When Little Tomato woke up in the morning, he suddenly discovered there was a swing in the courtyard. His eyes lit up.
“Daddy, look! We have a swing!”
Qin Sizheng hadn’t been able to sleep at all the night before. By moonlight, he’d taken a saw and made a small swing. Seeing how much Little Tomato liked it, he smiled. After helping him wash his face and put on cream, he said cheerfully, “Then let’s practice some boxing first. After we eat, we can come back and swing.”
Little Tomato was ecstatic. “Can I invite Tangyuan big brother and Rongrong little sister too?”
Qin Sizheng: “…Sure.”
Little Tangyuan was fine. Could Little Tangyuan’s “dad” maybe not come?
Little Tomato set up his horse stance, and Qin Sizheng guided his hands, helping him correct his posture.
Little Tomato had a congenital illness. Raised delicately, his body had grown weaker and weaker. After Qin Sizheng had taken him to learn boxing that day, he saw that the child quite liked it. It wasn’t too intense—perfect for building up his body.
When Chen Yue arrived, she happened to see the one big and one small practicing boxing again.
So… health-conscious.
Other people took their kids out looking like fashion shows. Why did he look like he was filming rustic short videos instead, managing to surprise people anew every single day?
When Chen Yue thought this, she still didn’t know she was being too naive. Ten minutes later, when Qin Sizheng led Little Tomato to the village entrance to pick up breakfast, he started singing again.
“Finally made it to mealtime, it’s time for grinders to grind food, first one charging toward the diner—”
Chen Yue: “……”
Was there no end to this?!
【Holy shit hahahahaha I’m dying. Why is Qin Sizheng this funny? Am I here to watch a parenting show or a Spring Festival Gala skit?】
【It’s like I accidentally opened a Douyin app. I can’t do this, I’m laughing myself to death. What kind of peerless treasure is this? Hahahahaha. Interview question for Little Qin Strings—can you guys really handle your brother being like this? It’s so corny my scalp is tingling, but it’s weirdly addictive.】
【Investing in this little sweetheart is guaranteed profit. Sisters, as long as you like our Little Kite, we’re sisters from different parents. I just fell into this fandom and I’ve already laughed myself to death at the bottom of the pit.】
【Do you think the entertainment industry has no memory? Everyone forgot what kind of trash Qin Sizheng used to be? This crappy show has a script—anyone could act like this if they followed it. I could do it too if I went on.】
【The idol is trash, and so are the fans. Not even dropping him after this—that’s honestly impressive.】
With experience from last time, Qin Sizheng arrived first this time and got bread, milk, and a portion of fruit.
Si Qianqiu came second, taking meat buns, eggs, and a bowl of mixed-grain porridge.
He Du and Liu Mianmian arrived together and took the remaining items.
On the way back, they ran into Lu Xianqing, who had arrived late. Qin Sizheng thought to himself, Why does he wake up so late every day? Isn’t he afraid there’ll be no food left? He remembered Jiang Xi saying that Lu Xianqing’s mental exhaustion was very serious and that he slept poorly. How could someone like that sleep in?
Looking at the bread and milk in his food tray, Qin Sizheng gritted his teeth and asked, “Senior Lu, would you like to eat with us?”
Lu Xianqing raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”
Qin Sizheng knew full well that he should keep his distance from him, but he couldn’t bear the thought of him going hungry. He knew that feeling—it was awful.
What he feared most was being hungry.
With the camera filming right beside them, Qin Sizheng’s mind was full of the memory of his hand being held and kneaded the night before. His heart thudded wildly. “I-I mean, you came a bit late, and there’s nothing left to eat at the village entrance. Waiting until noon would be too hard. Little Tomato and I can’t finish all this. If you don’t mind, we can eat together…”
He kind of couldn’t finish the sentence. Someone as sharp as Lu Xianqing should be able to understand what he meant, right? Yet the “sharp Lu Xianqing” looked as though he hadn’t understood at all, lifting an eyebrow. “Hm? Together what?”
