AMBTICBPIB Chapter 56

Gu Jin stared at the message from “Chu Yi,” his mind racing before he realized the sender wasn’t Chu Yi at all, but Shen Jin. The tone was unmistakably Shen Jin’s.

Chu Yi’s messages were always soft and adorable, full of cute emojis.

This meant Shen Jin was right beside Chu Yi right now.

Gu Jin’s gaze lingered on the last message, his brow furrowed as he read it repeatedly. He had been racking his brain trying to help Shen Jin confess to Chu Yi and bring them together. Now, Shen Jin was telling him that Chu Yi was pregnant? It felt like he had missed so much.

Completely bewildered, Gu Jin was about to reply when Shen Jin called him directly. Probably worried Gu Jin wouldn’t take the message seriously and might still invite Chu Yi out for white-water rafting.

Before Gu Jin could speak, Shen Jin said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to take Chu Yi out for any dangerous activities.”

Gu Jin’s curiosity reached its peak. “When did you confess? Chu Yi’s pregnant? You’re going to be a dad?”

Chu Yi, wearing headphones, glanced over and noticed the empty space beside him. Thinking Shen Jin had gone out, he looked up and saw him on the balcony, talking on the phone.

As Chu Yi glanced over, Shen Jin turned his head to look at him, as if he had been watching him the whole time.

Shen Jin’s expression had been serious, but his gaze softened when he saw Chu Yi, like the warm evening breeze—both brought a comforting warmth to the heart.

It feels so good to be cared for, to be noticed.

Though Shen Jin was wearing casual home clothes, he exuded a unique aura. With his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs, even a casual stance made him a striking figure. The balcony light cast a mature glow on him, and Chu Yi found himself momentarily distracted, not even noticing the game had started until his teammate’s loud reminder jolted him back to the screen.

As Chu Yi turned his head, Shen Jin’s smile widened.

After hanging up the phone, Shen Jin checked the time and reminded him, “Chu Yi, finish this game and then it’s time to rest.”

“Okay,” Chu Yi replied.

When the game ended, Chu Yi shut down his computer and went to bed.

While Shen Jin and Chu Yi slept soundly, Gu Jin couldn’t sleep.

Shen Jin’s phone call had contained too much information, leaving him too shocked to process it all. He needed time to digest everything.

Gu Jin never imagined Shen Jin would become a father. This was truly joyous news, and he felt genuinely happy for his friend. It seemed his worries about Shen Jin confessing his feelings had been completely unfounded—he’d been fretting over nothing.

Such wonderful news deserves to be shared immediately. Gu Jin eagerly posted the announcement in their group chat:

Major news! Major news!

The usually quiet group chat suddenly erupted with activity.

Are you getting married?!

Gu Jin: Not my news, it’s Shen Jin’s!

What is it? Did Shen Corporation’s stock price surge again? We already know about that.

Did Shen Corporation acquire another company?

Gu Jin: This is even better than what you’re thinking!

Just tell us already! Stop dragging it out!

After Gu Jin’s announcement, the group chat fell silent for a moment before erupting into a frenzy of messages.

Gu Jin’s news was indeed far more significant than their earlier guesses—a truly momentous and shocking occasion.

Shen Jin was the first among them to get married and now the first to become a father. The group was buzzing with excitement.

While the group chat buzzed with activity, the man at the center of it all remained silent, not saying a word.

After everyone had tagged Shen Jin more than a dozen times, he finally spoke up.

Shen Jin: Sleeping. Say what you need to say.

The previously silent phone suddenly vibrated. Shen Jin didn’t bother to look at it until Chu Yi nudged him, reminding him of the notification. Only then did he pick it up.

His single message ignited the group chat into even greater frenzy.

Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!

You’re already a dad? I’m so jealous!

If Gu Jin hadn’t told us, we wouldn’t have known! Congratulations, congratulations!

Gu Jin: You’re going to be a dad! Such a huge occasion deserves a celebration, right?

Shen Jin: Enough. I’m going back to sleep.

Gu Jin: It’s settled then! No more arguing. We’ll come visit Chu Yi in a couple of days, okay?

Shen Jin: We’ll see how Chu Yi feels then.

While the others continued chatting, Shen Jin immediately muted his phone and looked down at Chu Yi, who had already fallen asleep in his arms during their brief exchange.

The next day, Shen Jin told Chu Yi about the conversation.

“If you want peace and quiet and don’t want to be disturbed, we can tell them not to come,” Shen Jin said.

Chu Yi smiled. “It’s okay. Gu Jin and the others are good people. I like them too.”

Shen Jin paused, realizing that Chu Yi had used the same word—”good people”—to describe him before.

Two days later, Gu Jin and the others arrived.

As soon as they entered, they congratulated Shen Jin and Chu Yi. Chu Yi stood beside Shen Jin, a little embarrassed.

They had brought so many gifts that the sofa and coffee table were nearly overflowing. There were gifts for the baby and for Chu Yi, all carefully chosen.

Chu Yi glanced at Shen Jin, who nodded with a smile.

Chu Yi smiled. “Thank you, Brother Gu Jin. Thank you, Brother Zhou. Thank you, Brother He. Thank you, Brother Li.”

Hearing Chu Yi’s thanks, the four men grinned like they’d won the lottery.

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome! Sit down, don’t stand there.”

