Chapter 56: Chapter 56 “Can I Have Anything I Want?”…

Chapter 56

"Can I really have anything I want?" he wondered...

Lu Zhishi stared blankly at the bare fishhook in his hand.

"Do fish have no shame?"

He glanced at the bucket of worms, then at the school of plump fish swimming back and forth in the pond ahead.

"They ate two of my worms and still spat the hook out. Seriously, aren't animals forbidden from gaining magical powers after the founding of the nation…"

He wasn't convinced—it must've been that his worm wasn't hooked properly. This time, he'd make sure it was on tight.

"Hey, I think I've got a bite."

After one worm was eaten without a bite, Zhao Xiaoxing finally got a bite on his second worm. Success at last!

But this fish seemed unusually heavy. Zhao Xiaoxing almost lost hold of his rod, and Lu Zhishi quickly jumped in to help reel it in.

Worried the line might snap, Lu Zhishi grabbed the nearby net. As soon as the fish broke the surface, he reached out to catch it.

Staring at the fish swimming in frantic circles in the bucket, Zhao Xiaoxing glanced at Lu Zhishi and asked, "So, does this count as caught or netted?"

"Let's call it caught—we pulled it up, after all," Lu Zhishi replied, a bit sheepishly.

Zhao Xiaoxing pumped his fist excitedly. "Finally, not going home empty-handed!"

"Let's catch two more, then head home for dinner." Lu Zhishi checked his phone. With a bit of luck, catching two more would time it perfectly.

Just as he finished threading the worm on Zhao Xiaoxing's hook, Lu Zhishi’s phone rang. He washed his hands, pulled it out, and saw it was his Grandma Song.

"Fat Cheese, when are you coming home for dinner?"

Grandma Song's voice was soft and gentle. "Grandma made spicy lemon chicken feet, cold mixed vegetables, spicy cold noodles, sautéed water spinach, and shrimp and loofah soup. Come home and eat soon."

Hearing the dishes listed, Lu Zhishi couldn't help but salivate. Staring at the freshly cast fishing rod, he resisted the delicious temptation and said, "Grandma, we'll catch two more fish and then head back. Probably half an hour to an hour."

Grandma Song's tone remained unchanged as she asked gently, "How many have you caught so far?"

Lu Zhishi blushed. "…Just one." And that one was half-caught, half-netted.

"Is that so?" Grandma Song said. "Then come home and eat first. This afternoon, Grandpa can go with you to help—he knows how to fish."

Under Grandma's gentle coaxing, Lu Zhishi wiped his drool and finally gave in. Leaving behind the tricky fish that ate his worms and spat out the hook, he pulled Zhao Xiaoxing along and headed home for dinner.

The Lu family home wasn't far from the fishpond—one to the east, the other to the west. Riding his e-scooter, he zoomed halfway through the villa district and arrived.

"Grandma~" Lu Zhishi rode straight into the front yard and called out toward the house.

Grandma Song, dressed in a light green qipao, stepped out. She was both happy and a little worried to see them—their faces were flushed red.

"Come inside quickly, it's hot out." Grandma Song pulled them into the house and handed them cool, damp towels to wipe their sweat.

Looking at their flushed faces and sweat, her heart ached for them.

She hurried to the kitchen, fetched two large bowls, filled them to the brim with rice, and said, "Eat up. There's more if you want it—Grandma made plenty."

Lu Zhishi stared at the large bowl in front of him, piled high with rice, and swallowed hard.

He sneaked a glance at Zhao Xiaoxing beside him, meeting his wide-eyed stare. They exchanged a look and gulped in unison.

This was way more than they could eat.

But once the dishes were served, Lu Zhishi's mouth watered. He thought he might actually be able to handle two big bowls of rice.

Zhao Xiaoxing was already too busy eating to talk. This was absolutely delicious! A taste of heaven!

Grandpa Song, who had just come down from his study, laughed at the sight. "They're at the age where they're growing. If they like it, let them eat more. There's plenty."

