Chapter 46

Light-blocking curtains shrouded the dim room, where faint shadows danced in the air.

A soft, bouncy mattress cradled them, paired with a fluffy pillow and a thick, cozy quilt.

And then there was—

The fragrance that permeated every corner of the room.

It was Little Zao’s scent. He must have taken a shower too, using that sugar water-scented body wash. The smell was a bit overpowering, but it couldn’t mask the natural, human aroma that clung to his skin.

Then there was Little Bao’s scent. He… he seemed…

He smelled kind of rank!

Fu Cheng lay on his side on the bed, his brow suddenly furrowing as he sat up. His eyes flared with a red glow.

His probing gaze skipped over Lin Zao, who was sleeping in the middle, and fixed on Lin Xiaobao’s face opposite him.

Sure enough, it was him!

The kid was drooling. The saliva had stuck to the corner of his mouth and dried against his soft cheek, leaving a crusty white mark.

Rank! So rank!

Why did his drool smell so bad?

To a zombie with a hypersensitive nose, it was like a chemical weapon!

Fu Cheng held his breath and quickly lay back down. He pulled Lin Zao into his arms again, lowering his head to nuzzle his face closer.

Whatever. Rank or not, it was Little Zao’s kid—and this little guy had been here first.

He just wouldn’t sniff it. He’d focus on breathing in more of Little Zao’s sweet fragrance instead.

For the chance to sleep beside Little Zao, he could endure it!

Fu Cheng held Lin Zao tight, inhaling deeply as he pressed closer.

Until the bite guard strapped across his face bumped against Lin Zao’s neck, stopping him from getting any nearer.

This would have to do.

Fu Cheng was reluctant to close his eyes. If he did, he wouldn’t be able to see Little Zao anymore.

So he decided to sleep with his eyes open.

He lay on his side, his strong arm wrapped fully around Lin Zao’s waist beneath the covers.

His gaze lingered on the pale, smooth curve of Lin Zao’s neck, roaming up and down as his throat bobbed intensely.

Little Zao had been smart about this—putting an iron muzzle on him as a constant reminder not to bite. That was the only reason he’d been allowed into the bed.

Otherwise…

He would have pounced already, pinning Little Zao down and nibbling him over and over.

Fu Cheng stared intently at Lin Zao, completely entranced. All the rules Lin Zao had just taught him flew straight out of his mind.

His arm tightened. His chest pressed nearer.

He was about to break free of the bite guard’s restraint. He…

“Whimper…”

At that moment, Lin Zao let out a couple of soft whimpers from within his embrace.

Then Lin Zao kicked out hard with his leg, landing two solid thumps against him.

“It hurts… it hurts!”

Fu Cheng snapped back to reality and hurriedly loosened his grip, desperately recalling the controlled strength they’d practiced.

But the instant he let go, Lin Zao twisted away and scrambled out of reach.

He turned his back to Fu Cheng and hugged Lin Xiaobao tight, kicking his legs furiously.

It was like he was swimming, flailing across the bed.

Fu Cheng’s arms felt suddenly empty. He chased after him right away.

—Little Zao, what’s wrong?

—Help!

Lin Zao kept paddling. Fu Cheng kept pursuing.

—Little Zao, don’t go!

—No way, I have to!

Lin Zao paddled harder. Fu Cheng chased relentlessly.

All the way to the far edge of the bed, right up against the wall.

With nowhere left to flee, Lin Zao was finally cornered and fully boxed in by Fu Cheng.

Fu Cheng raised his hand and gently drew him back into his arms, encircling him once more.

Little Zao, he knew he’d messed up. Give him one more chance.

This time, he’d behave perfectly.

He’d reform properly and act like a good person.

Maybe it was the bed—shared with his wife and son—that was just too comfortable. Or maybe the sight of his soundly sleeping family was contagious.

Fu Cheng had been determined to sleep with his eyes open, but before he knew it, his eyelids drifted shut.

One arm around both Lin Zao and Lin Xiaobao, Fu Cheng shifted slightly upright and rested his chin atop Lin Zao’s head.

Breathing in Lin Zao’s fragrance like that, Fu Cheng finally slipped into slumber.

The wall clock ticked steadily onward.

The family of three on the bed snored away contentedly.

Some time later, Lin Xiaobao was the first to stir.

He let out a couple of “hmmphs” and blearily cracked his eyes open.

So cramped!

Why was it so cramped here? Had the bed shrunk, or was it the car seat?

Or had he gotten bigger?

Lin Xiaobao wriggled his bottom, carving out a bit of space, and laboriously flipped over.

He clambered up and sprawled across Dad, squinting as he surveyed his surroundings.

It was Dad! And Big Daddy!

The two of them lay side by side, hogging a huge chunk of the bed!

There was so much empty space behind Big Daddy, but he refused to scoot back. He had to squeeze in with them!

As a result, Lin Xiaobao was pinned against the wall, nearly flattened into a Little Bao pancake!

Glaring at the scene, Lin Xiaobao fumed. He stretched out his little arm, reached past Dad, and smacked Big Daddy’s shoulder hard.

