Zai Zai?
Gu Chenyan was rarely stunned.
Then his breathing became heavier by a fraction, and he subconsciously held his breath. His gaze is firmly fixed on Qiao Shu’s belly.
Cautious and serious.
Qiao Shu, on the other hand, was enveloped in immense surprise after the stillness. He joyfully grabbed Gu Chenyan’s hand and placed it on his belly.
Qiao Shu: “How is it?”
Qiao Shu: “Did you feel anything?”
Qiao Shu: “Just now, Zai Zai moved right here, a gentle movement, a super cute little action.”
Qiao Shu looked at Gu Chenyan with shining eyes.
Gu Chenyan pursed his lips.
His hand gently covered Qiao Shu’s belly, his brows furrowing in concentration as he tried to sense.
One second, two seconds…
Qiao Shu: “Did you feel it?”
Gu Chenyan: “…”
He raised his head, lips pressed tightly together. “I didn’t feel anything.”
Qiao Shu: “Ah?”
Qiao Shu pulled away Gu Chenyan’s hand, placing his own hand back on his belly to feel carefully.
However…
He pouted, “Zai Zai, move again. Say hello to Daddy.”
“Zai Zai?”
“Zai Zai?”
Gu Chenyan looked at Qiao Shu who was communicating earnestly with the little one, and chuckled lightly. He reached out and rubbed Qiao Shu’s head, “Zai Zai might be tired at this size.”
Qiao Shu pouted, “I still wanted you to feel our Zai Zai. Zai Zai is so adorable.”
Gu Chenyan: “No rush.”
Gu Chenyan: “Zai Zai is still young.”
Qiao Shu: Sigh
Gu Chenyan: “Why sigh?”
Qiao Shu blinked, “I just want Zai Zai to grow up quickly. I want to see him soon.”
Qiao Shu: “But Zai Zai is really thoughtful.”
Qiao Shu: “So cute and thoughtful.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu smiled proudly, “Zai Zai knew today is Daddy’s birthday, so he moved immediately to greet Daddy.”
Qiao Shu: “Just that little movement melted my heart, ahhh!”
“So adorable.” Gu Chenyan commented, watching Qiao Shu smile gently.
Although Zai Zai only moved once and didn’t move again, Qiao Shu was still excited. He enthusiastically chatted with Zai Zai even while having breakfast.
He waved a dumpling that he had taken a bite out of in front of his belly, “Did you see, Zai Zai? This is called a dumpling. Daddy is eating corn and pork dumplings. They’re super delicious and the corn kernels are sweet.”
Qiao Shu: “When you come out, Daddy will feed you too.”
Qiao Shu: “And this doughnut…”
He chattered on and on, to the extent that this breakfast took an especially long time.
Qiao Shu contentedly rubbed his belly, while Gu Chenyan got up to tidy up the bowls and chopsticks in the kitchen, then washed his hands and came out.
Qiao Shu wandered around the living room, looking at each cute animal-shaped balloon, his steps light and his expression joyful. “Mr. Gu, what time did you get up this morning to prepare these?”
Qiao Shu: “So many balloons.”
Qiao Shu: “It must have taken a lot of time, right?”
Gu Chenyan: “It’s alright.”
Gu Chenyan: “I used a machine.”
Qiao Shu suddenly covered his mouth. His eyes and eyebrows curved.
Gu Chenyan: “What’s so funny?”
Seeing he was caught, Qiao Shu put down his hand and tilted his head back to laugh, “I just remembered how Mr. Gu blew up balloons when we were recording the program.” He took out his phone from his pocket and shook it in front of Gu Chenyan, “I even took a picture.”
Qiao Shu: “Does Mr. Gu want to see?”
Gu Chenyan helplessly said, “You…”
Qiao Shu: “Come on, take a look.”
He opened his phone with a smile. He scrolled through the photo album, found the picture of Gu Chenyan blowing up balloons, and couldn’t help but laugh. He poked the puffed-up cheeks in the photo, “Hardworking Mr. Gu is so cute, haha!”
Gu Chenyan looked at it.
In the photo, his cheeks were puffed up blowing the balloon somewhat awkwardly.
He glanced at it and couldn’t help but laugh.
He had never experienced something like this before.
He looked at Qiao Shu, who was smiling happily, with tender eyes: all these were brought to him by his little husband.
He reached out and rubbed Qiao Shu’s head, asking, “How do you want to spend today at home?”
Qiao Shu blinked.
