In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: So the Old Bull Falls for This Trick

“I heard everything at the door,” Chen Jingming said, his tears falling like broken strings.

Drip, drop—just like in a cartoon.

Chen Lang sighed toward the heavens, wishing it had been him who got hit by the hoe instead. He had never seen so many tears in his life.

“Alright, don’t cry,” Chu Feng walked over, using his calloused palm to wipe Chen Jingming’s tears. “It’s fine, baby. It’s just a flesh wound.”

The rough calluses on Chu Feng’s hand stung Chen Jingming’s face. He turned his face away slightly, sobbing as he stood on his tiptoes to check Chu Feng’s head. “Your head’s been split open.”

Chu Feng laughed. “No, it hasn’t! It’s just a scratch.”

Chen Jingming pushed Chu Feng down to make him sit. “Brother, sit and rest. Tell me, who hit you?”

Chen Lang teased, “Are you going to go avenge your brother?”

Chen Jingming snapped back, “Is that not allowed?!”

“Sure, sure, it’s allowed.” Chen Lang surrendered. “The guy’s name is Luo Zhen. He’s seventy-two years old. Go get your revenge.”

Chen Jingming: “I’m definitely getting revenge! I’m calling the police!”

Chu Feng wasn’t angry at all now. He pulled Chen Jingming into his embrace with a smile, his arm lightly circling the younger man’s waist.

He soothed him, “What’s the point of calling the police? Old Man Luo dared to hit me because he’s not afraid of jail. He relies on his age, knowing no one dares to touch him.”

“But we can’t just take this lying down!” Chen Jingming said, peering left and right at the bandage on Chu Feng’s head. He couldn’t see the wound and didn’t dare touch it.

Chu Feng tilted his head slightly. “Don’t look, baby. They shaved my hair; there’s a big bald patch.”

“Then the wound must be huge. Did you get stitches?” Chen Jingming asked.

“No, it wasn’t that serious,” Chen Lang said, leaning against the desk. “The clinic was too far, so I had Song Cheng disinfect and bandage it. He usually treats cows and only has those big clippers—he took off a big chunk of hair in two swipes.”

Chen Lang couldn’t help but laugh, adding, “Your brother was worried he’d look too ugly and you wouldn’t like him anymore.”

Chen Jingming immediately declared his loyalty: “How could I! I like my brother no matter what he looks like.”

With that, the two shared a kiss. One had just been angry and the other was crying, yet now they were kissing right in front of Chen Lang. Chen Lang cursed, saying their skin was thicker than a cow’s hide.

“You two keep kissing; I’m going back to work,” Chen Lang said.

…

The Medical Checkup

Chen Jingming now knew that Chu Feng was saving money to repay his foster parents. Since this money also involved the ranch’s operations, he couldn’t ignore it or simply enjoy the benefits.

“Brother Lang, can you come over for dinner tonight?” Chen Jingming asked.

Chen Lang: “No.”

Chen Jingming: “Why? We haven’t eaten together in so long. I have something to say to both of you.”

“I’m cooking,” Chu Feng interjected.

“Oh, then fine.” Chen Lang checked the time on his phone. “I really have to get busy. Talk tonight.”

Once Chen Lang left, Chen Jingming looked at Chu Feng in confusion. “What did Brother Lang mean by that?”

Chu Feng: “…”

Chen Jingming: “Does he think my cooking is bad?!”

Chu Feng couldn’t tell the truth, so he comforted him, “No, he’s just a picky eater.”

“Then why isn’t he picky with yours?”

“Maybe he’s just used to it. Your skills aren’t worse than mine, baby.”

Chen Jingming: “Exactly. I think they’re about the same.”

Chu Feng: “He has no taste.”

“Mhm.” Chen Jingming sat on Chu Feng’s lap. “Brother, is it really not serious? Let’s go to the hospital for an X-ray, just in case there’s an internal injury.”

Chu Feng didn’t think it was necessary, but seeing how worried Chen Jingming was, he agreed.

They drove to the hospital, got an X-ray, and had the wound cleaned again. The wound wasn’t large but was a bit deep. Knowing it was caused by a hoe, the doctor administered a tetanus shot. Only then was Chen Jingming satisfied.

