IWHBDR Chapter 40

Shen Huaixiu patted the alpaca’s head and said, “Go ahead and pet it. Atuo is very obedient.”

Rong Shu turned his head away. “I’m not petting that little demon that’s trying to steal you from me!”

Shen Huaixiu laughed at his words and looked at him. “You’re even jealous of an alpaca? Atuo isn’t the little demon, you are.”

Rong Shu hooked his arm around Shen Huaixiu’s neck and asked, “So, as the little demon, have I bewitched you completely?”

“You have,” Shen Huaixiu nodded honestly. “But are you sure you don’t want to pet it? It feels really nice.”

Rong Shu glanced at Atuo, who was staring at him. The alpaca had beautiful eyes with long, curled lashes that fluttered like little fans when it blinked. “Fine, I’ll give it a try.”

Feigning reluctance, Rong Shu reached out toward Atuo. Maybe because he carried Shen Huaixiu’s scent, the alpaca quickly accepted him, rubbing against him affectionately.

The alpaca’s soft fur really did feel nice to the touch. Rong Shu couldn’t help but stroke it twice.

Shen Huaixiu chuckled, took Rong Shu’s hand, and patted Atuo’s backside. “Lead the way.”

Upon hearing Shen Huaixiu’s command, Atuo turned around and happily trotted ahead.

However, it was so dark that when the alpaca moved into an unlit area, it was almost invisible.

“Why is it so attached to you?”

“I took care of it for a while when it was young.”

Hearing this, Rong Shu felt a twinge of jealousy again. Shen Huaixiu noticed his pout and laughed, patting his head. “How about from now on, I only take care of you?”

“Now that sounds better.” Rong Shu, who was easily coaxed, immediately beamed.

He was easy to appease.

The two of them arrived at the villa, where an elderly butler stood at the entrance. Seeing them, he greeted them with a smile, “Young Master, it’s been a while since you last returned. Is everything well?”

“Uncle Cheng, I’m doing great. This is my Omega, Rong Shu.”

“Hello, Young Master Rong. Welcome. Dinner is already prepared.”

Uncle Cheng smiled and bowed slightly to Rong Shu.

“Hello, Uncle Cheng.”

“Uncle Cheng, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I’ll take him to the room first.”

“Of course, Young Master. I’ll await you both in the dining room.”

Shen Huaixiu led Rong Shu upstairs, opened a door, and said, “You’ll rest here tonight. My room is right next door.”

Standing at the doorway, Rong Shu turned to look at him. “You tricked me into coming back just to leave me in an empty room alone? Shen Huaixiu, I don’t care, I’m sleeping with you.”

Seeing the boy clinging to him, unwilling to let go, Shen Huaixiu wrapped an arm around his waist. “Are you really not afraid I’ll do something to you?”

“Why should I be afraid? Go ahead!”

Rong Shu boldly challenged him. Shen Huaixiu flicked his forehead. “Behave yourself.”

Despite his words, he still took Rong Shu to his own room. As soon as they entered, Rong Shu spotted a large bed, big enough for four people. Pointing at the bed, he said, “You have such a big bed and you wanted me to sleep next door?”

Was the bed size the issue here?

Shen Huaixiu pulled him over to the wardrobe. “Pick whatever clothes you like. After you take a shower, we’ll go down for dinner.”

Seeing him about to leave, Rong Shu immediately asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to shower next door,” Shen Huaixiu replied, then quickly added, “Now shut up and go take your bath like a good boy.”

Rong Shu smiled mischievously. “Why are you telling me to shut up? Afraid of what I might say?”

Shen Huaixiu really didn’t know what to do with him.

One day, he would make sure Rong Shu was too exhausted to even get out of bed.

After his shower, Rong Shu walked out of the room. The grand castle was brightly lit. As he descended the stairs, he overheard Shen Huaixiu talking to Uncle Cheng. “Is everything ready?”

