Chapter 63: Chapter 63 “When Are We Getting Engaged?”

Chapter 63

"When are we getting engaged?"

Chi Chen chuckled softly, "Want to sleep a bit more?"

Lu Zhishi turned over, facing away from him, and muffled into his hands, "...No."

The sound of footsteps approached from behind, and Lu Zhishi turned back again.

Chi Chen stopped in front of him, leaned down slightly, and said in a low, magnetic voice, "I didn’t see anything."

Lu Zhishi grumbled, "You’re lying. You definitely saw."

Chi Chen bent down a little further, pressing his forehead against Lu Zhishi’s, and said with a laugh, "All I saw was a 'Fat Cheese' stretching."

Lu Zhishi’s cheeks flushed. He stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Chi Chen’s waist, and buried his face in his neck.

Chi Chen gently held his back, resting his chin on Lu Zhishi’s shoulder and giving a light nuzzle.

"Quick, forget it! Hit the memory delete button!"

"Received, sir. Deleted as requested."

"Okay, thank you…"

Chi Chen chuckled softly, tilted his head slightly, and pressed his lips lightly against Lu Zhishi’s hair.

"You’re welcome."

They held each other, swaying gently, sweet and inseparable.

The evening sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window like a layer of amber gauze, draped over them in warmth and sweetness.

"Let’s go, we’re having a candlelit dinner." Lu Zhishi let go of him, picked up the bouquet of roses from the nearby table, and placed it in Chi Chen’s arms. Tilting his face up slightly, he smiled and said, "The most beautiful roses for my favorite Chi Chen."

The young man’s eyes were clear and bright, shimmering with light, his gaze overflowing with affection and joy.

Chi Chen’s pupils dilated slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and he leaned in unconsciously.

Lu Zhishi’s eyes widened slightly, his ears slowly turning deep red. His hands, hanging at his sides, unconsciously gripped at his pants, but he held back his shyness and didn’t pull away. He stood rooted to the spot, even instinctively tilting his head up.

Just as they were about to kiss, Chi Chen paused unexpectedly, straightened up, tilted his head slightly, and lowered his eyelashes, revealing only his crimson ears.

A question mark slowly appeared above Lu Zhishi’s head. The shyness in his eyes turned into confusion, and even the redness in his ears faded.

He hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, then hesitated again.

Alright, his Brother Xiao Chen was just a bit shy. They could kiss next time.

Next time, he’d be the one to make the move. He wouldn’t be like Chi Chen.

No, he’d do it now. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

Lu Zhishi waved his hand, "Chi Chen, bend down a little."

Chi Chen, holding the roses, leaned closer and tilted his head. "What’s wrong?"

Lu Zhishi stood on his tiptoes and quickly planted a quick kiss against the corner of Chi Chen’s lips, his cheeks and ears turning red instantly.

Chi Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of his lips curling imperceptibly. As Lu Zhishi pulled away, he reached out, held the back of his neck, and kissed him.

The sensation on his lips was soft. Lu Zhishi felt his heartbeat racing wildly, his vision spotting, as if his soul were floating away.

Dazed, as if he’d drunk bad liquor, the sounds in his ears seemed to come from another dimension.

"Lu Zhishi, you just kissed me."

Lu Zhishi pointed at himself, still not fully back to his senses, a bit confused. "I kissed you?"

"Mhm,"

Lu Zhishi was dazed, a wide, unconscious smile spreading across his face, filled with unspoken delight.

"Yeah, yeah, I kissed you first…"

Chi Chen gently stroked the petals of the roses in his arms, his voice soft. He glanced up at Lu Zhishi. "Then, will you be responsible for me in the future?"

"Of course! Absolutely!"

Chi Chen: "What about your brother…"

Lu Zhishi waved his hand grandly, patting his chest. "Don’t worry, I’m here. My brother wouldn’t dare lay a hand on you."

Chi Chen’s lips curved into a slight smile. He slowly placed his hand on Lu Zhishi’s shoulder, leaned in close, and said, "I believe you."

Faced with such a handsome face so close, Lu Zhishi couldn’t resist tilting his head to give another kiss on Chi Chen’s cheek.

Chi Chen chuckled.

