Chapter 55: Chapter 55 “Do You Have Fish Morals?!”…

Chapter 55

"Seriously, where are your fish ethics?!"...

Once he started, there was no backing down. Thinking of Lu Zhishi's repeated disobedience, Lu Zhiyu gritted his teeth and, feather duster in hand, gave his unruly younger brother a thorough spanking, leaving his bottom bruised.

After being spanked during the day, Lu Zhishi developed a low-grade fever by evening. Song Qinian gave him another harsh scolding and cut off all his allowance.

His partner in misery, Zhao Xiaoxing, came to visit Lu Zhishi. Even with his own bottom swollen, he insisted on coming, which touched Lu Zhishi deeply.

"Did you get spanked too?" Lu Zhishi offered him half the bed to lie on.

Zhao Xiaoxing took off his coat, lay down, and sighed. "It's Chinese New Year, and my mom still had to spank me."

Lu Zhishi also sighed. "What did you do?"

"Nothing much, really. I just stuffed my cousin into a snowdrift because he said he liked it." Zhao Xiaoxing felt hard done by—his cousin had pestered him to do it, yet his mother only punished him.

Lu Zhishi couldn't help but laugh. "How old is your cousin again?"

"My little cousin, he's six this year." Zhao Xiaoxing sighed again. "Six or seven years old—truly an age where even cats and dogs would find them annoying. That little rascal really got me into trouble."

Lu Zhishi giggled beside him. Zhao Xiaoxing asked, "What did you do?"

Lu Zhishi pouted and muttered, "I got a new sweater and went out to show off without wearing a down jacket."

Well, that explained it—all style, no substance. No wonder he got spanked. Even Zhao Xiaoxing knew Lu Zhishi had delicate health, so daring to wander outside without a down jacket made the spanking well-deserved.

Zhao Xiaoxing went on and on, urging him to take care of his health and avoid catching a cold, or else he’d risk another spanking.

Listening to the silly mushroom-headed friend’s nagging, Lu Zhishi felt warmth in his heart.

Having such a close friend in life was enough.

The two hard-luck buddies recuperated until school started, then finally shouldered their backpacks and headed out.

Mainly, Lu Zhishi had a cough, and Song Qinian grounded him. Zhao Xiaoxing found it boring to play alone, so he often came over to do homework with him.

With the new semester came a fresh atmosphere. Lu Zhishi wore his red sweater.

The temperature was still a bit chilly, but this time Lu Zhishi didn’t dare show off. He dutifully put on his down jacket and only took it off after arriving in the classroom.

His looks took after Lu Tingan—eyebrows as if painted, ruby lips and pearly teeth, with a stunningly handsome appearance. When he smiled, it was like peach blossoms blooming in spring.

With his naturally fair complexion and the red sweater, his already striking looks were elevated even further.

After just one day at school, Lu Zhishi’s fame shot up. His desk was piled high with love letters and gifts.

The red sweater was a gift from Chi Chen, and Lu Zhishi loved it so much he wished he could wear it every day without taking it off.

Even though wearing it brought some minor troubles and annoyances, he still wore it, switching out with his off-white sweater.

It wasn’t until early spring, when temperatures rose, that Lu Zhishi finally swapped his thick sweater for a lighter hoodie.

He washed the two sweaters clean, folded them neatly, and stored them in the wardrobe where he kept his frequently worn clothes.

With so many clothes in the walk-in closet, he was afraid they might get mixed up and lost if stored there.

The academic workload picked up in the second semester of high school. Lu Zhishi had to complete a lot of homework and exams every day. The teacher assigned him and Zhao Xiaoxing additional contest problems, making their studies even busier.

From spring to early summer, days passed uneventfully. Lu Zhishi celebrated another birthday, and not long after, finals arrived.

Chi Chen and Lu Zhiyu returned from university and officially began their internships at the company. As seniors, they would spend the entire year at home without returning to campus.

Lu Zhishi was the happiest—his dear older brother was home, and his favorite, Chi Chen, was there too. He could see them every day when he returned home.

Lu Zhiyu had been working at Lu Group with Lu Tingan since his first year of high school. Now, after completing his junior year, he moved to Song Group to learn company affairs under Song Qinian.

Lu Zhishi took his place, following his good-looking dad, Lu Tingan, to work punctually every day during the summer break. In the evenings, he would seek out Chi Chen for a boost.

Sophomore year of high school started early with make-up classes. The day before school began, Lu Zhishi took out a calendar from the small treasure box at the bottom of his wardrobe and tore off a page.

He crossed out "10th Grade" written on the first page of the calendar.

