VFGRC Chapter 93

Breakfast was eaten too late, so Yu Bai couldn’t eat lunch. He returned to his bedroom and took a nap.

These days, Yu Bai lived in a daze, never waking up from sleep, and feeling exhausted when he did wake up.

But today, maybe it was because he had washed dishes and interacted with Ji Rongyu at noon. Slightly tired, Yu Bai lay down on the bed and fell asleep. This nap felt particularly comfortable.

Just as Yu Bai was in a half-dream half-awake state, he sensed someone gently pushing open his bedroom door.

Yu Bai’s eyelashes twitched. As he was about to open his eyes, a hand touched his cheek.

Then, a long sigh.

Ji Rongyu was sighing?

Yu Bai felt puzzled, but he didn’t open his eyes. Instead, he continued to lie in bed pretending to sleep.

Ji Rongyu sat by the edge of Yu Bai’s bed. His hand followed Yu Bai’s dark and thick hair, slowly moving down. His fingertips gently traced Yu Bai’s eyebrows and eyes, his tall nose…

Finally, Ji Rongyu’s fingertips paused on Yu Bai’s plump lips.

Ji Rongyu’s fingertips felt like a heated stick, scorching hot.

His fingertip pressed against Yu Bai’s warm lip, bringing an undeniable warmth.

Just as Yu Bai was about to open his eyes, Ji Rongyu’s fingertip touched his chest.

Under the blanket, Yu Bai’s fingertip moved slightly.

“Why…” Ji Rongyu’s voice was low and light, as if it would disappear the next second.

“It seems you don’t like me that much.”

“If…” Ji Rongyu’s palm rested on Yu Bai’s lower abdomen. “Without it, would you still be with me?”

Ji Rongyu’s voice carried a visible trace of desolation.

Since that accident, Ji Rongyu felt that the emotions between him and Yu Bai had skyrocketed.

When Ji Rongyu was in the hospital, Yu Bai, who lived in the same hospital, would visit his room every day.

They would cuddle together like the most intimate lovers and share kisses.

However, it was only to this extent.

Watching the child in Yu Bai’s belly grow day by day, Ji Rongyu found himself happy to have his and Yu Bai’s child, yet also trapped in confusion.

Did Yu Bai choose to be with him because of the child?

Did Yu Bai truly like him?

If Yu Bai hadn’t gotten pregnant, would he still be with him?

Especially during this period, Yu Bai repeatedly used the excuse of the child to prevent him from getting closer.

This suspicion in Ji Rongyu’s heart had reached its limit.

Yu Bai’s love for the child seemed to surpass his love for Ji Rongyu.

However, asking Yu Bai who he loved more between himself and the child was too childish a question.

Ji Rongyu lacked the courage to ask Yu Bai. He was afraid that the sweetness he had fallen into in these days was just a bubble formed by the “child” excuse.

Forget it.

Ji Rongyu thought.

Even if Yu Bai likes the child more, that’s his chance.

He should firmly grasp this opportunity and make Yu Bai fall in love with him again.

But…

Ji Rongyu’s fingertip lightly tapped Yu Bai’s lower abdomen.

This child, who hasn’t even been born yet, is already liked by Yu Bai and that little rascal who went against him before.

It’s really so envy-inducing!

“Little rascal, I’m your first dad,” Ji Rongyu leaned over Yu Bai’s belly and whispered softly, “When you’re born, you better help me…”

Like helping him deal with the little rascal, helping him pursue Yu Bai, helping him…

“Ji Rongyu, what are you calling it?”

“I’m calling it… huh?”

Ji Rongyu’s voice abruptly stopped.

Slowly lifting his head, Ji Rongyu met Yu Bai’s inquisitive gaze.

Ji Rongyu blushed, immediately straightened up, and spoke seriously about unrelated matters.

Ji Rongyu: “Yu Bai, why did you wake up so early? Didn’t you sleep a bit longer?”

Why did Yu Bai wake up now? Did he disturb him? Did Yu Bai hear the words he said earlier?

No, no. If Yu Bai heard what he said earlier, he would have reacted already.

So when did Yu Bai actually wake up?

Ji Rongyu nervously lowered his head, his phoenix eyes fixedly staring at his own knees.

“If I had slept a bit longer, how would I have heard you calling it… ‘little rascal’?”

Yu Bai playfully flicked Ji Rongyu’s head.

“Hiss—”

Ji Rongyu sucked in a breath of cold air, wincing as he held his head in pain.

“You, calling it that way, made it unhappy. It was kicking in my belly a moment ago!”

