Chapter 39

Chapter 39

On the way to the hot pot restaurant, Bo Yi Ming sat between his two dads. Though his long legs could already rest steadily on the floor, he couldn’t resist lifting his feet and swinging them playfully.

He loved it when the three of them went out together!

Upon arriving at a famous lakeside hot pot restaurant, their cars pulled into an exclusive Jiangnan-style courtyard villa.

As the three stepped out, the restaurant owner, along with the courtyard’s steward, came to greet them, joined by Uncle Xu, who had delivered ingredients from home in advance.

By dusk, the courtyard scenery was delightful—lush and serene, reminiscent of a private residence from the Republican era (early 20th century).

A gentle breeze blew, and just as Bo Ting Yuan was about to remove his suit jacket, Uncle Xu had already taken out a thin blanket and handed it to him.

Bo Ting Yuan accepted it, unfolded it, and draped it over Wen Ci Shu’s shoulders.

Wen Ci Shu gathered the blanket around himself and asked the owner curiously, “I assume you don’t receive many guests daily, do you?”

“That’s right,” the owner said proudly. “There are only five courtyards in total. We prioritize privacy and exclusivity, usually catering only to distinguished guests like yourselves and celebrities.”

Wen Ci Shu smiled faintly.

Walking into the dining area, with the lake glimmering under the sunset, Bo Yi Ming dashed ahead and immediately spotted a small boat moored nearby.

The owner, quick to notice, said, “The boat is available for guests to paddle on the lake. If he’d like to try, we can provide the gear.”

Bo Yi Ming gasped, “Awesome! I’ll go after we eat!”

The owner promptly instructed the steward to make preparations.

After sitting down, Wen Ci Shu said with a smile, “Yi Ming, since it’s your first time having hot pot, you pick the broth.”

Bo Yi Ming picked up the menu and, with the help of photos on the tablet the owner handed him, felt as if he’d discovered a whole new world.

Though there were only three of them, after getting his dads’ approval, he selected a divided pot with eight sections, planning to sample every flavor.

Some ingredients were provided by the restaurant, while others were brought from the Bo family residence by Uncle Xu.

At first, the steward helped cook the ingredients, but once Bo Yi Ming got the hang of it, he insisted on doing it himself.

When the staff stepped out, Bo Yi Ming stood up and piled food into both his dads’ bowls.

“Little Dad, I think this way of eating is so much fun!”

“Or is it just playing that’s fun?” Wen Ci Shu chuckled, sipping the classic sour plum juice. Seeing Bo Yi Ming fishing out food from the fish maw and chicken broth for him, he said, “Give that to Big Dad. I don’t have much appetite.”

Bo Ting Yuan asked, “Is the broth too salty?”

“Not really. Uncle Xu probably told them to go easy on the salt.” Wen Ci Shu replied. Noticing Bo Yi Ming throwing together a dipping sauce from the sixteen condiment options, he reminded him, “Don’t add so much chili.”

Bo Yi Ming dipped his chopsticks in and immediately winced from the spiciness. “Yowch, that burns! Why can’t I handle chili?”

Wen Ci Shu laughed. “Who in this family gave you spice tolerance?”

“Is that really how it works?” Bo Yi Ming refused to believe it and dipped a slice of wagyu in the sauce, only to jump up again from the heat. “Nooo, my mouth is burning up!”

Wen Ci Shu rested his chin on his hand, watching the boy’s wriggling—he looked like a live shrimp just plucked from the lake.

Coming to his senses, Wen Cishu noticed Bao Tingyuan was looking at him.

He switched the hand propping up his chin and deliberately said in a deep tone, “Stop staring at me—look at your food instead.”

Bao Tingyuan chuckled.

“Whoa whoa whoa~ Daddy, you’re smiling again!”

Bao Yi Ming put down his chopsticks and dramatically counted on his fingers, “You’ve smiled several times today!”

Wen Cishu reached over and pinched his cheek. “Eat up, or we’ll leave without you.”

Bao Yi Ming mumbled around his chopsticks, “Are you two going to have another talk today?”

Wen Cishu: ?

Bao Tingyuan looked at his pouting little boy and said formally, “Yes, there are many things we need to discuss seriously.”

Wen Cishu: ??

Bao Yi Ming pouted, cheeks puffing out, and even the thinly sliced fish coated in sauce suddenly lost its flavor.

“What about tomorrow? The day after?”

Without waiting for his dads to answer, he announced stubbornly, “I don’t care. Tonight I’m sleeping with Little Daddy.” Then he immediately stared at Big Daddy, “No sneaking me out!”

He grabbed onto his little daddy’s clothes and mouthed, “Mommy~”

Bao Tingyuan naturally saw it but didn’t say anything.

“Hmm, finish eating first.”

Bao Yi Ming took that as a yes. Yay!

After dinner, he didn’t forget about going boating.

The restaurant manager naturally wouldn’t dare let the young master go alone. While bringing a life jacket, he suggested arranging someone to row the boat for him.

Bao Tingyuan stopped him—he would row for his son himself. “Yi Ming, go put on the life jacket.”