The remaining pages were labeled "11th Grade" and "12th Grade." He would cross off one year at a time—two more years to go.

In 11th Grade, classes were reassigned. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing were placed in the science experimental class, alongside Xi Yue and Lan Lan, and other classmates who excelled in science subjects.

A year is neither long nor short. Lu Zhishi focused his energy on academics and competitions.

He participated in provincial and national competitions, winning several awards and making many new friends. They took group photos together on the awards stage.

His studies didn’t slip—he consistently ranked first in weekly exams, monthly exams, and inter-school exams in City A. His name and photo were displayed on the school’s honor wall.

He played basketball with Zhao Xiaoxing and classmates, competing from school-level games to provincial tournaments. They ultimately lost by one point in the semifinals.

It was the first time Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing cried in public. Around them, teammates fought back tears, while sweat and tears mingled on the ground. Clenched fists and reddened eyes reflected their frustration and disappointment as they gritted their teeth and left the court.

On weekends and holidays, when he had time, Lu Zhishi went with animal-loving classmates and schoolmates to the Stray Animal Rescue Center. He also joined compassionate volunteers from City A to help at orphanages and nursing homes across various locations.

11th Grade was an exceptionally fulfilling and rewarding year.

When Lu Zhiyu graduated, Lu Zhishi, along with Chi Chen, Zhao Xiaoyun, and Zhao Xiaoxing, took time off to fly to S City to attend his graduation ceremony. They presented him with a beautiful bouquet of tulips, and the five took a group photo in front of the monument in the main square. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing grinned from ear to ear.

Chi Chen’s graduation ceremony was a week after Lu Zhiyu’s. The same five attended, presenting him with a vibrant bouquet of black tea roses, chosen by Lu Zhishi.

Chi Chen held the flowers and took a group photo with them in front of the auditorium, his expression cool and composed, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Zhao Xiaoyun had been studying abroad in recent years. He graduated early, and his ceremony was a month later than those of domestic schools.

The journey was long, and Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing were in the midst of final exams across schools, unable to take time off to travel abroad.

Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen specifically took leave to fly overseas for his graduation, bringing him a bouquet of sunflowers from their homeland.

Accompanying them was a quiet, reserved young man with a refined and gentle appearance. For some reason, however, he did not appear in the final group photo.

The summer between 11th Grade and 12th Grade is widely known as a time for make-up classes.

No. 1 High School was strict, holding an additional month of classes before granting a one-week summer break, followed by an early start to the school year with another month of make-up classes.

One student reported the school for holding extra classes and was dragged into the principal’s office for a "talk." He returned to write a 10,000-word self-criticism and had to obediently attend classes afterward.

After a grueling month of make-up classes, Lu Zhishi cherished his one-week summer break immensely.

He slept in naturally, had lunch, and then excitedly headed out with his fishing rod and bucket.

He took a small e-scooter from the underground garage, picked up Zhao Xiaoxing, and zoomed off to the fishing pond in the old villa district.

At the pond in the old villa area, the plump fish that had grown big and sturdy finally met their match—two fishing novices about to enter the dreaded life of 12th Grade, also known as the "stinky fish baskets." From noon until evening, the two caught zero fish—the novices among novices, the ultimate rookies.

Lu Zhishi was seriously questioning his life choices.

"It's getting late, let's net a few and head back. We can fish again tomorrow." After his own moment of doubt, Zhao Xiaoxing pulled out a collapsible fishing net from the large bag he brought and quickly netted two fish into the bucket.

Lu Zhishi sighed helplessly. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, he had no choice but to grab the net and start fishing. While doing so, he said with reluctance, "We'll definitely catch a whole bucket of fish tomorrow."

Zhao Xiaoxing nodded. "Let's dig up some earthworms tomorrow. They probably don't like the bait we made ourselves."

Lu Zhishi's eyes lit up. "I have earthworms in my garden plot. The soil is really fertile, so the earthworms must be nice and fat."

After netting a few fish, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing packed up their things and got ready to go home. They rode their scooter around the old neighborhood.

They gave one fish each to the Lu and Song families, and one each to the Zhao and Lin families. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing also delivered two fish to the Chi and Bai families.

Turning down several grandparents' invitations to stay for dinner, the two rode their scooter back home, carrying three heavy, fat fish.

After dropping Zhao Xiaoxing off at his doorstep, Lu Zhishi again politely declined Auntie Zhao's enthusiastic dinner invitation. He rode home with the remaining two fish to eat.

When he arrived home on his scooter, Song Qinian and Lu Tingan were already back. Lu Zhiyu was in the yard watering his cabbage plants.

