Chapter 11 Your Adam’s Apple Is So Big

Chapter 11: Your Adam's Apple Is So Prominent

My old goal was to eat well, drink well, and save a little. Now it's different; I need to earn more.

The company was on the twelfth floor, requiring an elevator ride. Shi Zai held Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun more tightly, murmuring comforting words while glancing around, worried they might feel uneasy. Shi Zai himself had felt anxious and a sense of weightlessness the first time he came here.

Jiang Ziqing watched from the side, chuckling:

"Brother Zai, you should write a parenting diary and have Brother Xun publish it. It would definitely be a hit."

"...You should hurry back to the film set."

"I need to greet Brother Xun first... Brother Zai, I'm serious. If you don’t want to show your face to make big money, you could work behind the scenes. Or write something like *My Encounters with the Homeless*, tell the story of how you saved people, and with Brother Xun promoting it, tsk tsk..."

"Ziqing, I’ve told you, don’t talk about this."

"...I know, I’m not saying 'thank you' every day anymore, am I?"

Shi Zai grunted in acknowledgment. Back when he saved Jiang Ziqing, the kid, after slowly making some money, was practically ready to hand over his bank card, which gave Shi Zai a headache for a while. He’d only just helped out—it wasn’t something that required paying back with a lifetime of loyalty. It didn’t make sense.

But with Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun, he did want them in his life forever. Seeing that the two seemed fine, Shi Zai smiled and said to Jiang Ziqing:

"Besides, I only know a few words—how could I write a book? Speaking of which, Ziqing, you should still keep up with your studies during breaks. It’s not enough just to recognize words. Making a living in the public eye isn’t easy. If you say something wrong, the audience will..."

"Oh, Brother Zai, you’re such a nag. You’re really cut out for raising kids—you worry too much."

"Did you hear what I said?!"

"I heard! How could I not listen to Brother Zai? I even make sure to read two pages every night."

Shi Zai smiled, feeling relieved. He knew Jiang Ziqing didn’t like studying—like him, he’d never had formal schooling and initially couldn't read at all. It was only in the last couple of years that he’d slowly learned the basics. But learning as a child is one thing; trying to study as an adult is much harder—you lose the drive.

But Jiang Ziqing was different—he *had* to learn. So whenever Shi Zai saw him, he always felt the need to say a few words.

"Little Zai, I was just heading downstairs to pick you up. Why didn’t you answer your phone?"

"Ah... probably no signal. Brother Xun, why be so formal? It’s not like I don’t know the way."

"It’s Little Zai who’s being polite. It’s been two months, and even how you address me has changed. Shouldn’t I hurry out to see what’s going on?"

In a tone that was both joking and sincere, Shi Zai rubbed his nose. This was about him switching from "Ge" to "Brother Xun." Logically, it was just a way of addressing him, and Shi Zai didn’t really understand why he’d changed it. He glanced at Shu Yangkuo, who looked back at him, his expression unreadable, and Shi Zai felt reassured, though he didn’t know why.

Just as he was about to speak, Jiang Ziqing snickered beside him and said to Tan Xun:

"Brother Xun only ever notices 'Little Zai,' huh."

"...Stop talking nonsense. You drop by to mooch meals every other day—need I say more?"

"Hahaha, what about these two here?"

Before Tan Xun could ask, Shi Zai quickly introduced them. He didn’t know what was up with Tan Xun today—usually, he wouldn’t talk so much without letting him jump in to introduce them. But since he’d already given a quick rundown over the phone the day before, Shi Zai simply said:

"These are the two I mentioned, Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun. I... am like an older brother to them now."

"...Oh... Hello, I’m Tan Xun."

To his surprise, Tan Xun was the first to offer a handshake. Shi Zai released Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun’s hands and glanced at them. The two shook hands with Tan Xun one after the other, each saying "Hello." Seeing how stiff and proper they were, Shi Zai found it amusing.

After the greetings, Jiang Ziqing actually left—he had a big scene to film that night and needed to go back early to prepare.

