Chapter 66: Chapter 66 “…Can I Not Eat This Meal?…

Chapter 66

"...Can I just skip this meal?"

Miles away in City A, Song Qinian and Lu Tingan returned home from work to find a box of eggs and a peach blossom sapling, expedited and delivered by Fat Cheese.

Song Qinian: "?"

Lu Tingan: "?"

Song Qinian chuckled, "Where did they go for this?"

Lu Tingan opened the box and peered inside. "Probably some agritourism spot."

With so many eggs, they couldn't possibly eat them all. Lu Tingan decided to share them.

They sent some to the elders in several families, some to the Chi family, some to the Zhao family, and kept the rest for Fat Cheese and Fat Chen when they returned.

"Brother, where should we plant this peach blossom sapling?"

"Next to his vegetable garden."

"Okay."

Dad the gardener was online. Song Qinian fetched tools from the storage cabinet and diligently planted the peach blossom sapling for Fat Cheese.

Lu Zhiyu returned from grocery shopping and saw him planting something. He went over to take a look: "Dad, what are you planting?"

"Your brother mailed back a peach blossom sapling."

Lu Zhiyu: "?"

Mailing a small, short peach blossom tree from so far away?

Is this some kind of romantic token?

...

"Achoo! Achoo!"

After two sneezes, Lu Zhishi rubbed his nose.

Who?

Who's talking about him?

Who's missing him?

"Did you catch a cold?" Chi Chen heard the noise and walked over to feel his forehead. His temperature was normal.

"Not a cold. Must be my brother thinking about me."

Lu Zhishi pulled out a tissue, blew his nose, washed his hands, and shared a watermelon with Chi Chen in the yard.

The watermelon was a gift from a crew member. It was refreshing and sweet with a crisp texture that Lu Zhishi loved.

The crew members and actors often took care of Lu Zhishi. Every time they met, they'd give him something to eat or drink.

Not only did they put a cushion on his little stool in the corner, but they also installed a cooling fan and set up a sunshade for him.

If others treat me with sincerity, I repay them with sincerity.

After returning from outside today, Lu Zhishi bought a lot of chicken, duck, fish, beef, and mutton and had it delivered to the crew for a special meal.

In return, Lu Zhishi received a large watermelon, several sweet corn cobs, and many other delicious treats.

"The heart of the watermelon is really tasty. Try some."

Lu Zhishi scooped out a piece for him and coaxed, "It’s not overly sweet—it’s the refreshing kind. Want a bite?"

Chi Chen held his wrist, lowered his head, and took a bite from his hand.

It’s good. Not too sweet, just the right level of sweetness.

He nodded: "It’s good."

"Want another bite?" Lu Zhishi scooped another spoonful.

Chi Chen shook his head, caught two mosquitoes near Lu Zhishi, stood up, and went to the well to thoroughly wash his hands.

Afterward, he returned to sit beside Lu Zhishi, keeping him company while staying cool and catching mosquitoes.

After finishing a bite of watermelon, Lu Zhishi took Chi Chen to wash their hands again and went back inside. He closed the doors and windows, lit mosquito repellent, and there were far fewer mosquitoes.

It was still early, so there was no rush to rest. Chi Chen sat at the desk looking over documents for a while, while Lu Zhishi sat beside him eating watermelon and scrolling through his phone, checking financial news.

Noticing from the corner of his eye that Lu Zhishi was eating slower and slower, Chi Chen felt his stomach—it was full.

"If you can’t eat anymore, don’t force yourself."

Lu Zhishi awkwardly scratched his head. "But there’s still half a watermelon left. It feels wasteful not to finish it. I can still have a little more..."

Chi Chen didn’t say anything. He took the half watermelon from Lu Zhishi’s hands and ate it all.

"Now it’s not wasted."

Lu Zhishi was deeply touched again. He threw his arms around Chi Chen’s neck, nuzzling him, and turned to kiss his cheek.

"Chi Chen, Chi Chen, Baby Chi Chen!"

Chi Chen’s face was turned by the kisses. He chuckled helplessly and patted the back of Lu Zhishi’s hand. "Go get washed up and get in bed."

"Okay!"

After brushing his teeth, washing his face, and soaking his feet, Lu Zhishi comfortably lay down in bed.

Holding his stuffed rabbit against the headboard, he first video-called his family. He talked about the eggs and the peach blossom sapling, chatted about other things, hung up, and then browsed entertainment news.

As he scrolled, Lu Zhishi fell asleep. His phone was still lit, but he was already fast asleep.

Last night, he had slept curled up, but tonight he was spread out like a starfish, taking up all the space so that Chi Chen had no room to lie down.

