Chapter 44: Chapter 44 “It’s Green Lisianthus.”…

Chapter 44

"It's green lisianthus..."

Chi Chen pressed his lips together, looking at Lu Zhishi, a silent struggle in his eyes.

After a moment, he finally spoke, "You don't need to cook."

Lu Zhishi poked his workbook, unconsciously pouting, "Why not?"

"No reason."

Chi Chen didn't give him a chance to ask further. He patted Lu Zhishi’s back, urging him to sit up straight. "Sit up straight."

Following his touch, Lu Zhishi instantly straightened his posture.

"...The monthly exam is coming up. Make sure to get plenty of rest."

Chi Chen almost mentioned that Lu Zhishi had lost some weight recently and needed to build himself up, but when his gaze landed on Lu Zhishi’s round, full face, he held back.

Lu Zhishi didn’t notice his expression and nodded at Chi Chen’s words, "I’ve been resting well. I drink tonic soup every night."

Chi Chen glanced at the top of his head, sizing him up. "Have you grown taller?"

"I have! I’ve grown one centimeter."

At this, Lu Zhishi straightened his posture proudly, a proud little expression on his face.

"Mm, don’t be picky with food." Noticing his expression, Chi Chen quirked a smile and reminded him.

Lu Zhishi’s eating habits depended on his mood. When he was in a good mood, he ate heartily, finishing two bowls in one meal. When he was in a bad mood, he had little appetite, often managing only half a bowl. Sometimes, he’d skip meals altogether and just fill up on sweets.

Young as he was, he had quite a few bad habits.

However, after Song Qinian scolded him once, Lu Zhishi now made sure to eat at least half a bowl even when he had no appetite, rather than filling up on sweets.

"I haven’t been picky lately. I eat both vegetables and meat," Lu Zhishi explained seriously.

He didn’t sound too certain, though, as he still occasionally was picky about his food.

Having grown up together, Chi Chen knew his habits well. "That’s good. At your age, you need to eat more to grow."

The brat had too many bad habits. Chi Chen, concerned about Lu Zhishi’s health, wanted to intervene.

But he didn’t say anything.

At this point, Chi Chen wasn't in a position to interfere too much.

With an older brother around, the boy next door couldn’t overstep, no matter how close they were. It wasn’t as justified as a sibling’s concern.

"You too, brother. The unified exam is at the end of the month. Make sure to rest properly."

Although Chi Chen wasn’t taking the *gaokao*, he still participated in regular tests alongside his classmates.

Hearing this, Chi Chen’s expression softened. He ruffled Lu Zhishi’s hair. "I know."

His hair was fluffy, and pressing it down made him seem a bit shorter. Lu Zhishi’s current height might be slightly inflated...

After finishing his homework, Lu Zhishi didn’t rush home. Instead, he went to take a look at the plump cactus on the bedside table.

It had grown even chubbier over time. Chi Chen had taken good care of it.

Lu Zhishi wandered around for a while, chattering away about the day’s events as he moved about.

Chi Chen wasn’t much of a talker. While his eyes scanned company documents, his ears listened to Lu Zhishi’s chatter, multitasking without missing a beat, occasionally responding with a grunt.

Midway, Chi Yuehang dropped by to bring them some honeyed milk.

"Drink some warm milk. It’ll help you rest better at night," Chi Yuehang advised before adding, "Fat Cheese, take the honey from the living room downstairs when you head back."

Lu Zhishi hugged the cup, looking up with a smile. "Thank you, Uncle!"

Patting his head, Chi Yuehang reminded them not to study too late before closing the door and leaving.

Coincidentally, Lu Zhiyu came to collect Lu Zhishi for his bath and bedtime, running into Chi Yuehang downstairs.

"Ah, perfect timing. Drink this honeyed milk."

Chi Yuehang went to the kitchen and brought out a cup of warm milk.

"Thank you, Uncle Chi!" Lu Zhiyu naturally took it, drank the milk quickly, and then went upstairs to retrieve his charge.

