Chapter 95: Chapter 95 “Watch Something Exciting…”…

Chapter 95

"Let's watch something exciting..."

This outing turned into a major embarrassment. Lu Zhishi, flushed and tearful, buried his face in Chi Chen’s embrace, letting the latter support him as they walked back, got into the car, and headed home to apply medication.

Lu Zhishi couldn't even bother with the swollen bump on his forehead anymore. As soon as he got home, he collapsed onto the sofa, lying flat and listlessly in tears. "Chubby Xing and I are too embarrassed to show our faces—"

On another sofa, Zhao Xiaoxing said nothing, lying flat on his back and staring at the ceiling while quietly crying.

Lu Zhiyu returned with medicated oil and, seeing the two of them like this, peered at them curiously.

"Really crying?"

Lu Zhishi silently pulled out a bottle of eyedrops from his pocket. "Pretend-crying. Just using eyedrops to shed some tears and express my sadness..."

Zhao Xiaoxing pouted and also pulled out a bottle of eyedrops. "Wanted to cry but couldn’t get the tears out."

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Just then, Chi Chen came back from outside with two ice packs. Hearing this, he halted in his tracks and shook his head helplessly.

First, apply the medicated oil, then use a warm compress—wait 72 hours before the warm compress.

Lu Zhishi winced in pain, grabbing Chi Chen's wrist and whimpering for him to be gentler.

Chi Chen continued applying the oil but eased up his touch, comforting in a low voice, "We have to work the swelling out, otherwise the medicated oil won't penetrate. Can you bear with it a little longer?"

"Okay..."

After massaging the bump on his forehead, his butt still hurt. Chi Chen helped him upstairs to his room to apply medication.

Pulling down Lu Zhishi's pants slightly, Chi Chen applied a cold compress for a while before spreading medicated oil and massaging with just the right pressure, carefully working to reduce the swelling.

Lu Zhishi lay facedown on the pillow, his ears red, eyes closed in embarrassment.

As Chi Chen applied the medication, he said, "Earlier, you and Xiaoxing didn’t want to go to the hospital, but if your injuries haven’t improved by this afternoon, we’ll need to see a doctor."

Lu Zhishi murmured in response, "Mm."

After massaging for a long time, Chi Chen wiped off the excess oil with a tissue, pulled up Lu Zhishi's pants, went to the bathroom to wash his hands, and then returned to sit by the bed.

"Take it easy with your diet these next few days—keep it light so your injuries can heal properly."

"The sky is falling..." Lu Zhishi murmured.

Chi Chen chuckled. "It's just watching your diet for a few days."

Lu Zhishi turned his head to face Chi Chen, his neck tired. "I want to eat something sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty."

Chi Chen ruffled his hair. "We can ask the doctor this afternoon."

Lu Zhishi groped for Chi Chen's hand, held it, and sighed. "Alright, alright."

They had originally planned to eat lunch out, but after what happened, they had lunch at home.

Lu Zhiyu offered to cook, but Chi Chen quietly intervened and instead made four bowls of fragrant wontons himself.

He fed Lu Zhishi most of a bowl, then finished the rest himself.

Watching Chi Chen sitting by the bed, eyes lowered, eating the wontons bite by bite, Lu Zhishi felt his heart flutter for some reason.

Was it because of Chi Chen's refined, noble bearing when his long lashes lowered? Or because Chi Chen had never once hesitated to finish whatever Lu Zhishi couldn't eat, ever since they were children? Or perhaps it was the silent companionship Chi Chen had offered year after year...

Maybe it was all of it. Chi Chen had already become a part of his life—wherever Lu Zhishi was, Chi Chen was there too.

Lu Zhishi suddenly laughed.

Chi Chen looked up, pulled out a tissue, neatly wiped his mouth, and leaned closer to Lu Zhishi. "What is it?"

Lu Zhishi shook his head. "Come a little closer. I want to tell you a secret."

Chi Chen's lips curved into a smile. He put down the bowl, moved to sit on the edge of the bed, and bent down to bring his ear close to Lu Zhishi's lips, listening intently.