“Good thing we came,” Chen Jingming said. He wouldn’t let Chu Feng drive today, taking the driver’s seat himself. After starting the engine, he said, “The doctor said it’s easy to get tetanus from a wound like that.”

Chu Feng smiled. “Yes, it’s a good thing you’re here, baby.”

Chen Jingming nodded. “I can take care of you, too. We’re a couple; we should support each other. Since you’re injured, I’ll cook tonight. We’ll just tell Brother Lang that you made it.”

“Uh…” Chu Feng wanted to scratch his head but remembered the wound and stopped, his hand awkward near his ear. “Let me do it, baby.”

Chen Jingming: “No, no need.”

…

The Grocery Trip

On the way home, they stopped at the Majiapo market. Chen Jingming had the passion for cooking but lacked common sense; he had no idea which seasonings went with which dishes or how to pick quality ingredients.

At every stall, he would pretend to look and touch, then turn to look at Chu Feng.

“Get the center-cut ribs,” Chu Feng said.

With the bandage on his head, Chu Feng stood out everywhere. He followed Chen Jingming, carrying the bags.

Chen Jingming told the vendor, “Two pounds of center-cut ribs, please.”

After buying a pile of things, Chen Jingming was exhausted. While getting ice cream, he saw a small stall selling round, flat pastries. The elderly lady running the stall saw him staring and offered a sample.

Chen Jingming took a bite. It was soft, glutinous, sweet, and a bit bouncy.

“I want two pounds!”

“How many people are in your family? You can’t keep these; they turn sour quickly in this heat.”

When Chen Jingming said there were two of them, the lady advised him to only buy one pound. He thought she was very kind but bought two pounds anyway—he could eat a lot, and he’d just put the rest in the fridge for breakfast.

Chen Jingming snacked on the pastries as they walked. Once he started eating, he relaxed and forgot that Chu Feng was an “injured patient,” naturally hopping into the passenger seat.

Chu Feng didn’t care for those sweets, but seeing Chen Jingming so satisfied made him smile. He put the groceries in the back and took the driver’s seat.

“What are these made of? I thought it was flour, but it doesn’t seem like it.” Chen Jingming took a bite and inspected the cross-section. “Is it glutinous rice?”

Chu Feng drove. “Probably regular rice. It’s called faba or paoba, I think. I saw it at an exhibition once, but you don’t see it much in Changxi.”

“Mhm.” Chen Jingming quickly polished off three.

“Baby,” Chu Feng reminded him, “don’t eat too much. We’re having dinner soon.”

Chen Jingming put the pastries down but opened his ice cream. “This will melt before we get home.”

Chu Feng laughed and didn’t stop him. Waiting at a red light, he looked at Chen Jingming and genuinely felt he looked healthier now that he’d gained a little weight. “Baby, you’ve gotten fat.”

He meant it as a good thing—Chen Jingming had been too thin before. Now he had color in his face and a bit of softness on his belly that was very comfortable to touch.

Chen Jingming bristled. “I have not!”

Chu Feng blinked. “Being a bit chubby is good, baby.”

Chen Jingming declared again, “I am not fat!”

“Alright, alright,” Chu Feng immediately gave in. “You haven’t gained an ounce.”

But Chen Jingming was still unhappy. He knew Chu Feng’s habit of agreeing even when he didn’t mean it. Suddenly, it clicked. Chen Jingming stared at him. “Actually, you think my cooking is terrible too, don’t you!”

Cold sweat broke out on Chu Feng’s forehead.

“Baby…”

“Don’t call me baby!”

“I was wrong.”

“You weren’t!”

Chu Feng thought, This is bad. Since he was driving, he couldn’t use his hands to comfort him; he’d have to wait until they got home.

…

The Compromise

When they got home, Chen Jingming grabbed the groceries and stomped toward the house. Chu Feng chased after him, but Chen Jingming was like an eel, impossible to catch. In desperation, Chu Feng just picked him up and threw him over his shoulder.

“Hey!! What are you doing!” Chen Jingming couldn’t hit him because of the groceries, and he didn’t dare struggle for fear of hitting the bandage on Chu Feng’s head.

Chu Feng stood his ground, refusing to move toward the house.

“Brother, put me down.”

“Not until you stop being mad at me.”

Chen Jingming pouted. “You called me fat.”

Chu Feng felt truly wronged. “That was a compliment.”

