Chapter 50: Chapter 50 May Your Wishes Come True in the Future.

Chapter 50: May Our Wishes Come True Someday.

With relatives arriving from afar, as hosts, Rong Lan and Huo Rulan personally prepared a feast upon returning to the old Huo family residence.

"It's been so long since I last had Aunt's cooking," Lu Tingan remarked, taking a bite, a smile in his eyes, though they glistened faintly with unshed tears.

Rong Lan served him a piece of spare rib. "Come over whenever you have time; Aunt will cook for you every day."

Lu Tingan chuckled, "Sure, Aunt, just don’t get tired of how much we eat."

Qin Zhaowan blinked away her tears. Even after all these years, the memory still weighed on her heart.

Her only elder sister had married and moved far away to S City, making visits between the two families inconvenient.

When they were younger, it was manageable—they could still see each other several times a year, taking turns visiting each other’s homes.

But after their children were born and they each took over their family businesses, they grew busy with work and raising children, making visits increasingly difficult.

After retirement, their health wasn't as good, and they couldn't handle long travels anymore.

On top of that, with children grown and grandchildren of their own, they couldn’t bear to be away from home for too long.

Seeing her still upset, Jiang Shangyao picked up a piece of beef for her and said softly, "Look at her now—she’s doing very well. That’s what matters."

Having grown up together, Jiang Shangyao had also been heartbroken when her dear friend married far away. But seeing her happy now was enough.

Lu Zhishi glanced at Grandma Lu, then at Grandma Song. He turned to Lu Zhiyu and asked quietly, "Brother, what’s wrong with Grandma and the others?"

"Nothing, don’t ask. Just eat your meal."

Lu Zhiyu quickly glanced at his grandmother across the table and picked up some vegetables for Lu Zhishi. "Hurry up and eat. No picky eating."

"Okay."

After the meal, the elderly gathered in the living room to chat. Song Qinian took his luggage upstairs to unpack, and Lu Zhishi followed along.

Lu Zhiyu had his own room here. During school days, he would come back on weekends to eat and stay.

His great-aunt had decorated it similarly to his room in A City, so Lu Zhiyu felt right at home.

The villa was large, with many rooms on the second floor.

Besides the rooms for Huo Rulan and Ye Xi, as well as Huo Chenan and Huo Jingxing, there was also one for Lu Tingan.

He had stayed here before, and Rong Lan had always kept the room ready for whenever he returned.

Naturally, Song Qinian stayed with Lu Tingan.

The elderly couples from the Lu and Song families also had their own rooms, which had been prepared from the beginning. The two couples often stayed here when they were younger, and Rong Lan had always kept the rooms for them.

Only Lu Zhishi’s room had been kept but only recently set up, as he had been too young on previous visits—either sleeping with his two fathers or sharing with Lu Zhiyu.

"Cousin's jasmine is still blooming," Lu Zhishi said, leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window and looking down at the short jasmine plants in the yard.

After more than a decade, they were still in full bloom.

"The jasmine I planted when I was little has aged and withered. The current ones were planted by my dad not long ago."

Huo Jingxing sat on the sofa in his room, holding a game controller, ready to play games with Lu Zhishi.

Lu Zhishi finally understood. "I was wondering."

The two cousins played games together for two hours, only stopping when Lu Zhiyu urged them to rest. Night fell, and a light rain began pattering against the window.

A City got more snow, while S City had more rain. Lu Zhishi leaned against the balcony door, looking up at the rain while calling Chi Chen.

The dial tone rang for a while before the call connected. A deep, magnetic voice came through the phone, reaching Lu Zhishi’s ears.

"Fat Cheese?"

"It’s me, Brother Xiao Chen."

"Yeah, is it raining there?"

Lu Zhishi took two steps outside, reaching his hand into the rain. Holding the phone, he said, "Yes, it’s a drizzle. How did you know?"

"I can hear it."

