The Gentle Man Next Door is a Rabbit - 73

 

TGMNDIAR - 73

Lately, the weather has been getting colder, and the occasional intermittent heavy snowfall that used to happen before has not stopped for the past few days.

Thick snow covers the ground, turning the whole world into a vast expanse of white.

The railing of the balcony has formed a layer of ice, each piece taking on different shapes. With just a little force, one can easily take down a complete piece and then smash it onto the ground, which is both a way to relieve stress and fun.

At first, it was Xu Mu playing, but later Ye Ye saw it and shouted, "I want to play too."

Children love novelty. Rather than playing with the ice, they prefer to hear the crisp sound of the ice hitting the ground and then stomp their feet and clap their hands in delight.

When they see that there are still some broken pieces of ice that haven't been completely smashed, they squat down to pick them up and continue smashing.

Xu Mu doesn't stop him either, joining in the fun with him. The floor of the balcony is covered in debris, and the two of them are just laughing.

"Alright, are your hands cold now?" Xu Mu holds Ye Ye's freezing red little hand. "Let's go wash up."

Ye Ye giggles and refuses to leave, wanting to continue smashing.

"There are no more ice blocks, let's wait till tomorrow."

Ye Ye pouts, insisting on kicking the ground before leaving.

The glass window is slightly open, and the sleet falls lightly, drifting into the balcony and accumulating a few shallow puddles on the floor.

"Oh, my ancestors, your shoes are all soaked." Xu Mu feels a headache coming on, lightly tapping Ye Ye's hand. "When Brother Nian comes back and sees this, he will definitely scold you."

Because Bai Nian usually goes to work, leaving only Xu Mu and Ye Ye at home.

Naturally, he is the one who takes care of the children most of the time.

Although Bai Nian usually speaks gently, and Xu Mu who looks difficult to deal with, Ye Ye is more afraid of Bai Nian.

Ye Ye immediately shrinks back, pleasingly clinging to Xu Mu. "... Daddy won't tell, Daddy won't know!"

Xu Mu: "..."

"You're always picking on me." He clicks his tongue and lifts Ye Ye up, holding his damp slippers in his hand.

Ye Ye obediently nestles in his arms, not saying a word.

"Don't suck on your fingers, they're dirty." Xu Mu feels a headache coming on.

"Oh..."

"Nades, go clean up the balcony."

"Yes, master."

"Kadou, go prepare a basin of hot water."

"Yes, please wait a moment."

Xu Mu washed Ye Ye's feet, changed his clothes, and then instructed him not to play with the ice recklessly.

Ye Ye obediently sat in his playhouse, nodding as if understanding the importance.

"Alright, if you need anything, come find me in the next room. Kadou, you stay with Ye Ye."

Kadou replied with an affirmative.

…

Study Room

Xu Mu turned on the dormant live broadcasting equipment.

A few minutes later, the number of viewers in the live stream quickly skyrocketed.

【Viewers: 42,288】

【Brother, you finally came back!】

【Is it going to be a casual match later?】

【It should be.】

【Ah, I want to have a chat with Brother Xu.】

【Winter is such a beautiful season, how can you be lazy!】

【By the way, did Brother Xu recently get a small promotion for Extreme Mech Warfare?】

【No way, is it true?】

【Making big money, tsk tsk.】

【Pretty good... Looks like the streamer will play this game steadily in the future.】

【But I want to see the top-down view, damn, brother, don't forget your original intention!!!】

Xu Mu logged into the game while responding to the barrage of comments.

"Still chatting? I've been chatting for half an hour before resting. Do you all have so much to say?"

"Yeah, I did receive it, and thank you all for your support. There's a giveaway on the homepage, you guys can participate."

"I'll play other games too, but I've been mainly playing Extreme Mech Warfare lately."

"What was I doing just now? Resting."

"Why are your hands red... from breaking ice blocks."

Xu Mu didn't show his face, but since the audience in the live stream knew he often lowers the virtual degree to play games and uses hand exercises, they want to see how he operates.

He didn't think much of it, so he turned on the camera for his hands.

【What? What game are you playing?】

【I told you it's childish elementary school stuff.】

【...Wait, you went to play with ice blocks during your break???】

【You might as well chat with us.】

"I was playing with a kid," Xu Mu said. "Alright, I'm going to explore the new map 'Blue Sky Rice Field' that was updated today for you guys."

【You have a kid at home??? Whose is it?】

【It couldn't be the streamer's, right——】

【Isn't his lover a man?】

【Last time I heard a child crying in the live stream, turns out it wasn't my imagination.】

【Is it from a previous relationship?】

【...Having a child in college, isn't that too soon?】

"It's from a relative's family, let's not gossip," Xu Mu said.