Instead of a whisper, soft, cool lips pressed a kiss to his cheek. Chi Chen's eyes widened slightly, his heartbeat quickening uncontrollably. He turned to look into Lu Zhishi's smiling eyes.

Chi Chen's smile widened. He tilted his head and kissed Lu Zhishi's cheek in return. "I love you too."

Under the influence of Lu Zhishi's sweet words, Chi Chen freshened up briefly, changed into the pajamas he kept at the Lu residence, and got into Lu Zhishi's bed to nap with his fiancé.

Outside, light snow drifted and a cold wind blew, but inside, the lovers slept embraced.

After napping for an hour and a half, Lu Zhishi woke up and touched his forehead—the swelling hadn't gone down yet. Chi Chen helped him into his coat and said they should go to the hospital.

Downstairs, they found Lu Tingan and Song Qinian in the living room. Lu Zhishi's eyes lit up.

The couple had gone out on a date and usually returned after a candlelit dinner in the evening. Seeing both dads home early, Lu Zhishi clingily squeezed himself between them on the sofa.

Lu Tingan: "..."

Song Qinian: "..."

The couple couldn’t help but laugh at their son. They held his head to examine the swollen bump on his forehead.

Song Qinian said, "You should go to the hospital."

Lu Zhishi replied, "Chi Chen was just about to take me. We're waiting for Xiaoxing—he hasn't woken up yet."

Chi Chen, sitting on another sofa, nodded.

Lu Tingan glanced at the time. "Mm, go early and come back early. Tell the driver to take it slow."

After chatting for about twenty minutes, Zhao Xiaoxing listlessly came downstairs, followed by Lu Zhiyu carrying a bag.

They had the driver take a Lincoln limousine, and the four of them got into the back seat and headed to the hospital together.

Their injuries were similar. Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing went through a series of checks, occasionally wincing in pain. Already listless, they were even more so after the examination.

There were no major issues—just apply medication on time to reduce the swelling. To speed up the process, an elderly Chinese doctor came to give them acupuncture. Lu Zhishi wished he could just pass out.

Carrying a bunch of medication and sprays, they half-supported, half-carried the two injured back to the car. The bag Lu Zhiyu brought came in handy—filled with snacks, any one of which could offer some comfort.

Chewing on yogurt while still listless, Lu Zhishi and Zhao Xiaoxing, now brothers in misery, didn’t speak. They just occasionally touched their foreheads and then their tailbones.

Lu Zhiyu first took Zhao Xiaoxing home, worried that the snow might worsen and the weather too cold.

Lu Zhishi, supported by Chi Chen, went back into the Lu house. The two dads were no longer in the living room—likely in their own rooms. With no one else around, Chi Chen bent down, scooped him up, and steadily carried him to Lu Zhishi's bedroom.

After taking off his coat for him and adjusting the room temperature, Chi Chen had him lie facedown for a while before stepping away to fetch an ice pack. Chi Chen said, "Another half-hour of cold compress, then some medication. It'll help you heal faster."

Lu Zhishi nodded. The cold sensation pressed against his forehead, and he couldn't help but flinch slightly before finally staying still, allowing Chi Chen to apply the compress.

"If it's still not better in a couple of days, I won't be able to go to work. With a bruised forehead and walking awkwardly, what if people notice..."

Lu Zhishi's voice was filled with dismay as he lay on the pillow, muttering on and on, consumed by worries about work.

Chi Chen continued applying the ice pack, his other hand gently stroking Lu Zhishi's hair to comfort him. "It's fine to take a few days off. We just got through a busy stretch a couple of days ago, and things won't be too hectic afterward."

With ample work experience, Chi Chen had a clear understanding of the company's schedule. Although there would still be some workload after New Year's, it wouldn’t be as overwhelming as last month, when he’d been swamped. Lu Zhishi could afford to rest and recover for a few days.

"I'll work from home," Lu Zhishi suggested. "But then I won't be able to pick you up after work."

"Working from home is fine too," Chi Chen replied, removing the ice pack to check his forehead before reapplying it. "It's alright. After work, I'll come see you with a bouquet of flowers."

