Chapter 94 Don’t Want to Turn Fifty

Chapter 94: Unwilling to Turn Fifty

S City Ecological Park, on the first day of June. The summer heat was intense, yet filtered through layers of dense foliage, it became refreshingly cool. Occasionally, a gentle evening breeze would rustle through the branches, slipping under slightly lifted shirt hems, bringing a pleasant coolness. A sip of ice-cold milk tea further enhanced the comfort.

On a two-person canopy bicycle, a nearly two-meter-tall man pedaled effortlessly, easily overtaking many slow-moving young couples. The cool breeze he generated made the ride even more enjoyable and carefree. The tall man looked just over forty, with a sharp, dignified face and broad shoulders. His clothes, fluttering in the wind, revealed well-defined pectoral muscles, and his embrace seemed both spacious and firm. The muscles in his arms, even without exertion, were taut and full, with bulging veins and prominent knuckles on the back of his hands, giving off a distinct virile appeal. His long legs, bent while pedaling, did not appear awkward, and he seemed entirely relaxed.

A man of this age exuded maturity and charm, with an aura of steadiness and self-possessed restraint, never ostentatious. His aloof, disciplined air was unmistakable—calm and unflappable, like a lion patriarch lurking in the depths of the forest for years, observing the world with detachment and composure. Yet, there was a faint trace of pensiveness between his brows, as if lost in thought. Only when the person beside him burst into laughter did the man’s eyebrows lift slightly.

The person beside him was forty-two this year but looked even younger. His face was naturally handsome and exceptionally good-looking, with a pair of lively, large eyes that were adorable and captivating. His soft buzz cut added a youthful, spirited vibe, and his round head seemed to invite being pressed against a chest. His slightly boyish face revealed a touch of untimely innocence, and his lips, adorned with a distinct lip bow, often parted in hearty laughter, making him incredibly vivacious. His slender arms and legs, clad in loose, trendy shorts and a T-shirt, appeared even more delicate. Sitting beside the other without pedaling, he occasionally laughed with exaggerated movements, his entire being radiant and unrestrained.

No one would ever guess he was forty-two. The man beside him was fifty this year but also looked young, as if in his forties. However, with one being quiet and the other lively, one mature and the other exuberant, one reserved and the other animated, the age gap seemed not eight years but at least ten. This was mainly because the lively one had a youthful appearance, dressed in a spirited manner, and radiated boundless energy, making the contrast all the more striking.

One laughed incessantly; the other was stern and unsmiling. Shu Yangkuo didn’t understand what was so amusing about a phone. At this age, the other neither watched the road nor… It was all because of the phone. Though phones were more interesting than a decade ago, there was no need for this. He didn’t even sit properly—sometimes reaching out to touch leaves, sometimes stretching his legs, his pale thighs nearly exposed… So undignified. The weather wasn’t particularly hot, yet he insisted on drinking milk tea with "extra ice." Shu Yangkuo sighed softly and reminded him, "Don’t drink too quickly." No sooner had he spoken than the other, biting the straw, deliberately sucked noisily… Shu Yangkuo fell silent for a moment and remained quiet.

Not old, not old—he looked just over forty. This person, aware that he was eight years older, was very vigilant about his health, certainly more disciplined and healthier than him.

It wasn’t that Shi Zai was deliberately praising his man. At lunch, they went to a popular hotspot where they had to share a table. Someone even asked Shu Yangkuo if he was forty yet, proving how well he maintained himself due to his concern about age. As for why he seemed displeased, it was because someone else asked Shi Zai if he was thirty yet, haha! The eight-year age gap had turned into over ten years in others’ eyes, making him uncomfortable.

He should wear shorts and short sleeves—cool and youthful. But the stubborn man refused. No matter how hot the summer, he always wore trousers, shirts, or casual pants with polo shirts—truly at the age for polo shirts. There was nothing wrong with his outfit, but with the lively, youthful Shi Zai beside him, they looked like… a boss and a college student—a mature, steady boss and an inexperienced undergraduate, haha.

As for calling him "old fogey"—Shi Zai didn’t dare say it to his face anymore. A while back, he jokingly used the trending online term, and the stubborn man ignored him for two days, requiring a whole night of coaxing to reconcile. Not long after, when Shu Yangkuo’s fiftieth birthday approached… Oh, even mentioning "fiftieth birthday" was off-limits. Just because he joked about it with the kids, the man got upset again… The older he got, the more petty and fussy he became.

Beep, beep… A few more messages popped up in the group chat.