In the matchmaking team, someone asked if they could turn on their microphones, and a few small speakers lit up.

Xu Mu also turned his on.

[Number One: Can you hear me?]

It was a female voice, cold and mature.

[Number Three: I can hear you~]

Number Three replied, a male with a deep voice, but deliberately affected, speaking with a coy tone.

[Number Two: Big brother, stop speaking so awkwardly, be normal.]

Number Two was also a male, but he had a bit of an accent, causing everyone in Xu Mu's live stream room to burst into laughter.

Xu Mu was in the fourth position, with his microphone on, but he didn't speak.

Number Five was a sweet female voice, but it sounded weird.

[Number Five: Let's all work hard together later!]

[Number Three: Okay, little sister Number Five, but big brother Number Four is so cold and indifferent~~~he hasn’t said anything~~~~]

Xu Mu ignored him, waiting for the game to start.

[Number Three: Such a cool guy, love it, love it]

【Isn't Number Five Too!!!!!!】

【Damn, seems like it】

【Who is Too?】

【Too is also a streamer, from Tang Ya's side, famous for his pseudo-girl voice, using sweet words every day to steal men's hearts hahaha】

【I've watched his live stream, it's hilarious】

【Fake girls thrive in the battlefield, real girls grit their teeth and endure】

【Should we remind Brother Xu?】

【Brother Xu doesn't like to read the barrage while playing games, so I don't think reminding him will work】

【Damn, you guys, quickly go check Number One's ID】

【Checked it, Ms. Shen, any questions?】

【!!!】

【Damn, Brother Xu, your chance has come! Whether you'll be worried in the second half of your life depends on today!】

【What do you mean...】

【Ms. Shen is a high-level executive at PQ Bandit Company. Recently, Extreme Mech Warfare is holding an anniversary event, and there's something called 'Best Gun King' in the crowd. If Ms. Shen takes a liking to you, you'll probably get an invitation. Attending this event seems to bring in quite a bit of money. If you're outstanding, like CC, you might receive a short-term contract and a million-dollar advertisement directly】

Xu Mu indeed didn't read the barrage.

But he noticed that the random teammates he was matched with today were a bit strange.

Either completely silent or extremely noisy.

Number Three: "Really amazing, silent big brother Number Four, here, have a few grenades~~~~"

Number Five: "Wow, wow, wow, big brother Number Four is so amazing, every shot hits the mark, one shot, one kill, so cool. Wuu wuu wuu, unlike me, I always get discovered every time, can't win in equipment looting either, wuu wuu wuu, it's so hard, can big brother help me?"

Xu Mu was getting a headache from the noise. He barely interacted with the barrage, just wanting to finish this game quickly.

On the other side, in Too's live stream.

"Tsk tsk, friends, this kind of guy is ruthless, ignores compliments from girls, only cares about getting kills."

Too shook his head and sighed, "I called him big brother this whole game, called until my mouth was dry, but he wouldn't even give me a level 2 armor, stingy."

"Did I not call him sweetly enough? Or is the opponent impotent?"

The barrage was all laughing, saying you also have your days.

Too was unwilling to give up, "Brothers, follow me for the final kill, I don't believe he'll still be so aloof."

He cleared his throat, "Big brother~ Oh my god, I'm almost enchanted by you, you're so amazing, is it because I'm wearing a skirt today and couldn't perform well? Or am I just too bad at the game? Can I add you as a friend? Can you teach me~~~~"

Too deliberately "accidentally" sent a picture of himself in a maid outfit without showing his face, then immediately retracted it after three seconds.

"Brothers, the moment of witnessing a miracle has arrived!!!" he shouted frantically, sounding like a duck.

But two minutes passed, and Number Four showed no response.

Too couldn't believe it, "Damn, buddy, so aloof??"

"No man can resist such temptation! Unless he's gay!!!"

Suddenly, a barrage appeared in Too's live stream.

【Hahahaha, it seems like Number Four is also a streamer, from the Muw Association, he is indeed gay, and is living with his boyfriend】

Too: "......"

He exclaimed, how coincidental?

【Hey, TT, did you know? Number One is Ms. Shen】

Too was puzzled, "Who is that?"

【Uh-oh, TT, I'm going to screenshot your message, you won't be getting any Extreme Mech Warfare ads in the future】

【In the recent Gun King event, Ms. Shen is the one sending invitation letters to random players, and CC's million-dollar ad was given by her】

【It feels like Ms. Shen's appearance isn't coincidental, three streamers in one match】

【? Who else】

【Number Three is also a small streamer but not very famous】

Too: !!!

