DCTMOAS Chapter 50

Chu Cheng had only planned to rest for a bit in the guest room, but as he lay there, he drifted off — and slept soundly all the way until dawn.

He sat up and pulled open the blackout curtains. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see pine trees dusted with snow, apricot blossoms casting mistaken reflections, and the neatly trimmed circular flowerbeds glistening under the early light of dawn.

Even in the middle of winter, the scenery at Fantian Scenic Garden had none of that bleak, desolate vibe — it made people feel calm and at ease.

It was still pretty early.

Chu Cheng tidied up the bed, then tiptoed out into the living room — only to see Lu Yan crouched in front of the open fridge, gulping down milk straight from the carton.

“You’re up this early?” Chu Cheng glanced at his watch again just to be sure.

Lu Yan paused mid-gulp and looked at him. “Is that so weird? I’m a high schooler — up at six, done by ten at night.”

Chu Cheng countered, “Even high school teachers sleep in during the holidays.”

“Some high school teachers,” Lu Yan corrected with a bright grin as he shut the fridge door. “The math teacher’s already out getting breakfast.”

“Yeah? Well, that’s just some math teachers,” Chu Cheng muttered, running his fingers through his messy bed hair. “Do you guys have any disposable toiletries?”

“Nope. But I can swap out the brush head on our electric toothbrush for you,” Lu Yan said. Noticing how rumpled his shirt was from sleep, he added, “Want me to grab you a fresh set of clothes too?”

Chu Cheng reached out and pinched the kid’s cheek. “Why are you so sweet, huh?”

Lu Yan yelped and ducked away before he could get another squeeze, darting upstairs to fetch the clean clothes and toiletries.

Chu Cheng changed in the room, then went to the bathroom to wash up, brushing his teeth while eyeing himself in the mirror.

Lu Yan had given him a color-blocked sherpa sweatshirt and black joggers. With his already youthful features, the outfit made him look even younger — knocking a few years off his appearance, alive and bright, but also making him silently scold himself:

How do I manage to fit into a kid’s clothes this well?

By the time he was all done, Yu Siting had just come back with breakfast.

“You brought a spare outfit yourself?” Yu Siting looked up at him.

The fresh, youthful outfit paired with those clean-cut good looks pushed his boyish vibe to the max — making him look so soft you almost wanted to ruffle him all over.

Lu Yan was setting out bowls and chopsticks as he explained, “It’s mine. Auntie got me that for my birthday — but it’s way too cutesy for my tough guy image, so I never wore it.”

No matter what misunderstandings his nephew had about himself, Yu Siting’s gaze stayed on Mr. Chu. His eyes softened. “It suits him.”

These two didn’t even bother pretending he wasn’t right there.

Chu Cheng clicked his tongue and shot them both matching eyerolls.

Yu Siting handed him a bowl of breakfast porridge. “Did you sleep well last night?”

Chu Cheng nodded. “Dreamt about the smell of red wine and grilled meat all night.”

“That’s what happens when you eat and crash right after.”

“How was I supposed to know your private stash had such a kick?”

They tossed a few playful jabs back and forth, then sat down together at the table for breakfast.

Chu Cheng had never been one to eat breakfast so early, but the meal in front of him was light and comforting. The century egg and pork congee had been simmered until it was soft and silky, savory and rich enough to wake up his appetite.

Yu Siting broke the quiet first. “Are you still planning to go look for apartments today? The wind’s picking up outside — you’ll probably want to bundle up more if you do.”

“Not going.” Chu Cheng took a couple more sips of congee, then casually dropped what he’d already decided. “I’ve made up my mind — let’s go with what we talked about yesterday. I’ll rent one bedroom and the study downstairs in your place. Kitchen, dining room, and living room are all shared.”

Lu Yan didn’t stop munching on his bun, but one of his eyebrows did lift slightly.

Looks like he’d have to take back what he’d said yesterday. His uncle hadn’t banked on Mr. Chu not finding a better place — he’d known full well that Chu Cheng probably just couldn’t be bothered to keep looking.

Chu Cheng threw out another question. “But it seems like hardly anyone in the Nan Yuan flats rents out rooms. So what would the market rate be? Should we check with the prop—”

Yu Siting clearly had this figured out already. “Since there hasn’t been an actual comparable deal before, whatever we settle on now will become the market rate.”

“That’s… how that works?” Chu Cheng hadn’t expected the conversation to go this way — his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Pay for one month upfront, and then just transfer the rest on payday each month.” Yu Siting didn’t dwell on it, just lit up his phone screen and typed an amount into his WeChat payment QR code.

Chu Cheng glanced at the figure on his screen, paused, but didn’t say anything.

“Think it’s too much?” Yu Siting couldn’t quite read his subtle expression, so he probed, “The rent comes with a daily carpool service, too. If you have any other needs, just say so.”

But Chu Cheng just shook his head and laughed. “It’s not that. I’m just really curious — how did you come up with such an oddly precise amount?”

