Chapter 31: Chapter 31 Stinky Brother, Big Mouth!

Chapter 31 Stinky Brother, Blabbermouth!

Luckily, Teacher Lily promptly explained that they would take an enclosed cable car up; otherwise, the group of children might have burst into tears and begged to go home to their mothers.

Lu Zhishi was slightly afraid of heights and kept his eyes tightly shut all the way up to the ancient temple.

When getting off the cable car, his legs nearly buckled, and Zhao Xiaoxing held him up while shouting to Teacher Lily, "Six Cheese fainted!"

Lu Zhishi immediately covered his mouth and said with an awkward laugh, "I didn’t faint, Teacher Lily, don’t worry."

Teacher Lily tried hard not to laugh. "Xiao Xing really cares about you."

Lu Zhishi patted the round head beside him. "Yeah, we’re best friends."

Zhao Xiaoxing shouted excitedly, "Yes! Six Cheese!"

Teacher Lily gave them a quick tour, explaining the temple’s culture in a storytelling manner as they walked along.

After patiently finishing the tour, Lu Zhishi told Teacher Lily and led the little group to get peace charms.

"Hello~"

Lu Zhishi waved enthusiastically. The elderly monk sitting on the cushion smiled kindly and asked, "Amitabha, what brings you here, little benefactor?"

Lu Zhishi also clasped his hands and bowed politely. "I want peace charms~"

The fair-skinned, chubby three-year-old looked utterly adorable.

The elderly monk smiled warmly. "How many peace charms do you need, little benefactor?"

Lu Zhishi counted on his fingers, then held up both his plump hands. "Ten~"

He said seriously, "I want them to be blessed~"

The elderly monk nodded with a smile and had a young monk retrieve ten peace charms from in front of the Buddha, placing them into a small box to hand to the little benefactor.

Lu Zhishi held the small box and joyfully thanked the master. "Thank you, Master!"

After he finished, it was Zhao Xiaoxing’s turn. He also held out both hands and said in a childish voice, "Master, I want ten too~"

Lu Zhishi quickly stopped him. "You only need seven."

Zhao Xiaoxing changed his request. "I want seven~"

Facing these little toddlers, the elderly monk smiled affectionately. Asking for peace charms for their families showed they were filial and good children.

The other children behind them also chattered about wanting peace charms, though they couldn’t figure out how many. Lu Zhishi helped count for them.

The entire noon was spent obtaining peace charms and drawing fortune sticks.

Kneeling on a small round cushion, Lu Zhishi concentrated on shaking the bamboo cylinder. Beside him, Zhao Xiaoxing knelt obediently, holding his bamboo tube but unsure how to shake it.

"Six Cheese, I don’t know how~"

"Wait a moment, I’ll help you shake it."

The best fortune wasn’t easy to obtain, but he was lucky. After shaking three times, he got two best fortune sticks.

The remaining stick wasn’t the top fortune, but still good. Lu Zhishi decided to keep it for himself.

It was worth kneeling for half an hour and reciting "Buddha bless me" sixty-six times—Buddha had seen his sincerity!

After finishing his own, he helped Zhao Xiaoxing.

Holding Zhao Xiaoxing’s hand, he learned from experience, shaking while shouting "Buddha bless me," and finally, a great best fortune stick fell out.

Zhao Xiaoxing held the best fortune stick and looked at Lu Zhishi with admiration. "You're so amazing, Six Cheese!"

Lu Zhishi scratched his head shyly and waved his hand. "It’s not that amazing."

The other children couldn’t kneel for so long and, not knowing how to shake the bamboo tube, had already gone off to play elsewhere.

The kindergarten teachers didn’t hurry them to leave. Lu Zhishi handed the peace charms and best fortune sticks to Uncle Wu for safekeeping and took Zhao Xiaoxing to play.

The ancient temple had a lotus pond filled with beautiful koi fish. One red koi seemed especially spiritual, even faintly glowing.

