He is Too Stingy, This Sand Sculpture Cannon Fodder

Shu You couldn’t help but say, “Lin Mingxu, you…”

“Not a big deal.”

Lin Mingxu stiffened, looking calm, “Art comes from life, doesn’t it?”

Shu You pursed his lips and retorted, “But life doesn’t shout for more.”

Raising an eyebrow, Lin Mingxu replied, “So, do you have another way?”

Shu You “…”

He immediately drooped his head, dejectedly saying, “No, thanks to my boyfriend for saving me from the fire and water.”

“Not yet, don’t thank me just yet.”

However, Lin Mingxu leisurely said, “I have a condition.”

Shu You asked, “What?”

In a gentle tone, Lin Mingxu’s words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, “I want to see the jokes you wrote.”

“As the person involved, I should know how I’m being portrayed, right?”

“Well…”

Shu You, feeling somewhat guilty, said, “Although they are inspired by life, they undergo artistic processing and certain exaggeration. They might not be true.”

“After all, we focus on humor, not documentary literature.”

“Then I want to see how they’ve been processed.”

Lin Mingxu also had a valid reason, “Or, as your boyfriend, I can be your first audience and support your career, right?”

Shu You “…”

Annoyingly, he made a valid point, leaving no room for refusal.

He hesitated and stammered, “Just don’t get angry after reading them.”

Suddenly, Shu You became worried about facing domestic violence.

While he searched for the document, he glanced around, looking for a broom, mop, ashtray, or belt—wait, wasn’t the belt on Lin Mingxu’s waist?

Forget it, something must be wrong with asking Lin Mingxu to take off his belt now.

Shu You procrastinated and finally opened the document, handing it over to Lin Mingxu.

He shyly lowered his gaze and said, “Boyfriend, you’re not allowed to make fun of me.”

“I won’t.”

“And don’t get angry either.”

“I won’t.”

“And don’t…”

Lin Mingxu interrupted, “Then I won’t read it.”

“Hey!”

Shu You quickly handed him the tablet, urging him, “Just read it.”

If Lin Mingxu truly wanted to know, there would be countless ways.

It’s just that Shu You felt embarrassed.

It was like that slight awkwardness of browsing through a huge microblog, laughing without restraint, and suddenly realizing that family or friends from another dimension knew your nickname and searched and read everything.

On stage, it was on stage, but when Lin Mingxu saw it, it felt different.

Lin Mingxu began reading those jokes.

He looked at the first one, which was about entrepreneurship.

“My boyfriend has been doing a startup for a long time, and I dare not ask if he’s successful. If he succeeds, he may not be my boyfriend anymore.”

Lin Mingxu “…”

He looked at the second one, also about entrepreneurship.

“My boyfriend is said to be starting a business. I don’t know the specifics. What if his business fails and he asks me for money?”

Lin Mingxu “…”

He looked at the first one, this one.

“I want to ask my boyfriend what he really likes about me, but I’m afraid he’ll say it’s because I’m with him during his startup, and he’s relatively poor.”

Lin Mingxu “…”

After finishing reading them all, he put down the tablet without any expression, “That’s all.”

“Uh-huh.”

Shu You covered his face, “That’s all.”

“Not bad.”

Lin Mingxu casually commented, and then said lightly, “The first one doesn’t work.”

“Ah.”

Shu You momentarily couldn’t recall which one was the first, so he took the tablet and flipped through it, “Oh, this one. I also think it needs further consideration.”

No, it’s not a matter of consideration or not.

Lin Mingxu looked at him deeply.

Shu You bit the tip of his pen again and scribbled on the blank paper.

Lin Mingxu went into the inner room, and after a while, the man came out again.

“Do you have any performances this week?”

“Only on the weekend.”

Shu You paused for a moment and replied, “Brother Wu told me to prepare for variety shows, so I shouldn’t have too frequent performances for now.”

“Okay.”

Lin Mingxu said, “In that case, I’ll be on a business trip to Xihua City tomorrow.”

He paused and looked at Shu You, “I just checked, and the local comedy theater there is quite large. Do you want to go and have a look?”

“Can I?”

Shu You had also heard that Xihua City had a high level of stand-up comedy performances and had thought about going to see it when he had the chance.

His eyes lit up, but he hesitated, “Will it affect your work?”

“No.”

Lin Mingxu said, “I’ve done everything I needed to do in the early stages. I just need to sign the contract. I have free time in the afternoon and evening.”

That’s great.

Shu You was immediately delighted, “I’ll go pack my things.”

“No need.”

Lin Mingxu’s lips twitched, “We’ll go in the morning and come back the same day.”

“Oh.”

He was so happy that he forgot Xihua City was right next door, less than a hundred kilometers away from their city.

So, the next morning, Lin Mingxu and Shu You drove to Xihua City.

In the morning, Lin Mingxu went to sign the contract, while Shu You found a nearby coffee shop, ordered a cup of milk tea, and bit the straw while sitting by the window.