The four men usually smoked, their clothes carrying the scent of tobacco. But today, they had all refrained from smoking, fearing the smell might bother Chu Yi.

While the others chatted, Shen Jin handed Chu Yi a bowl of yogurt mixed with fruit—Chu Yi’s current favorite.

After Chu Yi took a bite, Shen Jin asked, “Is the yogurt too cold?”

“No, it’s just right,” Chu Yi replied.

Watching Shen Jin’s tender care for Chu Yi, Gu Jin and the others exchanged knowing smiles. The formidable Shen Jin they knew outside was unbelievably gentle at home.

Gu Jin solemnly vowed to Shen Jin, “Don’t worry. From now on, I promise I’ll never secretly take Chu Yi to do dangerous or strenuous activities again.”

Shen Jin glanced at him. Gu Jin quickly added, “I’ll ask for your opinion first from now on, okay?”

Before Shen Jin could reply, the other three men finally understood.

“What? You’ve taken Chu Yi out to play before, and we didn’t even know?”

“No wonder Chu Yi seems closer to you than to us. So that’s why! You sly bastard.”

“Chu Yi, where do you want to go? We can take you too! Don’t just hang out with him.”

The group collectively turned on Gu Jin, accusing him of secretly taking Chu Yi out without telling them, while enthusiastically inviting Chu Yi to join them.

Shen Jin coughed a few times. These guys were actually fighting over who got to take Chu Yi out right in front of him! Chu Yi was just too popular.

At the sound of his cough, the group immediately fell silent.

Shen Jin’s expression darkened. “None of you is allowed to take Chu Yi out without my permission.”

The group turned to look at Chu Yi.

When Shen Jin looked at Chu Yi, his eyes softened, losing their earlier sternness. “Chu Yi, we won’t go out with them anymore, okay?”

Chu Yi nodded obediently. “Mm, I’ll only go with you.”

Shen Jin tilted his chin at the other men.

Gu Jin and his friends: …It felt like they’d just been force-fed a massive dose of PDA.

Gu Jin, who was sitting closest to Shen Jin, slapped him on the back a few times. “You lucky bastard,” he said. “You really hit the jackpot with Chu Yi.”

Gu Jin was a big man with a strong build, and they were used to roughhousing. Overjoyed, he slapped Shen Jin’s back even harder than usual, the blows ringing loudly through the room.

Chu Yi instinctively winced, feeling the pain for Shen Jin. “Gu Jin-ge,” he said, “be gentle.” At this rate, Shen Jin’s back would be red and sore.

Gu Jin froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. “I forgot,” he said. “Shen Jin finally has someone who cares about him.”

The others chuckled good-naturedly. Shen Jin smiled at Chu Yi, his little one was worrying about him again.

“That’s right,” Shen Jin said, grinning. “Chu Yi cares about me. Got a problem with that?”

“No, no, absolutely not,” Gu Jin replied hastily. “Chu Yi’s concern is perfect—we’re all just jealous.”

The other three men nodded in agreement.

Initially, they hadn’t been sure about Shen Jin and Chu Yi’s relationship. But now, seeing how well-matched they were, they couldn’t help but envy them.

Uncle Wen had prepared a lavish dinner to welcome their guests.

Gu Jin, ever the charmer, said, “Uncle Wen, your cooking has gotten even better! This is incredible. Our family chef can’t hold a candle to you.”

Uncle Wen chuckled, “Come over for dinner whenever you have time.”

With so many family members present, the meal was particularly lively. None of them drank alcohol, fearing the smell would upset Chu Yi, so they all opted for soft drinks instead.

Despite the lack of alcohol, the meal was thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying.

As soon as Gu Jin and the others left, Chu Yi eagerly pulled Shen Jin upstairs to their room. “Go take off your clothes and let me see.”

Shen Jin, being tugged along, teased him, “Chu Yi, aren’t you being a bit too impatient?”

“Of course I’m impatient! Hurry up!” Chu Yi insisted, his mind racing with worry that Gu Jin’s slaps might have been too forceful.

Shen Jin sighed in utter exasperation.

Back in their room, Chu Yi closed the door and urged Shen Jin to undress. “Quickly, quickly!”

Under Chu Yi’s anxious gaze, Shen Jin stripped down to his shorts.

Shen Jin’s physique was undeniably perfect, but Chu Yi was too preoccupied to admire it.

Chu Yi meticulously examined him from head to toe, a routine he performed every night before bed. Finding Shen Jin’s body completely unharmed—Gu Jin’s slaps had left no marks—Chu Yi finally relaxed.

Their close proximity meant Chu Yi’s faint breath brushed warmly against Shen Jin’s skin.

Chu Yi: “Y-you should put some clothes on.”

Shen Jin’s lips curved into a teasing smile as he gazed at Chu Yi.

Chu Yi suddenly felt embarrassed, and his face flushed crimson, especially when his eyes lingered on Shen Jin’s undeniable assets.

Shen Jin chuckled. “Not going to look a little longer?”

Chu Yi pinched him in mortified indignation.

Shen Jin, who had been laughing, suddenly paused. “Chu Yi, pinch me again, harder this time. Really put some force into it, okay?”

Chu Yi seemed to realize something. He steeled himself and pinched Shen Jin sharply, then looked at him with anticipation.

After a few seconds, Shen Jin said, “I think I felt a tiny bit.”

Without his bracelet or acupuncture, Shen Jin had felt that faint flicker of pain.