“What’s there to compliment about being fat?”

“It means you’re healthy, you have a good complexion, and you feel good to hold.”

“…”

“Really. You’re so fleshy now I can hardly wrap my hand around you. I love it.”

Chen Jingming’s face turned bright red. “It’s broad daylight, what are you saying…”

“What are you two doing in broad daylight?”

The two turned to see Uncle Seven walking by with a bucket, causing them both to freeze in embarrassment.

Uncle Seven had a red bucket with a few lively crucian carp inside. “Put Jingming down. His head’s going to explode from all the blood rushing to it.”

Chu Feng set him down. “Uncle Seven.”

Chen Jingming’s face was indeed flushed. He greeted him shyly, “Hello, Uncle Seven.”

“Good.” Uncle Seven handed the bucket to Chu Feng. “Caught some wild carp today. Thought I’d bring some over. You can make soup or fry them.”

“Thanks, Uncle Seven.” Chu Feng took them, still feeling a bit awkward.

It was one thing to mess around in private, but Uncle Seven was an elder who had watched him grow up. Being caught like this made him bashful.

Uncle Seven smiled, then noticed the bandage. “What happened to your head?”

Chu Feng quickly said, “I accidentally tripped.”

Chen Jingming stepped forward, wanting to tell Uncle Seven that the people from Sanping Village had hit him so Uncle Seven could stand up for him.

“Baby.” Chu Feng pulled him back and told Uncle Seven, “It’s nothing, just a small cut.”

Uncle Seven’s face was etched with the wrinkles of time; he always looked suspicious even when he wasn’t. “Injured and still playing around like that? You’re a grown man. Alright, I’m heading back.”

“Bye, Uncle Seven,” Chen Jingming said.

The two shared a look, shrugged awkwardly, and went inside to cook.

…

The Talk

Ultimately, Chu Feng did the cooking. Chen Jingming knew Chen Lang was picky, and it would be a waste if he didn’t eat.

The menu included:

Chilled squash and beans (since it was hot).

Braised spare ribs.

Stir-fried pumpkin vines.

Dried tofu with black bean sauce.

Fried crucian carp with pickled chili and garlic sprouts.

Chen Lang arrived two minutes late with a dozen beers and some home-made pickled lemon chicken feet.

“My sister’s recipe. Best in the world,” Chen Lang bragged. He ordered Chen Jingming, “Get me a big glass. Any fruit? Cut some watermelon for me.”

Chen Jingming: “On it, Brother Lang!”

Chu Feng: “…”

Chen Lang crossed his legs. “What? This is how we are. You don’t understand.”

“You sure do.” Chu Feng set a bowl of rice in front of him. “If you’re so brave, try bossing around President Fu.”

Chen Lang laughed. “How do you know I haven’t?”

Chu Feng: “That hoe should have hit you instead.”

“Brother Lang, glass and watermelon.” Chen Jingming finished the task and got glasses for himself and Chu Feng. He planned to have a serious talk, so he felt he should drink a bit too.

Once they were finished eating, Chen Jingming got down to business.

“I’m serious about this. Don’t be silly,” Chen Jingming said.

Chu Feng and Chen Lang immediately put down their chopsticks and sat up straight.

Chen Jingming took a sip of water and cleared his throat. “First, you two need to tell me exactly what’s going on with the land lease.”

Chen Lang and Chu Feng looked at each other.

“You tell him.” “No, you.”

Chen Jingming pointed at Chen Lang. “You tell me. My brother always lies to me.”

Chen Lang sighed. “Fine. Simply put: the land in Sanping Village is close and the right size, but they want too much money and they’re difficult to deal with. It’s not just the money; they’re unreasonable bullies. If we lease from them, it’ll be a nightmare forever!”

“But we don’t have a better choice, do we?” Chu Feng asked.

Chen Lang: “I told you! Build a 200-meter road behind the guard post to the government land. The poultry farm is leaving at the end of the month; it’s perfect.”

Chu Feng frowned. “That’s a huge plot. Between building a road, clearing it, and building sheds, where are we getting that kind of money?!”

“We do it even if we don’t have it. If we have to, we take another loan. The manager at Changxi Bank has called me several times. They need the metrics, we need the money. Perfect match.”