Once inside the company, Shi Zai asked Tan Xun to wait a moment, then casually picked up two books and handed them to Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun:

"Brother, Yun Bao, wait here and read for a bit. I need to discuss something with him—it won’t take long."

"Mm."

Yang Yun, following Shu Yangkuo’s lead, also said "Mm." The two lowered their eyes quietly and began flipping through the books.

Shi Zai had already taken two steps away but turned back and leaned down beside their table:

"Brother, why don’t you come with me? If you don’t understand, you can read, okay?"

"Okay."

"Heh heh, does it make you happy to be with me? I’m happy too."

"..."

Seeing the big guy embarrassed by his words, Shi Zai didn’t push it further. It was clear that his brother and little brother now felt very insecure, like toddlers who wanted to stick close at every step. Shi Zai was happy to have them cling to him.

He brought them into Tan Xun’s office, and Tan Xun laughed at the sight:

"What? Little Zai, good-hearted and benevolent, planning to put them on Jiang Ziqing’s path? I think it could work. We can try tomorrow..."

"No, no! Brother Xun, they won’t be posing."

"...Oh. Well, judging by their clothes, they don’t seem strapped for cash. Send them home in a couple of days."

Why was he like Jiang Ziqing, always talking about sending them away? Shi Zai still ignored that comment. He let Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun read on the side and moved closer to Tan Xun’s desk, changing the subject:

"Brother Xun, voice acting... do you still need people?"

"What made you change your mind?"

"Heh heh, only a fool says no to money. I want to earn now."

"Hahaha, should have come around sooner... Let me think. We happen to need someone right now. It’s a third male lead role, but it’s very compelling. If done well, it could be a breakout role. Audiobooks are growing rapidly these days, and Little Zai, your voice is great. You could build a future in this—I’ll help arrange..."

Shi Zai hadn’t planned on making this a long-term path and quickly interrupted:

"Brother Xun, let’s take it step by step. Let’s talk about the immediate first."

"Alright. Recording starts in two weeks. I’ll give you the script first. During this time, don’t go back—stay at the company. I’ll find someone to teach you word for word. For accommodation... the company has dorms, you can..."

"Brother Xun! Heh heh, I have to go back. Don’t worry, I’ll have it all memorized in ten days."

"You don’t know how to read—who’s going to teach you? Stay here."

"My brother will teach me."

After Shi Zai said this, an awkward silence fell for a few seconds. The sound of Shu Yangkuo turning pages stopped, and he looked up at Shi Zai, then immediately nodded. Tan Xun looked at both of them, seemed like he wanted to say something, opened his mouth, but didn’t continue.

A little confused, Shi Zai smiled and was about to speak when Tan Xun spoke first:

"Fine, then don’t go back tonight. We’ll take photos early tomorrow morning."

"Yeah, yeah, that’s what I was thinking too."

"Alright, I'll book you into that hotel again. This time, let's get a suite so you each have your own room. You need proper rest."

"...Okay, thank you, Brother Xun."

"Don't worry about it."

Shi Zai didn't say anything more. When it came to booking the hotel, he had initially wanted to handle it himself, but the company insisted on covering the expenses for out-of-town book models, so he agreed. He readily accepted Tan Xun's care and help because a photoshoot he had done for them two years ago had significantly boosted the newly established "Jingfeng Web," which was now among the top five media websites. The profits from it had allowed them to establish a cultural media company focused on producing e-books and audiobooks. At the time, Tan Xun had tried to give him 100,000 RMB, but Shi Zai absolutely refused.

Logically, 100,000 RMB wasn't too much, but Shi Zai always felt Tan Xun treated him too well and wanted their relationship to feel more equal. As friends from different social standings, Shi Zai would rather Tan Xun owe him a favor than have him owe Tan Xun.

Besides, wasn’t this exactly how you called on others for help?

This is how friendships work—there’s no need to keep a strict tally for mutual support to continue.

After wrapping up their discussion and picking up the audiobook script, it was right at Tan Xun's quitting time. Since they hadn't met up in a while, it was only natural to have a meal together.