Leading the reluctant Stinky Cheese downstairs, he took the honey from Chi Yuehang, turned left out the door, and headed home for a bath.

"It’s still early..." Lu Zhishi pouted, his lips protruding in a sulk, clearly unwilling.

"It’s 9:30, and you haven’t bathed yet." Lu Zhiyu paid him no mind. The little rascal was never content without some fuss. "If you oversleep tomorrow, see if Dad doesn’t tan your hide."

Staying up late meant waking up late, and lack of sleep made it easy to sleep in.

Even when the alarm rang, he’d get up to turn it off, only to doze off again.

Song Qinian would call him three to five times, and the little troublemaker Lu Zhishi would always reply, "I’m up, I’m up," but never actually get up.

Lu Zhishi opened his mouth to argue but held back. He knew his own bad habits all too well.

Lu Zhiyu marched him upstairs and tossed him into his room, patting his head. "Stinky Cheese, I know you washed your hair today..."

He left the rest unsaid, but Lu Zhishi immediately understood, quickly raising his hand in promise. "I’ll dry it properly, or you can spank me with the feather duster."

Lu Zhiyu nodded in approval.

After grabbing his clothes for a bath, Lu Zhishi mussed his hair, turning it into a messy rat's nest.

He was the least careful about grooming in the family. After washing his hair, he’d use a bit of conditioner at most. As for body wash, lotion, and the like—no way, absolutely not. He’d politely decline.

Facial cleanser was too troublesome—no thanks. Moisturizer was too greasy—also no.

A quick rinse and he was finished.

Lu Zhishi touched his face. Hmm, still soft, with great skin condition.

It was natural—no helping it. Thanks to his two handsome, well-groomed fathers.

After his bath, he couldn’t resist preening for a bit. Checking the time, he hurriedly dried his hair.

Exhausted from gardening earlier, Lu Zhishi made sure his hair was completely dry before crawling under the covers and falling straight asleep. So tired.

Just as Lu Zhiyu predicted, Lu Zhishi overslept again the next day. Having stayed up late, he woke up late, a steamed bun clutched in his mouth, his schoolbag in one hand and milk in the other, dashing to the car. He even had to run to his classroom after arriving at school. In contrast, Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen were unhurried.

Middle School Division, Grade 7 Experimental Class.

Zhao Xiaoxing took out a handkerchief and handed it to Lu Zhishi, telling him to wipe off his sweat: "What's going on, Fat Cheese? You've been coming in pretty late recently."

Lu Zhishi: "Spring lethargy."

Zhao Xiaoxing scratched his head: "Is that how spring lethargy works? Isn't it supposed to make you drowsy during class?"

"It's the same, just tiredness either way."

Lu Zhishi took out his textbook to prepare for morning reading while whispering to him: "My cabbages have bugs again, I need to go back early this afternoon to deal with them."

"By the time school lets out in the afternoon, Uncle Song would have already gotten rid of all the bugs, right?"

Lu Zhishi thought that made sense. He just asked his dad to deal with the bugs yesterday. Given Song Qinian's work efficiency, the extermination was probably done right after he left, and they must be all gone by now.

"Given my dad's efficiency, they were gone the moment I stepped out."

"Besides cabbages, don't you have any other vegetables? I want some lettuce."

"Lettuce is tricky to grow, it's prone to bugs and frost." Lu Zhishi shook his head: "I'll go to the supermarket and buy some for you this afternoon."

Zhao Xiaoxing nodded, "Sounds good."

Schoolwork is pretty dull. After a day of classes, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing were drained and wilted.

We're like wilted flowers, lacking water and nutrients—we urgently need to replenish energy!!

Today, the seniors had a half-hour extension for a meeting, so Lu Zhiyu sent a message telling them to go home first.

"Want to go buy something tasty?" Zhao Xiaoxing gave Lu Zhishi a nudge in the side with his elbow.

