Chapter 90 Bikini Porcelain Rose

Chapter 90 The Bikini and the Porcelain Rose

Zhaozhao made to stand up—a rare move. Shi Zai could tell he was eager to rush toward him, a clear sign of Zhaozhao’s intense excitement. Realizing it wasn’t appropriate, Zhaozhao swayed his small body slightly, sat up perfectly straight, grabbed his left wrist with his right hand, raised it, and blew a very earnest kiss toward the podium. After that, he remained seated upright, gazing forward with extreme seriousness. Despite his young age, his eyes were filled with a multitude of emotions—admiration, excitement, love, joy, and a yearning to leap into his dad’s arms...

Finally, the tall man in the middle, who stood out like a crane among chickens, even momentarily averted his gaze. Shi Zai couldn’t help but want to smile, but this man’s love always ignited his own passion—it was like an eternal romance, shyness accompanied by an uncontrollable flutter of the heart. Even Shi Zai couldn’t help but blush and feel his heart race for a moment, recalling last night. The tears of the red candle were like Shi Zai’s emotions, dripping down one by one, from the heart that first shed tears, to the tense abs, and then a little further down... They didn’t actually drip onto the "bad thing" because—it couldn’t drip, as it was being consumed by Shi Zai. Drop by drop, without Shu Yangkuo needing to do anything, just the conditioned reflex from the candle wax made Shi Zai moan with pleasure once.

The throbbing was so intense and uncontrollable, it practically made him... tsk, just like their heartbeats after locking eyes.

But they were a couple, an old married pair at that—how were they still so innocent? Shi Zai glanced again, and damn it, the scoundrel’s uncomfortable, embarrassed, uncontrollable gaze was once again looking at him with deep affection, making Shi Zai’s heart thunder once more.

But it wasn’t just last night’s desire, the desires of the deep night, but also this morning’s emotions, a blazing, rock-solid love under the bright sun.

Today was the best farewell to the old and welcome to the new.

Shi Zai held the championship trophy and certificate in one hand, and with the other, supported a plaque inscribed by a restoration master with the words “Yesterday in Today, Today Remembering the Past.” His eyes shone with pride and confidence, radiating vitality as he expressed his heartfelt thanks.

His final words were: “Porcelain, countless fragments shimmer in rebirth; I, countless cracks become clouded in rebirth. Finally, I thank my beloved who restored me to new life, allowing my cracks to give rise to new flesh and blood, new future, in quietly blooming brilliant flowers.”

Gracefully stepping off the stage, out of the corner of his eye, he saw his beloved in the audience, once again moved to reddened eyes by this bold, steadfast love.

Shi Zai’s final words, “letting the cracks nurture new bone and blood in quietly blooming brilliant flowers,” were also his commentary on the hidden flower of the lion-shaped candleholder—from flawless craftsmanship to the symbolism of the “puppy torch,” to the metaphor of the “flower.” Shi Zai’s skill and creativity completely astonished the entire ceramic restoration circle. Without a doubt, his studio would be flooded with visitors in the future, needing expansion once again.

After the awards ceremony ended, there was another round of socializing. Shi Zai was anxious but had to engage—he handled these situations with ease. Soon, he'd run out of his studio's business cards and exchanged countless phone numbers. Many people he barely knew had already made dinner plans with him in Shenzhen for next year. Speaking of meals, Shi Zai had forgotten—lunch was with other award winners and the organizers. He quickly called his man before accepting the invitation, though he didn’t drink during the meal, leaving after eating and chatting for a while.

From afar, the laughing, talking man was a picture of the most dazzling vitality. Naturally good-looking, today he wore a Chinese-style suit, standing tall and sharp, walking, shaking hands, his eyes, bright as sunlight, sincerely meeting one person after another. His every gesture and movement was fully displayed to all the strangers today... Shu Yangkuo felt proud and delighted for his treasure, but also... filled with a sour jealousy and unease.

His wife was just too magnificent—he was lucky to have him, but he could hardly bear his wife being the center of so much attention.