Feeling somewhat puzzled.
He had mentioned his birthday at Disneyland that day, and his only thought was to celebrate at home, with his family. But he hadn’t really thought about how he wanted to spend it.
Qiao Shu: “I don’t know.”
Gu Chenyan: “It’s okay. We have the whole day today.”
Qiao Shu smiled, “Hmm.”
His fingers played with each balloon, and suddenly he said, “Mr. Gu, will you play games with me?”
Gu Chenyan: “Sure.”
Qiao Shu eagerly opened the game console in the living room, found the controller, and handed one to Gu Chenyan.
He sat cross-legged on the carpet, pondered for a moment, and finally chose a shooting game.
Qiao Shu patted his chest and reassured the unfamiliar Gu Chenyan, who was playing the game beside him, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you!”
When Aunt Lan returned to prepare lunch, she saw the two of them playing games in the living room. She paused slightly, then smiled.
At two o’clock in the afternoon, Qiao Shu couldn’t help but yawn. Gu Chenyan coaxed him to sleep. After he fell asleep, Gu Chenyan went downstairs to the kitchen to prepare.
Qiao Shu didn’t nap for long; by three-thirty, he was already awake. Rubbing his eyes, he looked around and didn’t see Gu Chenyan in the room. Feeling a bit lazy just waking up, Qiao Shu yawned and reached for his phone.
Out of habit, he opened Weibo, only to find many people wishing him a happy birthday—Jiang Jiayu, Chu Chisheng, and even stars from Starry Sky Entertainment, as well as various brand accounts under the Gu Group, all lined up neatly with “Happy Birthday, Madam”.
He smiled, replied to a few reposts and comments, and then clicked on his Weibo post automatically published at midnight.
【Happy Children’s Day and Happy Birthday, Qiao Qiao~】
【Happy birthday, Qiao Qiao. Any birthday surprises today? I want to see you and President Gu showing affection.】
【Happy birthday, Qiao Qiao. What are your plans with President Gu today? Can you tell me secretly?】
【Happy birthday~ So, do we have the Nine Grid today?】
【Wishing you a happy birthday, wishing you a happy birthday, wishing you a happy birthday, wishing you a happy birthday (singing). Happy birthday, Qiao Qiao, always be happy~】
…
Qiao Shu typed replies to his fans.
【Thank you for your blessings.】
【I’ll pick the Nine Grid1refers to a popular trend on social media platforms, particularly Weibo, where users post a grid of nine photos or images in a single post. later.】
【Birthday surprise? Let me think.】
…
After replying to several comments, Qiao Shu finished interacting with his fans. He then closed his phone, slowly got up from the bed, and walked towards the bathroom.
After washing his face, Qiao Shu went downstairs.
Halfway there, his nose twitched sensitively, and then his eyes lit up!
That fragrance!
He quickened his pace downstairs, following the scent towards the kitchen.
In the kitchen.
Gu Chenyan was wearing a pink Peppa Pig apron, a gift from Aunt Lan when she was shopping at the supermarket. He was bending over, earnestly doing something at the sink.
The air was filled with the sweet aroma of cake.
Qiao Shu happily took a deep breath, unable to resist quickening his steps.
But just as he was about to enter the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks. He smiled and took out his phone to snap a picture of Gu Chenyan’s back.
Click!
The photo was taken.
Qiao Shu opened Weibo to edit.
【Qiao Shu V: Guess what Mr. Gu is doing?】
Fans quickly arrived on the scene.
【Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! I’m first!】
【Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, the pink, virtuous, handsome President Gu!】
【That’s a cake! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! President Gu is so versatile. He even knows how to make cake!】
【I’m here to ship! This ship sails! President Gu is amazing! Happy birthday, Qiao Qiao!】
【Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, my ship is giving out sugar again! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!】
【A wise man speaks without words. I just love seeing Qiao Qiao and President Gu show affection. Qiao Qiao, don’t be stingy! Show more love! One photo isn’t enough! Make President Gu look up!】
【Qiao Qiao, we want to see a live broadcast!】
…
Qiao Shu put away his phone and walked to the kitchen door, knocking with a smile.
Gu Chenyan looked up.
Then he smiled, “Had enough sleep?”
Qiao Shu: “Hmm.”
Gu Chenyan: “Wait. I’ll be done in a moment.”
Qiao Shu watched the cake nearing completion in front of Gu Chenyan, licking his lips hungrily. Then he walked into the kitchen, approaching Gu Chenyan. His eyes sparkled as he looked at the cake. “Mr. Gu, why suddenly decide to make a cake?”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly.