Qin Sizheng took small breaths, blinked, and quietly filled in, “Eat… eat with us. Have a meal together.”
Lu Xianqing didn’t respond for a long time. Qin Sizheng was just about ready to let him starve to death and was muttering complaints to himself when he finally heard that cool, faint voice say, “Sure.”
Qin Sizheng didn’t want to walk too close to him, deliberately moving to Little Tomato’s other side, leaving a gap of about two children’s widths between them.
Lu Xianqing said, “Last night—”
Qin Sizheng reacted like his tail had been stepped on. “Last night I went to bed really early! I didn’t go anywhere!”
Lu Xianqing froze for a moment, then smiled. “I meant, it rained last night. Your place isn’t in great condition—did it get wet?”
Qin Sizheng felt like he was exposing himself by overreacting and grew a little embarrassed. “N-no, it didn’t get wet.”
The two of them stopped talking. Qin Sizheng let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness—he didn’t know that it had been Qin Sizheng himself who’d taken him home last night.
He hadn’t expected Lu Xianqing to have night blindness. Then how had he filmed all those night scenes before?
He couldn’t see anything at all.
And yet, in the darkness, he stared at his scene partners, the depth of emotion and undercurrent in his eyes gripping people’s hearts. Every subtle change was unmistakably clear.
Bearing such a serious condition, yet not a single person had noticed. He really was a born actor.
One day, he wanted to become someone as incredible as Lu Xianqing too!
The moment Qin Sizheng finished that thought, he deflated.
There was no way he could be like Lu Xianqing. Different professions were worlds apart—how could someone who only knew how to practice boxing suddenly act? The original novel’s protagonist shou, Jiang Zhen, was the one Lu Xianqing truly cherished.
“Yan Yan,” Lu Xianqing suddenly said.
Qin Sizheng froze and looked up at him. …Who was he calling?
Lu Xianqing looked at him and called again, “Yan Yan.”
“Are you… calling me?” Qin Sizheng asked tentatively. He couldn’t remember whether he even had a nickname like that. Maybe he did?
Lu Xianqing lowered his head to look at him. “What are you thinking about?”
Qin Sizheng guiltily turned his head away. How could he dare say he’d been thinking about when Lu Xianqing would end up with another man? “N-nothing. Ah—we’re home.”
Something about those words seemed to prick Lu Xianqing’s heart. A flicker of gentleness appeared in his eyes for a single second, then vanished.
Qin Sizheng, walking ahead, didn’t see it. He set down the breakfast and took out the button mushroom chilled fruit jam he’d made the day before. “Try this. It can treat neurasthenia, nourish the kidneys, and—” He suddenly stopped, biting his lower lip like a child who’d misspoken and refusing to continue.
Oh no. Why did he say that out loud?
There were rumors saying Lu Xianqing wasn’t… capable. Even if it were true, he shouldn’t have said it like that. It was all You Si’s fault for always crying in front of him about “being a one”!
Lu Xianqing was smiling. Qin Sizheng was going to die.
“Senior Lu…” The boy blinked, his teeth biting into his lip and leaving a tiny crescent mark.
Lu Xianqing smiled at him. “Go on. Why did you stop?”
Qin Sizheng’s hair practically stood on end. He blinked and hurriedly tried to patch things up in a small voice. “It’s… mainly good for neurasthenia. I heard Brother Xu say your mental state hasn’t been great…”
He couldn’t go on. He lowered his head, spread some jam for Little Tomato and Little Tangyuan, then ate in silence, refusing to lift his head no matter what.
How could someone be this terrifying—and on top of that, impossible to hit.
Lu Xianqing scooped a spoonful of jam and spread it on a slice of bread. Qin Sizheng watched his movements out of the corner of his eye. Just when he thought the famous actor didn’t care, Lu Xianqing suddenly spoke.
“Nourish the kidneys.”
Qin Sizheng wore a ready-to-die expression and looked at him pitifully. “That’s not what I meant.”
Lu Xianqing said, “Open your mouth.”
