Chapter 68: Chapter 68 Keep It Down, Is This Glorious?

Chapter 68: Keep It Down, Is This Something to Be Proud Of?

A few days before the start of school, Lu Zhishi began little by little packing his luggage, getting things together for military training.

Since he would be staying on campus during boot camp and might need a lot of items, Lu Zhishi brought pretty much everything.

As he packed, what was originally planned to be just two suitcases ended up becoming five.

Lu Zhishi was a bit troubled.

Chi Chen came over to help him pack. Seeing his worry, he said, "You don’t need to bring too much. The apartment outside A Uni has everything. If you need anything else, you can just buy it or get it from the place."

Back when it was confirmed that Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing would be attending A University, the parents of both families had already prepared the apartments, making sure they were stocked with everything.

Lu Zhishi’s eyes lit up—this was a great idea. During the weekends of the military training period, if there were no training schedules, he could get permission to leave campus.

A University had a rule that students must stay on campus during military training. After the training, they could apply to live off-campus by submitting the necessary paperwork.

Lu Zhishi would be staying in the apartment where Chi Chen used to live. It was a two-apartments-per-floor layout, and Zhao Xiaoxing would be living next door.

"If you need anything, you can also tell me, and I’ll bring it to you," Chi Chen said as he sat on the carpet, carefully folding clothes with his head lowered. The light caught his hair, making him appear steady and kind.

Lu Zhishi sat beside him, also folding clothes, and shook his head. "It’s not exactly close to home. Don’t go back and forth—it’s too tiring."

"But I want to see you."

Lu Zhishi started grinning again. He leaned slightly against Chi Chen, nuzzling against him. "Then come whenever you have time. You don’t need to come on weekends—I’ll be home on weekends."

"Can I pick you up on Friday?"

Every time Lu Zhishi heard him ask "Can I?" or "Is that okay?", he’d melt immediately. He hugged Chi Chen’s arm and said, "Yes, yes! Anything is okay!"

"Then can I kiss you?"

Lu Zhishi’s cheeks flushed slightly. "Sure."

A soft chuckle escaped Chi Chen as his tall figure leaned closer to Lu Zhishi, bringing with him a light, warm scent.

Lu Zhishi’s fingers, wrapped around Chi Chen’s arm, squeezed without thinking. He closed his eyes and lifted his face slightly.

"Knock, knock—"

The sound of knocking broke the moment. Lu Zhishi nearly jumped in fright, his fluffy hair standing on end like a hedgehog’s.

Chi Chen looked at his sea urchin-like hair and silently reached out to smooth it down, then glanced back at Lu Zhiyu.

Lu Zhishi didn’t notice Chi Chen’s gesture—he was too busy being all worked up. He snapped, "Stinky Fish Bro!"

"Stinky Cheese!"

"Stinky Fish Bro! Every time we kiss, you show up!"

Lu Zhiyu laughed in frustration. "Stinky Cheese! I should be the one asking you two. How can you manage to make out while folding clothes, and you didn’t even close the door?"

Lu Zhishi guiltily averted his gaze, his flustered tone softening a bit. He blinked and said, "The mood was just right, so we kissed. How was I supposed to know you’d come? We’ll be more careful next time..."

Chi Chen explained, "Don’t blame him. I was the one who started it."

Lu Zhiyu laughed even more exasperatedly. "Of course I know it was you."

He added with bias, "My little brother is so well-behaved and cute. Who else but you, you scheming green tea Chen, could talk him into kissing all the time?"

Chi Chen would never admit to being a scheming green tea. "I’m not a scheming green tea."

Lu Zhiyu hit him with three questions:

"Is this how you usually talk?"

"Is this the kind of smile you usually show people?"

"Then who’s the one who’s usually expressionless, cold, and silent?"

Chi Chen’s gaze drifted away for a moment before returning.

Song Qinian, holding Lu Tingan’s hand as they headed to the study to work, passed by Lu Zhishi’s room and casually threw in a remark:

"Keep it down. Do you really think saying 'kiss' over and over is something to be proud of?"

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Chi Chen: "..."

That one sentence made the three young men turn bright red, wishing they could turn back time by three minutes.

After quickly finishing the packing, Lu Zhiyu returned to his room. Chi Chen stayed a bit longer, leaving a little after nine. Lu Zhishi saw him out.

They secretly stole a few kisses, held hands, and hugged each other before Lu Zhishi finally went back inside. After washing up, he hugged his stuffed rabbit and fell sound asleep.

On orientation day, the weather was just right—cloudy with a cool breeze.