There was also an ancient tree. According to Teacher Lily, it was hundreds of years old, lush and covered with many red ribbons.

When Teacher Lily brought them here, she said, "This is the marriage tree. It’s very spiritual. Many people come here to pray for a good marriage match, and if it comes true, they return to give thanks."

The ancient temple was too large. With their short legs, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing took their time, stopping often. By the time they had to return home in the afternoon, they'd only seen half the temple.

When they arrived home, they saw Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen sitting on the steps in front of the villa, obviously waiting for him.

"Brother! Brother Xiao Chen!"

As soon as Lu Zhishi got out of the car, he ran toward them and threw himself into Lu Zhiyu’s arms.

"You little clinger," Lu Zhiyu teased.

"I am not!"

Ruffling his hair, Lu Zhiyu took the small backpack from Uncle Wu. "Thank you, Uncle Wu."

"No need for thanks, young master." Uncle Wu didn’t stay long and left after a few words.

Lu Zhishi emerged from his brother’s embrace and burrowed into Chi Chen’s arms, asking with a grin, "Brother Xiao Chen, I brought you a gift."

Holding him, Chi Chen looked down calmly. "What did you bring?"

Pulling over the backpack, he took out the peace charms and best fortune sticks.

Lu Zhishi wore a look begging for praise. "Ta-da~"

Chi Chen curved his lips into a smile and reached out to take them.

Lu Zhiyu raised an eyebrow, lifted Tubby out of Chi Chen’s arms, and whispered in his ear, "Didn’t we agree to give it to him on his birthday?"

The round little Tubby in his arms froze instantly, his proudly raised head drooped, his little voice full of regret. "I forgot…"

"What do we do now?"

"Give Brother Xiao Chen the biggest cabbage instead?" Only the cabbages from the little garden were painstakingly grown by Lu Zhishi.

"You might as well give yourself to him."

Lu Zhishi: "…"

Lu Zhiyu opened his mouth. "Never mind, it's fine. He'll like anything you give him anyway."

Chi Chen lowered his head to look at the peace charm and the auspicious fortune slip in his hand, the smile at the corner of his lips deepening.

Song Qinian hadn’t gotten off work yet, so Lu Zhiyu took on the responsibility of looking after his little brother.

As it happened, Bai Yansheng wasn’t busy today and came back early. Dinner was at the Chi family’s home.

Lu Zhishi handed the peace charm he brought back to Bai Yansheng: “This is for you, uncle～”

Looking at the two peace charms before him, Bai Yansheng felt his heart soften. The little one had gone on an autumn outing and even got peace charms for them.

“Uncle likes it very much, thank you, Fat Cheese.”

He hugged the little one, nuzzling his cheek—fragrant, soft, and carrying a hint of milky scent.

Bai Yansheng was in an especially good mood and cooked dinner himself.

Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen helped wash the vegetables, while Lu Zhishi wandered around the kitchen but was eventually escorted out to watch TV.

Chi Yuehang got off work earlier than Song Qinian.

When he returned and learned that Lu Zhishi had gotten him a peace charm, he was overjoyed. He picked up the little one and gave a kiss on his chubby cheek.

“Good Cheese, uncle really likes it!”

Lu Zhishi smiled shyly, chest puffed out with pride.

Dinner began only when Song Qinian returned.

Bai Yansheng and Lu Tingan had been seatmates for six years in middle school and high school and were also seniors of Song Qinian and Chi Yuehang. The group had a close friendship, so after dinner, they sat in the living room chatting.

While the adults talked, Lu Zhishi went with Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen upstairs to play.

Lu Zhishi had been out playing all day, so Chi Chen didn’t have him study. Instead, he and Lu Zhiyu sat with him on a small rug to watch cartoons.

As evening approached, perhaps tired out, Chi Chen felt a weight on his leg—the soft little Cheese had fallen asleep on his lap.

A faint milky scent lingered in the air, warm and soft. Truly a sweet, soft little Cheese.

Chi Chen picked up a nearby blanket and gently covered him, then gently stroked his cheek.

