NASAY Extra 3

Luo Xing leaned against the sink, absentmindedly washing vegetables for Huo Xingzhou while occasionally sneaking a glance at him.

Huo Xingzhou was focused on chopping vegetables, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing strong, well-defined muscles. Everything about him radiated maturity—he was a man in every sense.

Whenever those strong arms wrapped around him, Luo Xing always felt small and delicate in comparison. His slender, fair wrists seemed so fragile in Huo Xingzhou’s embrace, as if they could break with just a little pressure.

Huo Xingzhou always said he was soft—his temper, his body, everything about him was soft. He had dragged Luo Xing along for running and basketball, but no matter how much they exercised, he still remained the same. His waist, limbs, and even his entire body stayed tender and pliant.

Luo Xing figured he would never be like Huo Xingzhou, who could simply stand somewhere and exude a natural sense of authority.

But he didn’t mind. In fact, he liked things just the way they were. Being completely enveloped in Huo Xingzhou’s embrace was a feeling he cherished deeply. He had no desire to become someone who radiated overwhelming masculine energy like Huo Xingzhou.

He liked being held in his arms, trapped within that warmth.

“What are you thinking about?” Huo Xingzhou had finished chopping the vegetables and noticed that Luo Xing had been squeezing the leafy greens into a pulpy mess for quite some time. He couldn’t resist flicking his forehead.

Luo Xing snapped out of his thoughts, glanced at the ruined vegetables in his hands, and hesitated for a moment before swallowing his words.

“N-nothing.”

After rinsing his hands, he handed the washed vegetables over to Huo Xingzhou and wandered off to the fridge in search of some fruit.

Huo Xingzhou quietly continued cooking. The setting sun filtered through the blinds, casting soft streaks of light on the side of his face.

Luo Xing sat down with a bowl of strawberries, took a bite, and then held out the remaining piece to Huo Xingzhou’s lips.

“I’m cooking. Don’t mess around.”

Luo Xing rarely took the initiative like this. There had to be a reason—something was definitely up. If he was trying to seduce him, then he must have something to say.

Huo Xingzhou deliberately turned his head away, suppressing a smile as he let out a small cough and said sternly, “If the oil splashes on you, you’ll start complaining again. Go eat somewhere else.”

Luo Xing pouted, thinking, I never complained before! Still, he insisted on feeding him, lifting the strawberry closer to his lips.

“How old are you? Still acting like a child,” Huo Xingzhou muttered before finally taking a bite. However, it was just a light touch—he didn’t take the chance to kiss him. Instead, he simply turned back to cooking.

Luo Xing was momentarily stunned. Seeing that Huo Xingzhou didn’t take the bait, he blinked, then obediently hugged his bowl and sat on the side, stuffing another strawberry into his own mouth while quietly watching his back.

Since they had gotten together, Huo Xingzhou had never let him cook. Instead, he—who had once been a pampered young master who never touched kitchen work—had become someone who could whip up both home-cooked dishes and fine dining with ease.

Huo Xingzhou had spoiled him so much that he seemed almost superhuman, capable of anything.

The kitchen was filled with the soft hum of the range hood, the warmth of home-cooked meals, and a sense of domesticity so comforting that it made Luo Xing want to cry.

Resting his chin in his hand, he watched Huo Xingzhou, and before he knew it, a conversation he had overheard at home surfaced in his mind.

That day, while passing by his parents’ slightly open bedroom door, he had unintentionally heard Wu Suyan talking to Huo Yansheng.

“Xingzhou is almost thirty, and Luo Luo is twenty-six now. They’re not that young anymore. We’re getting old too. Maybe we should bring up the idea of them having a child?”

Huo Yansheng was doing something—he paused for several seconds without responding. Luo Xing could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his chest, tightening with anxiety.

Did they… want a grandchild?

After a while, Huo Yansheng finally spoke.
“That’s up to them. From what I see, Xingzhou is completely devoted to Luo Xing. He doesn’t seem to have any plans for a child.”

After another pause, he added, “Besides, they take good care of each other, but raising a child isn’t just about feeding them—it’s about educating them too.”

Luo Xing’s heart suddenly clenched.

Biting his lip, he didn’t stay to listen any further. Instead, he quietly tiptoed upstairs.