Everyone from the Lu and Zhao families came to send the two young ones off to university, accompanying them to their dorm.

The dorm for the Management Department was on the third floor. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing found their room, which was still empty—the other two roommates hadn’t arrived yet.

They chose two adjacent beds and, without needing help from their grandparents, Lu Zhishi quickly wiped down the desks and beds while Zhao Xiaoxing swept and mopped the floor.

Zhao Qiyun, Zhou Nianjing, Lu Zhiyu, and Chi Chen helped them set up the beds and install the bed curtains.

Even though they might not usually stay in the dorm, they still wanted to decorate it nicely, since it was like a little home away from home.

Song Qinian and Zhao Mingzhu helped the two children put away their clothes and toiletries, setting up the desks.

Lu Tingan didn’t come. He had acted in many films, playing various roles and genres, and was a hugely popular national movie star. Even though he hadn’t made a movie in a long time, his fame remained.

Most of the younger generation today had grown up watching Lu Tingan’s movies.

If he showed up at A University and was spotted, Lu Zhishi’s university life wouldn’t be peaceful.

Lin Sheng didn’t come either. He was the associate dean of the Literature Department at A University, as well as a professor supervising both undergraduate and graduate students. He was very busy, especially during the start of the semester, with meetings every day.

After getting the dorm set up, the two families had lunch together and then went to check out the off-campus apartments.

The two large apartments on the top floor offered an awesome view.

The only downside was that it was a bit too high up and the space was too large—Lu Zhishi wasn’t really used to it.

Lu Zhishi stayed in the apartment where Chi Chen used to live. It was originally decorated in a minimalist and luxe style but had been redecorated to be warm and lively, about 80% similar to the style of his bedroom.

The beige curtains, sofa, carpet, flooring, and walls created a minimalist, bright, warm, and comfortable atmosphere.

A small table in the living room held a bouquet of white lisianthus, and a floor lamp with tassels, identical to the one at home, stood nearby. A wooden bookshelf on the other side was filled with books Lu Zhishi usually read, while various cheese figurines added a playful and cute touch to the space.

The large flat unit was divided into many areas: a bedroom, study, walk-in closet, fitness room...

Lu Zhishi disliked the fitness room the most; he was too lazy to work out.

After touring the apartment and learning that the two would be having dinner with their new roommates that evening, the families didn’t stay.

After giving repeated reminders to their grandsons to take good care of themselves, the grandparents headed home first. Song Qinian and Zhao Mingzhu returned to work, while Zhao Qiyun went with Zhou Nianjing to his studio to help out.

Lu Zhiyu stayed a bit longer, rambling on with reminders to Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing, urging them to call him if anything came up.

"Call me if anything happens—or even if nothing happens. Texting is fine too."

Lu Zhishi nodded.

Zhao Xiaoxing nodded as well.

Chi Chen was about to leave too. Lu Zhishi didn't want him to leave—starting today, they would be in a long-distance relationship, only able to meet every few days.

Chi Chen whispered comforting words, gently stroking his back, his eyes also filled with reluctance.

The clingy young couple.

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

He glanced at his watch. Had they been saying goodbye for half an hour already?

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Zhao Xiaoxing beside him, head bowed as he scrolled through videos on his phone at lightning speed. Lu Zhiyu doubted he was actually watching.

His fingers twitched slightly as he turned away and said softly, "Don’t keep looking down at your phone—it’ll strain your neck."

"Oh... okay..." Zhao Xiaoxing didn’t look up but quietly put his phone away, standing silently beside him.

After a while, the clingy couple finally parted. Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen watched as the two entered the school gates before driving off to return to work overtime.

Back in the dorm, the other two roommates had arrived, and they exchanged greetings.

Lu Zhishi’s bunkmate was a tall, thin boy wearing glasses, dressed in a faded T-shirt and black pants. He had a melancholic air and was named Xu Wenqing.

The other roommate was a chubby young man from the south named Zhu Yu, who had a great sense of humor and spoke authentic Cantonese. Lu Zhishi later learned many Cantonese songs from him.

Both were easy to get along with. That evening, they headed to the cafeteria to eat together. Lu Zhishi bought four large bottles of cola, and the four walked back to the dorm side by side, drinks in hand.

Zhao Xiaoxing was shy and slow to warm up, while Xu Wenqing was introverted and quiet. Most of the conversation was between Lu Zhishi and Zhu Yu, but the atmosphere remained harmonious.

After returning to the dorm and washing up, Lu Zhishi sat at his desk and read financial news for a while, occasionally texting Chi Chen.

