Chapter 46: Chapter 46 “Quite Noisy, Stinky Cheese….”

Chapter 46

"What a commotion, you stinky cheese…"

Before even stepping into the Chi residence, Lu Zhishi was grabbed by Song Qinian, who held him by the collar and chewed him out harshly.

"You little brat, how did your clothes get torn? Did you roll around in the mud?"

"No, Dad, it was an accident—I didn’t roll in the mud…"

"Going fishing in the scorching midday heat of 38 degrees Celsius? Looks like you’re itching for a spanking!"

"It wasn’t 38 degrees—it was sunny then it turned cloudy…"

"You know how to hide now, but you weren’t afraid when you went fishing at noon? If you’d gotten heatstroke, you’d have been in big trouble!"

"I caught fish—you know, 'a fed mouth seldom complains'! 'A fed mouth seldom complains'—"

"You didn’t answer your phone, and you didn’t come home even after dark. Looks like you’re asking for a beating. One day without discipline and you’re already raising hell!"

"My phone was charging in my room, and I got stuck in traffic on the way back…"

No matter what, it was best to apologize first. Lu Zhishi put on a pitiful look and said, "Dad, I know I was wrong. I won’t do it again…"

Chi Chen quickly stepped in, shielding Lu Zhishi and whispering, "Uncle, he’s still young. Don’t hit him…"

Chi Yuehang, hearing the commotion, also came out and joined in, "Qinian, Qinian, cool it. Don’t hit the child!"

Song Qinian really wanted to give the kid a spanking—he was just too infuriating. The moment you took your eyes off him, he’d be off causing trouble.

How dared he go out in such sweltering heat? And not only that, but his clothes were torn, and he’d clearly fallen somewhere. What if something had happened to him?

And when he checked the surveillance footage, he saw the little rascal carrying bags of stuff, riding his bicycle out, and not even telling his grandparents when he went to the old house.

The more Song Qinian thought about it, the angrier he got. "For your Uncle Chi and Brother Xiao Chen’s sake, I won’t spank you this time. Go home and stand in the corner and think about what you did! You’re grounded for the summer!"

Lu Zhishi was torn between relief and dismay—relieved he wasn’t getting a beating, but dismayed at being grounded for the entire summer.

Song Qinian was still fuming, so Lu Zhishi didn’t dare say anything. He took a fish from his bag and handed it to Chi Chen.

"Uncle, Brother, take this home to make soup. I can’t come over for dinner today."

Chi Chen took it and whispered in his ear, "Go home and apologize properly. If anything happens, come to my place…"

Song Qinian overheard their whispering and snorted. These indulgent older brothers were all the same, just like Lu Zhiyu.

Marching Lu Zhishi home, Song Qinian marched ahead while Lu Zhishi obediently followed behind, sneaking a wave back at Chi Chen when Song Qinian wasn’t looking.

Chi Chen pursed his lips, a mix of worry and anger flashing in his eyes. That disobedient little rascal…

Once inside, Lu Tingan was in the living room. He turned around at the sound, his expression also dark with anger.

"Dad, I caught a big fish! Let’s make soup!" Lu Zhishi hurried over, offering a pleading smile.

He also pulled out a clumsily wrapped bouquet of blue roses from his backpack. "The blue roses in the garden bloomed, so I picked some. That’s why I was late."

Song Qinian interjected, "Weren’t you just saying you were late because of traffic?"

Lu Zhishi explained, "I picked the roses first, and then there was traffic on the way back."

The little rascal stood there, holding fish in one hand and roses in the other, his face smudged with dirt and clothes torn, but his eyes shining brightly.

Lu Tingan was a softie when it came to his child, and his anger began to melt away.

He pulled Lu Zhishi closer by the wrist, gently brushed his cheek, and asked, "Where did you fall?"

With how disheveled he looked, everyone could tell he’d taken a spill. It was enough to make you both furious and tender-hearted, unable to stay mad at him.

"Just past the entrance to the old villa area, in the greenbelt. I accidentally fell in."

Song Qinian’s suppressed anger flared up again. "You went out alone on that broken bicycle without a bodyguard or driver? You’ve got some nerve."

Lu Zhishi didn’t dare respond.

Seeing this, Lu Zhiyu stepped forward and took the fish and flowers from Lu Zhishi’s hands, then pointed to the corner. "Go."