...

Ten minutes later, victory fireworks exploded on the screen.

Xu Mu clicked to exit and took a sip of water.

"The modeling of the Blue Sky Rice Field is very exquisite, but there are quite a few traps, which are very distracting. If you're not careful, you could die without the enemy even blowing your head off. I'll provide everyone with a route that has lower disturbance based on the map in the future."

"I was quite focused on the game just now, so I didn't pay much attention to the barrage. If you have any questions, you can ask me now."

Xu Mu propped his head up, and the special effects of gifts swirled out, messages scrolling quickly.

【Brother Xu, do you know Too?】

【Uh oh, do you know what you missed out on?!】

【You should really read the barrage -】

【Sigh】

Xu Mu raised an eyebrow, "What are you guys talking about? What's Too?"

【Some big streamer】

【The one with the pseudo-girl voice hahaha】

【The Number Five who called you 'big brother' in the game】

【Brother Xu didn’t fall for it and responded like a straight guy】

Xu Mu: "......"

"Was Number Five in the game a guy?"

【Yeah】

【And that Number Three, seems to be a small streamer too】

【This game stirred up a nest of streamers】

【And there's Ms. Shen, Number One, ah Brother Xu, do you know what you missed out on?】

【Playing games with a high-level executive from Bandit, it's okay if you're mute to us, but how can you be mute to the money-making daddy!】

Xu Mu looked blankly at the screen, then returned to the game page to check the recent battle results.

He checked each avatar and ID, matching them with the names mentioned in the barrage.

Suddenly, a message popped up on the game page.

Xu Mu subconsciously clicked on it.

Then, the live stream room exploded.

【Damn damn damn, Brother Xu, you hit the jackpot! A million-dollar ad is waving at you!】

---

Kitchen

"Are you hungry?" Bai Nian was slicing tomatoes when he suddenly felt warm arms wrap around his waist.

"Not really," Xu Mu lowered his head and sniffed at the back of his neck, planting sticky kisses down.

Bai Nian smiled softly. "Did something good happen? I can feel that you're in a good mood."

Xu Mu's lips curled up slightly. "I made some money."

Bai Nian chuckled. "That's great, really."

Xu Mu bit his earlobe. "Today, I withdrew the money I earned from streaming recently. It should cover most of my loan, and I'll be able to save quite a bit. By March next year at the latest, I'll be able to pay off the debt to the Federal Conservation Center and buy a house."

“Today, a gaming company approached me for long-term cooperation. If it goes smoothly, I'll have a guaranteed income for several years,” Xu Mu said. 

Bai Nian turned his head and kissed his chin gently, saying softly, "That's amazing, I'm really happy, but don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Xu Mu grunted in agreement, "It's not about the pressure, it's about life—"

He paused for a moment, pondering, "I am taking it one step at a time, I’m gradually feeling settled and having enough financial support for our future, it's... very reassuring, you know?"

Bai Nian smiled softly, his heart melting, "Okay, I understand."

Xu Mu sighed, "Brother Nian, I'm so lucky. Streaming has been much smoother than I imagined, drastically altering my plans, it's like a dream."

"Because Ah Mu is smart, talented, and hardworking," Bai Nian said softly, "I’ve seen it all."

"..." Xu Mu cleared his throat, "Okay, Brother Nian, stop praising me like this, I feel embarrassed."

Bai Nian continued, "It's the truth. I think your online friends in the stream are right, you..."

Xu Mu's ears turned red with embarrassment, so he simply kissed him, biting his lip to prevent him from speaking.

Bai Nian tilted his head back, his tongue gently meeting Xu Mu's.

Xu Mu immediately responded, sucking and nibbling on it, his tongue was incredibly soft, making a wet sound.

After a while, he slowly released him.

Bai Nian's eyes were a little red, his breath slightly hurried.

"Oh, by the way, I bought a..." Xu Mu pulled out a ticket from the storage compartment, "Uh, VIP ticket for the 'Fahrenheit' architectural exhibition. I remember you said your favorite..."

"How did you get it?!" Bai Nian exclaimed in surprise, eagerly flipping through it, "I tried to get it for three rounds, but didn't succeed once, and there were no tickets available for purchase either."

"You didn't buy expensive scalped tickets, did you?" he furrowed his brows, asking with concern, "You don't need to, it's just an exhibition, in the future..."

—--Yes, it's an expensive scalped ticket.