In the end, the rent he’d quoted was actually cheaper than that small two-bedroom up in the North Yuan block. Not by a lot, but just enough to land perfectly within Chu Cheng’s budget — almost suspiciously perfect.

Yu Siting said calmly, “Based on what I know about our salary levels at the same workplace.”

Chu Cheng quirked his lips into a smile, scanned the code without any fuss, and paid up. Then, after a moment’s thought, he added, “But isn’t this a bit hasty? Shouldn’t we at least draft a contract to make it all official?”

“No need.” Yu Siting picked up a bit of side dish, swallowed, then continued, “We know each other too well. If I break the agreement, you can post a giant notice on the school gate exposing me. If you skip paying rent, I’ll go have a word with Mr. Chu Senior about it.”

Chu Cheng shot back, “And you’re sure that means we’re close — not sworn enemies?”

Yu Siting met his eyes calmly. “You’re the one who said it: Even brothers settle accounts clearly.”

Chu Cheng knew he couldn’t win this one, so he dropped it. He handed the QR code back and switched topics. “The only downside of living in Fantian Scenic Garden is that taxis aren’t allowed to park at the gate waiting for passengers. So to make sure I’m at work on time every day, I really will have to rely on you to give me a lift for the long haul. The rent’s already so cheap — technically, I should pitch in for gas too.”

“No need to split hairs.” Yu Siting said offhandedly, “Just top up my tank every now and then. 95-octane. Fill it up.”

The last four words were clearly teasing.

Chu Cheng didn’t even dignify that with a response — he turned straight to Lu Yan. “Where’s the bus stop for your complex?”

“Or you can pay me back with labor instead,” Yu Siting said with a laugh, dropping the joke and adding, “From now on, supervising this kid’s homework is your job. I’m already mentally and physically done with him.”

For this arrangement, Lu Yan clearly agreed too. He glanced at his uncle and said, “Great, I’m the same.”

Yu Siting didn’t speak to him directly but hinted to Chu Cheng instead, “Anyway, you brought the rattan cane back with you. Even if you don’t give it to me, keeping it for your own use will work just as well.”

Lu Yan’s smile froze, and he enunciated each word: “What, rattan cane?”

Yu Siting said unhurriedly, “After lunch, go help him move his luggage — you’ll see.”

“Teacher Chu.” Lu Yan mechanically turned back to look at him. “Don’t you think you should explain this?”

Your precious good boy gave up his vacation trip and came back to run errands for you, bouncing back and forth between two trenches like a loyal soldier.

How could you do this to me!

“Uh… about that, how should I explain…” Chu Cheng smiled awkwardly, genuinely not knowing where to start, so he could only glare at the culprit next to him who’d stirred up this mess.

But Yu Siting just raised his cup, took a sip of warm water, and said like he’d accomplished his mission, “I’m done eating. Take your time.”

He left Chu Cheng behind, cursing him silently. People like him, who relish sowing discord among comrades, don’t deserve happiness!

In the afternoon, the sun came out and the temperature rose a bit. With nothing else to do, Yu Siting and Lu Yan both helped Chu Cheng move houses.

On the way back with the luggage, Chu Cheng sent a message to Zhou Jin, telling him to find time to come pick up his stuff too.

[Zhou Jin: You found a place so soon? Where is it?]

[Chu Cheng: Fantian Scenic Residence.]

[Zhou Jin: You really rented that unit, huh? Sigh, I feel like you’re gonna suffer there sooner or later.]

Before Chu Cheng could reply, Zhou Jin sent another message.

[Just leave the key — I’ll hand it over to the landlord later. If you need help moving stuff, let me know.]

Chu Cheng glanced at his pitifully few pieces of luggage, then looked at the two figures in the driver’s seat and the backseat, and typed with a smile.

[I really don’t need it.]

Back at Fantian Scenic Residence, Chu Cheng had just finished organizing his room when Yu Siting and Lu Yan dragged him back out to go shopping.

Yesterday, they’d only bought some fresh ingredients for grilling and immediate use. After the break, the fridge at home desperately needed restocking. Chu Cheng also needed a few daily necessities.

Between shelves lined with goods, Chu Cheng pushed the shopping cart, stopping now and then to pick out an item or two.

It was clearly the same supermarket, yet the mood in which he was shopping this time felt completely different. From being a guest in a strange place, it now felt like he was settling in, even if only temporarily. Chu Cheng couldn’t explain this subtle shift himself — maybe it was that strange sense of belonging at work.

The three of them reached the fruit section.

Yu Siting stopped in front of the well-stocked shelves and asked, “Is there anything you want to eat?”

“I’m not picky — anything’s fine.” Chu Cheng sniffled.

The air was thick with that unique blend of fresh fruit aromas you only find in a produce section — but one tropical scent was the most overpowering. It was the smell of durian.

Chu Cheng looked around and spotted Lu Yan standing right next to a pile of those golden spiky fruits.

The teenager tipped his chin up. “Uncle, you get what I mean, right?”

Yu Siting reached out and grabbed hold of his shopping cart. “I don’t.”