Stealing a glance at his expression, Lu Zhishi trudged over dejectedly and stood facing the wall, head bowed.

The sight only fueled Song Qinian’s anger. He couldn’t hold back any longer and gave him a few swats with a feather duster.

Lu Tingan intervened, so it was only two or three light hits.

Lu Zhishi sniffled and rubbed his bottom. Well, it was just a few swats. It hurt, but he could handle it.

The last time he got spanked was at age six or seven. Now, at fourteen, he was getting another one. By that logic, the next one would probably be when he was twenty-one.

"'A fed mouth seldom complains'... 'A fed mouth seldom complains'..."

"You still talking back?"

Having vented his anger with the spanking, Song Qinian raised his voice when he heard the muttering.

Lu Zhishi shut his mouth.

The family didn’t have a rule about withholding meals as punishment, so Lu Zhishi ate dinner before returning to the corner to reflect.

Chi Chen, worried he might have been beaten, stopped by before dinner with a plate of Coca-Cola chicken wings.

Seeing him standing dejectedly in the corner, not crying or wiping his eyes, Chi Chen felt a little reassured.

After dinner, Chi Chen came by again with some watermelon, saying it was freshly picked from the farm that day—sweet and juicy, for the uncles to try.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan saw right through it.

After Chi Chen left, Song Qinian walked over to the corner and patted Lu Zhishi’s head, scolding in a low voice, "If there’s a next time—"

"There won’t be a next time! Next time I go fishing, I’ll pick a cooler day!" Lu Zhishi assured him repeatedly.

Song Qinian reluctantly believed him—what else could he do? Spank him again?

This was his own son, not some stranger’s kid. If he hadn’t been truly furious, he wouldn’t have laid a hand on him.

Heatstroke was no joke. That reckless little rascal…

Still uneasy, Song Qinian called the family doctor to check on him. The doctor said there were slight signs of heatstroke but nothing serious, prescribing some medicine for Lu Zhishi.

After another round of scolding, Lu Zhishi downed some *huoxiang zhengqi shui* and was sent upstairs to shower. Grubby and hanging his head, he trudged up the stairs slowly, like a scolded puppy that had rolled in the mud.

Grounded for the next month, Lu Zhishi didn’t leave the house except for evening trips over to the Chis' place. His days were spent taking lessons at home. Yes, Song Qinian had hired teachers for him—violin and calligraphy. His summer break would be spent taking hobby classes at home.

Zhao Xiaoxing didn't get a spanking; Uncle Lin punished him by making him copy out the "Classic of Filial Piety" a hundred times at home, and he wasn't allowed to go out either.

"Brother, I'm here again."

After finishing his meal and taking a bath, Lu Zhishi carried his violin to the Chis' house and practiced in Chi Chen's room.

Chi Chen nodded, slid the fruit plate over to him, and poured him a cup of iced tea.

Lu Zhishi ate a piece of watermelon, took up his violin and started playing. Before finishing even one piece, he stopped.

"Am I really that untalented…" Lu Zhishi lowered his eyes, his little face showing a hint of frustration.

He had been practicing for so long since he was little, yet he hadn't improved at all. It wasn't just the violin—piano, guzheng, guitar, or suona, none of them worked out for him.

Song Qinian said he was so off-key you'd think he was composing original music.

It wasn't that Lu Zhishi wanted to keep practicing the violin; it was just that, among all the instruments he had tried, the violin was the only one he was even remotely passable at.

"You could try other hobbies," Chi Chen said tactfully.

Lu Zhishi pouted. "Okay."

Unable to bear seeing him so sad, Chi Chen pursed his lips, stood up, and pulled him to sit on the sofa.

He said softly, "Everyone has their own strengths. You have to learn to play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses. Teacher Wu even praised your calligraphy."

Lu Zhishi's drooping ears pricked up slightly. "Really?"

"Yes," Chi Chen said. "The teacher rarely praises anyone."

Lu Zhishi's ears perked up completely, and he broke into a shy grin, a bit shy.

Chi Chen smiled slightly and changed the subject. "There's a new movie today."

"Shall we watch it together?" Lu Zhishi immediately suggested.

"Sure."

"Will it interfere with your work, brother?" Lu Zhishi asked insincerely, glancing toward the desk.