He had been boarding since third grade in elementary school, all the way through high school, so he adapted well to dorm life.

Zhao Xiaoxing, however, wasn’t quite used to it. He sat beside Lu Zhishi, using the other half of the headphones, and watched financial news with him.

Zhu Yu wore headphones while playing games silently. Aside from the occasional sound of keyboard tapping, he made little noise.

But sometimes, when his teammates or opponents frustrated him, he couldn’t help but mutter a few phrases in Cantonese, then apologize to Lu Zhishi and the others with a sheepish clasped-hand gesture.

Xu Wenqing sat quietly at his own desk, reading a book. With his black-framed glasses, he looked refined and scholarly.

The first day of university life and the first night in the dorm passed with a mix of novelty and tranquility.

The second day had not yet begun military training.

In the morning, they picked up their textbooks and collected the supplies needed for military training, also getting to know students from neighboring dorms.

In the afternoon, with nothing else to do, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing explored the campus, had hot pot at the school cafeteria, and after returning and showering, attended a class meeting.

The advisor, surnamed Ji, was a very young and handsome man—mature, elegant, humorous, and stylishly dressed. At only 27, he had just graduated with a Ph.D. and this was his first group of students.

The first class meeting in university was fairly standard: the advisor introduced himself, followed by an introduction to the school, and finally a self-introduction session for the students.

The advisor’s introduction was impressive—he was an outstanding and attractive young man.

As for the school, it was none other than the renowned A University, the top-ranked university in the country.

—Today, you are proud of A University; tomorrow, A University will be proud of you.

During the self-introduction session, Lu Zhishi, with student ID number 001, was the first to take the stage.

"Hello everyone, I’m Lu Zhishi. I’m very happy to be your classmate. I don’t have many hobbies—I just enjoy growing vegetables and fishing."

Everyone laughed, and Lu Zhishi laughed along. Zhao Xiaoxing snapped a couple of photos of him.

The young man was too dazzling—confident and witty on stage, as if he were glowing.

A classmate asked, "Lu, do you have a partner?"

Lu Zhishi’s smile widened, his eyes sparkling like stars. "Yes, I do."

A wave of sighs followed.

After Lu Zhishi stepped down, it was Zhao Xiaoxing’s turn as student number 002. He also didn’t have many hobbies, usually enjoying fishing with Lu Zhishi and helping out in his vegetable garden.

After a brief introduction, the socially anxious Zhao Xiaoxing was about to leave the stage when someone asked, "Zhao, do you have a partner?"

Zhao Xiaoxing’s face turned red. "No, but there’s someone I like."

"Alright, alright."

"All the handsome guys are taken."

"Never mind, let’s check out the pretty girls instead."

The self-introductions continued in order of student numbers. Xu Wenqing spoke even less, finishing in just a couple of sentences. Zhu Yu, the funny guy, rambled on until the advisor finally ushered him off the stage.

The class wasn’t too large, but it wasn’t small either. By the time the entire process ended, it was already past 9 p.m. Lu Zhishi returned to the dorm with his roommates.

Before lights out, he called Chi Chen from the balcony, chattering about his day and affectionately asking for a kiss over the phone. It took a long time before he finally hung up.

The next day marked the start of military training, which would last three weeks and include standing at attention, military culture classes, and practical drills.

The duration of A University’s military training varied each year, mainly depending on the weather.

Standing at attention was a bit exhausting, but the military culture classes were interesting. The most exhilarating part, however, was the practical drills in the final week.

The school arranged for the freshmen to go to a military simulation base, which recreated a realistic battlefield to the greatest extent possible. That week was the most thrilling.

During the drills, everyone was eager to grab fake swords and guns, charge at the opposing side, and even toss fake grenades.

The freshman who drew the role of Little Sun: "..." Lately, things had been really unlucky and rough for him.

As the military training ended just in time for the weekend, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing packed their things and prepared to go home to eat.

Lin Sheng still had things to attend to, so Zhao Xiaoxing didn't wait for him and went back with Lu Zhishi.

Chi Chen was already waiting for him at the school gate, and Lu Zhiyu had come too, though Zhao Qiyun didn't come.

Lu Zhishi asked his brother, "Why are you here?"

Lu Zhiyu opened the passenger door, jerked his chin toward the seat for Zhao Xiaoxing to get in, and replied, "Your brother called me and asked me to take Xiao Xing home. He's going abroad to buy gemstones for a wedding ring."

Chi Chen took Lu Zhishi's backpack, opened the passenger door for him, but Lu Zhishi held onto the door, unwilling to get in.

