Chapter 64: Late-Stage Brother Complex
“Baby, are we really just leaving like this? Isn’t it a bit too rash today?”
Before boarding the plane, Xu Huazhang was a bit uncertain.
Mu Lantu said, “Trust me, we can’t stay. Give them time to come around on their own.”
Seeing that Xu Huazhang still looked worried, he revealed his ultimate plan.
“I’ve already thought it through. If, after my sister talks to them, they still won’t come around, I’ll arrange a trip for them. Have my sister go with them—travel all around the country first, then around the world—keep them so busy they won’t have time to meddle in our affairs. Plus, after seeing and hearing more outside, they’ll eventually figure it out.”
After all, they were the original body’s parents. Mu Lantu wanted to avoid direct conflict if possible.
That was a good plan.
Xu Huazhang praised, “Baby, you’re so smart.”
“Just verbal praise?”
Now that they’d taken the step of coming out to his parents—even though they hadn’t accepted it—it still felt like an accomplishment. Mu Lantu was in a good mood and even felt like teasing Xu Huazhang.
Xu Huazhang’s heart burned with affection. He leaned close to his ear and whispered, “I’ll give you a proper reward when we get back.”
Mu Lantu’s ears turned hot. He glanced at the decorative mirror on the wall—at least his face wasn’t red. He felt like he was making progress.
“We’ll see.”
“Your brother…” Xu Huazhang didn’t know what to say.
Mu Lantu looked indifferent. “What’s said is like spilled water—it’s not coming back.”
He had no intention of reconciling with Mu Hongtu and his wife.
Xu Huazhang patted his head, “It’s okay, baby. I’m your lover, but if you ever need it, I can be your brother too.”
If baby ever called him brother—especially in bed… just imagining it made Xu Huazhang feel hot all over.
Mu Lantu had no idea where his mind had gone. He just thought it was baffling. He had no particular attachment to the idea of “big brother.”
“Enough talking. Time to board the plane.”
When they returned to the Capital, they didn’t go straight back to Dream Home.
Xu Huazhang dropped Mu Lantu off at the Maple Grove Villa.
“Baby, rest up at home for a bit. I’m going to visit my brother’s company. I’ll come back and take you out for dinner later.”
“Go ahead.”
Mu Lantu had things to do as well.
Since his parents cared so much about appearances, he decided to give them something to save face with. Originally, he hadn’t cared about that sort of thing.
He gave a call to Nie Sheng, the person in charge of the LEGO competition.
“Boss, you’ve finally changed your mind and agreed to a TV interview?”
“Yeah. Arrange it. Also, I need you to buy me a trending spot.”
Nie Sheng laughed. “Boss, you really have no idea how popular you are right now!”
Mu Lantu asked, “What popularity?”
Nie Sheng raised his voice. “Our LEGO competition was a huge success—really successful, not just average! Not only are students following you, but even parents are! You haven’t checked Weibo lately, have you? Our official account has over 60 million followers, and your personal Weibo has over 50 million! More than a lot of celebrities! Once news of your interview gets out, it’ll trend automatically. No need to buy anything!”
Mu Lantu was surprised but didn’t dwell on it. He had no intention of checking Weibo either.
“Nice. You’ll get a year-end bonus. That’s all, I have things to do.”
He opened the Dream Home rental site.
A new batch of habitats was ready to go online.
This time, the structures were built by elementary school students—functional buildings full of childlike creativity.
Mu Lantu decided to build a fairytale town in Dream Home, which would be rented out to tourists visiting the area.
At first, he hadn’t wanted to let too many people into Dream Home, but times had changed. If he wanted to get rich quickly, this step was necessary. As long as he did his part in terms of safety, the relevant departments on Earth would handle the rest.
*
Xu Huafeng’s assistant informed him that Xu Huazhang had come to visit. At first, Xu Huafeng thought it was a joke.
“My younger brother is here to see me? That’s like the sun rising in the west. Or maybe… he wants something? But no, if he needed a favor, he’d just call. He wouldn’t come in person.”
Seeing the assistant trying to stifle a laugh, he raised an eyebrow.
“Huazhang is a rare guest. Go prepare the refreshments already.”
“Yes, sir!”
Just as the assistant turned to leave, Xu Huafeng stopped him.
“He likes lollipops, but don’t bring too many. I don’t want his teeth to hurt. Honestly, he’s a grown man, and I still have to worry about his teeth.”
The assistant kept nodding, unsure what to say. He knew the second young master—he wasn’t that lacking in self-control, was he? Did the boss think his brother was still five?
*
Xu Huazhang knocked lightly on the half-open office door and pushed it open to see Xu Huafeng sitting in a black leather chair, arms crossed, looking directly at the door.
“What brings you here? The sky didn’t rain red, did it?”
As he spoke, he even turned to glance out the tall, bright windows.
