CHAPTER 156: BATHING

"I’m telling you to say hi to the fans." Joshua couldn’t help saying to Luther, who was still posing over there.

The moment Luther heard that, his expression instantly fell, and then he strode over fiercely.

[What’s happening what’s happening what’s happening? Are they about to fight?]

[Hahaha seriously, are you guys really commenting like that?]

[If they actually fight, this group might as well disband already.]

[Who would dare lay a hand on our Joshua, huh?!]

[Everyone’s joking so wildly today.]

The comments kept flying nonstop until Luther’s figure disappeared from their view.

It felt like a giant shadow suddenly loomed over the screen, and then the phone camera was turned to the front.

A moment ago Luther had been across from Joshua, but now he was standing right beside him. He bent down, rested his chin on Joshua’s shoulder, and with his other hand reached up to pinch Joshua’s cheek, even rubbing it a little as he grumbled, "No more kneading dough, it’s too stiff. I’m switching to kneading this soft little dough ball instead."

Joshua immediately tried to shove his hand away, but Luther clung on like a leech, even laughing as he said, "Hey, what’re you rushing for? The fans haven’t taken their pictures yet."

[Exactly, we haven’t gotten our pictures yet!]

[I bet Luther knows exactly what’s going on out there.]

[Hahaha, he definitely knows.]

[Another ship with its captain onboard, huh hahaha—]

[So cute...]

Right then, the phone screen suddenly shook a little, revealing Henry’s figure—he’d been standing off to the side the whole time. He furrowed his brows slightly, his deep, dark eyes fixed on Luther and Joshua. It was clear that his gaze stopped on Joshua’s shoulder, right where Luther was leaning his weight.

[That scared me half to death.]

[I just managed to grab a screenshot—feels like I captured the poster of the century.]

[This is literally the promotional poster of a drama series hahaha.]

"We’re about to make gingerbread. Please eat with us tonight. It’s getting a bit long now, so bye." At that moment, Joshua suddenly spoke.

The fans practically started screaming the moment they heard that.

[No way, Joshuaaaa! You heartless man!]

[I’m literally crying, Joshua. You’re so cruel. From now until tonight is more than five hours. How am I supposed to survive five whole hours without you?!]

Joshua let out a slightly embarrassed smile. "It’ll be quick..."

Then he turned the camera toward Luther, who immediately waved goodbye.

The screen shifted again, this time to Henry.

"Henry, say goodbye to everyone."

Hearing Joshua’s voice, Henry finally lifted his eyes from the dough and gave a small nod.

[He really saves his smiles like they cost money...]

[Did anyone see Henry’s eyes when he heard Joshua calling him?]

[Not only did I see it, I took a screenshot! Who cares if it’s not that popular? I genuinely think they’re real!]

[The main ship is still standing strong here, don’t get ahead of yourselves, kids.]

[Didn’t I already tell you not to call out CP names here? Aren’t you afraid the solo stans will rip you apart?]

Either way, this short livestream still managed to create plenty of buzz.

Luther’s dough-kneading pose spread like wildfire.

Some fans who didn’t make it into the livestream expressed endless regret.

[I thought it was just Joshua...]

[Honestly, wherever Joshua is, others will follow.]

[Just love all five of them.]

[Saying that makes things way too complicated hahaha.]

Among all of that, one photo went particularly viral.

Topic: Picture. What do you think the relationship between these three is?

In the photo, Joshua and Luther were practically stuck together. Joshua was trying to push Luther away, but Luther refused to budge—the more Joshua pushed, the closer he leaned. Meanwhile Henry stood off to the side, his dark eyes expressionless as he stared at them.

[I don’t know, but Henry is definitely the villain here.]

[Why isn’t he the betrayed husband instead?]

[So does that make Luther the homewrecker?]

[You people really dare say anything... but I love it hahaha.]

[Joshua: Get off me, you lunatic!

Luther: Just let me stick a little closer...

Henry: Another day where I want to destroy the world.]

[...]

[Hahaha, but I don’t think Joshua would ever raise his voice at anyone.]

[Yeah, it’s a feeling... not necessarily because he’s obedient or anything.]

[Vibe, vibe.]

[Two hours left until we get off work. I think everyone’s getting way too excited already!]

The internet was in chaos, and for people like Nine and Justin—who were always online—it was impossible for something like this to escape their notice.

Justin glanced at Leonard, casually tilting his phone just enough to reveal the article on the screen.

Leonard caught sight of it and immediately snatched Justin’s phone away, storming fiercely toward the kitchen.

Nine: "..."

