Moonlit: Thank you, aki, for the ko-fi~
Hearing a warm, moist breath near his ear, Lu Chenghe instinctively turned his head, and then a wet, soft little tongue licked his mouth. Before he could react, he saw Little Pudding suddenly widen his dog eyes and then take a small step back. The shock on his face was unmistakable, like he had tasted something terrifying, a walking meme.
Seeing Little Pudding’s exaggerated expression, Lu Chenghe laughed, scooped up a small handful of water, and poured it on Little Pudding: “One day, I’ll have to put some chili on your tongue to stop you from licking everything.”
Upon hearing this, Zuo Ning’s ears instantly perked up. Chili? Oh, how he, a spicy food lover, had longed for it. Not having tasted any spice for so long was like being in a hotpot paradise but stuck in a burger country without even a bottle of Lao Gan Ma[mfn]a brand of chili sauces in China[/mfn]. It was pure agony!
Recalling the warm, soft sensation on his tongue just now, Zuo Ning felt it was too sudden, almost scaring him to death.
Seeing Lu Chenghe’s nonchalant demeanor, Zuo Ning slowly walked over and sat down beside him. Seeing Lu Chenghe leaning back in the pool with his eyes closed, Zuo Ning reached out his paw and touched the water. Although the temperature was a bit hot, it felt like soaking in would be super comfortable. He also wanted to soak, but Lu Chenghe definitely wouldn’t blow-dry his fur. Enjoying the moment would lead to a crematorium later.
Unable to enjoy the soak, Zuo Ning could only put his paw in the water and swish it around a couple of times.
With his eyes closed, Lu Chenghe said, “No playing with the water.”
Zuo Ning glanced at him: “Woof.” He responded with his mouth, but his paw didn’t retract. Instead, he continued swishing and eventually touched Lu Chenghe’s shoulder.
Under his paw, the firm skin was incredibly elastic. He pressed it slightly with his paw pad, and the sensation was simply amazing.
When Lou Jiu came in, Zuo Ning was happily stepping on Lu Chenghe’s shoulder. Seeing this, Lou Jiu couldn’t help but laugh: “I must say, your dog is really well-trained. Seeing you taking a bath, he even gives you a massage. Such thoughtful service!”
Zuo Ning turned his head to look at Lou Jiu. The robe he had been wearing earlier had been replaced with a white tracksuit, making him look a bit younger. His slightly narrow peach blossom eyes looked extremely beautiful when he smiled. Although the word “beautiful” often carries a sense of enchantment when used to describe a man, it seemed just right for Lou Jiu, giving off a warm feeling.
Lu Chenghe opened his eyes and poured some water over himself. “Have they arrived?”
“Just got the message. They’re at the foot of the mountain and should be here in about twenty minutes. Those two seem to be coming together and were still bickering on the phone.” Lou Jiu said casually, as if making small talk: “Are you planning to collaborate with the Shang family on the old town renovation?”
Hearing this, Lu Chenghe turned his head to look at him. “Who told you that?”
Lou Jiu smiled. “The second son of the Shang family. He’s been riding high lately, overshadowing Shang Fan in many matters. I heard he’s recently gained the old man’s favor and has become quite flamboyant.”
Lu Chenghe retracted his gaze and said calmly, “That’s not true.”
Lou Jiu laughed. “Good to hear.”
Hearing this, Lu Chenghe flicked the dog’s paw that had reached into the pool. Seeing the little thing withdraw its paw in pain, he said: “From what you said, it seems there’s some inside information?”
Lou Jiu shrugged: “Where would I get so much insider information? I just think that anyone with a keen eye can see that the old town is a good place. As long as it’s redeveloped, it will definitely make a fortune. Nowadays, relocation isn’t what it used to be. Many people are eager for it, but not many take action, or rather, not many dare to.”
Indeed, it’s very strange. Qingniao City, this rapidly growing economic hub, seems to erect a new high-rise in just a day. However, there’s always that one area with old houses from many years ago. The haphazard constructions inside make it look like a beehive, and from the outside, it resembles a slum. The old town area is like a small dark spot in Qingniao City; everyone wants to clean it up, but few dare to touch it.