“Okay~” Bao Yi Ming hurriedly slipped it on.

Bao Tingyuan tucked the blanket around Wen Cishu.

His hand rested on Wen Cishu’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze before he leaned down and whispered by his ear, “Don’t go outside. It’s windy.”

“Okay.” Wen Cishu moved to sit by the window, holding the cup of hot tea Uncle Xu had poured for him.

The deep blue night sky held a thin crescent moon, hanging like a silver hook.

A tall and a short figure walked toward the small boat, its willow-leaf-shaped frame adorned with two octagonal Chinese lanterns glowing softly at each end.

Bao Tingyuan rolled up his sleeves as he walked, while Bao Yi Ming bounced excitedly beside him, babbling endlessly.

To this day, Wen Cishu still couldn’t figure out which of them the child had inherited his nonstop talking from.

Bao Tingyuan boarded the boat first, balancing carefully before reaching out to help his son aboard. Only once the boy was settled safely did he sit and start paddling.

As the boat began moving, Bao Yi Ming excitedly waved to his dad inside, rocking gently as they glided forward.

Uncle Xu stood beside Wen Cishu, watching the scene with concern. "The older boy isn't wearing a life jacket. I hope the little one doesn’t tip the boat over."

"He won’t," Wen Cishu thought. Since Bo Tingyuan had chosen to row for his son, there was no reason he wouldn’t be able to steady the boat.

He took out his phone to take photos, but the thick glass windows made it hard to avoid the glare from the indoor lights, so he stepped outside.

Uncle Xu suggested, "Sir, let me take the pictures instead. You should stay inside."

Wen Cishu indeed got a sudden chill and stifled a cough before quickly returning to his seat.

Uncle Xu quickly poured more hot water into his cup.

Since it was already late, Bo Tingyuan didn’t row out to the middle of the lake.

Earlier, the restaurant owner had come by to warn them and even had someone keep watch nearby, worried that their esteemed guests might accidentally fall into the lake.

Bo Yiming, having had his fun, began ordering his father around. "First Mate, get me back ASAP!"

Bo Tingyuan rowed calmly, playing along with his son’s game. "And who’s the captain?"

"Me, of course~" Bo Yiming declared proudly, thrusting out his arm to point at the brightly lit restaurant—where a gentle figure stood by the window. "First Mate, head for the lighthouse!"

From a distance, Wen Cishu couldn’t hear his son’s words, but seeing the gesture, he tilted his head slightly in response, his face lit up with a smile.

The lakeside window of the traditional courtyard framed him like a painting—Wen Cishu standing there, bathed in golden light, like a figure from an ink painting, exuding quiet charm.

The boat suddenly stopped.

Bo Yiming looked at his father in confusion, only to realize he was taking a photo with his phone.

"Big Daddy, are you taking a picture of Little Daddy?"

"Mhm." Bo Tingyuan raised a hand to rest on his son’s shoulder. "We’ll look at it once we’re ashore."

Bo Yiming pouted. "I can take pictures too~"

Wen Cishu saw the father and son aiming their cameras at him and playfully threw up a peace sign.

He remembered how Zhu Wei and Rong Rong, the mother-daughter pair, always leaned together to form a cute "heart" in their photos, so he raised his arms above his head to mimic the gesture.

"Wow~" Bo Yiming exclaimed excitedly. "Little Daddy sent me a heart~"

Bo Tingyuan glanced at his son’s round little head but said nothing.

The boat started moving again.

Back in the room, Wen Cishu handed the suit jacket draped over his arm to Bo Tingyuan.

He asked the little rascal wriggling out of his life jacket, "Did you enjoy the boat ride tonight?"

Bo Yiming nodded but then tugged at his little father’s sleeve to whisper-complain, "Little Daddy~ Big Daddy wouldn’t let me row~ Hey!"

Before he could finish, a big hand messed up his hair.

Bo Tingyuan explained, "It’s not safe at night."

With deft fingers, he swiftly fastened his suit buttons, instantly restoring his usual stern-and-proper look.

Wen Cishu smoothed down the little rascal’s tousled hair. "Be good, honey, and listen to Big Daddy, okay~"

As soon as the words were spoken, Wen Cishu noticed both father and son—one lowering his gaze, the other raising his eyes—quietly staring at him.

"What's wrong?"

Bao Yiming was beaming with happiness as he flung himself into his little dad's arms, wrapping his arms around his waist and calling out in a whiny voice, "Mommy~~"

Wen Cishu held him close, his gaze shifting to Bao Tingyuan.

Bao Tingyuan’s lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he simply reached out to tuck the long hair behind Wen Cishu's ear. "Let’s go home."

Wen Cishu couldn't decipher the meaning in his green eyes, but soon the little monkey in his arms was pulled away, and he himself was picked up in his arms.

Bao Yiming, suddenly left out: ???

He stomped his feet and hurried after them, muttering, "Don’t you want your precious little son anymore? Wait for me! I’m little daddy’s treasure~ How can you leave me behind?"

Wen Cishu leaned against Bao Tingyuan’s shoulder, his eyes drifting from his nose bridge down to his lips.