Qin Sizheng didn’t know why, but he obediently opened his mouth anyway. A spoon came over and delivered a heaping spoonful of sweet-and-sour jam straight into his mouth. “Eat it clean.”
In a small voice, Qin Sizheng tried to bargain. “If I finish it, can you forget about this?”
Lu Xianqing said, “No.”
Qin Sizheng went, “Oh,” and lowered his head, grumbling inwardly. He really wanted to hit someone—knock him out and swap Xu Jinhang back in.
Lu Xianqing’s cool voice carried a hint of laughter. “Thinking about hitting me?”
“No!” Qin Sizheng shook his head frantically. Lu Xianqing didn’t look incapable at all!
He was practically overflowing with hormones—there was no containing it. He should really let You Si, that “sister,” come test him personally and see whether Lu Xianqing was actually a one or not!
Right in the middle of breakfast, Chen Yue handed over the task card. Lu Xianqing, who was closer, took it. “Today is Wild Fox Village’s Sacred Festival. There will be a bonfire party tonight. We’ve prepared generous gifts for the kids. Please have all the dads and kids work together to win the prizes.”
After reading it, he tossed the card onto the table. “Generous gifts. Go on, what are we doing this time?”
There was never a free lunch on this show—every step was a trap.
Chen Yue said, “Of course the gifts have to be earned through effort. We want to set good examples for the children and teach them that only by using our own hands can we obtain delicious food. That’s a good thing.”
Lu Xianqing snorted.
Little Tomato was full of curiosity and looked up at Qin Sizheng with his little face. “Daddy, what’s a Sacred Festival?”
Before coming here, Qin Sizheng had looked up information about Wild Fox Village. Aside from the kidney-nourishing button mushroom jelly, this “Sacred Festival” was the other thing. So he explained to Little Tomato, “Legend says there was a fairy who fell in love with a fox. Later, the two secretly stayed together, but the Queen Mother of the West didn’t approve and separated them. The fox stayed here waiting for the fairy, and in the end turned into a statue.”
Little Tomato half understood. “Daddy, what does ‘fall in love’ mean? Is it like Daddy liking Little Tomato?”
Qin Sizheng was amused by his innocent words. He reached out and ruffled his hair, explaining, “Of course not. It’s a different kind of liking. It’s between two adults of the same age. Little Tomato is still a child—you’re not allowed to fall in love with someone yet.”
Little Tomato connected the dots fast. He raised his hand proudly and said, “Then I know! It’s that kind of liking, like Daddy and Uncle Lu! Daddy and Uncle Lu are in love, right?”
Qin Sizheng’s face flushed bright red instantly. “N-no, no, no! That’s not it! Daddy and Uncle Lu are both men—they can’t be in love!”
Lu Xianqing turned his head to look at Little Tomato.
For a split second, the rapidly scrolling livestream comments froze—then the screen exploded with question marks.
【I suddenly understand why this show has to be live. Is this something I can watch without paying? Kid, that thought is dangerous—but sister loves it. If you can talk, talk more. Publish a book. If you don’t, I’ll smash the bookstore!】
【Baby, there are a lot of things men can do with men—way more than you imagine. If you don’t get it, I can DM you on Weibo and give you joys beyond your wildest dreams.】
【They can, they can—hurry up and fall in love with Fourth Bro already, I can’t wait. Damn, is this really a parenting variety show? I’ll eat a whole whale on the spot. Why does this feel like an old married couple raising kids? Something’s wrong with me.】
【Is Qin Sizheng sick? Saying this to a kid? “In love”? He’s only four and you’re telling him this?】
【A new way to ride the hype? It wasn’t enough to force a rivalry before, now you’re putting words in a kid’s mouth? Qin Sizheng, you’re something else.】
【Nope, nope. Fourth Bro is straight, thanks.】
Silence hung over the scene for a long moment. Qin Sizheng felt like he could hear the air shattering. On the verge of tears, he looked at Chen Yue and wordlessly blamed the production team—what kind of awful task card was this?