Chi Chen shook his head, put away the documents, and lay down.

As if on autopilot, not long after Chi Chen lay down, the starfish-sprawled person beside him sleepily burrowed into his arms.

His hands reached around, grabbed Chi Chen’s clothes, and his restless foot draped over Chi Chen’s leg.

Lu Zhishi seemed very satisfied with this position. He fell into a deeper sleep, leaving Chi Chen alone, unable to sleep. He'd caught himself a clingy Cheese.

...

Initially, they came to visit Huo Jingxing on set, but it turned into a seven-day countryside getaway for the young couple, like they were there on a romantic vacation.

They spent their days either riding around on an electric scooter, picking wild fruits in the mountains, going to the town market, or joining the elderly gentlemen for some fishing in the wild—their life was vibrant and colorful.

On the last day at noon, Lu Zhishi bid farewell to Huo Jingxing.

Leaving behind several boxes of supplements and daily necessities brought from City A, Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen walked away hand in hand, carrying large bags of local specialties—all sweet and cozy.

Huo Jingxing saw them off to the edge of the town, watching them walk into the distance, still pretty confused.

That damn Fat Cheese—wasn’t he supposed to be here to visit him?

...

It was already evening by the time they arrived in City A. Chi Chen was driving from the airport all the way back to the villa area.

Both the Lu and Chi families still had their lights on. Chi Chen parked the car in the Lu family’s front yard, got out and carried the bags of local specialties, following Lu Zhishi into the house.

“I’m back~~~”

You could hear him before you saw him.

Lu Zhiyu turned to look, stood up, and walked to the entrance.

Lu Zhishi was holding a bouquet of champagne roses, while Chi Chen followed behind with armfuls of bags—a little ridiculous but also totally in sync.

“Lu Zhishi, are you just making Brother Xiao Chen carry everything?”

Before Lu Zhishi could respond, Chi Chen chimed in, “It’s alright, brother. I’ve got it.”

Hearing that “brother,” Lu Zhiyu’s face darkened again—he shouldn’t have asked.

He never knew Chi Chen could be such a sneaky, lovesick punk.

Lu Zhishi scratched his head apologetically, “Sorry, I’m just too weak—I couldn’t carry some things, so Brother Xiao Chen took them.”

Before Lu Zhiyu could say anything, Chi Chen softly reassured, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

Lu Zhiyu looked at Lu Zhishi, then at Chi Chen, and was totally exasperated.

These clingy lovebirds made him feel like a ten-thousand-watt lightbulb—shining way too bright.

“…Alright, come in.”

Back in the living room, Lu Zhiyu tidied up some documents and prepared to pour water for Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen.

Chi Chen stopped him, “We’re all family—no need to serve us, bro. I can get it.”

Lu Zhishi didn’t catch the subtext and nodded in agreement, “Yeah.”

Lu Zhiyu: “…” His fists clenched again.

Lu Zhiyu asked him, “Since when are we family with you?”

Having grown up together always considered family, now suddenly they weren’t? Chi Chen looked kinda hurt.

He glanced at Lu Zhishi, lowered his gaze, and stayed silent.

Lu Zhishi hurriedly comforted him, “Of course we’re family! Even if not now, we will be someday. Don’t listen to my brother.”

A faint, barely-there smile tugged at Chi Chen’s lips.

It directly made Lu Zhiyu snort in annoyance, “Chi Chen, you freaking green tea! Always putting on an act in front of my brother—did you learn your tricks from Dad’s green tea playbook?”

Chi Chen denied it, “I’m not putting on an act.”

Lu Zhishi also said, “He’s not acting! If he were really a green tea, I’d definitely be able to tell. How could I not recognize a green tea?”

Lu Zhiyu: “…” Totally speechless.

—Does love make you blind and talk crap?

Lu Zhiyu was done. He closed his eyes briefly and asked irritably, “Are you going to drink the water or not?”

“Yes, yes.” Lu Zhishi didn’t wait for him to pour—he poured three cups himself and placed one in front of each of them. “Brother, Brother Xiao Chen, have some water.”

“Thanks, Fat Cheese.” Lu Zhiyu took the cup with both hands.

Chi Chen also took the cup, squeezed Lu Zhishi’s hand, and said, “Thank you, boyfriend.”

“…”

Lu Zhiyu didn’t know whether to swallow or spit out his water. He set the cup down.

He bit his tongue, but then burst out asking, “Can’t you just call him by his name?”

“Calling him by his name would seem too standoffish.”

“…You didn’t complain it was distant before when you used to call him that?”

Chi Chen held the cup, lowered his gaze, and took a delicate sip of cool water. “He wasn’t my boyfriend back then. Now he is.”