Shi Zai glanced at them and burst out laughing. Yang Yun said in the group, "Can we really not video call to wish our big bro a happy birthday?" Qin Xihan chimed in, "Better not, or we might make the old man cry, and big bro will have to coax him all night again…" Haha! Shi Zai laughed so hard he nearly fell over. Qin Xihan had become increasingly witty lately, much more open or perhaps sharper-tongued.

Before Shi Zai could reply, their eldest—Shi Yiwang—sent a voice message: "Who told him not to keep up with the times? He’s stuck in his old conservative ways, becoming more of a traditional authoritarian… Second Uncle is being polite. If you ask me, if this continues, Dad and Father will be a May-December marriage…" The group chat flooded with laughing emojis, and Shi Zai laughed along heartily.

Next, their second son—Shi Mingzhao—sent a smiling face emoji followed by, "Do you believe our old man will come back and scold you?" Shi Yiwang retorted, "Hmph, Shi Mingzhao, you won’t even make it to fifty. In twenty years, you’ll be just like him…" Shi Zai shook his head, laughing. They used to be so close as kids, but now they bickered fiercely, rivaling their teenage years.

He typed a message @-ing everyone: "Everyone: Please keep it quiet tonight. I’ll smooth things over in one night. If you cause a fuss and I suffer for days, you’ll face my wrath! Be careful! This group will disband in three minutes."

In those three minutes, no one uttered another word. Shi Zai laughed uncontrollably, imagining their faces turning red with embarrassment.

Three minutes later, the group chat titled "Fiftieth Birthday Family Fun" was disbanded by Shi Zai.

Originally, Shi Zai had planned to gather the kids while they were home on break and the adults were free to give Shu Yangkuo a memorable fiftieth birthday celebration. But it fell through, and the old man had been in a funk for days. First, because of the joking term "old fogey," second, because he disliked the idea of a "fiftieth birthday," and third… he was anxious about aging. He simply didn’t want to turn fifty, let alone celebrate it grandly.

So, Shi Zai took him on a trip instead, planning to celebrate quietly alone with him.

They set out the morning before yesterday and created this group chat—two younger brothers, two sons, a nephew, and friends… all thinking that even if they couldn’t celebrate in person, they could still have a group video call during dinner on his birthday to congratulate him.

But after a day or two of snooping, Shi Zai, the "spy," found that the man still resisted the idea of turning fifty, holding a grudge against it. Whenever Shi Zai brought it up, Shu Yangkuo would fall silent… Shi Zai didn’t push further, afraid of upsetting him with surprises. Instead, he casually asked what he’d like to eat or do in the evening, but the old man would only reply indifferently, "As usual." Tsk.

Well, everyone knew their tallest and oldest was also the most image-conscious.

If he didn’t want to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, so be it. When Shi Zai turned fifty, he’d celebrate properly. He couldn’t understand the age anxiety. The eight-year gap wasn’t new—why suddenly become so sensitive? It was perplexing.

He instructed the kids not to send any random messages, just a simple "Happy Birthday" without mentioning the age.

As soon as Shi Zai woke up in the morning, he checked what birthday wishes the younger ones had sent—he took Shu Yangkuo's phone and went through each message, cracking up after just a couple of glances. No matter what the younger ones sent, the old man replied with "Received, thank you," accompanied by a little handshake emoji.

He had even sent this man some adorable "Received, thank you" stickers—why not use those? So old-school.

Everyone followed Shi Zai's instructions, careful not to send anything inappropriate—just a "Happy Birthday" with a proper greeting, afraid of upsetting him in any way. However, for Yang Yun's message, Shu Yangkuo only replied with "Received, thank you," without the handshake emoji. Because Yang Yun had added a funny face and a dog emoji after "Happy Birthday"—hahaha! Shi Zai had explained the meanings of those two emojis to Shu Yangkuo before.

Then there was Zheng Yuan's message: "Congratulations on entering the big five-zero milestone." Shu Yangkuo's reply was two smiling emojis... Hahaha!

The old guy was pretty funny actually.

Especially as he got older, he became more rigid, which made him even more fun for Shi Zai to tease.

After disbanding the temporary group, Shi Zai posted a few photos in their usual family group chat. Then, he opened the front camera, leaned close to the older man beside him, held up the phone with one hand, made half a heart gesture with the other, and puckered up at him:

"Bro, let’s take a kissing selfie together."

"..."