“He’s asleep?” Lu Zhiyu asked in a low voice.

“Yeah.”

“Should I put him to bed?”

“It’s fine, let him sleep.”

Chi Chen shook his head, stayed still, for fear of waking the little one on his leg.

Seeing this, Lu Zhiyu leaned back against the sofa.

He sighed, “Fat Cheese really likes you.”

Chi Chen nodded, “I know.”

“He also asked what he could give you for your birthday,” Lu Zhiyu said.

Chi Chen smiled. “Didn’t he say he’d give the biggest cabbage?”

He had heard them whispering that afternoon.

Lu Zhiyu laughed too.

Chi Chen lightly poked Lu Zhishi’s chubby cheek. The little one resting on his leg frowned and murmured, “Mmm,” even raising a hand to scratch.

“He’s still young, he doesn't have to get me anything,” Chi Chen said. “Besides, I’ve already received a gift.”

…

Lu Zhishi had slept over at the Chi family’s home, so of course, he had breakfast there too.

He had also gotten peace charms for his grandparents. Since the next day was Sunday, he stayed at the Chis' house for a while after breakfast to do homework.

Around eleven, Lu Zhishi and his brother went to the Lus' house, planning to stay for lunch as well.

The elderly Lu couple hadn’t seen their two beloved grandsons in quite a while. When they saw them arrive, they immediately pulled them close to see how they were doing.

Upon receiving the peace charms from Lu Zhishi, the elderly couple’s smiles reached the corners of their eyes.

“Good, good, our dear grandson is so thoughtful.”

After cuddling the little one, Grandfather Lu didn’t forget his other precious grandson: “Dear boy, later, you and your little brother can go to Grandpa’s collection room and pick something you like to take home.”

Lu Zhiyu’s eyes lit up. Grandfather Lu’s collection room was full of treasures.

“Okay,” he replied with a smile, then added, “Grandpa, Grandma, later, Fat Cheese and I need to go over to the Song family grandparents’ place.”

Upon hearing this, Grandma Lu sipped her tea silently.

Grandfather Lu’s smile disappeared. “Why are you going to the Song family again? Didn’t you just eat there last time?”

Although the two families were both family friends and related by marriage, with a very close relationship, they still had their disagreements over which side the children ate more meals with.

Especially that one time when Grandfather Song sneakily took the two children to the Song family for a meal and some fun—Grandfather Lu still remembered it.

Lu Zhiyu scratched his head and explained, “No, we’re just delivering the peace charms. We’ll have lunch at home.”

Grandma Lu smiled, stood up, and poked Grandfather Lu’s shoulder. She said, “Then go early and come back early. Grandma will start making the meal at home so it’ll be ready when you return.”

If the meal was already prepared, how could they not come back? Let’s see how the Song family tries to keep them.

“Yes, yes, your grandma knew you were coming today and already prepared your favorite dishes,” Grandfather Lu said gently, walked them out himself. “Come back early for dinner.”

“Okay.”

“Okay～”

Lu Zhiyu took Lu Zhishi’s hand as they walked toward the Song family home.

On the way, Lu Zhishi looked up and asked his brother, “What if Grandma and Grandpa want us to stay for a meal?”

Lu Zhiyu replied, “We can’t stay, or they’ll get into an argument again.”

Finding his little brother walking too slowly, Lu Zhiyu simply picked him up and carried him as they walked. “We’ll leave right after giving them the charms, understand?”

Lu Zhishi nodded. “Okay～”

The two houses weren’t far apart, and they arrived within a few minutes.

The villa’s front gate was open. Crossing the small courtyard, Lu Zhishi had just been carried up the steps when he called out toward the house, “Grandpa! Grandma!”

Not long after, Song Qinian came out and saw that it was indeed his two good grandsons.

“I thought I might have misheard.” Song Qinian patted the older grandson’s shoulder, took the younger one into his arms, and led the two little ones inside.