Lu Zhiyu’s lips twitched, his jaw tightened, and his hands on his knees tightened—his fists itching to swing.

Lu Zhishi hurriedly stepped in to mediate, “Hey, drink up, will you? Aren’t you going to take a sip of the water I poured?”

Of course, Chi Chen was the first to respond to his boyfriend, “I’ll drink it. Thank you. It’s really good.”

Lu Zhiyu had lost count of how many times he’d been left speechless. It was the same water—what difference could it possibly make?

But Lu Zhishi totally bought it.

His eyes sparkling, he leaned even closer to Chi Chen, their arms glued together, and said, “My jasmine tea tastes even better. Come over tomorrow, and I’ll make you some.”

A soft smile spread in Chi Chen’s eyes. He held Lu Zhishi’s hand and softly agreed, “Okay.”

“…”

Lu Zhiyu, the super-bright ten-thousand-watt lightbulb, stormed off in annoyance.

With his brother who’d been fed enough dog food gone, the two fathers came downstairs after finishing their work.

Chi Chen sat up straight, dropped the sly act, and returned to his usual dependable self.

He stood up. “Uncle Lu, Uncle Song.”

"Sit." Lu Tingan patted his shoulder, motioning for him to sit, while he and Song Qinian took the sofa on the other side.

Lu Tingan took a sip of the hot water that Fat Cheese had poured, keeping his eyes down without speaking. Instead, Song Qinian was beaming.

"Xiao Chen, thank you for taking care of Fat Cheese these past few days. He didn’t cause you any trouble, did he?"

Here it comes.

Chi Chen kept a calm expression, but mentally prepared himself for battle. "Not at all, Uncle Song. It was Lu Zhishi who took care of me. If anything, I’ve been the one troubling him."

Lu Zhiyu thought, "?"

He glanced at Chi Chen, then at Song Qinian, feeling a little confused.

After hearing this, Song Qinian’s smile deepened, reminding Lu Zhiyu of his own grandfather, Grandpa Song.

Chi Chen tilted his head slightly, discreetly squeezing Lu Zhiyu’s fingertips, then turned back to look at Song Qinian.

Sure enough, Song Qinian began casually asking about the details of the past few days—every few questions had a hidden agenda.

Chi Chen answered honestly, yet not entirely honestly, fielding each one carefully.

Song Qinian saw through it but didn’t comment. That’s how young couples are; as long as they didn’t cross the line, it was fine.

After finishing his questions and confirming nothing inappropriate had happened, Song Qinian relaxed.

After all, his own child was still so young. Even though Chi Chen had practically grown up before his eyes, as a parent, he was still worried.

Fortunately, Chi Chen knew his limits. Otherwise, Song Qinian—the fiercely protective dad—would have gone straight to Chi Yuehang to chew him out.

Lu Zhiyu looked left and right, completely lost as to why the atmosphere suddenly felt so much lighter.

But they were only asking about where they went, what they did, and what they ate these past few days?

Could there have been hidden meanings in those questions?

Lu Zhiyu rubbed his chin. Maybe he just didn’t have enough worldly experience to pick up on it.

He really was still too young.

Lu Zhiyu nodded thoughtfully.

After Song Qinian finished, Lu Tingan also offered a few words of concern, his tone gentle.

He turned to Lu Zhiyu: "Fat Cheese, it’s getting late. Why don’t you walk Brother Xiao Chen out?"

"Okay, okay! I’m coming!"

Lu Zhiyu was more than happy to spend a little more time with Chi Chen. Maybe they could even hold hands for a bit.

Not in a hurry to send Chi Chen home just yet, Lu Zhishi opened a few large suitcases, sorted out the local specialties, and packed them into assorted bags, ready to head out with Chi Chen.

Chi Chen immediately took them from him, carrying everything himself, not letting Lu Zhishi carry any.

It should have been a short distance, but the young couple ambled along, taking several minutes to reach the Chi family home.

"Well, I’ll leave you here then. See you tomorrow!"

Lu Zhishi stood in front of Chi Chen, tilting his head up slightly to meet his eyes, a faint smile on his face.

When he lowered his gaze, his eyes unintentionally strayed over Chi Chen’s thin lips.

Would there be a good-night kiss today? His lips looked so red, soft, and moist—Lu Zhishi really wanted to kiss them.

His ears turned red.

The night hid the flush on his ears and cheeks, but his darting eyes were unmistakable.

A low chuckle sounded above him. Lu Zhishi looked up and met Chi Chen’s deep, captivating eyes.

He said, "Lu Zhishi, good night."

