Chapter 78: Chapter 78 “How’s Your Boyfriend’s Technique?…

Chapter 78: "How's your boyfriend's fishing skills?..."

Song Qinian chuckled, "That's your Brother Xiaoyun. He's getting engaged this summer. Our families are close, so we'll go help out."

Lu Zhishi mumbled a quiet "oh." He was happy for Zhao Qiyun and Zhou Nianjing's engagement, but a little disappointed too.

Lu Zhiyu asked, "Who did you think was getting engaged?"

Lu Zhishi shook his head, "No one, no one."

Under the table, Chi Chen gently squeezed his hand and placed a piece of ribs on his plate, offering silent comfort.

After dinner, Lu Zhishi went upstairs to shower, dried his hair, meticulously completed his skincare routine, then went to find Chi Chen.

At the Chi family home, neither Chi Yuehang nor Bai Yansheng had returned yet.

Hurrying up the stairs, Lu Zhishi knocked on Chi Chen's door, but there was no answer.

After several more knocks yielded no response, Lu Zhishi opened the door himself.

He looked around; only the bathroom door was closed, with the sound of running water inside.

Lu Zhishi went to the small living room in the room, settled comfortably into his designated sofa, turned on the TV, watched the day's financial news, then started catching up on anime.

When Chi Chen emerged from the shower, he immediately spotted Lu Zhishi watching TV in the living room and paused, towel in hand.

He was debating whether to go back into the bathroom to put on a robe when Lu Zhishi looked over, eyes wide, then quickly averted his gaze.

Chi Chen chuckled and walked over, "When did you get here?"

"Just now, half an hour ago. I knocked, but you didn't answer."

"The water was a bit loud; I didn't notice." Chi Chen turned his back, grabbed a set of pajamas, and went into the dressing room to change.

Lu Zhishi still didn't dare look at him, "No problem, no problem."

After returning the towel to the bathroom, Chi Chen dried his hair and came out, sitting beside Lu Zhishi.

Feeling the warmth next to him, Lu Zhishi unconsciously sat up straight, eyes fixed on the TV.

"Afraid to look at me?" Chi Chen raised a hand, draped it over his shoulders, and chuckled softly, "It's safe to look now; I'm dressed. Sorry, I didn't know you were here earlier."

The closer Chi Chen got, the redder Lu Zhishi's ears became, and he stammered, "It's... it's fine."

Catching Chi Chen still leaning in from the corner of his eye, Lu Zhishi suddenly pushed him away, pressing against Chi Chen's chest, face flushed. "Aren't you supposed to be working overtime? Get to work, finish early so you can rest."

Chi Chen: "..."

Chi Chen asked softly, "Can't I even kiss my own boyfriend?"

Lu Zhishi's ears burned fiercely, "You can kiss, but not now. You should go work."

Chi Chen looked down at him, then after a moment, got up and went to his desk.

His tall, broad back radiated clear disappointment, making Lu Zhishi's heart soften. He followed, catching Chi Chen by the wrist.

"J-Just one kiss."

Chi Chen turned back, the earlier dejection gone from his face, replaced by a soft smile, "Okay."

The taller and shorter figures drew closer, a strong, long arm encircling the slightly shorter one, pulling him near.

The clock ticked quietly for a quarter of an hour. On the wall, the two shadows, one tall and one short, finally separated, the grip around the waist slowly loosening.

"Th-This was just one kiss?"

Lu Zhishi raised his hand, wiping the corner of his mouth, his cheeks and ears flushed deeply.

Chi Chen also reached out, his fingers brushing over the corner of Lu Zhishi's mouth, lingering on his lips for a moment before pulling away, his voice low and hoarse, "Sorry, I got carried away."

Lu Zhishi didn't dare look at Chi Chen's face. He turned aside, only showing his crimson ears.

"You work, I'll watch some TV and keep you company."

Chi Chen leaned down, pressed against his cheek, ruffled Lu Zhishi's hair, and couldn't resist giving a light kiss on his head. "There's stuff in the snack cabinet. Take whatever you want to eat. Call me if you need anything."

"Mm." Lu Zhishi lowered his lashes, pursed his lips, his ears turning even redder.

Returning to the small living room, Lu Zhishi curled up on the sofa, grabbed a pillow to hug, rested his chin on it, and watched Chi Chen out of the corner of his eye.

Chi Chen walked to the desk and sat down, picked up a file to look through, and lowered his head to sign the document...

Lu Zhishi dragged his attention away, the heat in his ears rising again. He buried his face in the pillow.

Every time they kiss... it's like that!