Lu Zhishi buried his face in the pillow, giggling. How was this any different from flirting?

"Okay, I'll wait for you. It would be even better if Teacher Chi brought some snacks, like battered squid."

Chi Chen smiled. "No."

Lu Zhishi turned his head and sighed, then sighed again.

Chi Chen laughed helplessly. "No on the snacks, but cake and chestnut cake are okay, along with hot milk tea."

Lu Zhishi immediately turned back, eyes sparkling, his voice cheerful. "Love you!"

Chi Chen chuckled. "Do you only love me when I buy cake and milk tea?"

"Of course not!" Lu Zhishi took Chi Chen's hand, kissed his wrist, and said in a clear, gentle voice tinged with laughter, "Lu Zhishi loves Chi Chen so much every single day."

...

The medicine worked well. Within two days, the swelling on Lu Zhishi's forehead had subsided, though some bruising remained. With his bangs covering it, the mark was barely noticeable.

However, his backside still felt strange. The swelling had gone down, but sitting for long periods was still painful—likely because it hadn’t fully healed. Lu Zhishi took two days off.

Zhao Xiaoxing was in a similar situation, busy with his thesis at home. His progress was far behind Lu Zhishi’s.

The two brothers were on a video call, typing away on their computers, both looking utterly dejected.

They hated writing theses—a real headache and nightmare.

Lu Zhishi complained as he typed, sighing after each sentence, looking completely drained.

Zhao Xiaoxing, faced with dense text and data, was already dizzy, holding his head in his hands.

"This stupid thesis..."

"Damn, damn, damn..."

When people get busy, they easily lose track of time. Hearing familiar footsteps from the open bedroom door, Lu Zhishi’s dull eyes instantly lit up as he jumped off the bed.

Startled by the noise, Zhao Xiaoxing rubbed his sleepy eyes, realized Chi Chen had returned, quickly said goodbye to Lu Zhishi, hung up, and curled up under the covers to catch up on sleep.

Lu Zhishi peeked out the doorway, saw Chi Chen, and hurried over to hug him.

Chi Chen wrapped an arm around his waist, nuzzled his hair, and asked with a smile, "Feeling extra clingy today?"

"Cheese needs charging, needs recharging. Chi Chen, Chi Chen..."

"Okay, recharging. I can add a little more energy."

Lu Zhishi let go, grabbed Chi Chen's sleeve, and led him back to the room, turning to ask, "What did you buy today?"

Chi Chen held a fresh and vibrant bouquet of green lisianthus, letting Lu Zhishi pull him by the sleeve as he walked. His other hand carried several nicely branded bags.

"Things you said you wanted to eat yesterday."

Back in the room, Lu Zhishi wrapped his arms around Chi Chen's waist, lifted his chin, and gave Chi Chen's cheeks two kisses. "I knew you were the best!"

Chi Chen turned his other cheek. "This side hasn't been kissed yet."

Lu Zhishi laughed uncontrollably, wrapped his arms around Chi Chen's neck, stood on tiptoe, and planted kisses all over his other cheek, insisting on leaving a red mark before letting go.

Chi Chen's eyes narrowed unconsciously, a satisfied and happy smile playing on his lips, standing there contentedly for a long while.

Taking the lisianthus from him, Lu Zhishi led Chi Chen to the living room. Seeing the messy desk, he rushed over to tidy up, then casually pulled Chi Chen's hand to have him sit down.

Chi Chen snapped out of his daze, ruffled Lu Zhishi's hair, slid his hand down to squeeze the back of his neck, then let go. Seizing the free moment, he picked up Lu Zhishi's thesis to help review it.

Lu Zhishi poked a straw into the brown sugar boba milk tea, offering the first sip to Chi Chen. After Chi Chen drank, Lu Zhishi held the warm milk tea and snuggled up to Chi Chen's arm.

The thesis didn’t have major issues. With Lu Zhishi's ability, completing these revisions was no problem.

Chi Chen put down the printed thesis, slipped an arm around Lu Zhishi's waist, leaned in, rested his cheek on Lu Zhishi's head, and closed his eyes for a short rest.

