In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: “Is anybody there?! Can anyone help…”

Chen Jingming frowned at his palm, and Chu Feng noticed.

“My fault,” Chu Feng said, grabbing Chen Jingming’s hand and wiping it against his own T-shirt. Chu Feng’s abdominal muscles were rock-hard, feeling much like a washboard.

Most of the ranch workers were nearby villagers, many from Changling Town. Anyone who lived in Changling knew the names Chen Chunyi and Chu Yi. It wasn’t just because they had sacrificed their lives during the forest fire; it was because they had always been incredibly kind to the villagers.

Back then, the roads weren’t as convenient as they were now. Many elderly people living alone in the villages found it hard to see a doctor and would just endure their pain. Chen Chunyi used to drive from house to house, visiting every home rain or shine to give basic check-ups. When she encountered families in financial trouble, she wouldn’t charge them—often paying for the medicine out of her own pocket.

The workers looked at Chen Jingming with boundless affection. It was a mix of “love me, love my dog” and genuine fondness. As a child, Chen Jingming had been a literal “little bun”—fair, cheerful, and so pretty he barely looked like a boy. He was sweet to everyone, and laughter followed wherever he went.

Even someone as stubborn as the young Chu Feng couldn’t resist little Jingming calling him “Gege” over and over. Since Chu Yi was often away on duty, Chen Chunyi would send Chen Jingming to call Chu Feng for dinner. If Chu Feng refused to come, Chen Jingming would pack a large bowl with food and carry it to Chu Feng’s door. When Chu Feng took the bowl, Chen Jingming would turn around to reveal a giant peach hidden in his hat just for him!

The canteen food was authentic Changxi style—fresh, fragrant, sour, and spicy. Chu Feng had asked the chef to prepare two non-spicy dishes in advance. There was a plate of beef stir-fried with cilantro, dried tofu with bamboo shoots, and the canteen’s standard toon-sprout eggs and vegetable melon-bean soup. They sat in a corner to eat, and Chen Lang joined them with his own tray.

“Eat this, Baby,” Chu Feng said, placing a piece of beef in his bowl. “This is our own Changling beef.”

Chen Jingming took a bite. It was beef, but unlike any he’d had before. It wasn’t the “melt-in-your-mouth” texture sought by commercial markets; instead, it had a pleasant chewiness without being fibrous. One could almost imagine the cow leisurely strolling through the grass every day. Most notably, the Changling beef had a unique, potent aroma that held its own even against a strong-smelling vegetable like cilantro.

“It’s delicious,” Chen Jingming said, looking up. Chu Feng and Chen Lang were smiling, waiting for his review. “I feel like this cow must have been very happy while it was alive,” he added.

Chen Lang burst out laughing. “Is that how you describe food?” Chen Jingming felt shy. “I’m just talking nonsense.” “It’s not nonsense,” Chu Feng countered. “In all of Changxi, I bet no ranch has better conditions than ours. Good food, good water, vast pastures to walk on, and we even play music for them. How could they not be happy?” Chen Lang: “…They still end up under the knife for meat.” Chu Feng: “Baby said while they were alive. Keep up.” Chen Lang: “I… I have nothing to say to a ‘Di-Kong’ (Brother-complex) like you.”

“A what-complex?” Chu Feng asked.

As they bickered, Chen Jingming took another two bites of beef. Hearing this, he looked up, his large eyes blinking curiously.

Chen Lang: “Di-Kong.” Chu Feng: “What does that mean? I know ‘Shu-Kong’ (CNC machining).” Chen Jingming: “Pfft…”

“You’re a Di-Kong,” Chen Lang explained. “It’s someone who excessively loves their younger brother, even to an obsessive degree. Like how ‘Shou-Kong’ people love beautiful hands, or ‘Tui-Kong’ love legs. And ‘Mei-Kong’ (Sister-complex) is… well, an MK14.”

Chen Jingming laughed so hard he nearly choked. “Lang Ge, you’re hilarious.” Chen Lang pointed at him. “See? A ‘Xiao-Kong’ (Laughter-complex).” Chu Feng joined in. “Fine, then I’m a Di-Kong.” He then served Chen Jingming some toon-sprout eggs, telling him to eat as much as he could.

“By the way, Xiao Lang,” Chu Feng said, having finished two bowls of rice in no time. “What’s the status with Xinyue Hotel?”

Chen Lang: “They said they were coming for a site visit, but last week they suddenly said their leadership structure changed. The new Food & Beverage General Manager wants to re-test everything.” Chu Feng nodded. “Brother Ma mentioned that. Apparently, the new GM is the youngest son of their Group President.” “Ooh,” Chen Lang said with his usual bravado. “A second-gen heir.” Chu Feng: “I heard he really knows his food. Studied in France. Baby, don’t soak your rice in soup; it’s bad for digestion.” “Oh, okay.” Chen Jingming put down his spoon. Listening to them talk about work made him feel relaxed yet curious. He liked observing people. Whether on the subway or in a restaurant, he always watched silently, wondering if he could understand a person’s story from fragments of their lives.

Chen Lang, who liked to chat and play with his phone during meals, said, “If he really knows food, he’ll definitely choose us.”

Chen Jingming and Chu Feng exchanged a smile.