"Is it that obvious?" Lu Zhishi returned to the room and closed the balcony door. "I was playing games with my cousin earlier and kept losing…"

Chi Chen was usually a man of few words, while Lu Zhishi was the talkative one. He went on about his day over the phone.

The call remained connected, with steady breathing and faint static drifting into his ears.

From time to time, Chi Chen’s low voice would respond, ensuring Lu Zhishi wasn’t talking to himself. Quiet listening was the best companionship.

The call lasted until 10 p.m., way past Lu Zhishi’s usual bedtime.

Hearing yawns from the other end, Chi Chen decided to end the call, saying goodnight.

The night sky held no rain, but a light snow drifted down.

The night sky held no snow, but a light drizzle fell.

Looking up, whether rain or snow, they were gazing at the same sky.

Feelings kept deep inside, not easily spoken aloud. In the new year, may our wishes come true someday.

...

The second day in S City was Chinese New Year’s Eve. The weather was beautiful, with bright sunshine and noticeably warmer temperatures.

The elderly ladies prepared to make dumplings, while the menfolk helped out nearby. Huo Rulan and Ye Xi went out to buy groceries.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan drove around S City to explore. It had been years since their last visit, and they wondered what might have changed.

As for Lu Zhishi and the others, they went fishing, using his great-uncle Huo Chengsong’s fishing rod.

"Let’s catch a big fish to make fish stew," Lu Zhishi said skillfully, baiting the hook and casting the line before sitting on a small folding stool to chat.

Lu Zhiyu also sat on a folding stool, his long legs folded awkwardly, looking cramped and almost comical.

Lu Zhiyu teased him, "In A City, you fish. In S City, you still fish. You little fish bucket."

"Perfect, then I have company," Huo Jingxing chimed in cheerfully, equally skilled. He cast his line into the water, wearing a straw hat, looking even more like an experienced angler than Lu Zhishi.

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

He then glanced at Huo Chenan beside him, who was also quite skilled, sitting quietly on a small folding stool, holding his fishing rod.

Seeing him look over, Huo Chenan offered a faint smile and explained, "Cousin, as you know, my grandpa often takes us fishing."

Lu Zhiyu rubbed his chin, thinking he should visit more often.

Lu Zhishi and others spent almost the entire day fishing. It wasn’t until Ye Xi called them for lunch that they finally headed back—and even then, Lu Zhishi was reluctant to leave, only moving when Song Qinian threatened to use a feather duster.

The fish in their great-aunt’s pond were plump; every catch seemed to be a big one. Lu Zhishi was truly reluctant to leave.

They had rice for lunch and dumplings in the afternoon. In the north, dumplings often symbolize reunion.

The New Year’s Eve celebration was lively, with festivities starting even before dark.

The whole family gathered around the dining table, raising glasses in a toast, celebrating their reunion and happiness for the new year.

The festive mood was so infectious that even Lu Zhishi had a little fruit wine. But it seemed his alcohol tolerance wasn’t great; he was already feeling slightly tipsy.

To welcome the new year, everyone stayed up for the New Year's vigil, playing cards in the living room with the New Year’s Gala playing on TV.

The host’s announcements blended with laughter from winning card games, adding even more excitement to the New Year’s atmosphere.

Fireworks were banned in the city, so they could only be set off in designated areas.

Holding an unlit sparkler at the villa entrance, Lu Zhishi watched people strolling around. In the last minute of the New Year countdown, he called Chi Chen.

"Fat Cheese."

"Chi Chen." Lu Zhishi lifted his head, gazing at the fireworks in the distant square.

A little drunk, he boldly called Chi Chen by his name and said, "Chi Chen, Happy New Year."

After a moment, amid the countdown and overlapping "Happy New Year" wishes from others, a voice sounded in Lu Zhishi’s ear.

He said, "Happy New Year, Lu Zhishi…"

Lu Zhishi, may the new year bring you joy and everything you wish for.

