Chapter 76: Chapter 76 “Don’t Be Afraid, Your Fat Cheese…”

Chapter 76

"Don't be afraid, your Fat Cheese is here…"

The night was deep, and a cold breeze drifted in through the window. Lu Zhishi lay in bed, tossing and turning while hugging a plush rabbit.

A faint scent of ointment lingered in the air; when he licked his lips, he could still taste it.

Lying flat on his back with his hands folded over his stomach, Lu Zhishi stared blankly at the ceiling.

After a while, he pulled the plush rabbit over and covered his face with it, hands still resting on his stomach as he continued to lie there, lost in thought.

Two hours passed. Just when it seemed he had fallen asleep, he suddenly sat up and went to his desk to review his study materials.

Since he couldn’t sleep, he figured he might as well study—exams were coming up.

Lost in solving problems, he didn’t stop until he finished the last question. He reviewed the key points from beginning to end, silently reciting them one by one, then put down his pen and checked the time.

Good—it wasn’t even midnight yet after finishing his review.

But midnight was still scary. In supernatural novels, it was always at midnight that some mysterious door would open. Lu Zhishi got goosebumps at the thought.

He told himself to stay calm, stood up to tidy his desk, then walked back to the bed, pulled the covers over himself, and buried his entire body underneath.

It’s fine, as long as I fall asleep before midnight, Lu Zhishi thought, squeezing his eyes shut.

I should’ve just gone to bed at nine. Why did I have to overthink things and study so late?

Ten minutes later, just after midnight, Lu Zhishi knocked on Chi Chen’s door.

Chi Chen, who had been working overtime at his desk, looked up and quickly went to open the door. He found Lu Zhishi standing there, clutching a pillow in one hand and the plush rabbit in the other.

Raising an eyebrow, Chi Chen couldn’t help but smile. Leaning against the doorframe, he asked knowingly, “What’s going on?”

Ever since their kiss and applying the ointment, Lu Zhishi had rushed back to his room to hide and hadn’t come out since.

Chi Chen knew he was easily embarrassed and tended to hide when flustered. He had thought he wouldn’t see Lu Zhishi for a while.

Unexpectedly, Lu Zhishi had come to him on his own. Chi Chen’s lips curled upward again, a flicker of emotion flashing behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

Clutching the pillow and the rabbit, Lu Zhishi mustered his courage and said, “It’s midnight. You must be scared too, right? I came to keep you company.”

Chi Chen chuckled. “Me, scared?”

Blushing, Lu Zhishi glanced quickly at Chi Chen and said with feigned calm, “I know you’re scared too, but don’t worry—your Fat Cheese is here.”

Chi Chen turned his head away, covering his smile with his hand as his shoulders shook slightly with laughter.

Hearing his soft laughter, Lu Zhishi grew even more embarrassed, his previously straight shoulders slumping.

Hugging the pillow and rabbit, he turned to go back to his room, his voice tinged with disappointment. “Well, if you don’t need me, I’ll go back…”

Chi Chen grabbed his arm, making room at the doorway, and said, holding back a laugh, “I do need you. I’m really scared. I hope you can stay with me.”

Lu Zhishi followed his pull into the room, his shoulders straightening again. He tossed the pillow and rabbit onto the bed and said, “Alright, alright. If you’re scared, I’ll stay with you. Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Chi Chen chuckled softly. “Okay, thank you, boyfriend.”

Lu Zhishi slipped under the covers, pulling them up to his chin, and closed his eyes peacefully. “You’re welcome. If you’re scared again next time, you can call for me.”

Chi Chen replied with a smile, “Okay.”

The little one was exhausted but hadn’t dared to sleep. Now, lying in Chi Chen’s bed, he fell asleep within minutes.

Chi Chen tiptoed over, leaned down, and smiled as he watched him sleep.

“Good night.”

…

Chi Chen left early the next morning. He prepared breakfast and placed it in the warmer, then texted Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing to remind them to eat when they woke up. After kissing Lu Zhishi’s forehead, he drove to work.