He still hasn't learned how, damn it, but Chi Chen knows!

His cheeks burning with embarrassment, Lu Zhishi didn't lift his head from the pillow for a long time. Only his exposed ears betrayed his emotions.

"Lu Zhishi."

"Mm." Lu Zhishi still didn't look up, face buried in the pillow, mumbling into the fabric.

"You won't be able to breathe like that. Lift your head to get some air first, then bury your face again after you've had enough."

"Okay." Lu Zhishi nodded, but still didn't lift his head after a long while, keeping it buried.

Chi Chen tilted his head to look at him, waiting for a while before asking, "Do you need me to come help you?"

Lu Zhishi finally slowly lifted his head, his face already flushed from holding his breath, hair messy. "No need."

Smoothing his hair, Lu Zhishi took a couple of breaths and went to get a bag of drinkable yogurt.

Chew, chew, chew. As he chewed, his face became less hot.

Leaning back comfortably into the sofa, Lu Zhishi relaxed and continued watching anime, sometimes chuckling at funny parts, his eyes crinkling with laughter.

Hearing his laughter, Chi Chen's lips curved into a faint smile as he signed his name at the bottom of the file.

Watching TV while chewing yogurt, Lu Zhishi occasionally turned to glance at Chi Chen working.

Staying up until his usual bedtime, Lu Zhishi grew drowsy. Checking the time, it was indeed past nine. He turned off the TV.

Noticing him get up from the corner of his eye, Chi Chen looked up from his files and glanced at the clock. "Leaving?"

"Mm." Lu Zhishi walked over, stood beside him, and couldn't help rubbing his eyes. "My body's telling me it's time for bed."

Putting down the file and pen, Chi Chen took his hand, squeezed his palm, and stood up. "I'll see you home."

"Are you busy?"

"Not really." Chi Chen took his hand as they walked out and downstairs, moving slowly while keeping a watchful eye on the sleepy Lu Zhishi beside him.

Passing by the living room, Lu Zhishi, still half-asleep, raised his hand as usual to wave in the direction of the living room and automatically said goodbye, "Uncle Chi, Uncle Bai, I'm heading home. Goodnight."

Chi Yuehang, who was eating a late-night snack in the dining area on the other side, looked up, puzzled.

Chi Yuehang waved back, unsure if Fat Cheese could see him, and said, "Goodnight, adorable Fat Cheese."

Bai Yansheng, sitting on the living room sofa, turned around, stood up to walk them out, and said gently, "Goodbye, Fat Cheese. Goodnight."

Hearing his voice, Lu Zhishi turned back and waved again before walking hand in hand with Chi Chen through the small wooden gate back to the Lu family home.

Stopping at the steps in front of the villa entrance, Lu Zhishi stood on his tiptoes to kiss the corner of Chi Chen's mouth, then waved and said, "A goodnight kiss. Goodnight, boyfriend, see you tomorrow."

Chi Chen gently stroked his cheek and replied, "Goodnight, sweet dreams. See you tomorrow, Baby Cheese."

Yawning, Lu Zhishi went inside, said goodnight to Lu Zhiyu in the living room, and then wandered sleepily back to his room to brush his teeth and wash his face.

Young people really do sleep well—he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, in just two minutes.

Waking up from a dream in the middle of the night, Lu Zhishi sat up groggily, his face flushed red.

Still half-asleep, he climbed out of bed, grabbed a set of clean pajamas, and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. He also washed, dried, and disinfected his dirty clothes.

After finishing his shower, he lay back down in bed, holding the blanket and staring blankly at the ceiling.

Blinking a few times, Lu Zhishi closed his eyes and pulled the blanket over his head.

He woke up late the next morning, almost 10 o'clock. Both his fathers and his older brother had already left for work. After washing up, Lu Zhishi went downstairs to have breakfast and then drove to the old villa district.

It had been a long time since he'd seen his four grandparents, and he really missed them. He knew they missed him too.

Entering the old villa district, he passed by a flower bed and got out to pick a few flowers.

Driving slowly to the Lu family home, the smart gate automatically recognized the license plate number. Lu Zhishi also stuck his head out, and after facial recognition, the gate opened, allowing the car to slowly drive in.

Once inside, he looked around but saw that no one was home.

He then went to the Song family home just a few steps away. Grandma Song was home and was very happy to see him.

"Fat Cheese, it's been so long since I've seen you, my dear grandson. You look like you've lost weight again." Grandma Song hugged him, patted his head, her face full of smiles and concern.