When it came to durian, most people fell into two camps: absolutely love it or can’t stand it. Lu Yan was firmly in the former, and Yu Siting was obviously the latter.

“I want some. I’m buying it.”

“Only if you want me to throw you out.”

They hit a stalemate — neither side willing to back down.

“You’re not the sole authority in this house anymore — you can’t dictate everything.” Before clashing head-on with his uncle, Lu Yan suddenly had a brainwave and turned to the other side. “Teacher Chu, may I apply to eat duri—” an at-home durian feast in your living room?”

Before he could finish, he saw Chu Cheng expertly squeezing the durian’s spiky shell to check its ripeness.

“You like it too?” Yu Siting frowned in disbelief.

Chu Cheng withdrew his hand with a grin. “Pretty fresh.”

“Yes! Two to one.” Lu Yan shot a triumphant look at his uncle, the smugness practically radiating off him. “We’re getting one.”

Yu Siting’s expression visibly darkened. After a moment of resigned silence, he turned his head away, his face the picture of quiet despair, as he forced himself to tolerate the pungent stench. He finally caved, setting his one condition: “Can you two… not bring it back home?”

Chu Cheng, sympathetic to Teacher Yu’s plight, still couldn’t resist the fruit’s temptation. He patted him reassuringly on the arm. “We’ll just get a small one.”

And what difference does that make?

Yu Siting stayed rooted to the spot, watching the other two cheerfully pick one out, weigh it, pay for it, split it open on the spot, box it up, and finally plop down in the store’s tasting area to dig in, wearing disposable gloves to share it piece by piece.

“It’s so sweet and creamy, really.” Chu Cheng lifted up a plump golden chunk, waving it invitingly at him. “Life’s all about trying new things and breaking boundaries — want a bite?”

“Put. It. Away.” Teacher Yu’s dark eyes swirled with complicated emotions — full of unspoken grumbling but helpless to stop them.

It was rare to see him like this, and Chu Cheng couldn’t help laughing with genuine delight.

Yu Siting was ridiculously sensitive and repulsed by the smell of durian, yet here he was, forced to stand by and wait.

After all, these two could still be saved — as long as they washed up.

Keeping his promise, Chu Cheng bought only a tiny durian. He and Lu Yan finished it in no time and then went off together to the restroom to wash their hands.

A middle-aged lady doing a fruit promotion in the fresh food section witnessed the durian’s “demise” from start to finish. Her curiosity about their relationship got the better of her, so she struck up a conversation while straightening the shelves.

Yu Siting glanced at the two troublemakers by the sink, flicking water at each other like kids, then rummaged through the grocery bag for some mouthwash, answering distractedly.

“That’s my nephew and my son.”

“Your son’s already that big? Wow! You look so young!” The lady looked stunned, then her expression turned a little puzzled. “But… he’s probably not your biological one, right?”

Mmm. Found him somewhere.

Yu Siting propped one hand on the shopping cart and let out a long, weary sigh, offering no further explanation.

Chu Cheng and Lu Yan had already come walking back, side by side. Judging by their clothes and looks, they really did have the air of cousins.

Seeing that her gossip attempt had fallen flat, the older lady quickly switched topics and praised them instead: “What a good-looking family! And all the men are out shopping for groceries and household stuff — the women at home must be so happy!”

“……” Chu Cheng looked at her bright, lively expression, not sure how to explain — and honestly, he couldn’t be bothered. So he just smiled and said nothing.

By the time they left the supermarket, the sky had already grown dim.

Back at the doorstep, Yu Siting opened the front door and tapped a few times on the smart lock screen, using his admin privileges to register Chu Cheng’s fingerprint.

With a crisp “Registration Successful,” Chu Cheng would now be able to come and go freely.

Lu Yan, carrying the shopping bags, stepped inside with Teacher Chu and said as they walked, “Today was so tiring. Otherwise, to properly celebrate moving in, we really ought to go out for a big feast — make it feel like an occasion.”

Chu Cheng replied, “I think this is nice enough. Going to the supermarket together feels more down-to-earth.”

Lu Yan grinned, “The best part is, I get voting rights when it comes to eating durian.”

At that, the two of them looked back in perfect sync — at the person who despised durian the most. He was still standing outside fiddling with the milk box on the wall, clearly having no interest in joining their conversation.

Lu Yan just shrugged playfully.

After a day of running around, and then sorting out all the things they’d bought, Chu Cheng was so exhausted that his back ached. He couldn’t wait to lie down in his new bedroom for a bit.

As he passed through the hallway, he finally saw Teacher Yu coming back inside to get some fresh air — phone pressed to his ear. Chu Cheng vaguely overheard him saying:

“Starting tomorrow, please deliver one extra bottle of milk in the morning… Yes, because there’s another person in the house now.”

Another person?

Chu Cheng snorted to himself as he headed into his room: Why does that sound like someone just had his baby for him or something?

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Author’s Note:
Big Bro: What? I can’t be dad-coded now?