The atmosphere around the dining table was strangely tense.
Bai Zhou sat between Chi Shuyi and Fu Linyi, facing Fu Licheng and the other two.
The hotpot before them bubbled and steamed, its contents swirling in a lively chaos that would normally make the table lively and bustling. But tonight, the scene was oddly quiet.
Five pairs of eyes, sharp, expectant, and unyielding, converged entirely on Bai Zhou.
In front of him, his plate had grown into a small mountain, piled high with portions carefully selected and served by Chi Shuyi, Fu Linyi, Fu Licheng, even Tang Mingyuan and Chen Feng.
Bai Zhou froze. Why was everyone serving him food? Didn’t he have hands of his own?
Chi Shuyi leaned over slightly, a playful smile on his face. “Zhouzhou, you love the little fortune buns the most, right? Too bad Mr. Fu didn’t know and didn’t buy enough of them.”
Fu Licheng frowned. “Don’t talk nonsense. I bought plenty of every kind. You just didn’t notice. Zhouzhou, start with the crystal buns I served you, they’re best when piping hot.”
Fu Linyi snorted. “Crystal buns hot? Who are you trying to burn alive? Zhouzhou, how about shrimp? I’ve already peeled them for you.”
Fu Licheng glared at his brother. “You little brat…”
Tang Mingyuan glanced around, unwilling to be left out. “Zhouzhou, eat, eat some meat.”
Chen Feng stayed quiet, observing the scene silently.
Bai Zhou’s head was spinning. Everyone around the table was speaking at once, and the noise was almost deafening.
Suddenly, a memory flitted through his mind, he had recently been watching one of those scheming household dramas, where a cluster of concubines hovered around the master, whispering, vying for attention, slyly plotting, occasionally tossing seductive glances his way.
In that moment, the chatter around him seemed to take on the same tone. The repeated calls of “Zhouzhou, Zhouzhou” morphed in his imagination into “Master, Master.”
Bai Zhou shuddered violently, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, his skin prickling as goosebumps rose in fear.
How could his thoughts be so terrifying? It must have been the household drama clouding his mind.
Chi Shuyi noticed him shaking his head and asked softly, “What’s wrong, Zhouzhou? Not feeling well?”
“N-No, I’m fine.” Bai Zhou hurriedly reassured.
“These have gone cold. If there’s nothing you particularly like, why don’t you serve yourself? What do you feel like eating?” Chi Shuyi said, gently pushing away the towering plates in front of Bai Zhou and replacing them with a fresh plate.
Bai Zhou’s eyes lit up with gratitude, nodding repeatedly at Chi Shuyi’s thoughtful gesture.
Chi Shuyi, having replaced the plate, casually remarked, “Looks like it might rain tomorrow.”
At that moment, Chi Shuyi, in Bai Zhou’s mind, was like a composed, mature lady of the house who, after all the chatter of the concubines, stepped in to restore order.
His calm, considerate presence made the metaphorical concubines feel embarrassed in comparison. Bai Zhou mentally scolded himself for his wild imagination and promised not to watch any more of those scheming household dramas for at least a week.
Fu Licheng observed Bai Zhou’s trusting and grateful expression toward Chi Shuyi and clenched his teeth in quiet frustration. How had he not thought of this approach before?
“Really? If it rains tomorrow, that means no military training?!” Bai Zhou’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
…….
Recently, many classmates in the new student group had been performing rituals to pray for rain, and it seemed their efforts had actually worked.
“Hmm, yes, but why hasn’t the class group sent out a notice about stopping training?” Tang Mingyuan fished for confirmation, scrolling through his phone.
Chi Shuyi explained, “They probably delayed it. Back when I studied at University A, holiday announcements were always held back until the very last second, almost as if they enjoyed keeping everyone waiting.”
Tang Mingyuan’s eyes widened. “You used to study at University A, Shuyi? So you’re an alumnus too?”
Fu Linyi added, “What a coincidence. In this room, my brother is the only one who isn’t an alumnus.”
Fu Licheng expression darkened slightly. “Has University B offended you guys?”
Thanks to Chi Shuyi’s deliberate change of topic, the mood at the table gradually lightened, though Chen Feng remained quiet throughout. Bai Zhou, taking initiative, used the serving chopsticks to place a meatball into Chen Feng’s bowl. Chen Feng looked up, startled.
“You don’t like this?” Bai Zhou asked.
“No,” Chen Feng replied, shaking his head. He lowered his gaze and took a bite of the steaming meatball, wincing as the heat burned slightly but swallowing it nonetheless.
Just as Bai Zhou was about to speak, another bowl was thrust toward him.
Fu Licheng, cheeks tinged with red, stammered, “I-I want one too…”
Bai Zhou served a crystal bun into the bowl. Another bowl immediately pushed forward, and then another. Fu Linyi, his dark eyes silently pleading, was next. Bai Zhou had no choice but to serve him as well.
“I want one too!” Tang Mingyuan said, holding out his bowl with both hands. Bai Zhou, now experienced at this, served him and even added an extra one into Chi Shuyi’s bowl.
