Chapter 90: Chapter 90 “Almost Bit You Twice….”

Chapter 90

"They were practically about to take a bite out of each other..."

Early June marked both the start of summer vacation and Zhao Qiyun and Zhou Nianjing's dating anniversary.

They chose this day to hold their wedding at a grand cathedral in Country B, with a castle nearby—a gift from Zhao Qiyun to Zhou Nianjing.

From their first youthful crush on campus to now, as their wedding approached, the couple had known each other for a full decade. After four years of dating, they officially became legally married spouses.

Though the wedding was held in Country B, their marriage certificate was issued in Country A, signed with a vow of eternal commitment.

The wedding festivities lasted three lively days. Lu Zhishi and the others, serving as groomsmen, were busy running around until the second day when the main ceremony took place. They finally got to rest during the ring exchange and vows.

On the expansive lawn, the officiant recited vows for the couple. Both of them, having gone from campus sweethearts to wedding partners, had eyes glistening with emotion.

Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen were snuggled close together, leaning against one another as they watched. Tilting his head, Lu Zhishi whispered softly, "I'm kinda jealous. Will we have our wedding in a church too? Which one, though?"

Country B has several famous cathedrals, and this was just one of them—they had plenty to choose from.

Chi Chen ruffled his hair, then let his hand rest on Lu Zhishi’s shoulder, replying gently, "Not in a church."

Lu Zhishi turned to him. "Then where?"

Chi Chen smiled without answering.

Seeing his expression, Lu Zhishi knew he wouldn’t say. He gave Chi Chen’s hand a light squeeze and didn’t press further, choosing to wait for the surprise.

When they looked back toward the front, Zhao Qiyun and Zhou Nianjing had already exchanged rings. The crowd burst into applause, along with cheers and well-wishes. Confetti, fireworks, rose petals, and bell chimes filled the air.

Lu Zhishi clapped until his hands turned red, a smile on his face and unmistakable joy and blessings in his eyes.

Beside the newlyweds, Zhao Xiaoxing was laughing through tears. Lu Zhiyu gently wiped away his tears, whispering soft comforts and ruffling his hair.

After the vows and ring exchange, it was time for the bouquet toss.

There were two bouquets, meant to pass on blessings to unmarried friends, wishing them happy marriages.

Everyone crowded around to join in the fun. Lu Zhishi pulled Chi Chen along, jostling in the crowd with laughter, waiting for the two bouquets to fall from the sky.

Chi Chen stayed calm, one arm protecting Lu Zhishi while keeping an eye on the bouquets in Zhao Qiyun and Zhou Nianjing’s hands.

The people in front were a bit tall, blocking Lu Zhishi’s view. He could only tell the bouquets had been thrown from the crowd’s excited shouts.

He was feeling disappointed that he hadn't been able to catch a bouquet to give to Chi Chen when suddenly, Chi Chen moved swiftly. Reaching up with a long arm, he caught one of the bouquets—a bouquet of blue roses.

Lu Zhishi: "?"

Everyone else: "?"

The others thought: Seriously, is it fair that just because he’s tall, he got it so easily?!

After catching one bouquet, Chi Chen looked around for the other, planning to get it for the soon-to-be newlyweds Lu Zhiyu and Zhao Xiaoxing.

But Lu Zhiyu was just a second slower—he also caught a bouquet of blue roses and smiled, raising it toward Chi Chen.

Chi Chen smiled slightly, averted his gaze, and handed the bouquet in his hand to the stunned Lu Zhishi. At the same time, he pulled out a small gift box from his pocket and dropped to one knee.

"Though it’s a bit rushed, this bouquet carries blessings." Chi Chen’s hands trembled slightly as he opened the small box. Worried that Lu Zhishi might think he was being casual, he looked up and explained nervously, "This might not be the most elaborate proposal, but I promise the wedding will be magnificent."

"Lu Zhishi, please marry me. I will spend the rest of my life proving that I will always love you."

Damn, this guy one-upped everyone—skipping the engagement and going straight to a proposal, wanting to get married and have the wedding right away.

The cheering and laughter grew louder. The blessings and teasing made the couple blush, but as embarrassed as they were, neither could look away from the other.

Lu Zhishi extended his hand, his entire face red, but with a smile curling his lips. "I do."

Three years ago, when Lu Zhishi confessed, it was Chi Chen who said "I do."

Three years later, Chi Chen was the first to propose, and this time it was Lu Zhishi’s turn to say "I do."

The parents could only smile and shake their heads helplessly, joining in the applause.

