Chapter 22 Part 5

“Let’s do snowmobiles.” Fu Si Heng changed subject.

Hm?!

Tao Zhi’s head snapped up. “Really?”

Fu Si Heng: “Mm.”

The “friction” vanished.

Tao Zhi grinned tiger tooth. “Thanks, Brother Fu!”

–

Being with Tao Zhi gave immense fulfillment.

From his huge enthusiasm for things, genuine thanks after.

Unstingy sharing feelings, spreading joy.

At least, unlike with Fu Zheng.

Fu Zheng annoying.

At seven or eight, Fu Si Heng minded him awhile; only wished someone kidnapped him.

Hated kids.

But today with Tao Zhi, Fu Si Heng first thought: raising him from small, maybe wouldn’t hate kids.

Tao Zhi cute.

Enthusiastic, sincere, straightforward, simple.

Little sun.

So Fu Si Heng took him everywhere today.

Snowmobiles, ice park, cable car, snowman, buffet.

Near whole Cloud Rail Snow Ridge experienced.

Until 9 p.m. post-dinner, Fu Si Heng brought him back.

Later than Wei Yu’s schedule.

Tao Zhi worried; Fu Si Heng said ignore, Wei Yu’s gone. Tao Zhi “oh”-ed, worry gone, leaned back scrolling phone.

Few messages: Shen Xinyuan’s group chatting lively; Fu Zheng’s cryptic period at 7.

Tao Zhi puzzled but figured report in person soon. No reply; picked first trip photos, posted nine-grid.

Instant likes/comments.

Little Sister: [Aaaah skiing, hot springs! Tao Zhi living the good life!]

Little Sister: [So envious! Wanna grow up!]

Tao Zhi to sister: [^v^ Super fun. I’ll take you during winter break when I go home.]

Little Sister: [Yay! Settled!]

Little Sister: [Thanks to boss!]

Tao Zhi: [Thanks boss!]

…

Replying sister, Tao Zhi smiled happily, eyes curved, pear dimples deep.

Fu Si Heng glanced sideways.

“Brother Fu, thanks so much today.” Tao Zhi turned just then.

Thanks plus gratitude smile.

Grinning like little fool.

Fu Si Heng withdrew gaze, fingers tapping wheel idly, hummed casually.

Ten-odd minutes later, car at villa.

Tao Zhi unbuckled, got out, followed Fu Si Heng in.

At door, Fu Si Heng’s phone rang.

Tao Zhi glanced, hesitating to wait. Fu Si Heng gestured go ahead. Tao Zhi obeyed.

Pushed door: empty hall.

Others back long ago. Him and Fu Si Heng latest; probably gaming fourth floor or resting.

Fu Zheng latter.

Group: Wei Yu called Fu Zheng to game; he refused, rest.

In room.

Tao Zhi tiptoed upstairs.

Coincidentally, at second-third floor landing, Fu Zheng descended, hands pocketed.

They bumped.

“Fu Zheng!” Tao Zhi greeted enthusiastically, ready to report.

Fu Zheng opposite.

Face visibly darkened post-collision, tone sarcastic. “You still know to come back.”

“Huh?” Tao Zhi stopped.

Tilted face, puzzled.

“Had fun today, huh?” Fu Zheng stared. “Even posted Moments.”

Tao Zhi’s Moments usually scenic, rare monthly.

Today nine-grid.

So happy with Fu Si Heng?

Fu Zheng irritable, brows furrowed harshly.

Look scarier.

Uh…

Tao Zhi tilted head.

Fu Zheng mad?

Why?

Slacking?

Can’t be misunderstood.

Tao Zhi explained. “I wasn’t playing today.”

“No.” Hurried correction. “I played but to build with Fu Si Heng.”

“No slacking. Seriously harassed, seduced him.”

“Sat on him too.”

Fu Zheng: “…”

Better no explanation—this only made the fire raging inside Fu Zheng burn even hotter.

Knew wrong, but unhappiness not from negligence—but over-professionalism.

Professional, honest, obedient, did as told, strove for seduction.

All per his plan, yet unhappy.

Especially so late back.

And sitting on Fu Si Heng?

Fu Zheng’s head buzzed.

“Worked seriously, talked, body contact, held his hand.” Tao Zhi emphasized sincerely. “I tried hard, Fu Zheng.”

Such face, tone: undeniable.

Fu Zheng believed.

“…”

Fu Zheng closed eyes.

Blood pressure up, baffled why, needed advice.

Before—

“Fu Zheng, don’t be mad.” Tao Zhi soothed gently.

“…Not mad.” Fu Zheng denied, face awkward. “Whatever.”

Irritable now. “Just remember. Don’t overplay. You promised: take down Fu Si Heng in three days.”

Three days.

Tao Zhi scratched head.

Heavy pressure.

Dare not refute, nodded. “Mm, got it.”

“…”

Fu Zheng turned upstairs.

Tao Zhi stood awhile.

Frankly, Fu Zheng’s temper intolerable.

Irrational outbursts, unhappy whatever, impossible tasks.

Anyone temperamental wouldn’t last.

Only grateful, forgetful Tao Zhi endured.

Tao Zhi truly happy today.

First trip at 18: hot springs, skiing, cable car, snowmobile—firsts.

All thanks to Fu Zheng.

Intent maybe unkind… but he played!

Boys this age playful; Tao Zhi especially.

Play luxury for him.

Since sensible: study or family chores.

Mom ill, dad farming, sister trailing noisily.

Childhood: chores plus babysit.

Later: study main, plus part-time ease burden.

Until college, Fu Zheng: breathless life eased.

So, Fu Zheng just bad-tempered; don’t mind.

Complete tasks seriously!

Scolded groundlessly, Tao Zhi not mad, pondered solutions obediently.

Pity: zero experience.

From stairs to second floor, paced Fu Si Heng’s door, no ideas.

Three days too hard—

“What’re you doing here?”

Sudden voice behind startled him.

Tao Zhi turned: Fu Si Heng approaching.

“Brother Fu.” Lips moved.

Just resolved to brave for gold-master boss; now bro appeared, resolve halved.

No no! Can’t think so!

Nixed thought, refirmed.

“Why not rest in room?” Fu Si Heng neared, stopped before, hand on door beside. “Aren’t you tired?”

Saw yawns in car.

“Y-Yes, tired.” Tao Zhi answered reflexively.

“Mm, sleep early.”

Words done, Fu Si Heng turned—but hem suddenly grabbed by Tao Zhi.

Fu Si Heng paused, glanced sideways.

“Br-Brother Fu.” No plan, but stall first.

Anyway, need breakthrough.

Something for Fu Zheng, repay kindness.

Having steeled his resolve, Tao Zhi took a deep breath, his fingers gripping Fu Si Heng’s clothes even tighter.

「……I have something to talk to you about.」Tao Zhi looked up at him, his voice soft and laced with tension. 「Can I… go in with you?」

Fu Si Heng: 「……」

His voice had been quite soft, but his expression was resolute, as if he were applying to join the Party.

“Sure,” Fu Si Heng said, as if he had already guessed what Tao Zhi wanted.

He stepped aside and pushed the door open, his voice low and steady. “Come in.”