They had originally planned to have their candlelit dinner at 5:30, but by the time they left Chi Group, it was already 6 PM. The sun was setting in the west, its afterglow was beautiful.

The faint gazes from around them made Lu Zhishi’s cheeks grow warm involuntarily. He tightened his grip on Chi Chen’s hand, blushing but trying to play it cool.

Beside him, Chi Chen held a vibrant bouquet of red roses in his left hand and laced his right fingers with his lover’s.

His usually cold and aloof face now carried a faint smile, his ears tinged with pink. His gaze kept drifting to the person beside him, his eyes filled with contentment, affection, and victorious joy.

Being with the person he loved—wasn’t that a victory in itself?

The valet had already driven Lu Zhishi’s car to the entrance.

Lu Zhishi walked ahead and opened the passenger door for Chi Chen, making an inviting gesture. "After you, Mr. Chi."

"Thank you, Mr. Lu."

"You’re welcome, Chi Chen, baby."

Lu Zhishi closed the car door, walked around to the driver's side, and got into the driver’s seat. Gripping the steering wheel, he looked a little proud. "Let me show you my skills!"

Chi Chen silently fastened his seatbelt.

Lu Zhishi: "?"

The drive was pretty smooth.

They had reserved the entire Cloudtop Restaurant for their candlelit dinner. Once the dishes were served, Lu Zhishi immediately started cutting up Chi Chen's steak for him.

Chi Chen watched from across the table, a slight smile on his lips. He lifted his wine glass, took a small sip of red wine, and his gaze never leaving Lu Zhishi.

"I'm an adult now, I'm allowed to drink."

Lu Zhishi placed the sliced steak in front of Chi Chen, looked at the red wine placed near him, and winked at Chi Chen.

"Can I switch to wine?"

"No." Chi Chen tilted his head back and drained his glass, his Adam's apple bobbed, his long eyelashes lowered.

Lu Zhishi gazed at his nose bridge—high and straight—and remembered how it always left a slight indent on his cheek whenever Chi Chen turned to kiss him.

(It was quite suggestive, yet thrilling.)

Perhaps because he felt a bit warm, Lu Zhishi noticed Chi Chen took off his suit jacket and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing his collarbone.

They say beauty is best seen by lamplight.

Lu Zhishi’s eyes traveled over Chi Chen’s face and then over the partly exposed collarbone, gradually losing himself in Chi Chen’s beauty and forgetting his initial desire to drink.

He didn't need a drink; he was already intoxicated.

Instead of red wine, Chi Chen had the server bring a low-alcohol fruit wine and poured him a glass.

He also poured himself a glass of red wine, raised it, and said softly, "To our first official date. A toast to you, boyfriend."

"And to you, my dear boyfriend." Lu Zhishi raised his glass, clinked it gently with Chi Chen’s, and smiled, his beautiful peach-blossom eyes curving into a smile.

His smile was more intoxicating than wine. At some point, the sound of his heartbeat drowned out the music playing in the restaurant. Chi Chen gazed at his lover intently across the table, his eyes filled with unconcealed tenderness and affection.

Lu Zhishi said, "I love you, Chi Chen."

He took after his two fathers—always expressing love passionately and directly.

He believed in telling the one he loved how he felt.

Chi Chen’s eyes widened slightly, his thin lips parting unconsciously as his eyes slowly welled up.

"I love you too, Lu Zhishi."

…

Chi Chen was drunk.

In the car, he kissed him fervently, leaving Lu Zhishi breathless.

Chi Chen's fingers gently brushed Lu Zhishi’s cheek. He looked up and met Chi Chen’s deep, inscrutable gaze.

As those fingers traced from his eyebrows to his lips, Lu Zhishi also held Chi Chen’s hand, tilting his face to gently nuzzle his palm.

Chi Chen said, "Lu Zhishi…"

Lu Zhishi responded, "Hmm?"

Chi Chen fell silent.

Since they had both been drinking, they didn’t drive. Instead, they had a driver come to take them home.

The car entered the villa area and stopped at the Lu family’s gate. The driver got out and left.

Chi Chen stepped out of the car holding the roses and looked up, meeting Lu Zhiyu’s eyes.