……

After staying in S City for over a week, Lu Zhishi finally returned as school was about to start.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan had work to attend to and went back right after the New Year. Lu Zhishi and Lu Zhiyu stayed a few more days before returning to A City with their grandparents, bringing back lots of holiday gifts.

On his first day back, Zhao Xiaoxing came over and nearly squeezed the breath out of Lu Zhishi with a bear hug.

"Missed you so much, Six Cheese!!"

After letting go, Lu Zhishi stood up and took a deep breath. "Did you finish your winter break homework?"

Zhao Xiaoxing’s smile instantly vanished. "Can we not talk about this during the New Year? What if I have nightmares tonight?"

Lu Zhishi couldn’t help but laugh. "I told you to finish it earlier, but you wouldn’t listen."

He patted Zhao Xiaoxing’s shoulder, gloating, "You overestimated your self-control, Pang Xiaoxing."

"I’ll pull an all-nighter tonight!!"

"Pull an all-nighter? Who’s pulling an all-nighter?" Lu Zhiyu stepped out of the shower and, noticing his door was open, saw the two talking in the hallway and overheard them.

Lu Zhishi pointed at Zhao Xiaoxing, nearly laughing himself silly. "Him. I told him to finish his homework before New Year’s, but he didn’t listen. He insisted his self-control was good and that he’d finish it during the break."

"Don’t laugh at him. If I hadn’t pushed you, you’d be just as miserable as this mushroom head right now." Lu Zhiyu gave him a light tap on the head, telling him to tone it down.

He went back into his room and came out with a big red envelope. Lu Zhiyu patted Zhao Xiaoxing’s head and said:

"Don’t be upset. The New Year should be happy. This is your red envelope—Happy New Year."

Zhao Xiaoxing looked up at Lu Zhiyu, a little embarrassed to accept it, and pointed at himself. "For me?"

"Who else? Is there anyone else here called silly mushroom head?" Lu Zhiyu pointed to the chubby, round little mushroom printed on the envelope.

Zhao Xiaoxing’s ears turned red as he accepted it, murmuring softly, "Thank you, Brother Xiao Yu…"

"Mm, come inside. It’s cold out here." Lu Zhiyu ruffled his hair, hesitated for a moment, then turned and went back to his room.

Carefully putting away the red envelope, Zhao Xiaoxing followed Lu Zhishi into his room and sat on the sofa to chat.

"Brother Xiao Chen also gave me a red envelope on the first day of New Year’s, by the way." Zhao Xiaoxing remembered and pulled out two stacks of red envelopes from his backpack.

"This stack is for you, and this one is for Brother Xiao Yu." Zhao Xiaoxing handed them over. "They’re pretty much the same—all from my family. There’s even one from my brother. Brother Xiao Yu has one too."

"Thank Brother Xiaoyun for me." Lu Zhishi took his stack of red envelopes, brought out his treasure box, and carefully placed each one inside.

Lu Zhishi asked him, "The ones for you and Brother Xiaoyun are with my dad. Did you see him?"

"Yeah, Uncle gave them to me and my brother." Zhao Xiaoxing nodded, then hesitated. "Could you give this stack to Brother Xiao Yu?"

Lu Zhishi was busy organizing his treasure box. He’d received so many red envelopes this year—he took them all out of his backpack and stored them properly.

Without looking up, he said, "He’s just next door reviewing documents. You can take it to him yourself—let him thank you in person."

Seeing that Lu Zhishi was occupied, Zhao Xiaoxing clutched the stack of red envelopes and got up to leave.

Quite a while passed, and Zhao Xiaoxing still hadn’t returned. Lu Zhishi had no idea what they were talking about.

Just as he was about to go check, Zhao Xiaoxing came back, his ears bright red.

He walked into the room, slowly crawled into Lu Zhishi’s bed, and buried himself completely under the covers.

"What’s wrong? Did my brother say something to you?" Lu Zhishi walked over and pulled the covers back from his head.