Fu Cheng blinked awake in a daze and looked over at him.

Father and son locked eyes.

Lin Xiaobao pursed his lips and pointed at the empty space behind Big Daddy.

—Big Daddy, move over a bit!

Instead of retreating, Fu Cheng inched forward, hugging Lin Zao even tighter.

—No.

Lin Xiaobao stood on the bed, balled his tiny fists, and glowered at Fu Cheng. He ground his little milk teeth together furiously.

Big Daddy was so mean!

He didn’t care about Lin Xiaobao anymore, not when he could hug Dad!

Hate him! Time for some drastic measures!

Like—

The next second, Lin Xiaobao lifted his leg, trying to step over Dad in the middle.

But his legs were too short. He missed the stride, one foot landing on the covers, and down he went, plopping right onto Dad’s stomach.

“Oof—”

Lin Zao jolted awake, clutching his belly with a startled yelp.

He didn’t even need to open his eyes or look. He knew exactly who it was.

“Lin Xiaobao, what are you doing? I’m your dad, not a trampoline!”

“Sorry, Dad…”

Lin Xiaobao felt a little sheepish and mumbled his reply.

“I did it on purpose… no, it was an accident… um, an accident…”

He reached out his little hand to rub Dad’s belly.

Lin Zao grumbled, “It’s fine… all good now…”

Fu Cheng swiftly scooped Lin Xiaobao off.

Before he could think twice, his palm had already come down on Lin Xiaobao’s bottom.

—Little rascal, picking on Little Zao. Take that.

Lin Xiaobao whipped his head around, face stern, eyes wide with fury.

It’s all your fault, Big Daddy! You had to squeeze in!

You made me accidentally step on Dad!

Lin Xiaobao pouted and huffed, wriggling free from Fu Cheng’s hold. He dove headfirst into the gap between Lin Zao and Fu Cheng.

Like a little fish, he thrashed and twisted, burrowing determinedly.

He wedged himself between Dad and Big Daddy, forcing them apart!

Hmph!

No more squeezing him out—Dad and Big Daddy!

He’d squeeze them back with all his might!

Hmph hmph hmph!

The next moment, Lin Zao’s exasperated voice sounded from above him.

“Little Bao—” Lin Zao kept his eyes closed, looking utterly done with life. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing…” Lin Xiaobao went perfectly still in an instant. “Dad, I’m not doing anything.”

“Dad was up all night and hasn’t slept. Let Dad rest a bit more.”

“Um… sorry…”

Lin Xiaobao hung his head sheepishly, fiddling with his sleeve. Then he turned and poked Big Daddy.

Say something!

Big Daddy, don’t play mute—talk!

Fu Cheng watched him quietly and spread his hands.

He wasn’t playing mute. He really was mute now.

Little Zao’s mute groom.

Lin Xiaobao raised his little hand, looking defiant.

He knew Big Daddy could talk! Big Daddy called Dad’s name, and he even purred like a little dog!

Fu Cheng clamped his mouth shut and stayed silent.

Lin Zao dozed a bit longer, then called out again: “Little Bao.”

“Dad?” Lin Xiaobao leaned in close, cradling his chubby cheeks. “What is it?”

“If you’re hungry, there are leftover rice cakes and rice balls by the bedhead, plus some sugar water. Help yourself. Dad needs more sleep—don’t go running around.”

“Okay, got it.”

Lin Xiaobao patted his tummy and glanced at the clock.

He had no idea what time it was, but the sunlight streaming through the window suggested it was already noon.

He was pretty hungry, come to think of it.

Lin Xiaobao clambered onto the bed again, lifted his leg, and prepared to step over Big Daddy.

Then he sat down heavily—right on Big Daddy’s thigh.

Yup, this time it was on purpose!

Fair’s fair!

He’d landed on Dad by accident, so Big Daddy deserved a hit too!

Cheeks puffed out, Lin Xiaobao glared daggers at Fu Cheng.

Fu Cheng looked utterly unbothered. He lowered his head and gently stroked Lin Zao’s face.

He had no clue what the kid was up to, but that angry little face was the spitting image of Little Zao’s.

Lin Xiaobao drew breath for a big “hmph,” but held back so as not to wake Dad. Instead, he dipped his head and bonked Big Daddy with his iron-hard noggin.

Crime committed, he fled the scene.

Lin Xiaobao clambered over Big Daddy to the nightstand and lifted the small thermos cup with both hands.

Clutching it, he slid off the bed and dashed to the bathroom.

The water inside was still warm. Lin Xiaobao went to the sink, gave his mouth a quick rinse, and hurried back.

Dad hadn’t drawn water or squeezed toothpaste for him, and the little guy didn’t know how. This would have to do.

Back at the bedside, Lin Xiaobao stood on tiptoe and rummaged through the plastic bag on the nightstand.

Rice balls and rice cakes.

All made by Dad not long ago.

Lin Xiaobao hoisted himself onto the bed, grabbed a rice cake, and started munching.

