Chapter 8 Poking Out from Underwear

Chapter 8: Peeking Out from the Underwear Seam

Yesterday, he had hung up on Tan Xun, and today he was displeased with Jiang Ziqing.

Jiang Ziqing was due to arrive early tomorrow morning. If Tan Xun was a fixture in cultural circles, Jiang Ziqing belonged to the entertainment industry, while Shi Zai was a scavenger—they were worlds apart. As for how he knew these two, Jiang Ziqing’s rise to prominence was largely thanks to Shi Zai.

Shi Zai had left home at twelve to make his own way. At sixteen, he met Tan Xun in Chengzhou, the editor-in-chief of *Fine Views and Wonders* magazine. This bi-weekly publication’s "Wonders" section was then on the brink of cancellation. Twenty-nine-year-old Tan Xun, unable to let it go, had kept it afloat for ten years, but he was at a loss—he simply couldn't find captivating topics or images. It had almost devolved into a "Natural Wonders" catalog, and sales were plummeting.

While out on an interview and photo shoot, Tan Xun encountered Shi Zai at the train station, and a new theme instantly sparked in his mind.

Shi Zai, having gone two days without food, agreed to be photographed for money. He was dressed in peculiar clothes and posed for strange pictures. He didn't even bother to keep the developed photos Tan Xun offered, thinking that was the end of it. Unexpectedly, a few days later, while working as a waiter, Shi Zai was sought out by Tan Xun, who declared that the latest issue had been a massive hit and the magazine would not be discontinued! Tan Xun proposed a long-term collaboration, and Shi Zai accepted.

However, Shi Zai wasn't particularly fond of the photographic style or the outfits. Later, as he earned more, he didn't agree to every photoshoot. Tan Xun didn't pressure him but grew very fond of him, often saying, "Thank goodness I found you back then." Over time, the two became friends.

Thanks to the photo series Shi Zai helped create, Tan Xun even became the vice president of the publishing house, deepening his gratitude, which he often expressed with gifts. Shi Zai accepted only the useful and inexpensive ones. Gradually, his interactions with Tan Xun became less constrained. Despite the significant disparity in status and age, Tan Xun’s professional demeanor was steady, while his personal style was easygoing and lively, making Shi Zai feel comfortable. Thus, their connection endured.

As for Jiang Ziqing, he was a pitiable child Shi Zai rescued from a river when Shi Zai was seventeen. Jiang Ziqing, then only sixteen, had jumped into the river in despair. After saving him, Shi Zai gave him all his money and talked him into pulling himself together.

But Jiang Ziqing was an orphan, lacked skills, was much thinner and weaker than Shi Zai, and in poor health—unable to carry heavy loads or perform manual labor. How would he make a living? Watching Jiang Ziqing push his wet hair back, Shi Zai had an instant idea. He immediately took him to Tan Xun's publishing company... And so, Jiang Ziqing became another print model collaborating with Tan Xun.

Unlike Shi Zai, Jiang Ziqing loved being photographed and in front of the camera.

Once, when Shi Zai and Jiang Ziqing were shooting for the same issue, they met a boss in the studio who immediately asked if they wanted to debut. If so, he could form a group for them. Shi Zai, completely bewildered, flatly refused once he understood, but Jiang Ziqing agreed.

Just like that, two years later, Jiang Ziqing was already a minor celebrity. Though not yet widely famous, Shi Zai believed he would achieve great success. Jiang Ziqing was lively, adept at handling situations, and incredibly diligent, giving his all whether singing or acting. Stardom was only a matter of time.

After earning money, Jiang Ziqing frequently sent gifts and brought things over. This very room was one Jiang Ziqing insisted on renting for Shi Zai—he originally wanted to buy it outright, but Shi Zai refused. He never stayed in one place for long, having only arrived in Fengwai Town, Luoyang City, in the latter half of last year. Who knew when he’d move again? So he only allowed Jiang Ziqing to pay a year’s rent. Shi Zai could afford it himself, but understanding Jiang Ziqing’s good intentions—that saving a life was paramount—Shi Zai felt he deserved Jiang Ziqing’s gratitude and accepted without fuss, sparing the kid from tearfully begging him to accept expensive gifts.

