Chapter 93: Chapter 93 “It’s Okay, Teacher Chi Will Teach You….”

Chapter 93

"Don't worry, Teacher Chi will show you the ropes."

After their wedding photoshoot in Country D, Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen extended their stay for a few more days. They visited a ranch, picked fresh, delicious fruits, and sampled the local hard cheese.

Lu Zhishi found the taste much to his liking, so he arranged for some to be shipped back home. Afterward, he and Chi Chen continued their travels to another country.

A world of ice and snow—taking photos here was quite an ordeal.

Yet, the wedding photos turned out stunning. Against a backdrop of endless snow-capped mountains, the young couple walked hand in hand, their gazes meeting in a moment of infinite tenderness and shared laughter.

Beautiful as it was, and undeniably atmospheric, Lu Zhishi nearly froze into a block of cheese, sneezing incessantly and sinking his foot deep into the snow.

They departed immediately after the photoshoot, bound for a tropical island to bask in the sea breeze, sip coconut water, and sunbathe.

"I take back what I said earlier."

Lu Zhishi applied sunscreen for the umpteenth time. The scorching sun made his skin prickle, almost turning him into a charcoal-grilled cheese stick.

Unable to reach his back, he scooted over to Chi Chen, flopping onto their double beach lounger and handing him the sunscreen for assistance.

"Chi Chen, Chi Chen, Baby Chi Chen, help me put this on. I’ll help you with yours later."

Chi Chen took the sunscreen, sat up at the edge of the lounger, and meticulously applied it, ensuring every exposed area received two layers. He even threw in a full-body massage for Lu Zhishi while he was at it.

"If it’s too hot, we can head back to the hotel and return for beachcombing this evening."

Lu Zhishi mumbled with his eyes closed, "Let’s sunbathe a bit longer. We’ve already applied sunscreen—can’t let it go to waste."

Chi Chen chuckled, "Alright."

Noticing Lu Zhishi’s fatigue, Chi Chen gave him another massage to help him relax.

He grew drowsy, lying sideways on the lounger, half-asleep, his words slurring: "Teacher Chi, you’re amazing, your skills are top-notch..."

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Lu Zhishi drifted off to sleep, his breathing steady and deep.

As his consciousness faded, his last memory was of Chi Chen’s gentle kneading. Lu Zhishi thought to himself that he would give Teacher Chi a massage that night too.

He couldn’t let Chi Chen be the only one putting in effort. A couple should give and take...

Mumbling incoherently, he felt too sleepy and dozed off.

When he awoke, it was already dark outside. The faint glow of a beach bonfire flickered through the floor-to-ceiling window, and he could faintly hear lively laughter and chatter.

Lu Zhishi sat up, his hair a messy bird’s nest, unable to recall how he had returned to the hotel.

As his senses gradually returned, he felt the weight of an arm draped over his waist. Lu Zhishi leaned closer to examine Chi Chen’s face.

He whispered, "Baby Chi Chen, are you awake?"

The sound was almost inaudible unless listened to carefully, but the arm around his waist gently pulled him closer. Caught off guard, Lu Zhishi tumbled into Chi Chen’s embrace, his nose filled with the fresh, faint scent of mint.

Hmm, alright, Chi Chen was awake.

Was he just lazing in bed?

Lu Zhishi squirmed out of Chi Chen’s arms and propped himself up on Chi Chen's chest, looking at him up close.

Though the room was dimly lit, Chi Chen’s facial features were clear and discernible.

"When did you wake up?"

Chi Chen opened his eyes, blinked slowly, and closed them again.

His arm tightened around Lu Zhishi’s waist, and he buried his face in the crook of Lu Zhishi’s neck, his voice hoarse as he said, "When you sat up."

"Want to sleep a bit more?"

"No, let’s shower and go downstairs for dinner. Do you want to check out the bonfire outside?"

Lu Zhishi thought for a moment. "Let’s join the fun. Maybe we’ll find some delicious food to bring back as a late-night snack."

"Mm."

"Then let’s get ready."

"Okay."

Chi Chen agreed verbally, but his arm around Lu Zhishi’s waist didn’t loosen, and his face remained buried in Lu Zhishi’s neck.

Usually, it was Lu Zhishi who lingered in bed more often. Seeing Chi Chen like this was rare, and Lu Zhishi found it intriguing.

He leaned in and kissed Chi Chen’s cheek. "Alright, alright, here’s a kiss. Now get up quickly."

In the dim light, Chi Chen opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow imperceptibly.

Could lazing in bed lead to such perks?

Lu Zhishi didn’t see his expression and planted several more kisses before his boyfriend, who was lazing in bed, finally agreed to get up.