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination—

But that look just now seemed like he was about to kiss him.

Bao Yiming, terrified of being excluded from the family car, quickly pulled open the opposite door and squeezed himself inside with a loud "Hmph!" the moment Bao Tingyuan settled Wen Cishu into the back seat.

Wen Cishu wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pressing his cheek against his. "Don’t pout, we’d never leave our treasure behind."

Bao Yiming only wriggled even more in his little dad’s embrace, as if his clothes were itching him.

Bao Tingyuan, now seated beside Wen Cishu, took hold of his right hand.

Seeing this, Bao Yiming swiftly grabbed his little dad’s left hand.

Perfect, he liked sitting like this.

Wen Cishu was torn between laughing and crying, wedged between father and son.

"By the way, did you guys take photos earlier? Let me see?"

"Okay! I’ll send them to you, little daddy. It’s easier to see them on your phone." Bao Yiming let go of his dad’s hand and obediently tapped on his smartwatch.

Just as Wen Cishu tried to free a hand to grab his phone, his right hand was suddenly squeezed tight.

Left with no choice, he used his left hand instead.

As he opened the photos, Wen Cishu silently prayed: *Honey, don’t ask who took the better photo!*

"Little daddy—"

"Yiming, don’t chatter so much. Your little daddy is tired too."

They said at the same time.

One voice bright and young, lively and energetic.

The other deep and warm, carrying a tone of patient reminder.

"Oh."

Bao Yiming pursed his lips obediently, shaking his head and making soft "Mm-mm" sounds to show he wouldn’t bother his little dad anymore.

His hand rested on his little dad’s forearm, stroking it twice from top to bottom.

Wen Cishu was grateful for Bao Tingyuan’s well-timed interruption—otherwise, he would’ve had to score the photos in front of both of them.

-

Evening.

Both the *Zai Zai the Superman* and *Ming Zai and His Gorgeous Daddy* super topics posted a moody, dark-toned photo of a boat ride on the lake.

Under the hazy moonlight, Bao Yiming’s face was clearly visible, but the man sitting across from him only showed a broad, upright back and one-third of his side profile.

Fans were asking where the photo was taken, even speculating if it was from another show’s filming.

*"The poster said they ran into them at a restaurant—this lake is inside the restaurant."*

*"They later added: it was a hotpot restaurant."*

*"Wow! Did Ming Zai go for hotpot with both his dads? Oh my god, congrats to Ming Zai on his first hotpot experience in life!"*

*"Aw, why am I suddenly emotional? Seems like both dads really care."*

*"Ming Zai is an only child—smart, lively, and handsome—he deserves to be pampered endlessly!"*

*"The guy in the black shirt… isn’t that the bite-mask hottie? This side profile is identical!"*

*"Same surname Bao, same suitcase, Chinese-French mixed, glasses, 6'3" tall—everything matches."*

*"Where’s the person who took the photo? Why didn’t you get a shot of mommy and the bite-mask hottie together? I'll literally die from anticipation!"*

*"Coco... the bite-mask hottie’s standalone aura is totally different from the loving father who spoils his wife and son."*

*"Forget the vibe, just look at Ming Zai’s dad’s rowing silhouette—those arm lines, that V-shaped torso, those broad shoulders and narrow waist… he could probably sweep up delicate, slender mommy, huh~ hehe."*

*"Crew, I’m begging you, just livestream tonight, or I might stalk them at home myself."*

*"Livestream what? Their bedroom? Let me see!"*

*"Crew [shouting]: Please note, this is a parenting show!!"*

-

The Bao family mansion, second-floor bedroom.

Bao Yiming silently glanced at the dad on Daddy's other side.

What’s going on?

Didn’t they agree he’d be the one accompanying Daddy tonight?

Oh well. Seeing how comfortably Daddy was leaning against his other dad, the obedient little monkey decided to continue the bedtime story.

Today, the little unicorn had found his best friend and embarked on a new adventure zone—entering the world of polar glaciers.

Bao Tingyuan’s phone received a message from Albert.

He opened it—some online chatter about the boating photo.

As usual, Albert was asking if the PR department should intervene.

Bao Tingyuan replied briefly, *"No need for now."*

Wen Cishu appeared worn out, yawning repeatedly before soon falling asleep.

Bo Yiming gazed at his little daddy's peaceful face, couldn't help giving him a soft peck on the cheek.

"Go to sleep now," Bo Tingyuan murmured to his son.

Bo Yiming obediently put away the storybook, making sure his big daddy wasn't going to take him away before pulling up the blanket and closing his eyes.

The soft nightlight turned off, leaving the room dark.

Bo Tingyuan glanced at his son, then bent down to kiss Wen Cishu's soft lips.

Their lips met, lingering tenderly.

Then he lay down as well, lacing their fingers together over his chest.

However, he didn’t know that Wen Cishu wasn’t fully asleep—he was still hovering between dreams and wakefulness.

At the moment their lips touched, Wen Cishu came fully awake.

After his heart raced wildly, a sudden question flooded his mind:

All these years, when he was fast asleep at night, had Bo Tingyuan been kissing him like this?