After all, they were about to graduate. If these kids wanted to get married, so be it—it just meant being a little busier with two weddings. No big deal.

Finally transitioning from a couple to soon-to-be newlyweds, Lu Zhishi was overjoyed, stealing kisses of his engagement ring on his left ring finger every now and then.

The long-awaited ring finger finally had its ring. Just as Chi Chen had said before, the engagement ring was even more beautiful than the couple rings he’d given him before.

Made of white gold, the men’s engagement ring didn’t have a large gemstone in the center. Instead, it was encircled by dozens of small blue sapphire solitaires, making it one of the world's most expensive engagement rings.

This ring symbolized the couple growing old together in lasting love. Chi Chen had carefully selected it, making over a dozen trips overseas before finally bringing it back from distant Country S. Its value was immeasurable.

The most unique ring for the most unique Lu Zhishi—his Baby Cheese deserved all the beautiful things in the world.

With an engagement ring on Lu Zhishi’s left ring finger, Chi Chen naturally had one on his right ring finger—a ring Lu Zhishi had put great effort into custom-making.

Lu Zhishi had thought he would be the one to propose first, especially since he’d started preparing as soon as the engagement party was scheduled. He never expected Chi Chen to beat him to it.

"La la la~"

"La la la~"

"La la la~"

The out-of-tune little song filled the Zhao family's living room. Lu Zhishi had already sung it dozens of times, never once hitting the right notes.

Zhao Xiaoxing chuckled, sitting cross-legged beside him, clacking away noisily on his laptop as he worked on his thesis.

"Six Cheese, you’ve been practicing for days and you still haven't gotten it down?"

Lu Zhishi giggled, tapping busily at his keyboard, happily saying, "I’ll definitely learn it."

Zhao Xiaoxing laughed even louder. "Then I’ll be waiting."

Lu Zhishi grinned. "Actually, I should be waiting for you. Are you and my brother getting married? Is it happening after graduation?"

Zhao Xiaoxing thought for a moment. "Probably. Mom and Dad and my brothers are all really busy. Brother Xiao Yu hasn’t told me anything."

Now it was Lu Zhishi’s turn to laugh loudly. "Then you'll be at my wedding first! You can be my groomsman, Pang Xiaoxing~"

Zhao Xiaoxing: "?"

Evening.

Lu Zhiyu came home from work and stared in confusion: "?"

He was baffled, tapping Lu Zhishi on the head. "I let you skip the engagement, okay, but at least you were waiting until after graduation to get married. Now you’re planning to hold your wedding instead of the engagement party?" Lu Zhishi rubbed his head, blinking, and asked softly, "Is that not okay?"

Lu Zhiyu: "What do you think?"

Lu Zhishi thought for a moment: "We'll still have the engagement party. The day after the engagement, I'll propose to Chi Chen, and then we'll get married a month later when the weather warms up in early spring."

Lu Zhiyu: "..." Should he praise this as a clever idea that kills two birds with one stone?

Rubbing his temples in frustration, Lu Zhiyu pointed to the door, telling him to wait for their two dads: "Wait until Dad and Papa come back, then tell them yourself. If they agree, it's fine."

Lu Zhishi took a deep breath, clenched his fists, determined to convince his two dads!

When Lu Tingan and Song Qinian came home from work and faced their unusually attentive youngest son, the couple exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows.

During dinner, upon hearing Lu Zhishi's idea, the two said nothing, eating their meal leisurely. Only after they were full did they speak up, saying they needed to think about it.

Lu Zhishi was anxious and was extra helpful over the next week. On his birthday, his wish was to marry Chi Chen as soon as possible.

This was their child's request, and also his birthday wish. Lu Tingan and Song Qinian couldn't say no.

Lu Zhiyu watched from the side, blinking thoughtfully.

Hey, you can have multiple birthdays, right? His own birthday seemed to be coming up soon too.

With his birthday wish successfully granted, Lu Zhishi was so happy that he drank too much. He swayed dizzily into Chi Chen's arms, clinging to him and refusing to let go, repeatedly calling out "Chi Chen," "Chi Chen," "Baby Chi Chen."

His love for Chi Chen was clear as day—his eyes and heart were full of him. His clear, bright, watery peach-blossom eyes reflected Chi Chen's face.

How could such a soft, clingy Lu Zhishi not make anyone's heart flutter? Chi Chen's gaze was filled with infinite tenderness.

After informing the elders, Chi Chen helped the drunk Lu Zhishi upstairs to their room to clean up.