"Grandma, I missed you too." Lu Zhishi hugged her back, rolled up his sleeve to show her the muscles on his arm, reassuring her, "Look, Grandma, I haven't lost weight."

Grandma Song was amused by him, covering a laugh as she ruffled his hair. "Grandma sees, our Fat Cheese is getting muscular now. It looks like you've been exercising well at school."

Lu Zhishi chuckled, tilting his chin up slightly with a hint of pride. "I came in fifth in the 1000-meter run during the fitness test, and my pull-up results were pretty good too."

Grandma Song laughed and praised him, "Fat Cheese is so great!"

Lu Zhishi scratched his head sheepishly, grinning widely, his eyes clear and bright.

"Grandma, is Grandpa not home? Are Grandpa and Grandma Lu not home either?"

Grandma Song said with a smile, "Your two grandpas went fishing at the fishpond. Grandma Lu is probably grocery shopping at the old villa district supermarket. She'll be back soon. You can wait here with me for a while."

"Fishing!" Lu Zhishi's inner fishing enthusiast radar activated, his eyes burning with competitive spirit. With both grandpas there, he was sure to catch a big fish today!

He went to the Song family storage room and dug out a straw hat, bucket, fishing rod, and small stool before excitedly rushing out, disappearing in a flash. Only his voice could be heard floating back from afar: "Grandma! Wait for me! I'll catch a big fish to make soup for you!"

Grandma Song chased after him to the door but couldn't see him anymore. She shook her head helplessly. "Little fishing fanatic."

Bad planning—he should've taken an electric scooter. Lu Zhishi ran while panting heavily, so tired, so tired, so tired!

Fish! Here he comes! If he didn't catch two big fat fish today, it wouldn't be fair to all the enthusiasm and love Lu Zhishi had for them.

Halfway there, he spotted Grandma Lu returning by car. The elderly lady had the driver stop and rolled down the window. "Fat Cheese."

Hearing the familiar voice, Lu Zhishi, who had been running with his head down, looked up, his eyes lighting up. "Grandma!"

He got into the car with his fishing gear. "Grandma, I want to go fishing at the fishpond. That walk really tired me out."

"Don't worry, Grandma will take you there." Grandma Lu had the driver turn around to take her dear grandson fishing first, then took out a handkerchief to wipe Lu Zhishi's sweat.

She pulled out a pot of herbal tea from the small fridge below, poured a cup for Lu Zhishi, and urged him to drink it. "Have some herbal tea to cool down."

"Thank you, Grandma!" Lu Zhishi took it and gulped it down in one go, letting out a comfortable sigh.

Hard to believe he worked up a sweat in the March-April weather. Grandma Lu reached out to tidy his messy hair.

When she'd first seen Lu Zhishi, the kid was running as if he were about to take off. Grandma Lu didn't know what to say.

After thinking about it, she blamed Grandpa Lu for setting a bad example—that old fishing fanatic!

Grandpa Lu, who was fishing at that moment, sneezed three times in a row, looking confused before snapping back to reality and reeling in the fat fish that had taken the bait.

"Let's catch a few more for Fatty Fish and Fat Cheese to eat tonight. I wonder if the Chi family boy will come." Grandpa Lu muttered to himself.

"If Fat Cheese is here, the Chi family boy will come."

Grandpa Song also had a fish on his line and leisurely reeled it in, adding, "When will Fatty Fish bring a partner home? I'd really thank heaven and earth and be perfectly satisfied."

Grandpa Lu sighed. "Fatty Fish? It'll be a while. I'm just waiting to drink Fat Cheese's jar of peach blossom wine."

Speak of the devil—a familiar loud voice carried from afar, a small black dot growing closer and closer.

"Grandpa! Grandpa! I'm here!"

Grandpa Lu and Grandpa Song turned around simultaneously, their faces breaking into affectionate smiles at the sight of their dear grandson.

"Fat Cheese, why did you come? The weather's a bit chilly and warm outside." Grandpa Song made room for Lu Zhishi to sit between him and Grandpa Lu, then took the grandson's fishing rod to bait the hook for him. "Don't catch a cold."

The little grandson's constitution wasn't the strongest—he tended to catch colds easily when the weather was changeable.

"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm wearing a thick sweatshirt. I won't catch a cold." Lu Zhishi set down his small stool, adjusted his straw hat, and took the fishing rod Grandpa Song had baited for him.

Remembering something, he looked at Grandpa Lu and said, "Grandpa, Grandma wanted me to tell you to come back early for lunch today. Don't get so caught up in fishing that you forget to eat. Starving yourself is one thing, but don't starve Fat Cheese."