A wave of disappointment washed over Lu Zhishi. Okay, no good-night kiss today.

He waved, dejectedly, and mumbled, "Good night, Brother Xiao Chen, see you tomorrow."

"Mm."

Lu Zhishi lingered for a second, but when Chi Chen made no move, he reluctantly turned to leave.

"Lu Zhishi."

"Hmm?" Lu Zhishi instinctively turned back to respond.

Suddenly, he felt soft, cool lips press against his, with a faint minty freshness.

It was the mint candy Lu Zhishi had given him on the way back. The flavor should have faded by now, yet Chi Chen still carried the scent of mint.

Seems like this mint candy was pretty good—tasty, and the scent lingered.

Chi Chen slowly straightened up, looking at his flustered, blushing boyfriend, then leaned down to kiss Lu Zhishi’s cheek.

"This is your good-night kiss. Sweet dreams, Baby Cheese."

...

He couldn’t remember how he got home. When he collapsed onto his bed, Lu Zhishi couldn’t resist hugging his big plush rabbit and rolling around, over and over.

He felt like he’d drunk something intoxicating—his head was fizzing with excitement, and everything felt hazy.

So this is what it feels like to walk on clouds. Lu Zhishi felt like he was treading on pink, fluffy clouds.

"Hahahahahaha!"

Lu Zhiyu, passing by: "?"

What was that weird sound?

Back home, Chi Chen set down the souvenirs he was carrying, washed his hands, and came out to see Chi Yuehang coming downstairs.

"Dad."

"Mm, you’re back?"

"I’m back."

Chi Chen followed him to the living room and began sorting and putting away the specialties.

Chi Yuehang tidied up the documents on the table, sat on the opposite sofa, poured a glass of water, and sipped slowly.

He asked, "How was your time?"

As soon as he finished asking, Chi Yuehang saw his son's lips curve into a smile, his lowered eyelids unable to hide the laughter in his eyes, and said gently, "Very good, Fat Cheese is great, and the scenery is wonderful too."

"Dad, I really want to marry him."

...

Excited until midnight, Lu Zhishi finally fell asleep holding his rabbit, with a gentle breeze under the bright moon drifting from the Lu family home to the Chi family home.

In a study on the second floor, the curtains swayed slightly, and the light had been on most of the night. Chi Chen was still working overtime.

Only by immersing himself in work could he suppress his longing.

Picking up his phone, the screen showed a boy with round, peach-blossom eyes, smiling with curved brows, and slightly curly hair, holding a bouquet of black tea roses and laughing at the camera.

His fingers gently brushed over the boy's eyes on the screen, and a faint smile curled at the corners of Chi Chen's lips, his gaze tender and affectionate.

Putting down his phone, he looked at the small cactus on his desk, poked its little spines, then poked the cheesecake figurine nearby, before picking up the documents to continue working.

Lost in his work, he lost track of time until his eyes ached unbearably. Chi Chen took off his gold-rimmed glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

The summer sunrise came early; it was just past 5 a.m., and the sun was already rising.

He stood up and walked to the balcony, where the air was fresh and comfortable.

Not far away, the curtains of a bedroom were still tightly closed—the room's owner had not yet woken up.

Chi Chen stood there for half an hour, and as the time approached 6 a.m., he returned to his room to freshen up.

Ten minutes later.

At the Lu house.

Wearing pajamas, with messy bed head, sleepy eyes, and a tired expression, Lu Zhiyu sat on the dining chair, watching Chi Chen roll up his sleeves and make breakfast in the kitchen.

Lu Zhiyu checked his phone—it was 5:51 a.m., not even 6 o'clock yet.

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

He was truly fed up with this love-struck fool.

Early in the morning, Chi Chen had called to wake him up, asking him to come down and open the door so he could make breakfast for Fat Cheese.

Fat Cheese usually got up at 9 a.m. for breakfast during holidays, but Chi Chen was already here now.

"I'll go wake up Fat Cheese for breakfast."

Lu Zhiyu pinched his temples, patted his face to wake himself up, and dragged his tired body to stand.

"No need, it's still too early. Let him sleep a bit longer," Chi Chen said without turning around.

Lu Zhiyu: "...?"

Lu Zhiyu laughed exasperatedly, now fully awake, and rubbed his eyes before stepping into the kitchen to help.

"No need, I can handle it. Go sit down."

"Why so polite all of a sudden?" Lu Zhiyu found it strange.

Chi Chen rarely spoke in long sentences: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. After eating my food, remember to help me ask Uncle and Aunt when we can get engaged."

Lu Zhiyu: "?!"

Lu Zhiyu: "...Can I skip this meal?"

Chi Chen: "No."