That single look made viewers’ hearts clench, especially the Little Zither fans, whose hearts practically melted.
【Baby, don’t look at me like that—sob.】
【Ahhh husband, look at me, look at me! Mommy loves you. Your eyes are red, you’re so pitiful. Show, stop bullying our baby!】
【As long as he’s pretty, morals can run off on their own. I might actually run away with Qin Sizheng. I know he used to be an idiot, I know he used to be brain-dead—I get it—but he’s just too good-looking.】
Little Tomato had no idea he’d said something wrong. He let out a disappointed “Oh,” then turned and went to feed the rabbits hand in hand with Little Tangyuan.
Over this time, Little Tangyuan had slowly accepted that rabbits eating grass wasn’t them deliberately eating the flowers he’d picked for his mom, and that his mom wouldn’t stop loving him over a single flower. He liked the little rabbit again.
The two kids fed the rabbits carefully and happily.
Qin Sizheng finally let out a breath. He snuck a glance at Lu Xianqing and tried to ease the awkwardness. “Little Tomato doesn’t really understand. I’ll make sure he doesn’t say random things next time.”
Lu Xianqing hummed in response. Qin Sizheng couldn’t tell if he was upset or not. Sitting there felt unbearable, so he stood. “Then I’ll go wash the dishes. You sit for a bit.”
“I’ll wash them.”
Qin Sizheng didn’t react at first. Huh?
Lu Xianqing stood up and gathered the dishes for all four of them. Qin Sizheng followed him, watching as he rolled up his sleeves and revealed a thin layer of muscle. He couldn’t help swallowing.
The man was tall, with long, powerful arms. He’d seen Lu Xianqing’s shoulders and back at the gym before—perfect, like a sculpture.
Qin Sizheng couldn’t help thinking: if he boxed, he’d be an outstanding fighter.
A truly respectable opponent.
In his previous life, he’d met with an accident just as he was starting out as a professional boxer. He didn’t regret saving someone, but he still felt regretful—regretful that he hadn’t reached higher in the boxing world, hadn’t faced even stronger opponents.
He felt a little sad, then quickly talked himself out of it.
At least he’d saved a life.
It was worth it.
Lu Xianqing hauled up a bucket of water and crouched by the well to wash the dishes. It was obvious he’d never done this before—the very first bowl slipped and shattered.
The sharp crack snapped Qin Sizheng back to reality. Their eyes met, and both froze. Then the young man laughed. “You don’t know how to do this? Let me handle it. You just rest.”
Lu Xianqing frowned. “Don’t touch it.”
Qin Sizheng pulled his hand back at once, confused. He watched as Lu Xianqing picked up the shards, set them in a trash bag to the side, then took another bowl and carefully washed it.
“Th-then be careful. I only have four bowls—if you break them, you won’t have any to eat from next time,” Qin Sizheng said nervously, completely unaware that his words implied Lu Xianqing would keep coming to eat here.
Lu Xianqing heard it. The corner of his mouth lifted briefly before flattening again. He answered coolly, “Got it.”
Qin Sizheng pattered back inside, found a dry cloth, took the clean bowls from him, wiped them dry, and set them aside.
They worked together smoothly. With the warm, gentle background music, the scene looked—through the camera—like a newlywed couple.
In the courtyard, two innocent, adorable children fed rabbits. The little couple washed dishes together, occasionally sneaking kisses—one blushing and dodging, then being caught with nowhere to escape, enduring a long, domineering tenderness.
