Chapter 89: Leisurely Time

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

Zhou Huimin walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly baked toast and smiled, "Where are you planning to mooch a meal today?"

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

Zhou Huimin placed the toast on the coffee table and sat down beside him, "Yesterday you went to Uncle Qiang's, the day before to the Old Man's, and the day before that to Uncle Xiao's... You've mooched a meal from the whole family these past few days."

Xiang Fei took a bite of toast and mumbled, "It's the New Year; one has to visit relatives."

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

Xiang Fei grinned, "You found me out."

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

As soon as the door opened, Xiang Sheng, wearing loungewear with messy hair, clearly had just gotten up.

Xiang Fei greeted him with a smile, "Uncle Xiao, good morning!"

Xiang Sheng squinted at him, "What are you doing here again?"

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

Xiang Sheng rolled his eyes, 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, "Ah Fei, Huimin, you're here?"

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

Zhang Min nodded, "Just bought them. It's festive to have them at home before the New Year."

Xiang Fei plopped onto the sofa, crossed his legs, and deliberately drew out his tone, "Uncle Xiao—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 does that have to do with you?"

Xiang Fei smirked, "Oh my, so nervous? Looks like the rumors are true—"

Xiang Sheng put the teapot down directly, walked over, and pretended to beat him, "Try talking nonsense again?"

Zhang Min couldn't help but laugh from the side, "Ah Sheng, calm down. You two always cause trouble as soon as you meet."

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

Xiang Fei pushed his luck, leaned over, and lowered his voice, "Uncle, when are you getting married? The Old Man is waiting to hold a grandchild."

Xiang Sheng grabbed a cushion and threw it at him, "Get lost!"

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

In the courtyard, the Xiang family Old Man sat on a rattan chair basking in the sun, while Wu Ma brewed tea nearby.

Xiang Fei walked over and said with a grin, "Grandpa, I've come to see you!"

The Old Man opened his eyes and snorted, "You still know to come see me? I thought your eyes only saw that movie of yours."

Xiang Fei quickly sat down and started massaging the Old Man's shoulders, "How could that be? You are my own grandfather!"

The Old Man was amused by him and scolded playfully, "Smooth talker!"

Mother brought over tea and smiled, "Ah Fei, how have your rest days been these past few days?"

Xiang Fei took the tea, "Pretty good, just bored stiff."

The Old Man glanced at him, "Bored stiff? Perfect then. Play a game of chess with me."

Xiang Fei immediately made a bitter face, "Grandpa, spare me. How could I possibly beat you?"

The Old Man widened his eyes, "Less nonsense! Sit down!"

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

After only a few moves, Xiang Fei started cheating, "Grandpa, that move doesn't count; my hand slipped!"

The Old Man tapped his head, "A move once made cannot be retracted! Cheat again and get out!"

At dusk, Xiang Fei brought Zhou Huimin to Uncle Qiang's house.

As soon as they entered, the strong scent of food filled the air.

Uncle Qiang was reading the newspaper in the living room. Seeing them arrive, he smiled, "Perfect timing; the meal is just ready."

Aunt Tai walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of steamed fish, "Ah Fei, Huimin, sit quickly; dinner is about to start."

Xiang Fei rubbed his hands together with an expectant look, "Uncle Qiang, what good dishes do you have today?"

Uncle Qiang pointed to the dining table, "Braised pork, poached chicken, steamed fish, vegetable soup in rich broth... enough for you to eat, right?"

Xiang Fei gave a thumbs-up, "Uncle Qiang's food is always the best!"

Aunt Tai smiled and shook her head, "Your mouth knows only how to flatter people."

At the dinner table, Xiang Fei praised while eating, "Uncle Qiang, this braised pork is amazing! Fatty but not greasy, it melts in the mouth!"

Uncle Qiang said proudly, "Of course, I cooked it myself."

Xiang Fei feigned surprise, "Uncle Qiang can cook?"

Uncle Qiang glared at him, "Brat, who are you looking down on?"

Everyone burst into laughter.

After the meal, Xiang Fei slumped on the sofa, patting his stomach contentedly, "I can't take it anymore; I'm stuffed."

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

Xiang Fei argued with conviction, "Uncle Qiang's cooking; if I don't eat until I'm stuffed, I'd be letting him down!"

Uncle Qiang scolded playfully, "Get lost! Next time you come to mooch a meal, you'll have to pay for your food!"

Xiang Fei immediately acted pitiful, "Uncle Qiang, I'm your own nephew!"

Uncle Qiang waved his hand, "Even as my own nephew, no!"

Late at night, in the bedroom.

Zhou Huimin had just finished her shower and walked out wiping her hair, only to find Xiang Fei leaning against the headboard reading the newspaper.

She walked over and poked his face, "Not sleeping yet?"

Xiang Fei put down his phone, pulled her into his embrace with one hand, and said with a wicked smile, "Sleep, but... exercise first?"

Zhou Huimin slapped him, "Stop it, we have to go out tomorrow."

Xiang Fei wouldn't let up; he lowered his head to kiss her, "Just once..."

Zhou Huimin, having no choice but to yield to his pestering, compromised, "Just once!"

Xiang Fei smiled triumphantly, "As you command!"

(800 words omitted here)

Two hours later.

Zhou Huimin, exhausted and curled up in the blanket, kicked Xiang Fei, "Liar! What about the once we agreed on?"

Xiang Fei looked innocent, "It was once, just... it took a bit longer."

Zhou Huimin grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, "Get out!"

Xiang Fei caught the pillow, grinned, and leaned over to hug her, "Alright, sleep now; we have to go to the company tomorrow."

Zhou Huimin snorted, but still snuggled closer into his arms.

Xiang Fei held her contentedly, thinking—this life, not even an immortal would trade it.