They chose a noodle restaurant again, partly because Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun loved noodles, and partly for convenience. On his way out of the company, Shi Zai had overheard employees talking about working overtime that evening, so he didn’t want to hold Tan Xun up. The meal was quick, and they didn’t talk much. Tan Xun briefly described the character and traits of the third male lead in the script, saying it was perfect for Shi Zai. Shi Zai didn’t quite see it but agreed to give it a try as Tan Xun suggested.

After parting ways with Tan Xun, Shi Zai didn’t head straight back to the hotel. Instead, he took them shopping and bought each of them a new set of clothes.

In the fitting room.

Shi Zai held up a shirt and dress trousers, urging Shu Yangkuo: "Brother, hurry up and change. I think you’ll look really good in a suit, hehe."

"...I can manage."

"But I want to see. Can’t I even watch?"

"..."

With no choice, Shu Yangkuo, his ears red, took off his tee and pants under Shi Zai's intense gaze. He turned slightly sideways, worried something awkward might happen, but a pair of small hands insisted on buckling his belt. Shu Yangkuo could only silently recite the Heart Sutra to just barely maintain his composure.

After buckling the belt, Shi Zai was tempted to give it a pat but held back—he was afraid one pat might make someone snap.

He guided Shu Yangkuo to turn, looking him over from front to back, and the more he looked, the more he liked what he saw. How could someone be this handsome? The shirt hugged his chest muscles, making them look well-defined and powerful. With broad shoulders, a trim waist, and long legs, he exuded an air of restraint yet hinted at a powerful, latent energy that made you want to hug him.

So Shi Zai did just that—he launched himself into Shu Yangkuo's arms. It felt like his heart and soul had instantly returned to their place, bringing him comfort. He lifted his face: "Brother."

"Hmm?"

"Don’t be upset."

"...I’m not."

"As long as you don’t say you’re leaving, I want to keep you for a lifetime."

"..."

Shu Yangkuo abruptly turned his head away, unsure what to say but aware he was losing control of his emotions. His Adam's apple moved twice, and just as he was about to raise his hand, the boy in his arms gently pressed against his throat. Instantly—his mind reeled.

He desperately wanted to push him away but couldn’t—otherwise, the person in his arms would get angry and think he was "petty."

But it was Shi Zai who pulled away first. Sensing the person he was holding had tensed up completely, with the veins in his neck standing out, he knew Shu Yangkuo, being new to this, wasn’t comfortable with such intimacy. So he didn’t push it. He was genuinely curious and looked up with a grin: "Brother, why is your Adam's apple so big? Mine isn’t very noticeable."

"..."

"Maybe it’s because you’re tall and big everywhere, hahaha."

"...Behave."

"How am I not speaking properly? If I were like you, I’d show it off all the time."

"..."

Shu Yangkuo really wanted to say, "Don’t you dare show off," but he held back.

He held back in every way. The boy before him might be nineteen, but he was as pure and innocent as a child. He had to restrain himself.

Shi Zai again admired him from all angles before leading Shu Yangkuo out of the fitting room. They decided on this outfit. Then he picked out a short-sleeved shirt and overalls for Yang Yun, paid for both sets, and took them to the hotel he had booked in advance.

A suite? He’d never stayed in one before.

The front desk asked, "The main bedroom only has a large bed. Is that okay?" Shi Zai naturally had no problem with that—he had planned to share a bed with Shu Yangkuo anyway.

That evening, Shi Zai went to the other room to massage Yang Yun’s arms. The two brothers fooled around and laughed for a long time until Yang Yun grew sleepy and dozed off. Only then did Shi Zai return to the main bedroom to offer Shu Yangkuo a massage. As expected, the old-fashioned man declined.

Shi Zai pushed him onto the bed, knelt beside his legs, and held his arms: "Brother, a massage will help you recover faster."

"...I’m fine already."

"Hmph, acting like I care about your legs so much. How petty."

"...It’s not about being petty."

"Then what is it?"

Shu Yangkuo couldn’t find the words, but the boy at his side was determined to get an answer, his big eyes wide and round... He didn’t dare look any longer. Turning his face away, he took a deep breath, paused in silence, and slowly spread his arms.