Lu Chenghe leaned against the edge of the pool, watching Lou Jiu break a leaf from a potted plant to tease Little Pudding. After a moment of silence, he spoke: “You can’t help Shang Fan. You left the Lou family for him, but he won’t leave the Shang family for you.”
Lou Jiu’s hand, teasing the dog, paused slightly, then he smiled: “I know.” He turned to look at Lu Chenghe. “But there are three things people can’t control: coughing, poverty, and emotions. I’m very fortunate to have encountered a love that I can’t control. Even if it seems painful to you, losing more than I gain, it’s still better than living a muddled life according to plan.”
Lou Jiu sighed. Seeing that Little Pudding, after being teased for a while, ran back to Lu Chenghe and tried to put his paw in the pool, he saw Lu Chenghe pushing Little Pudding’s head away, yet playing with him at the same time. Lou Jiu couldn’t help but laugh and said, seemingly with emotion, “I hope one day you’ll find a love that makes you lose your mind. Don’t worry, it’s not a curse; it’s a beautiful blessing.”
Zuo Ning raised his paw and placed it on Lu Chenghe’s shoulder, then turned to Lou Jiu and said, “Woof!” He just needs to lose his mind for me!
Lu Chenghe glanced at Lou Jiu but did not comment on his words. Losing his mind for the so-called love was not something he believed would happen to him.
These days, people breaking up and getting together are normal. Those overly romanticized emotions were just fantasies created in films and literature out of longing. Although he admitted that there were indeed eternal love stories of life and death, those were rare. To find such exclusive love and to meet someone you deeply love at the right time—sadly, these two words, “deep love,” were not so easy to encounter just right. This world goes on regardless of who is missing.
Precisely because of this, Lou Jiu was an anomaly in their circle. Compared to Lou Jiu’s all-or-nothing approach, Shang Fan’s choice was much more rational and normal. Although many people felt sorry for Lou Jiu, it was ultimately his own choice, and others couldn’t say anything about it.
Lou Jiu glanced at the time and calculated the time when the others would arrive so he could go to the restaurant to prepare the ingredients. They had planned to eat hotpot tonight, and many things were ready-made and easy to take out. He stood up and looked at Little Pudding. “Little Pudding, let’s go and eat something delicious.”
Zuo Ning looked at Lou Jiu. Although this man was very good-looking and looked comfortable and gentle, he still preferred his own Lu Chenghe, so he remained unmoved.
Seeing this, Lou Jiu laughed: “It seems I should get a dog too. Having such a loyal little companion by my side must feel great.”
After Lou Jiu left the room, Lu Chenghe finally looked at Little Pudding, who was grinning and panting at him, and snorted: “That’s your only advantage.”
Zuo Ning snorted back. He had many advantages, but he was afraid they’d scare Lu Chenghe if he showed them all!
Before Lu Chenghe could see his own advantages, Zuo Ning discovered a new skill of Lu Chenghe’s. Seeing him in a V-neck sweater, white casual pants, sleeves rolled up, wearing an apron, and slightly bending over to chop vegetables almost blinded Zuo Ning’s dog eyes.
That slim waist, long legs, and serious vegetable-chopping look made Zuo Ning’s dog heart feel like it was about to explode. Oh my, how could there be such a handsome man? He instantly understood those fangirls who cried with excitement upon seeing their idols at school. It was so good-looking that it made his heart itch!
Lou Jiu saw Little Pudding rolling on the carpet and looked at Lu Chenghe with some confusion. “What’s wrong with your dog?”
Lu Chenghe put the sliced ham on a plate without looking up. “Daily craziness.”
Lou Jiu couldn’t help but laugh. He had heard of the “Three Fools” reputation, but the last time he saw Little Pudding, he was well-behaved, almost inseparable from Lu Chenghe, and didn’t beg for food at the table but obediently lay at Lu Chenghe’s feet. He thought Lu Chenghe was lucky to have a smart and not-crazy Samoyed. It turned out that he just hadn’t spent enough time with him; the dog was still as silly and crazy as ever.