“Don’t worry, Young Master. Everything’s been arranged. Young Master Rong,” Uncle Cheng greeted with a smile, stepping back slightly when he saw Rong Shu.

Rong Shu gave him a smile before wrapping his arms around Shen Huaixiu’s neck and hanging onto him. “What were you two just talking about? What are you preparing?”

“Nothing. Come eat,” Shen Huaixiu said, giving his cat ears a playful pinch as he led him to the dining table.

The moment Rong Shu sat down, his eyes lit up. “Hot pot! I thought you’d do something fancy like steak or foie gras, but hot pot is perfect!”

He had been craving it for a while but hadn’t had the time to indulge. Sure, steak and foie gras were fancy, but they didn’t hold a candle to the simple pleasure of hot pot.

“As long as Young Master Rong likes it. We’ve prepared both tomato broth and spicy broth. But if you prefer something else, we can change it.”

Uncle Cheng, standing beside him, lifted the lid off the copper pot.

“Thank you, Uncle Cheng, this is perfect. No need to be polite, I’ll help myself.”

“Let him do it,” Shen Huaixiu said. Uncle Cheng stepped aside with a kind smile, watching over them with affection.

The hot pot broth was excellent and Rong Shu couldn’t stop eating. Even though the spice made it a bit intense, he found it thrilling.

By the end, Shen Huaixiu was personally serving him.

Watching the boy’s lips turn red from the spice and noticing the sweat forming on the tip of his nose, Shen Huaixiu could tell how much he was enjoying it. “Slow down. It’s all yours.”

“I am eating slowly already. Your chef’s really good—the broth is amazing.”

“If you like it, we can have it more often. Here, drink some juice.”

Rong Shu accepted the pear juice, its sweet and cool flavor soothing his throat. Smiling, he licked his lips and asked, “By the way, besides this, what other plans have you made?”

Shen Huaixiu met his gaze, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Why don’t you guess?”

“I’m not guessing,” Rong Shu said confidently, his tone both proud and certain. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll just wait. It’s obviously something prepared for me. I’ll find out sooner or later.” His smug, self-assured look made Shen Huaixiu find him irresistibly adorable.

“Mm, then wait and see if it’s something you’ll like.”

“I knew you were planning a surprise.” Rong Shu popped a fish ball into his mouth. “Mmm, this fish ball is delicious—so chewy and tender. I want another plate.”

“No way, you’ve already eaten plenty. It’s getting late and you’ll need to rest soon. If you like it, you can have more next time, okay?” Shen Huaixiu leaned in to coax him. Rong Shu, being someone who gave in easily when cajoled, nodded without hesitation. “Alright, since you’re so good-looking, I’ll agree.”

Shen Huaixiu chuckled and playfully poked his cat ears. “Let’s go for a walk later. You’ve eaten so much, it’ll help with digestion, or you might get an upset stomach.”

“I don’t want to move.”

“Just a short stroll.”

“Fine, I really can’t say no to you.” Rong Shu patted his now-round belly and stood up. “Uncle Cheng, dinner was amazing. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Young Master Rong. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I have to thank you properly, so next time you’ll remember my preferences,” Rong Shu said with a grin. Uncle Cheng smiled and nodded. “Understood. I’ll prepare extra fish balls for you next time.”

“Thank you, Uncle Cheng.”

“Stop teasing Uncle Cheng. Let’s go for a walk.” Shen Huaixiu held his hand and led him outside. As soon as they stepped out, Atuo came trotting over, holding a bunch of strawberries in its mouth.

Rong Shu raised his hand and called out, “Atuo!”

The alpaca trotted over and offered the strawberries to him. “Are these for me?”

After Rong Shu took the strawberries, Atuo stepped back and nodded its big head up and down.

“Alright, since you’ve given me a gift, I’ll like you a little more.” Rong Shu laughed and reached out to rub Atuo’s fluffy head, enjoying the soft, furry texture.