These past two years, no matter where Shi Zai was, Jiang Ziqing would seek him out whenever he had time off, holing up in his place for a break.

The two were friends who had been through thick and thin together since they were sixteen or seventeen, sharing a deep bond. Shi Zai regarded him as a younger brother. Compared to his own biological brother, Jiang Ziqing was truly exceptional. Sometimes Jiang Ziqing would feel sad about being an orphan, and Shi Zai would joke, "Want to swap?" and they’d both burst into laughter.

Shi Zai felt incredibly fortunate—since he was sixteen, he had consistently met good people, especially these two. Their companionship was more than mere friendship; deep down, Shi Zai felt a profound warmth that made him believe they could journey together for a long time.

Ideally, a lifetime—would that happen? He hoped so.

Perhaps their unusual backgrounds sparked a possessiveness in Shi Zai. For the first time in his life, he had something truly "his." From the moment he found the pottery figurine, Shi Zai felt a sense of peace. Then, seeing the true forms of the figurine and the little bird, that warm embrace became tangible and even more comforting.

A deeper reason was that Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun fulfilled all his imaginings and expectations of warmth and companionship.

So Shi Zai took even greater care of them, hoping to do so for a lifetime.

Speaking of ID cards—sixteen-year-old Jiang Ziqing was still undocumented back then. His household registration and ID were arranged with the help of that big boss. Early tomorrow morning, Jiang Ziqing would pick them up by car. He happened to be filming a movie in Chengzhou recently and said he’d take the day off tomorrow to first take them to a private hospital in Chengzhou for medical care—no ID needed—and then to the police station to register. It could all be done in one morning.

This was excellent news.

Shi Zai looked at the two unhappy figures:

"Monk, Yun Bao, what's wrong?"

"......"

Both were silent—one staring down at his phone, the other sitting cross-legged on the sofa, pouting. Shi Zai didn't know how he'd upset them.

He thought to himself, *tsk*, raising a monk and a bird isn't easy. It's not just about feeding, watering, and clothing them—they need comforting too. Luckily, their moods were in sync: if one was happy, the other was pleased; if one was upset, the other pouted. They could be comforted together.

Just as Shi Zai was about to comfort them, an idea suddenly popped into his head. He pointed outside the window:

"Xiao Yunbao, can you see the people outside?"

"...Idiot!!"

"Hey—why call me names? Can you see them or not?"

"...Yes!"

Shi Zai instantly felt relieved. While it didn't matter whether they were ghosts or humans, just in case they were ghosts... He thought about it and still felt uneasy. Saying "wait," he ran upstairs and knocked on Granny Fangjue’s door, helping her downstairs. On the way, he made up an excuse, saying the clothes he bought were too big and asking her to take them home for her grandson, and also to see if she... could see the man and the little bird.

Once inside, Granny Fangjue was startled:

"Oh my, these two are even better-looking than your two friends!"

"...Hehe, Granny, please take the clothes and go upstairs to rest. I’m going to Chengzhou with them tomorrow and will bring you back some treats."

"I’m not a child."

"Granny, you are."

"Xiao Zai has so many good friends. Another day, invite those two over as well. Granny likes looking at handsome guys..."

Shi Zai felt overwhelmed, quickly helping Granny Fangjue, who had taken the clothes, back upstairs.

He was sure now—the two weren’t ghosts, and they only seemed unhappy about Tan Xun and Jiang Ziqing. When Granny Fangjue came in, the big and little ones both stood up—the little one greeted her with a smile, the big one nodded reservedly—they didn’t reject outsiders.

Back in the room, Shi Zai scratched his short hair, stood in front of the sofa, and bent slightly:

"Why don’t you like Brother Tan Xun and Jiang Ziqing? Um, the two people on the phone."

"...Sycophants!"

"Huh??!"

"Flattering, honey-tongued but dagger-hearted, speaking human language to humans and ghost language to ghosts!"

What nonsense. Shi Zai laughed and said:

"Well, I’ve confirmed it—you’re not ghosts..."