Lu Zhishi lowered his head to reply to his brother, "Hold on, let me tell my dad."

If they didn't go home after class, Song Qinian and Lu Tingan would worry when they got off work and found him not home.

First, he sent two cute emojis, then explained they were going out to buy some things, and ended with two more emojis.

Lu Zhishi was quite skilled at this.

Almost instantly, Song Qinian sent a voice message: "Okay, be home before dark for dinner."

Lu Tingan's message followed right after: "Stay safe, and stick with the bodyguard. Come back before dark for dinner."

After replying to each message, Lu Zhishi put away his phone and went with Zhao Xiaoxing to the nearby food strip.

They used to like buying spicy grilled skewers here, but now their tastes have changed. Lu Zhishi prefers sweet mochi porridge and tapioca pudding.

After waiting in line for a bit, Lu Zhishi packed several portions to take home and also bought some red bean double-skin milk.

Zhao Xiaoxing also packed some things, bought a bunch of spicy grilled skewers, and even got cake and milk tea.

"It's getting late, are you sure you want milk tea?" Lu Zhishi stopped him before he placed the order.

Zhao Xiaoxing hesitated, "But I really want some..."

"We can grab some on Friday afternoon, not today. Otherwise, you won't be able to sleep tonight."

Last time he had tea, Zhao Xiaoxing couldn't sleep all night and dozed off in class the next day with dark circles under his eyes.

Lu Zhishi talked him out of the idea and only let him buy a strawberry cake to take home. He himself bought two chestnut cakes.

After buying the snacks, Lu Zhishi saw a flower shop and couldn't resist going in. He came out holding seven bouquets of green lisianthus.

Lu Zhishi, the fairness expert, one bouquet for each.

Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng are like two extra dads to him and Lu Zhiyu. Whenever there's something nice, they always share it with them. Whatever Chi Chen has, they have too.

When Lu Zhishi buys things, he never forgets them.

Fortunately, the bouquets weren't too big, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to hold them all.

Seeing him buy flowers, Zhao Xiaoxing also bought four bouquets of purple roses.

"We should head back." Lu Zhishi checked the time—they had been out for a while, and it was almost completely dark.

Remembering he promised to buy lettuce for Zhao Xiaoxing during class, Lu Zhishi went to the supermarket, grabbed two big heads of lettuce, checked out, and hurried home with Zhao Xiaoxing, carrying all their bags.

Song Qinian was waiting at the door. When he saw him return, he stepped forward to take the things from his hands.

"You bought so much stuff."

He took some of the bags, making it easier for Lu Zhishi, who explained: "Not that much, just some sweet desserts and two chestnut cakes, plus a few bouquets of flowers."

Seeing the quantities he bought, Song Qinian knew half were for the Chi family. He nodded and said: "Take these over to Uncle Chi's family. Come back for dinner after you deliver them."

"Okay." Lu Zhishi grabbed the stuff and headed to the Chi family's house.

He came back immediately after delivering them, afraid Uncle Chi would invite him to stay for dinner, so he hurried off.

"That little rascal sure knows how to make a quick escape." Chi Yuehang looked away for a second, and he was gone.

Bai Yansheng held his bouquet of lisianthus, looking at it left and right. He quite liked it and found a nice vase to put it in.

They set aside the sweet desserts and cakes for later. Chi Yuehang put them to the side and spoke to Bai Yansheng.

"He's such a sweet kid, always thinking of us when he has something nice."

"Yeah." Bai Yansheng nodded in agreement.

Chi Yuehang found a vase for his own bouquet too. He glanced at his son, who was holding the lisianthus and looking at it.

As he passed by him, Chi Yuehang patted his shoulder without saying anything.

Chi Chen looked up, a bit puzzled.

Meeting Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng's gaze, he guessed something and seemed a little awkward.

Over there, Lu Zhishi returned after delivering the items, washed his hands, sat down at the dining table, and got ready to eat.

Song Qinian held the flowers, happily laughing: "These flowers are nice, the room could use a bouquet."