Grandma Song ate while continuously adding food to their bowls, saying softly, "Eat slowly, no rush."

They couldn't finish two big bowls of rice. Lu Zhishi was stuffed after one bowl and could only manage a small serving of spicy cold noodles before putting down his chopsticks and slumping in his chair, motionless.

Zhao Xiaoxing ate more than him, finishing another half-bowl of spicy cold noodles before leaning back in his chair, letting out a burp.

Grandma Song brought over four cups of sweet and sour chilled hawthorn water. "Drink some hawthorn water to help with digestion."

After half a cup, Lu Zhishi put his down. Too full to move, he and Zhao Xiaoxing staggered upstairs together for a nap.

Even though they were still full, lying down was more comfortable than sitting.

A cool breeze drifted in through the window, and Lu Zhishi gradually closed his eyes, his breathing deepening.

No one came to wake him. Lu Zhishi slept until almost four in the afternoon before sitting up, his hair tousled, and rubbing his eyes.

When he went downstairs, he saw Grandpa Song and Grandpa Lu tinkering with their fishing gear in the living room, with Zhao Xiaoxing crouched beside them watching.

"Awake?" Grandpa Song adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Is your stomach still full?"

Lu Zhishi shook his head, walked over, and plopped down on the carpet next to Zhao Xiaoxing. "Not anymore, Grandpa."

Grandpa Lu patted his grandson's head and smoothed down his unruly hair. "The temperature is perfect now—not too hot. We'll head out at 4:15."

Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing nodded obediently, their eyes bright. This time, they were sure to catch plenty of fish!

Confident, Lu Zhishi drove his e-scooter, carrying Zhao Xiaoxing as they zipped toward the fishpond. Ahead of them, Grandpa Song and Grandpa Lu each rode their own scooters.

Hearty laughter and clear young voices echoed along the wide roads of the villa district, adding warmth and joy to the scorching summer day.

Having experts assist made all the difference. By the afternoon, the bucket was full.

So this was what it felt like to be carried by pros—Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing didn't even want to go home.

Since summer days were long, the sky was still bright close to six. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing packed up their things and prepared to drive back.

Both grandpas invited them to stay for dinner, but Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing headed home. Before dark, they took off on the e-scooter.

After dropping Zhao Xiaoxing off, Lu Zhishi hurried home.

Yesterday, Chi Chen had promised to make him chopped pepper fish head, and Lu Zhishi hadn't forgotten. With all the fish they caught today, it was perfect for a whole fish feast.

"Brother Xiao Chen! Brother Xiao Chen!" Lu Zhishi rode his e-scooter straight into the Chi family's yard, toting the bucket of fish as he jumped off and ran inside.

"Slow down." Chi Chen reached out to steady his arm.

Lu Zhishi showed off the bucket for him to see, his eyes sparkling, his voice clear and cheerful. "We caught so many fish today. Let's have a feast with all the fish we caught, Brother Xiao Chen."

"Alright, we'll have a whole fish feast." Seeing him smile, Chi Chen's lips curved slightly upward as well.

Taking the heavy bucket from his hand, Chi Chen went to the first-floor bathroom, wet a towel, wrung it dry, and wiped Lu Zhishi’s forehead and neck for him.

"Go sit for a while, dinner will be ready soon."

Lu Zhishi shook his head, grabbed the towel to wipe his sweat, then folded it into a tofu block shape and placed it on his head.

He said, "I’ll go home first to take a shower."

Chi Chen nodded, "Alright, remember to ask Uncle Song and the others to come over for dinner."

"Okay~"

With the towel still on his head, Lu Zhishi drove his scooter around the corner back home and unloaded the gear.

Seeing him return, Lu Zhiyu raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I thought you were eating over there again."

