Chapter 6 Sweet Dinner

Chapter 6 A Sweet Dinner Gathering

“Ah, right, yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Thinking back to what was said downstairs, Zhu Zhixi lightly patted his own mouth. Mom and dad, mom and dad.

Mom—not sure if this is good news or not, I’m about to have a mom again.

But this has nothing to do with my dad.

“Don’t blow our cover.”

He felt Fu Rangyi pinch his elbow lightly and glanced down at the countdown.

[53 days 07 hours 24 minutes 40 seconds]

Suddenly, Zhu Zhixi grew a little suspicious. He himself desperately needed this relationship, needed physical contact with Fu Rangyi, so naturally, he had to put on a show of “affection” in front of others to buy himself more time. But what about Fu Rangyi?

“Wait a second.” He tugged at Fu Rangyi’s hand, and when the other turned back, he stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear, “Do we have to pretend to really like each other?”

“What do you think?”

“Why? Can’t we just keep it a marriage of convenience? Wouldn’t that be easier for you?”

Fu Rangyi paused for a second before replying in a low voice, “I have my reasons.”

Alright then.

Zhu Zhixi had originally been trying to be considerate. After all, this man seemed to have strong boundaries and disliked being touched. He didn’t want to push himself on him either. Besides, faking indifference would be much simpler than pretending genuine affection. But since the other party had made the decision, he might as well go along with it.

So, the moment the door opened, he grabbed Fu Rangyi’s hand and switched on his social charm with a polished smile.

Zhu Zhixi had always been a social butterfly—the more people around, the more he radiated charm and energy. As soon as he entered, he warmly greeted and introduced everyone seated, exuding easy confidence.

“Xiao Zhu is even prettier than any Omega I’ve ever met!”

“He looks just like his mom. Our eldest looks more like me.” Zhu Yu waved his hand, signaling for Zhu Zhixi to come sit beside him.

Listening to the compliments from their parents’ generation, he obediently took his seat. But the same Zhu Yu who had just been praising him now put on a stern face and pretended to scold him.

“Well, getting married is such a big deal, and you didn’t even discuss it with me? Just went ahead and did it? Zhu Zhixi, you’ve really gone wild these past few years—do you even still have me, your father, in your heart?”

Cut the act, Dad. Wasn’t it you who sent me that tear-jerking essay pushing me to go on a blind date with Mr. Iceberg here?

Meanwhile, Zhu Zeran sat to the side, holding a cup of hot tea. He blew on it lightly, his gaze flickering between the two before finally settling on Fu Rangyi’s face.

“Looking at it now, there really was a good reason for asking for forgiveness instead of permission.” He set down his cup and teased, “Though, if I recall correctly, someone once said, ‘I’d rather die than get married.’”

Bro, you’ve got that backwards. The correct phrasing is: If I get married, I won’t die.

Zhu Zhixi pasted on a smile and whined teasingly at his father, “Old Zhu, weren’t you the one hoping I’d get married? Stop pretending.”

With that, he immediately poured himself a glass of wine and stood up, addressing the other elders at the table with easy confidence. “I’m really sorry—the roads were a mess, and we were late. Let me make it up with a drink.”

Zhu Zeran, never one to pass up stirring the pot, added, “Ah, and there’s also the matter of getting married without telling anyone.”

“Fine, I’ll make it up with another drink.” Through clenched teeth, he poured himself another glass. “Such a big decision, and I went ahead without consulting anyone—I’ve got this coming.”

“Look at this kid.” Fu Rangyi’s mom, sitting nearby, quickly stepped in to mediate. She laughed and nudged Fu Rangyi’s arm. “Rangyi, where’s your consideration? Letting Zhixi drink alone? Tsk, our son here is just as hopeless.”

The act pauses.

Fu Rangyi could only pour himself a drink too, but before he could even pick it up, Zhu Zhixi, sitting beside him, snatched the glass and chugged its contents.

"I'll drink for him. He drove here—shouldn’t drink."