“Since you’re here, why not stay for lunch at Grandma’s?” Mother Song was overjoyed to see them.

The two children didn’t come every week; sometimes they spent weekends at their own home without visiting either the Lu or Song family.

Although last time it was the Song family’s turn to have them for a meal, this time it should have been the Lu family’s turn.

But it had been half a month since their last visit, and the grandparents missed their grandsons. Now that they were finally here, they wanted them to stay for lunch.

Lu Zhiyu quickly waved his hand. “Grandma, we’re just here to deliver the peace charms. We’ll be going back to have lunch with Grandpa and Grandma Lu soon.”

The Song couple were naturally happy to receive the peace charms, but they were reluctant to let the children leave so soon after arriving.

After putting away the peace charms, Mother Song subtly gave Song Qinian a look, and he immediately understood her meaning.

He picked up the younger grandson, took the older one by the hand, and led them upstairs.

“Since Xiao Chen’s birthday is coming up, and you’ve already given him the peace charms and the auspicious lot in advance, why not pick something nice from Grandpa’s collection to give Xiao Chen as a gift?”

Lu Zhiyu hesitated. “Grandpa…”

Song Qinian gave him a reassuring look. “It’s fine, just pick something. It won’t take long.”

As the door to the collection room opened, Song Qinian let go of the older grandson’s hand, allowing him to choose on his own.

To the younger grandson, he said, “Some things are placed high up. Grandpa will hold you so you can see. Take whatever you like.”

Lu Zhishi nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “Thank you, Grandpa~”

“Mm.” Song Qinian nodded contentedly and gently nuzzled his cheek against his grandson’s.

Although Song Qinian’s collection room was rarely opened, Lu Zhiyu, as the cherished eldest grandson, had been inside many times growing up and had already taken most of what he wanted. This time, he didn’t pick anything for himself but instead chose a gift for Chi Chen.

After looking around, Lu Zhiyu selected a set of calligraphy tools—brush, inkstone, paper, and inkstick—since Chi Chen had been practicing calligraphy lately.

Song Qinian was a cultured man; though he worked in business, he carried the demeanor of a scholar. Every item in his collection was of excellent quality, so choosing from his treasures as gifts was always a presentable choice.

Lu Zhishi had also been inside a few times, but being young, he seldom took anything since he wasn’t sure what to pick.

On previous visits, he had only taken two vases, which were for his father to display roses.

This time, he was choosing a gift for Chi Chen. Lu Zhishi carefully selected a high-quality jade pendant.

Song Qinian nodded. “Good taste.”

Lu Zhishi wrapped his arms around his grandfather’s neck and nuzzled his head. “More~”

Song Qinian laughed. “Take whatever you like.”

Lu Zhishi took another piece of warm jade, warm to the touch and of excellent quality.

He didn’t want anything else; his small treasure box was already filled with many nice things given by his grandparents.

After going downstairs, having some fruit, and chatting with Mother Song for a while, Lu Zhiyu checked the time and prepared to take his brother back to the Lu family for lunch.

Though reluctant, as grandparents, they didn’t want to put the children in a difficult position. Grandpa and Grandma Song didn’t insist on keeping them, only seeing them to the door.

Lu Zhishi waved, his voice soft and sweet. “Grandpa, Grandma, goodbye~”

Lu Zhiyu also waved and called out, “Grandpa, Grandma, we’ll come back for a meal next week.”

Mother Song smiled and nodded. “Good, Grandma will make delicious food for you.”

Carrying the newly chosen gifts, Lu Zhiyu held Fat Cheese’s hand and headed back to the Lu family. From afar, they could see Grandpa and Grandma Lu waiting at the door as if expecting them.

Seeing the two children return, the couple smiled and unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

Grandpa Lu had waited half an hour without seeing them return and had begun to worry that the Song family might keep them, even considering going to fetch them himself.

After lunch, when he learned they had chosen gifts at the Song family, Grandpa Lu also opened his collection room.

“Take whatever you like. Grandpa has many fine things.”