Grandpa Lu's face reddened. He coughed twice and said sheepishly, "Got it, got it."

Lu Zhishi put on a serious face. "Grandpa, fishing is fine, but you can't forget to eat. You have to have meals on time."

Grandpa Song burst out laughing beside them. Grandpa Lu's face turned even redder as he stroked his chin beard. "I'll make sure to eat on time from now on."

"Mm!" Lu Zhishi nodded.

The spring breeze brushed against their faces, the sunlight was gentle—perfect fishing weather.

When Chi Chen called, Lu Zhishi had just reeled in a big, fat fish with the help of his two grandfathers.

He wiped his hands clean before answering the phone, and Chi Chen appeared on screen. Lu Zhishi leaned in closer, saying, "Chi Chen, Chi Chen, I'm fishing! I've already caught two big, fat fish!"

Chi Chen frowned slightly. "Did you go alone?"

The weather had been unpredictable, alternating between cool and warm, and Chi Chen was worried he might catch a cold while fishing.

"Both grandfathers are here with me." Lu Zhishi turned the camera toward Grandpa Lu and Grandpa Song.

Grandpa Lu nodded at the screen. "Young man from the Chi family."

When the camera panned to him, Grandpa Song also smiled faintly and nodded. "Xiao Chen."

Chi Chen greeted the two elders respectfully. "Grandpa Lu, Grandpa Song, good afternoon."

"Chi boy, would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Fat Cheese will be here too." Grandpa Lu stroked his beard, asking Chi Chen while simultaneously re-baiting and casting Lu Zhishi's fishing line, multitasking effortlessly.

Chi Chen replied, "I'll be there, Grandpa. Thanks for having me."

Grandpa Lu said, "Alright, come home early for dinner."

Grandpa Song reminded him, "Drive safe."

Chi Chen chuckled lightly. "I will, Grandpa Lu, Grandpa Song."

When they were done speaking, Lu Zhishi turned the camera back to himself and asked Chi Chen, "It's nearly lunchtime. Have you finished your work?"

Lu Zhishi knew him well—whether Chi Chen finished his work determined whether he would have lunch on time.

"Almost done, just a bit left. I'll have lunch on time today." Chi Chen showed him the stack of documents on his desk.

There really was only a small pile left; he would definitely finish before noon. Lu Zhishi nodded. "Go eat when you're done, and remember to send me a photo of your lunch. I'll send you one too after I go home to eat."

Chi Chen held back a laugh. "Okay."

"Let me show you the fish I caught." Lu Zhishi held his phone over the bucket. "Super fat fish. I'll make you steamed fish for dinner tonight, okay?"

Chi Chen preferred lighter flavors, so steamed fish was perfect. Lu Zhishi was also quite skilled in the kitchen.

Hearing his clear, cheerful voice, Chi Chen felt his heart soften. He gently touched the screen where Lu Zhishi's face was.

"Okay, Fat Cheese. Very impressive."

Praise from his boyfriend made Lu Zhishi giggle. He secretly puckered up for a kiss.

Chi Chen immediately screenshotted it and saved it to his Baby Cheese album. He also leaned closer to the screen and blew a kiss toward Lu Zhishi's forehead.

"See you this afternoon."

"See you this afternoon, Baby Chi Chen!"

"Goodbye, Baby Cheese."

After hanging up, Lu Zhishi put away his phone. When he looked up, he saw both grandfathers on either side of him wearing teasing, affectionate smiles, making him a little embarrassed.

Pretending to be calm, Lu Zhishi continued holding his fishing rod, waiting for fat fish to bite. But just thinking about Chi Chen made him giggle uncontrollably, his beautiful peach-blossom eyes curving into little crescents.

"Ha ha ha ha ha!" Grandpa Lu burst into laughter as well, while Grandpa Song shook his head helplessly, a faint smile on his face.

"Grandpa, Grandpa, I like Chi Chen. I'm going to marry him in the future and grow old together." Lu Zhishi's eyes were bright, filled with anticipation and shyness, a gentle smile spreading across his lips.

Grandpa Lu gently ruffled his fluffy hair and laughed heartily. "After you graduate from university, Grandpa will arrange an engagement for the two of you!"

Grandpa Song nodded. "Engagement first. As for marriage, we'll have to wait two more years. There's quite a lot to prepare."

Just like Zhao Qiyun and Zhou Nianjing—they were getting engaged this summer, but the wedding would be two years later. The Zhao family was currently busy preparing for both the engagement and the wedding.