【Is the production team insane? Two rivals washing dishes together and you play music this gentle? Just go ahead and play “Today You’re Going to Marry Me.”】
【Can you kick Qin Sizheng off this show already? I’m so damn annoyed. He clings to Fourth Bro all day—what is he, glue? Doing this much while filming, who knows what he’s like off-camera.】
【Blind? Isn’t your Fourth Bro the one sticking to Little Kite? Selective blindness much?】
【I’m shipping it, I’m shipping it! Aloof Flower-of-the-Mountain Film Emperor and his rival little wifey—publicly rivals, secretly sweet as hell, right? I get it, I get it. Public feuds, private PDA!】
【Someone cultured, please elaborate.】
【Any sisters with higher culture want to name this CP? I’m opening a super topic—we’ll ship together!】
【“Green Hills Have Thoughts,” how about that? Fourth Bro’s green hills have Qin Sizheng… wait, why am I mad at myself? I don’t even have a Qin Sizheng. Damn, the clown is me.】
The comments split into three camps. Lu Xianqing’s solo fans, CP fans, and the Little Zither fans went at it 1v2 in a passionate flame war. The barrage was pure chaos.
This show had been wildly popular since it premiered. With Lu Xianqing joining, its popularity shot up several more levels. He didn’t even act in television dramas—his first stop after leaving the film world was this show.
Not only was this a variety show debut, it also featured Qin Sizheng—the universally hated, drama-stirring menace of the entire internet. With two sworn rivals thrown together, the sparks they produced were bound to be explosive.
The director was so happy he could laugh himself awake in his sleep. He no longer cared about earlier instructions like “don’t give Qin Sizheng too much screen time.” Most of the shots stayed locked on Lu Xianqing anyway—who cared who was standing next to him? What the director wanted was views.
Si Qianqiu understood this perfectly. He hovered around the two of them the whole time, and the moment the task card was handed out, he ran straight over to House No. 5.
He sent his Little Strawberry off to play with Little Tomato and the others. Seeing Lu Xianqing crouched by the well washing dishes, he knew his chance had come. He blinked and smiled sweetly. “Fourth Bro, how can you be washing dishes yourself? Let me help you!”
Qin Sizheng was shoved aside and stumbled. By instinct, he braced himself with his hand on the ground—instantly, the wound split open, blood seeping through the gauze wrapped around his hand.
“It hurts.”
Lu Xianqing’s expression darkened. Before Si Qianqiu could even touch his hand, the bowl shattered on the ground with a crash. Si Qianqiu jumped in fright, shivering. “Fourth Bro?”
Lu Xianqing’s eyes were icy cold. The lonely, cool scent of his cologne made him seem even more oppressive. Si Qianqiu was inexplicably afraid—his breath caught in his throat, and he didn’t dare move.
“Come here.”
The clear, cold voice carried a hint of softness—and an almost imperceptible trace of pain and indulgence.
Si Qianqiu’s heart leapt. So he did still remember him—
But when he turned his head, he realized the voice wasn’t meant for him at all.
It was for that detestable Qin Sizheng.
How was that possible?!
Lu Xianqing helped Qin Sizheng up from the ground and led him to sit at the stone table beneath the grape arbor in the courtyard. A small first-aid kit sat there. He carefully unwrapped the gauze, treating him as though he were something precious.
Si Qianqiu clenched his fists.
That bastard Qin Sizheng!
He’d barely been touched and he was already playing the victim. Maybe yesterday’s injury had been deliberate too—just to win sympathy. Why else would that knife fall sooner or later, but happen to land right on his hand?
What a coincidence.
He Du’s attitude toward him had improved noticeably these past two days—he must have been won over by this pathetic act!
Qin Sizheng was cunning. He always had been, and he still was.
Everyone in this industry knew Lu Xianqing was a god. Latching onto him was the shortcut to the top. No wonder Qin Sizheng had shared half his breakfast with him!
Si Qianqiu gritted his teeth, glaring viciously at the two under the grape arbor. He wouldn’t let Qin Sizheng make a comeback.
Since he’d already flopped, he deserved to be trampled underfoot for the rest of his life—never to rise again!
Lu Xianqing gently peeled back the gauze. Because the wound had split, even the slightest movement tugged at it. The young man couldn’t help shrinking back, his slender fingers trembling.
“Does it hurt?”
Qin Sizheng bit down, enduring the sharp pain in his finger. His voice trembled as he said, “It doesn’t hurt. Go ahead.”