Holding him in his arms, Chi Chen carefully dried his hair. The intoxicated Lu Zhishi was fidgety, squirming against him, turning around to hug Chi Chen's waist and ask for kisses.

Chi Chen set the hairdryer aside, holding the person in his arms to prevent him from falling, and leaned down to kiss the corner of his lips: "Such a clingy Cheese."

"Cheese is naturally clingy..." Lu Zhishi mumbled, wrapping his arms around Chi Chen's neck and giving his thin lips a light peck: "I'm Baby Cheese..."

Chi Chen chuckled softly: "Alright, got it, Baby Cheese."

The drunken Cheese was very clingy, sticking to Chi Chen for a long time without letting go. He kissed Chi Chen until his lips were swollen, and finally, overcome by the alcohol, he fell asleep drowsily on his fiancé.

Gently laying him down flat, Chi Chen pulled up the covers and adjusted the room temperature to a comfortable level.

Turning off the main light and switching on a small lamp, he kissed his lover's forehead, wished him goodnight, and quietly closed the door behind him as he left.

The warmth that had been pressed against him suddenly disappeared. Lu Zhishi drowsily opened his eyes, looking around in confusion.

A voice in his mind told him that Chi Chen had gone home. Lu Zhishi reached out, kissed the engagement ring on his ring finger, hugged his plush rabbit, closed his eyes, and fell fast asleep.

He would go find his fiancé tomorrow.

...

Unfortunately, the next day, Lu Zhishi still didn’t see his fiancé. Chi Chen had gone abroad again and wouldn’t be back for a few days.

Lu Zhishi unconsciously pouted, somewhat unhappy, fiddling with the hem of his clothes, rubbing and twisting it.

His brother Lu Zhiyu turned to look at him: "?"

What was going on? Why was he tugging at his shirt? Could it be that he expected him to go abroad and bring Chi Chen back?

Helplessly, Lu Zhiyu ruffled his little brother’s fluffy hair, sighed, and comforted him: "Alright, alright, Chi Chen will be back in a couple of days. Why don’t you work on your thesis these next few days?"

"But today is mine and Chi Chen’s third anniversary," Lu Zhishi said in a muffled voice.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhiyu immediately stood up, straightening his clothes: "Wait here, I’ll go help you bring Chi Chen back."

Lu Zhishi hurriedly pulled him back: "Forget it, forget it. He might come back later. It’s fine if he doesn’t."

Pouring his brother a cup of tea, Lu Zhishi also held a cup of honey water for himself, his tone calm: "If we can’t celebrate our dating anniversary this year, then we’ll celebrate our wedding anniversary next year. There’s plenty of time ahead."

Although he said this, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Glumly, he finished part of his thesis draft and spent a long time going through papers. In his free time, Lu Zhishi sat on the small balcony of his room, looking in the direction of their new house.

Chi Chen did send messages, updating him on the situation there, but he didn’t say when he would be home.

Fortunately, it was Saturday, the weekend, otherwise Lu Zhishi would have worried about losing sleep and affecting work the next day.

After tending to the vegetables, loosening the soil, and watering the plants, Lu Zhishi went to the new house to tidy up the vegetable garden and peach saplings.

After dinner, Lu Zhishi worked overtime in the study until nine, then returned to his room balcony to look again.

It was still dark over there.

The sense of disappointment was particularly strong. Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhishi went into the bathroom to wash up, hoping to distract himself. When he saw Chi Chen in a couple of days, he would definitely kiss him fiercely!

Hmph, how outrageous—he absolutely had to kiss him until he was flat!

Having cheered himself up, Lu Zhishi patted the face mask on his skin, hummed a little tune, and curled up on the sofa watching a replay of financial news.

Overtime had already cut into his usual sleep time. By the time he finished washing up and applied the face mask, the clock had long since pointed to ten.

Leaning drowsily on the sofa, Lu Zhishi slowly blinked once, then again, looking tired but reluctant to sleep.

He knew exactly why—it was simply because he couldn’t let go of his loved one...

Just as Lu Zhishi was about to give up waiting, wash his face, and prepare for bed, the headlights of a car shone through the window.

With the thought, "Just one look, just one look—what if it really is Chi Chen coming back?" Lu Zhishi wiped the water from his face and walked to the small balcony to peek outside.

With just one glance, Lu Zhishi’s eyes reddened at the corners. Leaning over the balcony to look down, his long eyelashes fluttered incessantly, his voice soft and plaintive: "Why are you only coming back now?"