Lu Zhishi slept soundly, hugging his plush rabbit tightly, unaware of when Chi Chen had left.

When he woke up, Chi Chen was already gone. Lu Zhishi sat on the bed, his hair a mess, and stared blankly into space.

After a moment, he picked up his phone, replied to Chi Chen’s message, and ended it with a kissing emoji. Then he got up and went to his own room to brush his teeth and wash his face.

He went next door to drag Zhao Xiaoxing, who was still lazing in bed, to have breakfast together. They studied until noon, ate lunch, and then headed to school for their exam.

As usual, the exam ended at 5:30 PM. By the time they left the classroom, it was already dark outside. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing headed home, carrying bell peppers and pickles gifted by their roommates.

“I really want to eat some snacks. Let’s go get some,” Lu Zhishi said, looking at Zhao Xiaoxing. “I know you want to too.”

Zhao Xiaoxing wiped his mouth and refused expressionlessly. “I don’t want to at all. Let’s go back and have noodles. I want chicken noodle soup.”

He looked at Lu Zhishi. “I know you want to too.”

Lu Zhishi: “…”

Lu Zhishi: “I want snacks.”

Zhao Xiaoxing: “No, you don’t.”

Lu Zhishi was dragged by the collar into the residential complex. He stretched his neck, looking toward the intersection—just one turn away was the food street. “I do want to! I really want snacks…”

“What do you want to eat?”

Lu Zhishi answered immediately, “I want snacks! Stinky tofu, grilled squid…”

After finishing, he realized the voice didn’t sound like Zhao Xiaoxing’s.

The snack-loving boy stopped in his tracks and turned around to meet Chi Chen’s eyes.

Beside him stood Lu Zhiyu, holding several bags, also staring expressionlessly at Lu Zhishi. If he had a feather duster in his hand, he probably would’ve already started scolding Zhishi.

Lu Zhishi: “…”

Zhao Xiaoxing: “…”

Lu Zhishi whispered to Zhao Xiaoxing, “When did they get here?”

Zhao Xiaoxing whispered back, “Just now. I looked up and saw them—totally unexpected.”

Lu Zhishi turned to Lu Zhiyu and asked, “Brother, why did you come all the way here? It’s so cold and far.”

“Dad asked me to bring you something for your cough. You’ve been coughing nonstop, and it’s worrying.” Lu Zhiyu then glanced at Zhao Xiaoxing, paused for two seconds, and added, “Also, to check on someone who hasn’t been replying to messages, bring a little gift as an apology, and ask why they’re ignoring me.”

Zhao Xiaoxing blinked, slowly processing the words. His face and neck turned visibly red in an instant.

Lu Zhishi immediately looked intrigued, a slow grin spread across his face as he chuckled. He gave Lu Zhiyu a light elbow nudge to the waist and patted Zhao Xiaoxing’s shoulder before leaving.

He walked to the other side, helping Chi Chen with his bags, and asked, sounding guilty, “Why are you here?”

“I really missed you. Was it wrong for me to come see you? Sorry…” Chi Chen mumbled.

Lu Zhishi hurriedly explained, “Of course not! I’m just worried all this back-and-forth travel is too exhausting for you.”

Chi Chen said, “I’m not tired. Ge drove, and I rested in the car.”

Lu Zhiyu, standing nearby, slowly turned his head and shot Chi Chen a look of pure exasperation. He complained to Lu Zhishi, “You have no idea how unreasonable he’s being. He insisted that I drive and even said something like… mmm…”

Chi Chen clamped a hand over his mouth and said softly to Lu Zhishi, who was staring, stunned, “Ge has the wrong idea about me.”

Lu Zhiyu: “…” Oh, you scheming green tea Chen!

Amid all the bickering, they went upstairs and returned to the house.

In Lu Zhishi’s kitchen, Lu Zhiyu washed vegetables while complaining about him.

