Little Pink Starfish

Li Shu wore a cold face, pinching a bun with two fingers, swiftly and precisely stuffing it into the mouth of Zhang Qiu, who was laughing loudly.

Zhang Qiu, who was overjoyed, suddenly went silent with a bun in his mouth. Facing Li Shu’s indifferent gaze, he took the hint and started gnawing on the bun. Little Jiang stood beside him, mimicking Zhang Qiu’s action exactly, also softly gnawing on his bun.

Li Shu stood beside them, watching the father and son finish the buns. Zhang Qiu wiped his hands and introduced seriously, “He’s Little Jiang, I’m Zhang Qiu.”

“Li Shu.”

Only then did Zhang Qiu react — if Li Shu had really lost his memory, why would he still remember his own name? With his usually wild imagination, Zhang Qiu immediately started suspecting whether Li Shu truly had amnesia. After all, in TV dramas, there’s always fake amnesia and going undercover, things like that.

“That’s quite a unique name,” Zhang Qiu said meaningfully. Seeing that Li Shu had no reaction, he shrugged, then picked up Little Jiang, “Let’s go. Today I’m spending the whole day with Little Jiang.”

Zhang Qiu made the call, and Li Shu followed behind the entire time. First, they went to the amusement park. Zhang Qiu casually handed Little Jiang in his arms over to Li Shu.

“I’m going to buy tickets!”

Little Jiang was happily sitting in Big Daddy’s arms, though he was also a bit scared Big Daddy would get angry, so he held back his smile and sat obediently.

Li Shu, holding a soft child in his arms, was stiff all over, exuding a ten-meter-radius aura of “don’t come near.” When Zhang Qiu returned with the tickets, he saw there wasn’t a single person within a few meters of Li Shu.

Come on, seriously?!

Li Shu tried to hand Little Jiang back, but Zhang Qiu turned around and walked off, saying as he walked, “Hurry up, it’s so early and there’s already a long line.”

Inside the amusement park, since they arrived early, there weren’t many people. Zhang Qiu ignored Li Shu’s dark face and low pressure the whole time, taking Little Jiang on every ride. Li Shu’s patience was stretched to the limit, but he still followed behind Zhang Qiu without leaving.

By noon, as they were leaving the park, they happened to see Pei Qing riding the carousel with Lingdang. Zhang Qiu burst out laughing — a burly man fighting a bunch of kids for a carousel ride looked funny no matter how you looked at it. Little Jiang waved to Brother Lingdang, and the three of them went to find a place to eat.

At the entrance, they hailed a cab. Li Shu reported the name of a restaurant, and Zhang Qiu paused — that was the place the two of them went last time. He’d said it was delicious, and Li Shu had replied, “Let’s come again next time.”

Now Zhang Qiu was really starting to suspect Li Shu was faking amnesia.

“Why’d you pick that restaurant?”

Li Shu was slightly stunned by Zhang Qiu’s question, then said indifferently, “Don’t know. If you don’t like it, we can go somewhere else.”

Zhang Qiu couldn’t tell if Li Shu was faking or not. He figured, if he were faking, there wasn’t much point.

“This place is fine.”

At the restaurant, as the food came out, Zhang Qiu casually mentioned, “This place’s fish head with flatbread is good. You’ve got taste. Been here before?”

Li Shu put down his chopsticks, his eyes coldly staring at Zhang Qiu.

“From the start, you’ve been testing me. What do you want to ask?” Li Shu’s voice cooled a few degrees. “I’ve already said — you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not the other father of your child, nor the one you’re looking for. Don’t look at me with that gaze meant for someone else.”

Aside from in bed, Zhang Qiu had never heard Li Shu say such a long string of words.

Li Shu frowned. He himself didn’t know where the anger was coming from. Sweeping his gaze across the pair across the table, from the start they’d looked at him like they were seeing someone else — now even more so. He threw money on the table and stood up. “You should go find who you’re looking for. It’s not me.”

Zhang Qiu watched Li Shu walk away without saying a word. Little Jiang beside him was a bit grumpy.

“Big Daddy gets angry so easily now!”

“He’ll be fine in a few days. Ignore him, let’s eat.” Zhang Qiu served his son a piece of flatbread and thought to himself — if you weren’t Li Shu, I’d pin you down and beat you up right now, believe it or not!

Father and son ate quite contentedly. When they returned to the villa, Qi Xi was just there. Seeing them come in, he waved at Little Jiang — this guy really liked kids.

“Got a gift!” Qi Xi waved a toy in his hand, coaxing Little Jiang, “What do you say?”

Little Jiang still remembered to call him uncle!

In a crisp voice, Little Jiang said, “Pretty Uncle.”