Ji Rongyu: “It doesn’t have ears, so how could it know what I’m saying…”

“It’s already been four months, and the doctor said it has developed hearing!” Yu Bai said, “You boldly speaking ill of it in front of its face, how could Xiaobao be happy?”

“And, Ji Rongyu, you call it ‘little rascal,’ but doesn’t ‘little rascal’ need to have ‘rascal’ in front of it? This ‘rascal’…”

Yu Bai squinted his apricot eyes. “You weren’t calling Xing Xing ‘little rascal,’ right?”

Ji Rongyu firmly closed his mouth and innocently blinked at Yu Bai.

If Yu Bai were to find out that he had been calling Xing Xing “little rascal” behind his back all the time, Yu Bai would definitely not let him off the hook!

“Don’t pretend in front of me; covering up is explaining,” Yu Bai said, “I know Xing Xing and you have issues. But you’re an adult, adults have tolerance. You should teach Xing Xing properly; you’re his dad too…”

Ji Rongyu hugged Yu Bai, resting his chin on Yu Bai’s shoulder.

“I also want to get along well with him. But, but…” Ji Rongyu looked aggrieved, “He has never liked me and doesn’t want to accept me. Up until now, he hasn’t called me ‘dad’ even once. Yu Bai, you don’t know, Xing Xing has been calling me ‘bad uncle’ behind my back…”

Since the matter of him calling Xing Xing ‘little rascal’ was exposed, he had to pull that little rascal into this mess too!

After all… the one who has to bear Yu Bai’s anger shouldn’t be only him!

“What? Xing Xing has been calling you ‘bad uncle’ all along? Is that true? Xing Xing doesn’t seem like such an impolite child!”

Ji Rongyu’s voice lowered. “Absolutely true. Ever since I came to your house, he’s been calling me that, and he’s still doing it now…”

“This child!”

Yu Bai knew that Xing Xing and Ji Rongyu’s relationship had always been average, but during this period, he had been trying his best to mend the relationship between Xing Xing and Ji Rongyu.

However, it seemed that repairing the father-son relationship between Xing Xing and Ji Rongyu might not be as easy as he thought.

But, Xing Xing’s relationship with Ji Rongyu in front of him had always been good. Yu Bai had privately asked Xing Xing if he liked Ji Rongyu. While Xing Xing hadn’t explicitly stated that he liked Ji Rongyu, based on Xing Xing’s expression, he probably didn’t dislike him.

Could it be that Xing Xing deliberately pretended not to dislike Ji Rongyu in front of him?

But why would Xing Xing do that? Xing Xing was still young; how could he have such a two-faced personality in front and behind him?

Thinking about this, Yu Bai paused.

If… Xing Xing was like the antagonist in a novel, cunning and scheming, it would be possible for him to have countless hidden motives.

However, Xing Xing’s life trajectory had already deviated significantly from the one in the book.

Xing Xing didn’t go to that private orphanage, and he didn’t experience abuse. Instead, he grew up under his careful nurturing.

So, where did the problem arise?

When Yu Bai was pondering this question, his second child in his belly kicked him gently, as if to say not to dwell on this matter.

Yu Bai held his belly.

Ji Rongyu: “Is your stomach hurting?”

“No, no,” Yu Bai said, “It’s just that the baby kicked me a couple of times, and my stomach feels a bit uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable? Then just lie down…” Ji Rongyu said, “By the way, I just brought in a bowl of porridge that Aunt Cai made. She said it’s good for soothing the stomach. Since you didn’t have lunch, maybe your stomach will feel better after you drink it.”

Yu Bai sat up again and started to drink the porridge.

Ji Rongyu sat by Yu Bai’s bed, watching Yu Bai drink porridge.

However, when Ji Rongyu’s gaze fell on Yu Bai’s slightly protruding belly, his expression seemed a bit forlorn.

Yu Bai, who noticed Ji Rongyu’s gaze, paused while drinking the porridge.

“Ji Rongyu, I didn’t get together with you because of the child.”

Ji Rongyu was lost in his thoughts. “Oh…”

Once he grasped the meaning behind Yu Bai’s words, Ji Rongyu exclaimed, “Ah? Yu Bai, you…”

“From the moment you entered my room, I was already awake. So, I heard everything you said,” Yu Bai said, “I like you, and it has nothing to do with the child.”

Yu Bai continued, “Liking someone isn’t as simple as just liking them. There’s usually an accumulation of feelings…”

At this point, Yu Bai’s face turned slightly red.