He was still talking to Lu Zhiyu, "Xiao Xing and I could also take Brother Xiao Chen's car back."

"You two are so clingy. If the two of you ride together, you’d make him a Chubby Xing third wheel?"

Lu Zhiyu snapped, looking down at Zhao Xiaoxing, who was already in the passenger seat, and asked, "Do you want to be a Chubby Xing third wheel?"

Zhao Xiaoxing pressed his lips together, his ears quietly turning red, and shook his head. "I won’t be a Chubby Xing third wheel."

"Hear that?" Lu Zhiyu closed the passenger door, glanced at Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen, and curled his lip disdainfully. "Such a clingy couple, all lovey-dovey."

Lu Zhishi let out an exasperated laugh. "Just wait till you get a partner. I’ll make fun of you every day, Stinky Fish Bro."

"Just you wait then."

Lu Zhiyu waved his hand, walked around to the driver's side, and the black Maybach drove off first.

Lu Zhishi muttered as he got into the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt. Chi Chen ruffled his hair and closed the door.

The Rolls-Royce drove at a steady pace, following the slow-moving black Maybach ahead.

He asked Lu Zhishi, "Wanna get flowers later?"

"Yes!"

"What kind of flowers would you like?"

Lu Zhishi smiled. "Not telling!"

Chi Chen chuckled softly, his tone gentle. "Alright then, I’ll have to guess."

"Do you need a hint?"

"Yes, boyfriend, give me a hint."

Lu Zhishi opened a bag of marshmallows, tossed one into his mouth, and chewed. "They’re pink and white, very pretty flowers. The color is especially soft, and they’re a bit curly."

He pointed to his head. "Curly, like my hair."

Chi Chen glanced at Lu Zhishi in the rearview mirror. His cheeks moved adorably as he ate the marshmallow, and Chi Chen’s lips curved into a smile.

"Okay, I’ve already guessed."

They went to their usual flower shop. Chi Chen got out and returned with a bouquet of Aisha roses in his arms.

The pink and white bicolor roses were cup-shaped blooms, with a white base and pink edges. The gradient of pink and white resembled sunset clouds, and the petals were soft and curled.

They really did look like Lu Zhishi’s little curls.

"We’re so connected, boyfriend. You actually guessed it."

Lu Zhishi held the bouquet, gently fingering the slightly curled pink and white petals. He turned to look at Chi Chen, his eyes sparkling, smiling brightly and happily.

Chi Chen loved seeing him smile. His little sun should be happy every day, with no dark clouds to block his light.

"If you like them, we can buy them again next time, okay?"

"Okay~"

"Mm, I love you too."

"?" Lu Zhishi was puzzled, but he grinned widely, expressing his love enthusiastically. "I love you too."

Lu Zhiyu was right—the couple was indeed very clingy and lovey-dovey.

They drove all the way to the supermarket in the villa area. Seeing Lu Zhiyu’s car parked there, Chi Chen pulled in too.

"Want to buy some snacks?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Lu Zhishi waved both hands excitedly to show his enthusiasm.

Chi Chen reached out, took his raised hands, brought them to his lips, and kissed them. "Let’s go."

"?" Lu Zhishi was dazed for a moment, then finally felt embarrassed, his face flushing as he scratched his cheek.

"?" Chi Chen leaned down, slipped a hand behind his neck, and kissed his cheek.

Lu Zhishi: "??"

Lu Zhishi’s mouth fell open, his mind momentarily unable to process it. One question mark after another, along with pink bubbles, popped up in his head.

Chi Chen: "?"

Chi Chen lowered his gaze, his eyes resting on Lu Zhishi’s soft lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

He leaned in again, stopping just a breath away from Lu Zhishi’s lips, but a hand covered his own mouth.

Chi Chen opened his eyes.

Lu Zhishi turned completely red. "How about we go to the supermarket and buy snacks, okay?"

The person in front of him still didn’t move. After a long moment, he finally returned to the driver’s seat and let out a soft sigh. "Okay."

Two minutes later, the blush on Lu Zhishi’s face had subsided a little, and he walked into the supermarket with Chi Chen.

As they grabbed a shopping cart, Lu Zhishi heard a quiet question from above him. "Can we not even hold hands now?"

"?" Lu Zhishi looked up at Chi Chen. "We just didn’t hold hands when we entered the supermarket. We hold hands all the time otherwise, always."

Chi Chen lowered his eyes and didn’t say anything, taking the shopping cart from him.

Lu Zhishi was both annoyed and amused. He slid his hand into Chi Chen’s large, well-defined, pink-tinged hand, interlacing their fingers. "We’re holding hands, see? We’re holding hands now, so clingy, Chi Chen."