Seeing him drive in, Lu Zhiyu raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "Fishing pro, how many fish did you catch today?"

Parking in the front yard, Lu Zhishi turned off the scooter and got off, hanging his head in defeat with the two fish in hand.

"Please call me a fishing amateur. I didn't catch a single fish today—I had to net them all instead."

"Oh, look at this poor thing." Lu Zhiyu stepped forward and patted his head comfortingly. "Maybe it's been too long since you last fished, so you're a bit rusty. Just fish a few more times and you'll get back into the swing of it."

Lu Zhishi nodded, eyes shining. "Zhao Xiaoxing said they might prefer earthworms. I'm planning to dig up some fresh ones from the vegetable patch tomorrow and go fishing again."

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Involuntary images of squirming earthworms popped into his mind, and Lu Zhiyu couldn't help but shudder, rubbing his temples.

"Let's eat first," he said, afraid that if they didn't start soon, he wouldn't be able to eat.

"You go ahead. I'm going to bring this fish to Uncle Chi."

Lu Zhishi washed his hands under the water pipe, handed one fish to Lu Zhiyu to take inside, and carried the remaining fish through the side gate in the left fence to the Chi house.

Unlike the lively atmosphere at the Lu house, the Chi house was peaceful and quiet. As soon as Lu Zhishi entered, he saw Chi Chen chopping vegetables in the kitchen.

"Brother Xiao Chen."

Hearing his voice, Chi Chen set the knife down, untied his apron, washed his hands, and walked out.

"Have you eaten yet?" he asked.

"Not yet, I just got back." Lu Zhishi proudly held up the small bucket in his hand. "Look, it's a really big, fat fish."

Chi Chen glanced down into the small bucket. A chubby fish swam inside, blowing bubbles: blub-blub.

Such a large fish head would be perfect for making chopped pepper fish head—Lu Zhishi's favorite.

Meeting Lu Zhishi's bright, eager eyes, a touch of tenderness and amusement flashed in Chi Chen's gaze, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

He took the bucket from Lu Zhishi's hand, looked into his eyes, and said softly, "You did great."

A clear smile spread across Lu Zhishi's face, his eyes showing a hint of shy embarrassment at the praise. He scratched his head and said quietly, "Actually, it's not that impressive. I didn't catch any fish today—I had to scoop them up with a net."

Chi Chen's gaze lingered on Lu Zhishi's long eyelashes and upturned lips for a few seconds before he tilted his head slightly, looking away for a moment before turning back.

He said gently, "Maybe it's just been too long since you last fished. It's normal to be a bit rusty. You'll get better after a few more tries."

Lu Zhishi's eyes gleamed. "My brother said the same thing just now. I'm planning to dig up some fresh worms from the vegetable patch tomorrow morning."

Chi Chen: "..."

He awkwardly changed the subject. "Sit for a bit. I'll make you a cup of fruit tea."

Lu Zhishi, who had been about to head home for dinner after giving the fish, bit back his words. "Okay, thank you, Brother Xiao Chen."

The fruit tea Chi Chen made was exceptionally delicious, even better than the ones from boba shops. However, he didn't make it often—usually only once every few days. Lu Zhishi was always craving a cup of that fruit tea.

He'd once asked Chi Chen if he could make him a cup every day, offering to trade him cabbages for it.

Chi Chen refused, saying it wasn't good to drink it every day.

Craving that cup of fruit tea, Lu Zhishi didn't go home after delivering the fish. Instead, he dragged over a chair and sat by the kitchen door, chatting with Chi Chen.

"Brother Xiao Chen, aren't Uncle Chi and Uncle Bai off work yet?"

"My dad went to the hospital to pick up my dad. There's some traffic on the way."

Chi Chen chopped some of Lu Zhishi's favorite fruits into a cup, muddled them with a special tool, added sweet locust honey, poured in some iced jasmine tea, and topped it with freshly picked mint leaves.

Chi Chen reminded him, "Take small sips. No big gulps."

"I know, Brother Xiao Chen." Lu Zhishi resisted the urge to take a big sip, instead holding the cup and taking small, slow sips.

The fragrance of fruit and jasmine filled his mouth, carrying the coolness of mint and the faint scent of locust blossoms, instantly dispelling the summer heat.

Lu Zhishi took another small sip.

For some reason, even with the same ingredients, boba places could never match the taste of Chi Chen's fruit tea.

There was no way Lu Zhishi could finish such a large cup of fruit tea right away.