Huo Xingzhou’s company had become more stable, so he wasn’t as overwhelmingly busy as before. But he still didn’t have much free time. His own university job was relatively easy, but raising a child… that was a whole different matter.

But…

Huo Xingzhou’s parents weren’t getting any younger.

Thinking about Ye Qiaoqiao and Lu Qinghe’s baby—how they had just hosted a full-month celebration—made his heart soften. He and Huo Xingzhou had attended the banquet together, and when he saw that tiny little girl blinking her eyes open, something deep inside him was touched.

He didn’t know if Huo Xingzhou wanted a child or not. His parents had never explicitly said anything, but when he congratulated Uncle Lu, he caught the look in their eyes. He knew what they were thinking.

He himself couldn’t bear children, but he also couldn’t take away Huo Xingzhou’s right to have one.

If they adopted, Luo Xing was certain he could raise the child well.

He would make sure of it.

“Huo Xingzhou.”

“What did you just call me?” Huo Xingzhou’s voice cooled slightly, even though he hadn’t turned around.

Luo Xing shrank his neck back and whispered, “Husband” Then he quickly added, “Do you want a child?”

Huo Xingzhou’s back stiffened. He placed the lid on the pot before turning around and holding out his arms. Luo Xing jumped down from his chair and ran into his embrace, tilting his head up as he asked again, “Do you want a child?”

“Do you want one?”

Huo Xingzhou had never been particularly interested in children. He was already busy enough taking care of Luo Xing. But if Luo Xing really wanted a child, he would do whatever it took to make it happen.

Luo Xing hesitated, biting his lip. He didn’t mention Wu Suyan’s words. Instead, he nestled into Huo Xingzhou’s arms and fiddled with his fingers. After a long pause, he finally murmured, “I do. I want a little one who will call us ‘Dad’ We can raise them together, give them all our love. Don’t you think that would be nice?”

Huo Xingzhou hooked their fingers together and studied Luo Xing’s downcast lashes and still-delicate features. Time had barely left a mark on his face. Though he was already twenty-six, he looked no different from when he was barely in his twenties.

“Luo Xing, have you thought about this? If we have a child, what about your job?”

Luo Xing lifted his gaze, about to reply, but before he could, Huo Xingzhou pressed a finger to his lips and lowered his voice.

“Ever since we came back from Lu Qinghe’s baby’s celebration, you’ve been acting strange. Did my parents say something to you?”

Luo Xing shook his head frantically. “No.”

He was a terrible liar. Whenever he wasn’t telling the truth, his eyes darted around, unable to meet Huo Xingzhou’s gaze. His emotions were always written all over his face.

“If having a child means you have to give up the career you love, then I’d rather not have one.” Huo Xingzhou gently pinched his chin, his voice firm but soft.
“To me, a child is an extension of our lives. They can exist, but they don’t have to exist. Understand?”

Luo Xing nodded blankly.

Then he watched as Huo Xingzhou turned back to stir-fry the vegetables.

No, that wasn’t it. He really wanted a child—one who would call them both ‘Dad.’

Luo Xing quietly moved to the other side of the kitchen, handing him a plate for the food. He hesitated, running the words through his mind several times before finally saying, “Actually, my job isn’t very busy. I don’t even have to go to the university all that often.”

“Mm?” Huo Xingzhou responded, his tone slightly lifted at the end. “And?”

Luo Xing pursed his lips and lowered his gaze.
“If you keep teasing me, I won’t say it.”

Huo Xingzhou chuckled and leaned down to whisper in his ear, “Alright, alright. Go ahead.”

Luo Xing tugged at his hand, tracing circles in his palm before finally admitting, “Mom and Dad want a grandchild. They never told me directly, but I overheard them. And honestly… I really want one too. But if you don’t want to, we can wait.”

Huo Xingzhou ruffled his hair, frowning slightly.
“Why wouldn’t I want one? If it’s something you want, then I want it too. I just…” He sighed, feigning concern.
“What if a little brat suddenly shows up and tries to steal you away from me?”

Luo Xing fell silent.

So this was the real reason he didn’t want kids?

The Next Morning

It was one of Huo Xingzhou’s rare days off, and he was happily cuddled up with his wife, enjoying a lazy morning. But the person in his arms wouldn’t stop fidgeting.

