Little Pink Starfish

Little Jiangshi was about to start kindergarten again.

“Daddy, can Little Brother come too?” Little Jiangshi asked pitifully.

Zhang Qiu glanced at Little Fei, wrapped up in red mist and sound asleep. Forget it, like this, going to class would probably scare the teacher to death. But facing Little Jiangshi’s world-crumbling pouty face, Zhang Qiu’s heart softened. He thought maybe it was okay to delay another year—after all, Little Jiangshi wasn’t like normal kids anyway. He was just about to say so when Li Shu calmly said, “I read that if children don’t interact with other kids, they’re more prone to depression.”

That scared Zhang Qiu. Thinking about it—what if he became withdrawn or something—he immediately swallowed his words and righteously declared, “Kindergarten is a must.” Seeing Little Jiangshi’s crumpled little face, he quickly started listing the benefits. “The new kindergarten near our place has so much yummy food, and tons of fun toys. You’ll definitely love it.”

Little Jiangshi’s eyes lit up at the mention of food, but then he thought about playing with snot-nosed kids every day and got a headache. The desire to eat disappeared.

Zhang Qiu had no idea that the first kindergarten he ever took Little Jiangshi to had left an unforgettable scar on his son’s heart. His eyes shifted as he coaxed, “Do you know why kids have to go to school? Even Daddy still has to go to school, you know why?”

“Why?” Little Jiangshi grumbled but still played along as Daddy’s number one fan.

“You see, when you’re learning skills from Grandpa, that’s studying. Going to kindergarten is also studying. Later on, you’ll become amazing and earn lots of money, buy all the food you want, and even treat Daddy to fun trips.” Zhang Qiu thought, This little money-lover can’t resist that.

Sure enough, Little Jiangshi’s eyes went piu bright. “Earn lots of money?”

“Yes.” Zhang Qiu didn’t know how to fix his son’s money-obsessed mindset. Shouldn’t people study for their dreams?But then again, Little Jiangshi’s dream was to earn lots of money. Thinking like that… maybe it’s not so wrong.

Li Shu ruffled their son’s head and smiled, “Daddy will take you to school.”

“Where’s Gege going?” Little Fei rubbed his eyes and woke from the red mist.

Zhang Qiu even softened his voice, “Gege’s going to kindergarten.”

Little Fei tilted his head, eyes big and watery. “Can Little Fei go too?”

“Daddy, can Little Brother come too?” Little Jiangshi tried again—he wanted to go to school with his brother.

These two adorable babies looked up at him with teary eyes. Zhang Qiu nearly gave in again. But he was still scared. Unexpectedly, Li Shu beat him to it and said, “Of course he can.”

Zhang Qiu: ……

Why does this feel strangely familiar…

Li Shu just smiled without saying a word.

The kindergarten was across the lake from the villa area, with a school bus for pick-up. It was basically a school district house. They were even planning to build an affiliated elementary school in the second phase. Zhang Qiu felt he’d made the right decision buying the place—perfect for the kids’ education.

They registered, paid the fees. On Little Jiangshi’s first day, Zhang Qiu got up super early. Li Shu was already busy in the kitchen. His cooking skills had improved dramatically. He actually signed up for a training class—but after less than a week, he quit. Zhang Qiu thought he gave up, but turns out he downloaded tutorials onto his iPad and self-studied at home. When asked why, Li Shu said too many people around him was annoying.

Zhang Qiu didn’t even want to think about Li Shu’s ability to attract attention. He immediately raised both hands in agreement, “Home is better. Quiet, spacious—you can perform at your best.”

Li Shu smiled without speaking, watching his coward.

Now Li Shu could make all sorts of dishes, and the quality had improved too. Even Little Jiangshi would praise his cooking. When Li Shu cooked, naturally Zhang Qiu had to do the dishes—only somehow he’d end up pinned against the sink, with Li Shu “washing” him instead. Zhang Qiu got so mad he bought a dishwasher the next day.

Their lives had become full of little moments like this. Every day was a battle of wits and hormones. They’d barely mess around in bed before Zhang Qiu was being teased to the point of crying, begging Li Shu to go faster. This man was insufferable. Especially in bed.

Breakfast was custard buns. Zhang Qiu looked at the cute little bunny-shaped buns on the plate and couldn’t help but laugh. Can’t believe Li Shu’s hands made these. Every time he saw them, the contrast amused him. “Uncle, your skills are amazing.”

“Wow! Little Brother has bunny buns today!” Little Jiangshi was thrilled.

Li Shu usually hated extra effort and rarely made food with shapes. But today was his son’s first day of school—he put in the work. With bunny buns and his little brother joining him, Little Jiangshi was actually in a great mood about kindergarten.

Before heading out, Zhang Qiu reminded them again, “Don’t let anyone see Little Fei—gotta be sneaky.”

“Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ll draw the invisibility thingy,” Little Jiangshi said confidently.

Zhang Qiu: !!!

“How is my son so amazing?!”

Little Jiangshi was so proud he nearly wagged a tail. He happily pulled Little Fei from his head and stuck a mini talisman on his forehead. Zhang Qiu laughed out loud. “Li Shu, is there something wrong with my eyes? Why can I still see Little Fei?”

“I can see him too.”

Little Jiangshi blushed and whispered, “Oops, wrong one…”

This little treasure, Zhang Qiu thought. The talisman covered Little Fei’s tiny face entirely.

Ding ding ding—

The school bus bell rang in the distance. Zhang Qiu quickly said, “Alright—”

After sending his sons off, Zhang Qiu turned to see Li Shu grinning, and his hair stood on end. “I’m warning you! I nearly broke my back over New Year. If you dare pull that stuff again, I’ll—I’ll run away from home!”