He was about to ask Chi Chen if he could take it home when Chi Chen said, "Go sit in the living room and watch some TV. There's a new flavor of beef jerky in the snack cabinet. Have some to hold you over—dinner will be ready soon."

He swallowed what he was going to say once again. Lu Zhishi couldn't resist the temptation of the new flavor of beef jerky. He carried his fruit tea to the living room and sat down.

After waiting at home for a long time without seeing his brother return, Lu Zhiyu went out to find him and bring him home for dinner. He happened to bump into Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng, who had just driven back.

Chi Yuehang said happily, "Great timing. Come in and eat."

Lu Zhiyu tried to decline. "Uncle Chi, I—"

Bai Yansheng patted his shoulder. "I just bought freshly baked chestnut cakes. Come in and try some."

Lu Zhiyu swallowed hard, and he changed his tune. "Well, if you insist, Uncle Bai."

"Don't be silly. Come on in."

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw his dear brother sitting on the sofa, happily sipping fruit tea and nibbling on beef jerky while watching TV.

Chi Yuehang laughed again. "I knew you'd be here, Fat Cheese."

"How did you know, Uncle Chi?" Lu Zhishi asked, genuinely surprised.

"When Xiao Chen is home alone, he never turns on the TV, so the house is always quiet."

Oh, makes sense. That sounds reasonable. Lu Zhishi nodded in agreement.

Bai Yansheng put down the chestnut cakes and urged them to eat while they were still warm. He then went upstairs to shower and change, so he wouldn’t have to put up with the smell of disinfectant clinging to him.

Chi Yuehang called out from the kitchen: "Is this fish from Fat Cheese? It looks so fat and familiar—must be from the pond at the old house, right?"

Chi Chen’s tone was cool, like his dad’s, but held a hint of a smile: "Mm, he just brought it over."

"Impressive, Fat Cheese, managing to catch such a big fish."

The "impressive" Fat Cheese felt a little guilty. Peeking over the back of the sofa, he called out to Chi Yuehang in the kitchen: "Uncle Chi, it was netted, not caught. I didn’t catch a single fish today..."

Chi Yuehang added, "Still impressive, Fat Cheese, managing to net such a big fish."

Lu Zhishi chuckled, his metaphorical little tail perking up and wagging again.

Since the kids weren’t coming back, Song Qinian called his good friend: "Are my two little troublemakers over at your place?"

"Yeah, was just about to call you. Why don’t you come join us for dinner?"

"Can’t make it. I’m just having a candlelit dinner with my brother."

Chi Yuehang: "..."

Was his dear good friend feeding him a dose of "dog food" right before dinner?

After having dinner at the Chis’ place, Lu Zhishi followed Lu Zhiyu back home to shower. Once his hair was dry, he read a little before bed.

He needed to conserve his energy for the next day’s big fishing day.

Early to bed, early to rise—Lu Zhishi woke up at the crack of dawn, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

After washing up and changing into some old clothes, he went downstairs to make breakfast. His two dads and older brother hadn’t come down yet, so Lu Zhishi helped himself to a bowl of noodles in chicken broth to fill his stomach.

Then he went to the storage room, grabbed his large iron shovel, picked up his bucket, and headed to the vegetable patch to dig for earthworms, huffing and puffing along the way.

While digging for bait, he also loosened the soil in the vegetable patch—killing two birds with one stone.

Lu Zhishi, you’re such a smart cookie.

Seeing the front gate open, Lu Tingan stepped out to take a look and saw his little son digging away, huffing and puffing, while grinning and chuckling to himself.

Not sure what he was laughing about, Lu Tingan smiled to himself.

"Fat Cheese, remember to wear your hat once the sun gets stronger."

"Okay, Dad." Lu Zhishi straightened up, wiping the thin layer of sweat from his forehead. "It’s hot out, you should go back inside."

Little guy, Lu Tingan’s eyes held a gentle smile.

Originally, he didn’t want him to go fishing—the weather outside was just too hot.

But the kid only had a week of summer break, and fishing was one of his few hobbies. Letting him fish for a few days was fine, as long as he took proper precautions against the sun and heat.

Thinking back, that chubby kid of theirs had used his one-week break to travel abroad for a robot expo and was gone the whole week.

According to the bodyguard who accompanied him, he even checked out an underground auction and bought an antique robot. He and Song Qinian didn’t say much about it—as long as the kid knew what he was doing, it was fine.

Fat Cheese wasn’t traveling abroad or even leaving the province; he was just fishing around here for a few days. Naturally, Lu Tingan agreed.