Fu Rangyi froze for a second, watching the empty cup get shoved back at him with a sharp *clack* placed right in front of him.

Here we go?

"Oh my, look at that! None of us even considered that. Zhixi is so thoughtful and considerate, and so well-mannered too." Fu's mother was beaming with satisfaction, laughing nonstop. "No wonder Rangyi said he was smitten at first sight."

Hearing this, Zhu Zhixi almost spit out his wine. He turned his face away, eyes wide as he stared at Fu Rangyi.

Dude, zero warm-up?

You could’ve at least told me it was a love-at-first-sight script. Winging your lines without a script is a guaranteed way to flub.

Fu Rangyi was clearly avoiding his gaze, casually pouring tea instead.

At the other end of the round table, a young man sitting beside Fu's mother suddenly spoke up, grinning as he teased, "Why does *sister-in-law* look so surprised?"

*Sister-in-law?*

Zhu Zhixi glanced over. The guy was obviously an Alpha—handsome in his own right, but paled next to Fu Rangyi. His features weren’t as sharp, and his demeanor was entirely different—much more cheerful, unlike Fu Rangyi’s icy aloofness. To put it nicely, he seemed otherworldly; bluntly, he might as well be a statue.

Noticing Zhu Zhixi’s gaze, the young man beamed. "Ah, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. I’m his younger brother, Fu Liaoxing."

At that moment, Fu Rangyi suddenly spoke up. "He’s just a little shy."

It took Zhu Zhixi a moment to realize he was responding to his brother’s earlier remark.

"Yeah," Zhu Zhixi said, turning to his newlywed husband with a tight smile while bumping Fu Rangyi’s knee under the table. "I didn’t even know when you told Mom and Dad all that."

"While you were arm-wrestling the cat," Fu Rangyi countered with an equally fake smile.

Zhu Zhixi’s face fell. "Wait, when did I arm-wrestle a cat?"

"I have proof. Want to see the photo?"

As if. Who’d waste space on your pics? Zhu Zhixi quickly shook his head.

The whole table burst out laughing, leaving both of them momentarily afraid they’d given themselves away.

"You two really don’t seem like you just met."

Zhu’s father’s eyes were full of warmth, and the others at the table nodded in agreement.

"Right?" Zhu Zhixi shrugged, piling it on thick. "Thanks to someone’s *love at first sight* story."

Seeing Fu Rangyi’s fingers tighten, he only grew more smug.

"The food’s getting cold," Fu Rangyi said, serving him some celery and lily. "Eat more."

Zhu Zeran, sitting nearby, suddenly chuckled. "Zhu Zhixi, since when are you a celery fan? You’d make us keep it away from you the second you caught a whiff."

Their chopsticks halted mid-bite as the two swiftly exchanged glances.

This was actually their first meal together. Fu Rangyi had no clue about his dietary preferences or aversions and had already blundered.

Just when he thought the situation might turn awkward, to his surprise, Zhu Zhixi cheerfully picked up the celery from his bowl and ate it with relish, munching like a happy rabbit.

With his slightly prominent bunny teeth and eyes reddened from downing three glasses of wine in quick succession, he looked the part.

"I love it now, absolutely adore it," Zhu Zhixi crowed, shaking his head playfully at Big Zhu while deliberately hooking arms with Fu Rangyi.

"Big Zhu, picking on me again, huh? We’ve already established it was love at first sight—who’d call themselves out for being picky during a matchmaking meeting? No calling me out or bullying our Teacher Fu."

"Already taking his side, are you?"

"Dad, look how he's making puppy eyes."

"Oh, how sweet!"

Amid the lively atmosphere, Fu Rangyi stiffened momentarily, bewildered. But soon, the warm hand slipped away.

He remained silent amidst the laughter, his gaze involuntarily following that hand—only to notice Zhu Zhixi studying his open left palm under the table.

This seemed to be a habitual gesture. Sometimes he’d clench his fist after looking, other times he’d excitedly pat it before letting out a long breath and lifting his head again.