Lu Zhishi sat still, afraid of disturbing Chi Chen’s rest. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed faint dark circles beneath Chi Chen’s long eyelashes—his fiancé had been very busy and tired lately.

Shifting slightly, Lu Zhishi wrapped his arms around Chi Chen's waist, sank back into the sofa, adjusted his posture to make Chi Chen more comfortable, and silently kept him company.

From the corner of his eye, he could see Chi Chen’s initially straight lips curl upward slightly. Lu Zhishi unconsciously smiled too.

That honeymoon phase was exactly like this—even if they did nothing and said nothing, just being together brought joy and happiness.

Their honeymoon phase had no end date. No matter how many years passed, they would always remain in it, even until their hair turned white, still deeply in their honeymoon phase.

Quietly sipping his milk tea, Lu Zhishi felt his lover's breathing gradually slow down. He turned his head slightly and saw that Chi Chen had fallen asleep, looking peaceful and relaxed.

Putting down the milk tea, Lu Zhishi carefully supported Chi Chen, laying him down slowly. The sofa was wide and long enough to comfortably fit someone of Chi Chen’s height. He covered him with a thick blanket to keep him warm.

At one point, Chi Chen opened his eyes, dazed and disoriented. Lu Zhishi gently covered his eyes with his palm, feeling his long eyelashes brush against it twice before coming to rest.

Slipping away quietly and closing the door, Lu Zhishi went downstairs to cook. On the first floor, he found all the lights on and assumed Lu Tingan and Song Qinian had returned from work.

Until he rounded the corner into the kitchen and saw Lu Zhiyu cooking.

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Lu Zhiyu stood holding a spatula, staring at Lu Zhishi in silence.

In the quiet, the cabbage in the pan began to burn. He quickly stirred it with the spatula, saying, "My cooking skills are actually pretty good."

"...Stinky brother, do you even believe that yourself?" Lu Zhishi walked over, added some water to the pan, and turned down the heat.

This cabbage was probably from his little garden. It was fine if it got ruined, but were these cuts a little too weird?

Okay, Lu Zhishi left him to handle the vegetarian dishes and started cooking the meat dishes in another pan, heating up the oil first.

"Didn't you go to Xiao Xing's place today?"

Lu Zhiyu, busy stir-frying mushrooms with a spatula in one hand and a lid in the other, answered without turning his head, flustered as he multitasked:

"I went, but Chubby Xing was asleep. I just dropped the stuff off and came home. Oh yeah, there are roasted chestnuts in the living room, help yourself."

No wonder he's wreaking havoc in the kitchen now. Lu Zhishi was both helpless and amused, laughing as he said, "Thanks, bro."

"No need to thank me yet, come and take a look at why these mushrooms are burnt again. I used plenty of oil."

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Lu Tingan and Song Qinian went to buy flowers after work. They got stuck in traffic and came back late. Seeing their eldest son also in the kitchen, the couple held back from speaking.

If they said something, they were afraid of dampening his enthusiasm. If they didn't, tonight's meal would be somewhat hard to enjoy—a pity to waste but not exactly appetizing.

But by now, whether they spoke up or not, it was too late. Lu Zhiyu and Lu Zhishi had already finished cooking.

Looking at the half-cooked, half-burnt vegetarian dishes, Song Qinian struggled to offer some praise, then gently suggested that the two kids could wait for him to come home before cooking in the future.

Forget about Lu Zhiyu, but Lu Zhishi was utterly heartbroken, almost cried himself to the point of fainting on the living room sofa: "My cooking skills are so good, the dishes I make are perfect in color, aroma, and taste—why won't you let me cook?!"

Song Qinian: "..."

Lu Zhiyu: "..."

Lu Tingan: "..."

Lu Tingan put down his water glass, glanced at Song Qinian, and said helplessly, "Just let him cook."

Song Qinian: "...Fine."

Lu Zhiyu timidly raised his hand: "Then what about me..."

Song Qinian said expressionlessly: "Request denied."

