Chapter 191 Share the Burden

Chapter 191: Sharing

Lin Nanshu, who knew his temperament well, saw him like this, and the slight turmoil inside him was gradually replaced by a tender resignation.

Instead of withdrawing his hand, he pushed the drumstick a bit closer, the warm meat nearly touching Cheng Ge’s lips.

“I can’t finish all of this by myself,” Lin Nanshu said gently. “Would you, Muyu, like to share some more?”

Cheng Ge, with drunken eyes, looked at the chicken so close at hand, then up at Lin Nanshu’s gentle yet insistent look, and his last shred of resolve completely crumbled.

Almost by instinct, he parted his lips slightly and, from Lin Nanshu's hand, carefully took a bite of the meat.

“Hmm… since that’s the case, then I’ll reluctantly help you eat a little…”

As he spoke, he nibbled in small bites, still focused, and soon his cheeks were puffed up again.

Lin Nanshu watched him, as he tore off a small piece of chicken breast and ate it slowly and deliberately.

Sure enough, the baked chicken, supposedly for Lin Nanshu, mostly ended up in Cheng Ge’s stomach.

Cheng Ge was a bit embarrassed at first, but as Lin Nanshu silently fed him, he soon forgot his initial resolve.

By now, Cheng Ge was holding a chicken wing bone gnawed clean in his hand.

But his eyelids grew heavier and heavier, his head nodding, until he couldn't stay awake any longer.

His body slumped to one side, and he rested his head directly on Lin Nanshu's lap.

Finding a comfortable position, his breathing became long and steady, and he emitted a very faint snore, having fallen deeply asleep.

Lin Nanshu’s movements came to an abrupt halt.

The weight on his knees felt warm and solid; a few strands of hair brushed against the back of his hand.

The faint snoring was close to his ear, and his breath gently stirred the fabric over his lap.

Even the night breeze seemed to soften, afraid to disturb this moment of tranquility.

Lin Nanshu lowered his gaze and looked at him for a long while.

His eyes lingered on his peaceful sleeping face, long lashes casting a faint shadow on his cheeks.

A smudge of grease still clung to his cheek, making him look somewhat endearingly messy.

He gently uncurled Cheng Ge's fingers, still gripping the chicken wing bone, removed the bone, and carefully cleaned Cheng Ge's fingers with a handkerchief.

Having done all this, he paused for a moment, then finally reached out, carefully slipping his arms under Cheng Ge’s knees and back, and with a small effort, lifted him into his arms.

Cheng Ge, as if sensing something in his dream, mumbled vaguely.

His head instinctively burrowed deeper into Lin Nanshu's warm embrace, nuzzling as if looking for warmth, then fell back into a deep sleep.

Carrying Cheng Ge, Lin Nanshu steadily boarded the carriage. Moonlight stretched the carriage's shadow until it disappeared into the night.

Only the empty oilpaper wrap remained on the steps, the faint lingering scent of baked chicken slowly drifting away in the night breeze.

Lin Nanshu brought Cheng Ge back to his residence at the prince's estate, laid him down on the daybed, and carefully tucked the quilt around him.

He gazed for a moment at the man’s unguarded sleeping face, then quietly left.

———

In the study

Candlelight flickered, illuminating Lin Nanshu’s still neatly bound topknot and his bamboo knot hairpin.

He sat alone beneath the lamp, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the bamboo leaf relief on the hairpin’s head. Its cool touch now seemed to hold residual warmth.

Those scenes outside the residence uncontrollably flashed through his mind—

The shiver of the cool jade hairpin brushing against his skin, the breath so close.

And those innocent, honest looks and words from the man in his drunkenness, enough to ripple a calm pond.

A faint, almost invisible curve stole onto the corner of his lips.

The candlelight cast his profile against the wall, gently flickering, much like his restless thoughts now.

Just then, extremely light footsteps came from outside the door, almost lost in the night breeze.

Then, the curtain was softly lifted, and Lin Zhufeng stepped in slowly.

Lin Zhufeng had been to court that day and had bantered with that old friend who had just become a great-grandfather. He was feeling a quiet envy and impatience.

Upon returning home, he had somehow found himself at his grandson's courtyard. Seeing the light still on, he thought he'd drop in and maybe find a reason to nudge things forward.

But just as he stepped into the outer room, he caught his grandson—normally the most proper and dignified—staring at a jade hairpin and grinning foolishly to himself.

Lin Zhufeng’s steps halted, and his gray brows shot up immediately.

Ever since he had lowered his old face to sound out Cheng Ge last time, he had almost been driven up the wall by that guy.

Because of this, he had been gloomy for quite some time—both distressed for his grandson and annoyed at that oblivious young man.

Now this scene…

Lin Zhufeng narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning sweeping over the bamboo knot hairpin, then falling upon Lin Nanshu’s face, which bore a rare touch of softness.

It was crystal clear to him—this hairpin definitely had something to do with that boy Cheng Ge!

Late at night, Nanshu was staring at something like that and chuckling to himself…

Could it be that his words from last time had taken effect? Could that blockhead Cheng Ge finally be catching on?

Old Master Lin cleared his throat and purposely made his footsteps heavier. “Ahem!”

Lin Nanshu snapped back to attention, the softness in his eyes vanishing without a trace, replaced by his usual calm composure.

He quickly tucked the hairpin into his sleeve and rose to greet him: “Grandfather? Why have you come over? The night is late and the dew is heavy; you should be getting some rest.”

Lin Zhufeng walked in with his hands behind his back—

His gaze swept casually over the spot where Lin Nanshu had just been sitting, then landed on his topknot, which had clearly just been re-tied.

He snorted: “Rest? I'd like to, but with something on my mind, I can't settle down.”

“Grandfather, are you unwell? I'll call for a doctor right away.”

Lin Nanshu had been raised by Lin Zhufeng, so they were naturally close. Hearing these words, he couldn’t help but feel some concern.

Lin Zhufeng waved his hand, slowly sat down opposite Lin Nanshu, and let out a heavy sigh.

He raised his hand to rub his temple, even though there was nothing wrong with it, and stared gloomily at the flickering candle flame, said in a heavy voice:

"Ah... My body is fine, but today I met an old friend and saw his courtyard full of blooming orchids and osmanthus, children playing at his feet, endless laughter and joy."

Lin Zhufeng stole a glance at Lin Nanshu's expression and continued, "It inevitably stirs feelings of how swiftly time flies, like a fleeting moment..."

He sighed again, his tone growing more distant: "Back in the day, I competed with friends and classmates in the literary arena, each of us with our own aspirations, full of vigor and high spirits.

Now... old friends are all enjoying their golden years, playing with their grandchildren, which makes my home feel a bit too quiet."

Suddenly, he slapped his thigh hard in an anguished manner: "I mean, look at my grandson—outstanding in character and looks, talented—a fine young man you couldn't find even with a lantern in the capital. So how is it that...

he can't find a caring, loving partner?! Could it be that Heaven is truly jealous of our Lin family?"

Lin Nanshu remained silent, but he thought he was starting to get it.