Qi Xi took hit after hit, finally rubbing his little one’s fluffy hair and handed over the toy. Huahua got a gift too. The two little brothers went off to play with their gifts. Little Jiang told Huahua that Big Daddy had held him today and they ate yummy flatbread.

“I heard about it. Li Shu’s fine. As for amnesia — it’s no big deal. Just knock your head a few times and it’s cured. That’s how it goes in TV shows.” Qi Xi stretched and said with interest, “Just came back from the mountains. I heard you’re heading down the pit again. How about taking me this time?”

Zhang Qiu glanced at Qi Xi’s highly recognizable face and the crowd of fans outside the Xinjiang hotel — this guy’s afraid people won’t know what they’re up to.

“We haven’t decided anything yet. Might not go.” If Li Shu could regain his memory before that, even better. Thinking of Li Shu storming off at lunch, Zhang Qiu’s head ached.

Just as he said that, Pei Qing called. He’d been running an antique shop for years and had some connections in the business. Ever since he found out Qi Zhirong was interested in Zhongshan Kingdom, he’d been asking around — just got some news.

“Qi Zhirong boarded a flight to Yulin Airport in northern Shaanxi ten minutes ago,” Pei Qing said while packing, phone tucked between shoulder and ear. “It was his private jet, so we only just found out… Ah! Baby, take that too, and the sunscreen — heard it’s really dry there. Right, take it all…” He suddenly remembered the call was still on and coughed. “Anyway, this time it’s us two as a team.”

In the background, Lingdang shyly called him “Gege,” then there was some humming and kissing sounds before the line cut off.

Zhang Qiu held the phone, unsure what expression to make. He said seriously, “Qi Zhirong went to Yulin, Shaanxi.”

“Xiao Qiuqiu, we all heard it, don’t be shy. After all, you’re an experienced driver. I’m the only one left as a pure, beautiful man,” Qi Xi said with a smile, standing up. “Looks like I need to go pack too.”

Zhang Qiu: ……

Huating and Lu Feng also planned to go. Zhang Qiu shook his head, “There’s no need for everyone to go. Qixi’s just tagging along for fun. If anything’s wrong, we’ll back out. You guys still have Huahua, can’t always leave him with others.”

Zhang Qiu knew his shixiong and shixiong’s wife wanted a stable life. He accepted their kindness but going down a tomb was dangerous and illegal — better not involve them. They’d already troubled them by staying at their home for a while.

“That makes sense.” Zhang Yushui added. Lu Feng, while he had bloodline inheritance, hadn’t awakened it — basically still half an ordinary person. Huating even more so. Too many people would just get in the way sometimes.

“Alright, call if you need anything.” Lu Feng didn’t insist.

They checked for flights to Yulin, Shaanxi — to their shock, the next one wasn’t until 8am the next day. Might as well drive. Lu Feng thought for a moment and made a call. Soon, it was settled. Smiling, he said, “Yang Bao’s dad is willing to help. We can leave in an hour.”

Yang Bao’s dad was loaded.

On a private plane to Yulin Airport in northern Shaanxi, as soon as they landed, Lu Feng called with the info — Qi Zhirong’s hotel was already confirmed. They headed straight there.

“Let me carry Little Jiang, just right to cover my face,” Qi Xi said. From the plane to the terminal, even in that short distance, they’d already attracted attention.

Zhang Qiu stared at Qi Xi wrapped up like a mummy. These people probably aren’t admiring your beauty — more like thinking you’re crazy!

Early November in Yulin was already chilly, close to Inner Mongolia. At night, the temperature difference was big and the climate dry. Pei Qing had Little Lingdang wrapped in his trench coat. Second Brother Zhang Yushui also leaned in to hold the Lord of Xiapi. The Lord wasn’t used to such PDA in public, a bit embarrassed, but still let Zhang Yushui hold him.

Zhang Qiu wore a long-sleeved T-shirt. The wind made him shiver. Walking behind, he watched the couples in front — even Qi Xi had his Little Jiang. He really regretted giving Little Jiang to someone else.

The wind reeked of love!

“Qixi, give me back my Little Jiang!” Zhang Qiu followed behind asking for his child.

Qi Xi shamelessly giggled, “Nope, nope. Let me carry him, you go carry the luggage.”

Zhang Qiu looked at the huge suitcase at Qi Xi’s feet. How is that easier?! Might as well carry my kid.

“Qixi, you think this is a vacation? Brought so much stuff.” Zhang Qiu pushed the suitcase. “Your fans should see what you really look like now!”

“What look? My beautiful face? Hahaha all my fans know!” Qi Xi made a kissy face imitating Zhang Qiu. “Xiao Qiuqiu, jiayou yo~”

Ding—

The elevator door opened.

