Chapter 89: Leisurely Times

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the living room, where Xiang Fei lay lazily on the sofa, holding a cup of hot coffee while the morning news played on the television.

Zhou Zhou Huimin emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly toasted bread, smiling as she asked, "Where are you planning to mooch a meal today?"

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, mooch? I'm going to strengthen family bonds."

Zhou Zhou Huimin set the toast on the coffee table and sat beside him. "Yesterday at Strong Uncle's house, the day before at Grandfather's, and the day before that at Little Uncle's... You've mooched meals from every member of the family these past few days."

Xiang Fei took a bite of toast and mumbled indistinctly, "It's Chinese New Year; one must visit around."

Zhou Zhou Huimin shook her head helplessly. "I think you're just too lazy to cook."

Xiang Fei grinned. "Caught me."

At ten in the morning, Xiang Fei and Zhou Zhou Huimin drove to the apartment of Xiang Sheng and Zhang Min.

The door opened to reveal Xiang Sheng in loungewear, his hair slightly disheveled, clearly having risen from bed not long ago.

Xiang Fei greeted him with a bright smile. "Little Uncle, good morning!"

Xiang Sheng squinted at him. "What are you here for this time?"

Xiang Fei waved the fruit in his hand. "To visit you two, and incidentally... to mooch lunch."

Xiang Sheng rolled his eyes and stepped aside to let them in. "I knew it."

In the living room, Zhang Min was arranging flowers; seeing them arrive, she smiled and greeted them. "Ah Fei, Zhou Huimin, you're here?"

Zhou Zhou Huimin walked over to help. "Sister Min, these flowers are beautiful."

Zhang Min nodded. "Just bought them; it feels festive to have them in the house before the New Year."

Xiang Fei plopped onto the sofa, crossed his legs, and deliberately drawled out his words. "Little Uncle, I heard you specifically took leave a few days ago to accompany Sister Min to her follow-up appointment?"

Xiang Sheng, who was pouring tea, jerked his hand, nearly spilling the hot water, and glared at him. "What business is that of yours?"

Xiang Fei smirked mischievously. "Oh my, so nervous? It seems the rumors are true then—"

Xiang Sheng set the teapot down immediately, walked over, and made as if to strike him. "Try saying another word of nonsense."

Zhang Min, unable to suppress a laugh nearby, said, "Ah Sheng, calm down. You two start causing trouble the moment you meet."

Xiang Sheng snorted and sat back on the sofa. "Too lazy to deal with you."

Pushing his luck, Xiang Fei leaned in and lowered his voice. "Little Uncle, when are you getting married? Grandfather is waiting to hold a grandchild."

Xiang Sheng immediately grabbed a cushion and hurled it at him. "Get out!"

In the afternoon, Xiang Fei drove alone to the old Xiang family residence.

In the courtyard, the Xiang family Grandfather sat in a rattan chair basking in the sun, while Wu Mu brewed tea nearby.

Xiang Fei walked over and said cheerfully, "Grandfather, I've come to see you!"

The Grandfather opened his eyes and snorted. "You still remember to visit me? I thought your eyes were fixed only on that film of yours."

Xiang Fei quickly sat down and began massaging the old man's shoulders. "How could that be? You are my own grandfather!"

Amused by him, the Grandfather laughed and scolded, "Silver tongue!"

His mother brought over tea, smiling. "Ah Fei, how has your rest been these past few days?"

Xiang Fei accepted the tea. "Quite good, just terribly bored."

The Grandfather glanced at him. "Bored? Perfect, then; play a game of chess with me."

Xiang Fei immediately made a bitter face. "Grandfather, spare me; how could I possibly beat you?"

The Grandfather glared. "Less nonsense! Sit down!"

Xiang Fei had no choice but to obediently set up the chessboard.

After only a few moves, Xiang Fei began to cheat. "Grandfather, that move doesn't count; my hand slipped!"

The Grandfather rapped him on the head. "No taking back moves! Cheat again and get out!"

At dusk, Xiang Fei brought Zhou Zhou Huimin to Xiang Xiang Huaqiang's home.

As soon as they entered, the rich aroma of cooking filled the air.

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang was reading a newspaper in the living room; seeing them arrive, he smiled. "You've come at just the right time; dinner is freshly prepared."

Lady Xiang emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of steamed fish. "Ah Fei, Zhou Huimin, sit quickly; we're about to eat."

Xiang Fei rubbed his hands together, his face full of anticipation. "Strong Uncle, what delicious dishes do we have today?"

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang pointed to the dining table. "Braised pork, white-cut chicken, steamed fish, greens in superior broth... enough to satisfy you?"

Xiang Fei gave a thumbs-up. "Meals at Strong Uncle's house are always the most delicious!"

Lady Xiang shook her head with a smile. "That mouth of yours only knows how to coax people."

At the dinner table, Xiang Fei praised between bites. "Strong Uncle, this braised pork is incredible! Fatty yet not greasy, melting in the mouth!"

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang said proudly, "Of course; I cooked it myself."

Xiang Fei feigned surprise. "Strong Uncle knows how to cook?"

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang glared at him. "Brat, who are you looking down on?"

Everyone burst into laughter.

After the meal, Xiang Fei slumped on the sofa, rubbing his belly contentedly. "I can't go on; I'm stuffed."

Zhou Zhou Huimin said helplessly, "Who told you to eat so much?"

Xiang Fei spoke with righteous confidence. "With Strong Uncle's cooking, not eating until stuffed would be an insult to him!"

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang laughed and scolded, "Get out! Next time you come to mooch a meal, you'll have to pay for provisions!"

Xiang Fei immediately put on a pitiful expression. "Strong Uncle, I am your own nephew!"

Xiang Xiang Huaqiang waved his hand. "Even my own nephew is not exempt!"

Late at night, in the bedroom.

Zhou Zhou Huimin had just finished bathing and was drying her hair as she walked out, only to find Xiang Fei leaning against the headboard reading a newspaper.

She walked over and poked his cheek. "Still not sleeping?"

Xiang Fei put down his phone, pulled her into his arms in one swift motion, and grinned mischievously, "Sleep? Sure... but how about a little exercise first?"

Zhou Zhou Huimin tapped him, "Cut it out, we have to go out tomorrow."

Xiang Fei wouldn't let up, leaning down to kiss her, "Just once..."

Unable to resist his antics, Zhou Zhou Huimin finally relented, "Just once, mind you!"

Xiang Fei grinned in triumph, "As you command!"

(800 words omitted here)

Two hours later.

Exhausted, Zhou Zhou Huimin curled up under the covers and kicked Xiang Fei, "Liar! What happened to just once?"

Xiang Fei looked the picture of innocence, "It was just once... it just lasted a bit longer."

Zhou Zhou Huimin grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him, "Get lost!"

Xiang Fei caught the pillow, grinned, and scooted over to wrap his arms around her, "Alright, alright, let's sleep. We have to go to the company tomorrow."

Zhou Zhou Huimin snorted, but still leaned a little closer into his embrace.

Holding her contentedly, Xiang Fei thought to himself—This life, not even the immortals would trade it away.