Unlike Song Qinian’s collection, Grandpa Lu’s held a wider variety of items.

Lu Zhiyu went in and picked out a set of black and white jade chess pieces, taking the board as well.

Lu Zhishi chose a delicate and compact tea set, perfect for Brother Xiao Chen.

After they made their selections, Grandma Lu helped them pack the gifts into boxes to take home later.

“It’s almost one o’clock. Time for your nap.”

Knowing the two children had a habit of napping, Grandma Lu always tidied up their rooms in advance whenever they visited.

Back in his room, Lu Zhishi hugged his Big White Rabbit plushie, burrowed under the covers, and tried to fall asleep.

On summer afternoons, the gentle breeze lifted the curtains slightly, carrying the scent of sunlight, always making one drowsy.

No one came to wake him, and Lu Zhishi slept deeply, not waking until the sun slanted west.

In the evening, after Song Qinian finished work, he also came over for dinner. As night deepened, he took the children home.

Not long after, it was Chi Chen’s birthday.

As the adults said, he was still too young for a big celebration, afraid it would be too much for him, so they kept it simple—just a meal together.

But gifts were still to be given.

Chi Chen’s birthday fell on a weekend. After breakfast, Lu Zhishi carried his gift to the Chi family and knocked on Chi Chen’s door. “Brother Xiao Chen~”

Chi Chen had just changed clothes; they were going back to the Chi family’s old residence to have a meal with the grandparents.

Hearing the knock, Chi Chen opened the door and let him in. Seeing the gift box in his hands, he was visibly startled.

He took the gift, led him to the sofa, and asked softly, “Have you eaten?”

“Yes~” Lu Zhishi nodded. “Brother Xiao Chen, happy birthday~”

A flicker of amusement passed through Chi Chen’s eyes. He ruffled Lu Zhishi’s hair and said, “Thank you, I like it very much.”

Lu Zhishi scratched his head. “Brother Xiao Chen hasn’t even seen it yet…”

Chi Chen raised his hand and gently pinched the boy's chubby cheek, "Don't need to see it, I'll love anything you give me."

He said, "I thought you would give me that biggest cabbage."

Previously, when he heard him talking with Lu Zhiyu about giving the biggest cabbage, Chi Chen had specifically went to Lu Zhishi's little vegetable garden to take a look and found the biggest one.

Chi Chen had thought he would bring that cabbage over; he was planning to make soup with it today, but he didn’t bring it.

"Huh?" Lu Zhishi was surprised and scratched his head again, "That cabbage is also for Brother Xiao Chen, to celebrate your birthday!"

"Okay." Chi Chen didn’t refuse.

Lu Zhishi nodded, "Then when you come back, we'll go and dig it up!"

Throughout the day, except for that cabbage, Chi Chen received all his birthday gifts.

They were all from close family members who had watched Chi Chen grow up—whether it was Song Qinian or the grandparents from the Lu and Song families—they all sent over gifts gradually.

Lu Tingan wasn’t home; his gift was from Song Qinian and sent together to the Chi family.

Lu Zhiyu’s gifts were many and heavy; he couldn’t carry them alone, so he got his dad to deliver them together.

By the time it got dark, Chi Chen returned. After getting out of the car, instead of heading home, he went to the Lu family to find Lu Zhishi.

Chi Yuehang asked, puzzled, "What is Fat Chen going to do?"

Bai Yansheng thought of something and let out a short laugh, "He’s going to dig up the biggest cabbage in Fat Cheese’s little vegetable garden."

This made Chi Yuehang laugh too, "For no reason, why does he suddenly want to dig up Fat Cheese’s big cabbage?"

Lu Zhishi had been waiting at home. Hearing that Chi Chen was back, he quickly put down his little brush, dashed downstairs with a clatter, fetched his small shovel, and headed out.

"Brother Xiao Chen!"

Chi Chen reached out and caught the soft, rushing bundle, bent down to fix his clothes, and asked, "Have you bathed?"