Having slept late and woken up late, Lu Zhishi didn't wake up until almost 10 a.m. today.

He stretched, got up, then flopped back down on the bed, grabbing his lazy Fat Cheese.

Dragging himself out of bed, he washed his face, brushed his teeth, and put on a face mask.

After falling in love, to maintain his image in front of his refined boyfriend, Lu Zhishi had started skincare.

Downstairs, the house was empty—his dads and brother had gone to work.

Lu Zhishi turned on the TV, switched to a variety show, and turned up the volume to fill the villa with sound.

He went to the dining room for breakfast, and as soon as he tasted the wonton noodles, he knew the flavor was different.

It didn’t taste like Song Qinian’s cooking, and it certainly wasn’t Lu Zhiyu’s—his brother wasn't that good in the kitchen.

It tasted a bit like the breakfast his boyfriend made.

Lu Zhishi took out his phone. Chi Chen had sent him a message around 6 a.m., first saying good morning, followed by a photo of the breakfast.

The breakfast plate looked familiar. Lu Zhishi glanced at his own family’s plates and found them increasingly similar.

At the end of the message, Chi Chen said he had gone to work and would bring him flowers after work, asking what kind of flowers he liked today.

Lu Zhishi put down his spoon, held his phone, and chattered away in messages, ending with a cute kiss emoji.

Chi Chen was probably still busy and didn’t reply immediately, so Lu Zhishi sent a message to his brother instead.

Likely busy as well, Lu Zhiyu didn’t reply. Lu Zhishi put his phone away and continued eating.

The wonton noodles were delicious. Lu Zhishi had another bowl and was so full he hobbled while holding the wall to the living room, slumping onto the sofa, unable to get up for a while.

Since he couldn’t move, Lu Zhishi lay there and sent a message to Zhao Xiaoxing.

True to his nickname Chubby Xing, Zhao Xiaoxing replied immediately. Lu Zhishi video-called him.

Once connected, round, large eyes appeared on the screen as Zhao Xiaoxing squeezed close to the phone and laughed, "Six Cheese!"

"Chubby Xing! Come over to my place and try the specialties—they’re so delicious, you'd want three bowls of rice with them!"

"Wait for me, I’m on my way!"

Zhao Xiaoxing hung up in a rush. Lu Zhishi lay on the sofa and checked Chi Chen’s chat again.

"Can’t see my boyfriend, miss him, miss him..."

Opening the photo album, he found the special album for Baby Chi Chen. Curled up on the sofa, Lu Zhishi flipped through the photos one by one, couldn't look away.

Chi Chen in a light gray sweatshirt, Chi Chen in a black shirt with a wristwatch, Chi Chen in a basketball jersey playing ball, Chi Chen in a suit and tie, Chi Chen in a black coat, Chi Chen wearing matching couple T-shirts with him...

Mesmerized, unable to tear himself away, the more he looked, the fonder he grew. Thankfully, Chi Chen was already his boyfriend; otherwise, Lu Zhishi might have lain awake every night, missing him, missing him, missing him.

Putting down his phone, Lu Zhishi crossed his hands over his stomach, closed his eyes, with a serene expression.

He needed to calm down; his heart was beating too fast—he couldn't contain his feelings.

"Ding!"

It was the sound of a new message. Lu Zhishi's body reacted faster than his brain; he flipped over, sat up, grabbed his phone and opened the message.

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Well, it wasn't his boyfriend—it was his brother.

Lu Zhiyu sent a voice message:

"Fat Cheese, have you had breakfast yet? Chi Chen made today's breakfast. He came over early in the morning, saying he wanted to make breakfast for you."

After hearing this, Lu Zhishi couldn't help but chuckle, his cheeks turning red again.

After that message, it was as if Lu Zhiyu had flipped a switch—voice messages started pouring in.

"That boyfriend of yours—I don't even want to talk about him. Such a big love-struck fool. Do you know what time he came over..."

"The sender has withdrawn a message."

"He said he wanted to make breakfast, but it ended up being a strong-arming. There were even conditions for eating his food. That rascal actually told me..."

"The sender has withdrawn a message."

"Strong-arming aside, do you know what he said afterward? It almost made me want to kick him out. He actually wanted to..."

"The sender has withdrawn a message."

Lu Zhishi: "???"

Lu Zhishi was really getting angry now. What the heck? What is this? Why aren't you finishing your sentences!

His frustration boiled over; he wished he could dive into the phone, follow the internet cable to find Lu Zhiyu, grab him by the collar, and demand answers.

What time did he come over?

What did he say about the strong-arming?

What did he say after the strong-arming? What does his Brother Xiao Chen want to do?