While Chi Chen went to gather clothes and shower, Lu Zhishi took out his phone and changed Chi Chen’s contact name.

—Lazy Bed Kissing Monster Baby.

"Clothes are ready. Go shower first. What are you laughing at?" Chi Chen emerged from the bathroom and, seeing Lu Zhishi grinning happily, couldn’t help but smile too.

Lu Zhishi looked at him and called out playfully, "Kissing Monster Baby."

Chi Chen paused mid-step, realized what it meant, and chuckled softly.

"Is that a new nickname?"

"It’s a contact name," Lu Zhishi said, putting down his phone and standing up. He followed Chi Chen to the suitcase and squatted beside him. "What’s your recent contact name for me?"

Chi Chen let out a short laugh. "Guess."

Lu Zhishi stroked his chin. "Sleep-Loving Baby Cheese?"

"Not quite."

"Seafood-Loving Baby Cheese?"

"Not that either."

"Dried Cheese-Loving Baby Cheese?"

Chi Chen shook his head. "Nope." Lu Zhishi frowned, looking troubled. "I can’t guess. Just tell me, boyfriend~"

Chi Chen said with a light laugh, "My phone's on the nightstand."

Lu Zhishi giggled, leaning in to kiss Chi Chen's cheek before getting up to grab his phone. With a fingerprint unlock, the pinned chat's avatar and name were immediately visible.

—A cheese that loves sunbathing.

Lu Zhishi was overjoyed, dashing back to Chi Chen, draping over his back, wrapping his arms around his neck, and smacking a couple of kisses on his face.

"Boyfriend, you're so adorable, and the nickname is always up-to-date."

Chi Chen gently covered his hand, turned his head to kiss Lu Zhishi's cheek in return, and said with a light smile, "You're adorable too."

In Chi Chen's eyes, Lu Zhishi was always adorable, even during sunbathing—there were countless cute moments.

The way he whined about the heat, chugged a coconut, devoured a small octopus in one bite, dozed off drowsily, or sprawled out whining for help with sunscreen…

Every move Lu Zhishi made was endearing; just watching him brought joy and happiness.

Happy emotions are contagious.

Being with Lu Zhishi, Chi Chen smiled every day, his heart so full there was no room for anything else.

Lu Zhishi kissed the corner of his lips, "Let’s both be adorable, a cute couple of kissy monsters."

Chi Chen held the back of his neck, tilted his face up slightly, and kissed him gently.

"Okay."

After dawdling for a long time, Lu Zhishi finally went to shower. For reasons left unsaid, when he came out, his face and ears were flushed red—whether from the heat or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.

After blow-drying his hair, Chi Chen collected his clothes and headed to the shower, emerging half an hour later.

Quite a bit faster than Lu Zhishi’s shower.

Since arriving at the island yesterday noon until now, Lu Zhishi had been eating seafood.

Seafood hotpot, seafood congee, steamed seafood, grilled seafood, stir-fried seafood…

All kinds of seafood, and by now Lu Zhishi was a bit tired of it. In the evening, he had two bowls of tangy, appetizing cold noodles.

After dinner, it was only around 9:30 PM. Lu Zhishi didn’t want to sleep so early, so he dragged Chi Chen to the beach to join the fun, buying two good spots to sit, eat, drink, and enjoy.

Chi Chen always indulged him. Seeing how much he enjoyed it, he quietly sat with him.

Midway, Lu Zhishi was invited to join the bonfire dance. Chi Chen watched from below, a gentle smile always lingering on his lips.

Lu Zhishi wasn’t much of a dancer, but noticing many others weren’t either, he let loose and had fun.

The firelight reflected in his eyes, his smiling brows more captivating than the moon. His striking looks always attracted others who flocked to ask for his contact info.

Chi Chen’s smile faded slightly. His fingers resting on the wine glass tapped unconsciously as he coldly watched those who coveted his treasure.

Just as he was about to stand up, he saw Lu Zhishi raise his left hand and wave, showing off the wedding ring on his ring finger. He then pointed to Chi Chen sitting not far away and replied in fluent foreign language:

—"My fiancé is over there."

Chi Chen leisurely sat back down, raised his glass to the foreign friend, his expression calm and composed.

As if he’d never felt any sense of crisis, nor paid any mind to those admirers.

As if the one who’d coldly risen earlier wasn’t him at all.

Too many people came asking for his contact info. Lu Zhishi went to wash his hands nearby before returning to Chi Chen’s side.

"Tired?" Chi Chen took a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped the thin sweat from Lu Zhishi’s forehead, and fed him a few sips of warm water to soothe his throat.