Lou Jiu joked, “It seems your dog’s bloodline is very pure; you didn’t raise a fake dog.”
Lu Chenghe glanced at the little guy twisting into a new height on the carpet and looking up at him, and couldn’t help but slightly curl his lips. Truly adorably silly.
Seeing the smile on Lu Chenghe’s lips, Zuo Ning almost wanted to howl twice. He was good-looking from every angle, and he just wanted to rush up and lick him.
When the two of them had almost finished preparing the ingredients, the other two came in, covered in snow.
Nie Yong was always the first to complain: “This weather is freezing to death! The snow on the road is so deep that every step is a pit. If the snow doesn’t stop tonight, who knows how deep it will get. It might be difficult to get down the mountain tomorrow.”
Shen Tao, who followed behind, coldly said, “Why not just eat at Lou Jiu’s place? Coming all the way here is such a hassle.”
Nie Yong snorted. “What do you know? It’s all about the ambiance. Soaking in a hot spring on a snowy day is a real treat.”
Too lazy to argue, Shen Tao went straight to his room to put his things away and changed into more comfortable clothes to help prepare dinner.
Zuo Ning saw that Nie Yong didn’t seem too affected and kept sneaking glances at him, then focused back on admiring Lu Chenghe’s daily beauty.
However, before he could indulge for long, a pair of strong hands picked him up. Zuo Ning turned around and saw it was Nie Yong, and his heart skipped a beat. What was he planning to do? Was he here for revenge? He quickly called out to Lu Chenghe: “Awoo!” Chenghe, come quickly! Someone’s about to bully your dog!
Nie Yong held Little Pudding and turned him around to face him. He sat on the ground with his legs crossed, secured the dog between his legs, and grabbed one of his paws: “Little Pudding, do you know you’ve committed a serious offense?”
Zuo Ning turned his head to look for Lu Chenghe: “Awoo!” Why aren’t you coming?
Lu Chenghe, carrying two plates, glanced at them as he passed by: “Don’t scare him.”
Zuo Ning: “Awoo awoo…” Already scared!
Nie Yong smiled, then hugged the dog into his arms: “Be good, don’t move. Let me hug you. They say dogs are healing, so you heal me too.”
Originally wanting to struggle, Zuo Ning suddenly endured it. Fine. Seeing you so pitiful, I’ll tolerate you for three seconds.
As Shen Tao passed by Nie Yong, he kicked him in the leg: “I told you not to scare the dog. Be careful Little Pudding doesn’t have nightmares because of you.”
Nie Yong hugged Little Pudding for a while, then took out a tag from his pocket and dangled it in front of him: “Do you recognize this?”
Zuo Ning glanced at it. Isn’t that his dog tag? He had already heard Lu Chenghe on the phone asking someone to make another one for him, this time ordering twelve, a whole set for each month of the year!
Unaware of the details of Nie Yong’s breakup, Shen Tao thought he had just grown tired and broken up. Seeing him now with Little Pudding’s dog tag, he curiously asked, “Why do you have the dog tag?”
Lu Chenghe naturally replied, “It was left at his place last time. I asked him to bring it over.”
Nie Yong unclasped the dog tag and put it around Little Pudding’s neck: “There, it’s on properly this time. Don’t lose it again. The stuff that fell off has been fixed too, just like new.”
Apart from Lu Chenghe, Lou Jiu and Shen Tao had no idea what Nie Yong was talking about, thinking he was just idly chatting with the dog. As they placed a bunch of ingredients on the table, Lou Jiu called out, “Go wash your hands and eat. Aren’t you hungry?”
Nie Yong patted the dog’s head, washed his hands, and sat at the table. The first thing he did was fill his glass with ice-cold beer. Eating hotpot is best paired with beer; those expensive foreign liquors just don’t taste right: “Come on, let’s toast to my lost love!”
Zuo Ning sat by Lu Chenghe’s leg, watching as Lu Chenghe decisively picked up his glass and joined them in a toast. It was the first time Zuo Ning had seen Lu Chenghe drink alcohol. Even during their last dinner with skewers, Lu Chenghe hadn’t had a drink. Watching the four men down a glass in one go and then start eating heartily, Zuo Ning was extremely envious.
