Chapter 30 Part 2

“Is the Mount Fuji you saw like this?” Gu Yuan drew a little kid holding an ice cream nearby, his slender fingertips quickly sketching a head of little curls on the figure with just a few strokes.

Next winter, he probably wouldn’t be able to spend it with Zhou Chiyu.

But if his treatment went well, he could spend every future winter with Zhou Chiyu.

“Brother, if you’ve seen Mount Fuji, you’d draw it even prettier.”

Zhou Chiyu noticed the hint of melancholy in Gu Yuan’s gaze and thought he was just upset, so he patted his little chest reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Brother. Next year, I’ll definitely take you!”

Gu Yuan nodded dazedly and whispered back, “Okay.”

In the blink of an eye, the light in the forest grew dim. Gu Yuan checked the time and realized they had been in the forest for four hours.

Passing a small stream, the five little friends were utterly exhausted. Zhou Chiyu dumped out everything from the supply pack without a care.

“To reach the destination faster, we have to go this way.”

Gu Yuan hesitated a bit. He worried the water might be too cold and make him sick.

“Let’s wade across.”

After Zhou Junyi suggested it, he quickly took off his shoes and socks and jumped into the stream in an instant. “The water is cool and refreshing. Feels great.”

Seeing Langlang and Little Mango jump in too, Zhou Chiyu said to Gu Yuan, “Brother, I’ll carry you across.”

Gu Yuan was stunned. He looked at the three kids in the stream staring at him, his lashes fluttering lightly. “No need. I can do it myself.”

Though he was touched by Zhou Chiyu’s offer, he was the older brother—he should be the one taking care of his little brother.

He slowly rolled up his pant legs, only to have Zhou Chiyu grab his wrist. Surprised, he looked up into a pair of serious, earnest eyes.

“Auntie said Brother can’t catch a chill.”

Zhou Chiyu had already taken off his shoes and socks, revealing two chubby white feet. “Come on, Brother. I’ll carry you across quick.”

Gu Yuan’s heart felt heavy, but he couldn’t resist those sincere eyes. He gently leaned onto Zhou Chiyu’s back, lowering his gaze very low.

The stream flowed over the stones, producing a crisp, pleasant gurgling sound.

Gu Yuan gazed at the clear water while Zhou Chiyu’s warm breaths brushed his ear.

He turned his head slightly and nuzzled Zhou Chiyu’s ear lightly with his nose.

Zhou Chiyu curved his eyes and teased, “Brother, you sneaked a kiss.”

Gu Yuan froze, his mouth opening to retort, but nothing came out.

Zhou Chiyu walked even more energetically and soon carried him to the other shore.

Once on land, Gu Yuan knelt on one knee before Zhou Chiyu, wrapping a tissue around his wet little feet and wiping them clean.

Under the sunlight, Gu Yuan’s skin was transparently fair. His delicate brows and eyes drooped gently, and his exquisitely carved lips were prettier than cherry blossoms.

“Brother.”

Gu Yuan looked up at Zhou Chiyu. “Hm?”

Zhou Chiyu shyly shook his head with pursed lips. “Nothing.”

Gu Yuan helped him put on his shoes and pulled him to his feet. “Little Fish, do you remember what you said? There are no secrets between us.”

Zhou Chiyu clasped his hands behind his back, his expression just like a kitten caught stealing fish. He stole glances at Gu Yuan while grinning. “I wanted to say, Brother, you’re really good-looking.”

Gu Yuan’s lips slowly curved into a smile, the gloom in his heart fading a bit. “You’re good-looking too.”

“You’re better-looking than me.”

…

An hour later, they found the forest treasure—a box of Forest Animal Series Cookies.

Though it was just one box, Zhou Chiyu was very satisfied. After dividing the cookies evenly, he secretly slipped his Gorilla Cookie and Tiger Cookie into Gu Yuan’s pocket. Seeing Gu Yuan’s puzzled look, he said nothing and just shyly covered his mouth with a smile.

Everyone had a blast during their week on Little Island, experiencing diving, surfing, fishing, and even joining a bonfire party.

But three days before heading home, Zhou Chiyu had an accident.

At the bonfire party, Zhou Chiyu played Little Indian. In his excitement amid the dim lighting, he tripped over a branch, knocking out a front tooth and loosening the molars on both sides.

Fortunately, Little Island’s medical facilities were good, and Zhou Chiyu received prompt treatment. However, that front tooth would take a long time to grow back.

Old Master Gu in S City learned of it and grew frantic with worry and heartache, nearly flying over to care for Zhou Chiyu.

Of course, Zhou Chiyu himself felt miserable too. With his teeth like that, he couldn’t eat many foods and could only watch enviously as everyone else enjoyed their meals.

“Hmph, I’m not eating.”

At dinner, Zhou Chiyu tossed down his chopsticks and pouted aggrievedly.

This he couldn’t eat, that he couldn’t eat.

He couldn’t live on porridge every day!

Though the porridge made by Auntie in the kitchen was tasty, he craved nut bars, cookies, and beef puffs more. But Butler Uncle said those were too hard for him.

Zhou Chiyu wiped the corner of his eye and ran back to his room, flopping on the sofa to sulk alone.

Little Mango watched Zhou Chiyu’s grumpy back and asked curiously, “Why is Little Fish unhappy?”

Langlang and Zhou Junyi exchanged glances while gnawing on chicken wings. “Probably something to do with food.”

“You guys eat.” Zhou Chiyu had hurt his teeth the day before, and Gu Yuan had been anxious all day. Only after the doctor said it was fine last night did he unclench his little fists.

Zhou Chiyu hadn’t eaten much that morning or at noon—first, his teeth still ached faintly; second, he didn’t like drinking porridge.

He ordered some food from the hotel kitchen, borrowed a pair of baby food scissors from the hotel manager, then returned to the room to comfort Zhou Chiyu.

As soon as he pushed open the door, he heard Zhou Chiyu’s crying.

“Little Fish.”

Clutching the scissors, he rushed in.

On the sofa, the chubby kid missing a front tooth was crying sadly. He went over and gently patted Zhou Chiyu’s back. “Little Fish, do your teeth hurt?”

Zhou Chiyu shook his head, his speech whistling a bit. “No, I just think I look so ugly like this.”

Gu Yuan’s brows furrowed slightly as he said earnestly, “Not ugly. You’re very cute.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re my brother.” Zhou Chiyu patted his own little head as if angry at himself. “If Mama saw my tooth missing, she’d laugh at me for being naughty.”