Lu Zhishi tried to suppress a smile but couldn’t hold back, puffing his chest out and chuckling, "We’re all going over for dinner today, an all-fish banquet—I caught the fish, and Xiaochen gege said he’ll make chopped chili fish head."

"Whoa, way to go, my Fat Cheese." Lu Zhiyu raised his brows, wrapped an arm around Lu Zhishi’s neck, and ruffled his head through the towel.

Song Qinian came downstairs after changing clothes. "What’s so funny? You look so happy."

"Fat Cheese is treating us to an all-fish banquet."

Song Qinian raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Impressive, my son."

Lu Zhishi blushed from the praise, scratching his head shyly. "It’s not that impressive, it was all thanks to Grandpa and the others."

Song Qinian said, "Still, it’s quite impressive."

Lu Zhishi grinned sheepishly, his face and ears turning red as he chuckled, slightly raising his chin and pacing a little with visible, adorable pride.

Lu Zhiyu couldn’t help but laugh, pinching his cheek. "Go take a shower first. I’ll go see if Xiaochen gege needs any help."

"Okay, see you later."

Watching him go upstairs, Lu Zhiyu headed to the Chi family’s house. Entering the kitchen, he saw Chi Chen expressionlessly wielding a knife with swift, precise motions.

His hands were smeared with blood. Hearing the noise, he turned around and said calmly to Lu Zhiyu, "You’re here."

Lu Zhiyu: "..." Yikes, that’s kinda scary.

Rolling up his sleeves, Lu Zhiyu helped wash and chop vegetables. The actual cooking—stir-frying and such—was left to Chi Chen, as Lu Zhiyu’s culinary skills were just average.

True to the "all-fish banquet," dinner was entirely fish-based, aromatic and inviting.

Chopped chili fish head, steamed fish, braised fish, poached fish, fish with pickled cabbage, sweet and sour fish, rich and creamy fish soup...

Lu Zhishi, who hadn’t had much appetite after overeating at lunch, unconsciously wiped the corner of his mouth at the sight of the table full of fish.

He could totally put away two more bowls!

Bai Yansheng was on night shift and didn’t come home.

They set aside a portion of the dishes for Chi Yuehang to take to the hospital as a late-night snack after dinner. The rest of the fish was finished by the two families.

Chi Chen’s cooking was truly exceptional—every dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. Lu Zhishi ate until he was stuffed and chugged two glasses of hawthorn drink.

After two straight days of fishing, Lu Zhishi had grown tired of eating fish. On the third day of his break, instead of going to the old house, he went with Zhao Xiaoxing to an equestrian center in the suburbs.

He spent the whole day riding a white pony and even gave them baths in the evening, scrubbing them down diligently with a brush—more carefully than he washed himself.

Lu Zhishi sent a message in the "Loving Family" group chat, saying he wouldn’t be back that night and was staying at a hotel in the suburbs, planning to visit a nearby ancient temple early the next morning to burn incense.

Wherever Lu Zhishi went, Zhao Xiaoxing followed.

If Lu Zhishi wanted to burn incense, Zhao Xiaoxing wanted to pray too—both had wishes in their hearts, hoping they would come true.

The two stayed in a presidential suite. With no one to supervise them, they slipped out to the cultural street after showering and had a late-night snack at a roadside barbecue stall.

The accompanying bodyguard sent the details to Song Qinian’s phone.

Lu Zhishi saw the bodyguard pulling out his phone and knew without looking that he was reporting their whereabouts to his dads. But he didn’t mind—in fact, he loved it.

Yes, he was a total papa’s boy!

In his past life, no one cared about him—or more accurately, no one loved him. His parents didn’t want him, and after they remarried, they never bothered with him, not even giving him a single penny. Lu Zhishi had struggled through life on his own.

Call him love-starved or clingy, he adored being looked after by his big dad and little dad.

The evening breeze in City A was pleasantly cool, gently brushing his cheeks and stirring the strands of hair on his forehead. Lu Zhishi half-closed his eyes.

