SFBF CH88

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Although Ao Zai was willing to share his ice cream with the little boy he didn’t know, and the little boy didn’t mind eating what Ao Zai had left over, Shen Qing still ordered an extra serving for his fan’s child.

“Ah no, no, you are too kind, you don’t need to buy it for him!”

The star-chasing woman felt embarrassed to accept something from her idol and couldn’t help but say: “This child is just never satisfied. He wants whatever others have, but once he gets it, he doesn’t treasure it. He buys toys and then never plays with them. Now he’s making a fuss about wanting ice cream, but just watch, he’ll probably only take one bite of each!”

“Hmm, in that case…”

Shen Qing thought for a moment. None of his own children were like that, so he wasn’t quite sure how to handle a child like this.

However, through his interactions with Duoduo, Ao Zai, and Mingbao, as well as exchanging experiences with Nanny Zhang, Shen Qing increasingly felt that one must communicate properly with children from a young age. One shouldn’t assume they don’t understand and therefore skip explaining the reasoning; in fact, children understand everything.

Moreover, if parents maintain a stable output of emotions, the child’s own emotions will remain stable.

Of course, he wasn’t criticizing the woman’s parenting style. Every family has its own difficulties, and as an outsider, it wasn’t his place to interfere. He simply wanted to treat the child to an ice cream.

So, he paid extra to have the clerk pack the ice cream with dry ice. Shen Qing said to the woman’s child: “Kids shouldn’t eat too much ice, so how about you take this home and eat it tomorrow?”

“There is a term called ‘delayed gratification.’ I don’t know if you’ve heard of it.”

Shen Qing smiled at the five or six-year-old boy: “But if you can endure until tomorrow to eat this ice cream, it will definitely be the most delicious ice cream you have ever tasted.”

“Hmm?” The little boy didn’t quite understand why the same ice cream would taste better tomorrow.

Shen Qing continued to smile: “Do you want to make a bet?”

The little boy: “Sure!”

The uncle in front of him spoke so gently that he was willing to listen and give it a try, saying: “It’s just waiting until tomorrow, that’s easy.”

“What are you saying? Hurry up and thank your uncle.” His mother walked over and patted his head, her tone not nearly as severe as before.

Actually, the moment Shen Qing finished speaking, the mother understood, even showing a look of sudden realization—it was as if she had finally figured out why she couldn’t discipline this child!

She had always felt that the child was constantly making scenes and crying, coming up with all sorts of tricks to ask for things, yet he never cherished what he got. She would get angry and then refuse to buy him anything. This was her way of dealing with her child, but she had never noticed that perhaps her son didn’t know where the problem lay.

Even if she occasionally tried to lecture him, because both parties were in a state of rage, the child might not have been able to take in the logic she was trying to convey. He remained unappreciative, and even became rebellious because she wouldn’t buy him things, causing the behavior to escalate.

But Shen Qing’s method was excellent. Instead of getting hung up on “to buy or not to buy,” he approached it from another angle, letting the child truly experience the joy that the food or toy brought him. Once he truly liked it, he wouldn’t just throw it away after buying it. Next time he chose something, he would be more cautious, because he would be looking for that sense of genuine happiness…

Thinking of this, the woman’s gaze toward Shen Qing was no longer looking at an idol, but at a sage!

“Oh my god, Qing-ge!”

The woman was almost bowing down to Shen Qing: “I beg you, please don’t quit the industry, okay? If you disappear, I will be so sad. I feel like everyone had some misunderstanding about you before. With your character, if you aren’t popular, then who is? So can you please make a comeback?”

The lady meant every word sincerely. In the entertainment industry, people talk about having both moral integrity and artistic talent. Although Shen Qing might not have as much talent as other stars… his morals were definitely not lacking!

So how on earth did he end up in such a state before?

Regardless of the reasons in the past, she truly, truly did not want Shen Qing to retire! It wasn’t because of his looks anymore; she just simply felt that even if she could catch a glimpse of Shen Qing on some small variety show in the future, hear him say a few words, it would provide inspiration, wisdom, and even healing for her life.

Shen Qing: “…”

Hearing the praise, Shen Qing felt almost too ashamed to face her and quickly said: “I don’t have that much influence.”