Since it was a workday, the coffee shop wasn’t crowded, but just as Shu You was about to take a few sips, he felt someone passing by him multiple times.

One moment it was someone passing by, the next moment it was someone else, and they seemed a bit familiar.

Oh.

Shu You suddenly snapped out of it. Weren’t these all the staff members of this coffee shop?

He immediately stopped one of them and sternly asked, “Excuse me, please come over here.”

The staff member was startled and quickly walked over, “Hello, sir, what can I do for you?”

Shu You had a serious expression, “You’ve walked past here empty-handed several times. Tell me, is there something wrong on my end?”

“I have a good mental resilience, I can handle whatever you say.”

“No, no.”

The staff member apologized, “It’s not your concern, cough, you’re Mr. Shu You, right?”

“Can I have your autograph and take a photo with you?”

Shu You froze for a second. So that’s why this person recognized him.

Almost forgot, he was also someone who had appeared on popular variety shows and had some fame.

Not long after, Lin Mingxu finished signing the contract and walked to the coffee shop at the street corner with his assistant, Tang Le. As they entered, it was bustling inside.

Tang Le instinctively took a step back and glanced at the sign, thinking it was a coffee shop, not a teahouse.

He couldn’t help but look at Lin Mingxu, who remained unfazed and said, “You go back to the company first.”

When they came, Lin Mingxu had already mentioned that he would be here the whole day.

Tang Le instantly understood and turned to leave. Lin Mingxu didn’t hesitate and went straight toward the crowd.

Sure enough, Shu You was here.

He was happily chatting with people, full of excitement and joy. The atmosphere was lively.

It wasn’t the kind of gathering where people flocked to see an idol or celebrity, but rather a simple conversation where everyone was genuinely happy.

Happiness is contagious, and Shu You was the happiest little sun in there.

When Shu You saw Lin Mingxu, his eyes sparkled. “I’m leaving now. My boyfriend is here.”

“Shu You, stay a little longer.”

“I can’t. We have a planned schedule that can’t be changed.”

“Shu You, your boyfriend is really handsome.”

“Thank you, but my boyfriend already has a boyfriend.”

With a smile on his face, the young man squeezed out of the crowd and said, his eyes shining, “Lin Mingxu, they praise you for being handsome.”

Like a little star from the far end of the galaxy, separated by billions of years, overcoming all obstacles, it appeared right in front of him.

Thus, seemingly cruel twists of fate were suddenly endowed with warm significance.

Unable to contain his emotions, Lin Mingxu reached out and embraced Shu You’s shoulder, drawing him into his embrace, as if protecting him, and led him out of the coffee shop.

Indeed, there were many people outside, but Shu You didn’t think much of it. But when they reached an open space outside, Lin Mingxu still didn’t let go of him.

Without thinking, Shu You spoke up, “Lin Mingxu.”

The man didn’t look at him.

Shu You could feel the warmth on his shoulder, almost merging with his own body. When Lin Mingxu heard his name, he finally released him, letting his arm hang down, but he held his hand instead.

“Lin Mingxu.”

Shu You was surprised at what he was doing.

“I made a reservation at a restaurant.”

Lin Mingxu naturally said, “There’s a market ahead, so it might be crowded.”

“Oh.”

Shu You felt a slight strangeness in his heart, but he was convinced by this seemingly reasonable explanation. He followed Lin Mingxu, letting the man hold his hand as they walked along the streets of the unfamiliar city.

They quickly found the restaurant.

The seating was also pre-arranged, by the window, a great spot. The sunshine outside was bright, and there was a lively atmosphere downstairs. Special dishes were served and placed on the snowy white tablecloth.

And they were delicious.

Shu You took a few bites and suddenly caught sight of a couple sitting across from them. The man stood up, walked in front of the

woman, and while smiling foolishly, knelt down on one knee.

The surrounding area immediately erupted in cheers, applause, and whistles.

Shu You was shocked. “Lin Mingxu, look quickly.”

Lin Mingxu followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “It’s a proposal.”

“Yes, yes.”

Shu You was witnessing a live proposal for the first time.

He stared without blinking, fully focused. The man proposing stumbled through his important lines, almost dropping the ring to the ground. Shu You couldn’t help but giggle, “He’s so nervous, isn’t he?”

Lin Mingxu paused for a moment and casually said, “Have you ever thought about getting married?”

“Never thought about it.”

Shu You’s attention was still on the proposal happening nearby, and he casually replied, “I feel like getting married or not getting married is fine. Personally, I support the theory of the Siege Mentality.”

“Qian Zhongshu,” Lin Mingxu said.

“Yes.” Shu You cleared his throat and philosophically added, “Whether getting married or not, humans tend to regret whatever choice they make.”

Lin Mingxu remained silent.

He didn’t expect Shu You to also be familiar with Shaw’s works.

