Chapter 3: Monotonous Accumulation

In the kitchen, Lu Siyi rolled up his sleeves and chopped vegetables. Gu Shisheng leaned against the door frame, watching the man from top to bottom. His gaze lingered for a moment on the red mark on the man’s neck before gently shifting his focus.

Who would have thought that Lu Siyi, the calm and composed negotiator at the conference table, would be at home wearing an apron and cooking? There were housekeepers available, but at home, Lu Siyi enjoyed doing these little things. Perhaps it was because during high school, when Gu Shisheng’s depression was at its worst, and he couldn’t eat, it was Lu Siyi who learned to cook step by step to coax Gu Shisheng into eating.

Later, Lu Siyi developed a habit of daily feeding for Gu Shisheng.

Lu Siyi was too perfect, and he loved Gu Shisheng too much. Gu Shisheng had never thought of associating Lu Siyi with betrayal until he found out about Lu Siyi’s affair that year, almost unable to go on living.

“Wife, the apron fell off, help me quickly.”

Gu Shisheng raised his lips, walked over, and wrapped his arms around the man’s waist, tying the apron. Just as he was about to leave, Lu Siyi, who had turned around, pulled him into his arms.

He kissed him, a mixture of longing and intoxication, with the accustomed dominance and eagerness of a man.

They were too familiar with each other. Ten years were enough to turn lovers into family. The long years made them overly familiar with each other’s habits and preferences, leaving little to explore. As a result, the accumulation of time inevitably added a touch of monotony.

Afterward, Lu Siyi held Gu Shisheng and fed him.

After taking a few bites, Gu Shisheng shook his head, “I’m tired.”

Seeing that Gu Shisheng didn’t look well, Lu Siyi didn’t insist, but his tone carried some concern.

“Is something wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”

“No, just too tired.” He stood up, soft and obedient due to fatigue.

Lu Siyi’s heart softened. He approached and lifted Gu Shisheng, “I’ll carry you to rest.”

Gu Shisheng instinctively resisted, but when he looked at the man’s jawline, he gave up.

In a daze, Gu Shisheng thought that indeed, there was nothing that couldn’t be replaced. Like eating the same meal for ten years, even if Lu Siyi personally cooked it, encountering a fresh culinary skill would make him unable to resist trying it.

Perhaps Lu Siyi felt the same way about his little lovers outside.

Indeed, one shouldn’t think too much. The more one thought, the less drowsy one became. He closed his eyes, not wanting to face Lu Siyi, who could only pretend to be asleep. He heard the man come back after tidying up.

The man habitually hugged his wife, unaware of the slight stiffness in his wife’s body.

Gu Shisheng didn’t remember when he fell asleep.

When he woke up, it was already bright. Towels were placed in the bathroom, toothpaste was squeezed onto the sink, and hot water was ready.

After finishing his morning routine, he went to the dining room. As expected, Lu Siyi had already prepared breakfast.

Gu Shisheng lowered his head to check his watch.

“Aren’t you going to the company today?”

“The new project is almost completed. Take a few days off. Didn’t we talk about going to the seaside in the south?”

Gu Shisheng was a bit surprised; he didn’t expect Lu Siyi to remember.

He sat down slowly at the dining table and had his breakfast.

“Then I’ll go to the gallery first to pick up a painting, and after that, we can leave?”

“Sure.”

Gu Shisheng’s gallery, opened after marriage, went from being moderately famous to having paintings in high demand.

The lonely and bullied teenager from the past had finally become a well-known artist worldwide. His paintings always depicted hope born from destruction, finding new life in impossibility. Even industry masters from abroad had to marvel that Gu Shisheng seemed to be born for painting.

The moment his brush touched the canvas, the lines came to life.

Today, he needed to pick up a painting that was being auctioned. The buyer hoped to see Gu Shisheng in person because the proceeds from this auction were all going to charity.

Grateful for the support of charity, Gu Shisheng had to go in person.

He took the painting and went to the agreed-upon location early.

To his surprise, he didn’t see anyone. The secretary apologized to Gu Shisheng.

“After our master returned to the country, he couldn’t adapt to the climate change and fell ill. He can’t meet Mr. Gu for now. We hope Mr. Gu won’t be upset. If there’s a chance next time, we can meet again.”

Gu Shisheng expressed understanding.

Then, the secretary showed a QR code to Gu Shisheng.

“Um, our master would like to have Mr. Gu’s contact information. Is that okay?”

“Sure.” Gu Shisheng didn’t refuse and opened his phone.

After completing the transaction, when Gu Shisheng went out, Lu Siyi was still waiting outside.

Leaning against the car, Lu Siyi was on the phone with an unhappy expression, his brow furrowed. His tone on the phone wasn’t very pleasant.

After Gu Shisheng approached, the man’s expression softened, and he looked apologetic.

“Sorry, Sheng Sheng, we can’t go this time.”

The project that was originally planned had an unexpected problem, and Lu Siyi had to go back to take control of the overall situation.

“It’s okay. You’re busy; we have plenty of time in the future.”