Chi Chen kept his head down, chopping vegetables and acting like he didn't hear. Only when he spotted Lu Zhishi coming out of the corner of his eye did he subtly step on Lu Zhiyu’s foot as a warning, to silence him.

“Ouch! Chi Chen, I’m not done with you! You scheming, stinky green tea!”

Chi Chen quickly stuffed a tomato into his mouth. The sourness made Lu Zhiyu forget his foot pain and howling, his face scrunching up like a bitter melon.

Seeing Lu Zhishi enter the kitchen, Chi Chen asked, “Do you need something?”

“I’ve been coughing a bit. I want to drink some loquat water to soothe my throat.”

Lu Zhiyu chimed in, “You know you’ve been coughing, yet you still wanted to buy snacks? Stinky Cheese, if Dad finds out, he’ll definitely tan your hide when you get home.”

“I haven’t eaten any yet,” Lu Zhishi defended himself.

“You can't tell me you didn't want to in your heart?”

Lu Zhishi argued, “Okay, maybe I wanted to in my heart, but I didn’t eat any with my mouth. What's that got to do with it?”

Lu Zhiyu said, “Then, in front of me and your Brother Xiao Chen, promise not to buy any snacks before the holiday break. Otherwise, you’re a liar.”

Why not say “until your cough is better”?

Because that boundary is too subjective. What if Lu Zhishi thinks his cough is already better? Then he’d drag Zhao Xiaoxing along to buy snacks.

Lu Zhishi: “…”

Lu Zhishi hesitated to agree because once he made a promise, he had to keep it and couldn’t break it.

But with both brothers watching him, Lu Zhishi reluctantly agreed, “Okay, I promise not to buy any snacks before the holiday break.”

Lu Zhiyu: “Otherwise, you’re a liar.”

Lu Zhishi: “Otherwise, I’m a liar.”

Lu Zhiyu nodded, washed his hands, and handed him the warm honey loquat water. He patted Lu Zhishi’s head and said, “Be good. Once your cough is better, you can eat whatever you want.”

Lu Zhishi took the loquat water, let out a long sigh, and trudged out of the kitchen with his head drooping.

Dinner was a hearty chicken noodle soup with meat, eggs, and vegetables. Each person had a large, full bowl.

Lu Zhishi’s mouth watered. He thought chicken noodle soup was pretty good too—he could eat two bowls of such a delicious dinner!

Watching the two of them, heads bent over their bowls, Lu Zhiyu raised an eyebrow and smiled, asking them, “Do you still want snacks now?”

Lu Zhishi shook his head while eating, “No more, no more.”

Zhao Xiaoxing, without looking up, continued eating voraciously, “No more. Eating chicken noodle soup is delicious.”

Chi Chen was satisfied with their approval. As long as they weren’t constantly thinking about buying snacks, it was fine.

They ate so much for dinner that they sprawled on the sofa, burping continuously. Fortunately, there was hawthorn water brewed by Chi Chen. After drinking a cup, their stomachs felt better.

Around eight o’clock, Zhao Xiaoxing returned to his own home. Lu Zhiyu picked up a few large gift boxes and followed him out. Once the door closed, only Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen were left in the house.

Lu Zhishi asked, “Are you leaving tomorrow morning?”

“Mm,” Chi Chen nodded. “I won’t be able to come for the next two days. It’s the end of the year, and work is a bit busy.”

Lu Zhishi smiled and asked, “So you came today to keep me company?”

Chi Chen nodded again, “Mm.”

Lu Zhishi couldn’t help but laugh. He's so cute, my boyfriend.

Not knowing what he was laughing about, but seeing Lu Zhishi smile, Chi Chen also curved the corners of his lips.

He glanced at the clock on the wall and said, “It’s eight o’clock. Time to wash up. You should go to bed by nine.”

“Got it, I’ll go right away.” Lu Zhishi stood up, finished the loquat water in his cup, and dashed back to his room to wash his hair, take a shower, and blow-dry his hair.