He was nothing like his actor father—his acting was terrible. Though he pretended to worry about disturbing Chi Chen's work, he couldn't hide his smile, and his eyes gave away his delight.

"It won't interfere."

Chi Chen lowered his eyelashes, hiding his amusement. He saw through it but didn't point it out, simply turning off the light and sitting with him on the carpet.

The room was dim, lit only by the glow of the movie. Lu Zhishi watched intently, while Chi Chen tilted his head slightly, catching a glimpse of those clear, bright eyes in his peripheral vision.

Sitting so close, their arms occasionally brushed against each other. Sometimes, when shifting positions, their fingers touched.

Lu Zhishi was too engrossed in the movie to notice.

Chi Chen lowered his gaze, his ears growing warm for some reason, but he didn't move his hand away.

He really was not much good…

During a commercial break in the movie, Lu Zhishi emerged from the story and eagerly turned to Chi Chen, only to find him looking down.

Leaning closer, he saw Chi Chen, his lips pressed together, his eyelashes lowered, as if he were unhappy.

Lu Zhishi leaned in a bit too close, his warm breath brushing against Chi Chen's cheek, a faint scent lingering in the air. Chi Chen noticed but didn't pull away, instead looking up at him.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing that Chi Chen had snapped out of it, Lu Zhishi edged back slightly and asked, "Brother, why are you unhappy?"

"I'm not unhappy. I was just thinking."

"Mm," Lu Zhishi took a candy from his pocket, unwrapped it, and handed it to him. "Guess what flavor it is."

Chi Chen's gaze fell on his smiling face.

After Chi Chen ate it, Lu Zhishi asked, "What flavor?"

"Lychee."

Lu Zhishi unwrapped another one for himself. "Mine is white peach oolong."

"Mm." Chi Chen wasn't much of a talker, but he always responded when Lu Zhishi spoke.

The movie was 121 minutes long, and there were many chances to talk, but neither of them said a word.

Chi Chen didn't, and neither did Lu Zhishi.

By around nine, the movie was almost over, with just a little bit left.

Lu Zhishi was the kind who loved movies but couldn't stay awake. He was so sleepy he could hardly keep his eyes open but insisted on seeing the ending.

He struggled sleepily until the movie ended, then tilted his head and fell asleep right on the carpet, mumbling that he was cold and asking to turn off the AC…

Chi Chen hadn't shared sleepovers with Lu Zhishi much since they grew up, so he didn't realize he slept so soundly, falling asleep instantly.

But it was normal—teenagers were at the age where they were growing quickly, and needing lots of sleep was normal.

After hesitating for a moment, Chi Chen gave Lu Zhishi's shoulder a gentle shake and called softly, "Lu Zhishi…"

The deeply sleeping boy didn't respond. Chi Chen shook him again and called his name twice.

Lu Zhishi frowned, unhappy, and waved his hand unconsciously, muttering, "Mean brother"…

The kid had quite a temper. Disturbing his sleep made him so upset he was on the verge of tears. Chi Chen didn't dare bother him further.

He got up, got a blanket, and gently covered him. Then he turned off the AC and switched on the room's climate control.

As he closed the door and went downstairs, he bumped into Lu Zhiyu, who had come to take Lu Zhishi home to sleep.

"Is that chubby cheesy upstairs?"

"He's asleep. Don't call him—he just threw a fit."

"That little rascal. Fine, let him sleep at your place." Lu Zhiyu didn't dare try to wake him either, afraid he'd make him cry.

Lu Zhishi rarely had waking tantrums. If he was woken at the usual time, he'd just mumble and laze in bed.

But if he was disturbed while sleeping, he'd get so upset he'd cry, all sniffles and sobs.

It was all Song Qinian's fault for pampering him. The kid wasn't like this when he was little—he was perfectly well-behaved. Even if he was woken up in the middle of the night for milk, he'd just sleepily hold the bottle and blink his eyes.

Lu Zhiyu went upstairs to check on him and then left, asking Chi Chen before he went if he needed to bring over Lu Zhishi's big stuffed rabbit.

Lu Zhishi liked to sleep holding his rabbit. Now, still groggy and disoriented, he hadn’t realized it yet, but once he woke up sometime in the middle of the night, he would feel around the bed searching for his rabbit.

Chi Chen shook his head. "No need, there's another one in my room."