"Tired." Lu Zhishi leaned against him, panting heavily, his eyelids blinking slowly.

He hadn’t felt it while having fun, but now that he’d relaxed, he couldn’t help feeling drowsy.

Checking the time, it was already past 10 PM, well past Lu Zhishi’s usual bedtime.

"Let’s go back to sleep. I’m sleepy… We have to take photos tomorrow…"

Clinging to Chi Chen like an octopus, Lu Zhishi’s speech softened when he was sleepy, unconsciously whining and cooing.

"Okay."

Gently rubbing the back of his head to comfort him, Chi Chen carried him on his back and slowly walked toward the hotel.

Resting on Chi Chen’s shoulder, Lu Zhishi half-closed his eyes, gazing at his profile—from his brows to his thin lips, soft and cool, lips that were very kissable.

He suddenly said, "Chi Chen, your lips look very kissable."

Those thin lips curved into a slight smile. Narrow, deep eyes looked over, and a low, magnetic voice whispered gently in his ear, tinged with laughter and a hint of helpless indulgence: "Let’s kiss when we get back, okay?"

"Okay~" Lu Zhishi pouted and first kissed his cheek. "You gave me a massage this afternoon. I’ll give you one when we get back—fair’s fair."

The kiss on his cheek was light, like a dragonfly skimming water. In a place Lu Zhishi couldn’t see, Chi Chen narrowed his eyes happily, his smiling lips curling up even more.

"Then I’ll thank Teacher Lu in advance."

Lu Zhishi pouted and kissed Chi Chen’s cheek again and again, too focused on kissing to speak clearly: "You’re welcome, Teacher Chi. Your face is so kissable…"

This time, Chi Chen really couldn’t hold back a soft laugh, turning his head to look: "Is that so?"

Lu Zhishi replied: "Yes."

Chi Chen just smiled without another word, hoisted him up a bit higher, quickened his pace, and carried Lu Zhishi back to the hotel.

...

Lu Zhishi, the king of talk—he’s the one who starts the teasing, and he’s also the one who runs away first.

Scampering around the room like his pants were on fire, he finally hurriedly grabbed his pajamas and dashed into the bathroom, locking the door with a click.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhishi ruffled his messy hair, his face flushed red. The young man in the mirror had dewy eyes, filled with shyness and regret.

That cheeky Fat Cheese—why did he have to provoke Chi Chen for no reason? Doesn’t he know Chi Chen is the type who prefers action over words? Well, actually, he uses his mouth too.

After dawdling through his shower, he peeked out to see where Chi Chen was, then sneaked back to Chi Chen’s room to retrieve his pillow and plush rabbit.

He planned to sleep in his own room tonight.

Turning around, Lu Zhishi’s hair nearly stood on end like a sea urchin. He stammered, "H-how come you walk without making a sound?"

Earlier, seeing the bathroom door closed and knowing the soundproofing was good, Lu Zhishi thought he was still showering.

Chi Chen moved closer to him: "There was sound. Maybe you were too busy moving your pillow and plush rabbit to notice."

"Oh, oh..." Seeing him approach, Lu Zhishi didn't bother worrying about whether he had heard anything anymore. Tucking the pillow under one arm and the plush rabbit under the other, he tried to slip past Chi Chen to head out. "I-I'll just go back to sleep now."

Just as Lu Zhishi passed by, Chi Chen reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him close.

"Sleep here."

The warmth that had just receded from Lu Zhishi’s cheeks returned in a rush. "No, no..."

"Yes."

Blushing deeply, Lu Zhishi avoided Chi Chen’s gaze, turning his head slightly away from the man standing so close. "I’m too embarrassed..."

"You flirt and then try to run away, Teacher Lu. Isn’t that a little irresponsible?" Chi Chen tilted his head and kissed his lips, one arm wrapping around his lower back. His voice was husky as he murmured, "You were quite the charmer earlier, weren’t you?"

"Not anymore, not now..."

"No worries, then Teacher Chi will teach you, Student Lu."

...

Teacher Chi's "lessons" were far too effective. The next morning, Lu Zhishi woke up very late, looking completely spent, his hair a disheveled mess, as if all his energy had been sucked away.

In contrast, Chi Chen was radiant and full of energy, a slight smile tugging at his lips, as if fully recharged.

Their wedding photographer glanced at them, couldn’t help but look again.

Noticing her gaze, Lu Zhishi blushed unconsciously, his hand on Chi Chen’s shoulder sneakily scratching the nape of his neck.

Chi Chen felt it and simply smiled, his joy evident in his eyes.