"You, you, you, you! Second Uncle, quickly teach him a lesson!"

The eccentric little bird dove headfirst next to the man’s leg, its rear end sticking up. Shi Zai found it amusing and truly couldn’t understand what act they were putting on, especially Yang Yun—wasn’t he taking this "time travel" thing way too seriously!

Shi Zai smiled, setting Yang Yun upright:

"Don’t be like this, okay? I really like you..."

"Don’t say things like that! Liar!"

"...?"

Shi Zai was taken aback, full of questions. The situation seemed somewhat serious. Just as he was about to continue, Shu Yangkuo said solemnly:

"Yang Yun."

"Hmph, I won’t scold him anymore then."

...Shi Zai took a deep breath, vaguely understanding, and tentatively said:

"I only like the two of you."

"...Hee hee."

“You silly bird—I truly only like the two of you. You’re the only ones I want beside me for a long time.”

“For what?”

“…What else? Just to live happily like this.”

“You silly little rooster.”

Seeing the little bird laugh, the man’s expression softened too. Shi Zai let out a huge sigh of relief—everything was fine now… Not so hard to coax after all.

As he prepared to head out, Shi Zai paused for a moment and still asked if they wanted to come along. But Shu Yangkuo shook his head vigorously. At first, Shi Zai was puzzled—then suddenly remembered what he’d said earlier: “Going out without underwear makes you a pervert—the police will arrest you.” He burst out laughing.

So adorable!

But then again, a man without underwear would have *that* thing dangling between his legs, swaying with every step—clearly visible through his pants. Even if he wasn’t arrested for indecency, people would stare… Shi Zai grew possessive—no one else was allowed to look! Heh heh.

After telling the two to sit still and peeling a banana for each, Shi Zai hurried out to buy underwear. He also bought each of them a nice pair of shoes—dress shoes and sneakers. Tomorrow they were heading to Chengzhou, and they’d definitely look even more handsome than Jiang Ziqing!

If they were filming a TV drama, Shi Zai thought Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun would be perfect as ancient-costume drama stars.

After returning, Shi Zai didn’t go out again. He cooked lunch, and in the afternoon carefully explained to them everything they’d do the next day—from which bus to take, to traffic lights, to the hospital, getting X-rays, and finally obtaining ID cards and having photos taken. He kept explaining until bedtime, hoping to mentally prepare them for the outing. Shi Zai could tell they were cautious and wary of unfamiliar environments and people.

He didn’t want them to feel constrained once they stepped outside.

Fortunately, Jiang Ziqing would drive them—so no one would notice their awkward gait.

That night, the newly bought boxer briefs had dried, and Shu Yangkuo felt around under the covers to put them on. Shi Zai found it amusing—this guy guarded his junk like he was fending off a thief. Accidentally brushing against the man’s leg, Shi Zai remembered he’d forgotten to buy them pajamas. For now, both slept in just their underwear. Heh heh. Before Shi Zai could even move, the thick leg shifted away from him. *Tsk!*

It was another good night’s sleep—no, not a dream anymore. The embrace was real—he could feel it.

When he opened his eyes in the morning, Shi Zai was nestled tightly in Shu Yangkuo’s arms, his head resting sideways on the broad chest, one leg draped over the man’s thigh. He was so happy. The old-school guy wouldn’t openly hug him or let himself be hugged—but every morning, he woke up wrapped in warmth. So good.

Shi Zai had to get up early. Jiang Ziqing’s car would probably arrive soon—the drive would take two hours, so they needed to leave early.

He moved carefully—but still couldn’t avoid brushing against him. Shi Zai’s leg trembled violently. He was puzzled—even covered by underwear, why was it still standing tall? Unable to resist, he lifted the blanket for a look. The sight startled him—it looked so uncomfortable.

It was poking out from the edge of the underwear.

Luckily, it was only like this in the morning.

Shi Zai glanced up at Shu Yangkuo and saw him frowning slightly, probably feeling uncomfortable from the tightness. Shi Zai chuckled to himself—and kindly helped out.