In his mind, he even remembered the system’s prompt: [Do you want one too?] System: […No.]
Bai Zhou felt exhausted from the sheer busyness of the meal, though he wasn’t quite sure what all he had been doing. He only knew one thing for certain: never again would he casually say, “Everyone, help yourselves.”
Bai Zhou wanted Fu Linyi to clean up afterward, considering how energetic he was in the washroom but Chi Shuyi stopped him, assuring that Auntie would handle the cleanup shortly.
“Finally, the notification came! Military training tomorrow has been canceled, replaced with indoor duties,” Tang Mingyuan announced.
Chi Shuyi added, “Then Bai Zhou, why don’t you stay home tonight? I can take you back to school tomorrow afternoon. By the way, Aunt Zhao called me yesterday about you. How about we call her together in a bit?”
“Okay.” Bai Zhou agreed readily. It had been a long time since he last spoke to his biological mother.
Fu Linyi glanced at Tang Mingyuan silently, while Tang Mingyuan, realizing he had spoken out of turn, lightly smacked his own forehead.
As they escorted Fu Linyi and others downstairs, Fu Linyi had wanted to hold hands with Bai Zhou but Chi Shuyi calmly positioned himself between them, blocking any attempt without a word.
“Fu, would you like to shake hands?” Chi Shuyi’s voice was warm as he took the hand extended to him. “You’re welcome to visit again.”
Fu Linyi withdrew his hand with a complicated expression, saying nothing as he turned and left.
“Bai Zhou, don’t forget to reply to my message!” Fu Linyi called back just as he was about to get in the car.
“Mm-hmm,” Bai Zhou replied, nodding.
Taking advantage of a moment when Bai Zhou wasn’t paying attention, Fu Linyi swiftly reached out and ruffled his hair before running off, leaving Bo Zhou fuming as he straightened his messy hair.
Chi Shuyi patiently smoothed down Bai Zhou’s frazzled hair, pulling him gently over his shoulder. “Auntie is still cleaning up inside. How about we take a walk outside for a bit?”
Evening in Beijing wasn’t dark, but brilliantly colorful, the breeze rustling through the trees and casting playful shadows. They walked side by side along the narrow path.
Chi Shuyi’s apartment was located in a famous wealthy district, meticulously landscaped, every corner reflecting careful planning and refinement.
“Seems like you really like Fu,” Chi Shuyi asked casually.
“No, I don’t.” Bai Zhou was shocked. How could Chi Shuyi possibly know he liked Fu Linyi? It was utterly perplexing.
Chi Shuyi continued, “Then, is there someone you do like?”
Bai Zhou opened his mouth to deny it but hesitated, remembering the original plot. In the story, Bai Zhou liked Chi Shuyi and would later face rejection after confessing.
He suspected this might be Task Four or Five from the system. After all, the system had told him there were only five tasks in this little world, increasing in difficulty and points as they progressed, with the reward of choosing to log out once completed.
Chi Shuyi’s calm gaze deepened as Bai Zhou remained silent. He whispered softly, “Is it someone you can’t tell me about?”
“….”
“Is it Fu Licheng? Or do you like him more?”
“No!”
Chi Shuyi lowered his eyes, speaking softly. “Seems like you’ve met quite a few new friends at school this past week.”
His voice was soft, almost a lover’s whisper in the quiet of the night.
“Well… it’s just okay, I guess.”
Chi Shuyi remained silent, pondering who could have stirred such feelings in Bai Zhou. After only a week, there couldn’t be anything too serious.
Bai Zhou was young; it was normal to be influenced easily. His light-colored eyes darkened subtly in the evening shadows, following Bai Zhou’s back without pause.
When they returned to the apartment, Auntie had finished cleaning and left, leaving no trace of her presence. Bai Zhou called his biological mother.
“Zhouzhou, it’s Mom.”
“Mm.”
“That little Chi hasn’t been bothering you, right?” Her voice was warm, slightly hoarse, laced with a unique rural accent.
“No.” Bai Zhou replied, lying on his bed.
“That’s good. I’m not nagging, but you’ve liked boys since you were little. In our village, there aren’t many I could trust to look after you. Plus, gossip spreads fast, and you’re strong-willed. Chi is a good kid; if you stick with him, you’ll do well in life.”
“Mm, I know.”
“I heard from the second-oldest of the Li family that city life is expensive. Do you have enough money? Don’t worry about home; our harvest was good. Make sure to get along well with Chi, okay?”
“Yes, I have enough. Chi gave me money.”
Her voice softened with a hint of joy. “Good, good. Once you and Chi are together, you won’t need to come back home. You’ll live in the city, and if you miss us, your dad and I will come see you.”
“Mm.”
“Why are you so quiet today? No one bullied you, right?”
“No, just… military training these past few days has been tiring.” Bai Zhou poked at the little bear printed on his blanket.
“That’s fine. You promise Mom you’ll win Chi’s heart?”
“Mm, I promise I will.”