But he had to endure it—this was Shi Zai’s own moment of glory. He had achieved it; in six and a half years, Shi Zai had written the brightest chapter of his life. Compared to his so-called “restoration,” his wife was already a dazzling person—he himself had created his finest moments.

Shu Yangkuo soon smiled, trying to comfort himself—this person, under countless gazes, belonged only to him, saw only him, loved only him.

His wife had taught him this—to be sensible, obedient, and good.

“Wife, you’ve stolen my soul today.”

“...”

Pausing, Shi Zai threw his head back and laughed heartily. The scoundrel suddenly became so eloquent, but his eyes were still full of deep affection. He added:

“Holding all living beings, you illuminate my stage. Wife, you are, and always have been, the one who saves me from dire straits.”

“Hehe, why so serious? I’m so touched. You’re the same for me, just like I said on stage—we’re mutual. Without you, there would be no me today; without me, there would be no you today. I love you so much, and we’ll keep loving each other more each day than the last. This monk broke his vows for the little living being in his arms, and the little living being will stay with you till the seas run dry and the rocks crumble! Hahaha!”

After saying this, Shi Zai couldn’t stop laughing, remembering his own line from years ago, “I’m your little living being,” both awkward and amusing.

After getting out of his man’s embrace, Shi Zai quickly crouched down to hug and kiss each of the little ones—both sitting on the curb, one expressionlessly cupping his chin watching him, the other anxiously fidgeting without disturbing Papa and Dad’s intimacy... Two well-behaved little rascals. Shi Zai picked each up for a lift, and laughter filled the air again. Each gave him a handful of colorful flowers, with an adorable crocheted puppy nestled in the middle. Shi Zai was overjoyed, kissing each on the cheek again, even giving a little nip that made Zhaozhao whimper.

Standing up, there was also Shu Yangkuo’s gift. Shi Zai was utterly surprised:

“Ge, you made this yourself?!”

“...Mhm, for my wife—let the barren soil bloom abundantly. Thank you, wife. Love you very much.”

Hearing this, Shi Zai took it—it was a large rose pieced together from porcelain fragments! He loved it so much. Every time he received a gift from Shu Yangkuo, he felt it was the best, yet the next time, an even better one awaited him.

It was true... he understood him so well, loved him so much—even before he had entered the finals, he had already understood him enough to make this gift.

Late into the night, Shi Zai was still moved to tears by this porcelain rose—though not from emotion this time, but because... lying back, legs spread over a chair, the very proper and touching porcelain rose from daytime now teasing and brushing him, lightly from his chest down to his hips.

He really had captivated the scoundrel’s soul today—so shamelessly wild.

But... hehe, he had played a major role in this loss of control, this madness, and he had started it—the bikini.

Though his chest was flat, the visual was utterly captivating, as evident from the scoundrel’s completely forgotten embarrassment. Two thin pieces of fabric, top and bottom, barely covering anything, were occasionally lifted by Shu Yangkuo using the porcelain rose’s stem for a peek.

Shi Zai suddenly arched his chest, the cool porcelain petals grinding firmly against that spot. His eyes wide and wet, even his tongue tip peeking out, he begged for mercy, pleading for him to get to the main event. But the scoundrel was addicted, using the porcelain rose as a brush, occasionally dipping it in ink to draw on his body—many “love” characters, many “for eternity.” Shi Zai remembered, truly remembered.

Suppressing his moans, Shi Zai heard a command:

“Open wider.”

“...It’s already, very open, it’s... begging for it, Ge—”

His captivating voice drew out the tone, stirring Shu Yangkuo’s eyes dark red. He swallowed heavily, about to speak, but saw the already stunning treasure reaching down with both hands... spreading himself... Instantly, Shu Yangkuo tightened his grip on the fair skin, and said, striving for calm:

“Still, wife is more beautiful.”

“Ah!... Ge... don’t...”

Shi Zai lifted his body but was pressed down by the back of his head. The gorgeous porcelain rose lightly circled his entrance, not really doing anything, but giving him an illusion of shame, calling out “Ge” repeatedly... He had to admit, his own flower was indeed more beautiful.

