Chapter 48 – “From Now On, Call Me Bro!”

Ye Fei had just stepped out of the guest room when he saw his future father-in-law already dressed in workout clothes.

Ye Fei smiled and said, “Uncle Zheng, let’s go.”

Behind the Zheng family’s villa was a large mountain.

Zheng Jianguo often climbed it in the mornings — both as a form of exercise and as a personal hobby. He especially enjoyed that feeling of standing atop the summit, looking down at all the other mountains — as if standing at the top of the world, surveying the earth.

Just as they reached the base of the mountain, Zheng Jianguo asked Ye Fei while climbing, “Ye Fei … do you usually like mountain climbing?”

“It’s alright… I actually like it quite a bit. I sometimes climb with a few classmates on weekends.”

“But judging from your condition, Uncle Zheng, you must work out often too, right?”

“Of course,” Zheng Jianguo replied as the two of them continued climbing and chatting.

At first, Zheng Jianguo had thought their age gap — over twenty years — would make it hard to find common ground. But to his surprise, the conversation flowed surprisingly well…

And what surprised him even more — Ye Fei actually felt like someone he could really get along with.

After over half an hour of climbing, even a seasoned hiker like Zheng Jianguo was getting winded and looking for a place to rest. But Ye Fei still looked full of energy, not even slightly tired.

“Uncle Zheng, you’re giving up already? That’s a bit weak…”

Zheng Jianguo chuckled, sat on a big rock, and took a sip of water. “I’m getting old. Can’t keep up with you young people anymore…”

“Just a bit more — we’re nearly at the top. Hang in there.”

“Alright… I’ll follow your lead.”

Zheng Jianguo got up and continued the climb.

Finally, ten minutes later, they reached the summit.

Honestly, Zheng Jianguo was very satisfied with Ye Fei as his future son-in-law…

Not only was he handsome, considerate, respectful during dinner, and a business owner — the boss of Qingteng Bar — but he also had good physical health and, most importantly, shared the same hobby as him:

Climbing!

This last point especially won Zheng Jianguo’s approval…

“Ye Fei, if you don’t mind, why don’t you and Wanqing come back often to eat? I’ll have your aunt cook you both a feast.”

Ye Fei smiled: “Sure, Uncle.”

“Aiya, don’t call me Uncle — that makes me sound old…”

“When no one else is around, just call me brother! From now on, we’re equals.”

What kind of seniority is that supposed to be…

 Ye Fei smiled helplessly.

This future father-in-law of mine — looks serious on the outside but is a total softie inside… and honestly, kind of adorable.

Around 7:30 AM, Zheng Wanqing came out of her bedroom and walked upstairs to knock on Ye Fei’s guest room door.

But there was no response. When she opened the door, she saw the bed neatly made — the room empty.

So she asked, “Sis… did Ye Fei go back to school?”

Zheng Wanyu had just gotten up and was still a bit groggy. She sat on the couch, glanced at her sister coming downstairs, and replied, “I don’t think so… It’s Saturday, right? No classes today. Why would he go to school?”

“Then where’s Ye Fei?”

Zheng Wanyu smirked, grabbing a can of Coke from the fridge and taking a sip. Then she teased, “Wanqing, I swear you’ve changed lately — more clingy than ever. Just woke up and already looking for your precious Ye Fei. Can’t even let him out of your sight for a moment, huh?”

“Sis!! Don’t tease me…”

Wanqing blushed. Her sister’s teasing made her feel both embarrassed and flustered.

“Haha, alright, alright. I’ll stop. Ask Mom later — maybe she knows.”

Just then, Li Qiuchun came out of her bedroom and saw her two daughters in the living room.

“You girls are up early today. Did you sleep well last night? Hungry? Don’t worry, Mom will make breakfast now.”

Zheng Wanqing walked over and grabbed her mother’s arm. “Mom… have you seen Ye Fei?”

Li Qiuchun replied, “Ye Fei? He probably went out with your dad. I saw your dad in workout clothes early this morning. My guess is the two of them went hiking…”

“Judging by the time, they should be back soon.”

Sure enough, just then, Ye Fei and Zheng Jianguo returned from their hike.

Ye Fei looked fine, but Zheng Jianguo looked like he had suffered — he collapsed on the sofa, gasping for breath. Clearly exhausted.

“Ye Fei, where did you and my dad go so early in the morning?”

Ye Fei smiled. “Uncle Zheng and I went mountain climbing. We just got back.”

“Ye Fei! Didn’t I tell you? When there’s no one else around, call me bro!” Zheng Jianguo reminded him again.

“Bro?! What kind of generation jump is this…”

Wait, what the heck happened? They just went for a hike and now they’re suddenly best buddies?

In the living room, the two sisters — and even Li Qiuchun — were all wearing the same stunned expression.

Footnotes:

1. 1. 1. 1. Aiya (哎呀)– An exclamation used to express annoyance, surprise, or affection depending on tone/context. In this case, it’s playful.