"No, Brother Xiao Yu was really nice." Zhao Xiaoxing took the blanket back from him and covered himself again, his voice tinged with shyness.

When he couldn’t get a straight answer, Lu Zhishi let it be and dragged him out to do homework.

"Come on, hurry up. If we don’t start now, it’ll be late again."

Lu Zhishi was even more anxious than him. He brought out a pile of homework from his backpack and laid it out on the living room table, almost wishing he could do it for him.

But his handwriting was too distinctive, and Zhao Xiaoxing’s was equally unique—the teacher would be able to tell. Doing Zhao Xiaoxing’s homework for him wasn’t an option.

Finally calming down, Zhao Xiaoxing was forced to start his homework, misery written all over his face.

Lu Zhishi got ready to leave.

Zhao Xiaoxing blinked. "Where are you going?"

"Just got back, and I haven’t seen Brother Xiao Chen in a while. I’m going to visit him." Lu Zhishi put on his jacket and headed out, turning back to say, "Focus on your homework, no slacking off. If you don’t understand something, go ask my brother next door."

With that, he cheerfully dashed off.

Zhao Xiaoxing: "..."

Wait, Six Cheese, you're just leaving like that?

After greeting Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng, who were watching financial news in the living room, Lu Zhishi hurried up the stairs, taking them three at a time, and knocked on Chi Chen's door.

"Brother Xiao Chen, are you in?"

"Come in."

Lu Zhishi opened the door and entered. Chi Chen, dressed in pajamas, was looking over papers in the room's living area. His gaze, seen through wire-rimmed glasses, was somewhat obscured, making it hard to read his expression.

"Brother Xiao Chen, guess what I brought you?" Lu Zhishi walked over, sat on the sofa next to Chi Chen, unzipped his down jacket, and pulled out a large box from inside.

Chi Chen set down the documents in his hand, poured him a cup of hot water, and said calmly, "Is it food?"

Lu Zhishi loved food, so he usually carried snacks—either cotton candy or baked cookies.

When he was little, he was even more adorable. He’d stuff a large bun, tightly wrapped in wax paper, into the little pocket on the front of his clothes, then toddle over on his short legs, pull it out, and shove it into Chi Chen’s hands, saying in a sweet, little-kid voice, "Brother, eat, eat."

"You guessed it again. Now guess what kind of tasty treat it is?"

Chi Chen adjusted his glasses, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes, though his expression remained neutral. "Jasmine pastries."

Lu Zhishi: "?" How'd you guess so accurately?

Puzzled, he opened the box to reveal neatly arranged, fragrant jasmine pastries.

"My uncle made these especially for me. I even picked the jasmine flowers myself."

Lu Zhishi lifted his chin proudly, looking at Chi Chen with an expression that begged for praise.

"I asked my uncle to make half of them less sweet."

Chi Chen’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes clearly amused. He loved seeing Lu Zhishi’s proud, praise-seeking expression—so lively and vibrant, like a golden Little Sun.

He said, "Thank you, smart and thoughtful Little Cheese."

His deep, soothing voice carried a faint, mesmerizing quality, his calm tone tinged with a subtle laziness that made Lu Zhishi’s ears burn.

Lu Zhishi looked up and saw Chi Chen’s sharp, deep-set eyes fixed on him, the gaze behind the glasses seemingly still holding a faint smile.

Before he knew it, Lu Zhishi found himself smiling too, his lips curving upward unconsciously.

Noticing the deepening smile in Chi Chen’s eyes, Lu Zhishi touched his cheeks—they were burning.

"Well, brother, I should head back now."

Setting down the jasmine pastry, Lu Zhishi felt restless and uneasy.

Especially when Chi Chen’s gaze fell on his head and face, Lu Zhishi felt as if his brain was about to steam, his eyes darting around nervously, unsure where to look.

"Mm." Chi Chen stood up.

