Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The next morning.

In the second-floor hallway, a nimble figure dashed to the bedroom door and quietly pushed it open a crack to peek inside.

"Dad?"

Bao Yiming called softly but received no response.

On tiptoes, he crept inside, stepping carefully across the carpet toward the bed.

In the dim light, Yiming froze, gaping at his two dads cuddled up together on the bed.

Huh?

Why’s Dad here too?

And stealing *my* blanket?!

Wen Cishu had two-thirds of his face buried against Bao Tingyuan’s chest, the sliver of his visible cheek arched like a crescent moon.

The back of his neck rested on one of Tingyuan’s arms, while the other arm draped over Cishu’s body, holding him close in a hug.

Yiming, seeing this for the first time, his amber eyes went wide with shock.

Frantic, he leaned over and gave his dad’s shoulder a gentle shake. "Dad. Wake *up*."

He then tried lifting his dad’s arm to loosen the hold—but Dad just hugged him tighter.

With all the commotion, both dads woke up, of course.

Realizing what was happening, Cishu—only half his face visible—opened his bleary eyes, practically sparking with panic.

"Uh..."

Tingyuan also stirred awake, his green eyes focusing on his son. "Yi Ming, what’s wrong?"

Yiming snapped, "Dad, your arm is so heavy—you’re squishing Papa! Let go right now!"

Cishu: *"I wish the floor would swallow me."*

Tingyuan lifted his arm, tucking Cishu back in before murmuring, "It’s still early. Sleep a little longer."

His morning voice was rough but warm.

Cishu nuzzled his ear against the blanket and immediately faked being asleep, shutting his eyes:

*Let Dad deal with the kiddo. Papa’s out cold.*

Tingyuan sat up, putting on his glasses from the nightstand before turning his attention to his worried kid. "My bad, Yi Ming."

Unable to stay silent, Cishu added softly, "I’m okay, sweetheart."

Yiming leaned over the edge of the bed, gently fixing Papa’s messy hair before glaring at his dad and accusing, "*I* only hug Papa’s arm when I sleep with him!"

"Understood. I’ll be more careful next time," Tingyuan said, picking up the grumbling kid. "Go wash up. Let your papa rest a bit longer."

Bao Yiming pouted, but when his gaze shifted to the bed, his eyes softened with sympathy.

Bao Tingyuan put him down and looked at his son, who was still puffing out his cheeks. "Why didn’t you knock?"

"…"

Bao Yiming landed on his feet, tugged at his clothes, and said matter-of-factly, "I didn’t wanna wake Daddy up."

Bao Tingyuan gave his hair a quick tousle and let it go.

"Go wash your face and brush your teeth."

"Okay." Afraid that Big Dad might keep pulling his ponytail, Bao Yiming quickly ran off.

When Bao Tingyuan turned around, Wen Cishu was slowly sitting up, absently hitting the remote to open the curtains.

To ensure excellent soundproofing, the bedroom featured multi-layered floor-to-ceiling curtains.

Through the sheer white gauze, soft golden light streamed in from outside, wrapping Wen Cishu in a gentle glow.

Bao Tingyuan: "Can't sleep anymore?"

Wen Cishu threw off the covers: "It's time to get up anyway."

His gaze swept over the poetry book on the other pillow and he quickly looked away.

Bao Tingyuan supported him, smoothing his loose black hair behind his shoulders while studying his face.

"Is your heart bothering you?"

"No."

Under his concerned gaze, Wen Cishu smiled faintly, lowering his eyes and murmuring, "I slept very well last night."

No sooner had he spoken than Bao Tingyuan bent down and swept him up into his arms, carrying him toward the bathroom.

In those few steps, Wen Cishu said softly, "I can manage..."

But remembering they would soon be leaving for the show and wouldn’t return home that night, he didn’t continue. Instead, he looped his arms around Bao Tingyuan’s broad shoulders and chided gently, "You have to sleep tonight, okay? Otherwise, I’ll ask Uncle Xu and Aunt Zhong to make sure you do."

Bao Tingyuan pushed open the bathroom door and carried him inside without answering right away.

Wen Cishu waited but still didn’t get a response. He teased with a playful lilt in his voice, "No wonder Yi Ming can be so stubborn sometimes—he takes after you, doesn’t he?"

He tugged at Bao Tingyuan’s sleeve. "Promise me?"

Bao Tingyuan ruffled his hair and finally agreed. "Mm."