Chen Lang looked at Chen Jingming, then sighed back to Chu Feng. “There are just a lot of expenses this year. Why are you being so timid now? You want to give Jingming a stable life, but don’t you think Jingming wants you to be able to go all out without worrying?”

Chu Feng lowered his head and bit his lip.

Chen Lang continued, “It wasn’t easy for us to get where we are today, right? It wasn’t easy for Jingming to come back either. But now that he’s back, shouldn’t we be even more determined?”

“It’s not that simple,” Chu Feng whispered.

“What’s complicated about it?”

“Xiao Lang.” Chu Feng looked up. “Jingming will have his own career later, and you will have your own relationship…”

“Fuck.” Chen Lang dropped his chopsticks in anger. “So that’s what you’re thinking about.”

Chen Jingming listened intently, surprised that Chu Feng was worrying about these things.

Chen Lang said, “I’m not leaving. I’m staying in Changxi to raise cattle with you forever. Are you satisfied now?”

“Brother Lang…” Chen Jingming called out softly.

Chen Lang: “My home is here. Where else would I go?”

Chu Feng: “And President Fu?”

Chen Lang went silent for a moment. “We’re not like you two. We… can’t see that far ahead.”

He tried to look nonchalant, but his eyes looked like they were breaking.

“Anyway, let’s not talk about that,” Chen Lang licked his lips. “The point is, I don’t want to lease from Sanping Village. I can forgo my dividends this year. But Jingming needs to settle with his family, and my client list is only growing. We must expand. The conclusion is: we take the loan.”

Chu Feng’s fingers were interlaced on the table.

“Brother.” Chen Jingming leaned in, gently hugging Chu Feng’s arm. “What I wanted to tell you tonight is that I will handle my foster parents myself. I’ll earn the money to pay them back. You go ahead with the business. If we need a loan, we take it. No business runs without loans. We’ll earn the money to pay it back together.”

“No, baby,” Chu Feng said.

Chen Lang’s fist tightened; he was ready to keep arguing.

To his surprise, Chen Jingming leaned his head softly on Chu Feng’s shoulder, holding his large hand and saying in a sweet, gentle voice, “It’s okay. It’ll work, Brother.”

When Chen Jingming acted spoiled, Chu Feng couldn’t remain firm.

Chen Jingming pushed his advantage: “How about this? You use the money you saved for my debt to lease the land instead. I’ve found work, and companies are already talking about my scripts.”

Chu Feng: “I don’t want your money.”

“I don’t care.” Chen Jingming swayed Chu Feng’s arm gently. “I’m yours, so my money is yours too. You have to take it.”

Chen Lang was dumbfounded. You can do that??

Chu Feng sighed, turning his hand to clasp Chen Jingming’s, his thumb rubbing the soft palm. “Baby…”

Chen Jingming hummed in response, kissed his cheek, and said sweetly, “We’re a family. Do you really think of me as useless?”

“Of course not!” Chu Feng replied.

Chen Jingming: “Then it’s settled, okay?”

Chu Feng didn’t speak. Chen Jingming looked at Chen Lang, signaling him to speak up.

“Brother, let’s just do it. We’re doing honest business; we don’t need to bow down to Sanping Village,” Chen Lang added. “The government land from the poultry farm is great. It has water, buildings, and it’s away from the main road. Once we build the sheds, we can use the rest of the land for grazing. We won’t even need to lease extra land for grass.”

Chen Jingming nodded vigorously. “Exactly! It’s just one extra road!”

The “yes” was on the tip of Chu Feng’s tongue, but he was still hesitating. If the ranch expanded that much, it wasn’t just money—it was hiring, waste management, and endless paperwork. He didn’t want Chen Jingming to live such a high-pressure life with him.

“Brother—” Seeing him so close to agreeing, Chen Jingming ignored Chen Lang’s presence and climbed right onto Chu Feng’s lap.

Now Chu Feng couldn’t look away or avoid them. He had to look at Chen Jingming.

“Brother, we can do it. I believe in you, and you should believe in me. I’ll be successful too.” Chen Jingming looked at him with pure, determined eyes. “I’ll give you all the money I earn to buy little calves.”

Chu Feng finally smiled and sighed. “Fine. I agree.”

Chen Lang’s grin reached his ears. He sat back and downed half a beer, muttering under his breath, “Unbelievable.”

So the old bull falls for this trick!