzhou's firm stance, Zhou Zitan pouted and left.

Once he was gone, He Yanting calmed down. Shen Tingzhou breathed a sigh of relief but turned to see Zhou Zitan peeking through the door, revealing only his eager eyes.

Shen Tingzhou: "...Go back!"

Zhou Zitan left dejectedly.

-

The rest area had sliding doors and tatami mats typical of Japanese style. Because the layout was the same, Zhou Zitan mistook their room and entered the adjacent one.

Seeing no clothes inside, Zhou Zitan frowned irritably.

Just as he was about to leave, the door opened from the outside.

Zhou Zitan didn't bother to look up or respond, but as he walked out, his wrist was suddenly grabbed and pinned against the wall. The person kissed him.

Caught off guard, Zhou Zitan felt pain on his lips and immediately became angry. He twisted the person's arm and kneed them.

The man seemed to anticipate his reaction and blocked Zhou Zitan's knee, saying, "It's me."

Recognizing the voice, Zhou Zitan's fierce expression didn't fade. He shoved the hand away and kneed the man's ribs forcefully.

Yu Jurong grunted but didn't retreat, merely saying, "I still have all the evidence from last time."

Zhou Zitan paused slightly, then relaxed halfway.

Yu Jurong pinched Zhou Zitan's earlobe. "Miss me?"

Zhou Zitan shook his head, scowling. "Miss your mom. What do you want?"

Yu Jurong twirled the red earring on Zhou Zitan's ear, chuckling. "What could I possibly want from you?"

Zhou Zitan's expression turned to one of disgust. "You really don't mind being disgusting, poking your ass..."

Before he could finish, Yu Jurong pinched his ear and bit him again.

Zhou Zitan was incredibly annoyed but worried that Yu Jurong might actually call the police. As he looked conflicted, Yu Jurong thrust his tongue in, causing Zhou Zitan's eyes to widen.

At that moment, Shen Tingzhou's voice came from the next room. "Where's Xiao Zhou?"

Zhou Zitan, who had been about to punch Yu Jurong, froze on the spot, no longer daring to struggle until his tongue was bitten.

Yu Jurong let go of him, looking at Zhou Zitan's angry yet stifled expression and smiled. He leaned close to Zhou Zitan's ear and said—

"Doctor Shen and your brother are here. Want to do it in front of them..."

Zhou Zitan glared at him. "Are you a pervert?"

Unable to see Zhou Zitan from the next room, Shen Tingzhou, fearing he might cause trouble, took out his phone and dialed the number.