“Also, the live streaming isn’t going well,” Chen Lang added. “Fresh produce is hard to sell. The platform isn’t giving us traffic, and we’re losing money on ads. Big Bro, maybe we should just stop.” Chu Feng thought for a moment. “How much budget is left?” “Half.” “Don’t stop yet. Did we find a social media manager?” Chen Lang shook his head. “No, just Bo-zai doing it for now. We’re too remote; young people don’t want to come here. The two who came for interviews had zero creativity in their copywriting.”

Chen Jingming sat quietly, listening. He realized the ranch had started live streaming but was struggling. Their primary sales were B2B, with their biggest client being Hexing, the largest local supermarket in Changxi.

The Xinyue Hotel they mentioned was a high-end chain based in Shanghai, famous for its top-tier restaurants—three of which held Black Pearl diamonds. Normally, a luxury hotel in a metropolis wouldn’t be connected to a ranch in the mountains, but Chu Feng’s former comrade and classmate, Chi Fei, worked there as a Front Office Manager. Through him, Chu Feng had spoken to the Procurement Director and visited Shanghai twice to reach a preliminary agreement.

After lunch, Chen Jingming and Chu Feng walked to the cattle sheds to see this year’s calves. The cows had beautiful, pure eyes. Chen Jingming couldn’t stop looking. A calf, lacking any wariness, leaned in to rub its wet nose against Chen Jingming’s hand—only to be tapped on the head by Chu Feng.

“Dirty hands,” Chu Feng said, using his shirt to wipe Chen Jingming’s hand. Chen Jingming laughed. “It’s not dirty.” “It’s covered in snot. How is that not dirty?” “Everyone has snot. I have snot.” “Yours isn’t dirty.” “…” Chen Jingming was helpless.

Leaving the shed, they saw two men carrying cameras and lighting equipment. They greeted Chu Feng as “Boss.” Chu Feng introduced them: “Bo-zai, Li Xiaowei.” After a quick greeting, Chen Jingming and Chu Feng walked away.

Feeling weak and out of breath, Chen Jingming eventually lay down on the grass, staring blankly at the blue sky through the branches of a pear tree. Everyone had something to do, while he was so lost. So fragile, so lost.

“Baby,” Chu Feng said, lying down beside him. “Just live first. When you don’t know what to do, just focus on living.” Chen Jingming turned to look at him, and Chu Feng smiled. “Ge, what if I don’t know how to live?” “Follow me. Hold my hand, step in my footprints. We’ll live together.” Chen Jingming closed his eyes and smiled. “Have you ever been lost?” Chu Feng paused, then gave a soft “Mm.” “When?” Chen Jingming opened his eyes to look at him. Chu Feng just smiled and didn’t answer.

“Ge,” Chen Jingming asked after a while. “What are the videos you’ve been filming like?” Chu Feng handed him his phone. “Take a look.” Chen Jingming watched two. They were horizontal, educational videos with a heavy “rural” vibe. They were well-produced but not eye-catching. Short video platforms weren’t TV stations; they needed impact and “hooks.”

“How are they?” Chu Feng leaned in. Chen Jingming kept scrolling. “They’re… okay.” Chu Feng sighed. “But there’s no traffic.” Chen Jingming thought for a moment. “Ge, do you really want traffic?” “Of course.” Chu Feng smiled, his profile handsome and full of raw, wild energy. His hair was getting long, and the strands on his forehead swayed in the wind, brushing against the bridge of his high nose.

“Want me to try filming one?” “Sure,” Chu Feng said. He was fine with whatever Chen Jingming wanted to do.

Chen Jingming sat up abruptly, but his vision went black, and he started to fall back. “Baby!” Chu Feng reached out and caught him, using his own body as a cushion. Chen Jingming blinked his eyes until his vision cleared and propped himself up. Because of the low blood sugar, he hadn’t seen where he was leaning—his hands were planted firmly on Chu Feng’s chest muscles. When not flexed, they were soft, and Chen Jingming’s hand couldn’t even cover one of them.

“I’m fine,” Chen Jingming said, quickly pulling his hands back. “Just a sudden dizzy spell.” “Your health is too poor.” Chen Jingming lowered his head. “…” “It’s my fault for not taking care of you.” Chen Jingming looked up. “…” “It’s okay,” Chu Feng said confidently. “Give me some time. I’ll definitely feed you until you’re white and chubby.” Chen Jingming gave a dry laugh, screaming internally: I don’t want to be a chubby ‘bear’ bottom!

Chen Jingming stood up with the phone. Chu Feng tried to stand too, but Chen Jingming pushed him back down. Chu Feng smiled, teasing, “Baby is so ‘man’.” “Ge, don’t be like that.” I’m scared.

“Should I just lie here?” “Yeah. Lie down and pretend you’ve fainted.”

Chu Feng didn’t understand, but he complied. Chen Jingming walked a distance away, opened the camera, and cleared his throat. “Ahem.” “Wait? Why is there someone over there? He looks like he’s fainted!” “Let’s save him.” Chen Jingming ran over anxiously and shook Chu Feng’s shoulder. “Are you okay? Are you okay!” Chu Feng: “?”

Chen Jingming pulled up Chu Feng’s shirt to film his abs and chest. “Ah! Is anybody there?! Can anyone help him?” Chu Feng: “??”

Five minutes later, the two sat side by side. Chu Feng scratched his head as he watched Chen Jingming’s masterpiece on the phone. “Baby… you think this can go viral?” “Guaranteed.”