As the cheers and kisses of the newly engaged couple subsided, Shu You reluctantly turned his attention back and happily continued eating his lunch.

While eating, he curiously asked, “Lin Mingxu, why aren’t you eating?”

Lin Mingxu squeezed out a response from between his teeth, “I’m not hungry.”

Upon hearing Shu You’s words, he felt a chill run down his spine.

“Oh, this is so delicious,” Shu You lamented with a disappointed expression, then without hesitation, he finished all the food on his plate.

Lin Mingxu subtly stiffened, suddenly realizing something.

Based on his understanding of Shu You, it was unlikely that he would come to his senses even after another ten years.

Since that was the case…

He felt the need to revise his plans.

In the afternoon, they went to the theater to watch a stand-up comedy show.

The stand-up shows here were very famous and always sold out. Shu You didn’t know how Lin Mingxu managed to get tickets, but they ended up with great seats in the front row.

Before the performance started, the two of them strolled to a nearby bubble tea shop. Shu You stared at the advertisement for a new flavor of bubble tea and rubbed his stomach.

Lin Mingxu’s mouth twitched. “Do you want to drink bubble tea?”

“No, no,” Shu You said, “I’m just looking at the new flavors.”

Although he said so, his eyes still lingered on the fruit tea.

Lin Mingxu couldn’t help but laugh and cry.

For the first time in his life, he walked up to the sign of a bubble tea shop and carefully looked at the advertisement for the new flavor.

It did look delicious.

Five minutes later, Lin Mingxu and Shu You each held a cup of fruit tea and sat on the small balcony, enjoying the breeze.

Lin Mingxu thought to himself, it’s not bad, actually quite tasty.

The fruit tea was refreshing, not as heavy as milk tea. Shu You happily sucked on the straw and took the opportunity to solidify their relationship. “Thank you, boyfriend. You’re so good, boyfriend.”

Lin Mingxu remained expressionless. “Anything else?”

“Hmm,” Shu You pondered seriously and tentatively said, “I wish my boyfriend a long and healthy life.”

“Thank you. I’ll remember this when I turn sixty.”

“It’s not necessary.”

Shu You blushed and said shyly, “Even when you turn fifty.”

Lin Mingxu doubted whether he could live to fifty.

Finally, the stand-up comedy show began.

The audience filed in, and Shu You also went in with his unfinished fruit tea. After the show, he laughed so hard that his stomach hurt. Unable to resist, he turned his head and said, “Lin Mingxu, they performed so well.”

“Your performance was also great.”

Lin Mingxu looked at him and softly said, “You can do it too.”

“But…”

Shu You paused. “I feel like I’m being drained.”

“Just like when you read what I wrote last night, I’m almost at my limit.”

He bit on the straw, a rare hint of melancholy in his expression, and muttered, “And didn’t you say that my first joke wasn’t good enough?”

“Actually, I feel like those jokes were a bit forced and not really that bad, but I want something better.”

Shu You had never racked his brain so much for his ‘career‘ before.

He felt like he could do this line of work, but he was still uncertain about what exactly he could achieve and where he could go. It was all vague and filled with doubts about whether he could do well.

As a newcomer in an unfamiliar field, it was natural to get caught up in self-doubt after a while.

“Shu You.”

The two of them were already in the corridor, not far from the bubble tea shop where they had just bought fruit tea. Lin Mingxu suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“Lin Mingxu.” Shu You tilted his head, looking puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Lin Mingxu looked at him deeply and spoke, “As you know, your boyfriend has recently started a business.”

Shu You nodded. Oh right, he even turned it into a joke.

“In this industry, I’m also a beginner.” Although it was the second time being a beginner, it didn’t mean that the lessons learned from the first time couldn’t be applied.

Shu You hummed in agreement. That did make sense.

“When I face difficulties, I remember a phrase my father once told me.”

Shu You blinked, his ears perked up.

Lin Mingxu continued in a calm tone, “When you truly want to accomplish something, just focus on how to complete it and give it your all.”

Shu You found it quite reasonable.

In his mind, a light bulb seemed to suddenly illuminate, shining brightly.

However, the next second, Lin Mingxu gently called his name again.

“Shu You.”

Lin Mingxu gazed at him, his expression filled with a look that Shu You couldn’t understand.

“And,” he whispered softly, “since we’re talking about your first joke…”

Shu You stammered, “So, um…”

He raised his head in confusion, locking eyes with Lin Mingxu, only to see a gaze that made him inexplicably feel a certain illusion.

An illusion that his heart was also filled with him.

Shu You opened his mouth, realizing something, but his mind filled with blanks. In the end, he heard Lin Mingxu gently saying, “I won’t let you use the first joke.”

“Because, no matter what, my liking for you won’t be for that reason.”

Shu You hummed.

He stood there dumbfounded as Lin Mingxu’s warm palm covered his head, lightly brushing against his messy hair, and casually said, “Art comes from life, but it shouldn’t be too detached from life.”

“Isn’t that right?”