“You’re Mom’s good child. If you’re tired, get some rest. I won’t disturb you.”
Though she said she wouldn’t disturb him, she didn’t hang up, waiting patiently until Bai Zhou finished.
After ending the call, Bai Zhou sat quietly, holding the phone. If only she wanted to talk to him more often; he would do anything for her. That noble, elegant, yet distant woman, she was his mother.
Bai Zhou put away the phone and headed to the living room to retrieve his backpack and charger. Upon opening the door, he came face-to-face with Chi Shuyi, hand raised.
“Shu… Shuyi?” Bai Zhou’s heart skipped a beat. How long had Chi Shuyi been at the door? He thought about what he had just said on the phone, and a flush rose to his cheeks. This door must have excellent soundproofing…..
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Vynellia
[Translator]
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Green Tea Bun (1)Chapter 2 · Green Tea Bun (2)Chapter 3 · Green Tea Bun (3)Chapter 4 · Green Tea Bun (4)Chapter 5 · Green Tea Bun (5)Chapter 6 · Green Tea Bun (6)Chapter 7 · Green Tea Bun (7)Chapter 8 · Green Tea Bun (8)Chapter 9 · Green Tea Bun (9)Chapter 10 · Green Tea Bun (10)Chapter 11 · Green Tea Bun (11)Chapter 12 · Green Tea Bun (12)Chapter 13 · Green Tea Bun (13)Chapter 14 · Green Tea Bun (14)Chapter 15 · Green Tea Bun (15)Chapter 16 · Green Tea Bun (16)Chapter 17 · Green Tea Bun (17)Chapter 18 · Green Tea Bun (18)Chapter 19 · Green Tea Bun (19)Chapter 20 · Green Tea Bun (20)Chapter 21 · Green Tea Bun (21)Chapter 22 · Green Tea Bun (22)Chapter 23 · Green Tea Bun (23)Chapter 24 Part 1 · Green Tea Bun (24)Chapter 24 Part 2 · Green Tea Bun (24)Chapter 25 · Green Tea Bun (25)Chapter 26 · Green Tea Bun (26)Chapter 27 · Green Tea Bun (27)Chapter 28 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (1)Chapter 29 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (2)Chapter 30 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (3)Chapter 32 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (5)Chapter 33 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (6)Chapter 34 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (7)Chapter 35 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (8)Chapter 36 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (9)Chapter 37 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (10)Chapter 38 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (11)Chapter 39 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (12)Chapter 40 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (13)Chapter 41 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (14)Chapter 42 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (15)Chapter 43 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (16)Chapter 44 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (17)Chapter 45 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (18)Chapter 46 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (19)Chapter 47 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (20)Chapter 48 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (21)Chapter 49 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (22)Chapter 50 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (23)Chapter 51 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (24)Chapter 52 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (25)Chapter 53 · The Fake Young Master in an ABO Novel (26)Chapter 54 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (1)Chapter 55 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (2)Chapter 56 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (3)Chapter 57 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (4)Chapter 58 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (5)Chapter 59 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (6)Chapter 60 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (7)Chapter 61 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (8)Chapter 62 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (9)Chapter 63 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (10)Chapter 64 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (11)Chapter 65 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (12)Chapter 66 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (13)Chapter 67 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (14)Chapter 68 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (15)Chapter 69 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (16)Chapter 70 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (17)Chapter 71 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (18)Chapter 72 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (19)Chapter 73 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (20)Chapter 74 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (21)Chapter 75 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (22)Chapter 76 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (23)Chapter 77 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (24)Chapter 78 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (25)Chapter 79 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (26)Chapter 80 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (27)Chapter 81 · The Poor Little One at the Noble Academy (28)Chapter 82 · Apocalyptic Lord (1)Chapter 83 · Apocalyptic Lord (2)Chapter 84 · Apocalyptic Lord (3)Chapter 85 · Apocalyptic Lord (4)Chapter 86 · Apocalyptic Lord (5)Chapter 87 · Apocalyptic Lord (6)Chapter 88 · Apocalyptic Lord (7)Chapter 89 · Apocalyptic Lord (8)Chapter 90 · Apocalyptic Lord (9)Chapter 91 · Apocalyptic Lord (10)Chapter 92 · Apocalyptic Lord (11)Chapter 93 · Apocalyptic Lord (12)Chapter 94 · Apocalyptic Lord (13)Chapter 96 · Apocalyptic Lord (15)Chapter 97 · Apocalyptic Lord (16)Chapter 98 · Apocalyptic Lord (17)Chapter 99 · Apocalyptic Lord (18)Chapter 100 · Apocalyptic Lord (19)Chapter 101 · Apocalyptic Lord (20)Chapter 102 · Apocalyptic Lord (21)Chapter 103 · Apocalyptic Lord (22)Chapter 104 · Apocalyptic Lord (22)Chapter 105 · Apocalyptic Lord (24)Chapter 106 · The Real World (1)Chapter 107 · The Real World (2)Chapter 108 · Extra 1