Chapter 66 Wang Wang’s Hundred-Day Banquet

Chapter 66: Wang Wang’s Hundred-Day Celebration

When Wang Wang is a bit older, Shi Zai plans to retrieve "Xixi" from Ji Qianxi’s care. Xixi is the little yellow puppy Shi Zai bought from a villager while they were staying at the farmhouse—hehe, Xixi and Wang Wang—theirs is a family brimming with hope. Tan Xun wasn’t thrilled about fostering the dog at the time, but Shi Zai never intended for it to be long-term. He plans to pick Xixi up once spring arrives.

That evening, after noticing Shu Yangkuo’s slight jealousy, Shi Zai confidently rattled off the "three don’ts" and "five don’ts," insisting he hadn’t crossed any lines. Since Qin Xihan was now considered a younger brother, and Shu Yangkuo had previously warned against getting involved with "others," Qin Xihan wasn’t an "other"—he was family, possibly even a future brother-in-law. Shi Zai told Shu Yangkuo that from now on, he should treat Qin Xihan the same way he treats Yang Yun.

Unexpectedly, the "stinky man" had a counterargument, asking since when does an older brother hug and cuddle with a brother-in-law. Shi Zai had an even more reasonable reply, saying that when speaking from the heart he's the "big brother," but when holding Qin Xihan to comfort him, he's the "sister-in-law"—perfectly normal, right?

Shu Yangkuo was left speechless. To completely ease his husband’s mind, Shi Zai played his trump card: "Ge, do you always want it like this? When we’re doing our thing, one of us in the room and the other outside?" Immediately, Shu Yangkuo begged him to stop. Serious matters always ended up sounding so inappropriate when his husband described them—how was he supposed to... ah, forget it. He could never win against his husband anyway. Might as well treat Qin Xihan like another Yang Yun.

Amused by his husband’s awkwardness and embarrassment, Shi Zai got even more energetic. What couple doesn’t act like this? Since Shi Zai had already said his piece, Shu Yangkuo, with Wang Wang sleeping on his left and his husband in his right arm, felt completely at ease. He ignored the person in his arms squirming, pretending not to notice. Lately, Wang Wang had been waking up frequently at night, refusing to sleep in his crib, so Shu Yangkuo had no choice but to keep him close, soothing him from time to time. There wasn’t much else he could do.

But soon, the nearly three-month-old entered what Zheng Yuan called the "sleep regression phase." Starting one day in October, no matter how hard Shu Yangkuo tried to soothe him to sleep, the moment he put Wang Wang down, the little one would wake up almost instantly, pouting and on the verge of tears, searching for someone. Shu Yangkuo had to pick him up and start over. After several repetitions, he realized Wang Wang needed someone to stay with him even after he fell asleep—at least half an hour until he was in deep sleep before he could stop patting him. By the time Wang Wang was asleep, Shi Zai, who had been waiting, would often doze off himself.

The intimate moments they had just resumed in late September were almost entirely gone by October. It was a real shame.

But Shi Zai didn’t insist on anything. Of course, Wang Wang was the priority now. The fact that the baby’s sleep was shorter and less restful meant he was becoming more dependent on them—what people call "starting to recognize people." He was clingy at night, and just as clingy during the day. Shu Yangkuo was still the primary caregiver, sometimes having to handle work calls from the shop. Shi Zai’s heart ached because of it and would rush home to help with holding and soothing whenever he wasn’t busy. But at night, Wang Wang, now recognizing people, only wanted his dad. At first, Shi Zai thought he might feel jealous, but now? How could he? He felt content—he and Wang Wang were so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and father.

At three months, Wang Wang could lift his head and often enjoyed lying on his tummy, his big eyes either smiling or curiously observing the world.

By four months, Wang Wang still hadn’t learned to roll over. Shi Zai and Shu Yangkuo helped him a couple of times, but the little one wasn’t too keen and showed no intention of doing it on his own. They didn’t push it—rolling over within six months was perfectly fine.

Then came November 15th—Wang Wang’s hundred-day celebration.

Hehe, having a child is wonderful. From birth to the full-month celebration and now the hundred-day party, Shi Zai looked at the piles of red envelopes and gifts, even multiple sets of little gold locks and bracelets for Wang Wang. He had so many godfathers!

The full-month celebration was held at home, but for the hundred-day party, they booked a banquet hall. Photos of the big-eyed baby were displayed on a large screen. When Shi Zai and Shu Yangkuo held Wang Wang, everyone wanted a turn to hold him. Who could resist? Wang Wang was just too adorable, smiling at everyone.