Something about his words struck the man. Lu Xianqing’s gaze darkened, threads of gloom creeping in, a bone-deep malice seeping out from every crack.
“Really doesn’t hurt? Then I’ll swap the iodine for alcohol.”
“Don’t!”
Lu Xianqing said calmly, “Then be honest. Does it hurt?”
“…Yeah.”
“Will you still be this reckless next time?”
Qin Sizheng didn’t answer. If there were a next time, he would still block it for Doudou. He knew his limits—he wouldn’t get seriously hurt. But Doudou was a child, not as quick to react, and if he got injured, he’d be in even more pain.
When he stayed silent, the man’s faint smile faded, replaced by a cold sneer. “So you still can’t remember what I told you, is that it?”
“I remember!”
Afraid he was angry, Qin Sizheng hurriedly grabbed his wrist, studying his expression as he spoke softly, “I just… reacted out of habit. I’ll be careful next time, I promise. Okay?”
The man said nothing. The boy swallowed, moistening his dry throat, then added, “I know I was wrong. I’ll try not to get hurt anymore. Don’t be mad, okay?”
His voice was soft, carrying a hint of pleading.
Lu Xianqing reached out and turned off both of their microphones. In a low voice, he said, “If there’s a next time, you won’t get off this easily. Understand?”
The boy nodded hard. Realizing he wasn’t angry anymore, a small smile bloomed on his face, sparkling in the sunlight like scattered pearls—a beautiful little gem.
After applying the medicine, Lu Xianqing wrapped his finger again. “No touching water. No lifting heavy things. Take good care of your hand. No scars.”
Qin Sizheng nodded repeatedly. After a moment, he asked, “Then what about bathing Little Tomato tonight?”
“I’ll wash him,” Lu Xianqing replied. Then he lowered his head and looked at Qin Sizheng. “And you?”
Qin Sizheng didn’t understand at first. When his gaze followed Lu Xianqing’s to himself, realization hit. His ears turned an unbelievable shade of red. “I—I can wash myself! One hand is enough!”
Lu Xianqing chuckled. “If you get it wet, I’ll wash you. So it’s best not to.”
“…That won’t happen!!”
Lu Xianqing went to clean up the broken porcelain shards. Seeing Si Qianqiu still standing in the courtyard, he glanced casually toward the camera as he passed.
The cameraman got the hint and shifted the shot to the children feeding the rabbits. Instantly, the scene became peaceful and wholesome, full of childlike charm.
The man stopped in front of Si Qianqiu and leaned in close. Si Qianqiu grew tense, his heart racing—especially at that faint, ambiguous smile.
Could it be…?
“Fourth Bro… um, actually I’ve always—”
Click.
The microphone was turned off.
Lu Xianqing pressed close to his ear and said softly, “Get lost.”
Si Qianqiu froze. What?
He stared blankly at the man in front of him, wondering if he’d misheard. Then the man’s thin lips parted again, this time more explicit.
“If you hurt his hand again, I’ll chop you up and feed you to the dogs.”
Si Qianqiu’s eyes flew wide open. He couldn’t believe such terrifying words had come from the mouth of a cold, aloof film emperor. It was—he couldn’t even find an adjective for it.
“Do you know what kind of death hurts the most?”
Lu Xianqing lowered his gaze to him, gentle as if looking at a lover. Yet his smile was steeped in gloom. His icy voice slithered up Si Qianqiu’s neck like a snake’s tongue, raising goosebumps and a suffocating sense of death.
“Being deprived of the right to sleep. Your reflexes and cognition deteriorate, severe emotional and psychological problems set in. If you’re not allowed to sleep for more than ten days straight, panic, anxiety, and hallucinations will cling to you. In the end, you become demented, living a fate worse than death, until you’re completely exhausted and die.”
He wants to kill someone.
He will kill someone.
These two thoughts surged up in Si Qianqiu’s mind. His legs went so weak he could barely stand, yet he couldn’t move at all—he could only stare as those thin lips opened and closed.