Odd duck.

As exquisite dishes were served one after another, the elders from both families chatted warmly. The conversation briefly shifted away from them as the Fus shifted to corporate talk.

Fu Rangyi had little appetite, while Zhu Zhixi ate heartily.

He noticed this person didn’t adhere much to formalities. Even in the presence of so-called in-laws and elders, he reached for whatever he wanted, simply pointing or giving a look to his father or brother when he wanted something—no words needed before they’d rotate the lazy Susan with put-upon looks, bringing his desired dish within reach.

After observing for a while, Fu Rangyi’s mind began to wander.

"Look at this—I just realized these two don’t even have wedding rings yet. This won’t do," Fu’s mother suddenly remarked, addressing Zhu Zhixi. "Xiao Zhu, any preferred brands? Or perhaps an independent designer? Just name your preference—tomorrow I’ll have them make a house call for custom design."

"Huh?" Zhu Zhixi instinctively glanced at Fu Rangyi.

He sensed the man’s displeasure, as if resentful of parental interference.

The countdown in his palm kept blinking. Zhu Zhixi decisively grabbed Fu Rangyi’s hand, pressing his palm against its back.

"We’ll handle it ourselves," he managed with some difficulty, adding "Mom" before continuing, "We’ve discussed it—we’ll go shopping together when he’s less busy."

He felt Fu Rangyi’s hand stiffen slightly, but it wasn’t withdrawn.

Fu Rangyi murmured: "Mom, don't trouble yourself. We’ll purchase them ourselves."

"Actually..." Zhu Senior seemed to recall something, turning to his younger son. "Your mother left behind those..."

Before he could finish, Zhu Zhixi laughed, "Dad, leave it be. We’ve already chosen the styles."

Fu Rangyi noted this was the first time he’d interrupted his father.

He also caught Zhu Zeran’s dubious glance.

To dispel concerns arising from someone’s lousy performance, he started to pull his hand back only to carefully measure his grip on Zhu Zhixi’s hand instead.

Zhu Zhixi’s clenched fist slowly loosened.

"Getting the marriage certificate was a bit rushed," Fu's father clinked glasses with Zhu Yu. "But there are still many formalities to follow, like the wedding—a joyous occasion for both families to unite. I think it’s worth a grand celebration, with many guests to invite: business associates, media, and your brother’s side..."

Hearing this, Fu Rangyi, who usually valued etiquette, directly interrupted, "I don’t think it’s necessary. We shouldn’t bother."

"You child," Fu's father’s tone carried clear reproach. "How can you not have a wedding? What would Xiao Zhu think? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event—you can’t skip the ceremony."

*Might not be the only time. The contract ends in half a year. With how extravagant you’re planning, we might not even get it done before the divorce. Send invites, then split—imagine the gossip at the divorce party.*

Zhu Zhixi mused internally but immediately aligned his stance with Fu Rangyi.

"I also don’t think it’s necessary," he said, his cheek still bulging with a fishball.

"This..."

Zhu Yu chuckled magnanimously. "Let’s leave it to the kids. I understand Rangyi’s perspective—he’s a university professor, focused on research, prefers a low-key approach. Don’t let Xiao Xi’s sociable act fool you; he actually dislikes crowds, especially grand events. He’s never attended our company’s annual galas or any public functions."

Beside him, Zhu Zeran chimed in jokingly, "Let them decide when they want to hold one. The marriage registration was already rushed enough. If they hurriedly throw a wedding too, they’d be accused of a shotgun wedding—lucky Zhixi’s a Beta."

The joke made Fu Rangyi’s younger brother laugh.

Zhu Yu side-eyed his eldest son and tsked before turning back to his in-laws with a smile. "Speaking of which, we’re actually quite embarrassed. A catch like Xiao Fu should marry a well-matched Omega, start a family... but our Zhixi is a Beta, so in that regard..."

Before he could finish, Fu’s father, already tipsy, waved his hand dismissively, raising his voice. "Don’t say that! Rangyi’s lucky to land Xiao Zhu. We’re not hung up on that."