Seeing this, Lu Zhishi felt like grabbing his collar, pulling him close, and biting him a couple of times to vent his irritation.

Under the blazing sun, the light was perfect. The backdrop for their wedding photos was the ocean, waves cascading in layers.

Chi Chen held his lower back, leaning down to kiss Lu Zhishi’s lips, his gaze soft and full of deep affection.

Whenever Chi Chen kissed him, Lu Zhishi’s anger melted away. He wrapped his arms around Chi Chen’s neck, tilting his face up to shyly return the kiss.

Click—the photographer captured the moment, preserving the most beautiful and heartfelt wedding photo, full of island charm.

...

Over two months, Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen traveled through nine countries, taking countless wedding photos. The photos they amassed during their journey filled two thick albums, most of them couple photos.

They left when autumn winds swept fallen leaves, and returned to the chill of swirling snow. This year, winter arrived in City A earlier than usual.

Lu Zhiyu and Zhao Xiaoxing personally came to the airport to pick them up. After two months apart, they'd missed them quite a bit.

Lu Zhishi was deeply moved, tearing up as he hugged them, nuzzling into their shoulders.

"You came to pick me and Chi Chen up yourselves—you must’ve missed me a lot, I know."

Lu Zhiyu snorted. "Chubby Xing and I were on a date and just happened to be passing by. I certainly didn’t miss a certain Six Cheese who gets too caught up having fun to send messages."

Lu Zhishi’s smile vanished instantly. He gave his brother a resentful look, then playfully butted his head against his annoying older brother.

Zhao Xiaoxing patted Lu Zhishi’s shoulder. "Six Cheese, don’t mind him—he’s all talk."

Lu Zhishi started grinning again. "Annoying brother, if the sky falls, your mouth will hold it up."

Zhao Xiaoxing couldn’t help but laugh, finding the description utterly fitting.

Chi Chen also curved his lips in a smile, not hiding his amusement. His mischievous little smirk was becoming more and more like Lu Zhishi’s.

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Lu Zhiyu laughed in exasperation, hooking an arm around his pesky younger brother’s neck and ruffling his fluffy head.

Except for the first day back when they ate at home, Lu Zhishi spent the next few days having meals at his grandparents’ place. After eating with the Lu and Song families, he went with Chi Chen to the Chi and Bai families, and even visited the Zhao family, until his belly was pleasantly round and full.

After returning, they left the wedding photo preparations to professionals. Chi Chen took one day off before returning to work.

Lu Zhishi, however, didn’t go to the company. He stayed home working on his thesis, writing and revising, taking a couple of days to rest and recuperate.

Lu Tingan and Song Qinian said he had lost weight. Lu Zhiyu said he had tanned, advising Lu Zhishi to stay home and recover.

Zhao Xiaoxing said his complexion looked much healthier and even asked for his secret to improving his energy. Lu Zhishi fidgeted, too embarrassed to say.

Despite traveling, Lu Zhishi hadn’t neglected his thesis. He had written everything he needed and was now revising the details—a real headache of a task.

"Whoa, you’re even further behind on your thesis than I am. What were you doing these two months?"

Since they both had free time, Lu Zhishi brought his computer over to Zhao Xiaoxing’s place, and they worked on their theses together.

Having traveled for two months, writing while playing around, Lu Zhishi thought his progress was slow, but Zhao Xiaoxing was even slower, still sluggishly editing content.

"N-nowhere really…" Zhao Xiaoxing flushed red, too embarrassed to explain, though the corners of his mouth curled up uncontrollably.

Lu Zhishi glanced at him, a slow smile spreading across his face, an expression of understanding. "It’s fine, I get it. It’s normal for couples to be all lovey-dovey."

Zhao Xiaoxing nuzzled against his arm.

Lu Zhishi patted his shoulder.

"How was the trip?" Zhao Xiaoxing was typing away on his keyboard, editing his thesis while asking Lu Zhishi, his eyes on the screen but his mouth not idle.

Lu Zhishi was also typing busily, without looking up from his screen. At the question, he started grinning again.

Hearing his laughter, Zhao Xiaoxing couldn’t help but smile too, his round, bright eyes crinkling into smiles.

He didn’t need Lu Zhishi to say anything—he already understood. The trip must’ve been quite fulfilling.

After finishing a section, Lu Zhishi pushed his laptop aside and leaned in to whispered something into Zhao Xiaoxing’s ear.

Zhao Xiaoxing’s expression gradually turned thoughtful, then enlightened, and finally shy. He blinked, his lips quirking up unconsciously.

He also leaned in to whisper to Lu Zhishi, "I’ll have to try that next time, too."