Zhang Qiu pushed the luggage in, joking, “I’m telling you, if you keep this up, you’ll lose me—” and came face to face with a familiar, cold gaze inside the elevator. He instinctively added, “—as a friend.”

In the elevator, Li Shu glanced at Zhang Qiu. As he stepped out, his eyes coldly stared at Qi Xi holding Little Jiang.

The air turned heavy. Zhang Qiu wanted to explain something but decided against it and just entered the elevator with the others. The door slowly closed.

Qi Xi pulled down his scarf and looked at Zhang Qiu. “Your man looked like he wanted to kill me just now! I almost dropped your Little Jiang from fright.”

Sleepy Little Jiang looked up. “Daddy?”

Zhang Qiu took him. “It’s nothing. Keep sleeping.” Little Jiang mumbled something and dozed off again.

The room was already booked by Lu Feng. After unpacking, it was already past ten. The nightlife around here felt kind of empty — maybe they just hadn’t found the right places. The streets at night were a bit deserted. Zhang Qiu had planned to buy clothes, but decided to sleep early and deal with it tomorrow.

From Xi’an to Beijing, what he packed the most was Little Jiang’s full wardrobe. He hadn’t expected the weather in Yulin to change so fast. That night, thunder and lightning struck, and when Zhang Qiu woke up the next morning, he was completely stunned.

It snowed?

The streets were wet, windows foggy. Zhang Qiu sneezed twice from the wind and decided to go borrow a coat from Qi Xi. His second brother and sister-in-law weren’t afraid of the cold — one was a phoenix, the other a thousand-year-old Jiangshi. Pei Qing did bring luggage, but it was entirely filled with Little Lingdang’s stuff. When Zhang Qiu thought of Lingdang’s pink shirts, he quietly knocked on Qi Xi’s door.

Qi Xi opened the door in a floral bathrobe, drowsy-eyed, lazily resting one arm on the doorframe, “Darling, I knew it. No nightlife for you, up this early.” He yawned.

Zhang Qiu: ……

Regretted coming to borrow clothes now.

“Didn’t you look outside? It’s snowing. Lend me a coat, I’ll go out and buy one and return it later.” Zhang Qiu spoke righteously.

Qi Xi smiled, “With our relationship, no need to say borrow. Come in, pick whatever you like — if you like it, it’s yours!”

Zhang Qiu thought: What relationship do we have? I’m not aware of any!

Suddenly he felt a chill behind him. He turned and saw Li Shu standing in front of the opposite room’s door, expressionless. When he looked back, Li Shu slammed the door shut.

…

He had nothing to say. Zhang Qiu glanced up at Qi Xi’s smug smile. “You did that on purpose, huh?”

Qi Xi shrugged, “That’s how they do it on TV. Didn’t you see how mad he got just now? Good for memory recovery. You should be thanking me.”

What nonsense. Zhang Qiu followed Qi Xi inside. Qi Xi chattered away while opening his suitcase, “Baby, pick it yourself.”

“Talk normally. Don’t gross me out.” Zhang Qiu quickly rummaged through the suitcase.

Qi Xi tsked twice, “So many men and women want me to call them baby. Don’t be ungrateful. But seriously, you didn’t see how your Li Shu looked at me — like he was going to skin me alive. Hahaha, so exciting!”

Zhang Qiu: ……

This guy is not normal. A full-blown drama queen!

“If anyone ever says you can’t act again, I’ll be the first to fight them!” Zhang Qiu said with a straight face.

Qi Xi cupped his own face, “Isn’t my beauty enough? Anyone asking for acting skills has seriously misunderstood me!” Then he flopped onto the bed and lazily chatted on, “I recently got cast in an idol drama as an arrogant, overbearing CEO. Even though he loses his memory, he still protects the heroine. No problem there. Men are just like that. I’m telling you, leave him hanging, make him jealous — maybe he’ll knock his head and everything will come back…”

Zhang Qiu, face full of black lines, listened to Qi Xi’s nonsense. He quickly picked out a thicker coat and rushed off. If he stayed any longer, he might strangle Qi Xi.

Qi Xi didn’t move, happily yelling from the bed, “Baby, I won’t see you out! Remember to close the door!”

Baby your head! Zhang Qiu ran out like something was chasing him. He was seriously afraid of Qi Xi’s twisted logic. What he didn’t know was — after he returned to his room, the door across the hall quietly opened. Li Shu stood there, coldly staring at the tightly shut door.