He raised his cola and clinked it with Zhao Xiaoxing’s cup, smiling brightly. "Zhao Xiaoxing, I’m really glad I know you."

Zhao Xiaoxing was taken aback for a moment, then broke into a smile, lightly clinking his cup. "What’s with the sudden sentimentality?"

"The moment felt right, couldn’t help getting a little emotional." Lu Zhishi tipped his head back and drained his cola in one go—anyone watching might have mistaken it for alcohol.

"If only this were alcohol. This vibe is perfect for a little drink to set the mood."

Zhao Xiaoxing propped his chin on his hand, watching the cars coming and going on the road. Couples passed by them one after another, their occasional glances filled with unmistakable affection.

Gently swirling his cup, he said in a relaxed, mild tone, "If we drank tonight, we’d be facing the feather duster when we get back tomorrow."

Lu Zhishi followed his gaze—the passing cars, families of three out for a stroll, couples radiating sweet, lovey-dovey vibes.

He unconsciously propped his chin in his hand too, sipping slowly from his cup. "I really want to fall in love too."

Family, friendship, wealth, studies… Thanks to the support of his fathers, Lu Zhishi had many things within easy reach. Only love felt within sight yet out of reach.

"I really don’t want to be his little brother… It’s not like I’m actually his brother…"

Lu Zhishi’s voice was soft, almost inaudible, but Zhao Xiaoxing still caught it.

He chuckled lightly. "Same here…"

Born with so much already, able to have whatever they wanted—except love. The more they liked someone, the more timid they became.

Lu Zhishi took a deep breath and downed another cola, saying seriously, "After graduation, I’m definitely going to go after him."

He added, "I even bought '100 New Ways to Chase Someone.' I’m sure I can get him."

Zhao Xiaoxing covered his face, laughing. "Six Cheese, you’re hilarious."

Lu Zhishi looked stern. "Don’t laugh, I’m being serious."

Then he changed the subject. "But I haven’t read it yet. I’ll wait until after graduation. Reading it now would just make me even more antsy."

Zhao Xiaoxing took out his phone: "Send me the link, will you?"

Lu Zhishi sighed and sent him a purchase link, saying, "Why read that book when you could just ask me? I know all about what my brother likes."

Zhao Xiaoxing paused for a moment, his cheeks turning visibly red, his gaze unconsciously darting away, stammering, "Wh-what are you talking about..."

Lu Zhishi glanced at him, a mischievous smile curling at the corner of his mouth, gave him a nudge in the ribs, and whispered, "Cut the act with me. We grew up side-by-side—I know exactly what you're thinking."

Zhao Xiaoxing mumbled, then lowered his head without saying a word.

"But we haven't graduated yet. Hitting the books is what's important—puppy love just distracts from schoolwork." Lu Zhishi patted his buddy’s shoulder. "We can worry about dating later."

Zhao Xiaoxing sighed. Since it was all out in the open, he didn’t hold back: "It's not like your brother likes me."

"Are you sure?" Lu Zhishi laughed, wagging the beef skewer in his hand. "I’ve never seen my brother take care of anyone the way he takes care of you."

Whenever Zhao Qiyun was busy, Lu Zhiyu would pick up Zhao Xiaoxing rain or shine, always tilting the umbrella toward Zhao Xiaoxing’s side.

Whenever Zhao Qiyun wasn’t around, Lu Zhiyu took it upon himself to look after Zhao Xiaoxing, showing up whether he called or not.

Whenever Zhao Qiyun was occupied, Lu Zhiyu was the one driving Zhao Xiaoxing everywhere, always bringing back gifts after holidays or business trips...

Though he took care of both, Lu Zhiyu treated Lu Zhishi like a little brother, but his care for Zhao Xiaoxing felt different—less brotherly, something more.

You could say it’s a classic case of being too close to see the truth. Time will tell.