He set down the bowl in his hand and turned his head to look out the window.

Yu Bai said, “I’ve had positive feelings toward you for a while, but it wasn’t until that rainy night… the accumulated feelings burst forth, and that’s when I realized I liked you.”

Yu Bai had never analyzed his emotions toward others like this before. When he said these words, his face turned red and hot.

“So don’t overthink it. My liking for the baby is one thing, and my liking for you is another.”

“Also, didn’t I say that after we got together, you should tell me everything directly? But you’ve kept your thoughts to yourself again. If it wasn’t for the fact that I couldn’t sleep and heard what you said, we might have ended up in conflict again…”

Yu Bai looked at Ji Rongyu, and the murmuring at his mouth ceased.

He saw Ji Rongyu’s pitch-black eyes, shining like stars in the night sky, with an unusual brightness.

Yu Bai said, “Ji Rongyu, why are you looking at me with such a strange expression?”

It seemed like he wanted to devour him.

The next moment, Ji Rongyu hugged Yu Bai tightly, lowered his head, and “bit” Yu Bai’s cheek fiercely.

“Yu Bai, turns out you like me this much too… I’m so happy.”

Ji Rongyu fervently kissed and lightly nipped Yu Bai’s forehead, cheeks, lips… every inch of his skin, then slowly moved downward.

“Rongyu…”

Ji Rongyu lifted his head, his phoenix eyes containing moist and emotional gazes as he looked at Yu Bai.

Ji Rongyu pressed against his hoarse throat. “I won’t go in.”

Yu Bai clenched his white teeth and bit his lower lip, closing his eyes and nodding vigorously.

A radiant smile immediately graced Ji Rongyu’s lips. He straightened up and leaned against Yu Bai’s ear, his breath gently wafting over, causing Yu Bai’s earlobes to itch uncontrollably and his body to tremble slightly.

In a hushed voice, Ji Rongyu added a hint of playfulness, “Let’s keep it quiet and not go in, so it won’t affect your prenatal education…”

“Ji Rongyu!”

Yu Bai formed a fist with his right hand and playfully thumped Ji Rongyu’s shoulder in embarrassment.

“At a time like this, why bring up prenatal education? Be careful, I won’t let—”

Yu Bai’s voice was interrupted by a kiss.

Yu Bai thought that if Ji Rongyu didn’t join in, he wouldn’t be too exhausted.

However…

Ji Rongyu had abstained from such activities for a long time, and now that he indulged in them, all the pent-up energy from several months seemed to be released on this one day.

In certain aspects, Yu Bai, who was as innocent as a blank sheet of paper, was shocked into speechlessness by the fanciness with which Ji Rongyu played with him. Or rather, in the second half, Yu Bai didn’t even have the strength to open his mouth. He lay on the bed in a dazed and exhausted state, while Ji Rongyu remained full of energy!

Was this the difference between someone who exercises regularly and someone who doesn’t?!

At this moment, Yu Bai even entertained the thought of kicking Ji Rongyu away and avoiding such encounters.

If he gave birth to their second child… with Ji Rongyu’s “energetic” stamina, wouldn’t he be completely worn out by Ji Rongyu’s antics?

“Yu Bai, let’s do it again!” Ji Rongyu’s phoenix eyes glittered brightly. “Don’t worry, this time you won’t need to do the work… I’ll do it for you…”

Just as Ji Rongyu was about to pounce again, Yu Bai summoned the last of his strength and fiercely kicked Ji Rongyu’s chest.

Yu Bai: “Get lost!”

Yu Bai’s slender, attractive thighs dropped weakly onto the bed, and his delicate skin had been rubbed to a rosy hue, as if it might tear at any moment.

Ji Rongyu blinked his eyes, his hand rubbing his chest. “Yu Bai, I never knew you were into this kind of play… I like it too, but I don’t have any props…”

Yu Bai coldly shot him a glare, metaphorically throwing a knife at him.

Only then did Ji Rongyu close his mouth, standing up. “Um, I’ll go prepare hot water for you to bathe…”

Yu Bai finally diverted his gaze. Lifting his chin slightly, he said, “Go ahead.”

Ji Rongyu stood up, then turned back. “I… Should I join you? It might be inconvenient for you to bathe alone…”

“I’m just tired, not disabled.” Yu Bai squinted his eyes. “Say another word, and I might just…”

Ji Rongyu immediately turned and fled.

Yu Bai collapsed onto the bed.

Exhausted beyond measure, he had only one thought at this moment.

Today would be the last time.