Woman: “Yes, you do, yes you do! You can cure all diseases!”

Shen Qing: “…Thank you.”

Woman: “No, I should be the one thanking you!”

Shen Qing: “…”

Just as he was about to offer more polite platitudes, he suddenly felt the aura around the person beside him shift slightly.

Shen Qing… lowered his hand and gently patted the man’s leg to soothe him first.

Then he spoke a few more words with the woman, gave her his autograph, and only then took his children and parted ways with them.

The commotion on their side had become a bit loud at the end. Not only were the staff looking at Shen Qing, but even the couple sitting in the corner, who had been in their own world, stretched their necks to look over.

Shen Qing and his group couldn’t stay any longer. They quickened their pace of eating the ice cream; what they couldn’t finish, they packed up. Shen Qing also packed a few more portions to take home for Duoduo, then signaled the bodyguards to get the cars, preparing to go home.

Tomorrow was the weekend, and tonight, after school, Mingbao would likely come back with Duoduo to see the puppies. It would be perfect for them to have the ice cream then.

Duoduo didn’t like ice cream generally, but Shen Qing had tasted this brand’s, and the ingredients were pure and not too sweet—exactly the type Duoduo liked. As for the flavors, he had chosen Duoduo’s only preferred flavor, vanilla chocolate chip, while the others were chosen at random. Anyway, with Ao Zai and Mingbao around, nothing would go to waste.

After eating the ice cream, Ao Zai was comfortably loaded into the car.

In the height of summer, being in a nanny van with the air conditioning, temperature, and humidity all perfectly set was, of course, the most enjoyable thing. Especially after experiencing the scorching heat during those two steps from the ice cream shop to the car, once he got inside, he felt like he was flying. If Ao Zai hadn’t been strapped into his child seat with his little body held in place, he would have kicked his little feet up to the sky!

Nanny Zhang and the others were responsible for settling the little Ao Zai, while Shen Qing was responsible for helping the big shot into the car.

By the time everyone was settled and the car doors were closed, ready to set off, Shen Qing was sweating.

He had always been heat-intolerant, but in his past life, when he was working 996 every day, he had no time to pay attention to the weather. Most of his time was spent working overtime in air-conditioned rooms, so he had never experienced summer like this before.

However, in comparison, Shen Qing liked this current summer better.

The temperature in Huacheng was relatively moderate. Although summer was hot, the human body could handle it, and one wouldn’t easily get heatstroke. It wasn’t like the city he lived in in his past life, which was like a massive furnace in the summer—even if he got off work after ten o’clock at night, he would still be hit by waves of heat. If it weren’t for the fact that his body and mind were so exhausted back then that he had long become numb to temperature, Shen Qing would never have been able to stand that kind of weather.

But now, just walking a couple of steps made him this hot…

Should he say he’d been too “pampered” lately?

Or should he say that only now does he feel like a person?

Suddenly feeling a bit sentimental, it reinforced Shen Qing’s conviction to be a “salted fish” (someone who just lies flat/does nothing).

And so, he really did lie flat.

—He just wanted to be a spoiled, “salted fish” who would express dissatisfaction when things didn’t go his way, would occasionally act a little spoiled, in short, prioritize comfort above all else, but was absolutely, undoubtedly happy!

Gu Huaiyu watched the young man suddenly half-collapse onto him and immediately looked down, asking nervously: “Are you uncomfortable?”

Shen Qing: “…No, I’m not.”

Even though he said that, he still shifted downward—carefully avoiding Gu Huaiyu’s wound—until he found a comfortable position.

Shen Qing said: “I just want to lie down.”

Gu Huaiyu laughed. He couldn’t help but raise his hand, his long fingers grazing the young man’s smooth cheek, and said: “Lie down when we get home.”

Shen Qing: “Mm, I’ll lie down at home too.”

After saying that, he even winked at Gu Huaiyu.

Gu Huaiyu smiled, and finally, with his arm draped over the young man’s waist, he suddenly asked: “Do you have any plans to make a comeback?”

“What comeback…” Shen Qing didn’t react at first, then remembered: “In the entertainment industry?”

“Mm.”

Gu Huaiyu said slowly: “You just met a fan who begged you not to quit. Don’t you have any thoughts about it?”