Chi Chen still didn’t speak but tightened his grip on Lu Zhishi’s hand, the corners of his mouth slowly curving upward.

Holding Chi Chen’s hand with one hand and grabbing snacks with the other, Lu Zhishi tossed in one thing after another. By the time the cart was half-full, Chi Chen finally put a stop to it.

"Lu Zhishi, you shouldn't eat that much. This should last you half a month." Chi Chen held his hand and led him away from the snack section.

Lu Zhishi reluctantly said, "It won't last half a month. I can finish it all by this weekend. Let's get a little more, please?"

Chi Chen paused mid-step, turned to look into Lu Zhishi's eyes for a moment, then headed back.

Lu Zhishi thought he was going to buy more snacks and happily followed him, only to realize he was putting back some of the snacks.

Quickly grabbing Chi Chen's hand, Lu Zhishi stopped him from taking the snacks out and said anxiously, "Don't you love me anymore?"

Chi Chen kept working without looking up. "I love you very much."

"Then don't take away my snacks."

"Loving you and taking away your snacks are not mutually exclusive." Chi Chen was cold and unfeeling. After putting back the snacks, he slipped an arm around Lu Zhishi's waist and steered him away.

No match for Chi Chen's strength, Lu Zhishi could only be guided reluctantly to the fruit section, where they reluctantly bought half a cartful of fruit.

Not sure if Lu Zhiyu had bought groceries, Chi Chen took Lu Zhishi to pick up some ingredients, then they carried bags of groceries home to cook.

After parking the car in the Lu family's front yard, they found that Lu Zhiyu still wasn't back, and neither were Lu Tingan or Song Qinian.

Not sure where everyone was, Lu Zhishi glanced at the clock on the wall and followed Chi Chen into the kitchen.

"Go watch TV." Chi Chen handed him a platter of washed fruit. "I've got it covered."

Lu Zhishi plucked a grape and held it to Chi Chen's mouth.

"You have some too."

Chi Chen bent down and took a bite. "Thank you."

Lu Zhishi ate one himself—it was sweet, not sour at all. "You're welcome."

He didn't leave but brought a dining chair over to the kitchen doorway, eating fruit while watching Chi Chen.

The fruit platter wasn't big. Chi Chen, worried that Lu Zhishi would fill up on fruit and not want dinner, had only prepared a small portion.

Before he could finish, Song Qinian and Lu Tingan returned, followed by Lu Zhiyu.

Putting down his keys, Song Qinian took off his suit jacket and went to help in the kitchen. "Xiao Chen is here too?"

Chi Chen turned to greet them. "Uncle Song, Uncle Lu, I'm here for dinner again."

Lu Tingan nodded. "You're very welcome."

Lu Zhiyu rolled up his sleeves to wash vegetables, Chi Chen took charge of chopping, and Song Qinian got the wok heating with oil to start cooking.

Lu Tingan went upstairs to shower, leaving only Lu Zhishi at home, nibbling on the fruit platter leisurely.

But he didn't stay idle for long. After finishing the fruit, he went to wash more, saying he wanted everyone to try the fruit tea he was making.

Chi Chen freed up his hands to help cut the fruit and even found the tools for making fruit tea. Lu Zhishi only needed to mash the fruit, pour in honey and tea, give it a stir, and the delicious fruit tea was ready—very simple.

Dinner was served with Zhishi's special fruit tea.

Bai Yansheng was busy with work and didn't come home. Chi Yueheng went to the hospital after work to have dinner with him.

Chi Chen ate alone at the Lu family home, listening quietly as Lu Zhishi talked about his experiences during military training. From time to time, he would serve him some greens, deboned fish before putting it in Lu Zhishi's bowl, and even ladle a bowl of rich, fragrant bone broth and place it by Lu Zhishi's hand.

Lu Zhishi ate while talking, finishing the food in his bowl and taking sips of hot soup, pampered by Chi Chen.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan, sitting across from them, saw everything clearly. The couple exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows.

After dinner, Chi Chen didn't leave. He took a small shovel and followed Lu Zhishi to loosen the soil in the small vegetable garden.

Lu Zhishi crouched on the ground, examining his cabbages under the light, but the more he looked, the stranger it seemed.

"Have my cabbages gotten smaller?"

Lu Zhishi scratched his cheek in confusion. "I remember before I left for school, the cabbages had already sprouted. They should be fully grown and ready to harvest by now. Why are they still so small?"

Beside him, Chi Chen, who was loosening the soil around the cabbages, slowed down his movements.