Annoyed, Huo Xingzhou gave his backside a firm smack.
“You still have energy? Do you want to go another round?”

Luo Xing immediately froze, going completely still in his arms. But after a while, he started moving again.

Huo Xingzhou scowled,
“What the hell are you doing now?”

“Today’s the day we’re going to see the kids.” Luo Xing whispered, resting his hands on Huo Xingzhou’s chest, looking pitiful.

Oh. Right.

Huo Xingzhou finally remembered—he had arranged to visit the orphanage a few days ago for the adoption process.

Letting out a deep sigh, he muttered, “Fine, let’s go find a little rascal.”

Luo Xing’s eyes lit up, and he happily chirped, “Zhao Zhao!” before busily helping him get dressed.

Huo Xingzhou wasn’t actually that lazy, but since this was something Luo Xing enjoyed doing, he had long since let him have his way.

After getting ready, Luo Xing was so excited he didn’t even want to eat breakfast—he looked like he was ready to sprout wings and fly there himself.

Helpless, Huo Xingzhou heated up a bottle of milk and handed it to him, instructing him to sit in the passenger seat and sip it through a straw while he drove—on an empty stomach, no less.

The orphanage wasn’t too far away. Without traffic, they arrived in about an hour and a half.

It wasn’t new, but it wasn’t run-down either. The outer walls were lined with dried, yellowing vines, and a few colorful flags fluttered in the wind at the entrance.

Hand in hand, Huo Xingzhou and Luo Xing stepped inside.

The director had been expecting them and was already waiting at the door. The moment he saw them arrive, he hurriedly came forward to greet them.

The director observed the two men—one delicate and fair, exuding an academic aura, while the other was reserved yet domineering. They made a well-matched pair. Their attire was refined, and if they adopted a child, the child would undoubtedly grow up in a good environment.

Since they shared the same surname, there was no concern that they would treat an adopted child differently if they later had biological children of their own.

“All the children are playing in the playground. You can take a look and see if there’s one you feel connected to.”
The director thought for a moment and pointed toward the playground.
“That slightly older boy is called Xiao Jiu. He’s six years old, well-behaved, quick to learn, and very obedient.”

“That girl over there is Yiyi. She’s five and a half, very lively and cheerful.”

The director introduced several children one by one, emphasizing that they were all physically and mentally healthy, so there wouldn’t be any additional concerns if they chose to adopt.

As Luo Xing glanced around, his eyes landed on a small boy sitting in a corner. He looked about three or four years old, gazing timidly in their direction. But the moment he met Luo Xing’s eyes, he quickly looked away, as if startled.

Unlike the other children eagerly trying to impress potential adoptive parents, this child’s quiet and timid demeanor struck something deep within Luo Xing’s heart.

“What’s that child’s name?”

The director hesitated for a moment before replying, “That child…”

Huo Xingzhou frowned.
“Is there something wrong with him? Does he not meet the adoption requirements?”

The director quickly waved her hands.
“No, no, that’s not the issue. It’s just… this child might be… difficult to take care of.” She was reluctant to describe him as ‘abnormal’ but…

Luo Xing asked, “What’s his situation?”

The director took a deep breath before explaining,
“This child arrived at the orphanage on his own. He’s only three years old. We found him curled up by the gate in the dead of winter, nearly frozen to death.”

“He said his parents called him a monster and told him they didn’t want him anymore. They told him to go die.”

Luo Xing didn’t sit in the front passenger seat; instead, he chose to sit in the back with the boy. Holding his small hand, he rubbed it gently for warmth before taking a candy out of his pocket, unwrapping it, and offering it to him.

“Do you want some candy?”

The boy stared at the candy cautiously for a long time. He hesitated, reaching out slightly, but then quickly pulled his hand back, shaking his head in restraint.

Luo Xing’s heart ached. Looking at the boy’s frail and thin figure, he suddenly saw a reflection of his younger self.

Back then, Zhao Jiulan had also called him a monster, telling him over and over again to die. But he had survived.

The moment he saw this child, he knew—he wanted him.

The director had said that this child had a dual surname. He had no friends at the orphanage, always nervous and fearful, unwilling to speak to anyone. In fact, aside from his first day at the orphanage, he hadn’t spoken a single word to anyone, not even the director.

He was like a small flower growing in the darkness—fragile, afraid to approach others, and unwilling to let others get close.