Jiang Ziqing had just exclaimed, "My godson is so handsome!" when Wang Wang tilted his head, curved his big eyes into smiles, and suddenly winked with his left eye—flirting! Jiang Ziqing burst out laughing, and soon a crowd gathered, hoping for a repeat performance. But the little one just giggled, buried his face in his dad’s shoulder, and started sucking on his pacifier. Yang Yun leaned in to tease him, and Wang Wang pushed him away with a tiny fist, only for Yang Yun to playfully "bite" it, preventing him from pulling back. Wang Wang's mouth quivered, ready to cry and tell on him, but Yang Yun quickly let go, pouting under Qin Xihan’s gaze.

After the celebration, they cut the cake and that was the end of the celebration. Wang Wang was only three months old and couldn’t stay out too long. The noisy environment made him uncomfortable, and he’d been a bit averse to milk lately. During the three hours out, he refused to drink any milk, and it had been nearly four and a half hours since his last feeding at home. They needed to hurry back and coax him to drink. Xiang Xiang went home with them too.

In the spacious play area of the living room, Wang Wang, after finishing his milk, lay on the mat watching his older brother Xiang Xiang.

The five-year-old didn’t fully understand what having a three-month-old sibling meant—he just knew he had an adorable little brother. He lay down next to Wang Wang:

"Wang Wang, look at me. This arm, and this leg—with a little effort, I can roll over."

"..."

"Give it a try! It’s easy. Make Daddy proud, okay?"

"..."

Wang Wang ignored him, making Xiang Xiang anxious and a bit frustrated. His godfather was doing laundry, and his dad was reading. He scooted over to Uncle Yang Yun and complained that Wang Wang wasn’t listening. Yang Yun thought for a moment, then took Xiang Xiang to sit beside Wang Wang.

He had Xiang Xiang demonstrate rolling over. The five-year-old rolled back and forth, then shook his head triumphantly and repeated, "It’s easy!" Wang Wang stared at him for a few seconds, then curled one side of his lip into a smirk.

Hmph.

The five-year-old was fired up: "Oh, you think it’s easy? Then you try!"

"..."

To everyone’s surprise, Wang Wang actually started trying. He clutched his head with his tiny arms, stacked his chubby legs, and strained with all his might. But his shoulders remained flat—he couldn’t tilt them to the side, so he couldn’t roll over. His little face turned red with effort.

Just as Yang Yun was about to help lift him, Wang Wang pouted and let out a loud "Waaah!"

He felt so wronged, and so angry.

Yang Yun quickly picked him up, and Shi Zai immediately put down his book. Fortunately, they soothed him in time, and Wang Wang, with red-rimmed eyes, slowly stopped crying. The little one was persistent—as soon as he was put back down, he started trying to roll over again. But his shoulders just wouldn’t cooperate.

Was he not a smart baby anymore?

No, he was! Dad said it was because he had a larger frame, so rolling over would take longer. Wang Wang mustered all his strength and tried again, only to fail once more. Lying back, he glanced around—everyone nearby was rolling around like dumplings in a pot, almost squishing him. So annoying.

Waaah—Wang Wang cried again.

Shu Yangkuo hurried over and scooped up the little one. Crying twice in such a short time... His husband, meanwhile, was rolling around enthusiastically with Yang Yun and Xiang Xiang, justifying it with, "Ge, crying helps him grow! We’re teaching him to roll over." Shu Yangkuo replied, "Okay," and carried Wang Wang to the small balcony. The baby followed his dad’s pointing finger, watching the cars outside, blinking his big eyes, and gradually calming down.

He had Shi Zai’s tenacity in his bones, but his thin skin... he got that from him. He couldn’t stand being laughed at and needed quiet time.

The little one had a hard head. Shu Yangkuo adjusted the bunny-eared headband protecting his fontanelle.

Sensing Wang Wang straining his shoulders again, Shu Yangkuo laid him on the mat, helping him onto his side. He placed a finger just out of reach, close enough to tempt him but not enough to touch. Wang Wang reached with both hands a few times, then pouted, confused. Shu Yangkuo smiled, tickled his chin, and said, "You can do it, Daddy’s here with you." He moved his finger a little closer, beckoning, "Come on, Wang Wang." Wang Wang blinked at his daddy, then at the finger, and started trying again.

Time passed. With each failed attempt, Wang Wang would glance at his daddy’s face before continuing.