Until their second child was born… Ji Rongyu, hmph, don’t even think about another time!!

By the way, being together with Ji Rongyu was something that really needed further consideration.

After all… such an *intimate* life was disharmonious and significantly affecting the quality of life!!!

Ji Rongyu finished preparing the bathwater and returned to Yu Bai’s bedroom, only to find Yu Bai already asleep on the bed, looking worn out.

Watching Yu Bai’s exhausted appearance, Ji Rongyu felt a bit guilty as he gently touched Yu Bai’s cheek.

This time, he had been too excited and lost his self-control.

For the next time, he absolutely needed to restrain himself! The future was long, after all.

Ji Rongyu was about to bend down and pick up the sleeping Yu Bai when he noticed Yu Bai’s lips moving, as if he was talking in his sleep.

Ji Rongyu leaned closer, and only then did he catch what Yu Bai was saying:

“Ji Rongyu, go away.”

Ji Rongyu: *sniffle*

—

“Galaxy Snack Shop” gradually found its footing in the business world. By the end of the year, the second branch of “Galaxy Snack Shop” was as popular as the main store. At the same time, preparations were underway for the third, fourth, fifth… nth branches.

The commercial prospects of “Galaxy Snack Shop” were promising, and numerous food investors wanted a stake in the business. They wanted “Galaxy Snack Shop” to open franchise branches, expanding the brand nationwide.

While franchising could rapidly increase brand visibility, Yu Bai couldn’t guarantee control over aspects like employee service and food quality.

Currently, “Galaxy Snack Shop” had already established its reputation nationwide due to its exceptional taste. Moreover, to be honest, Yu Bai wasn’t in need of money now; he just wanted to manage his snack shop well and not pursue quick gains.

Yu Bai straightforwardly declined the tempting offers from other food investors, focusing on the slow and steady development plan he had established with Chen Jing.

Of course, there was another reason for Yu Bai’s direct refusal.

That reason was…

Their second child was about to be born!

Approaching the due date, Yu Bai checked into the hospital early.

This wasn’t his first time having a child, but from the time he became pregnant to giving birth, everything was different from when he had Xing Xing.

This time, he had a partner accompanying him.

Once he entered the delivery room and was under anesthesia, Yu Bai quickly slipped into unconsciousness, just like he did when he gave birth to Xing Xing for the first time.

When Yu Bai opened his eyes again, he found himself in a brightly lit hospital room.

Soon after, several heads rushed over to him.

“Yu Bai, are you alright? How do you feel now?”

“You finally woke up! Is there anything you want to eat?”

“Daddy! Daddy! I saw Xiaobao! Do you want to see Xiaobao too?”

Xing Xing’s voice instantly caught Yu Bai’s attention.

Indeed, the thing Yu Bai wanted to do most right now was to see the newborn child.

“Where’s the baby?”

Yu Bai’s voice was a bit hoarse from not drinking water for a long time.

“Xiaobao is with the nurse sister!” Xing Xing said. “The nurse sister said Xiaobao is too fragile right now! We can only see Xiaobao for a short while tomorrow… but I can tell Daddy what Xiaobao looks like…”

Yu Bai smiled. “Tell me then.”

Yu Bai entered the cesarean section delivery room. Although it was on the same floor as the regular delivery room, they were in different directions.

However, while waiting for Yu Bai’s cesarean section, Xing Xing had once lingered near the door of the regular delivery room out of curiosity.

Xing Xing had heard the adults around him say that newborns were small and skinny, their skin wrinkled, their faces red and puffy, looking like hairless little monkeys, not cute at all. They would slowly start opening their eyes a few days after birth.

Xing Xing was prepared for the baby to not look good right after birth.

Anyway, no matter what the baby looked like, it was the most precious baby to Xing Xing, the baby he would always cherish!

With this in mind, Xing Xing eagerly awaited the opening of the cesarean section room.

A doctor in surgical attire emerged from the room, holding a swaddled baby in their arms, and hurriedly walked out.

“The child is born, a baby boy,” the doctor said. “You can only take a quick look; you can’t hold him. We’ll bring him to the delivery room in a little while…”

Xing Xing tiptoed, eagerly looking at the swaddled bundle.

To Xing Xing’s surprise, the baby in the swaddled bundle looked exceptionally cute. He was fair and tender, resembling a soft little bun. He had big eyes and a small mouth…

Xing Xing widened his eyes, trying to memorize every detail of his little brother’s appearance.

But before Xing Xing could finish observing, the doctor took the baby away.