Shen Qing: “…”

He really didn’t have any thoughts. If he did, it was the thought he had just a moment ago: that he wanted to be a “salted fish” even more.

Shen Qing had no choice but to express his true feelings—he rubbed his head against President Gu, reminding him of his current position, and said: “My thoughts are that I want to lie flat even more.”

Gu Huaiyu: “…”

Suddenly silent.

“…What.”

Shen Qing tugged at Gu Huaiyu’s clothes. Primarily, President Gu’s silence was equal to being speechless. His husband, how could he be speechless toward him?! If it hadn’t been so difficult to find a comfortable lying position in the car, Shen Qing would have climbed up to question him.

Yes, that’s right, today he was holding the script of a “spoiled, salted fish”!

But lying down didn’t affect his performance. Tugging on the hem of President Gu’s woodsy-scented shirt, Shen Qing said: “You dislike me now. You don’t want to support me anymore, and you think I’m lazy again?”

…Fortunately, there was a small partition in the back row of this nanny van, and Ao Zai in the front row was babbling and singing to his Grandma Zhang. Now that Shen Qing was here whispering and messing around with President Gu, Ao Zai and Nanny Zhang couldn’t hear him. Otherwise, he really couldn’t have brought himself to act so spoiled.

Gu Huaiyu was very cooperative with his act and was teased into laughing by him.

But he still said seriously: “When have I ever thought you were lazy? Since I haven’t, where does this ‘think I’m lazy again’ come from?”

Shen Qing: “…”

It was all just a temporary performance by an amateur actor, yet you, Big Shot, saw right through it and were still this serious…?

“That’s not right.” This time, Shen Qing climbed up directly, face-to-face with Gu Huaiyu at close range: “Don’t you get jealous?”

Suddenly enveloped by the strawberry scent on the young man, Gu Huaiyu: “Hm?”

Shen Qing said: “You got jealous when I gave an autograph to a fan, so if I make a comeback, I’ll have at least eight thousand hardcore fans. By then, Big Shot, you’ll be so sour your teeth will fall out!”

Gu Huaiyu had the expression of “Oh, so that’s what you were talking about,” and his eyes narrowed slightly.

He understood what was meant. He didn’t answer immediately; instead, he first steadied the young man’s waist to stabilize his position in the moving car, then said: “…Although I don’t really like the way you smile and chat with others, I wouldn’t go so far as to restrict your development because of it. …You were smiling very brightly when you were being complimented just now.”

Shen Qing: “Anyone would be bright if they were complimented! No, wait, I wasn’t really smiling and chatting that much, was I?”

Gu Huaiyu’s eyelids drooped, and he responsibly and seriously recalled the expression on Shen Qing’s face just now, then affirmed: “It was very much smiling and chatting.”

Shen Qing: “…”

After a brief pause, Shen Qing still wanted to stick to his original intention, stating: “But I never planned to make a comeback… I don’t even know the entertainment industry.”

If this were in the past and the Big Shot had tried to persuade him to work, he would have had to think about how to politely decline the suggestion. But now, he could basically say whatever came to his mind to the other party.

It felt particularly free and comfortable.

He couldn’t help but hug Gu Huaiyu, Shen Qing’s eyes bright as he said: “So, even if I find something I like to do, I won’t do that job.”

Gu Huaiyu looked at the eyes that had become extraordinarily brilliant when facing him, and couldn’t help but raise his lips slightly, saying: “Mm.”

“Whatever you want to do, just do it.”

His voice was hoarse but full of certainty.

Being face-to-face in a hug, Shen Qing could clearly feel the vibration of the other’s chest, and instantly, he felt much more at ease.

…Although he hadn’t felt any insecurity before. If he had, it would have been worrying about the Big Shot’s health…

However, he didn’t know if it was his imagination, but in the days since Gu Huaiyu was discharged, Shen Qing felt the Big Shot’s state was getting better day by day. Not just his mental state. Perhaps because they hugged every day, he felt that this body was becoming increasingly powerful…

He knew this was a sign of gradual recovery from post-operative trauma.

But according to the book, Gu Huaiyu went through many setbacks, was bedridden, and eventually died…

Then the Big Shot’s physical condition shouldn’t be on an upward trend overall, right? …

Oh well, never mind.