-

The exact location for the second episode of the show was kept secret, with all guests picked up by the program’s vehicles.

Because of where they lived, Wen Cishu and Bao Yiming were picked up last.

Thanks to the massive popularity of *Zai Zai the Superman*’s first episode, the live viewer count was climbing fast as soon as today’s broadcast began.

"Where’s the pretty one? Running late~ So excited!"

"Even now, we still don’t know where the pretty one and Ming Zai are from."

"Nobody even knows the pretty one’s name! (Five whole days!!! You internet sleuths are so lame.)"

Not only were the audience on edge, but Xiao Qi and Rong Rong in their child seats were also on the edge of their seats. Only Xing Xing sat with his head down, messing with something in his lap.

As soon as the car finally came to a stop, viewers saw Zhu Wei’s arm shoot out the window: “Dad Yi Ming! Over here!”

Seeing her start to get up, Zhou Xu quickly said, “Wei-jie, you stay put. I’ll go.”

He ribbed the nine-year-old bounding toward him, “Ming kiddo, what’s got you so excited today?”

Bao Yiming: “Yeah, yeah! I get to see Uncle Zhou—I’m super happy!”

The answer was so quick that Zhou Xu blinked in surprise.

“You little rascal, someone’s sweet-talking today.”

Bao Yiming ducked away from Uncle Zhou’s hand: “Uncle, I’ve got it myself—it’s all gifts for the younger kids inside.”

Zhou Xu then helped Wen Cishu with his luggage.

Wen Cishu murmured a thanks.

Once father and son stepped onboard, the live chat blew up.

“What kind of suede vest paired with a messy shirt is this? Babe, you’re killing it with this outfit!”

“Today’s look is glam and fierce—absolutely stunning!”

“Just seeing Ming Zai makes me feel like the sun came out. What’s going on?”

“The moment the father-son duo showed up, everything lit up (no shade to the others!).”

“No worries, fans don’t mind at all—we’re all simping hard too.”

A couple of days earlier, some viewers had already pointed out how smart the show was in picking its guests.

The three celebrity guests included an award-winning actress, a vocal powerhouse, and even Zhou Xu, who started as an idol but built his fanbase through skill. So there was no drama over Wen Cishu’s god-tier looks.

Inside the car,

After Bao Yiming hauled his suitcase in, Xing Xing was already there to help.

He shouted excitedly, “Xing Xing!!!!” like he was reuniting with his bestie he hadn’t seen in ages.

The other kids caught the energy—Xiao Qi was squirming against his seatbelt, practically ready to jump out.

Rong Rong, still holding her mom’s hand, was wiggling with joy.

The two little ones cheered happily:

“Big Brother Yi Ming~”

“Big Brother Yi Ming’s here~” Bao Yiming cheerfully pushed the suitcase to the back, “I got presents for y’all!”

Right after Wen Cishu boarded, he saw the kid throw his arms around Xing Xing and start pounding his back in excitement.

He quickly called out, “Yi Ming, don’t hurt Xing Xing.”

Chu Han shrugged and handed him a bottle of water with a laugh, “Don’t worry, Xing Xing missed Big Brother Yi Ming a lot at home too.”

Bao Yiming looked forward at the adults and asked, “Are we heading out soon? Can I start handing stuff out?” He was already digging into the bag. Suddenly, a baseball-capped head popped up from the back row: “We’ve got a few minutes.”

After saying that, he quickly retreated.

Bao Yiming: Huh?

He peeked around curiously, muttering, "Xingxing, who's that?"

From the corner, the voice under the baseball cap answered faintly, "It’s someone from the production team."

Bao Yiming couldn’t help but laugh and knelt to open the suitcase.

Xiao Qi’s dad lifted him down.

Zhou Xu adjusted his son’s little outfit. "Go play with Big Brother Yi Ming."

But Xiao Qi toddled over to Wen Cishu’s seat instead, blinking his unusually large eyes and asking in a sweet, babyish voice, "Uncle~ Did you forget Xiao Qi?"

Then, he pouted his little lips, looking heartbroken.

"How could I?"

Wen Cishu bent down and picked up the adorably soft little one, placing him on Bao Yiming’s seat. "Didn’t we just video chat the other day? Did Xiao Qi forget?"

"Ohhh…"

Xiao Qi happily snuggled into his uncle’s arms. "Your hair smells so good today, Uncle!"

He touched the loose strands of hair, letting the silky strands slip through his tiny fingers.