Lu Tingan gently touched the petals of the lisianthus. The pale green flowers were very elegant.

After admiring them for a bit, he set the flowers aside to take upstairs to his room later.

Lu Zhiyu also liked the pale green lisianthus—they were quite pretty. Lu Zhishi has good taste; next time, he should buy some pink ones too.

After waiting awhile with no one coming, Lu Zhishi held back but finally couldn't resist anymore. He tilted his head back and yelled out: "Let's eat!!"

Half a minute later, the family of four finally sat together. Lu Zhishi was quite satisfied and ate two bowls of rice.

Holding a bowl of tapioca soup, Lu Zhishi went out to the yard with some concern to check on his cabbage plants.

He shone a flashlight, and found that the bugs from yesterday had completely disappeared today.

His dad’s efficiency was indeed high.

Putting away the flashlight, Lu Zhishi scooped up a spoonful of sweet tapioca soup and then headed back home while eating.

The sweet soup after dinner was only a small portion that Lu Zhishi had bought. He just took a few sips to curb his craving, as eating too much is hard to digest.

After taking a shower, Lu Zhishi took a quick walk through the master bedroom, didn’t smell any ointment, and then left.

Song Qinian asked Lu Tingan, puzzled, "What’s he doing?"

"He probably wanted to see if I’ve applied any ointment." Lu Tingan had just seen Lu Zhishi sniffing the air and even made a point to walk by him, sniffed, and then left.

Song Qinian laughed, "This kid, if he wants to know something, he just won’t ask."

With a slight smile, Lu Tingan said, "That’s just Fat Cheese’s nature."

He might not say anything, but he acts quietly behind the scenes.

Like before, when he found out Lu Tingan’s foot injury was acting up, he personally went to the old Chinese doctor to get the ointment. He waited until Lu Tingan was asleep, applied a hot towel, and then applied fresh ointment.

Lu Zhishi thought he didn’t know, but Lu Tingan was aware—whether the ointment had been changed or not, he'd know best.

Song Qinian said, "Fat Cheese takes after his brother. Both of them take after you."

Although Lu Zhiyu isn't physically active, he’s actually a thoughtful and attentive young man. What Lu Zhishi is doing now is what Lu Zhiyu used to do—he set a good example for his younger brother.

He’s a good kid and a good older brother.

"If the kids weren’t all grown up now, I’d want to call Fatty Fish over for a hug." Song Qinian sighed. "The soft, chubby little ones from childhood were the cutest."

"Kids have to grow up eventually." Lu Tingan wasn't in high spirits either.

Sneezing twice in a row, Lu Zhishi grabbed a tissue to wipe his nose and said to Lu Zhiyu, "The dads must be talking about me."

Lu Zhiyu also sneezed and took the tissue Lu Zhishi handed him to wipe his nose.

"Probably talking about me too," Lu Zhiyu said. "Dad’s foot injury hasn’t flared up, right?"

"Nope, there’s no ointment smell in the room. Besides, if it had flared up, Dad wouldn’t be in such a good mood."

Whenever Lu Tingan’s foot injury acts up, Song Qinian tends to frown, feeling upset, his eyes always filled with heartache and worry.

"Good that it hasn’t flared up." Lu Zhiyu nodded.

Lu Zhishi thought for a moment and said, "Dad seems to be coughing a little."

"It’s the seasonal transition." Lu Zhiyu nodded. "Tomorrow I’ll stew some snow pear and silver ear soup. Everyone can have some."

"Let’s also make some honey loquat water."

Lu Zhiyu agreed, "Alright, we’ll make it. Let’s make plenty so Dad can take some to work."

After discussing this, they chatted about other things for a while. Lu Zhiyu checked the time and, seeing that Lu Zhishi hadn’t budged, grew curious.

"Why aren’t you going to Brother Xiao Chen’s house today?"

"I can’t go every day. I need to keep you company too." Lu Zhishi shifted his posture and continued reading the perfect-score foreign language essay.