"Alright, then I’m heading back." Lu Zhiyu patted his shoulder and headed home.

Watching him leave, Chi Chen locked the door and went upstairs.

He gently lifted Lu Zhishi back to bed, pulled the covers over him, and turned on a small night light.

The soft warm glow illuminated his soft, young features, his cheeks still carrying a hint of baby fat. Lu Zhishi hadn’t hit his growth spurt yet.

He looked a bit thinner than last month, probably due to the summer heat getting to him.

After watching for a while, Chi Chen straightened up, went to the closet, and took out a large fluffy stuffed rabbit. He gently placed it in Lu Zhishi’s arms.

Lu Zhishi shifted, instinctively hugging the rabbit tightly, pressing his cheek against its ear as his breathing slowed.

Lying down on the other side of the bed, Chi Chen folded his hands over his stomach, lying perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

The distance between them was enough space for two people.

As the night deepened, one slept soundly while the other lay awake.

Woken by the cold in the early hours, Chi Chen opened his eyes, still foggy with sleep. As he grew more alert, he turned to look beside him.

By the dim light of the night lamp, he saw a goose-down duvet all wrapped up around Lu Zhishi, leaving only his head exposed. His eyes were tightly shut, and he frowned, muttering "I'm hot."

Chi Chen: "…"

He pushed himself up, leaned over, and gently tugged at the duvet. Lu Zhishi’s frown deepened as he pulled the covers tighter.

"…" Turning to glance at the clock, it was 4:57 a.m., almost morning.

He sat up, just watching the person who, while wrapped tightly in the duvet, kept mumbling about being hot.

After a moment, a quiet chuckle broke the silence in the room.

"So troublesome, Stinky Cheese…"

When Lu Zhishi woke up, he felt refreshed. He lingered in bed for a bit before stretched and got up.

After stretching, he realized this wasn’t his bed, and the duvet wasn’t his either, but the rabbit was his—the same big fluffy rabbit.

A sliver of light seeped through the tightly drawn curtains. The clock on the nightstand showed 9:23 a.m. The room was done in minimalist luxury…

Oh, Brother Xiao Chen’s room.

Lu Zhishi scratched his head, thinking for a moment before remembering he’d passed out right after the movie last night.

He thought Lu Zhiyu would give him a piggyback ride back, or that Chi Chen would take him next door to his own room. He hadn’t expected to sleep here.

The other side of the bed was already empty, the duvet neatly spread, while his side was a messy heap.

Lu Zhishi got up and quickly folded the duvet, patting it flat.

He drew the curtains open. Outside, the sun was blazing, and the sun hung brilliantly high.

Leaving the room, Lu Zhishi went next door to his own bedroom in the Chi household to freshen up.

Then he went back to collect his violin and the big fluffy rabbit, ready to head home.

As he reached downstairs, his phone rang. It was Chi Chen calling.

"Brother Xiao Chen!"

"There’s breakfast in the kitchen warming cabinet. Remember to eat." The other end was quiet, only Chi Chen’s calm, low voice coming through.

"Okay, thank you, Brother!"

Lu Zhishi set down his violin and the rabbit, went to the kitchen warming cabinet, and took out breakfast—a bowl of chicken noodle soup, an egg, and a glass of milk.

"Mm, the snack cabinet has things. Take whatever you want."

The snack cabinet in the Chi household was basically stocked for Lu Zhishi. Chi Chen wasn’t into snacks, though occasionally when Lu Zhiyu visited, he’d snag a snack.

"Okay~"

There was a brief silence on the other end, just the faint static audible, before the low, clear voice spoke again: "Mm, I’m hanging up."

Lu Zhishi’s voice sounded down. "Okay, Brother Xiao Chen, you get back to work."

On the other end, Chi Chen lowered his gaze to the documents in front of him, able to hear the disappointment in the boy's voice.

Unconsciously, he poked the mini cheesecake figurine on his desk. "See you this afternoon."

"Okay! See you this afternoon~ Brother Xiao Chen!" The voice on the other end perked up again.

He smiled slightly. He murmured "Mm" and waited quietly until the call was ended from the other side.

Lowering his gaze, he stared at his phone screen for a moment before putting it away, opening the documents on his desk, and starting another day of work.

Lu Zhishi ate breakfast at the Chi household, locked the door, and carried his violin and the big rabbit home. It was only when he reached his room that he realized his own rabbit was at home.