His tall, slender frame had already transitioned from the leanness of a teenager to the broad shoulders and narrow waist of a young man. As he rose, he cast a shadow over Lu Zhishi. "Well, goodnight, then?"

The height difference was obvious—Chi Chen had grown to 185 cm, while Lu Zhishi was a head shorter.

Suddenly shaded from the light, Lu Zhishi’s racing heart settled, all his scattered thoughts vanishing, replaced solely by the desire to grow a little taller.

He waved goodbye to Chi Chen, wished him good night, and hurried off, determined to exercise and continue drinking his tonic soup.

Watching him leave and go downstairs, Chi Chen leaned against the doorframe, his eyes deep and inscrutable behind his glasses.

Back in his room, after finishing the stack of documents on the table, Chi Chen took out ink, brush, and paper, quietly sat on the sofa, and copied the Heart Sutra twice.

After finishing the Heart Sutra, without expression, he began copying the Dao De Jing.

To clear his mind, reflect on virtue—but it was no use.

The faint fragrance of jasmine pastries wafted from nearby. Chi Chen set down his brush, closed his eyes. He was no saint—copying more scriptures wouldn’t help...

That night, after returning home, Lu Zhishi started a series of exercise routines and added various tonic soups to his diet.

Lu Zhiyu said he was trying to force growth, rushing for results, and heading toward getting overheated—prescribing a bitter, strange cooling soup.

Lu Zhishi didn’t listen, stubbornly heading to the third-floor gym to exercise for several days. But after a few nights, he woke up to find his arms and legs so sore he could barely lift them. In the end, he had to give up and stayed in bed until the new semester began.

The new semester brought heavier coursework, more to learn, and teachers rushing through the curriculum. Lu Zhishi found himself quite busy this term.

With more classes in the second semester of freshman year, Chi Chen couldn’t return home as often as he had the previous semester, only occasionally finding time to visit.

Lu Zhishi suggested visiting him, but Chi Chen said no.

Every Friday, Lu Zhishi would ask, "Is Brother Xiao Chen coming back today?"—a question he repeated all the way until summer break.

A year older, he received lots of birthday presents, which he carefully stored and neatly arranged at the bottom of his wardrobe.

This summer break wasn’t easy. With less than a year left until the high school entrance exam, Lu Zhishi felt some pressure.

It was pressure he put on himself—his family never forced him to study harder.

He just wanted to be like Chi Chen, to rank first in class, student number, and overall ranking when entering the high school division.

Influenced by him, Zhao Xiaoxing also had a rough summer, but his grades improved significantly—tough but paid off.

Another tutoring session ended. Lu Zhishi saw the teacher out, then crouched by the cabbages, his mind still full of English vocabulary.

English had always been his weak subject, followed by Chinese. Lately, he’d been immersed in tutoring, studying every waking moment.

Chinese was manageable—it was his first language, and his foundation from his previous life was solid, so picking it back up wasn’t too strenuous.

As for English... he’d long forgotten whatever foundation he had from his previous life and had to start from scratch.

Ninth grade usually started early because schools offered extra classes, beginning two weeks ahead of schedule.

Frustrated, Lu Zhishi messed up his hair, not caring if it turned into a mess, and poked at the cabbage.

The weather was too hot. Lu Zhishi strongly suspected his irritability was due to heat stress—he needed to drink some cooling tea.

The sound of a car approached from afar. Thinking it was his father or brother returning, Lu Zhishi looked up and met Chi Chen’s dark, deep eyes.

All he heard was, "What happened to your hair?"

Embarrassed, Lu Zhishi stood up, instinctively trying to fix his messy hair. The more flustered he felt, the more nervous he became, and he blurted out: "New hairstyle, new hairstyle..."

After getting out of the car, Chi Chen retrieved groceries from the trunk, holding a cup of Watermelon Bubble Tea.

Hearing Lu Zhishi’s words, Chi Chen arched an eyebrow. "Very edgy. Your stylist has talent."