Chi Chen watched him go in, then turned his attention back to the documents.

The door opened and closed again. He looked up and saw Lu Zhiyu entering.

“Why are you back?”

“?” Lu Zhiyu put down his things, washed his hands, and sat on the sofa. “Of course I’m back. If I don’t come back, where would I sleep tonight?”

Chi Chen raised an eyebrow, glanced toward the door, and said nothing.

“You think everyone is like you, Stinky Chen? You two are a proper couple,” Lu Zhiyu said, half-amused and half-annoyed. “I have no status. Forget staying overnight—I’d feel awkward even sitting over there. If Zhao Qiyun found out I stayed overnight, he’d beat me up.”

Chi Chen’s lips curved upward. “I think he wants to beat you up right now.”

“That’s normal. Just like how I wanted to beat you up back then,” Lu Zhiyu said lazily.

Chi Chen: “…”

Lu Zhishi took his time bathing, scrubbing and washing for over half an hour before finishing his hair wash, shower, and blow-dry.

He wandered into the living room and saw both his brother and his boyfriend working overtime. Lu Zhishi poured two cups of red date and ginger tea, placed them on the table, then returned to his room to prepare for bed. There was no goodnight kiss tonight.

He went to bed early, and with both brothers outside, Lu Zhishi wasn’t scared tonight. He fell asleep promptly at nine.

The next morning, Lu Zhiyu and Chi Chen were indeed already gone—both had to rush back to work.

Lu Zhishi tugged on his plush rabbit’s ears and let out a barely audible sigh. He really did prefer lively and bustling atmospheres.

He had only been at school for a few days, yet he was already homesick. Unfortunately, there were still a few exams left before the semester officially ended in the middle of the month. It felt like such a long time away…

Winters in the north are often bitterly cold with biting winds, occasionally bringing snow, though sometimes the sunlight is bright and surprisingly warm.

After finishing their last exam, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing packed their things and went home that very afternoon. Winter break had begun, and it was time for the Lunar New Year.

The year-end was hectic; even Chi Chen, Lu Zhiyu, and Zhao Qiyun couldn’t make time. Zhou Nianjing was the one who came to pick them up.

Both greeted him with cheerful hugs before getting into the back seat to head home together.

No one was home when they arrived. Lu Zhishi took a shower, unpacked, then went downstairs to the kitchen to make dinner.

By the time it grew dark, two Maybachs slowly pulled into the Lu family’s driveway—the dads and older brother were back.

Lu Zhishi hurried out to help them with their bags, calling out, "Big Dad, Little Dad, Brother!"

He didn’t end up carrying any bags; instead, Song Qinian grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and ushered him back inside to warm himself by the fire.

Song Qinian took off his overcoat. "It’s cold outside, and we're still cold too. Don’t get too close."

"Okay, then go wash your hands. Dinner is ready." Lu Zhishi poured them each a glass of hot water.

Lu Tingan took the cup, his eyes full of tenderness and love as he looked at their growing boy. "Thanks, Fat Cheese."

"You’re welcome." Lu Zhishi scratched his head and gave a shy smile, his expression innocent and bright.

Lu Zhiyu downed his water in one go, then threw an arm around Lu Zhishi’s shoulders and walked with him toward the dining room. Smiling, he said, "Let me guess what you made—there must be a suan la bai cai. Did you snack on some?"

Lu Zhishi lifted his chin slightly. "Of course not."

Lu Zhiyu washed his hands, dried them, then ruffled Lu Zhishi's hair approvingly. "Good, good. Very obedient, my good Cheese."

Lu Zhishi grinned, tilting his head to nuzzle Lu Zhiyu’s shoulder, his voice clear and bright. "Thanks for the praise!"

Having been busy with exams and not returning home last week, Lu Zhishi hadn't had a meal with his family in two weeks. He had so much to say.

He talked while eating, neither slowing down his meal nor hindering the conversation.

