Chapter 43 Ah, No Bigger, It Hurts

Chapter 43 Oh No, Not Bigger—It Hurts

They had originally planned to hold the wedding after buying their own house and moving in, but settling into a new city kept everyone extremely busy.

By the time Shi Zai arrived, the university semester had already begun, and he quickly started auditing classes. He attended courses across different stages, from freshman to second-year graduate levels. He wasn't aiming for theoretical research or needing to complete assignments or papers; he simply wanted a foundational understanding to avoid being clueless during practical restoration work. In his line of work, hands-on learning and accumulating experience were far more critical than deep theoretical knowledge.

For example, with "crack-sealing ceramics," he didn’t need to analyze the techniques of different eras; he just needed to know which materials to use for various types of porcelain. Of course, the intensive learning was still demanding. Shi Zai recorded all the lectures and had Shu Yangkuo transcribe them daily. If he encountered any confusion during future repairs, he could revisit the material.

For the first month, he spent his evenings selling small ceramic items while practicing his restoration skills.

Shu Yangkuo was also very busy after arriving in September. Back in Chengzhou, he had already planned to become an antique dealer and enter the trade. During the day, he scouted for shop locations and eventually settled in Shenzhen’s second-largest antique market, leasing a nearly 400-square-meter space—the largest in the market. The shop was divided into four sections: antique sales and exhibitions, appraisal and brokerage services, modern handicrafts, and a tea area for meetings.

While overseeing the renovation, he also searched for finds in several major antique markets. As a former crown prince from a millennium ago, he had a keen eye for pre-Da Tang dynasty artifacts and quickly acquired over ten valuable pieces at very low prices. Each could fetch millions at auction, but he only put two pieces up for auction at the end of September. The rest were sold to discerning collectors who had networks for hype; once marketed, these items would fetch even higher prices. Shu Yangkuo planned to build such connections himself, but as a newcomer, his network and marketing capabilities were still limited, so he took things step by step.

Yang Yun occasionally audited classes with Shi Zai in September and joined him for setting up their stall in the evenings. Most of his time, however, was spent researching the market, observing how well ceramics were received among Shenzhen’s general public, especially children. He even learned to conduct market research, continually refining his positioning. He didn’t aim to create highly artistic pieces but rather to let people experience the joy of ceramics and earn from it.

In October, his ceramic DIY studio began renovations in a new commercial district just a street away from the antique market. Shortly after, thanks to his eldest brother’s successful auction consignment that brought in significant profits, he rented a smaller storefront next to Shu Yangkuo’s antique shop for firing ceramics. Instead of paying others to fire his ceramics, he could now do it himself and even rent out the kiln to other potters like Qin Xihan, who also fired his pieces in Yang Yun’s kiln.

By November, Shi Zai’s small studio was up and running. Originally planned for the next year, it opened earlier because their eldest brother was so adept at making money—his profits could have bought an entire mall. Having a studio was great as the weather grew colder, allowing Shi Zai to practice indoors in the evenings.

Shi Zai’s studio sat in the middle, flanked by Shu Yangkuo’s antique shop on the left and Yang Yun’s kiln studio on the right. It was perfect—the three brothers not only lived together but also worked side by side. Though they weren’t in their shops all day, having their businesses together kept them close.

By late November, things had finally quieted down enough for them to think about wedding plans. With more knowledge came more ideas. In a sudden idea, Shi Zai suggested they hold their engagement that very night and marry on New Year’s Day for an extra festive celebration.

However, their engagement wouldn’t be like a typical couple’s or an ordinary family’s—it would be just them, their little brother, and their friends, keeping things simple.

The grand celebration would wait for the wedding.

Amid everyone’s cheers and the chaotic dish arranging, the two changed in the bedroom. Even simplicity required more than an apron and puppy pajamas... When they reappeared in traditional long robes of different styles and colors, the crowd cheered again.

It matched their unique identities now, hehe.

Before a deep kiss could even finish, everyone was already hollering. Tan Xun said:

"Yang Kuo, if you’re going to kiss, do it openly. Why be shy?"

"......"

Afterward, Shu Yangkuo wiped their moist lips before moving the flowers aside. He guided him to sit, saying calmly:

"I don’t want to teach you."

"...... Ahahahaha, big bro is awesome!"

After Yang Yun’s teasing, everyone laughed.

Both the little brother and big brother earned a glare from Shi Zai. Shu Yangkuo lowered his gaze briefly, then raised his glass under Shi Zai’s look:

"Tan Xun, I was joking—it’s because Xiang Xiang is here."

"Uncle Yang Kuo, why are you calling my name? Last time you made me cry!"

"......"

Shu Yangkuo gave Xiang Xiang an adorable cat-shaped glutinous rice ball, and only then did Xiang Xiang let Uncle Yang Kuo hug him again.

Shi Zai was almost laughing himself silly. Their family’s childish, sensitive one, who usually stayed quiet, either provoked the young ones or picked on the older ones. And Tan Xun—four years older than Shu Yangkuo—always managed to start something first.

Tsk, probably still riding the high of finding Ji Qianxi again. Not only did he provoke Shu Yangkuo, but he also teased Zheng Yuan, until Ji Qianxi pulled his arm and glared twice, finally settling him down. Shi Zai suddenly realized he was deliberately seeking attention in front of Ji Qianxi.

Jiang Ziqing lived up to his sociable reputation. At the other end of the round table, he pulled Qin Xihan and Bai Jixiang into the newly popular WeChat. As a rising star after his recent drama’s success, he wouldn’t usually add regular people on social media, but Shi Zai shook his head and toasted him, knowing he was helping to engage everyone, worried Shi Zai might not manage all his friends.