So whose rabbit was the one he’d brought back from Chi Chen’s room?

Lu Zhishi inspected the big fluffy rabbit, and finally figured Brother Xiao Chen had made him a new rabbit.

Lu Zhiyu also called, knowing he’d eaten breakfast at the Chi household, and said the breakfast at home was still in the warming cabinet, so he could have it for lunch.

"But I want to eat hot and sour noodles," Lu Zhishi said, swallowing.

"How about some spanking instead?"

"Fine then," Lu Zhishi kicked the small sofa in his room.

Lu Zhiyu said, "Since spicy food bothers your stomach, avoid it. I’ll have someone send lunch over at noon. After eating, take a nap. You have classes this afternoon."

"Got it, Brother," Lu Zhishi muttered. After chatting a bit more, he hung up.

It was only a little past ten, still early before lunch.

The house was quiet. Lu Zhishi turned on the TV and raised the volume.

Leaving the door open so the sound could carry, Lu Zhishi found a small shovel and went to work on his vegetable patch.

The sun was blazing, and after just a short while outside, he had enough.

At first, Lu Zhishi was all enthusiastic, but soon he wilted, half-heartedly turning the soil. He dragged out a hose to give the veggies some water, then bolted back inside to shower.

The cool water hit him, and Lu Zhishi felt refreshed and like new.

He collapsed onto the downstairs sofa, grabbed a box of ice cream, and started scooping it while watching TV, lazily swinging his feet.

—He really was suited to being Lazy Cheese.

But he was still a bit bored. Lu Zhishi took out his phone and called Zhao Xiaoxing.

"Pang Xiaoxing, want to come over to my place for some ice cream and TV?"

"…Six Cheese, maybe next time. I'm at tutoring."

On the other end, Zhao Xiaoxing looked miserable, trying to talk on the phone while doing his homework, with a gently smiling teacher holding a ruler beside him.

"Alright, come over next time you're free."

"Okay." Zhao Xiaoxing chatted a bit more before hanging up and handing his finished homework to the teacher.

The gentle teacher glanced at the assignment, smiled at him, and said, "You got five questions wrong again. Today's homework will include two extra test papers, and the tutoring session will be extended by an hour."

Zhao Xiaoxing looked crushed. How could such harsh words be delivered in such a sweet tone?

With Zhao Xiaoxing in tutoring and Lu Zhishi having class in the afternoon, he had nothing else to do, so he went upstairs to his study to prepare what he needed.

He dawdled and wandered around until noon when Lu Zhiyu had lunch delivered for him.

A large bowl of slightly spicy and sour hot and sour noodles, a bowl of warm chicken soup, and a cup of warm milk.

"Fine, my stubborn but soft-hearted brother." Lu Zhishi slurped the noodles—sour and spicy, perfect for a summer appetite.

Not long after, Chi Chen also sent over a cup of Watermelon Boba and a chocolate cake, calling it an afternoon tea.

"Alright, my cold-faced but warm-hearted good brother." Lu Zhishi couldn't resist and opened the Watermelon Boba early, drinking it until his stomach was full, then falling asleep.

No helping it—his body was telling him it was nap time.

The alarm rang, and Lu Zhishi sleepily got up, turned it off, and snoozed for two more minutes.

If he didn't have class in the afternoon, he could have slept until 3 or 4.

After washing his face and going downstairs, Lu Zhishi washed a plate of fruit, waited for the beautiful calligraphy teacher to arrive, and went upstairs with her to the small study for calligraphy class.

"Teacher, these are cherries. I hope you like them."

The calligraphy teacher, surnamed Yang, was pretty with a scholarly vibe, gentle and fond of smiling.

"Thank you, Lu. Teacher likes them very much." Teacher Yang smiled gently and added, "Did you finish the calligraphy homework from last class?"

Lu Zhishi pulled a few sheets of xuan paper from the bookcase. "Yes, teacher."

Teacher Yang took them, looked them over, and smiled at him. "You were distracted while writing again."

Lu Zhishi smiled awkwardly. How did you know?

Teacher Yang said gently, "Today's homework will include ten extra large character practice sheets. Don't get distracted, or next time it'll be twenty sheets."

Lu Zhishi pinched his own cheek. "…Okay, teacher."

Why do gentle teachers always use such a soft tone to say such cold words?