After five minutes, Wang Wang’s shoulder slowly tilted sideways. His daddy’s finger was right there. With one final effort—he rolled over!

*Clap, clap, clap*.

Applause erupted behind him. Wang Wang was about to pout again when his daddy’s finger nudged his shoulder. Wang Wang, now on his tummy, stared for a moment, then started pushing with his arms and legs again—he had to make Daddy proud, make Daddy happy... Hehehe.

Watching Wang Wang even manage to roll from his tummy to his back, Shi Zai was so moved he nearly cried. He lay down, nuzzling the little one’s chest. Wang Wang grabbed his short hair, kicking his chubby legs and giggling nonstop.

Shi Zai was overjoyed. He picked up Wang Wang and gently swayed him. The baby’s eyes curved like crescent moons as he blew a kiss toward Shu Yangkuo, whose expression had softened. Wang Wang even puckered his lips too—hahaha, how could there be such a smart and adorable baby!

Wang Wang squirmed to be put down. The moment Shi Zai did, he rolled over again, lifting his head to giggle at him, delighting everyone. Soon, they were all rolling around with him. Wang Wang didn’t cry anymore; his giggles turned into full-blown "hahahas."

They played with him for a while until Xiang Xiang suddenly shouted, "He peed!" Startled, Wang Wang held it in. Shi Zai quickly carried him to the little potty—lately, Wang Wang had some diaper rash, so they sometimes let him go without diapers during the day to keep his skin dry. As Wang Wang relieved himself, Xiang Xiang squatted nearby watching. "Goddy, I gotta go too!"

Hearing this, Shi Zai called for Yang Yun to take Xiang Xiang to the bathroom and get them ready for bed after.

Hehe, letting Yang Yun take care of Xiang Xiang tonight would be good for building his sense of responsibility.

After helping Wang Wang finish, Shi Zai put him back on the mat and went to get a wet cloth to clean the floor. Distracted, he placed Wang Wang a bit too close to the puddle, and the little one immediately started playing in it. Shi Zai scooped him up, and Wang Wang laughed even harder—you little mischief-maker.

After Shi Zai yelled, "Ge, your son is playing with pee!" Shu Yangkuo chuckled and started filling the inflatable pool in the bathroom with warm water. At this age, babies become curious about water, and swimming is a great activity.

After ten minutes of splashing, Wang Wang was completely exhausted. Even before getting out of the pool, his eyelids were drooping.

Wang Wang was tired, but Daddy wasn’t. Tonight was rare—Wang Wang fell asleep the moment he was placed in his crib. Before Shu Yangkuo could even sit on the bed, Shi Zai threw himself into his arms, blinking:

"Ge, tonight you have to spoil me."

It was a warm winter this year. Though the Start of Winter had passed, the late autumn atmosphere lingered. The two golden ginkgo trees in the yard glowed under the moonlight, their light flowing and shimmering, elusive yet deeply desired, tempting one to reach for it again and again.

Time was precious, and they never knew when they might be interrupted. The person kneeling and leaning forward deliberately stirred trouble, his clearly defined spine wrapped in lean muscle, cool as the moon, his narrow waist adorned with dim light and glistening sweat. He writhed, arched lower, swayed his hips... then suddenly tried to escape. Really… asking for trouble. Dragged back and punished as he wished, he finally behaved.

He turned his burning gaze and flushed lips toward him, but tonight there was a hint of pitifulness. His tongue slipped out under restraint. Shu Yangkuo leaned down, capturing the face that never failed to stir his heart, and kissed him deeply, swallowing every suppressed sound his beloved didn’t dare release.

Not a word could be spoken, yet the pleasure was overwhelming.

Shi Zai suddenly understood how men in their third trimester, controlled by hormones, must feel—uncontrollable surges, a fire clogging their throat, not to mention elsewhere. Even being able to sing a line of "Catching Loaches" would've given him an outlet. He was the type who liked to be vocal, and he knew Shu Yangkuo loved hearing him. He recalled early in their relationship when the man once blurted out, "Stop moaning!"—hahaha. But now, he couldn’t make a sound. Several times, biting the pillow to stifle himself, he ended up holding back other things too.

There were benefits, though—he had to pause two or three times himself before he could please Shu Yangkuo once.

When would they get to come together? Hopefully tonight.