Actually, it wasn’t necessary. Except for the two quiet ones at the table—Zheng Yuan and Shu Yangkuo—everyone else got along well.

Yang Yun soothing Xiang Xiang.

Shi Zai teasing Ji Qianxi and Yan Wei.

Turning around, Shi Zai saw Shu Yangkuo clinking glasses with Zheng Yuan. He found it amusing—barely hearing them exchange more than a grunt, yet they seemed to communicate telepathically. He leaned close to his man:

"Bro, so great. This is how you treat your good friends."

"......"

"Ahahahahaha......"

Seeing the man lower his gaze, not only unwilling to be teased but also feeling neglected, Shi Zai came over to comfort him. With so many people, Shi Zai couldn’t only talk to his partner the whole time:

"Sweetheart, be good. I’ll reward you tonight."

"...... No more drinking."

"Haha, just one last sip."

But he didn’t get to drink it. After just two sips, Shu Yangkuo took the cola away, tossed it back, frowned slightly, and downed the drink he thought was awful, immediately rinsing with plain water.

Shi Zai secretly pouted. No alcohol, no cola either.

Noticing his displeasure, as if he’d stolen his food, Shu Yangkuo explained:

"Last time your stomach hurt, forgot?"

"...... Was that from drinking cola?!"

"Pretty much."

"Don’t blame the cola! It’s you! You’re twenty-eight already, are you still growing?! Pervert!"

After muttering complaints, Shi Zai turned back with a smile to chat with Ji Qianxi beside him.

Shi Zai himself was thin, but having done plenty of hard labor since childhood, he was sturdy. He showed off the slight muscle on his arm to Ji Qianxi, urging him to eat more—Ji Qianxi was almost too frail, like a scholar from ancient times.

Shi Zai kept putting food on Ji Qianxi’s plate until he couldn’t eat anymore. Ji Qianxi stopped him and served Shi Zai a piece of ribs in return.

Then came a "retching" sound, and Shi Zai rushed off to the bathroom.

Instantly, the table erupted with varied expressions. Shu Yangkuo frowned deeply and immediately followed, picking him up after a few steps, one hand supporting him, the other patting his back. Yang Yun hurried after too. Xiang Xiang, not understanding, opened his mouth to cry but was drawn into Yan Wei’s embrace, though Yan Wei looked thoughtful. Zheng Yuan, next to Xiang Xiang, paused, equally puzzled. Ji Qianxi blushed, thinking Shi Zai disliked his food, until Tan Xun hugged him and said, "It’s fine, he’s tough as a bull."

When Shi Zai emerged from the bathroom, wow—a crowd surrounded him, bombarding him with questions.

He patted his belly and grinned:

"Must be allergic to cola. Last time my stomach felt bad after drinking it, this time too, hehe."

"Then don’t drink it! How old are you, still letting big brother look after you like a kid......"

After Yang Yun’s scolding, he and Jiang Ziqing ushered everyone back to their seats.

Afterwards, Shi Zai indeed felt better and couldn't help but find it strange—was he really allergic to cola? Had he become more delicate after spending so much time with his brother and didī? Allergic to just a sip of a drink? But he really learned his lesson this time and vowed never to drink it again.

After the meal and seeing off the guests, Shi Zai pulled away Shu Yangkuo's hand. The man had been warming his stomach all evening—he wasn't some girl on her period, after all! It was just a gag!

Shu Yangkuo finished washing him, tucked him into the blankets, held him tightly, and pulled away his mischievous hands:

"I think you should still see a doctor."

"Oh, we can talk about that another day. Right now, it's fun time! Oh—don't tell me Ge wants to be the doctor? Fine by me!"

"..."

Once again holding the restless figure firmly, Shu Yangkuo frowned slightly:

"Ge isn't joking."

"Yan Wei is a doctor, and Zheng Yuan used to be one too. Didn't you just have them check me over? They said I'm fine! Don't make a fuss, Ge, I'm really okay. I'm not as delicate like you! It's just a cola allergy. I’d never had it before—only drank it twice, and both times I felt unwell. So it's definitely the cola! So—are you going to or not?!"

The person in his arms wriggled like a puppy. Shu Yangkuo sighed helplessly. After some thought, it did seem related to cola—both times, he felt unwell and gagged after drinking it at night. But judging by Zheng Yuan's expression, it might be better to get a gastroscopy. He’d ask about it tomorrow.

Noticing that Shu Yangkuo was still spacing out, Shi Zai slipped under the covers himself, got ready, and was about to go for it when he was grabbed by the waist.

Two minutes later, the two were in their most common and favorite position—facing each other, holding each other close. Shi Zai didn't manage to ride him, but this was almost as good, like practicing joy meditation—hehe, once again playing their kinky game.

But before long, Shi Zai frowned:

"Ge, it hurts a little... don’t go so deep..."

"Hm? Where does it hurt?"

"Hard to pinpoint... Is it the cola? Last time, after drinking cola and doing this, it hurt too. Ah!"

Shu Yangkuo immediately stopped. The person in his arms was flushed, still in the mood, but now he noticed sweat beading on his temples. He had thought the little pup was just playing coy like usual.

Shi Zai haphazardly pressed his stomach, trying to sense it:

"Ge, it feels like it's deep inside where I'm clenching around you... Ah, ah, don't swell more, it hurts!"

Instantly pulling out, Shu Yangkuo hurriedly started getting him dressed to go to the hospital. Before he could even get them fully on—he heard another dry heave from the person in his arms.