Lu Zhiyu stood expressionless, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe, staring at Chi Chen as if looking at a stinky pig that had stolen his prized cabbage.

Chi Chen: "…"

He unconsciously touched his own thin lips, which still carried the soft sensation and lingering taste of fruit wine.

Seeing his movement, Lu Zhiyu’s face darkened further, his teeth clenched.

Lu Zhishi got out from the other side of the car and, seeing his brother at the door, felt a pang of guilt.

"Brother, is it just you home?"

"Of course. Dad and our younger brother are out on dates. I’m the only one home." Lu Zhiyu said with a sarcastic smile.

Lu Zhishi’s eyes darted around nervously. He scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.

Lu Zhiyu tilted his head toward the inside. "Go on inside first. I have something to say to Brother Xiao Chen."

Lu Zhishi glanced at Lu Zhiyu, then at Chi Chen, and touched his cheek. "Alright. Brother Xiao Chen is drunk—I’ll go make some sobering soup."

Hearing this, Lu Zhiyu’s expression twisted for a moment.

Lu Zhishi didn’t notice anything unusual and only turned to Chi Chen, saying, "Come in and have some sobering soup after you’re done talking."

Chi Chen ruffled his hair, looked down at him, and replied in a hoarse voice, "Okay, thanks, I appreciate it."

Once Lu Zhishi went inside, Lu Zhiyu closed the door, his face contorted as he said, "Putting on an act in front of my brother? Do you think I don’t know your alcohol tolerance?"

As soon as Lu Zhishi left, the slightly tipsy expression vanished from Chi Chen’s face, his eyes clear and alert.

Perhaps because of the alcohol, he seemed more relaxed than usual, lacking his typical reserved demeanor. "My boyfriend likes me like this," he said lazily.

Lu Zhiyu’s expression cracked. He took a few deep breaths, barely restraining himself from lunging at him.

Before he could say anything else, Chi Chen suddenly added, "I want to marry him."

Lu Zhiyu couldn’t believe his ears. "What?"

Chi Chen lowered his head and gently stroked the rose petals in his arms, a faint smile playing on his lips. He repeated, "I want to marry Lu Zhishi."

Lu Zhiyu completely lost his composure. He strode forward, grabbed Chi Chen by the collar, and said through gritted teeth, "Can you be a decent human being, Chi Chen? My brother just became an adult two months ago. You… I… you…"

He hesitated, unsure whether to say something harsh.

"I remember you were at least somewhat respectable two months ago. How did you turn into such a dog in just two months?!"

As if he hadn't heard him, Chi Chen continued calmly, "Did Uncle Lu and Uncle Song mention when we can get engaged?"

Lu Zhiyu closed his eyes.

…

Lu Zhishi was making the sobering soup, pricking up his ears to listen for any noise outside. He didn't hear any loud noises.

Looks like they didn't get into a fight.

Lu Zhishi let out a sigh of relief. Well, his brother wasn't the type to hit someone for no reason.

The door opened and closed. Lu Zhishi peeked out from the kitchen to take a look and saw Lu Zhiyu with his arm around Chi Chen's shoulders, walking toward the living room.

From his angle, Lu Zhishi couldn't see their expressions, but the atmosphere seemed pretty harmonious. He felt reassured.

Ten minutes later, Lu Zhishi brought out two bowls of sobering soup and one bowl of mung bean soup, placing them on the living room coffee table.

He sat down next to Chi Chen, handing the mung bean soup to Lu Zhiyu and giving one bowl to Chi Chen.

After chugging half a bowl of sobering soup himself and fighting back a weird expression, Lu Zhishi turned his head.

Just as he was about to speak to Chi Chen, he noticed a red spot on Chi Chen’s cheek.

"...Why is there a red spot on your cheek???"

Lu Zhishi immediately leaned in close to Chi Chen, carefully examining the left side of his face where a red area was noticeably prominent.

He glanced suspiciously at Lu Zhiyu, who was casually drinking his mung bean soup. Could they have actually fought, with Chi Chen getting beaten up alone?

"He was really drunk, lost his balance while walking, and fell on the steps," Lu Zhiyu said. "Right, Xiao Chen?"