He couldn’t help glancing at Justin, seeing him in a completely new light for the first time—this cheerful, harmless friend of Joshua’s. Funny enough, Nine had previously considered Justin a powerful weapon to scare Leonard away.

In the end they were all just a bunch of people harboring bad intentions toward Joshua. Truly disappointing!

"Joshua, you didn’t even bother to turn your phone to show my face, did you?! Just how terrible can you get?!"

Leonard’s booming voice suddenly echoed from the doorway. Joshua automatically looked over and saw him holding Justin’s phone—now with the screen turned off—ranting nonstop.

Even so, Joshua already knew exactly what he was upset about.

He wasn’t particularly bothered and said, "Everyone will get screen time in a bit. Or you can just open your own livestream right now."

"That’s the problem?!"

Saying that, Leonard had already walked up beside Joshua. Justin also appeared at his side, eyes full of anticipation as he looked at him.

Joshua: "...sorry."

Leonard huffed coldly, while Justin’s gaze drifted to the shaped gingerbread laid out on the counter. Because they had molds, the shaping wasn’t too difficult, and the cookies didn’t look all that bad.

Even so, Leonard still glanced at Henry’s and Luther’s batch before saying to Joshua, "Yours is the best."

Joshua lifted his chin proudly. "Of course."

After a pause, he added, "We should bake them now..."

"I’ll do it," Leonard said immediately. On the other side, Luther and Henry were also sliding their trays into the oven.

Outside, the decorating was already finished—they only needed to tidy things up a bit.

Of course, tonight’s dinner was also essential.

Luther volunteered loudly, "Let’s go buy ingredients for roast chicken, Joshua!"

His eyes sparkled as he looked at Joshua.

Joshua: "..."

Thinking of Luther’s earlier dough-kneading, Joshua truly had no confidence that he would be able to roast a chicken.

Just then, Justin suddenly stepped forward and assured, "I have experience."

Then he added, "Making gingerbread took way longer than I expected..."

Justin presented himself like a perfect chef.

Joshua immediately pushed Luther toward Justin. "Then you two go to the market. Perfect timing."

Justin and Luther: "..."

One way or another, Christmas Eve finally arrived.

Night fell, and the lights on the Christmas tree looked even more radiant and beautiful. The turkey was already roasting in the oven. At that moment, Joshua looked at the others and asked, "Did everyone bring clothes to shower in?"

If not, they really should head back to wash up—after a whole day of "rolling around," they were sweaty and covered in flour.

The moment Joshua asked, the whole group seemed to share the same soul and answered in unison, "Yes."

Only Nine bit his lip quietly and said softly, "I forgot to bring any."

Leonard smirked mockingly at him. He was about to tell Nine to go home—and preferably not come back—when Joshua said, "It’s fine. You can wear mine."

Leonard immediately stared at Joshua, and Luther also voiced his displeasure: "No way!"

Leonard nodded vigorously. "Exactly. Not allowed!"

How could they possibly share clothes?

Nine bristled like a hedgehog. "Who are you to say no?! So annoying. Joshua, when is the livestream ending? Throw these two out already."

Luther stood up and sneered, "Some people act like this is their second home."

As usual, Nine touched his huge gold collar. "My second home with Joshua. A place none of you will ever step into."

Everyone: "..."

Why did that suddenly feel so uncomfortable?

"I’m taking a shower first."

At that moment, Henry spoke up. He was already holding his clothes.

Joshua immediately stood as well.

There was only one bathroom in Joshua’s room, so the rest of them fell silent and waited their turn.

Well, it was exactly as they imagined. Joshua’s dreamlike room was filled with his scent. Damn it, hadn’t Joshua been gone for a few days?!

They noticed Joshua’s display cabinet was empty—perfect, a convenient spot for their gifts.

And just how deep was Joshua’s secret obsession with the color pink?

Luther’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the rows of nail polish bottles on Joshua’s nightstand.

"Joshua, where’s your nail polish?"

Luther sat on the floor, propping his chin up as he looked at him.

Joshua glanced at his own nails. "Why?"

"Don’t you want to paint them? Let me do it!"

Luther patted his chest proudly. While waiting for Justin to finish showering, he finally found something meaningful to do.

Joshua shook his head. He didn’t trust Luther’s skills in the slightest, so he said, "I can paint them myself."

Luther frowned and raised his hand. "Then you have to paint mine too."

Joshua instantly looked up at him, eyes sparkling as he blinked. "Really?"

He grabbed Luther’s hand and shook it excitedly.

Luther fell silent for a moment. Joshua’s interests truly were... unique.

But it was fine—he could indulge him completely.