"No," Xu Mu said solemnly, "My hands were fast enough, and the new account has a buff, so I easily managed to buy it."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"...Okay," Bai Nian bumped his chin with his nose, "Thank you."

The curve of Xu Mu's lips couldn't be suppressed, "You're welcome, it's just a ticket."

"Then I have a gift for you tonight too."

"Hmm? What is it?"

Bai Nian teased with a drawn-out tone, "It’s a secret— but you'll definitely like it."

Xu Mu blinked, "I'll definitely like it?"

"You will."

"I said..." Xu Mu racked his brain.

Bai Nian smiled, "You'll find out tonight."

---

Bathroom

"Surprise..." Xu Mu turned off the water, pushing his bangs back, his forehead and face damp, droplets trickling down his chin.

His brows furrowed, "What is it?"

Unable to figure it out, Xu Mu hurriedly dressed, hastily drying his hair, his heart pounding with excitement as he returned to the room.

As soon as he entered, he heard a familiar female voice.

"...When are you coming back for the Prayer Festival this year?"

"It's not certain yet, the company hasn't finalized the holiday dates, but it should be around the same time as previous years."

"Have you bought the tickets?"

"Mm."

It was Bai Nian's mother.

Xu Mu hesitated whether to step out first, but upon seeing the scene inside, his steps faltered.

The screen of the phone call was dark, only the sound was coming out.

Bai Nian stood by the door, sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a semi-transparent black gauze dress with sequins, loose and flowing. His butterfly bones on his back were faintly visible.

He slightly arched his back, struggling to put on black stockings. His insteps were stretched tightly, his ankles were thin, his calves were smooth, and his thighs were slightly fleshy.

Xu Mu's mind buzzed, his Adam's apple moved ever so lightly.

He suddenly remembered something he said one night, while cuddling the person next to him.

"Brother Nian... that Black dress suits you so well, can you wear it for me sometime in the future? Please?"

Xu Mu swore it was just a crazy talk during break time, he never intended for it to have a follow-up.

...But Bai Nian remembered it.

Xu Mu swallowed hard, his heart threatening to leap out of his chest.

He mechanically moved forward.

"It's not just you coming back alone, is it?" Mrs. Bai suddenly asked.

"Mm?" Bai Nian squinted, "What?"

This kind of thing is a bit tricky to put on, you have to slowly pull it up, and it takes effort to bend over.

Bai Nian simply lay on the bed, using his shoulders for leverage, his waist hanging in the air for a moment. He then stood on his heels, spread his legs, and struggled to smooth out the thin veil.

Finally, he managed to put it on.

He looked at the ceiling and let out a long sigh.

"Are you playing dumb with me?" Mrs. Bai chuckled, "So, are you not bringing your 'little Husband' back for me to meet? Last time, talking across the screen was too hasty, wasn't it?"

Bai Nian chuckled, "Mom, what kind of nickname is that? I've never called him that before."

"So, are you bringing him back or not?"

"Yes."

"Alright, then I'll get ready." Mrs. Bai's satisfied response, feeling content, "There's nothing else, you should go to bed early, bye bye."

"Mm, bye bye."

Bai Nian ended the call, looked up, and found Xu Mu standing in front of the cabinet.

He was startled, "Ah, when did you come in?"

Xu Mu froze for a moment, and looked away with difficulty.

"Just now," he replied hoarsely.

"Why didn't you speak up then?" Bai Nian glanced at him sideways, his eyes clear like water.

"I, I saw you talking to Auntie, so I didn't want to disturb you," Xu Mu stammered.

Xu Mu felt dazed, his gaze sticking to Bai Nian again.

In fact, he had forgotten.

His eyelashes covered his eyes, his mind filled with pink bubbles.

And... Xu Mu thought of that nickname, feeling like his heart had stopped.

It seemed like Bai Nian had never used it before.

Bai Nian raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I see."

His fingertips wandered, picking up the black veil that hadn't been put on yet and throwing it over.

Xu Mu instinctively reached out to catch it, but as he moved, he stumbled forward a few steps.

He leaned on the edge of the bed, knelt down on one knee, his vision obscured by the black veil.

He stiffly took it off, the scent of detergent in the air.

Bai Nian raised his foot and stepped on Xu Mu's shoulder, asking with a playful smile, "Are you coming home with me for the Prayer Festival?"

Xu Mu tensed up, "... Yes."

Bai Nian leaned forward and patted his head.

"And what else?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" Xu Mu replied.

Bai Nian sighed, "What do you think?"

His toe slid over Xu Mu's neck, gently complaining.

"Ah Mu, you're so clueless."

...

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