"Oh, a master of splitting your time! How rare that you still remember to keep me company." Lu Zhiyu laughed in exasperation.

This brat heads over to the Chi family every day, almost living there. It’s quite something that he still remembers to spend time with his own older brother.

Lu Zhishi straightened up, feeling a bit sheepish. "I did invite you to come along, but you wouldn’t go."

Patting the stack of documents in front of him, Lu Zhiyu said, "Why don’t you take a look at these instead?"

"Forget it, brother. I’m Lazy Cheese." Lu Zhishi slumped back down.

After a moment’s thought, Lu Zhiyu asked again, "Does Brother Xiao Chen read books or go through documents at home?"

"He used to read books, but now he mostly goes through documents." Lu Zhishi recalled, stroking his chin.

"When he tutors me, Brother Xiao Chen reads more books. If I’m doing homework on my own, he goes through more documents."

Lu Zhiyu nodded. Sounds about like me.

There was over a month until graduation, followed by a two-month summer break, adding up to more than three months.

The thought of him going to S City while Chi Chen also leaves for A University made Lu Zhiyu a bit worried about Lu Zhishi.

"When I go off to college, you have to be good and listen to our dads at home."

Lu Zhishi grew upset. "There’s still over three months left. Don't bring this up—it makes me sad."

Just thinking about his brother being so far away made Lu Zhishi hate to see him go, so sad he felt like crying.

Dad was right—he really is too clingy, a clingy little thing.

"Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore. Just keep reading." Lu Zhiyu quickly said.

Lu Zhishi grumbled as he lay back down, muttering, "Come home early for winter and summer breaks."

Then he added, "Don’t come back for short holidays—the back-and-forth travel is exhausting. Just come back for long breaks."

"Okay, I understand." Lu Zhiyu ran a hand through his hair, his eyes soft and affectionate. He didn’t say more, afraid the little rascal would get sad again.

"Stinky little brother…"

Lu Zhishi rolled over and sat up, his eyes wide as saucers, pressing close and crowding Lu Zhiyu. "Stinky older brother, what did I do now?!"

Lu Zhiyu was almost knocked over. "It was a slip of the tongue. Just pretend you didn’t hear it."

Lu Zhishi: "…"

He said, grumbling, he made a couple more rounds around the main bedroom, then two more, before finally returning to Lu Zhiyu’s room.

Song Qinian: "What’s he here for again?"

Lu Tingan: "He came to complain. Didn’t you notice?"

Song Qinian: "…"

How could I tell?

He came in grumbling and left grumbling. And that was his idea of complaining?

After swinging by Lu Zhiyu's room again, Lu Zhishi gathered his things, strutting proudly, chin held high as he strode out with big steps, still grumbling under his breath.

He was using actions to express his anger. Stupid brother!

Lu Zhiyu: "Get to bed early; don't stay up too late."

"Okay, you too, brother. Get to bed early, good night~"

As soon as Lu Zhiyu showed his concern, Lu Zhishi's proud and spirited demeanor instantly melted away. Pleased as punch, he hugged his books and returned to his room.

He gave a helpless shake of his head. Lu Zhiyu picked up the contract and continued reading—he'd have to work overtime tonight.

Believing in the benefits of an early schedule, Lu Zhishi spent some more time reviewing foreign language essays, took notes, and went to bed as soon as it hit nine o'clock.

He slept early and woke up early. The next day, when he opened his eyes, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

He thought about lolling in bed for a while, but remembering he wanted to make breakfast, Lu Zhishi immediately rolled out of bed, not giving himself a chance to linger.

After washing up, he went downstairs and deftly whipped up porridge, fried eggs, steamed some buns and dumplings, and prepared two bowls of wontons.

Finally, he prepared two cups of hot milk, one cup of hot soy milk, and one cup of hot coffee.

He heard footsteps on the stairs, and soon a voice came from behind—Lu Zhiyu was also up: "You woke up so early today?"