These guys seemed to enjoy spicy food, too. The boiling hot and spicy red soup and the rich aroma of the hotpot were double torture for a dog with an exceptionally keen sense of smell like Zuo Ning, who knew how delicious the meat cooked in that spicy soup was.
You’d think these wealthy folks would eat something more high-end, enjoy some expensive foreign liquor and get drunk, wouldn’t you? But no, they were eating this down-to-earth food. Ah, it smelled so good, he really wanted to eat it.
Seeing Little Pudding lying by his feet, Lu Chenghe got up to fetch a cushion and placed it under him. Then, he poured the prepared dog food into a bowl.
Eating dog food while smelling the enticing aroma of the hotpot, Zuo Ning was practically in tears.
As the number of empty bottles increased, the conversation among the men became more lively. Even though Lu Chenghe had drunk quite a bit, he wasn’t the talkative type. He still sat quietly, not speaking, but no one could ignore his presence.
As the conversation gradually turned to relationships, Nie Yong glanced at everyone, holding a glass with a smile on his lips: “Excluding Lou Jiu, you two—one has already taken over the family business, and the other is still working under the old man. When you look for a wife in the future, you’ll still go for someone of equal social standing, right? I used to be quite biased against the idea of ‘equal social standing.’ Why must it be that way to have a relationship? If you trace back three generations, who wasn’t a commoner? Now I understand.”
Shen Tao chuckled: “So, after one relationship, you’re now a love expert, giving us advice, huh?”
Nie Yong waved his hand: “You don’t get it; I’m serious. I used to think that as long as you like your partner, everything else can be learned over time. But some things aren’t so easy to learn. For example, social etiquette. In our circle, every girl has her own way of doing things. Knowing what to say, what not to say, and when to say it—it’s not just about being smart. Sometimes being too smart can backfire.”
Shen Tao shook his head and looked at Lou Jiu: “It seems you’ve seen through the world after experiencing a relationship. I guess this breakup was worth it.”
Lou Jiu leaned back in his chair, watching Nie Yong pour out his troubles. Those little things in life that might seem insignificant to others can be the spark of conflict between couples. Seeing Lu Chenghe playing with the dog, Lou Jiu couldn’t help but laugh: “Chenghe, when you find a wife in the future, make sure she loves dogs. Otherwise, she’ll definitely get jealous. You treat the dog better than you treat people.”
Hearing this, Nie Yong also laughed: “Why worry about that? Just spread the word that whoever can treat Little Pudding like a king will be the one Chenghe marries. I bet there’ll be a line up the mountain.”
Hearing this, Zuo Ning grumbled to himself. Treating him like a king isn’t enough! Anyone who dares to come, he’ll defeat them all! Anyone who tries to take Lu Chenghe from him will face his wrath!
Seeing Little Pudding silently baring his teeth beside him, Lu Chenghe couldn’t help but smile and pat his head.
After three rounds of beer, although it was just beer and the alcohol content was like drinking water to them, their faces were slightly red, whether from the heat inside or the alcohol.
Full and satisfied, Zuo Ning quietly leaned against Lu Chenghe’s leg. When no one was eating and they were just chatting in the latter half, he was moved from the floor to Lu Chenghe’s lap. Although he was still eyeing the hotpot, if they were at home, he would definitely be pestering Lu Chenghe to see if he could get a bite.
But now that they were out, he couldn’t embarrass Lu Chenghe, so he simply buried his head in Lu Chenghe’s arms, out of sight, out of mind.
They chatted until late at night. When everyone felt a bit sleepy, they finally called it a night and went to their rooms to sleep.
It was already late, and Lu Chenghe only planned to take a quick shower before bed. But before that, he wiped the dog from head to toe, placed him on the sink, and brushed his teeth one by one. Compared to his baby teeth, his new teeth were noticeably sharper, each one white and clean, with no cavities.
Zuo Ning just opened his mouth and let Lu Chenghe brush his teeth, occasionally raising his paw to pat his arm: “Mmm.” Don’t find a wife; just spend your life with me.