He'd made his bed and now had to lie in it. How could he say he wasn’t drunk?

Chi Chen mumbled "Mhm" and said, "I lost my balance."

Lu Zhishi looked at Lu Zhiyu, then at Chi Chen, skeptical but half-believing. "Well, be more careful next time."

Chi Chen nodded. "Okay."

Lu Zhishi got the first-aid kit, applied some medicine to his cheek, and even puckered his lips to blow gently on it.

Without thinking, Chi Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, lowering his gaze as if unintentionally letting it linger on Lu Zhishi’s face and lips for a moment.

"Cough!" Lu Zhiyu let out a loud, exaggerated cough.

Lu Zhishi looked over, puzzled.

Chi Chen snapped back to reality, lowering his eyelids and pulling back his gaze.

Lu Zhiyu stood up, walked over, put an arm around Chi Chen’s shoulders, and helped him up from the couch. With a fake smile, he said, "Brother Xiao Chen is drunk, right? He’s finished the sobering soup. I’ll take him back to rest."

Lu Zhishi stood up as well. "Maybe I should go."

"No need! I’ll take him. You go upstairs and wash up."

Without a second thought, Lu Zhiyu refused, supporting Chi Chen and heading toward the Chi family home moving lightning-fast.

Lu Zhishi walked to the door, watching as Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen went through the small wooden gate to the Chi family home, and scratched his cheek.

Something felt a little off.

He turned back inside, took a few bowls to the kitchen to wash and put away, and came out to find Lu Zhiyu already back.

"Brother, you’re back so soon?"

Without missing a beat, Lu Zhiyu said, "Chi Chen said he wanted to rest on the living room couch for a bit. I took him inside and came right back."

"Oh, really?" Lu Zhishi was even more confused.

But that did sound like something Chi Chen would say, so Lu Zhishi believed it.

"Go upstairs and wash up. It’s getting late."

"Okay, I’ll go in a bit. When are Dad and Father coming back?"

"Should be soon…"

Before Lu Zhiyu could finish, the sound of a car pulling into the yard echoed, headlights shining through the floor-to-ceiling window.

He corrected himself, "They’re back."

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan entered the house one after the other.

Seeing both brothers standing in the living room, Song Qinian raised an eyebrow and set down the black tea rose in his hand. "Waiting for us?"

Lu Zhishi said, "Not really, just coincidence."

Then, he grinned, giggling softly.

Lu Tingan couldn’t help but chuckle, and Lu Zhiyu laughed too.

Song Qinian said, amused, "You’ve hurt my feelings."

"Don’t be sad, Fat Cheese is at your service~" Lu Zhishi immediately went to help both dads sit down, pouring tea and water, and giving back massages.

Lu Tingan’s smile deepened, and Song Qinian let out a relaxed sigh, pulling out a black card. "Thank you, Master Xiao Lu."

Lu Zhishi shook his head and continued massaging his shoulders, pressing and rubbing, then ran over to Lu Tingan’s side to give him a massage too.

Song Qinian put away the black card and took out a stack of red bills.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lu Zhishi caught a flash of red sweeping past. He followed it with his gaze, and his eyes widened instantly.

"Love you, Dad!" Lu Zhishi’s eyes lit up like gold coins as he took the stack of red bills, a huge smile spreading across his face.

Lu Zhiyu doubled over laughing on the couch, absolutely delighted. "Fat Cheese, you little money-grubber…"

Turning down a diamond black card but going for the red bills—what kind of little money-grubber is that, Fat Cheese?

"Please call me Wealthy Cheese." Lu Zhishi sat on the couch, counting the red bills, already planning in his head how to allocate the money.

He divided the money into three parts.

One part would be used to buy supplies for the orphanage and animal shelter over the weekend.

Another part would be set aside to save up for gifts for family and friends.

The last part would go into his little piggy bank, saved for future use.

Lu Tingan set down his teacup and also took out some red bills. "Fat Cheese, there’s a task. Will you take it?"

"I’ll take it!" Without asking what it was or even taking the red bills, Lu Zhishi agreed immediately. "I’ll climb mountains of blades and descend into seas of fire—guaranteed to complete the mission!"