Zhao Xiaoxing was about to say more when Lu Zhishi slung an arm around his shoulder, fed him a bite of beef, and said, "Don’t worry. I asked a fortune teller—you two are definitely meant to be. Me and Chi Chen are too. The master is legit!"

"Cough, cough!" Zhao Xiaoxing was so startled he choked, coughing violently, his face turning red. Lu Zhishi quickly fed him a couple sips of Coke.

After a few sips to calm down, Zhao Xiaoxing looked up and met Lu Zhishi’s eyes, couldn't help but smile.

Lu Zhishi smiled back.

On the way back, Zhao Xiaoxing and Lu Zhishi strolled slowly along the street. Zhao Xiaoxing said, "Lu Zhishi, I’m really glad we're friends."

Lu Zhishi grinned, pulling him closer. "You’re great too, Zhao Xiaoxing."

Staying out late snacking meant waking up the next morning with dark circles under their eyes.

"Do we really have to go this early?" Zhao Xiaoxing’s dark circles were practically down to his mouth.

Lu Zhishi wasn’t much better, barely able to keep his eyes open until he’d dripped half a bottle of eye drops into his eyes.

"Netizens say if you want to burn incense, you have to go early—shows sincerity."

Not only did they get up at 5 a.m., they also had to climb step by step under the morning sun. Halfway up, their legs were like jelly.

They thought they were early, but by the time they reached the ancient temple, plenty of people were already there offering incense.

After making a sizable donation, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing knelt together on prayer cushions, each holding three incense sticks.

—Buddha, please bless our family and friends with health and happiness, academic success and steady progress. May all our wishes come true and everything go smoothly.

They’d come specifically to offer incense, so Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing visited every hall in the temple, donating and bowing at each shrine.

They got two Academic Blessing charms and a stack of Protection charms.

Lu Zhishi specially asked a master for several sachets, placed the Protection charms inside, and had them blessed by the most revered master.

With a little selfish motive, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing also asked for two Love charms and put them in separate sachets.

After a vegetarian meal at the temple, they took a bus back to the city, napping on the way and waking up right at their doorstep.

No one was home—everyone was at work. Lu Zhishi went upstairs, showered, and took a nap.

He woke up to find it already dark, the room dim with the curtains half-drawn. He turned on the light, rubbed his eyes, and stretched.

Downstairs, Lu Tingan was on the couch watching financial news, his profile strikingly elegant and soft under the ceiling light.

With cool, deep-set eyes, a sharp, straight nose, and naturally red lips, his side profile was flawless. When he turned, those sharp, narrow phoenix eyes seemed to draw you in, making Lu Zhishi’s heartbeat quicken.

No wonder he was voted the most stunning actor in the entertainment industry—a celestial beauty, Nuwa’s masterpiece. His face was a genetic lottery win, exceptional in both features and bone structure.

Not that his parents weren’t good-looking—they were famous for their looks in their youth—but Lu Tingan’s appearance surpassed their genetic blueprint.

Online haters criticized many things about Lu Tingan, but no one ever called him ugly or untalented. Even with biased hearts, they couldn’t deny his looks or acting.

His internationally renowned beauty was innate; his awards were earned through skill. Who could call him unattractive or unskilled?

Luckily, Lu Zhishi didn’t fall far from the tree, inheriting 80% of his beautiful father’s looks. Good.

Lu Zhishi touched his own face, preening a little, and nodded.

"What’s wrong?"

"Dad, you’re just too good-looking!" Lu Zhishi walked over, snuggled up to him, and nuzzled his shoulder.

In his past life, he only resembled Lu Tingan by 30% and was still considered handsome. This life, hitting the genetic jackpot, he got 80%.

Lu Tingan ruffled his hair gently. "Are you hungry?"

"A little. Xiaoxing and I had vegetarian food at noon. It was good, but I’m still a bit hungry."

Remembering then, Lu Zhishi dashed upstairs and back down, having left the Protection charms from the temple in his room.