"Not yet! We need to dig up the cabbage!"

Lu Zhishi pulled his hand and headed toward the little vegetable garden.

Standing by the edge of the garden, Lu Zhishi looked for his biggest cabbage, spotted it, raised his small shovel, and started to dig it up.

Chi Chen gently tugged his arm, pointed to another one, and said quietly, "This one is it."

Lu Zhishi: "?"

He peered closer and indeed, the one Brother Xiao Chen pointed to was a bit bigger than the one he had just found.

Looking up at Chi Chen, Lu Zhishi mused as he dug.

His Brother Xiao Chen had such good eyesight—even in the dim lighting, he could tell that this cabbage was the biggest. He almost dug up the wrong one.

After digging it out, roots and all, the cabbage was a bit heavy. Lu Zhishi couldn’t carry it, so Chi Chen stepped forward to take it and carried it himself.

"Brother Xiao Chen, happy birthday, be happy every day!" His small, milky voice chimed sweetly.

Chi Chen bent down close to Lu Zhishi, looked into his clear eyes, his gaze soft, and said softly, "Thank you, I’m very happy today."

...

After the birthday, Lu Zhishi still had to continue school, and life went back to normal.

Going to and from school, going to the Chi household to find Brother Xiao Chen for lessons or fun, eating at his grandparents’ on weekends, occasionally taking his little fishing rod to go fishing with Grandpa, and sometimes exploring with Zhao Xiaoxing when idle.

During the National Day holiday, Lu Tingan didn’t return. Song Qinian finished his work early a week before and flew to W City late on the first day of the holiday, without bringing Lu Zhiyu or Lu Zhishi.

The two little ones went back to their grandparents’ house. During a video call, seeing their two dads on the screen, they burst into tears.

By New Year’s Eve, Lu Tingan was busy filming and still couldn’t return home.

A City had long since seen snow; earlier, there was a heavy snowfall, and now only light flurries remained.

Looking around, everything was a world of white.

It was too cold outside, and Lu Zhishi, being young, easily caught colds. Song Qinian made him stay indoors and didn’t let him run around.

Most of the time, Lu Zhishi and Lu Zhiyu went to the Chi family. Now that the weather was cold and Lu Zhishi couldn’t go out, Chi Chen came to the Lu family more often.

"Brother Xiao Chen, when can we go out to play?"

After bathing, Lu Zhishi hurried into Chi Chen’s room, pressed against the floor-to-ceiling window, and watched the snow outside.

Having lived this long, he had never gotten to play in the snow. In his previous life, he hadn’t seen snow; in this life, he finally saw it but still couldn’t play.

Chi Chen paused while turning a page, "When you start elementary school."

He didn’t know much about other circumstances, but he had heard the adults say that Lu Zhishi’s health wasn’t as strong as Lu Zhiyu’s, so Song Qinian was more careful with him.

Originally, like Lu Zhiyu, he could have started going out to build snowmen in kindergarten, but Lu Zhishi couldn’t; he had to be a bit older.

Hearing this, Lu Zhishi sighed dejectedly, "It’s still so long away..."

Not wanting to look at the snow anymore, Lu Zhishi slowly made his way back to Chi Chen’s side and sat down, a small, plump, pale little bundle.

Chi Chen glanced at him sideways, thought of something, and his gaze lowered, lingering on his little belly for a moment.

A three-and-a-half-year-old child, not yet at the age for a growth spurt, still had a round belly.

The room was temperature-controlled, and Lu Zhishi only wore a little bear pajama set, with a small pom-pom tail at the back.

White and chubby, with the pajama hood on, he looked like a bear cub.

Chi Chen watched for a while, remembering that Lu Zhiyu had done the same thing, and unconsciously reached out to touch the round belly.

The feel was quite nice.

Lu Zhishi, spacing out: "?"

"Brother Xiao Chen?"

Chi Chen slowly withdrew his hand and said calmly, "It’s nothing."

Lu Zhishi touched his own belly,