"It’s not that serious. It’s just a business trip."

Lu Tingan chuckled softly, messing up his hair, and placed the red bills in his hand. "Then consider this your allowance."

After taking a shower, Lu Zhishi looked out from the balcony toward the Chi residence and saw the light in Chi Chen's room was still on.

He sent a voice message to Chi Chen: "Baby Chi Chen, my boyfriend, are you feeling better now?"

Almost immediately after he sent it, Chi Chen called on video, which Lu Zhishi answered.

Chi Chen's slightly flushed, handsome face appeared on the screen.

Lu Zhishi secretly took a screenshot and saved it to a special folder.

"What are you doing?"

Lu Zhishi blurted out, "Taking a screenshot."

Lu Zhishi: "..." Stupid mouth, what are you saying?!

The corners of Chi Chen's lips lifted slightly, his long eyelashes fluttering gently as he saved the screenshot into an album marked with a cheese symbol. "You can take photos tomorrow too."

Lu Zhishi shook his head. "Not tomorrow. I have to go on a business trip and won't be back for a few days."

Chi Chen's expression stiffened for a moment before returning to calm, his thin lips pressing together. "...You're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, the sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back. If I don't go now, school will start soon." Lu Zhishi added, "Besides, we haven't heard from my cousin for a long time. I’m a bit worried about him."

Huo Jingxing had gone deep into the mountains to film a movie and hadn’t been heard from for almost a year. It was necessary to check on him.

"Alright, I'll send you off tomorrow morning."

"Okay, thanks, boyfriend~"

Chi Chen said quietly, "You're welcome. I love you too."

Lu Zhishi: "?" Did I just say I love you?

But it didn’t matter. Lu Zhishi scratched his cheek shyly and giggled. "Chi Chen, Chi Chen, Chi Chen, I love you too..."

After he said this, Chi Chen on the other end of the video chuckled, his eyes clear and handsome, like a finely crafted painting.

After a brief laugh, Lu Zhishi noticed Chi Chen’s smile disappeared, his lips pressing together again, his long eyelashes lowering, and he looked somewhat upset.

Lu Zhishi leaned in closer to the screen. "Will you miss me?"

"Yes." Chi Chen lifted his gaze, looking at him quietly.

Lu Zhishi was taken aback, not expecting Chi Chen to admit it so directly. After a moment of surprise, he couldn’t help but break into a smile.

He made a kissing gesture toward the screen, his eyes crinkling happily, and reassured him, "It’s okay, I’ll be back in a few days. Don’t miss me too much."

Chi Chen asked softly, "What if I can’t help missing you a lot?"

"Then I’ll video call you every night, send you photos from wherever I go, and bring you gifts." Lu Zhishi coaxed him. "I’ll come back as fast as I can, okay?"

"Okay."

They chatted for almost another half hour. After asking which city Lu Zhishi was going to, Chi Chen checked the time and said in a gentle voice, "Goodnight. See you tomorrow."

Lu Zhishi yawned and rubbed his eyes—it was his usual bedtime.

"Goodnight, sweet dreams~"

Watching Lu Zhishi end the video call, Chi Chen held his phone and stood still for a long time.

His eyelashes lowered slightly as he turned, took out his suitcase, and began packing things Lu Zhishi might need.

Going up and down the stairs repeatedly to gather items, Chi Yuehang heard the noise and came out to take a look.

"Are you going on a business trip?" Chi Yuehang tried to recall Chi Chen’s schedule for the next day. "Weren’t you supposed to work overtime tonight and take tomorrow off to take Fat Cheese out? Not going anymore?"

Chi Chen kept his head down, his voice calm. "Fat Cheese is the one going on a business trip."

He looked composed, but the corners of his mouth were unconsciously pressed into a straight line, showing his unhappiness.

"Oh~" Chi Yuehang patted his shoulder. "You’ll get used to it. There will be plenty more times like this in the future."

Chi Chen: "..."

Ineffective comfort that only made things worse.

"Alright, go see Fat Cheese off tomorrow," Chi Yuehang said. "Get some rest early."

"Mm." Chi Chen nodded, then shook his head. "I have to work overtime."