“What are you thinking?” Li Shu put on an innocent face and said seriously, “Now that the kids are in school, I bought movie tickets for us.”

Turns out Li Shu had planned a romantic date. Dirty-minded Zhang Qiu was instantly embarrassed and quickly praised him, “My handsome Li Shu, mwah~”

“Okay, get ready to go.”

“Why’d you get them so early!” Zhang Qiu complained as he rushed upstairs to change. He was back down in five minutes. Li Shu was already wearing his coat—spring had just started, and the man was flaunting in a long brown trench coat, boots, standing tall and handsome. But… the coat was kind of thin?

“Maybe put something else on? Aren’t you cold?”

Li Shu shook his head, “It’ll warm up soon.”

Zhang Qiu figured he was right—movie theaters had heat anyway, and besides, Li Shu was always running hot.

It only took ten minutes to drive to the nearby cinema. After parking, Zhang Qiu got out but saw Li Shu still in the car. “What’s up?”

“Getting something.”

Zhang Qiu didn’t pay much attention. He saw Li Shu stuff something into his bag but didn’t see what it was. After locking the car, they took the elevator up to the 7th floor where the cinema was. The whole floor was empty at 8:30 in the morning.

“Quiet,” Li Shu said calmly.

Zhang Qiu agreed. While Li Shu picked up the tickets, he bought popcorn and drinks. He got Li Shu a bottle of water—Li Shu didn’t like cola, said it made him burp and it was rude. After living together, Zhang Qiu had come to find even Li Shu’s little quirks adorable. The two of them had settled into a balanced, sweet daily life.

Cheers to a cozy life!

Li Shu returned with the tickets, took what Zhang Qiu was carrying, and they headed for the theater.

“Hello, VIP theater, just straight ahead and turn left. Enjoy your movie,” said the attendant.

Zhang Qiu nudged Li Shu with a grin. “Ooh, VIP seats. Someone’s feeling fancy today.” A compliment was deserved. When they reached the door, Zhang Qiu finally remembered, “Wait—what are we watching?”

“Terror Tomb.”

!!!

What the hell?

He’d never even heard of this movie. He followed Li Shu into the empty theater, and noticed they were seated dead center in the second-to-last row. He pulled out his phone and googled it. “It’s a domestic horror movie?! Li Shu, are you messing with me?!”

“I read it had good reviews.” Li Shu calmly put things down and pulled Zhang Qiu into his seat.

Zhang Qiu looked at the reviews full of garbage emojis and didn’t know what to say. Maybe Li Shu was just an old-fashioned guy who hadn’t watched many movies—maybe this was just his taste. A strong man must have a heart that tolerates his partner. Thinking like that, how noble he was!

“No worries, I’ve never seen a domestic horror film.” Honestly, he didn’t really like horror movies—he used to be a scaredy-cat. But it’s a domestic one, probably not too scary.

“You’re the best, coward,” Li Shu praised.

Zhang Qiu felt his status had flipped upside down. Right then, the movie started. The lights went off with a snap. The sound system was excellent. A high-pitched laugh rang out—Zhang Qiu jumped. “Wow, that was creepy.”

“Mm, kind of scary.”

Judging from his voice, Li Shu wasn’t scared at all. But Zhang Qiu, still basking in the praise, insisted on being the manly one. “Come sit closer, then.”

This VIP theater had reclining seats—two wide chairs with a table in the middle. Not ideal for chatting or reacting together. When blood suddenly spurted on screen, Zhang Qiu was already jumpy. Cuddling up sounded fine.

“Okay.”

Li Shu smoothly moved over. But two men sharing one recliner wasn’t very comfortable. After fidgeting a while, Li Shu whispered, “Maybe you can sit on my lap.”

“Isn’t that a bit much? We’re in public—”

“There’s no one else here.”

Zhang Qiu figured he was right. After thinking a bit, he agreed. Honestly, the horror movie was actually pretty scary—intense atmosphere and visuals. “Domestic films are on the rise, huh!”

He ended up half-sitting on Li Shu’s lap.

The plot was pretty good. Zhang Qiu got absorbed quickly. Then he felt something behind him—shifting. He asked, “Am I sitting on you wrong?”

“Mm.”

Li Shu’s voice was low and raspy.

Zhang Qiu didn’t think much, lifted himself slightly, “Is this better—WTF!”

“Shh. Be good, coward.”

“Be good my ass.” Zhang Qiu was about to explode. He reached to pull up his pants—this guy had pulled them halfway down in an instant! Now his butt was half exposed and that hand was still moving! The movie’s thump thump thumpmatched his heart—it wasn’t fear, it was nervousness about someone walking in!

Li Shu bit Zhang Qiu’s earlobe softly. “Relax, no one will come.” His hands moved fast. In no time, Zhang Qiu’s pants were at his knees. Li Shu’s long coat covered them. Zhang Qiu struggled but was soon melting into Li Shu’s expert touch. This guy was despicable—he knew all his weak spots.

Zhang Qiu thought fuzzily.

……

By the end of the movie, Zhang Qiu’s feet were curled. He was both thrilled and terrified someone would come clean the theater. His brain blanked out. When he came to, his clothes were back on. Li Shu kissed his sweaty neck and whispered, “You passed out from pleasure.”

Zhang Qiu still hadn’t recovered. After a while, his legs went limp and he collapsed back in the seat. He saw Li Shu tuck the used condom into a bag. His face turned bright red. The condom was on him. Li Shu had said it was to stop him from—

Shoot your grandpa!

His backside was still damp. He didn’t even need to check to know what it was.

He had no face left.