The car pulled over. Shu Yangkuo leaned in, one arm wrapping around his partner’s waist, the other holding his small hand (whose hand formed some uncertain shape), lowered his head, and gently kissed the top of the other’s hair... Click. The five-second timer ended, capturing dozens of nearly identical selfies of them.

Shi Zai snorted, shot him a glare, and posted the photos on his social media feed. Soon, they quickly got tons of likes and comments.

After getting off the car with Shu Yangkuo, Shi Zai was busy replying to messages, not paying attention to where he was walking, letting himself be led by the hand. Only when he sat down and looked up did he realize they were beside a bamboo grove—very quiet. Shi Zai had been sitting sideways on the man’s lap but shifted to straddle him, resting his head against the man’s chest while still tapping away at his phone. After a moment of silence, Shu Yangkuo looked down at the round, fluffy head and couldn’t help asking:

"Is there something I shouldn’t see?"

"..."

Lifting his face, Shi Zai tossed the phone into the man’s hands and pouted. He hadn’t even spent half an hour total on his phone—yet the man was so strict. Shu Yangkuo never plays on his phone all day, always watching and keeping tabs on everything Shi Zai does. Taking a big slurp of his last sip of milk tea, Shi Zai set the empty cup aside, pressed closer to Shu Yangkuo, nestled his head against the man’s neck, and began whispering to him.

It was nothing more than what he’d said many times over the past few days: "Bro, you’ll always be young, always my fierce and strong man..." and so on.

Shu Yangkuo locked his partner’s phone screen. He never openly read his messages, but today, the reason his partner was laughing so much while chatting… was surely because he was joking about him with the kids at home. There was nothing worth seeing—even if they laughed at him to his face, he’d pretend not to hear.

Wrapping his arms tightly around the other, Shu Yangkuo enveloped him completely in his embrace, one hand patting gently, the other stroking up and down. His heart felt full again. The person in his arms was murmuring something, lips moving, that little beauty mark on his lip occasionally brushing against his neck.

No one was around; emotions could be revealed just a little. Shu Yangkuo lifted his partner’s chin with one finger, cupped the back of his head with the other hand, tilting his face upward. Those big eyes blinked, deliberately enticing. Shu Yangkuo lowered his head and pressed his lips to those two lips he adored so much, kissing him tenderly.

Bamboo shadows dappled around them, bamboo leaves rustling softly in the wind, their fresh scent mingling with the taste of their kiss. Those already full lips grew moist and even more irresistible, parting slightly between breaths, a hint of red peeking through. As that red gradually emerged, it was soon captured again, teased, thrust against, cherished, and sucked on… unable to stop, wishing time would stand still.

But no one can hold back the flowing years. Like the sun setting in the west, it rises for everyone but pauses for no one.

The person in his arms lifted his head slightly; only those eyes remained as bright and beautiful as ever, so vivid, so vibrant. At an age brimming with vitality and energy, not a thread of restraint could bind him—he could only be allowed to grow freely, flourishing more and more.

Shu Yangkuo couldn’t bear to reflect on himself.

He kissed his partner’s big eyes; those flushed red lips were already warmer than his embrace. Once more, once more…

Until his lips felt slightly swollen and tender, Shi Zai let out a soft hum before being released. But in the next moment, his eyes were showered with gentle, repeated kisses. He could sense the other’s anxiety about turning fifty, which was why Shi Zai kept comforting and reassuring him. It had been somewhat better the past couple of days, but today, on the actual fiftieth birthday, Shi Zai could tell Shu Yangkuo was especially anxious—otherwise, he wouldn’t be so clingy.

But it also seemed like he’d been extra clingy lately. Starting from who-knows-when, this man had grown even fonder of quietly kissing him like this.

Especially his eyes.

Shi Zai buried his face, rubbing his slightly swollen lips, then looked up with a smile:

"Bro, now I can’t breathe, talk, or even blink, huh?"

"...Hmm?"

"Are my big eyes your new thing you're into now? Hahahahahaha..."

Shi Zai laughed uncontrollably, shaking with laughter in the man's arms.

After finishing his laughter, Shi Zai continued teasing the older man:

"Then how are you going to ride the bike later?"

"No need..."

Before he could finish, Shu Yangkuo tightly shut his mouth, almost falling for his partner's trap and saying something inappropriate.

His partner burst into laughter again. Shu Yangkuo took a deep breath helplessly and kissed the top of his partner's head:

"Stop moving around, let me cool down a bit."

"Okay, I love you."

"..."

After a pause, Shu Yangkuo pressed his lips against the corner of his partner's forehead and whispered after a moment:

"I love Xiao Zai even more, forever."