Chi Yuehang waved a hand dismissively. "I’ll give you the day off."

Chi Chen’s voice grew even quieter. "I’m not in the mood. I can’t sleep."

Chi Yuehang: "..."

...

Early the next morning, Lu Zhishi lazed in bed for half an hour before finally getting up to get ready.

He packed his suitcase simply, bringing a few changes of clothes and filling the other half with supplements for his cousin.

Filming is tough—he needs plenty of nourishment.

After changing clothes, he carried his suitcase downstairs. Song Qinian and Lu Tingan were having breakfast.

Sitting across from them were Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen.

Lu Zhishi’s eyes lit up. He greeted his dad and brother good morning first, then sat down next to Chi Chen.

Under the table, Chi Chen gently squeezed Lu Zhishi’s hand, then served him a bowl of century egg and lean pork congee, brought over a bowl of wonton noodles, and finally placed a cup of rich soy milk beside him.

He said softly, "It’s a bit hot. Be careful."

"Okay." Lu Zhishi turned his head, eyes curved into smiles, and held Chi Chen’s hand under the table.

Chi Chen instinctively glanced at Lu Tingan and Song Qinian. Seeing they didn’t seem to notice, he blushed slightly at the ears but maintained his composure as he held Lu Zhishi’s hand.

Lu Zhiyu, who was eating congee nearby: "..."

He didn’t know whether to swallow his mouthful of congee or not—why was he being fed dog food for no reason?

He glanced at the hands holding each other under the table, then at his beaming brother showing all his teeth, and finally at the two parents opposite who were turning a blind eye.

Lu Zhiyu...

Lu Zhiyu also turned a blind eye to their affection.

The clingy little couple.

After breakfast, Song Qinian and Lu Tingan headed to the company for work. Lu Zhiyu originally planned to leave later to take Lu Zhishi to the airport.

But then Chi Chen showed up, saying he would take him instead. Lu Zhishi was all for it, so Lu Zhiyu had no choice but to drive to the company, disappointed.

"I packed some extra supplies. If it's not enough, just buy more."

Chi Chen carried Lu Zhishi’s small suitcase out the door and placed it in the trunk of the bodyguard’s car, quietly adding, "There are labels on them. Take whatever you need."

Lu Zhishi glanced at the trunk of Bodyguard Eldest Brother’s car and counted—including his own, there were five suitcases in total.

Lu Zhishi: "...Brother Xiao Chen, I think that should be enough."

He was only going for a week. Five suitcases' worth of stuff should be more than sufficient.

Chi Chen said, "These boxes are for you. There are another five boxes in the other car, prepared by Uncle Lu for Jing Xing."

Lu Zhishi: "?" Another five boxes?

The place where Huo Jingxing was filming was remote, with no private flight routes available, so Lu Zhishi had to depart from the airport.

Before leaving, Lu Zhishi affectionately clung to Chi Chen’s hand, chattering endlessly about how he should remember to miss him.

The clingy one. Chi Chen raised his hand and ruffled his hair, his voice low and husky: "I'll wait for you to come back."

No words were needed—just "come back soon." Longing washed over him, seeping deep into his heart.

I already miss you, and you haven’t even left yet.

They had never been apart since getting together. Right in the midst of their honeymoon phase, they had to separate for a whole week.

He didn’t dare imagine how needy he would be two weeks later, when he started university and could only see Chi Chen once a week.

Lu Zhishi’s heart felt a bittersweet ache. He rose on his toes and gently kissed Chi Chen’s cheek, whispering very softly, "Chi Chen."

"Mm."

"I’m leaving."

Chi Chen lowered his gaze, his lips lightly brushing Lu Zhishi’s forehead. His Adam's apple bobbed as he said, "Okay."

The affectionate little couple finally said their goodbyes. Before boarding, Lu Zhishi turned back for one last look.

Chi Chen stood where he was, and when he saw Lu Zhishi looking back, he unconsciously took a step forward.

He raised his hand and waved, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkled with a smile.

It wasn’t until Lu Zhishi’s figure vanished from sight that Chi Chen slowly lowered his hand. The upward curve of his lips faded back into a straight line, and his eyes clouded with sadness.