A Straight Man, Raising His Mute Little Husband

Zhou Mo, a farming simulation game blogger with a million followers, transmigrates into a book and becomes a failed scholar who starved to death in a drafty thatched hut. He’s in no shape to be picky. He goes up the mountain to catch fish, but fails to find anything to eat and collapses on the riverbank. In the last second before he passes out, someone slips a piece of cornbread into his hand. When he wakes, Zhou Mo chews on the cornbread, thinking of the kind stranger’s slender fingers and pretty pink birthmark. What a beauty she must be! He’s sure she must be a lovely young woman! He dusts himself off and, full of the hopes of a young man in love, searches and searches until he finally finds a beautiful… uh, a handsome fellow. Zhou Mo’s first love comes to nothing, but he does make a good friend. His new friend is fair and clean-cut, with an oval face and almond eyes. He’s mute and has a limp, so people bully him easily. Zhou Mo chases off some local thugs and gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The good friend shudders beneath the little bamboo basket on his back, instantly turning into a startled rabbit. Zhou Mo is baffled. Pointing at the thugs fleeing in panic, he says, “Don’t be scared! I’m straight and a good guy. I’m not like them, messing around with men.” That really seems to work. After he says it, his good friend looks at him differently, his face turning red with gratitude. Zhou Mo is pleased with himself. As he diligently works to make money, he doesn’t forget to look after his good friend. When he catches fish, he invites him over for grilled fish. When his house is repaired, he invites him to celebrate the new home. When his chickens lay eggs, he gives him a basketful. And when nobody in his friend’s family is available to plow their fields, Zhou Mo does it. At last, Zhou Mo receives a gift in return from his good friend: a red handkerchief embroidered with mandarin ducks, and… a confession of love. Zhou Mo: ??? Zhou Mo: What do you mean, a ger and getting married? I don’t know anything about that! I’m straight! Then his good friend slaps him hard enough to leave him dazed. Zhou Mo covers his swollen red cheek and watches his good friend run off in tears. He stands there for two seconds, then his brain turns to mush and he takes off after him. What happens next? Later, Zhou Mo sits in a grand mansion in the capital, enjoying the cool breeze and marveling at the extraordinary journey from having nothing to living in luxury. He’s achieved everything he ever wanted in life, earning fame and success, except… Someone nudges him in the back. He turns and sees his good friend with his collar open, showing off little strawberry marks as he makes a hand seal, then places a sweet-smelling baby in Zhou Mo’s arms. Zhou Mo takes the baby without missing a beat, picks up the goat’s milk, and calls out, “All right, all right, I know! Time to feed the baby.” You’re always getting in the way of me being straight. Hmph! A little extra: People say that Master Zhou has a poor wife who’s mute and lame and can only do farm work. Someone like that is no match for Zhou Mo in any way. Then they meet him and are left speechless. The young ger has rosy cheeks and bright, dark eyes. His clothes, accessories, and belongings are all the most fashionable and expensive things in the capital. His hands are soft and delicate, clearly unaccustomed to work. Quiet and well-behaved, he stands close behind Zhou Mo, a little shy, while Zhou Mo bends down to speak to him in a gentle voice. It’s obvious he’s been cherished and spoiled. Others: You’re so good to him. You buy him clothes, shoes, jewelry, and scented cream. You must love him so much. Zhou Mo: ??? I just look at him and feel like he’s missing something! Don’t get the wrong idea! I’m straight! Zhou Mo: A self-proclaimed straight man who flirts without realizing it, accidentally becomes a “natural scumbag”; an optimistic, hardworking college boy with a money-making brain and a pure heart; a man who insists he’s straight but has fathered two children with his husband. Su Huai: A pitiful little cat with a disability who gets bullied; after his confession is rejected, he shows astonishing talent for slapping people; actually a sweet, obedient little darling who’s very much a “good wife and loving mother.” Notes: The shou thinks “straight man” means an upright, honest man. The shou is a handsome, delicate-looking beauty. The Huai in Su Huai’s name is the same Huai as in locust blossoms. Little Huai will make locust blossom dumplings for his husband~ [The shou’s limp will heal.] The main story is about taking care of his husband; the side story is about building a career, so he can take even better care of his husband. Blurb dated April 6, 2026 Theme: Hard work pays off