Song Qinian and Lu Tingan watched him with smiles, while Lu Zhiyu occasionally added a few words and served him more food.

Just as they finished eating, Lu Zhishi also finished everything he wanted to say. While drinking water, he noticed through the large window that a car had entered the Chi family’s driveway.

He quickly put down his cup, pressed his face to the window, and squinted to see clearly.

Sure it was his Baby Chi Chen, Lu Zhishi immediately put on his puffer coat and dashed over to the Chi's.

Before even passing through the small wooden gate, his clear, cheerful voice could be heard calling, "Chi Chen, Chi Chen!"

Chi Chen, exhausted, his eyes downcast, lifted his head at the sound. He paused for a moment, then a smile spread across his face, as if all his weariness melted away in an instant.

"Fat Cheese."

Lu Zhishi threw himself into Chi Chen’s arms, cupped his face, and his lips forming a pout. "I saw just now—Chi Chen, are you very tired?"

Chi Chen held his hand, nuzzling his cheek against Lu Zhishi’s palm, his eyes smiling. "Seeing you makes me not tired anymore."

Lu Zhishi kissed the corner of his mouth, took his hand and led him inside, asking as they walked, "Have you eaten?"

Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng hadn’t returned yet. The Chi house was dark and quiet, so Lu Zhishi turned on the lights.

"Not yet."

"I’ll cook for you. You rest, eat, and go to bed early." After saying this, Lu Zhishi turned back to look at Chi Chen and asked, "Do you still have to work overtime tonight?"

Chi Chen gently brushed the stray hairs from Lu Zhishi’s forehead, cupped his cheek, and leaned in for a soft kiss. "I'll be done after this busy stretch."

Lu Zhishi turned around and hugged him, burying his face in Chi Chen’s chest and nuzzling closer. "Chi Chen…"

"Mm, I’m here."

"Chi Chen…"

Chi Chen kissed the top of his head. "Mm, I’m here."

After a little while of being affectionate, Chi Chen handled the prep work while Lu Zhishi took charge of cooking five dishes and one soup.

"Why aren’t Uncle Chi and Bai Yansheng back yet?"

"My dad said he’s working overtime at the company and doesn’t know when he’ll be back. Little Dad might be here soon."

"Then let’s set half aside and put it in the warmer." Lu Zhishi divided half the dishes, placed them in the warming drawer, and poured a glass of warm milk for Chi Chen. "Drink this after dinner."

Chi Chen chuckled. "I still drink milk at my age?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lu Zhishi retorted. "Can’t grown-ups drink milk? My brother drinks it, and so do I."

Chi Chen took a sip of milk and mumbled, "I’m five years older than you."

"?" Lu Zhishi didn’t understand. "What’s wrong with being five years older?"

He counted on his fingers. "My Big Dad and Little Dad have a five-year age gap too. So do Uncle Chi and Bai Yansheng. And my Big Uncle and Little Uncle—they’re six years apart."

Behind his cup, Chi Chen’s lips curved into a smile. He put the cup down and nodded. "Just as long as you don't think I'm too old for you."

"How could I!" Lu Zhishi quickly moved to the seat next to Chi Chen, patting him on the back. "I love you so much!"

That brought a blush to Chi Chen's cheeks. He looked down with a soft laugh, his ears turning red, though a smile tugged at his lips. Looking at Lu Zhishi, he said, "I love you too, Lu Zhishi."

After dinner, Lu Zhishi followed Chi Chen upstairs. He watched him go into the bathroom to shower while he sat on the sofa scrolling through his phone, replying to Zhao Xiaoxing’s messages and responding to other friends.

After responding to all the messages, Lu Zhishi turned on the room's TV—he hadn’t watched today’s Financial News yet.

By the time the news finished, Chi Chen had just finished showering. Lu Zhishi went over to keep him company while he looked over documents.

"You don’t have to stay with me. There’s a new anime released, and the one you’ve been following updated too. You can go watch," Chi Chen said, messing up his hair.

"I’ll stay with you. I can watch anime anytime."