"Trust me," Lu Zhishi thumped his chest.

Zhao Xiaoxing nodded enthusiastically. "I trust you!"

As for what exactly he trusted, that wasn’t something to discuss openly. After all, practice brings true knowledge.

Putting in extra hours to revise his thesis, Lu Zhishi only packed up when Chi Chen got off work and came to pick him up. He said goodbye to Zhao Xiaoxing, tugged at the hem of Chi Chen’s coat, and walked home side by side.

"Once I finish with the thesis these next couple days, I’ll go back to work too. Then I’ll come pick you up after work."

"I’ll pick you up," Chi Chen nodded.

Lu Zhishi thought for a moment, "I should be the one to get off work first. Don’t you usually work a little overtime? I’ll definitely get to your office first."

Chi Chen thought to himself, admitting he hadn’t been doing a good job, always making Lu Zhishi wait for him to finish work.

He squeezed Lu Zhishi’s hand and said softly, "Sorry, I’ll finish work earlier from now on so you won’t have to wait long."

Lu Zhishi lifted their interlocked fingers, kissed Chi Chen’s wrist, and said with a smile, "It’s okay, it doesn’t matter who picks up who. We have plenty of time."

Chi Chen curved his lips into a smile, "You’re right."

The wind was bitterly cold. The young couple held hands and hurried home. Chi Chen went in with him, drank a bowl of strong ginger tea, helped prepare the ingredients for dinner, then turned and headed back to the Chi household.

He had been having dinner at the Lu family for the past few days and hadn’t had dinner with his two dads in a while, so Chi Chen didn’t stay today.

After seeing him off, Lu Zhishi cooked five dishes and a soup.

His dads and brother hadn’t returned yet, so he placed the finished dinner in the food warmer and sipped slowly on a bowl of ginger tea.

Lu Zhishi didn’t like the taste of ginger, but to avoid getting sick, he drank some to warm himself up.

Besides, since it was already made, it’d be a waste not to drink it, and wasting stuff isn’t a good habit.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, taking small sips of tea and occasionally glancing at the large clock, Lu Zhishi wondered why his dads and brother weren’t home yet.

After finishing the strong ginger tea in one gulp, Lu Zhishi was about to take out his phone to send a message when a black car drove at a steady pace toward the Lu residence.

Putting down his cup, he hurried to the door to greet his dear dads and brother.

"Alright, alright, we’re cold from outside. Don’t come too close yet." Lu Zhiyu pulled him aside, took off his coat, and went to the living room to warm up by the fireplace.

The weather in City A this year was truly cold. Just during the short walk from the car, their coats had caught some light snow and carried a noticeable chill. Next time, they’d have to park the car in the underground garage.

Lu Zhishi poured them some hot ginger tea. Lu Tingan took the cup and ruffled his hair.

Frowning as he took a sip of the hot and spicy ginger tea, Song Qinian followed Lu Tingan to the living room and turned to ask Lu Zhishi, "Fat Cheese, have you already made dinner?"

Lu Zhishi nodded, "Yes, I came back early and had time to make it."

Patting his head, Song Qinian praised him and added, "If you don’t feel like cooking, just have someone deliver food. Eating out once in a while is nice too, for a change of taste."

Knowing his dad was worried he might be tired, Lu Zhishi nodded eagerly, tilting his head to nuzzle into his palm. "I know, Dad~"

Since dinner was already ready, the family of four ate together first, not rushing to bathe.

There was no rule about not talking during meals at home. At the dinner table, Lu Tingan put some vegetables on both kids’ plates.

"Don’t be picky. Also, it’s time to start writing your marriage documents."

Lu Zhishi: "?"

He had forgotten about the marriage documents!

But it was fine. Marriage documents were usually sent to the other family along with the betrothal gifts one month before the wedding. There were still over three months to go until the big day.

Song Qinian thought about their recent schedule: "The invitations should be written too."

Lu Zhiyu, sitting next to Lu Zhishi, pulled a tissue to wipe his mouth. "I’ve already written them."

Lu Zhishi suddenly looked over: "?"

Wait, when did his cheeky brother write them? So fast?!

Sensing his disbelief, Lu Zhiyu couldn’t help but laugh, his slightly raised chin showing a hint of pride.

He said to Lu Zhishi with a smile, "Would you believe it? Chi Chen probably finished writing the marriage documents and invitations a long time ago."

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Lu Zhishi believed it.

Chi Chen had always been very efficient. If someone said he had started writing the marriage documents back when they first started dating, Lu Zhishi would probably believe that too.

Slowly closing his eyes, he thought, No way, no way... Could it be that he was the slowest one?