*You really don’t care about that.*

Fu Rangyi leaned back in his chair, eyes lowered, tracking the ripples in his tea as his father slammed the table.

*Those ties are a jackpot for the Fu family’s international trade business—especially now, when the company’s showing signs of decline.*

"It’s a new era. Lots of couples skip kids these days," Fu’s mother added cheerfully. "We don’t care about lineage or bloodlines. As long as they’re happy, that’s what matters."

Zhu Zhixi stayed out of the conversation but picked up on Fu Rangyi’s weird vibe.

He turned his head, quietly observing.

Whenever these topics came up, Fu Rangyi grew unusually silent, his face clouding over.

*Unhappy? Or does he actually want children?*

Zhu Zhixi didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he grinned and tapped his knee against Fu Rangyi’s a few times.

Sure enough, the man finally snapped out of it, frowning and glaring at him, mouthing, *"What are you doing?"*

Zhu Zhixi stuck his tongue out and whispered, "Sorry, food coma makes me antsy. Can’t help but fidget."

Fu Rangyi wondered if he had undiagnosed ADHD. He probably had a whole checklist of undiagnosed issues.

"Pop a pill."

"Mm, I brought digestive tablets."

"..."

For show, Fu’s father slammed the table again by the end of the discussion, toasting with exaggerated flair. "To celebrate the newlyweds and our families’ union, I’ll transfer one of my properties to Xiao Xi and Rangyi. The apartment Rangyi lives in now is too small—just move into the new place!"

A wedding home??

The topic shifted way too fast.

Zhu Zhixi nearly dropped his chopsticks, glancing at Fu Rangyi. The man still had that lifeless expression on his face.

"The property is in Qiyin Mountain—bought as an investment before. The view is great, overlooking the entire nightscape of S City, and it’s very private..."

Zhu Zhixi had zero interest in luxury homes in affluent areas, and he could already predict that Fu Rangyi would definitely refuse.

"No need."

Knew it. Totally called that.

"You two, this isn’t good, that isn’t good either." Fu’s father didn’t seem keen on asking for his opinion, keeping his face turned toward Zhu Yu as he continued, "This is just a gesture of goodwill."

That location was clear across town from S University.

"Um, Uncle—I mean, Dad," He caught himself mid-word and quickly corrected, "We appreciate Dad’s kindness, but the house is..."

Hearing that "Dad," Zhu Yu wasn't quite used to hearing it, but he was even less accustomed to the idea of his youngest son moving out again so soon after finally returning home.

So he cut straight to the point: "The place we’re living in now is pretty spacious, and it’s convenient. Zhixi is already used to it. Why don’t Xiao Fu just move in with us? The more the merrier."

As soon as he finished, Zhu Zeran beside him burst out laughing.

Zhu Zhixi’s eyes widened.

Was his dad really this dense? Turning someone into a househusband?

Beside him, Fu Rangyi, silent for a long while, finally had heard enough. Though he really didn’t want to weigh in on this matter, he had no choice but to speak up.

"About the wedding home, I—"

"No, no, no." Zhu Zhixi stood up directly, tinking his glass. "Everyone, listen to me."

"Qiyin Mountain is much too far from S University, and our place is also far. Teacher Fu would have a brutal commute every day. His time is precious—it should be spent on academic research. We truly appreciate the elders’ kindness, but as for the wedding home..."

He paused, then smiled. "I’ll just move into Teacher Fu’s current apartment! I really like it there—it's super homey."

With that, Zhu Zhixi sat back down, sliding an arm around Fu Rangyi’s and leaning against his shoulder, flashing a sweet smile. A perfectly executed little maneuver.

"We’re newlyweds, still in newlywed bliss. Let us have some couple time!"

Author’s Note:

Actually, Teacher Fu fell in love little by little through their interactions—later chapters will show more details. In contrast, Xiao Zhu fell for him because of a few defining moments. They’re very different in this regard.