He knowingly scraped off a bit of cream with his finger and offered it to Qiao Shu’s lips. “Try it.”
Qiao Shu: “Hehe!”
Qiao Shu didn’t hesitate to open his mouth, grabbing Gu Chenyan’s wrist and gently taking his index finger into his mouth.
The sweetness of the cream spread in his mouth, making Qiao Shu’s eyes light up even more.
He happily licked it off.
Gu Chenyan: “Just one bite.”
Qiao Shu: “Huh?”
Qiao Shu paused for a moment, then wrinkled his nose in a slightly aggrieved manner. “But today is my birthday.”
Gu Chenyan smiled, “We’ll have the birthday cake tonight.”
Qiao Shu pouted, “Okay.”
If he ate it now, there wouldn’t be any birthday cake left for tonight. The amount of sweets he could eat each day was fixed; he couldn’t miss out on the birthday cake!
Knowing he could only have one bite, Qiao Shu felt reluctant. He pitifully held Gu Chenyan’s wrist and cherished licking Gu Chenyan’s finger.
His tongue licked over and over again until he couldn’t taste the sweetness of the cream anymore but still hesitated to let go.
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Shu.”
Gu Chenyan’s voice sounded somewhat hoarse.
Unaware, Qiao Shu innocently and pitifully looked up at Gu Chenyan, trying to negotiate with him, “Really can’t have one more bite?”
Qiao Shu: “I still want to eat.”
Gu Chenyan: “No.”
Qiao Shu pouted.
Gu Chenyan: “Spit it out.”
Qiao Shu: “Huh?”
Gu Chenyan: “My finger.”
Gu Chenyan: “Spit it out after you finish.”
Feeling even more aggrieved, although Gu Chenyan’s finger no longer tasted the sweetness of the cream after he had licked it, Qiao Shu still felt there was sweetness on it.
He believed he could taste it again with another lick.
Gu Chenyan: “Spit it out.”
Reluctantly, Qiao Shu said, “Okay.”
He reluctantly pushed Gu Chenyan’s finger out with his tongue.
Gu Chenyan watched as his index finger slowly came out of Qiao Shu’s mouth. Those red lips, the elusive tongue, and the water marks on his finger…
His throat moved.
Then he restrained himself and withdrew his hand from Qiao Shu’s grasp. He placed his finger in front of him, his gaze fixed on it for several seconds.
Gulp
Qiao Shu swallowed and still couldn’t give up. “Really, really, really nothing left?”
Gu Chenyan lifted his head.
He looked at Qiao Shu.
Qiao Shu blinked innocently.
Gu Chenyan: “None.”
He took a deep breath and walked to the sink to wash his hands. When he returned, he helplessly tapped Qiao Shu’s forehead, “You little glutton.”
Qiao Shu pouted.
Gu Chenyan took an apple from the fridge, carefully peeled it with a fruit knife, and then handed it to Qiao Shu.
Qiao Shu blinked and happily took the apple, biting into it.
This time, he didn’t ask for cake again but stood quietly aside, watching Gu Chenyan put the finishing touches on the cake.
Qiao Shu: “Can we add a little cow?”
Gu Chenyan was momentarily stunned.
Then he smiled and said, “Okay.”
The little cow was their baby.
Qiao Shu smiled happily.
The cake was quickly finished, and Gu Chenyan placed it properly before taking out the ingredients from the fridge.
Qiao Shu followed Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu, are you cooking tonight?”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes.”
He put away the ingredients, then leaned down to lightly touch Qiao Shu’s lips. “Be good. If you’re bored, go play games in the living room.”
Qiao Shu shook his head. “I want to stay with you.”
Qiao Shu followed Gu Chenyan wherever he went, like a little clingy bug, almost sticking to Gu Chenyan.
After a while, his eyes lit up, and he took out his phone. “Mr. Gu, can I livestream?”
Qiao Shu: “For the fans as a birthday treat.”
Gu Chenyan glanced at him. “Sure.”
Weibo had its own live-streaming function. Qiao Shu used it directly without even notifying anyone. He started a live stream, pointing the camera at himself.
Fans seemed to reside on Weibo. As soon as Qiao Shu started the livestream, hundreds of fans instantly joined.
【Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, Qiao Qiao, you’re livestreaming! You didn’t even notify us! We almost missed it!】
【Am I late?】
【Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, Qiao Qiao baby, you’re still so good-looking! Those fair cheeks, that delicate skin, ahhh, my precious is so beautiful!】
【Is that President Gu behind you?】
【In the kitchen?】
【Kitchen play?】
【Ah-ah-ah! Is this really happening? Can I watch it without spending money?】
…
This was Qiao Shu’s first time live-streaming on his own. As soon as he entered, he explored the live-streaming features and glanced at his overly whitened face due to the beauty filter. He found the option and turned off the beauty filter, satisfied with the normal video.
【Ah-ah-ah, Qiao Qiao is naturally beautiful even without the beauty filter!】
【Qiao Bao’s looks are always unbeatable!】
【Happy birthday, Qiao Qiao!】
【Happy Children’s Day, Qiao Qiao!】
…
Countless gifts were being sent into the livestream.
Qiao Shu smiled and waved at the camera. “Don’t send gifts. Since it’s my birthday today, I’ll send you all red envelopes later so you can buy some red eggs or little cakes to eat.”
【Hahaha, Qiao Qiao knows about red eggs.】
【Muah-muah-muah, Qiao Qiao, don’t be polite. These are our birthday gifts for you.】
【Qiao Qiao, accept them and buy more food. Gain some weight so President Gu can enjoy touching you.】
【Hahaha, the sisters upstairs are so clever!】
…
【Qiao Qiao, what are you and President Gu doing in the kitchen?】
【Ooh, are you really going to perform some kitchen play? Can’t wait, rubbing hands in anticipation.】
【There’s the sound of water. What is President Gu doing?】
Qiao Shu moved the camera to another angle, allowing Gu Chenyan, who was washing vegetables behind him, to come into view.
Qiao Shu: “My husband is preparing dinner for me. Oh, I’ll show you something.”
He cheerfully ran to the side and brought the birthday cake that Gu Chenyan had just made into the frame, proudly saying, “Look, my husband just made this birthday cake for me. It smells amazing!”
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
【Beautiful, beautiful!】
【It’s such a beautiful cake, it would be a waste if President Gu doesn’t eat some by smearing it on you.】
【It’s such a beautiful cake, it would be a waste if you don’t play with it.】
【It’s such a beautiful cake, it would be a waste if you don’t feed each other mouth to mouth.】
…
Qiao Shu: “…”
His face blushed.
He inexplicably thought of Valentine’s Day this year, February 14th, which was also Gu Chenyan’s birthday. He had prepared a cake, and that night, he had fed Gu Chenyan mouth to mouth, and even put cream on the little cherry…
Ah!
Qiao Shu covered his face.
【Oh-oh-oh, Qiao Qiao, what are you thinking about? Why is your face so red?】
【Your ears are red too!】
【Stop covering up. We all saw it. Spill the beans! What were you thinking about?】
【Is it about President Gu…】
“Absolutely not!”
Qiao Shu refuted nervously, “It’s just a bit hot in the kitchen. It’s been getting warmer lately, and we haven’t turned on the air conditioning at home yet.”
【Oh-oh-oh, Qiao Qiao, we definitely believe what you said.】
【We all know that when it’s too hot, covering your face cools you down.】
【Hahaha, don’t tease Qiao Qiao. President Gu will be here soon.】
【Qiao Qiao, we want to see President Gu!】
【Quick, let President Gu appear and show affection to you!】
…
Qiao Shu: “No.”
“That’s my husband. I won’t let you see him.” He rolled his eyes, “I’ll show you something else.”
Qiao Shu held up his phone and walked to the living room, proudly showing off the dreamy and cute balloons in the living room, “Are they pretty? Cute?”
“My husband personally arranged them this morning.”
“With his own hands!”
【Ah-ah-ah-ah!】
【Wow, it’s so beautiful, like a children’s paradise.】
【I’m jealous. President Gu is so good at creating the birthday atmosphere and the Children’s Day atmosphere!】
【Ah-ah-ah-ah, Can Qiao Qiao ask President Gu for the balloon link? So pretty!】
Qiao Shu: “I’ll ask him later. There are some upstairs, too. I’ll take you to see.”
Qiao Shu wandered around the house with his phone, and halfway through, because his hand was tired, he ran back to his room to find a phone stand. He set up the phone and casually walked towards the kitchen with the stand, saying, “Don’t rush. I’ll take you to the kitchen now.”
“Hahaha, you guys can also call your boyfriends to come and see.”