Not daring to think any further, Shen Qing hugged the other person even tighter.

That day, when he recalled the contents of the book, it seemed that the day Gu Huaiyu died, it was a rainy day.

It was the rainy season.

And Huacheng only had a rainy season in the summer.

…

Shen Qing’s arm trembled, and Gu Huaiyu immediately noticed.

“What is it?” He asked. He let one of the young man’s hands pull at his shirt hem and didn’t mind; he just held the young man and helped him recover to the position he had been resting in before.

Looking down at the young man, he found the young man was still looking up at him, his expression a bit aggrieved.

Gu Huaiyu lowered his eyes in deep thought… Perhaps it was still because he had suggested he go to work that made this little salted fish unhappy? …

But he had clearly said again that the young man could do whatever he wanted.

Gu Huaiyu was genuinely encouraging the young man to work.

But he was also, indeed, not at all persistent about it.

His thoughts were just like what Shen Qing had told Ao Zai earlier: one should follow one’s own wishes.

After deliberating for a moment, Gu Huaiyu admitted that he definitely wasn’t as good at speaking as the young man in this regard, so he attempted to add: “In the past, when I suggested you go out to work, it was indeed because I was worried that because you were young, you would be greedy for temporary enjoyment and waste your whole life.”

“In the past?”

Shen Qing, who had been struggling to pull himself together and avoid overthinking, perked up and asked casually: “And now?”

“Now, then.”

Gu Huaiyu smiled again, touching the young man’s face: “I’ve known for a long time that you are sharper than anyone else; you wouldn’t do anything foolish.”

His sharp, pale lips parted, and after he finished speaking, the young man leaning in his arms revealed a brilliant, radiant smile.

The young man really loved being complimented.

Gu Huaiyu looked into his beautiful eyes, smiled back, and said: “So there’s no need for me to say much; you just need to handle things however you see fit.”

Shen Qing said: “Mm-hmm!”

Gu Huaiyu: “It’s just that before, my health was poor and I was truly on the verge of death; I couldn’t protect you and the babies for long. But you know that the situation is different now. If you really want to do something, you don’t have to hold back or hide.”

Shen Qing: “Mm-hmm… hmm???”

Shen Qing was stunned. Before he could even think, he blurted out: “The situation… is different now?”

He blinked and sat up from Gu Huaiyu’s arms once again.

“…”

Gu Huaiyu, who once again sensed the young man’s abnormality, was also stunned.

He watched the empty space where the young man had been, then looked at the young man’s stiff back. Gu Huaiyu’s expression was subtle, a flicker of light passing through his deep black eyes.

As for Shen Qing, who was half-turned away from him, his expression was even more spectacular!

…After about half a minute, Shen Qing slowly turned around, facing Gu Huaiyu again.

Gu Huaiyu sat upright in the car seat, his figure straight, his face pale but handsome, his expression inscrutable and naturally sharp.

“What’s going on?” he asked Shen Qing.

Shen Qing asked Gu Huaiyu: “Your check-up results today… no, your check-up results when you were last discharged… is your—your health completely fine now?”

The light in his eyes flickered again, and Gu Huaiyu replied: “…When I was discharged last time, I thought I already said that I was fine?”

Because he truly couldn’t figure out the situation, President Gu could not avoid using a questioning tone, which was rare for something he was absolutely certain about.

Shen Qing’s expression was blank: “…You did say that, but I thought…”

He thought the Big Shot had just survived that one surgery! Because the book had written it so gravely, and for one reason or another, they rarely communicated about his illness, he had just assumed the Big Shot had only undergone a relatively minor surgery and that there would be countless more…

Wait.

The point now is…

“You’re really, truly fine?”

Shen Qing turned back abruptly to confirm with Gu Huaiyu: “Fine means you’ll be fine from now on, and it means you don’t have to ‘kick the bucket’ anymore??”

Hearing this, Gu Huaiyu’s brows knitted slightly, and he paused: “Kick the bucket?”

He looked up, puzzled, only to see a light he had never seen before bursting from the young man’s eyes. The corners of his petal-like lips were curled upwards—it seemed he had never seen him smile like this before. Like this… overly happy.

Gu Huaiyu’s gaze shifted significantly.