“I just got back from Anfeng with my baby, so I came to check on you. Brought you some local specialties too. How’s your health lately? Don’t just focus on work—remember to take care of yourself. Your relationship with sister-in-law is stable, right? Call her now and then, show her you care. The two nephews are doing well too, I hope? If they’re a bit naughty, don’t get too stressed—your health matters most. Alright, don’t want to interrupt your work. I’m leaving.”
Seeing him turn to leave after dropping off the stuff, Xu Huafeng’s mouth twitched. Say he doesn’t care? He came all the way here and gave a whole speech asking about his wife and kids. Say he does care? He was treating it like a chore—didn’t even sit down, as if the tens-of-thousands-yuan sofa had needles in it.
“Wait a second.”
Xu Huazhang stopped and turned back, giving him a look that said, What now?
“If you’ve got something to say, say it. My baby’s still waiting for me.”
Xu Huafeng struck the pose of an elder brother and pointed with his eyes to the chair across from the desk. “Sit.”
Xu Huazhang sat reluctantly, kicking off with his foot so the chair spun slowly.
Xu Huafeng looked at him with disdain. How old is he, still acting like a kid?
The assistant entered with a large tray filled with drinks, snacks, and desserts.
Xu Huazhang frowned. He’s not a child anymore, but his brother still treats him like one.
But before the thought could finish, he spotted a fancy paper bag on the coffee table. With his long arm, he grabbed it and started packing the snacks and drinks into it.
“Bringing these back for my baby.”
Xu Huafeng didn’t even want to watch. “Alright, why are you really here today?”
“Didn’t I say? Just came to see you.” Xu Huazhang replied lazily.
Xu Huafeng didn’t believe it.
So Xu Huazhang told him the whole story about Anfeng.
Xu Huafeng grinned from ear to ear. Oh, now he finally realizes what a great big brother I am? At least he has some conscience.
He pulled a card out of a drawer and tossed it over. “Do you two still have money? Actually, never mind. Just take it.”
“He doesn’t need your money. If he ever does, I’ll give him mine.” Xu Huazhang stuffed the black card into his wallet. No need to be polite with his own brother.
Xu Huafeng waved him off. “Alright, off you go.”
Xu Huazhang left without a backward glance.
*
On the way out, he passed a flower shop and bought a bouquet of bright red roses. Then, remembering Mu Lantu hadn’t had his favorite milk tea in a while, he swung by the shop across the street and picked one up.
The two of them had unknowingly formed a habit of bringing each other small gifts when returning home.
Mu Lantu had already finished his work and was watching TV in the living room.
The coffee table was covered in snacks, arranged by the housekeeper.
“Baby, I’m home.”
Mu Lantu took the flowers and eyed the shopping bag.
“What’s this?”
“Food. Looted it from my brother.”
Mu Lantu was speechless. It’s not like they couldn’t afford it. But maybe it was just how the brothers bonded.
He put the flowers in a vase. “Dinner? I’m hungry.”
“Let me change first.” Xu Huazhang kissed him.
“Mm, no rush.” Mu Lantu knew he’d also shower, so he went back to the living room to continue watching TV. He was already clean and refreshed.
Xu Huazhang came downstairs, drying his hair.
“Baby, a few of my friends are nagging again. Want to have dinner with them tonight?”
Mu Lantu was curious to meet his friends. “Sure. What are we eating?”
Xu Huazhang sat beside him. “Whatever you feel like.”
“How about hot pot? Feels lively.”
The weather was hot, and it had been a while since they’d had hot pot.
Xu Huazhang immediately agreed. “Sounds good.”
He messaged his friends while Mu Lantu went upstairs to change. He didn’t need to wear formalwear but still wanted to look presentable.
Just as he picked out an outfit, Xu Huazhang walked into the closet and picked up the exact same one.
Mu Lantu didn’t understand why he was so obsessed with couple’s outfits.
“Because I want the whole world to know—you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
At this point, they had matching outfits, hats, watches, backpacks, shoes, water bottles, bowls…
Oh, and even their phones and cases were couple-style. One white, one black, with custom cartoon versions of themselves on the cases—wearing matching black suits, fingers intertwined, walking forward together.
Mu Lantu teased him, “Careful people don’t think we’re just wearing brother outfits.”
Xu Huazhang fell into deep thought. “You may have a point. In that case, baby—from the moment we leave the house, we’re holding hands.”
Mu Lantu: “…”
Fine, you win.
True to his word, the moment they stepped outside, Xu Huazhang grabbed his hand.
Mu Lantu protested, “Huazhang, this isn’t necessary. It’s too hot—we’ll both get sweaty.”
Protest denied.
Xu Huazhang reassured him, “It’s fine, baby. The car has AC. So does the hot pot place.”
Mu Lantu wanted to go back and punch his past self for bringing this on himself.