Lu Zhiyu pleaded his case: "But if I don't practice my cooking skills, what will I do after I get married? I can't just wait for Xiao Xing to cook or order takeout every day. Didn't you say that to win someone's heart, you must first win their stomach?"

Song Qinian: "..."

Lu Tingan picked up his water glass, took a sip, and hid a smile behind it.

Lu Zhishi was more direct, laughing heartily as he enjoyed the show.

Gently patting the chuckling rascal on the head, Song Qinian told him to go call Chi Chen downstairs for dinner while he continued discussing with Lu Zhiyu whether he should cook.

"In the future, have a little more nerve—bring Xiao Xing home for meals. I'll cook for you..."

Listening to Song Qinian's resigned voice from behind, Lu Zhishi giggled, even more amused.

Softly and slowly pushing the door open, Lu Zhishi tiptoed into the dimly lit room, walked to the living room, and crouched in front of the sofa, gazing vaguely at the outline of his beloved's face in the gloom.

After a moment, he reached out and gently scratched Chi Chen's chin. The lying figure stirred slightly, as if frowning.

Poking his cheek, Lu Zhishi leaned in to kiss Chi Chen's face and whispered softly in his ear: "Chi Chen, Chi Chen, it's Fat Cheese. Time to get up for dinner..."

Rubbing his nose against Chi Chen's face, muttering incessantly, and still poking his cheek, Lu Zhishi was about to pinch his nose when his wrist was gently grasped.

"Fat Cheese, stop messing around..."

Lu Zhishi kissed the corner of his lips: "Get up for dinner."

Chi Chen opened his eyes, turning his head to look at Lu Zhishi, who was close enough to see a faint outline.

He sat up, the blanket sliding off, and rubbed his temples: "How long did I sleep?"

Lu Zhishi also sat on the edge of the sofa: "About an hour."

"Mm." Chi Chen nodded, still holding Lu Zhishi's hand without letting go, pressing it against his face and nuzzling it.

The young couple was so clingy, sticking together and unwilling to part. In the end, Lu Zhiyu had to come upstairs to call them down for dinner.

"Sleepy like this, yet still staying up late every night, pulling all-nighters until dawn," Lu Zhiyu said to Chi Chen.

Lu Zhishi suddenly turned around: "What? Staying up until dawn? Doesn't Chi Chen usually sleep around 11 or 12?"

Lu Zhiyu snorted lightly: "You'll have to ask your dear boyfriend about that."

Chi Chen looked down at Lu Zhishi and explained: "Just yesterday. I'll go to bed earlier tonight, don't worry."

Lu Zhishi believed him: "Let's keep the video call on tonight. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I can check if you're asleep."

This suited Chi Chen just fine. He nodded and agreed quickly: "Okay."

Lu Zhiyu: "Hmph."

Lu Zhishi: "..."

Chi Chen: "..."

Today, the Chi couple wasn't home. The workaholics were working overtime at the company—mainly because Bai Yansheng was busy at the hospital and didn't come back. Chi Yuehang, saddened by not seeing his beloved, simply didn't return either.

Dinner was eaten by the Lu family of five. There was no rule about not talking during meals, so Song Qinian and Lu Tingan chatted about things.

Not eavesdropping on others' conversations, Chi Chen focused on serving Lu Zhishi food and didn't pay attention to the adults' talk.

Lu Zhishi also focused on eating, occasionally serving Chi Chen a piece of rib, Lu Zhiyu a slice of beef, and some meat to both of his dads. The master of balance, Lu Zhishi, nodded in satisfaction.

While eating, their ears automatically caught keywords. Lu Zhishi and Chi Chen unconsciously pricked up their ears to listen, and even Lu Zhiyu couldn't help looking over, all slowing down their eating and serving.

"...Next week, it'll be just two months left until the wedding. The invitations should be sent out." Lu Tingan finalized the schedule: "Most of the preparations are done. The remaining things can wait until after the New Year to start."

Song Qinian nodded: "I'll handle this."

Lu Tingan picked up a piece of fish served by Fat Cheese, glanced at the three brats who were pretending to be busy, and said calmly: "We're done talking. Aren't you going to eat?"