They fished until lunchtime, when Grandma Lu called. First, she gave Grandpa Lu an earful, then gently called Fat Cheese home to eat, telling him he could come back to fish again after lunch and a nap.

When they drove back to the Lu family home, Lu Zhishi had lunch with his grandparents and sent a photo of the meal to Chi Chen.

About twenty minutes after sending the photo, Chi Chen also sent him one. He had probably gotten busy again and forgotten, only putting down his work to eat after seeing Lu Zhishi's photo.

After going upstairs to his room, Lu Zhishi chatted with Chi Chen for a while before saying good afternoon and putting his phone down for a two-hour nap.

Eager to go fishing again, Lu Zhishi woke up before his alarm and got out of bed without any laziness.

After washing his face, he went downstairs. His grandparents were still napping.

With nothing else to do, Lu Zhishi went to the storage room, found a shovel and a watering can, and went to loosen the soil and water the vegetable and flower gardens of both the Lu and Song families with nutrient solution.

Once he got into gardening, Lu Zhishi tended to lose track of everything.

Not only did he loosen the soil, pull weeds, and add nutrient solution, he also carefully checked for insects—if he found any, he planned to use them as fishing bait.

After tidying up the gardens of both families, Lu Zhishi was exhausted and plopped down on the steps in front of the villa, with his shovel, nutrient solution, and straw hat beside him.

"All done? If you're finished, let's go fishing." Grandpa Song ruffled his hair, bent down to wipe the sweat from his forehead and neck with a handkerchief, and felt his back to see if it was soaked through.

Lu Zhishi said softly, "Thank you, Grandpa!"

Grandma Song handed him a bottle of cold-prevention herbal drink. "Drink this to prevent catching a cold."

"Thank you, Grandma!" Lu Zhishi gulped it down quickly. It was sweet and not bitter at all.

After saying goodbye to Grandma Song, Lu Zhishi followed Grandpa Song to the Lu family home, where they saw Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu coming out together at the door.

Grandma Lu was carrying a pot of red date and ginger tea. "Fat Cheese, take this with you. Sip it from time to time to keep warm and avoid catching a chill."

Lu Zhishi ran over to take it. "Thank you, Grandma!"

Grandpa Lu patted his shoulder, wrapped an arm around him, and walked toward the fishing pond, his voice deep and hearty. "Fat Cheese, how many fish are you planning to catch this afternoon?"

Lu Zhishi made a fist. "I must catch six!"

"Wow, good! That's the spirit!"

Lu Zhishi added, "I don't need Grandpa's help. I want to catch six all by myself!"

Grandpa Lu laughed again. "Good, good! That's my grandson—so brave!"

Grandpa Song chuckled. "Alright, go for it, Fat Cheese."

Lu Zhishi set off full of fighting spirit, but after sitting on his little stool for two hours, he was dejected. The bucket beside him was empty, without even a single ripple.

Grandpa Song held back a laugh as he put his third freshly caught fat fish into the bucket. Since Fat Cheese hadn't asked for help, he pretended not to notice, not wanting to hurt the child's feelings.

Grandpa Lu laughed heartily. When Lu Zhishi looked over, he innocently explained while putting his own caught fat fish into the bucket:

"Fat Cheese, Grandpa is just happy," he said, "I caught another one — the bucket's almost full now, hahahaha——"

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Lu Zhishi continued to hang his head in dejection, reeling in the fishing line, only to find the hook bare of bait. He glanced at the pond teeming with plump fish and gave a frustrated laugh.

*How infuriating!* A whole pond full of fish, and not a single one has any fish ethics!

Well, they've successfully provoked him. Lu Zhishi regained his fighting spirit! Full of determination! Unyielding!

Another hour had passed.

This time, Grandpa Lu could no longer hold back his laughter, and Grandpa Song also chuckled aloud. Caught between them, Lu Zhishi stared at his empty hook, filled with grievance.

*This is too much! A bunch of fish with no fish ethics! Shamelessly taking the bait without getting caught!*

Grandpa Lu patted his little head, "Fat Cheese, when you run into difficulties, you can ask for help—like from the two fishing experts beside you."

Grandpa Song added yet another plump fish he had caught into the bucket, proving the skill of a fishing master.

Lu Zhishi pouted, his cheeks and ears flushed red, looking somewhat disheartened.

Out of the corner of his eye, Grandpa Lu spotted someone approaching in the distance. He turned to look, then turned back and patted Lu Zhishi's head.

"Don't worry, Fat Cheese, your reinforcements have arrived."

Grandpa Song also turned to look, nodded, and asked, "Well, Fat Cheese, your boyfriend must be pretty good at fishing, right?"