Very pink, very vibrant, gently quivering... Shu Yangkuo could no longer hold back, ready to begin. His hand had just touched the scant fabric when the person in his arms stopped him. Shi Zai chuckled lightly, leaning close to his man’s ear, breathing softly:

“Ge, don’t be so rough. You can untie the side straps—the bow.”

“...”

“Husband—”

Before he could finish, the momentarily stunned man quickly reacted, but instead of touching the hip straps, he forcefully flipped him over. Shi Zai quickly steadied himself on the chair, couldn’t help looking back, but just as he called out “Ge,” he was cut off.

The two pieces of fabric might as well have been torn off.

Now, one large hand slipped inside the top, while the bottom was merely lightly pushed aside...

But later, the fabric was still gone, though not torn—one piece tied around his leg, the other around the man’s upper arm. Shi Zai blushed at the sight, especially the piece used as an armband—when held tightly by Shu Yangkuo, he could smell his own scent, musky and damp, on it. He couldn’t help moaning, reaching up to hook it, their eyes locked, each holding the other captive.

It felt too good, too joyful.

As dawn approached, high above in the building, under the vast sky, they simultaneously looked out through the wide floor-to-ceiling window. At the sea’s horizon, a delicate, intense light gradually emerged, while magnificent waves surged forth. Shi Zai pressed tightly against the cool glass, eyes wide and wet, unblinking, waiting for another sunrise, and for the man’s relentless, day-and-night energy.

There it was, emerging—the fiery red sun slowly appeared from the sea’s edge. Before fully revealing itself, a blazing red already spread across the sea, rising and falling with the quiet yet surging waves. Shi Zai bit his finger, moaning... With the man moving inside him, he felt himself a part of this vast, beautiful world, heart and body full of love, for the person behind him, and for another “Sunrise for Me.”

As the sun hung obliquely, the man’s kiss fell once more, followed by burning love:

“So many people look at my wife, but my wife only has eyes for me.”

The calendar turned to a new year, the first day spent in Chengwan City, yet it held its own unique joy and beauty. Life is vast; traveling around, leaving footprints in many places, letting stories be written in vibrant color.

Years later, whether it’s the first day of the new year or Spring Festival’s Eve, recalled, it will seem like just an ordinary day. But it’s these ordinary days that leave people with many beautiful memories, eventually blooming into eternal, unfading flowers under the pen.

Early in the morning, the two little ones were excitedly bouncing around. Having heard other children talk about “cycling around the island” yesterday, both Wang Wang and Zhaozhao really wanted to ride. Zhaozhao even rubbed against Papa’s arm, whining. Shi Zai never refused their requests, but today, for the first time, he really wanted to say no—he hadn’t slept a wink! Moreover, no matter how vibrant the flower, it couldn’t withstand being watered all night long!

It needed time to regain its strength!

Cycling—just thinking about it made him ache.

Towards the end of the morning, he was getting worn out from being maneuvered into different positions—that impossible man kept "writing" those twelve characters, "So many people look at babe, but babe only looks at you," making him say it over and over... Hmph, he knew this guy had been a bit jealous yesterday, afraid someone else might glance at him again! Shi Zai played along perfectly—he’d told the man countless times that he only had eyes for him. Since he was still sulking, he’d just keep humoring him.

The consequence of over-humoring was that the idea of biking made Shi Zai ache.

After receiving a glare, Shu Yangkuo rubbed his nose, wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist, and whispered softly:

"There’s a tandem bike. I’ll pedal, babe can catch up on sleep."

"Haven’t you ridden enough?!"

"..."

After a moment of silence, Shu Yangkuo mustered his courage to correct his wife’s wording, speaking very quietly:

"It was you who was riding."

"...When you climbed on top!"

With another "hmph," Shi Zai called out to the two little ones watching cartoons outside to get dressed. Of course, he knew he’d ridden twice, but that man had been so needy last night, his possessiveness in overdrive, pinning him down again and again... Ugh, better not think about it.

Yawning, he helped the two little ones change clothes. Wang Wang asked curiously:

"Dad, didn’t you sleep well last night?"

"..."