Chi Chen chuckled softly, turned to kiss his forehead, their noses brushing. "Go watch."

A little embarrassed, Lu Zhishi hugged Chi Chen, then couldn’t help grinning as he nuzzled his shoulder. "Okay then."

Turning the volume down, Lu Zhishi sat cross-legged on the thick carpet, comfortably watching the latest episode of his anime.

At the desk nearby, Chi Chen, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looked over documents, occasionally signing at the bottom.

Each time he finished one, he’d glance over at Lu Zhishi in the small living area watching anime. Seeing him laugh happily, Chi Chen would smile too.

Halfway through the latest episode, Lu Zhishi unconsciously yawned. He turned to check the time—sure enough, it was already 9 p.m. His body clock was more reliable than any watch.

Rubbing his eyes, Lu Zhishi managed to finish the latest episode. Twenty minutes later, he stood up and walked over to Chi Chen.

Chi Chen put down the documents, took his hand, and pulled him closer. He said, "Sleepy?"

Lu Zhishi nodded. "Yeah."

"Sleep here or go home?"

"Go home. I want to sleep at home today, Chi Chen," Lu Zhishi said his name.

"Okay." Chi Chen stood up, put an arm around his shoulder, and started to walk him downstairs. "I'll take you home."

Lu Zhishi grabbed his wrist, standing still and pulling Chi Chen back. "No need. I just came for a goodnight kiss."

Chi Chen paused for a moment, then chuckled. He leaned down and kissed his lips. "Goodnight kiss. Goodnight, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, sweet dreams." Lu Zhishi gently nibbled his lip, hugged him, nuzzled him lightly, then let go and headed downstairs.

Even though Lu Zhishi said he didn't need an escort, Chi Chen still followed him down. At the door, they ran into Chi Yuehang and Bai Yansheng, who had just returned.

Both uncles looked exhausted; since it's the end of the year, everyone was busy with work.

Lu Zhishi waved. "Uncle Chi, Uncle Bai, good evening!"

"Dad, Father, good evening." Chi Chen said, "Fat Cheese made dinner. It's in the warming drawer."

"Okay." Chi Yuehang messed up Lu Zhishi's hair. "Thank you, our adorable Fat Cheese. You've worked hard."

"No trouble at all," Lu Zhishi waved his hand, chatting and laughing with them, then yawned again without meaning to.

"It's 9:30 — Fat Cheese's bedtime. Go rest." Bai Yansheng also ruffled Lu Zhishi's head. "Goodnight, Fat Cheese. Sweet dreams."

While yawning repeatedly, Lu Zhishi said goodbye, tears coming to his eyes. "Goodnight, Uncle Chi, Uncle Bai, Brother Xiao Chen."

Chi Chen walked him to the Lu house, waited until Lu Zhishi went inside, then turned back.

After saying goodnight to Song Qinian and Lu Tingan, Lu Zhishi rubbed his eyes and went upstairs. On the second-floor balcony, he saw Lu Zhiyu on the phone, idly picking at the leaves of a nearby plant while talking — no idea what it was about.

Seeing Lu Zhishi come up, Lu Zhiyu put down his phone and said, "It's 9:30. Go to sleep. Goodnight."

"Got it, got it. Goodnight, brother." Lu Zhishi waved, still yawning, and went into his room.

Using his last bit of energy to brush his teeth and wash his face, Lu Zhishi got under the covers, hugged the extra-large plush rabbit that Chi Chen had recently made for him, and fell asleep instantly, sleeping very soundly.

The next day, Lu Zhishi woke up early and, without resting, went with Lu Tingan to the company to help out.

Lu Zhiyu went with Song Qinian to the Song Group, while Lu Zhishi followed Lu Tingan, assisting with organizing materials and documents for his review.

They stayed busy until the day before New Year's Eve, when the family of four finally took a break to decorate the villa for the new year.

This year's new year brought a slight change — Lu Zhishi wore more formal clothes.