Lu Chenghe: “Don’t move; it’ll be done soon.”
Zuo Ning thought for a moment and decided it wouldn’t work, so he said: “Awoo.” You should find one, but not too soon. Men are like flowers at thirty; find one after thirty. Spend a few more years with me; otherwise, when I grow old and die, no one will be with you.
Seeing Little Pudding talk so much tonight, although he couldn’t understand him, Lu Chenghe still patted his head: “Stop talking, we’ll be done brushing soon.”
Zuo Ning sighed, feeling sad at the thought of giving his beloved person away. He felt he must be the most understanding being in the world, almost moved to tears by his own thoughtfulness.
Hearing the continuous “awoo” sounds, Lu Chenghe couldn’t help but slap his paw: “Why are you talking so much tonight? Be quiet for a while. Don’t make noise. Open your mouth wide; we haven’t brushed the inside teeth yet.”
Following Lu Chenghe’s hand, Zuo Ning had to raise his head and open his mouth wide. And just like that, he watched Lu Chenghe up close. Under the slightly yellow light, even Lu Chenghe’s unstyled hair seemed to glow softly. Even up close, his skin was flawless, and his eyelashes were thick. Truly, he was extremely handsome.
Usually, he only saw Lu Chenghe casually wash his face, almost never taking good care of his skin. How could his skin be so good?
Thinking about himself a couple of years ago, at sixteen or seventeen, during the prime of youth, how acne favored him so much. Just eating a bit of spicy food would lead to an outbreak. Zuo Ning secretly thought, seeing them all enjoy the hotpot so much tonight, if they all woke up with acne tomorrow, that would be perfect!
Seeing the dog grinning and his eyes narrowed into slits, Lu Chenghe amusedly pinched his face: “What are you thinking about that makes you so happy?”
Zuo Ning looked at Lu Chenghe: Hehehe. Thinking about your face breaking out in acne.
After brushing Little Pudding’s teeth, Lu Chenghe picked him up and placed him on the bed, turned on the tablet for him, and patted him a couple of times: “Be good and play by yourself. Don’t make any trouble.” Seeing Little Pudding obediently lying down, he grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom.
Zuo Ning lay on the bed and sighed a long sigh of relief. He could finally sleep after sitting in the car for so long and listening to the four men talk all night. Stretching and rolling around on the bed, even though it wasn’t as big as the one at home, it was softer and still quite comfortable.
Just as Zuo Ning was about to burrow into the covers and sleep, he heard the sound of the shower from the bathroom. He stared at the bathroom for a while, trying to see through the frosted glass that was obscured by a layer of water-like mist, but it was futile.
A cold wind mixed with a faint sulfur smell came from the balcony. Zuo Ning immediately got up from the bed, squeezed past the curtains, and saw that the balcony door was not closed. Outside, the small bamboo tube in the bathtub was still flowing with hot water. He didn’t know where the other end was drawing water from, but it became a living hot spring when the bamboo tube was opened.
Zuo Ning pushed open the balcony door and went outside. The snow, which had stopped for a while in the evening, had started falling again at some point. There wasn’t much wind, so the snow fell quietly, disappearing instantly upon touching the steaming, milky white bath.
Looking up, Zuo Ning saw the goose-feather-like snow against the night sky, looking incredibly beautiful. Counting the days, it was almost the New Year. This was the first time he would celebrate the New Year with Lu Chenghe and also the first year without his parents.
Zuo Ning felt a moment of silent sadness, shook off the snow on his body, and was about to return to the room when he accidentally slipped and tumbled into the hot spring with a splash.
After finishing his shower, Lu Chenghe didn’t see the dog that should have been on the bed. He looked around; the room wasn’t large, but it had separate areas inside and outside, so it wasn’t small either. Not knowing where the little thing was hiding to play, Lu Chenghe had to call out.
Then, a bark came from the balcony, and Lu Chenghe frowned. He remembered closing the balcony door.
Pulling the curtains aside, Lu Chenghe immediately saw the wet dog playing in the hot spring pool, and a vein on his forehead couldn’t help but throb.