“Is it delicious?”
He licked his lips, eyes shining, “Of course, what my husband always cooks is the most delicious in the world.”
“I’m not lying to you!”
“We don’t need filters. Even without them, my husband is the best here.”
As he walked, he occasionally glanced at the barrage and chatted with fans.
The aroma wafted in.
Qiao Shu’s eyes lit up, and he quickened his pace, “I smell the aroma of crispy pork!”
“Ah!”
He dashed into the kitchen.
Gu Chenyan was taking out golden, crispy small pork from the pot when he heard footsteps and turned to see Qiao Shu rushing towards him.
Gu Chenyan: “Be careful.”
Qiao Shu had already reached him, leaning in to look at the small crispy pork on the blotting paper, licking his lips, “Can I have one?”
Gu Chenyan booped his nose, “It’s hot, wait a moment before eating.”
Qiao Shu felt disappointed, “Okay.”
Gu Chenyan placed the small crispy pork on the countertop. Qiao Shu swallowed his saliva and followed over, then leaned on the countertop, staring at the small crispy pork, occasionally blowing on it, trying to cool it down.
The live stream was still on.
Gu Chenyan chuckled and pointed at Qiao Shu holding the phone stand.
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu turned, thinking Gu Chenyan was calling someone behind him.
Gu Chenyan: “…”
He looked at Qiao Shu’s phone.
Qiao Shu followed his gaze, then: “…”
Embarrassed.
Qiao Shu quickly stood up straight, pretending to be serious, “Ahem, where were we just now?”
Qiao Shu: “Saliva?”
Qiao Shu nervously wiped his mouth with his hand, not feeling any wetness, realizing the fans were teasing him, “I won’t believe you guys next time.”
The barrage was filled with laughter.
Ding!
The microwave beeped.
Gu Chenyan put on gloves and walked to the microwave, opening it and taking out something inside.
Qiao Shu, the little shadow, wrinkled his nose, “Cheesy mashed potatoes!”
Gu Chenyan chuckled, “Hmm.”
He carried the cheesy mashed potatoes to the dining room, with Qiao Shu following closely behind.
Gu Chenyan placed the mashed potatoes on the table, then took off his gloves and fetched a spoon from the kitchen, handing it to Qiao Shu, “Start with this.”
Upon hearing this, Qiao Shu immediately forgot about the phone stand in his hand, happily jumping onto Gu Chenyan and planting a loud kiss, “Mr. Gu, you’re amazing!”
Gu Chenyan then went back into the kitchen.
Qiao Shu sat happily at the dining table, swinging his legs with joy. The mashed potatoes smelled delicious. His eyes narrowed as he ate. While enjoying the mashed potatoes, he chatted with the fans in the livestream room, occasionally glancing at Gu Chenyan in the kitchen.
His heart was bursting with happiness.
During the meal, every time Gu Chenyan finished cooking a delicious dish, Qiao Shu would happily bounce into the kitchen and then open his mouth wide, “Ah!”
Gu Chenyan would then pick up the freshly cooked dish with chopsticks, blow on it, and feed it to him.
In the meantime, Qiao Shu also received two packages; birthday gifts from Jiang Jiayu and Zhou Yanqing.
Jiang Jiayu also sent him a big red envelope with 888 yuan on WeChat.
Unconsciously, the night had already fallen.
Qiao Shu: “Alright, that’s it for today’s livestream. I’ll send out one more wave of red envelopes, so keep it up, latecomers!”
After sending out the last red envelope, amidst the fans’ blessings and pleas for him to stay, Qiao Shu mercilessly ended the livestream, then eagerly ran into the kitchen wearing his slippers.
Qiao Shu enjoyed his dinner especially.
Every dish on the table was delicious and fragrant, each one his favorite, and each one cooked by Gu Chenyan himself.
As he ate, he felt so happy that he could almost fly.
After dinner, Gu Chenyan brought out the cake Qiao Shu had been looking forward to. He lit twenty-two candles, and together with Aunt Lan and Uncle Zhou, they sang him the birthday song.
Gu Chenyan: “Little Mr. Qiao, make a wish.”
Qiao Shu’s cheeks were rosy with happiness.
He glanced at Gu Chenyan, then closed his eyes devoutly, clasped his hands together in front of the cake with the lit candles, and made his wish: to be with Mr. Gu forever and ever.
Translator’s corner:
I’m going on a field trip tomorrow until Saturday. Sooooooooooooooo, there will be no updates.