Then he gathered some more and let them slide through again.

Rong Rong sidled up too. "Uncleee~ Don’t forget Rong Rong~"

"Hello, Rong Rong." Wen Cishu admired her particularly exquisite hairstyle that day. "Mom did your hair so nicely today! So beautiful."

Rong Rong nestled next to the round-cheeked Xiao Qi, grinning ear to ear.

Two large stuffed animals were passed from the back seat to Wen Cishu. Bao Yiming popped his head out, grinning. "Here, Dad—pass these to Xiao Qi and Rong Rong."

Wen Cishu took the plushies and wiggled them teasingly in front of the two younger children. "Big Brother Yi Ming picked these for you."

Xiao Qi grabbed the round, chubby panda. "This is for Xiao Qi, right?"

Rong Rong pointed at the pink-purple floppy-eared rabbit. "Rong Rong likes the bunny."

Wen Cishu thought to himself—this little rascal’s got great taste.

The two little ones clutched their new treasures, petting them adoringly.

"??? Wait, isn’t this the official limited-edition zoo series? Am I seeing this right?"

"The official panda and rabbit are so lifelike—fakes would never be this well-made. Aaaah, I’m so jealous!"

Bao Yiming asked, "Oh, and the hair products Dad asked me to bring—should I give them to Auntie now?"

Wen Cishu turned his head. "Maybe wait until later. It’d be weird to unpack it now."

But Zhu Wei and Chu Han spoke up simultaneously: "You got us some too?"

They exchanged a look and burst out laughing.

I had asked Wen Cishu in the group what shampoo he used to keep his hair so dark, shiny, and smooth. Who knew he would actually bring it with him?

Wen Cishu smiled and nodded: "I brought a few sets."

Chu Han eagerly reached out: "Yi Ming, show Auntie!"

"This gift, I love it! I’m dying to try it!"

"Honey, how are you this perfect? *sniffle* Come here, gimme a kiss!"

"Isn’t this advertising? Is the show okay with this?"

"Never seen this packaging before. Must be some niche brand."

Bao Yiming handed the exquisite large box to Uncle Xu.

Zhou Xu was surprised: "I’m getting one too?"

Zhu Wei teased: "It must be for Xiao Qi’s mom. Your hair’s beyond saving with conditioner."

Zhou Xu laughed: "My wife did mention Yi Ming’s dad’s hair at home—eyes practically sparkling with envy. Now this is great. She’s probably watching the show happily at home."

Wen Cishu asked in surprise: "We’re already live in the car today?"

He turned to look for the camera.

"Yep." Zhou Xu pointed to the corner. "Right here."

Wen Cishu’s gaze met the lens, giving viewers a perfect “shocked beauty” reaction shot.

On the screen, his phoenix eyes, with their dark pupils, turned clearly in slight surprise as he muttered, "I thought this was still prep time. This..."

He quickly turned and said softly, "Yi Ming, sit nice with Brother Xingxing. Don’t delay the show."

"Okay!" Bao Yiming immediately closed the suitcase, guided Xingxing back to his seat, and obediently sat beside his little dad.

"No wonder they cast big-eyed actors. Seriously, wife’s eyes are so expressive—they really convey emotions."

"The Nth time envying Ming Zai’s big dad for having such an absolute stunner."

In the car, Xiao Qi cuddled his plush panda and turned back: "Little Uncle’s ring is so shiny and pretty~"

"Really? Thank you, Xiao Qi." Wen Cishu also glanced at the ring on his finger—the little sweetheart noticed.

Bao Yiming tilted his head and smiled at Xiao Qi: "That’s my dads’ wedding ring~"

Xiao Qi’s mouth opened wide with a soft "Oh."

That clueless little face was heart-meltingly cute, making Wen Cishu’s expression soften with affection as he unconsciously fidgeted with his wedding band.

"He wasn’t wearing it last season. Why suddenly now?"

"Is Ming Zai’s big dad staking his claim?"

"How? Their kid is nine. What’s left to claim at this point?"

"If you’ve got a drop-dead gorgeous partner like that, it’s not strange at all for Ming Zai’s big dad to feel insecure."

"Is Ming Zai’s big dad watching the screen right now?"

"Hi, Ming Zai’s big dad, nice to know we’ve got the same wife~"

"Ming Zai’s big dad: Oh, challenging me? Season 3, I’ll have my wife wearing ten rings!"

"OMG I’m dead ☠️"