Lu Zhishi snapped back to attention and hurriedly lowered his head to eat. Chi Chen also pretended to be calm while serving Lu Zhishi food. The young couple couldn't suppress their smiles, barely holding back laughter.

Lu Zhiyu looked at his two dads, then at the young couple, blinked, sighed silently, and picked up a piece of mushroom to eat.

After chewing, he found it half-raw and half-burnt—crispy on the outside, raw on the inside. He sadly spat it out, earning heartless laughter from Lu Zhishi.

After dinner, Lu Zhishi hurried upstairs, then came back down carrying his laptop and documents, holding one under each arm. He stood in the living room, looking pitifully at his parents, silently seeking affection.

After a staredown, Song Qinian rubbed his temples, and Lu Tingan set down his tea cup, sighing softly: "Go ahead if you want to."

Lu Zhishi's pitiful expression immediately turned bright with a smile. He went over to nuzzle each of them, even leaning against his brother's shoulder, then happily followed Chi Chen out the door. His cheerful voice carried from outside the villa back inside.

Lu Zhiyu slowly looked over at his dads, hesitating to speak, stopping, then starting again.

Song Qinian didn’t look at him either, just glanced at the time, stood up, and led him to the kitchen: "While we have time now, I’ll teach you how to cook. Be sure to pay attention."

Lu Zhiyu: "Huh?"

A few days ago, there had been a couple snowfalls, some light and some heavy. After the snow melted, it turned very cold. Lu Zhishi walked close to Chi Chen, his hands were tucked into Chi Chen’s coat pockets while Chi Chen carried his computer and documents.

"Will you have to work overtime tonight?"

Usually, when Lu Zhishi asked this, it was very likely he wanted to have some alone time. Without hesitation, Chi Chen said, "No overtime tonight."

Buried in his scarf, Lu Zhishi’s voice was muffled, but you could hear the happiness in his voice: "Then let’s watch a movie tonight. We haven’t seen the one we said we’d watch on New Year’s Day yet, okay?"

"Okay." Once inside, Chi Chen set down the computer and documents, took Lu Zhishi's chilly coat off him, and brought him to the fireplace to get warm. He held his hands, rubbing them to help them warm faster.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the sky had darkened completely. In front of the fire, the deeply-in-love couple were kissing.

These two fiancés kissed every day—they were absolute kissing fiends, always clingy and affectionate.

It was past six. Lu Zhishi went upstairs to shower, while Chi Chen went into the study to quickly finish up his work.

The benefit of high work efficiency was that by the time Lu Zhishi hadn’t even finished his shower, Chi Chen had already finished his overtime work and showered.

The couple met in the master bedroom. Seeing Chi Chen’s damp hair, he widened his eyes slightly: "Did you shower in the guest room?"

"Mhm."

"Then let’s dry our hair together."

Chi Chen took the hairdryer, standing behind Lu Zhishi, carefully drying his hair for him: "I’ll help you."

Chi Chen was skilled at everything he did. Lu Zhishi relaxed with his eyes closed.

"You might have to wait for me a bit. I need to make some final edits to my paper and handle a few documents."

"No problem, no rush."

Thinking about Chi Chen’s usual workload, where he rarely didn’t have overtime, Lu Zhishi asked him: "You really don’t need to work overtime?"

Without batting an eye, Chi Chen replied: "Mhm, no overtime today. Work’s all done."

Lu Zhishi praised him: "You’re amazing."

Chi Chen’s lips unconsciously lifted: "Thanks. You’re pretty amazing yourself."

Once their hair was dry, Lu Zhishi tugged Chi Chen downstairs. They quickly finished a bunch of tasks in the living room, grabbed some snacks and drinks, and cozied up on the sofa to watch a movie.

"What do you want to watch?"

Lu Zhishi said sheepishly: "At a time like this, with everything just right, we should watch something thrilling…"

Thrilling?

Chi Chen’s hand tightened around the remote, he held his breath for a second, his ears burning red: "...Okay."

Two minutes later, Chi Chen stared expressionlessly at the TV screen, pursing his lips.

This is your idea of thrilling?