Luo Xing gently held his thin wrist and spoke softly, “Do you know who I am?”

The boy didn’t answer, only staring at him blankly. After a long moment, he hesitantly nodded.

Luo Xing wasn’t sure if the boy truly understood what adoption meant, so instead of rushing to explain, he asked, “Do you like fish?”

The boy was startled. After a moment, he nodded.

Luo Xing smiled and continued, “Then should we have sweet and sour fish for dinner? Or steamed fish? You can choose, okay?”

The boy made a small sound, opening his mouth slightly but unable to speak. He then closed it again.

Luo Xing wasn’t impatient. He simply waited quietly.

Through the rearview mirror, Huo Xingzhou glanced at the new father and son duo. A faint smile played on his lips as he focused on driving without interrupting.

After a long while, a soft voice finally emerged from the boy’s lips.

“… Sweet… sweet and sour fish.”

Luo Xing squinted his eyes and smiled, gently patting the boy’s head. “Good boy.”

The little boy leaned into his palm, rubbing against it with reliance. As the car moved forward, he gradually fell into slumber.

Only then did Luo Xing have a moment of leisure. He asked Huo Xingzhou with some concern, “Do you think Mom and Dad will be upset?”

Huo Xingzhou replied, “No, they won’t.”

Luo Xing was still a little uneasy. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I was thinking of letting Dad name him. Is that okay?”

Huo Xingzhou hummed in agreement.
“It’s all up to you. So, should we have dinner at my parents’ house tonight?”

Luo Xing glanced at the sleeping child in his lap, who was curled up with his hands guardedly pressed against his chest, clearly sleeping uneasily. After some thought, he said, “Let’s not overwhelm him with too many people on his first day. We should go home first.”

“Alright, then call them and let them know,” Huo Xingzhou said, estimating that Wu Suyan wouldn’t be upset. The child was like a miniature version of Luo Xing when he was younger—soft, obedient, and timid. Even his big, cautious eyes resembled Luo Xing’s so much. Wu Suyan would probably love him immediately.

---

By the time they arrived home, Luo Xing had already made the call. Wu Suyan had barely been able to contain her excitement, nearly screaming that she would fly back immediately to see her grandson. At the same time, she scolded Huo Xingzhou for not telling her about such an important matter sooner.

Huo Yansheng chuckled as he held back his wife. After some thought, he gave the child a name: Huo Xunzhi.

“Sheng and Xian, ke xun zhi” (With guidance and effort, one can aspire to greatness).

Luo Xing asked for Huo Xingzhou’s opinion. He snorted. “Too scholarly. Can’t we just name him something simple like ‘Star Dog’ or something? Rolls off the tongue better.”

Huo Xingzhou carried the child out of the car. The moment Luo Xing stepped out, the little boy woke up. In a strange person’s arms, he was instantly startled, instinctively shrinking into himself. His large black eyes warily stared at his new father.

“Do you want to get down?” Huo Xingzhou asked.

The boy quickly nodded. The moment Huo Xingzhou put him down, he ran straight behind Luo Xing, clinging cautiously to the hem of his clothes and peeking out timidly.

Luo Xing chuckled, holding his small hand. Squatting down, he softened his voice, “Let’s go upstairs to take a bath and change into clean clothes, then wait for Daddy to make dinner, okay?”

The little boy nodded.

Luo Xing led him upstairs. Watching them—a big one and a small one—Huo Xingzhou felt a sudden warmth rush through him. Having a son was actually pretty nice.

---

When they got upstairs, Luo Xing looked through the clothes they had prepared. Since they didn’t know what kind of child they would adopt, they had bought a variety of sizes. After checking, Luo Xing picked out a set that would fit.

He adjusted the bathwater to the right temperature, tested it with his hand, then explained which bottles were shampoo and body wash before asking, “Do you know how to bathe yourself?”

The boy nodded.

Luo Xing figured that even though he was young, he probably already understood that his body was different from others. He might not be comfortable being seen, so Luo Xing treated him like a little adult and let him wash by himself.

“I’ll wait outside the door, okay?”

The boy nodded again. Carefully, he stood on tiptoe and closed the door.

Luo Xing didn’t go downstairs. He stayed by the door, waiting for him to finish. There was barely any sound of water, a clear sign of the child’s nervous and timid nature. Luo Xing understood and was patient.