Class started at two and ended at four. When walking the teacher out, Lu Zhishi made one last attempt.

"Pretty teacher, can we not do those ten extra large character practice sheets?"

"Thank you for the compliment," the beautiful calligraphy teacher tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said gently, "But no. If you get distracted again today, it'll be twenty sheets next time."

Lu Zhishi: "…"

Sadly saying goodbye to the gentle-faced but cold-hearted teacher, Lu Zhishi returned to his study and, while he was still somewhat focused, started on his homework.

By five, he hadn't finished yet. Lu Zhishi put down his brush and stretched his hands.

Standing on the balcony, he enjoyed the summer breeze, squinting contentedly. Lu Zhishi loved this kind of life.

The bright noon sun had been covered by clouds in the afternoon, turning from clear to overcast.

As usual, he went to check on his vegetable garden first, picking a few cucumbers and some large tomatoes, then went back to wash and chop them.

Today, he was cooking.

Spicy and sour smashed cucumber, tomato and egg stir-fry, stir-fried greens.

Braised chicken with mushrooms, red-braised ribs, clear-simmered beef.

And a corn and winter melon soup.

All home-style cooking—the other kinds Lu Zhishi didn't know how to make. He couldn't replicate Chef Song's skills.

"Why are you cooking?" Song Qinian came home and smelled dinner as soon as he entered.

"I had free time at home, so I decided to cook."

Lu Zhishi served the rice, set out chopsticks, and followed them to the living room.

He said, "Dad, let's have lotus leaf congee tomorrow. The reviews online seem pretty good."

"Are you sure you want lotus leaf congee?" Lu Zhiyu drank a cup of cool water and turned to ask him.

Lu Zhishi nodded. "Let's try it. I'm a bit curious."

Lu Zhiyu didn't answer. He looked at Song Qinian—we'd need Chef Song for this; he didn't know how to make it.

Chef Song didn't know either. "I'll have someone order some tomorrow. I don't know how to make this."

Lu Zhishi laughed. "There's actually a dish Chef Song can't make?"

"Hey, although your dad is pretty capable, I really don't know how to make lotus leaf congee," Song Qinian said with a laugh.

"Has Dad tried it before?"

"I have. I think it's okay, but it depends on the chef's skill." Song Qinian glanced at Lu Tingan, who was sitting nearby drinking water. "Right, brother?"

Lu Tingan nodded. "That place we tried last time had lotus leaf congee."

Lu Zhiyu looked at Lu Tingan, then at Song Qinian, and said, "When did you two go out to eat?"

They always went to and from work together—how did I not know when the two dads went out for a meal?

Song Qinian deflected: "Let's eat. Let's try Fat Cheese's cooking."

Lu Zhiyu: "…"

The chocolate cake from the afternoon was still uneaten by Lu Zhishi, chilling in the fridge. It would be perfect to slice and serve as dessert after the meal.

"Brother Xiao Chen sent it over as an afternoon tea snack."

If he hadn’t mentioned it, Song Qinian would’ve forgotten. "Lu Zhishi, daydreaming in class? Your teacher sent a message saying you have to write ten extra sheets of large-character calligraphy as punishment."

"I promise I won’t space out next time, believe me."

"Really?"

"Truer than diamonds," Lu Zhishi vowed.

Hearing the word "diamond," Song Qinian’s thoughts drifted. He looked at Lu Tingan and said, "Didn’t we buy an imperial green jade at the last auction? It’d be perfect for your cufflinks, and the leftover can be used for a custom watch."

Lu Tingan replied, "You decide. Get two made, matching."

"Alright, we’ll wear them as a couple set."

Lu Zhishi: "…" My stomach suddenly feels so full.

Beside him, Lu Zhiyu held back a laugh, sipping from a cup of warm milk. He patted his younger brother and whispered, "Good thing—Dad forgot about your punishment."

Lu Zhishi’s eyes lit up. Right!

While they were still talking, Lu Zhishi quietly sneaked upstairs. Once the door was closed, he relaxed.

It was still early. He grabbed his pajamas and headed into the bathroom, taking a leisurely shower and soaking in the tub for a while before coming out.

After practicing a few more pages of calligraphy, Lu Zhishi tidied his desk and went downstairs, creeping along the wall toward the villa’s side door.

Sneaky little Fat Cheese.