Lu Zhishi's cheeks were flushed red from the heat, and he finally managed to fix his messy hair before slowly squatting down to poke at the cabbage plants.

"Lu Zhishi."

"Huh?" Lu Zhishi instinctively stood up.

Chi Chen shook the cup of watermelon boba in his hand. "Come have some milk tea."

"Okay..." Lu Zhishi picked a cabbage as a thank-you gift, lowered his head, and followed Chi Chen into the house, heading straight to wash his hands.

When he came out, Chi Chen had already poked a straw into the watermelon boba and handed it to Lu Zhishi.

Lu Zhishi took a sip, the sweet and refreshing watermelon juice driving away the summer heat, sweetness spreading from his belly all the way to his heart.

His head was gently ruffled, and Chi Chen's soft, steady voice came from above. He said, "Don't be unhappy."

Lu Zhishi bit the straw, not daring to look up, his ears turning red as he nodded. "Mm."

"I'll get you watermelon boba again tomorrow."

Lu Zhishi took a big sip, his cheeks puffed out, mumbling vaguely, "I want more boba."

Another light chuckle came from above. "Okay, I'll add more boba."

His previously low spirits were instantly lifted. Chi Chen was his cure. Holding the milk tea, Lu Zhishi followed him around, chattering away like his usual talkative self.

"School's starting again. It feels like summer break just began."

"My nap gave me a headache. I was so drowsy in afternoon classes."

"I keep feeling really antsy. Maybe I'm having internal heat. I'll try drinking two cups of cooling herbal tea when I get back."

Chi Chen stopped chopping vegetables, washed his hands, and took a pot of cooling herbal tea from the fridge, pouring a cup for Lu Zhishi.

"No need to go back. We have some here."

Lu Zhishi: "..." He was just saying it, really. He didn’t actually feel that overheated.

Regardless of what he thought, he finished the cup of cooling herbal tea. Lu Zhishi slipped into the living room to eat a marshmallow to get rid of the weird taste in his mouth.

He didn’t stay for dinner, wandering around for a bit before heading home, saying he needed to finish his homework quickly and go to sleep.

Summer's final days slipped away. Amid their groaning, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing returned to school, officially starting their lives as ninth graders.

If Lu Zhishi were to recall his ninth-grade year, he’d only remember a headache. Closing his eyes, his mind was filled with endless exam papers, the exhaustion of late-night studying, and a body worn out and tired.

It was the same in his past life. Lu Zhishi’s memories of junior and senior year of high school were the blurriest because every day was the same routine day after day, repeating the same things—studying, reviewing, and taking tests/exams.

His inherited talent, the memories from his past life, and the high-quality learning resources provided by his family had always been his cheat code in this life.

Besides that, he worked hard himself, with a determination not to lose, exactly like Lu Tingan.

During the days of the high school placement exams, it rained nonstop in City A, almost like an annual tradition.

Lu Zhishi was lucky enough to take the exam at his own school, while Zhao Xiaoxing and Lan Lan went to Third High School, and Xi Yue went to Sixth High School.

He couldn’t remember how he finished the exams. By the time Lu Zhishi snapped out of it, he had already walked out of the school gates.

After returning to the family home for a meal, Lu Zhishi carried a bunch of graduation gifts home, took a shower, and slept for a full day and night.

When he woke up, he was back to his lively self again. After holding back for almost a year, he and Zhao Xiaoxing went crazy having fun all summer—hiking mountains, swimming at the beach, teasing birds, and catching fish.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan looked the other way, and Lu Zhiyu didn’t stop them either, even giving them a fishing rod and a moped, letting them roam freely as long as they stayed safe.

When the high school placement exam results came out, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing secured spots in the honors program of First High School’s high school division, becoming high school classmates with Lan Lan and Xi Yue.

Summer break flew by halfway. Just as schools were about to start, an unexpected young visitor arrived at their home.