After a while, the little boy finally finished. His wet hair clung to his forehead, a drop of water falling onto his eyelashes. He blinked twice before shaking it off.

Luo Xing noticed that he had buttoned his shirt wrong and chuckled as he knelt down to fix it. Then, he took a towel to dry his hair and led him to a chair, using a hairdryer to finish the job.

Gently cupping the child’s face, Luo Xing squatted down and said, “Now that you’re with us, you need a new name. You can’t use the old number they gave you anymore, okay?”

The boy nodded.

Luo Xing smiled and continued, “The dad making dinner downstairs is Huo Daddy. You’ll take his last name. Grandpa gave you a new name—Huo Xunzhi. It means that as long as you work hard, you can become an amazing person.”

Huo Xunzhi seemed to understand a little, nodding with his delicate face slightly flushed from the heat, making him look even softer.

“From now on, Huo Daddy and I are your family. Do you know what to call me?” Luo Xing asked.

Huo Xunzhi hesitated for a moment, then softly said, “I know.”

“Good.” Luo Xing didn’t push him further. He held his hand and led him downstairs.

When they reached the kitchen, Huo Xingzhou had already finished cooking the sweet and sour fish.

Luo Xing patted Xunzhi’s little head and leaned down slightly. Taking advantage of the moment when Huo Xingzhou turned to serve the soup, he whispered,
“Daddy made dinner for Xunzhi. What should you say?”

Huo Xunzhi hesitated, hiding behind Luo Xing again. Luo Xing almost let it slide, but after a while, the little boy suddenly gathered his courage. He ran over to the table, tugging shyly at Huo Xingzhou’s sleeve.

Huo Xingzhou looked down and smiled.
“Hey there, sweetheart. What is it?”

Still a little nervous, Huo Xunzhi took a long moment before obediently saying in a soft voice, “Thank you, Daddy.”

Huo Xingzhou’s heart melted. His hands nearly trembled, and he almost spilled the soup. He quickly turned aside to avoid getting any on the child, sighing in relief.

“What a little darling,” Huo Xingzhou chuckled as he washed his hands, then ruffled Xunzhi’s hair. “Good boy.”

---

Wu Suyan eventually retired, and Huo Yansheng, being self-employed, had a flexible schedule. The elderly couple became completely immersed in doting on their grandson. They ended up moving in to help take care of him.

Huo Xingzhou had mixed feelings.

On one hand, it was great having someone take care of their son, giving him and Luo Xing some time for themselves. On the other hand, having his parents around all the time made things… inconvenient. Luo Xing even had to keep his voice down in bed.

By the time Xunzhi turned seven, he had finally come to terms with the fact that his body wasn’t incomplete—it was a gift. He had also become livelier, though still carrying his soft and gentle demeanor.

Wu Suyan adored her grandson. She took him everywhere with her, treating him like a precious gem, as if even looking at him too much required a fee.

Later, they adopted a second child—who was much less easygoing. This one was loud, energetic, and had a wail powerful enough to shake the entire house.

From the moment he was little, he was a troublemaker, causing chaos with just an orange in his hand.

One night, his cries startled Luo Xing awake. He nudged Huo Xingzhou away, avoiding his kisses.
“Stop… The baby’s crying.”

Huo Xingzhou held his waist firmly, refusing to let go, his voice deep and teasing.
“Mom’s got him.”

“Still… no…” Luo Xing could barely breathe, fingers clutching the sheets as the overwhelming sensation crashed over him.

Huo Xingzhou chuckled and whispered seductively, “One more time, okay?”

Meanwhile, Wu Suyan was actually out running errands. Seven-year-old Xunzhi held his four-and-a-half-year-old brother in his arms, softly comforting him.
“Don’t cry, okay? Daddy’s busy. Want some candy instead?”

Xunzhi, still small for his age, looked more like a five-year-old. His thin wrists wrapped around his brother as he carefully bit open a candy. Before he could hand it over, his little brother suddenly lunged at him, clumsily biting at his lips for the candy.

Xunzhi froze for a moment before giving in, passing the candy over.

The little troublemaker chewed with a triumphant expression.

Xunzhi sighed helplessly.

Daddy was right. This kid was getting better at demanding things.