“But, Xiaobao is really cute!” Xing Xing pouted in frustration. “When will Xiaobao learn to talk and call me ‘big brother’?”

“Xiaobao has just been born, so he definitely can’t talk yet. Xing Xing, if you’re patient, you’ll eventually hear Xiaobao call you ‘big brother.'”

After chatting with Yu Bai andXing Xing for a while, Yu Bai regained some strength.

Before long, a nurse brought the baby into the hospital room.

Newborn babies were tiny, with bones that seemed soft all over, making them appear fragile and easy to break with just a little mishap.

When Yu Bai held the baby, his movements naturally became gentle.

Xing Xing leaned in, blinking his round almond-shaped eyes.

“Huh? How come after a day, the baby’s eyes got smaller?”

The nurse on the side smiled and said, “Babies change day by day right after birth.”

“I clearly remember that his eyes were round when he was just born,” Xing Xing gestured with his small hand, “and now they seem… longer?”

“That’s perfectly normal,” the nurse explained. “Some babies might have double eyelids when they’re born but develop single eyelids as they grow up.”

“I see… Oh!”

Xing Xing looked at the baby in the swaddled bundle.

Baby, even though your eyes aren’t as round and big as mine, big brother will never find you lacking! In my heart, you’re the most beautiful baby in the whole world!

The swaddled baby slept soundly, completely unaware of Xing Xing’s gaze.

Yu Bai chuckled. “Long eyes… they look like phoenix eyes.”

With that, Yu Bai glanced in Ji Rongyu’s direction.

Yu Bai waved at Ji Rongyu. “Come and take a look. Isn’t the baby’s appearance quite similar to yours?”

Before Ji Rongyu could approach, the hospital room door swung open. Accompanied by a pile of nourishing soup, Rong An pushed past Ji Rongyu, getting to Yu Bai’s side.

“Hey, the baby is here?!” Rong An exclaimed with delight. “You know what? This baby really looks like Xiao Yu… No! He looks exactly like how Xiao Yu looked when he was a baby… Those long, slender eyes, thick eyebrows, and big eyes. Well… of course, the baby looks even more beautiful! Xiao Yu was quite ugly when he was just born!”

Ji Rongyu, who had been pushed aside by Rong An: …

After being criticized by his own mother so many times, Ji Rongyu’s heart no longer wavered upon hearing such comments.

After holding the baby for a while, Rong An passed the baby over to Ji Rongyu.

“Want to give it a try?”

Ji Rongyu hesitated for a moment. He knew he had a strong grip, and with such a tiny baby, there was a risk of accidentally hurting him.

But… this little bundle emitting the scent of milk, it looked kind of adorable.

“Shall I give it a try?”

Ji Rongyu reached out his hands, but as soon as his hands touched the swaddled bundle, the peacefully sleeping baby furrowed his brows and pouted his lips.

The next moment, he started crying.

“Waaaaaaah!!!”

The earth-shattering sound of the baby’s cries startled Ji Rongyu, and he quickly withdrew his hands.

“Oh, oh, oh, baby, don’t cry,” Rong An gently patted the baby’s back, soothing him.

Tears welled up in the baby’s beautiful ink-black eyes as he made soft whimpering sounds.

Rong An looked at his own son with disdain. “You, seriously, why are you so unlikable to children? Even the baby doesn’t want you to hold him. Who knows if you’ve secretly bullied the baby behind our backs!”

Ji Rongyu: ?

He bullied the baby? God knows, he’s only seen the baby twice in total.

Once at the entrance of the delivery room, and now! He hasn’t had the chance to bully the baby at all!

The baby’s crying gradually subsided, but he continued to make soft whimpering sounds.

The nurse helped with a quick examination.

However, there was no discomfort in the baby’s body, and his diaper was dry. In theory, there shouldn’t be any reason for him to feel uncomfortable.

Xing Xing: “Could the baby be hungry?”

“We just fed him before coming here,” the nurse puzzled. “At this time, he shouldn’t be hungry!”

Nevertheless, despite the confusion, the nurse attempted to bring a bottle to the baby’s lips.

Enticed by the scent of milk, the baby immediately latched onto the nipple, earnestly drinking from the bottle. He stopped crying and fussing.

Xing Xing supported his chin with his little paw, his round ink-black eyes fixed on the scene of the baby peacefully drinking from the bottle.

Oh my goodness! So, the baby is a foodie after all!

---

TL’s note: Poor Rongyu. Always roasted by his own mother HAHAHAHAHHHAHA in a comical way… xD