Pausing, he was about to say "I didn’t sleep at all," but when he caught the man packing the travel bag blushing to the tips of his ears, Shi Zai held back. Suppressing his drowsiness, he kissed Wang Wang’s little cheek and said with a smile:

"I slept very well. I just dreamed of a big lion, and played with him for a long time, so I’m a bit tired."

"Oh, what did you play? Eagle catching chicks?"

"..."

Hearing this, Shi Zai chuckled and quickly replied:

"Something like that. A little eagle catching a big chicken..."

"Xiao Zai!"

Shu Yangkuo couldn’t help interrupting his wife, his ears turning bright red. His wife was such a troublemaker, always saying nonsense to the kids. After raising his voice a bit, Shu Yangkuo hurried over, hugged his wife, kissed the top of his head, and said to Wang Wang:

"Dad was too excited about winning the award, so he couldn’t sleep at night. Let him catch up on sleep while we bike later, and don’t bother him, okay?"

"Mm-hmm, I’ll play quietly with little brother."

Wang Wang nodded repeatedly, then hugged his dad again. "Dad, you’re so amazing, so amazing. I love you so much, I admire you so much. I’m so happy to have a dad like you." Shi Zai’s tangled emotions melted away; the little one’s words warmed his heart.

He noticed Zhaozhao was now sitting quietly nearby, holding something... Shi Zai’s eyes instantly grew moist with a smile:

"My Zhaozhao, come here. Are you going to reward Dad?"

"Yes, giving Dad a little red flower."

"Thank you, baby. How do you love me so well? Zhaozhao’s love makes Dad so touched. I love Zhaozhao so much..."

The introverted little one wasn’t good at saying "love," but he wished he could cover his dad with all the love in his heart.

The little red flower was Zhaozhao’s "reward" for his dad winning the championship, and also an outward expression of his love for his dad.

Lifting the hem of his dad’s shorts slightly, Zhaozhao was about to stick another flower when he saw a deep red mark. The little one poked at it with his finger:

"Dad, is this also a little red flower?"

"...Ouch."

"Does it hurt? Did Daddy press too hard..."

As he spoke, Zhaozhao tried to help his dad "pick out" this imprinted red flower. Before he could poke again, his little hand was caught by his dad.

Shi Zai felt both amused and exasperated. First, Wang Wang mimicking his husky voice, and now Zhaozhao making him blush with embarrassment. He quickly pulled Zhaozhao’s hand away and covered the red mark—which was definitely not a little red flower but a mark from that man.

Turning around, he saw Shu Yangkuo holding a pair of long pants, smiling softly at him. Shi Zai glared, then burst into laughter.

But before he could finish laughing, Wang Wang started helping his brother stick little red flowers—or rather, find the "little red flowers" on Dad’s body. The two little ones found it fascinating—how were the flowers imprinted on Dad without stickers?

Shi Zai was utterly speechless, laughing while blushing and dodging their little hands... Shu Yangkuo didn’t dare laugh at his wife any longer. Holding the pants, he scooped his wife up with one arm and carried him into the bedroom, changing him into a pair of lightweight long pants.

It wasn’t very obvious, but once the curious little ones noticed, it became awkward. After willingly taking two light kicks from his wife, Shu Yangkuo hugged him, kissed his forehead, fetched his "puppy" pillow and eye mask, and headed out with the two kids.

Half an hour later, on the island loop road, the sky was blue, the sea vast, everything peaceful and beautiful.

On the oversized tandem bike with a sidecar, the tall man pedaled effortlessly. A vibrant flower basket sat beside him on the seat, while two little ones snuggled in the child seats at the front, whispering and giggling. In the cute blue sidecar behind, a young man lay wearing an eye mask. Though asleep, a slight smile curved his lips, a picture of contentment.

There was no time more beautiful or joyful than this. Shu Yangkuo also smiled softly, thinking this every day, each day bringing new happiness. He glanced back at his wife, then down at the two playing kids... What more could he ask for?

As Shi Zai began to stir awake, low laughter and chatter reached his ears. Still eyes closed, he stretched his arms, wrapped them around two small waists, and pulled the kids into his embrace—waking up happy after a good sleep felt wonderful.