"Hehe, look at me—"

From the moment Shu Yangkuo said "cool down," Shi Zai had wanted to joke about "still got it" or something, but he held back. Some jokes, if taken too far, could really hurt the older man, and in the end, he would be the one suffering. Hehe.

So Shi Zai changed what he was going to say at the last moment. He had long sensed the man's raw, obvious emotions. After teasing him, he expressed love, and after expressing love, he acted adorable—something he learned online. He made puppy ear gestures with both hands, placing them on either side of his head, and shook it slightly:

"Woof woof—Babe, please accept your birthday gift—your happy puppy who'll love you forever!"

"..."

After a pause, Shu Yangkuo chuckled softly, suddenly pulling him closer and resting his chin on the head of the puppy in his arms:

"Thank you, baby. I really like this birthday gift."

"Hehe, why thank me? Haven’t I taught you many times? When you want to say 'thank you,' you should say 'love you~'."

"..."

The puppy in his arms was always so adorable. Shu Yangkuo chuckled softly, cupping the bobbing head:

"Love you, baby."

"You need to add the tone!"

"...Be good, give me a break."

Only then did Shi Zai chuckle and say, "Alright." This man wasn’t used to online lingo. "Love you~" wasn’t the same as the "I love you" between them—it was more like a way to say thanks. He had taught him many times, but the man would only say "love you" to him and "thank you" to others. Oh well, he found it quite endearing to tease him like this.

Somehow, the birthday "crisis" was resolved just like that.

Acting like a puppy and offering his puppy impression as a birthday gift unexpectedly hit the mark.

Then let's really not celebrate it. Shi Zai had originally prepared a wonderful birthday gift, which he’d give for another time. For them, birthdays were just one of the many sweet days in their lives—every day felt as beautiful as a birthday, so it didn’t really matter. Besides, he genuinely didn’t want to celebrate, and Shi Zai didn’t want to force it—or rather, he’d be all excited about giving gifts, while the other felt awkward inside, making both uncomfortable.

Shi Zai raised both hands above his head again, making puppy ears, his eyes curving into smiles:

“Woof woof—Bro, your puppy gift is hungry and wants to eat something tasty,” he announced.

“...”

Unable to hold back any longer, Shu Yangkuo turned away and chuckled softly. So cute, just like a little baby—no matter how old he gets, he never really grew up. Well, no matter his age, he’d always be the little puppy in his arms.

Seeing the man’s mood finally lift, Shi Zai beamed up at him:

“Aren’t I adorable? Even at forty-two, I’m still acting cute with you. Good thing no one’s around to see, or they'd probably point and stare, hehe. But I’m happy and love staying cute like this forever, because—”

“Hmm?”

“It feels so safe in Bro’s arms. It’s Bro who’s made me cuter and cuter… Bro, even when I become a little old man, I still want to be this cute.”

Hearing this, Shu Yangkuo rubbed his cheek against the head of the person in his arms and after a long moment, said seriously:

“Okay, Bro will always be here.”

“Hehe! Then let's go—I didn’t eat much at lunch, I’m already hungry!”

“I told you to drink less boba…”

“Stop, stop! I want to eat food, and I want boba too, woof woof woof!”

“...”

The little puppy sprang from his arms, skipping as he walked… not looking forty at all.

Shu Yangkuo raised an eyebrow slightly and snapped yet another photo of his treasure from behind.

Dinner was a porridge hot pot. Shi Zai let Shu Yangkuo choose, and the man had probably already decided earlier, leading him through the alley to the third floor of an old-fashioned building where they found the restaurant. After sitting by the window, Shi Zai understood why he’d chosen this place—the atmosphere was quiet and classy, with only their table by the window, serene and beautiful. Looking out, the city’s lights stretched below, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation.

Snuggled together, they ate while making dumplings to cook in the broth—sweet and warm, like every moment they shared day after day.

Sometimes they talked about their child, other times about their jobs, which they no longer pursued for money but still brought in more than they needed. Occasionally, they discussed upcoming travel plans or the hundred little things they hadn’t gotten to yet… When discussing certain topics, even Shu Yangkuo became more talkative.

Shi Zai was growing to understand the “quiet” that this man cherished—just the two of them, where a calm love felt even deeper and warmer.

After the meal, they walked hand in hand through the long, narrow alley. Sometimes they had to squeeze together to let others pass, and Shi Zai would press entirely into Shu Yangkuo’s embrace. For both of them, their hearts felt full, comforted only by each other’s presence.