Having rushed back from abroad, travel-worn, his deep-set eyes hidden in the dim light carrying a trace of fatigue, Chi Chen looked up at his lover, holding a bouquet of black tea roses, his voice very gentle.

"Sorry, I kept you waiting." Chi Chen came through the small wooden gate between the two houses to the side yard of the Lu residence. From different levels, they gazed at each other: "I originally wanted to surprise you, but the flight was delayed, so I only got home this late."

After softly explaining, Chi Chen continued to apologize for making his fiancé wait so long: "I made you wait a very long time, I’m really sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Lu Zhishi didn’t speak, turning away from the balcony and returning to his room, then lightly and quickly going downstairs and out the door.

Chi Chen lowered his hand, holding the black tea roses, his eyes downcast.

The villa’s front door slowly opened, and Lu Zhishi flew out like a little cannonball, crashing into Chi Chen’s embrace.

The black tea roses between them were almost crushed, but no one noticed—the passionately in-love fiancés were sharing a passionate kiss.

Summer night, moonlight, evening breeze, roses, young lovers.

It was a picture of passionate love.

Lu Zhishi emerged from Chi Chen’s embrace, tilting his face up, his hand gently stroking Chi Chen’s brow: "I’m not upset with you, I just missed you so much. The trip must have been exhausting."

Chi Chen held his hand, nuzzled it gently, his voice soft: "It wasn't difficult. Being able to see you is enough. I missed you too."

Lu Zhishi buried his face into his chest, rubbing against it, his voice muffled and a little aggrieved: "Actually, I am a tiny bit unhappy. I was just thinking that when you came back, I’d kiss you until you’re flattened and in tears..."

He said it just like that?

Chi Chen chuckled. "Sure."

Lu Zhishi whispered, "I wouldn’t dare."

Remembering something, he lifted his head and turned to go back inside: "I didn’t grab my things. Wait for me, I’ll be right back."

He went back to his room to grab his phone, laptop, and anniversary gift, turned off the lights, closed the door, and went downstairs.

"Let's go, let's go."

But Chi Chen didn’t move. He handed Lu Zhishi the bouquet and asked Lu Zhishi: "Are we going to sleep at the new home?"

Lu Zhishi: "?"

Lu Zhishi looked up at him, his eyes clearly asking:

—What else? He’d brought his things out and turned off the lights in his room.

Chi Chen was still hesitating, but Lu Zhishi, holding the laptop and bouquet in one hand and pulling Chi Chen with the other, headed out. He was really sleepy.

Half of the anniversary gifts Chi Chen brought back were in the car trunk, the other half placed in the master bedroom living room.

There were piles and piles—compared to Chi Chen’s gifts, what Lu Zhishi had prepared was small, just a little box, though it was worth a fortune.

It was the key to a villa on Love Island—the villa and the island itself, a gift for Chi Chen.

"This island has a really good meaning—it’s meant to bless engaged couples with lasting love. I thought you’d like it..."

Putting down the laptop and bouquet, he patted his fluffy big pillow, lay down comfortably, closed his eyes, with a peaceful expression.

"Such an expensive gift?" Chi Chen sat by the bed, brushing the hair on his forehead and tucking him in.

"Yours were expensive too." Lu Zhishi didn’t open his eyes, just kept them closed as he drifted toward sleep, but reached out to hold Chi Chen’s hand. "The next time we exchange gifts will be for our wedding anniversary."

"Mm, there’s still half a year. I’m looking forward to it."

Lu Zhishi opened his eyes: "Have you been busy with wedding preparations lately?"

Chi Chen nodded: "I have tomorrow off. We can go see the venue decorations together—we’ll arrange everything just how you like it."

"Let’s take a look now."

Lu Zhishi’s eyes lit up. He tried to sit up but was gently pressed back down by Chi Chen.

Chi Chen pulled the covers over him again, turned off the bedroom light, and placed a hand over his eyes: "Time to sleep. It’s almost eleven. Aren’t you tired?"

Eyelashes fluttering, Lu Zhishi closed his eyes and grabbed the blanket: "Going to sleep."

Seeing his breathing gradually steady, Chi Chen gently pulled his hand back and got up to leave.

Hearing him move, Lu Zhishi quickly opened his eyes, leaned over, and grabbed his hand: "You’re not staying with me?"

Held by the wrist, Chi Chen paused in surprise, then chuckled softly: "I’m all dirty. I need to take a shower first before I dare to climb into Baby Cheese’s bed."

