Returning to Infancy with my Nemesis - Chapter 99

Since their official announcement, both of them have been receiving a fair share of curious gazes from their families. Thankfully, everyone seemed accepting of their relationship. Their brother and sister-in-law even sent them gifts. With their university address and phone numbers known to their families, nothing stays secret for long.

One evening after dinner, they stopped by the campus post office to pick up their dormitory parcels. They discovered one parcel addressed to “Miaomiao and Xiaowang.”

Tang Mian paused for a moment, “Isn’t that the names of the main characters from the cartoon we used to watch as kids?”

Fu Shizhao nodded, “Yeah, remember when your brother turned off the TV, and you cried for hours.”

Tang Mian: “…”

After unpacking the parcel back in their dorm, they found it was from their brother and sister-in-law. Inside were a letter and many snacks, all of their favorites.

They ripped open the letter. Inside was a postcard and a folded note. The postcard said, “A gift for our two little uncles.”

Tang Mian quickly unfolded the note, eyes widening at its contents. Excitedly, he grabbed Fu Shizhao’s hand, “I’m going to be an uncle!”

Fu Shizhao shared in his excitement, unable to contain his smile. Tears welled up in Tang Mian’s eyes. Fu Shizhao handed him a tissue.

This moment felt surreal. Their family was expanding, bringing joy and completion.

Tang Mian sniffled, “It feels like a dream, like it’s too good to be true.”

Fu Shizhao gently wiped away his tears, “It’s real, not a dream.”

Tang Mian teased, “Ahh.. it hurts…”

Fu Shizhao chuckled, “Even when I’m not applying any pressure?”

Fu Shizhao playfully blew on the spot he had lightly bitten, just like when they were kids. “There, all better.”

Fu Shizhao cupped his face and kissing him softly. The news of their bro becoming a dad made everyone forget about their own announcement for a bit, giving them a breather from all the questions.

As they strolled hand in hand, Tang Mian got a message from Ye Yun. He read it and got all emotional.

Youth comes with regrets, but it’s also about growing and changing. Tang Mian realized that sometimes, even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Guiding others while navigating your own path isn’t easy, but it’s the best outcome he could hope for.

Tang Mian decided not to tell Fu Shizhao about Ye Yun reaching out to him. He didn’t want Fu Shizhao getting jealous again.

Whenever Fu Shizhao got jealous, Tang Mian had to spend ages comforting him. Sometimes, he even had to go the extra mile to make him feel better.

With classes getting tiring, Tang Mian just wanted to chill in their dorm over the weekend, soaking in the AC. Dealing with jealous boyfriends was more than he bargained for.

After quickly getting rid of the evidence, Tang Mian slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed straight for the classroom where he and Fu Shizhao had the same elective. Fu Shizhao’s previous class was nearby, so he’d already saved them seats.

Tang Mian spotted Fu Shizhao sitting in the middle row by the window and hurried over.

“Mu Zichen said he and Xiaocai will come visit during the seven-day break,” Fu Shizhao said.

“Did you call him?” Tang Mian asked, putting his bag in the drawer.

“Yeah, just messaged the group,” Fu Shizhao replied, showing Tang Mian the text, he’d sent earlier.

?Guys, I will be out of this ‘prison’ by the end of the month. I will bring Xiaocai to play with you all. He’s eager to come visit you guys. Xiaocai’s excited to see you guys finally showing some love. I am so anxious that I can’t add it to my circle of friends.]

Tang Mian smiled, “Can’t wait to see him. It’s been ages.”

Mu Zichen had been busy shooting a movie since he finished the college entrance exams. He was deep in the mountains now, where the signal was lousy. It was like he joined the special forces or something.

“Where do you want to go?” Fu Shizhao asked.

Tang Mian thought for a moment. “How about trying out that escape room?”

There was a new escape room nearby, with a “Happy Neighborhood” theme. Their dormmate Shaoxing and his girlfriend had gone and said it was perfect for couples, with a cozy atmosphere.

“Sounds good,” Fu Shizhao grinned.

The seven-day break finally arrived.

The four of them reunited and had endless conversations.

Mu Zichen insisted on wearing a mask, even offering them to the others. Fu Shizhao couldn’t help but tease him for his star attitude.

Mu Zichen nudged him with his elbow, jokingly, “Just wait until my movie’s out. I’ll become a top star, and then you’ll be begging for my autograph.”

Fu Shizhao laughed, “Yeah, sure…”

Mu Zichen had been signing autographs for his classmates since kindergarten, so this wasn’t new. But it was fun teasing him.

Tang Mian chimed in, “I’ve still got a dozen or so autographs from kindergarten.”

Mu Zichen grabbed Fu Jiacao’s hand, pulling him along. “You guys do your lovey-dovey stuff. Let’s go, Xiaocai.”

Tang Mian and Fu Shizhao exchanged glances and followed.

At the escape room with a “Happy Neighborhood” theme, Tang Mian realized it was more thrilling than he thought. He felt his temples throbbing with fear as spooky sounds filled the room. He buried himself in Fu Shizhao’s arms, wishing he could smack Shaoxing for suggesting this.

It was indeed perfect for couples, but not in the way they expected.

That night, they booked two rooms at a nearby upscale hotel and decided not to return to the dorm.

With everyone gone for the break, Tang Mian and Fu Shizhao saw no point in going back to the cramped dorm. It was much more comfortable in the hotel.

Late at night, walking down the hotel hallway bathed in warm yellow light, Tang Mian held Fu Shizhao’s hand tightly, afraid he’d disappear if he blinked. Only when they reached their room did Tang Mian finally relax.

But he stuck to Fu Shizhao like glue, following him wherever he went. They showered together and cuddled up in bed, Tang Mian tucking himself into Fu Shizhao’s arms.

He was being unexpectedly clingy.

When someone you love needs you like that, it’s hard not to be there for them. Fu Shizhao left a small lamp on and held Tang Mian close as they both closed their eyes.

But Tang Mian’s breath was still uneven, his eyelashes brushing against Fu Shizhao’s chest.

Finally, Fu Shizhao let go and asked, “Want to do something else to take your mind off things? Maybe if we get a bit tired, you won’t overthink stuff.”

It sounded like a serious suggestion, but his fingers were already itching to do something else. In situations like this, what else could they do…

Tang Mian bit his lip and weakly nodded in agreement.

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Next chapter will be out tomorrow. The novel should be finished by 20 if I have enough motivation/time/energy.