After breakfast, it was time to head to work. Before leaving, Song Qinian reminded him:

"Remember to bring the portable fans when you go. There are a few more in the storage room—take them for the bodyguards going with you. Make sure no one gets heatstroke in the midday heat."

"There’s iced tea in the fridge—take it with you and share it with Xiao Xing."

"Remember to eat at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Don’t skip lunch."

"We’re heading to work now. If anything comes up, call me or your dad—or your brother." After speaking, Song Qinian glanced at his wristwatch and got into the back seat with Lu Zhiyu as the driver slowly pulled away.

Lu Tingan took a separate car. His driver started the engine and followed the black Maybach ahead, one after another leaving the villa area.

After seeing his dad and brother off for work, Lu Zhishi wiped his sweat and went back inside for a glass of iced tea.

Hearing Chi Chen call him, he hurried back out.

"Brother Xiao Chen?"

Lu Zhishi’s cheeks were red, and the strands of hair on his forehead were slightly damp—clearly from the heat.

Chi Chen opened his mouth as if to say something but changed his mind. Instead, he said, "Don’t get heatstroke."

"I won’t, Brother Xiao Chen." Lu Zhishi wiped his forehead and neck with a damp towel. "We’ve taken precautions against the heat."

"Here’s some fruit tea. Take it and drink it. Remember to have lunch at noon." Chi Chen handed over a bucket of iced fruit tea. "I’ve got to go."

Holding the large bucket of fruit tea, Lu Zhishi followed Chi Chen a few steps, seeing him to the gate: "Brother Xiao Chen, see you later!"

"Mm, see you later."

Chi Yuehang had already left earlier to take Bai Yansheng to the hospital, so he wasn’t going with Chi Chen.

Chi Chen got into the driver’s seat, started the car, and rolled down the window. "Go back inside, it’s hot out."

Lu Zhishi agreed but stayed put, watching until the car was out of sight before heading back.

He had only done half the digging in the vegetable patch, but as the temperature began to rise, Lu Zhishi got enough worms, packed up, and headed out—still on his little electric scooter.

This time, he had a lot to bring, packed to the brim. Since it was inconvenient to carry everything on the scooter, he loaded the larger items into the bodyguard’s car.

Puttering along on his scooter, he swung by to get Zhao Xiaoxing from the Zhao residence, and the two fishing newbies set off once again for the old house’s fishing pond. With so many earthworms—big and plump—they were sure to attract some fish.

Back at their usual spot, Lu Zhishi unloaded everything and set it up one by one.

Sun umbrella, portable fan, small stool, folding table, straw hat, fruit tea, iced tea...

"Six Cheese, I’m scared..." Zhao Xiaoxing pouted, turning his head away from the bucket of wriggling, tangled earthworms.

Lu Zhishi took his fishing rod and hook. "I’ll do it."

He grabbed a fat earthworm from the bucket, hooked it onto the line, cast it into the water for Zhao Xiaoxing, and handed the rod back to him.

Then he baited his own hook, cast it into the water, and secured the rod. After washing his hands in a clean bucket, Lu Zhishi poured a cup of fruit tea for himself and Zhao Xiaoxing.

He turned and called out to the two bodyguard uncles relaxing under a nearby tree, enjoying the portable fan: "Uncles, would you like iced tea or fruit tea?"

One of the burly, tanned men raised his water bottle. "Thank you, young master, we brought our own."

He is Lu Zhishi's bodyguard, a former special forces soldier who was medically discharged. He has been with Lu Zhishi since junior high. The previous bodyguard returned to his hometown; otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten the job.

The work is easy—usually just accompanying his young employer around and ensuring his safety.

With a monthly salary in the six figures, he can't even spend half of it monthly. On top of that, his employer covers his social insurance and housing fund.

After only five years on the job, he has already bought an apartment in A City, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold. Last year, he even got married and had a child.

Where else could he find such a great job? Even if it meant braving extreme heat to go fishing, he'd be willing to go through fire and water for it.

Seeing that the two older men had their own drinks, Lu Zhishi nodded and poured another cup of herbal tea for himself and Zhao Xiaoxing. "Drink some herbal tea first to prevent heatstroke."

Although herbal tea tastes strange, to avoid heatstroke, they chugged it.

Seriously, given the choice between drinking herbal tea and suffering heatstroke, of course they'd choose the herbal tea.

Sitting on a small stool, adjusting his straw hat from time to time, and enjoying the cooling fan, Lu Zhishi took occasional sips of his fruit tea. Despite the hot weather, the occasional breeze made fishing rather enjoyable.

Except for...

"Seriously, where are your fish ethics?!"