Lu Tingan frowned fondly. "Slow down."

Lu Zhishi slowed his steps, came down the stairs, and handed a sachet to Lu Tingan. "Dad, it’s a blessed Protection charm. Keep it with you."

Lu Tingan took it, his smile deepening as he patted Lu Zhishi’s head. "Thank you, Fat Cheese."

Lu Zhishi lowered his head, rubbing against Lu Tingan’s palm, his voice soft and clingy. "Dad."

"You’re all grown up, still so attached." Though he said it, Lu Tingan’s eyes were full of affection and tenderness as he cupped Lu Zhishi’s cheek.

"No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your Fat Cheese."

Song Qinian emerged from the kitchen, grabbed Lu Zhishi by the collar, and pulled him aside before plopping down next to Lu Tingan. "So clingy."

"Cheese is supposed to be sticky," Lu Zhishi retorted defiantly.

Lu Tingan reached over and pinched Song Qinian’s waist, frowning. "Don’t pick on him. Are you three years old?"

"No, I’m six." Song Qinian leaned in, grabbing Lu Tingan’s hand and pressing it to his own cheek. "Feel how thick-skinned I am."

Lu Tingan pulled his hand back, expressionlessly pushed Song Qinian’s face away, and stepped on his foot.

Lu Zhishi blinked. He felt like a bright, flickering light bulb.

Handing Song Qinian his sachet, the unwanted guest left and headed to the kitchen to find his brother, also keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t blow up the kitchen.

"Who's going to blow up the kitchen? My cooking isn’t that bad," Lu Zhiyu said, amused.

Lu Zhishi took a bite of the beef he was fed and pulled a face.

After a moment, he took the spatula from Lu Zhiyu’s hand. "Brother, let me cook today."

Lu Zhiyu was a bit defeated. "It doesn’t taste that bad, does it?"

"It’s okay, don’t worry."

Lu Zhishi handed him the three sachets he was holding.

Lu Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. "Why did you get me three peace charms?"

"One is from me, the other two are from Xiao Xing for you."

Lu Zhiyu paused, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He looked down at the sachets in his hand and smiled. "Alright."

After dinner, Lu Zhishi couldn’t wait to go to the Chi family’s home.

He gave two peace charms to Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng. Then, holding a cup of warm milk from Uncle Chi and the remaining two sachets, he went upstairs.

Knocking on Chi Chen’s door, Lu Zhishi felt his heart beat faster for some reason—maybe because they hadn’t seen each other for a couple of days.

"Lu Zhishi?"

The door was slightly ajar, and the voice came before the person appeared. Footsteps grew closer, and Chi Chen pulled open the door, looking down at him. "Come in."

Lu Zhishi followed behind him, hands behind his back, his voice slightly hoarse. "Brother Xiao Chen, I came to give you a peace charm."

Chi Chen glanced back, a subtle emotion flickering in his eyes, though his expression remained calm.

He ruffled Lu Zhishi’s hair, letting his hand linger for a few seconds before pulling away. "Thank you, Lu Zhishi."

At some point, Chi Chen had stopped calling him Fat Cheese and started using his real name. Just like how, on occasion when Lu Zhishi was being impudent, he didn’t call him Brother Xiao Chen but instead called him Chi Chen.

"Two sachets—you can hang them by your bedside."

Chi Chen took them, lowering his gaze to look. "Both are peace charms?"

Lu Zhishi answered indirectly, "The master said they can bless whatever you wish for."

"If there’s anything you want, you can tell me," Chi Chen said, lifting his head to look into Lu Zhishi’s eyes. His gaze was steady and gentle, as if there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish.

Lu Zhishi couldn’t help but smile, his eyes crinkling. "Not at the moment."

"Then whenever you want something in the future, just tell me."

Lu Zhishi walked over, following behind Chi Chen, watching as he hung the two sachets by the bedside.

He asked, "Anything at all?"

Chi Chen said, "Anything at all."