Crunch crunch—

Crispy rice and fragrant veggies.

Even a day old, it was delicious!

Just a bit… dry. Kinda choked him up.

Like a little hamster, Lin Xiaobao nibbled the cake and sipped water.

Bite of cake, gulp of water, then a burp.

Following that routine, he polished off half a rice cake but couldn’t manage more.

Lin Xiaobao turned to put the rest away for later that night.

That’s when he spotted Big Daddy.

Big Daddy was awake now, cradling Dad against the headboard, frozen in place like a statue.

Hmm…

Should he share some food with Big Daddy?

Lin Xiaobao hesitated.

Big Daddy was so mean, always crowding him and Dad.

But Big Daddy was his Big Daddy, and he’d turned into a monster and all.

Big Daddy was so childish, while he was so mature. Better not stay mad.

Right—he was the family’s Little Mainstay!

With Dad still asleep, it was up to him to bring Big Daddy his meal!

Lin Xiaobao nodded firmly, resolve set. He carried the rice cake over to Big Daddy.

“Big Daddy, are you hungry? Want some?”

Fu Cheng glanced up at him and shook his head.

—Not hungry. No thanks.

But Lin Xiaobao didn’t get it. He tilted his head, eyeing the bite guard curiously.

“Big Daddy, what’s that?”

Fu Cheng shot a look at Lin Zao, then back at him.

—Little Zao’s token of our engagement.

Lin Xiaobao sighed. “Big Daddy, you’re so pitiful.”

Fu Cheng frowned, puzzled.

—What? How am I pitiful?

Say it again—this is Little Zao’s engagement token for me!

You don’t have one. Only I do!

How am I—

Lin Xiaobao said, “You can’t eat with that on.”

Er… well…

Fu Cheng faltered. That was true.

“No worries, Big Daddy. I’ll help you.”

Lin Xiaobao poked his stubby little finger through a gap in the bite guard, wiggling it.

“It fits! Big Daddy, I’ll feed you!”

Lin Xiaobao puffed out his chest proudly, the picture of righteousness.

He broke off a piece of rice cake and shoved it through the gap.

“Here, Big Daddy. Eat up.”

Fu Cheng kept his mouth shut, trying to refuse.

The kid probably hadn’t washed his hands or face.

He didn’t want it. He wanted Little Zao to feed him.

Too late.

Lin Xiaobao pressed the rice cake to his lips, determined to pry his mouth open.

“Big Daddy, eat! You’ll starve otherwise! Hurry!”

Fu Cheng held firm. Lin Xiaobao stomped in frustration.

The father-son standoff dragged on forever.

In the end, Fu Cheng surrendered.

He’d lost—to Little Zao’s kid.

With the bite guard limiting him, he couldn’t open wide.

He could only nibble the piece, tilt his head back to let it drop in, chew, and swallow.

The food was tasty, if a hassle to eat.

But Lin Xiaobao didn’t mind. He carefully crumbled the rice cake into tiny bits and fed them through.

“Big Daddy, another piece.”

“Big Daddy, I know you eat a lot.”

“Big Daddy, open wide—ahh—”

All those “Big Daddy”s softened Fu Cheng’s heart a little.

Fine. A bit of trouble was worth it—for Little Bao’s filial piety.

He grew more cooperative.

Some time later, Lin Xiaobao had fed Big Daddy two and a half rice cakes.

Lin Zao woke up too.

He rolled over, lying on his side next to Fu Cheng under the covers.

Propping his head on one hand, he covered a yawn with the other.

—What a scene: “Little Zao’s Spring Nap.”

Lin Xiaobao’s constant “Big Daddy” calls and Fu Cheng’s chewing had been noisy enough to wake him.

Lin Zao blinked away the sleep, amused as he watched the heartwarming father-son bonding.

—Thirty-something old dad, infected by zombie virus, mutates at home, struck mute, under strict control.

—Twenty-eight-year-old young dad, infected by lazy bug virus, bedridden and recovering, snoring away, hands-off parenting.

—Only the three-year-old mature little cub, smart and sensible, filial and brave, propping up this crumbling family with his tiny meaty hands—bringing blue skies!

And now, I declare the winner of the 3000-year “Touching Small City” Top Ten Figures award—

It’s him—it’s—

Lin Xiaobao!

Let’s give a huge round of applause as Little Bao takes the stage to accept his award! Everyone, clap!

“Pfft—” Lin Zao couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

He’d only been asleep for a short while, and these two had already created such a ridiculous scene.

However…

Lin Zao tilted his head, a nagging sense that something wasn’t quite right tugging at him.

Just then, Lin Xiaobao snapped off another piece of rice cake. He pinched it delicately between his fingers, pinky raised in refined fashion, and slipped it through the gap in the bite guard, bringing it right up to Fu Cheng’s mouth.

“Hey… hey!”

Lin Zao finally caught on. He let out a shout and lunged forward.

“Little Bao! You can’t touch Big Daddy’s mouth!”

“Brother Cheng! Don’t open your mouth—don’t you dare bite him!”