One shouted adorably like a little tiger, "Dad’s awake!" The other, with a slightly rising tone, said, "Dad!" Shi Zai responded to each, planted kisses on their foreheads, then lifted them high. The super bike continued its leisurely pace, the father and sons laughing boisterously in the back. After the laughter, they enjoyed sweet little cakes, utterly satisfied.

Suddenly, Wang Wang pointed into the distance and exclaimed, "Dad, look!" Then Zhaozhao added, "It’s Dad!"... Shi Zai followed their pointing fingers and froze, sitting up straight, holding a child in each arm, staring intently, his eyes instantly moist.

On the giant screen of a local landmark building, a news segment played—or rather, not quite news. In Jiang Ziqing’s entertainment world terms, it was a "support video." Lasting just forty-five seconds, it started with Shi Zai’s terracotta warrior, moved to the first porcelain bowl he restored at Chunyang Square, then from Shi Zai’s first ceramics class to the first antique he restored in his studio. It showed the ten apprentices he’d trained, leading up to yesterday’s award ceremony... Scene by scene, moment by moment, it played on loop before thousands.

This man acted jealous, talked about being "vinegary" (jealous), seeming unwilling to let others see him... yet in reality, from the giant kite at their wedding and balloons filled with his name to today’s stunning support video, this man named Shu Yangkuo had never restricted or held him back. Instead, he’d always lifted him up, paused his own rapidly advancing career for Shi Zai’s dreams, letting him soar in the eyes of thousands. He loved him, wanted to possess him entirely, yet also held up the world for him.

Moved, Shi Zai choked back repeated calls of "gege." Just as he was about to rise and throw himself against the man’s back, Shu Yangkuo handed him a camera. Puzzled, he heard the kids urging him to sit and watch—Shi Zai understood. There was more footage inside.

Whose footage? Naturally, their journey together. The final part featured the two little ones. He didn’t know when Shu Yangkuo had recorded it: Wang Wang’s first time saying "Dad," Zhaozhao sneakily kissing his sleeping dad, Wang Wang trying to climb into Dad’s pottery jar, Zhaozhao clumsily drawing a porcelain vase... So many moments. Shi Zai watched, tears falling again. The two little ones loved him even more than he realized.

But the moving moment wasn’t over—

On the small balcony on the second floor at home, Wang Wang was excitedly dancing around when he heard Daddy say "Action!" Startled, he quickly sat up straight, face serious for the first time, clear big eyes fixed on the camera:

"Dad, I’m your big baby, Wang Wang, full name Shi Yiwang, five years and four months old. I love you so, so much, and I always want to be in your arms. Dad, don’t keep saying things like ‘Dad was too busy when you were little, couldn’t take care of you like Daddy did.’ Don’t say that anymore; I really don’t like hearing it. Daddy’s love for me, you can’t replace; your love for me, Daddy can’t match either. I want both, and I've felt love from you both. Especially your love, Dad—it makes me braver, more confident, makes me the happiest, most popular kid in class. Nothing can replace that. Dad, stop thinking about making up for things, or worrying that having a brother means neglecting me. Like I told you before, ‘Sometimes Dad likes me more, sometimes he likes brother more.’ We can feel it—you give us different but equally good love. We don’t need you to make up for anything; we just want to keep loving each other like this. I also hope you’ll love yourself as much as you love us."

At the end of the clip, Wang Wang jumped off the chair, leaned close to the camera, gave several loud kisses, and wriggled happily. Before the camera stopped, he reached out and said, "Daddy, I was super good, right? Can I have a little cake now? Hehe."

That annoying man knew he’d be sobbing, so he included this part to make him laugh through tears.

Wiping his eyes, it was Zhaozhao’s turn. The little one, only two and a half, couldn’t manage such a long speech. After saying, "Dad, I’m Zhaozhao, I love Dad," he shyly tilted his head back with a laugh, then looked back at the camera:

"Dad, you are the little sun. Without Dad, the little rabbit never grows up. Zhaozhao will be strong, protect Dad forever."

After speaking, he waved, calling his brother back. Together, they fumbled with something, each holding up a piece of paper.

On them—each had clumsily written four characters, together reading: "You are Dad, and you are Shi Zai."