"Woke up early, thought I’d make some breakfast."

Usually, it was Song Qinian who got up to make breakfast, or occasionally they bought breakfast from outside.

If Lu Zhiyu woke up early, he would make it.

If Lu Zhishi woke up early and didn’t laze in bed, he would come down and make breakfast himself.

—That is, if he didn't laze in bed.

"Brother, why did you wake up so early today too?"

Lu Zhiyu washed his hands and said, "I wanted to make some snow pear and silver ear soup and honey loquat water. If I got up late, there wouldn’t be enough time. Dad and Uncle Lu have to rush to work."

Lu Zhishi nodded. He had been thinking the same thing—besides making breakfast, he also planned to make the snow pear and silver ear soup and honey loquat water so they could drink it before heading out.

He hadn’t expected Lu Zhiyu to wake up so early too. Well, that made him redundant.

Lu Zhiyu got out the ingredients, put them into a small pot to simmer, and took a moment to say to Lu Zhishi, "I made extra. Later, take some to Uncle Chi and Uncle Bai, and Xiao Chen."

Since it's the changing season, drinking some for prevention is good.

"Okay."

As soon as Song Qinian and Lu Tingan got out of bed, they had the breakfast, snow pear soup, and loquat water made by their two sons, and their hearts warmed.

With warm hearts, they got a raise in their allowance.

Lu Zhishi looked at his increased allowance, his eyes sparkling brightly—they'd practically turned into dollar signs.

He leaned close to Lu Zhiyu’s ear and whispered, "A nice little bonus!"

They had made breakfast and simmered nourishing soup before but never got a raise in allowance.

"We’ve grown up and need more money now. Dad had already planned to increase our allowance," Lu Zhiyu also whispered.

Seems like they hit the right time.

But anyway, a raise in allowance is a good thing—more shopping power.

At school, Lu Zhishi told Zhao Xiaoxing proudly: "My allowance increased."

"Mine didn’t. Mom won’t let me spend that much money," Zhao Xiaoxing said, looking glum.

Patting him on the back, Lu Zhishi said, "It’s fine, you can spend mine."

Zhao Xiaoxing unconsciously grinned and chuckled, sticking close to Lu Zhishi: "Fat Cheese, you’re so good. In the future—"

"Alright, alright, that's enough flattery. Can’t finish all this," Lu Zhishi quickly cut him off.

He took out a small thermal container and thermos from his backpack and handed them to Zhao Xiaoxing: "It’s snow pear and silver ear soup and honey loquat water."

Zhao Xiaoxing grinned again, his thick eyebrows and big eyes round and bright, his smile lively and cheerful like a little sun.

Over in the senior year Experimental Class.

Zhao Xiaoyun wasn’t there again today—he was handling his study abroad paperwork—so Lu Zhiyu didn’t set any aside for him.

Chi Chen took a sip of the honey loquat water, frowned slightly, and stared fixedly at the thermos in front of him.

"Drink up, I made it myself," Lu Zhiyu urged him.

Out of politeness, Chi Chen drank it all with a frown.

"Finished? I have more here, you can have half of mine," Lu Zhiyu took out his own thermos and poured half for him: "Don’t be shy, I’ll make more tomorrow and have Fat Cheese bring it to you."

Chi Chen seemed to want to say something but held back, "...Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

"Can you add more honey next time?"

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

So that’s why Chi Chen had looked so displeased—he thought it wasn’t sweet enough and the loquat flavor was too strong.

"...Sure."

Schoolwork wasn’t too busy. Lu Zhiyu flipped through his textbook and spoke quietly with Chi Chen.

"When I go to S City for university and Zhao Xiaoyun studies abroad, please keep an eye on my brother and Pang Xiaoxing for me."

Chi Chen pressed his lips slightly, "Don’t worry."

After saying that, he seemed to remember something, pressed his lips into a thin line, lowered his eyes, and a somber mood settled over his features.

He should schedule another appointment with his psychologist tonight.