The hotel wasn’t far, and after walking off their dinner, it was only natural to have some fun.

Nowadays, they had nothing holding them back. Their child was all grown up and no longer knocked on their door unexpectedly or asked to sleep with them like when they were young. Whether at home or out, they could enjoy themselves however they pleased. And when it came to this, they never tired of it.

There were still so many fun games they hadn’t tried.

Over the years, the variety of quirky things accessible online had grown, and Shi Zai had become quite the internet whiz, especially when it came to fun and excitement—searching and trying out all sorts of things. Tsk tsk, it was thrilling. Once, he even got a call from the police for searching on his phone, which made Shi Zai rein it in a bit. But as the internet evolved, even watching dramas could pop up with ads, not to mention images… he’d inevitably come across some.

Even without images or videos, who was Shi Zai? He had quite the imagination.

Tonight, Shi Zai pulled out a piece of clothing from the bottom of the suitcase and handed it to Shu Yangkuo:

“Bro, put this on. Remember, only this.”

“...”

The moment he took it, Shu Yangkuo didn't think anything of it—it was just a white coat. But after hearing those words, his ears instantly turned red.

Shi Zai, seeing this, said matter-of-factly:

"If you're wearing it inside and out, how are you supposed to work? How are you going to do rounds?"

"..."

What doctor doesn't wear a coat on rounds? Shu Yangkuo paused for a moment but said nothing more. After showering, he obediently put it on.

Shi Zai had just gotten comfortable under the blankets when his eyes went wide:

"Go out and come back in again!"

"..."

Resignedly, Shu Yangkuo unbuttoned the coat, leaving it wide open. Under the gaze of the man in bed, who was staring at him like a starving man, he walked back and forth three times before Shi Zai was satisfied. Just as his hand touched the covers, before he could lift them, the little minx made another demand:

"Doctor—shouldn't you ask me what my symptoms are first?"

"...What symptoms?"

Shi Zai pouted:

"Doctor, can you be a little gentler? Otherwise, I can't get the words out."

"Then don't say it. It's not a big issue. Let's just give you a shot directly."

"...???!!!!"

Shi Zai almost leaped out of bed. When the older man got a little wild, he really knew how to talk! A shot?!

Heh, the game hasn't even started yet. Shi Zai glanced at Shu Yangkuo's red ears, licked his lips, and said, "It hurts down there. Could the doctor check it for me?" The moment the words left his mouth, half the covers were thrown aside. Instantly, the man's hand froze, and Shi Zai smirked to himself.

Shu Yangkuo's breath caught. Before his eyes—a shimmering silver chain wrapped around the waist and abdomen, trailing down to... He clenched his fist and said hoarsely,

"Is it hurting from being too tight?"

"Hmph, maybe. Doctor, why don't you check and see?"

"..."

Kneeling on the bed with one knee, Shu Yangkuo leaned down and lowered his head. The glittering silver chain was tied into a bow at the end, making that pink, delicate, and handsome part look even more adorable. Swallowing hard, Shu Yangkuo raised his hand, intending to undo the bow restraining his extremely aroused little patient.

But just as his hand reached mid-air, a small, pale foot blocked its path, pressing against his heart.

Shu Yangkuo stared down for a few seconds, then moved his hand to grasp it firmly, gently stroking it. The foot was as cute and enticing as the person himself. Only then did he clearly see what had flashed by earlier—a red string with a small bell adorned his lover's ankle. He flicked it, producing a delicate jingle.

Just as he was getting absorbed, the foot with the bell suddenly lifted. Shu Yangkuo's eyes followed it, and he heard the man say:

"Doctor, I never said my foot hurt."

"...Then where does it hurt?"

"Keep examining where you hadn't finished earlier."

"..."

Leaning down again, Shu Yangkuo froze for several more breaths. The silver chain from the waist and abdomen to the bow... turned out to not be the end of it. He took two deep, hurried breaths, reached out, and turned him onto his side... Only then did he discover where the silver chain ultimately led.

Straight... connecting all the way to the small of his back. From the middle of the chain hung a pink bell.

Even louder and more alluring than the one on the ankle.

After a few back-and-forth strokes, the jingling echoed—hard to tell if it came from the lower back or the ankle. Shu Yangkuo reached back and touched the pale, slender leg wrapped around his waist, then leaned down even lower, giving a deep, lingering kiss before rasping hoarsely:

“Examination's done. Satisfied?”

“...Enough for what? I still need to hear the doctor’s treatment plan first.”

“...”