Immediately after, he answered calmly: “If by ‘kicking the bucket’ you mean dying, then yes, I indeed will not…”

He hadn’t finished his sentence before he was hugged by the young man again.

…To be precise, Shen Qing threw himself at him excitedly, and Gu Huaiyu reached out to catch him.

Shen Qing: “That’s so great!”

…There was no need to say anything else; for Shen Qing, a hug was the only way to express himself at a time like this!

Later, when the two returned home and sat down to talk, Gu Huaiyu learned that the young man had long known some “plot points,” and knew he would die during the rainy season. This exceeded his understanding, but just like the dream he had once had, he had also dreamt of his arranged spouse abusing the children at home—if that hadn’t been the case, he wouldn’t have specifically rushed back from the hospital.

So, there was no need to take many things too seriously. As long as Shen Qing was still his Shen Qing.

“…But you were supervising me when you came back!” Instead, it was Shen Qing who became unsettled.

Of course, he was happy that the Big Shot would live forever. He was so happy that he couldn’t help but smile all the way home, and he had already begun planning how to reach the peak of “salted fish” life under the Big Shot’s support. But at this moment, Shen Qing also realized that when he first transmigrated here, he always felt the Big Shot was watching him—it hadn’t been an illusion.

It was all true!!

Gu Huaiyu raised an eyebrow: “It was indeed to supervise you.”

“…”

He admitted it so readily that Shen Qing didn’t know what to say, so he could only ask: “Then what did you observe?”

Gu Huaiyu glanced at him: “Observed that you… are very interesting. Kind and righteous, yet sharp. You have your own opinions and abilities, yet you aren’t greedy, which is why you are able to ‘lie flat’.”

Shen Qing: “…”

He had originally felt that even though they were now lovers who had bared their hearts to each other, he was still a little nervous thinking about what the Big Shot might have discovered while secretly observing him. He hadn’t expected Gu Huaiyu to suddenly shower him with such fierce praise.

And it had to be said, the Big Shot was a good judge of character!

Shen Qing’s smile became uncontrollable: “That’s more like it.”

As soon as he flashed that brilliant smile, the person beside him couldn’t help but be moved, his eyes lighting up.

Gu Huaiyu was equally insatiable.

His thin, pale lips curled into a smile, and Gu Huaiyu said: “If I hadn’t observed you carefully, how could I have fallen in love with you.”

Shen Qing: “…”

He couldn’t smile at this one.

Mostly because he was shy! He discovered that Gu Huaiyu was too good at this! …Yes, ever since he was discharged last time, the Big Shot had suddenly become very smooth. Telling him he loved him, liked him, getting jealous—he started saying it all without any hesitation…

Shen Qing found that he had to go all out to suppress the blood rushing to his face, preventing his face from becoming too hot and flushed.

Gu Huaiyu’s gaze suddenly darkened as he pulled him closer: “So, you always thought I was going to die soon.”

Shen Qing didn’t want to talk about this misunderstanding anymore, and subconsciously said: “There’s no point in saying this now…”

But Gu Huaiyu didn’t intend to let him go. Instead, he enunciated clearly, asking seriously: “You knew I would die. …And yet you chose to like me and be with me?”

Shen Qing: “…”

So that was the question the Big Shot wanted to ask!

He really wanted to say that this was called “seizing the day.”

But with his hand held tightly by the other, and facing his persistent gaze, Shen Qing changed the subject and suddenly replied: “Because you are worth it.”

Gu Huaiyu’s hand trembled; he was clearly stunned.

Just like the Big Shot hadn’t stinted on praising him, Shen Qing also expressed Gu Huaiyu’s worth without hesitation: “I just took a liking to you and wanted to have a relationship with you. This has nothing to do with how long you can live; it depends on how much I like you and care about you. Even if it was only for one day, I would still want to be with you.”

He laughed while he spoke, his face like a peach blossom, his smile flamboyant and bright.

Gu Huaiyu’s pupils dilated.

Shen Qing said again: “Besides, you never told me you loved me before. Was the reason you only started saying it after you were discharged because you were afraid of dying?”

Gu Huaiyu: “You…”

Shen Qing sighed slightly: “Sigh, although I understand you rationally, if I were you, I might have done the same. But unfortunately, I am me.”