Lying in bed, Qi Xi suddenly shivered and wrapped himself up tighter in the blanket, muttering, “Why did it suddenly get cold…”

Back in the room, Little Jiang’s sleepy eyes looked up. He was sitting on the bed with bare butt and legs crossed, curls on his head all fluffy. Seeing Zhang Qiu come in, he softly called, “Daddy.” Zhang Qiu went over and kissed him twice, “You little rascal, time to get up. Daddy’s taking you to buy clothes later.”

He glanced at his coat — even as a fashion noob, he could tell Qi Xi’s coat wasn’t cheap. Way too luxurious. He better hurry and buy clothes of his own. He also needed to get Little Jiang a couple more outfits.

Little Jiang obediently got himself ready, sitting on the bed swinging his short legs while waiting for Daddy.

Zhang Qiu quickly got dressed, carried Little Jiang out, and bumped into Pei Qing and Lingdang. Pei Qing looked helpless, “Lingdang’s worried I’ll be cold, wants to go buy clothes.” But his face was full of that smug, punch-worthy, lovebird sweetness.

Eating dog food first thing in the morning. Zhang Qiu was not okay with this.

“Your smile is blinding me.”

Lingdang tugged Pei Qing’s sleeve, trying to get him to tone it down. Who knew — Pei Qing just smiled sweeter and put his arm around Lingdang’s shoulder.

Zhang Qiu couldn’t even look. He cleared his throat, “Little Jiang, we’re evacuating. Don’t stay here and get hurt.”

“Gege,” Lingdang said shyly.

Pei Qing didn’t let go at all, “Zhang Qiu is an experienced player. Back when he and Li Shu tormented me, he didn’t hold back. Now that he’s not tormenting anyone, wait till Li Shu gets his memory back — they’ll be hurting each other again.”

In front, Zhang Qiu holding Little Jiang almost threw the kid back at Pei Qing’s face.

What the hell did I do to make everyone think I’m some veteran lover boy?!

It was too early — the mall wasn’t open yet. The four of them went to a nearby local shop to have a famous lamb offal soup. They added chili — it was hot and flavorful without any gamey smell. Little Jiang loved soaking flatbread in it. Holding the spoon himself, he scooped up the soft, flavorful pieces and fed himself, swinging his little legs happily.

The owner cheerfully brought over some of his own pickled radish slices and, with a local accent, said, “You guys are definitely from out of town. All such good-looking young folks. Especially this little one — like he walked straight out of a New Year’s painting. Try my radish!”

Apparently, the radish was a reward for Little Jiang’s cuteness.

As soon as food appeared, Little Jiang beamed and sweetly said thank you with dimples showing.

“Boss, how come it’s snowing here in November?” Zhang Qiu asked while drinking the soup. His body was getting warm. Though the snow wasn’t heavy enough to stick, the temperature drop from yesterday was dramatic.

“We didn’t use to get this,” the boss thought for a bit and said, “Started about four years ago. Every year around November, there’s an early snow like this. Clears up in a couple days. I heard the cold air comes from the north. Weather’s getting harder to predict nowadays.”

They chatted for a bit before the boss went back to work. After finishing the soup, they were warm and full. The mall was open now, so they went in, bought clothes, and went back early.

At the hotel, they ran into Second Brother and his wife heading downstairs. After greeting them, they found out the two had just woken up and were going to eat.

“We already ate.” Zhang Qiu, carrying Little Jiang, asked quietly, “Any news from over there?”

Zhang Yushui shook his head, “He’s very patient. Don’t rush.”

Zhang Qiu wasn’t really interested in the whole Zhongshan Kingdom stuff — their only goal was to get Li Shu back. So he nodded, “Then I’ll take Little Jiang back first.”

Back in the room, Little Jiang sat on the bed watching cartoons. Zhang Qiu went to return Qi Xi’s coat. As soon as he stepped out, he bumped into Li Shu. Zhang Qiu thought — we really are meant to be. This is fate.

“Morning!” Zhang Qiu greeted with a smile.

Li Shu’s expression softened slightly and he nodded back. After a pause, he asked, “Have you had lunch?”

Hahahahaha is this an invitation to lunch?! Even if I had, I’d say I hadn’t. Zhang Qiu was just about to answer, when Qi Xi the drama queen suddenly opened his door and said in a syrupy tone, “Baby, we just parted and you already miss me?”

Miss your damn head! Zhang Qiu’s headache flared. Li Shu’s eyes went cold. He glanced at Qi Xi, then turned and left.

Zhang Qiu watched Li Shu’s back walk away, then turned to glare at Qi Xi, who flinched and said, “I’m telling you, you’re no match for me. I’m so pretty — would you really bear to hit me? AHH stop! I’m telling you, this method really works. Stimulate him and he’ll recover his true love memory!”

Zhang Qiu wanted nothing more than to beat this drama queen to death!