But unexpectedly, perhaps the man noticed his distracted thoughts—not that Shi Zai wanted to wander, but if he didn’t distract himself a little, he wouldn’t be able to control his voice—and now, held sitting in Shu Yangkuo’s arms, Shi Zai looked into the man’s darkened eyes, probably mirroring his own. He felt like crying, blinking as he gazed at the man, "Brother, when will this end?" Shu Yangkuo whispered reassuringly, "When Wang Wang is a bit older." Shi Zai swallowed a sob, tears welling up, "It’s all your fault, dotting on our son and neglecting your wife." Shu Yangkuo tilted his head with a light laugh, "Be good, we can take advantage of daytime opportunities later." Instantly, Shi Zai’s eyes widened, "Then have me come home whenever Wang Wang sleeps long, Brother!" After getting a nod from the man, Shi Zai was pressed against his shoulder and bit down.

Comforted, even if they didn’t come together.

At least there was no sound. In the faint light, he saw red marks where he’d bitten himself.

Shi Zai "tended to the mark" with his mouth, feeling Shu Yangkuo about to get worked up, he quickly nudged with his chin, signaling he wasn’t ready yet. Nestled in the man’s broad embrace, limp and pliant, he suddenly felt sleepy. But he couldn’t just indulge himself—he had to hold on.

Mulling it over—ah! How nice it would be to have someone help with childcare. That possessive man, jealous over nothing, kept them from enjoying themselves properly—so frustrating. Fine, daytime it is. He could just work extra hours at night. When Wang Wang is five months old, able to nap alone for two or three hours during the day and sleep three hours straight at night, they could sneak away to the bathroom. Later, when nights get even longer, it’ll be almost like before—just the bathroom or the living room.

Solo parenting it is—they’re financially secure now, with flexible work hours.

Tsk, solutions outweigh obstacles.

Shi Zai lifted his face, eyes sparkling, and blinked at Shu Yangkuo, whispering, "Brother, bottoms up, let me drain the cup." Shu Yangkuo’s eyelids twitched—what nonsense, almost thought he wasn’t wearing a condom. Shi Zai sensed it, breathing into his ear, "Can we skip it? One time probably won’t result in anything." Shu Yangkuo refused, "The chances are high, unless you want one now." Shi Zai rolled his eyes and shook his head quickly, "Let me enjoy myself a while longer first." Shu Yangkuo smiled helplessly and got back to it.

Thinking about having another—Shi Zai’s thoughts ran wild again. Wouldn’t it have been great to have twins the first time? If the man had just gone in raw that first month he was pregnant, maybe he’d have gotten another. Would that work? Probably, hehe. Then again, if they had another Wang Wang now—god help us, each tending to one, they’d have no time for anything. If they do have another, maybe try after spring? Then the age gap wouldn’t be too big. And if they have another, Shi Zai would definitely hire a nanny! Someone over fifty! If that jealous man acts up again, he’ll put him in his place.

Snapping back to reality, Shi Zai found his back against the wall, eyes burning.

The wall behind, the man like an impenetrable wall in front—it felt like being trapped, oppressed, yet perversely exciting. Shi Zai licked his lips, and the man kissed him, giving him a slight outlet through the kiss. Like Shu Yangkuo, he loved everything the other brought, even this kinky masochistic streak. Shi Zai touched the man’s arm, "Brother, spank me." But he forgot it wasn’t possible—the sound would wake Wang Wang. So—feeling a sharp twist on his fleshiest part, Shi Zai nearly rolled his eyes, followed by an involuntary squeeze down below, driving the man wild.

He thought of an idiom—rubbing sticks to make fire.

Shi Zai felt like he was about to ignite.

Looking down, it was a startling sight. He whispered to Shu Yangkuo, "Brother, do I look three months along?" Shu Yangkuo’s ears reddened, eyes darker, each time making the man in his arms feel "three months along."

Shi Zai was coming undone again, almost there—when a little whimper came from the crib, with a hint of a cry. Shu Yangkuo knew instantly the little one wanted patting and soothing. If left unattended, he’d soon wake up crying.

Shu Yangkuo closed his eyes, carried his partner back to bed, but couldn’t put him down—those jade-white legs wrapped around him, clinging… Shi Zai was about to break, wishing he could cry out regardless. Stopping at a time like this—his upper body on the bed, the rest still on Shu Yangkuo… Shu Yangkuo clenched his fist. His precious son choosing now to compete for attention—he really wanted to spank him…

The son in the crib began to cry softly, his wife clinging tightly. Shu Yangkuo had no choice. Resigned, he reached out a long arm to gently pat and soothe his oblivious son, while not neglecting his wife who was deliberately acting up, putting in extra effort to satisfy him, biting his own hand to swallow his gasps silently.