"Oh..." Lu Zhishi awkwardly let go and lay back down, pulling the blanket over himself.

Bending down, Chi Chen tugged the blanket down from his face a little, kissed his forehead, and coaxed: "Wait for me to come back."

Lu Zhishi didn’t dare open his eyes, just nodded and murmured "Mm."

Lu Zhishi’s face was bright red. Chi Chen didn’t tease him further, just brushed his lips lightly to the corner of his mouth before leaving to wash up.

Hearing him enter the bathroom, Lu Zhishi opened his eyes to check, making sure he wouldn’t come out anytime soon, then pulled the blanket over his head again and let out a frustrated groan.

He shouldn’t have asked. It must’ve been because he was so sleepy his thoughts were fuzzy, leading to such an awkward and ambiguous question.

Before Chi Chen came out, Lu Zhishi tried to convince himself: fall asleep quickly, fall asleep quickly.

If he fell asleep, he wouldn’t have to face the awkwardness.

Actually, Lu Zhishi didn’t need any hypnosis—his ability to fall asleep could only be described as instant.

Chi Chen knew him well too, aware that Lu Zhishi would feel awkward. He wouldn’t be surprised if Lu Zhishi was already asleep by the time he finished showering.

As it turned out, Chi Chen wasn’t wrong—the little one was already spread out like a star, fast asleep.

Luckily the bed was big enough to fit five Lu Zhishis; otherwise, with his sleeping posture, Chi Chen would probably end up on the edge.

Lifting the blanket to lie down, before Chi Chen could even hold him, Lu Zhishi turned over and wrapped his limbs around Chi Chen—a clingy octopus, and a restless one at that.

Looking at the hand slid under his pajama top, Chi Chen slowly turned to glance at the sleeping Lu Zhishi. Was it a case of dreaming about what you want during the day?

It seemed he wasn’t doing well enough as a fiancé, not even knowing what his precious fiancé wanted, failing to fulfill his wishes in time...

Whether Chi Chen could fall asleep or not, Lu Zhishi didn’t know. He only knew he was sleeping deeply, even dreaming of grabbing a huge piece of white chocolate taller than himself—it looked irresistible.

He couldn’t bear to eat it, instead hugging the white chocolate, wanting to bring it home for Chi Chen to try.

When he woke up in the morning, Lu Zhishi felt groggy, regretful that he couldn’t bring that giant white chocolate into reality.

Checking the time, it was still early—he could snooze a bit longer.

Hugging Chi Chen beside him, Lu Zhishi buried his face in the crook of his neck and closed his eyes again.

He’d heard some people could continue their dreams. He wondered if this nap would let him find that white chocolate taller than himself.

Lu Zhishi’s curly hair tickling him. Half-asleep, Chi Chen opened his eyes slightly, instinctively drawing him closer before closing his eyes again to sleep, dark circles under his eyes.

He really hadn’t slept well last night. Chi Chen was exhausted, unusually languid, dozing off again for a nap.

It was the weekend, their fixed day off. The couple didn’t have work, sleeping in late before waking, and even then, lazing in bed.

"Is this what our future married life will be like?" Lu Zhishi asked, lying on his pillow, tilting his head toward Chi Chen, his voice muffled.

Chi Chen lay on his back, slowly blinking, pressing his fingers to his brow: "In a way, yes. But it depends."

Lu Zhishi didn’t quite understand. Shaking his head to wake up, he propped himself up to look at Chi Chen: "Why do you say that?"

Chi Chen turned to look at him: "Not for young ears. I wouldn’t recommend hearing it—I might not see my fiancé for a few days again."

He seemed to understand a little, but not entirely. Lu Zhishi didn’t dare probe further, burying the lower half of his face in his arm, his ears turning bright red.

Bringing up adult topics early in the morning was really asking for trouble. Lu Zhishi changed the subject: "Last night I dreamed I caught a huge piece of white chocolate, even taller than I am."

"I couldn't bear to eat it and wanted to bring it back for you to try, but unfortunately, that big white chocolate escaped."

He sighed, his voice full of regret, his eyes clouded with disappointment.

"What's the difference between this and some angler finally catching a man-sized fish just to have it slip away?"

Chi Chen paused for a few seconds before replying, "There is a difference, though. A fish that big might've been magical."

"And your big white chocolate didn't go anywhere." Chi Chen lifted his pajama top, revealing red marks all over his abs, clearly caused by scratching and rubbing:

"You were grabbing and scratching all over last night, almost biting it a couple of times. You really don't remember any of that?"