The evening breeze was a bit chilly, so Shen Huaixiu thoughtfully asked Uncle Cheng to bring over a coat and draped it over Rong Shu’s shoulders. “It’s cold at night.”

“Did you use to live here?” Rong Shu asked.

“I lived here for a while when I was little, but not anymore.”

“Where did you live after that?” Rong Shu was curious about Shen Huaixiu’s past.

Shen Huaixiu’s lips curled into a slight smile. “I was sent out to fend for myself. I lived all over.”

“That must have been tough,” Rong Shu mused, unable to imagine how a young child managed to survive on their own. The Shen family’s way of raising children was cruel—those who survived were capable and those who didn’t were left to perish. It was harsh.

“It’s all in the past,” Shen Huaixiu said as he wrapped his arm around Rong Shu. “I’m doing great now. I’ve never been better.”

Rong Shu leaned in and kissed him. “Shen Huaixiu, I’ll be really good to you.”

Shen Huaixiu could sense the boy’s tenderness and concern. His once cold, hardened heart softened in an instant. “Alright.”

After dinner and a short walk, the fresh air here was much better than in the city. Rong Shu stretched leisurely and smiled. “This feels great. It’s really nice here.”

What made it even better was having the person he loved by his side.

Shen Huaixiu was pleased by his answer. “If we lived here together, would you be willing?”

Rong Shu was taken aback for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Are you proposing?”

“Would you like it?” Shen Huaixiu didn’t answer his question, instead gazing into his eyes expectantly.

“Of course, wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. What’s the point of even asking?”

Rong Shu thought Shen Huaixiu’s question was strange. After answering, he rolled his eyes, adorably cute in his exasperation.

Shen Huaixiu nodded. “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”

“Why ask me that and not explain why?”

Shen Huaixiu smiled, slipping Rong Shu’s hand into his pocket. “You’ll know tomorrow. Can’t wait until then?”

“Yeah, I can’t wait! What should I do?”

Shen Huaixiu pulled him into his arms and kissed him.

The next morning, when Rong Shu woke up in the large bed, Shen Huaixiu was already gone. Hearing the sound of water running in the bathroom, Rong Shu got out of bed, barefoot, and knocked on the bathroom door. “Shen Huaixiu.”

The water stopped at the sound of his voice, followed by the soft click of the door opening. Shen Huaixiu peeked out and asked, “What’s up?”

Rong Shu’s eyes lit up. “You’re taking a shower? I want to join.”

Shen Huaixiu was amused by the eager look in his eyes and gently shut the door behind him. “No, I’m almost done.”

Rong Shu pouted and lightly slapped the door. “So stingy.”

Without making a fuss, Rong Shu got dressed and left the room.

Outside, the weather was sunny and bright, the kind of day that naturally puts people in a good mood.

Seeing him come downstairs, Uncle Cheng smiled and asked, “Young Master Rong, not sleeping in a little longer?”

Rong Shu greeted him, “Good morning! No, it’s rare to get a break. Uncle Cheng, what fun things are there to do around here?”

“It depends on what Young Master Rong enjoys. We have hot springs and a ranch with lots of animals. When the young master comes down, he can take you to explore.”

“Sounds good! But Uncle Cheng, what has Shen Huaixiu secretly asked you to prepare? Come on, tell me. I promise I won’t tell him.”

Clearly, that was his real reason for coming downstairs.

Uncle Cheng chuckled and replied, “What the young master has arranged is a surprise for you, Young Master Rong. I wouldn’t dare spoil it. You’ll have to see for yourself.”

Just then, Shen Huaixiu came downstairs and overheard the conversation. “Ahem!”

Rong Shu immediately bounced up and, acting as if nothing had happened, went over to him. “You’re done? Uncle Cheng said there’s a hot spring and a ranch. Will you take me later?”

 

Author’s note:

Rong Shu: I smell a surprise coming!

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Moonlit: What do you guys think the surprise would be?