Lu Xianqing straightened up and smiled. “If you don’t want to die, behave yourself. And one more thing—I’m not your Fourth Bro. Don’t call me that again next time. Remember?”
Si Qianqiu staggered a few steps and grabbed the wall, gasping violently, his whole body on the verge of collapse.
“Little Strawberry, we’re leaving now.” He didn’t want to stay here for even a second longer. This place felt like a pit of fire, and all he wanted was to escape. He grabbed the little girl and hurried away from House No. 5.
Lu Xianqing finished cleaning up the broken porcelain shards. At some point, he had turned his microphone back on and called out, “Qin Sizheng, let’s go.”
“Huh? Coming!” Qin Sizheng immediately stood up.
Little Tomato and Little Tangyuan had gotten their hands filthy. Qin Sizheng was just about to fetch some water to wash their hands when he stopped short by the well, suddenly remembering Lu Xianqing’s instructions.
“Why did you stop?” Lu Xianqing leaned against the side and asked, a hint of teasing in his eyes.
Qin Sizheng had learned his lesson. He blinked and asked softly, “Senior Lu, could you help me draw some water to wash Little Tomato’s and Little Tangyuan’s hands? My hand isn’t convenient right now.”
Lu Xianqing’s expression improved slightly. He bent down, drew water, washed the two little brats’ hands, and wiped them clean. Then he looked at Qin Sizheng’s hand. “I’ll wash yours too. You just finished eating—it’s dirty.”
?
Qin Sizheng looked at his fingers again and again. What was dirty about them? He had clearly washed his hands right before eating.
“Don’t like being clean?” Lu Xianqing asked.
Qin Sizheng had no choice but to hand his hand over. “Then… I’ll trouble you.”
“If you know it’s trouble, then remember—when you need to wash your hands, come find me. Don’t go bothering other people. Understand?” Lu Xianqing said.
“…Mm.”
The water had just been drawn from the well and was still a bit cold. Qin Sizheng reflexively flinched when he touched it. Then another broad, long-fingered hand closed around his, and suddenly it felt warm.
Long fingers held his wrist and spread his palm open. The cool well water pooled in his hand as it was washed carefully, from knuckles to every gap between fingers, not missing a single spot.
“Senior Lu, is it done?” Qin Sizheng really couldn’t take it anymore. Were his hands that dirty?
Lu Xianqing gave a low “Mm,” then took a towel and carefully dried his hand.
Qin Sizheng finally let out a long breath and subtly took a few steps farther away from him, not knowing that all of this was seen clearly by Lu Xianqing. The man chuckled softly—once prey had fallen into a hunter’s gaze, any struggle was futile.
“Daddy, hold me.” Little Tomato loved the scent on this new daddy so much. Tugging on Qin Sizheng’s clothes, he whispered coquettishly, “Is it okay? Just for a little bit.”
“Of course.” Qin Sizheng bent down to pick him up, but the moment he touched him, Little Tomato was lifted by the back of his collar.
“Come on, Uncle Lu will hold you.”
Afraid he might be choking him, Qin Sizheng hurriedly said, “Senior Lu, be gentle!”
Lu Xianqing stared at him. The young man’s scalp prickled under that gaze. “Senior Lu, w-what’s wrong?”
“I don’t like that form of address. Change it. It makes me sound old.”
Qin Sizheng silently complained to himself—this man really cared a lot about whether he sounded old or not. After thinking for a long time, he tried softly, “Then… Fourth Bro?”
“Mm.”
That single “Fourth Bro” kneaded Lu Xianqing’s heart into comfort. He lifted Little Tomato into the crook of his arm and then looked down at Little Tangyuan. “Do you want me to hold you too?”
Little Tangyuan immediately shook his head, proclaiming his sense of manliness. “No way!”
Lu Xianqing turned to Qin Sizheng. He immediately waved his hands. “I don’t want to either!!”
“Did I say I was going to hold you?” Lu Xianqing tilted his head, smiling, the teasing obvious. “What—do you want me to hold you?”
Qin Sizheng’s face flushed red in an instant. He absolutely did not!