Comforting the baby while tending to his wife—half gentle, half firm—this is how most men are, probably.

And he himself—perseverance is what makes a man. Once his wife was sated and boneless again, Shu Yangkuo covered his belly, pulled on his pants with one hand, and continued soothing outside the crib—Wang Wang, perhaps not feeling the pats earlier, fussed longer. Shu Yangkuo alternated light pats with gentle strokes on his little belly until the baby drifted back to sleep.

Turning back, the blanket was tossed aside, Shi Zai sprawled out, not even touching the pillow, fast asleep.

Shu Yangkuo smiled down. A tool is a tool—if his wife could sleep peacefully after being happy, he was content. He bent to kiss his brow, eyes, and lips, pulled out the soiled sheet beneath him, settled him on the pillow, then went to the bathroom for a warm towel. After cleaning him up and putting on his sleep pants, he returned to the bathroom. The evening’s kiddie pool and Wang Wang’s little clothes were still uncleaned. Shu Yangkuo quietly tidied up, washed the clothes, and when he came out, Wang Wang was whimpering again—time for a feed. After this, he’d sleep till morning.

As soon as he lay down, a warm, soft body curled into his arms. Shu Yangkuo held him contentedly, drawing strength from his scent—how could he be tired? He didn’t need extra help with Wang Wang. Every day and night, Shu Yangkuo felt immensely happy.

Outside, the dim sky gradually lightened. His wife burrowed into his chest, their son sleeping soundly less than half an arm’s length away. Shu Yangkuo smiled softly. His wife said he was his support, the one who shielded him from storms—but the treasure in his arms was just that for him too, a warm body heating him to the core, sunshine gathered over his sternum. His world knew no more storms.

Waking up, Shi Zai felt great, recalling last night—hadn’t been that happy in a while, hehe.

Turning, tsk, his husband was still asleep—rare. But after a quiet trip to the bathroom, Shi Zai knew why—he’d probably slept less than an hour. Not rushing to wash up, he checked on Wang Wang. The little one was awake too, content, so well-behaved it tugged at Shi Zai’s heart. As he reached to pick him up, Wang Wang was faster, happily chewing on his own little foot, giggling.

Shi Zai covered his mouth, laughing softly, whispering to the baby:

"You don’t even have teeth yet, what flavor are you tasting?"

"Giggle…"

"Hahaha, my Wang Wang is so adorable, little piggy toe, let me see if it’s tasty…"

"Giggle giggle…"

Laughing so happily—just like him. Shi Zai picked up Wang Wang, changed his diaper, and played with him on the big bed. When he tried to stop the foot-chewing, Wang Wang insisted. Shi Zai opened his mouth and gave a gentle nibble.

Wang Wang paused, "Heh." Shi Zai laughed and nibbled again. Wang Wang froze longer this time, as if in disbelief. Puzzled, Shi Zai nibbled once more… Wang Wang’s lips quivered—why was Daddy eating him?

Seeing this, Shi Zai quickly cuddled him, rocking gently, whispering, "Wang Wang, don’t cry, Daddy’s sorry, baby, shouldn’t have bitten you." He kissed the little arm, and the baby stopped pouting but didn’t laugh again, turning his head toward his sleeping father instead. Smiling inwardly, Shi Zai offered his arm, "Baby likes pinching, right? Daddy will let you pinch."

Wang Wang looked down, curled one side of his mouth, "Heh," and actually pinched—his small hand surprisingly strong, two fingers twisting a bit of skin. The sensation was… Shi Zai lasted less than two seconds before grimacing.

Shu Yangkuo opened his eyes, slightly dazed, and chuckled wryly:

"Wang Wang, don’t bully Daddy."

"Heh…"

"Come here, Daddy will hold you."

The little one let go, waving his fists, and Shu Yangkuo took him with a smile.

His son wriggled happily in his arms, while his wife rushed over to complain, "Brother, Wang Wang pinched me hard!" Shu Yangkuo’s heart melted. With less than an hour of sleep, a morning recharge from his wife and son—he held his son with one arm, cupped his wife’s head with the other, kissing his forehead several times until the man laughed happily.

Shu Yangkuo laughed too.

Shi Zai leaned down to kiss the "little piggy toe," pulling back before getting kicked, making a face at him.

Wang Wang paused, curled one side of his mouth with a "giggle," and snuggled deeper into his father’s arms. Silly Daddy.