Clutching the Big Shot’s clothes again, Shen Qing took a deep breath: “Anyway, no matter what, it’s all in the past!”

Gu Huaiyu: “…”

The deep, dark black in his eyes suddenly shattered, as if reflecting the starlight; Gu Huaiyu’s gaze became brilliant.

The strength in his hands increased unconsciously as he pulled the young man up from the sofa in front of him and onto his lap.

The young man knew everything, and was even frighteningly witty and rational. Yet, such a rational and wise person always made the simplest, most straightforward, and purest decisions. Simple as they seemed, only someone who truly understood how to let go of things could make them…

“You are truly… unique.” Gu Huaiyu found himself at a loss for words, unable to think of any word that could vividly describe the young man.

But this perfect person was his lover.

…

Unable to suppress the corners of his mouth from rising, it was Shen Qing in his arms who said: “Yiwuwu!”

…Don’t misunderstand, Shen Qing wasn’t crying. If he were to cry, it would be tears of joy!

Shen Qing had only just now realized that if Gu Huaiyu lived on, many things would change.

For example, the babies wouldn’t have to be from a single-parent family, which was obviously more conducive to their growth, and they wouldn’t turn to the dark side in the future.

For another example, with Gu Huaiyu alive, those who coveted President Gu’s property but didn’t dare to make a move while he was alive would be furious, right? …

And the families behind the male leads (the gong and shou), the Lu family and the Shen family, wouldn’t be able to play their games anymore…

So, the plot now was actually completely out of control!

…But let it be out of control.

He was just an ordinary “salted fish,” after all.

Whether to be a male lead gong or shou, it was all based on their own abilities; what did it have to do with him, Shen Qing?

Not sacrificing his husband as “cannon fodder” was the best thing for him.

Hahaha!

“Oh, by the way.” The person who had been snuggling against his husband like a survivor of a disaster suddenly straightened his waist and perked up.

There was so much more they needed to discuss, but the first thing Shen Qing thought of was: “Since the last surgery was the final major operation, if you recover well from now on, doesn’t that mean you’ll be completely cured?”

Full of the sight of the young man with his bright smile and red lips, Gu Huaiyu’s thin eyelids drooped, and when they lifted again, his expression became suddenly playful.

“No need to ‘recover’ much. I’m already mostly better.”

He said slowly, taking the opportunity to steady the young man’s waist.

Leaning his body slightly forward, Gu Huaiyu lowered his voice significantly: “So, do you have any ideas?”

Shen Qing… but just as the President leaned in, he jumped up, stretching his legs, and excitedly stated: “You still need to rest well; your body was too weak before.”

Gu Huaiyu: “…”

Not noticing the Big Shot furrowing his brows again, his expression turning terrifying, Shen Qing focused intently: For the sake of President Gu’s future health, he must lay a solid foundation now!

Before, the things President Gu ate were always bland and watery. He thought it was because the man was dying and had no appetite, so he didn’t want to force him. But now the situation was different!

…Once he knew President Gu was fine, Shen Qing’s state of mind and thoughts were completely different.

For instance, in the past, he never could have borne to force the other to eat things he didn’t like; he just thought the Big Shot was almost gone, so if he didn’t want to eat, he didn’t have to.

But now, well.

He glanced at the Big Shot who still needed to sit in a wheelchair, and Shen Qing immediately walked toward the door: “I’m going to tell the kitchen now to make you something delicious, nutritious, and nourishing for your body!”

In the end, he left nothing but his retreating back for the Big Shot.

Gu Huaiyu: “…”

In the evening, Mingbao came over to their house to see the puppies and was kept for dinner.

The three little beans sat in a row along one side of the long table. Mingbao, who wasn’t at “Uncle Shen’s” house for the first time, was stunned for the first time.

His big eyes darted around, and Mingbao leaned over and whispered to Gu Duo: “…Gu Duo, is what your family is eating tonight called a ‘Manchu-Han Imperial Feast’?”

Gu Duo, who was also seeing this level of extravagance for the first time… raised an eyebrow slightly.

He was seeing this for the first time too.

He looked at the other side of the table where his fathers were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, and Gu Duo finally silently picked up his small knife and fork.

—Whatever it is, just eat.