Chapter 49 Part 2

When they returned, He Zhao saw that Gu Yuan’s mood seemed decent and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He shared some newly made snacks from home with Zhou Chiyu.

From the corner of his eye, Gu Yuan noticed the two whispering to each other.

But now, his mood was much better than before.

He couldn’t precisely interpret Zhou Chiyu’s words, but they seemed to suggest possibility.

His jumbled thoughts gave him a headache, and the dense gongs and drums from nearby made it impossible to focus.

After hesitating, he messaged the AI model about what had just happened.

A minute later, the AI concluded: “Familial love and romantic love aren’t comparable to begin with. Based on the description, the younger brother’s feelings toward the user lean more toward familial love.”

Gu Yuan looked at Zhou Chiyu, his gaze tinged with faint desolation.

Familial love was fine too.

As long as he was Zhou Chiyu’s one and only, as long as Zhou Chiyu stayed with him forever, nothing else mattered.

Even if they remained brothers forever and never married, that was okay.

After dinner, Old Master He’s friends left one after another.

Before leaving, He Zhao specially added Zhou Chiyu’s contact and invited him to the Roller Skating Club in the Beijing suburbs for the weekend.

Zhou Chiyu naturally agreed. On the ride home, he yawned nonstop.

Gu Lao rode in another car. After a long silence, Gu Yuan asked, “Do you want to lean on me?”

“Mm! Great!” Zhou Chiyu scooted over and, just like when they were little, dozed off nestled in Gu Yuan’s arms.

In the night, his slender legs lightly rubbed against Gu Yuan’s knee. Gu Yuan’s hot breath swept over Zhou Chiyu’s neck, tickling him so much that he hugged Gu Yuan’s waist tighter and burrowed in.

Gu Yuan’s fingers unconsciously stroked the joints at the back of Zhou Chiyu’s neck. His voice was exceptionally clear in the dim car. “This weekend, you’re going out with He Zhao?”

“Mm.” Zhou Chiyu mumbled lazily.

Gu Yuan: “Bringing me along?”

Zhou Chiyu: “Of course.”

Gu Yuan slowly closed his eyes, his fingers threading pleasurably through Zhou Chiyu’s curly hair.

“Mm, I’ll go with you.”

…

The Roller Skating Club they went to was owned by the He family. Zhou Chiyu arrived after class, rubbing his tired shoulders and complaining to He Zhao, “I’m finally free today.”

Last time, he had promised Gu Lao he’d study hard, so despite desperately wanting to spend the whole day at the club, he still attended his business management class before coming.

Gu Yuan carried both their roller skates and thoughtfully watched a group of boys around twenty training in the distance.

Their blade-like skates scraped the ground, sparking as they executed high-difficulty moves flawlessly.

He glanced at Zhou Chiyu, inwardly relieved that he’d practiced roller skating in private.

“Brother.”

Zhou Chiyu called Gu Yuan over. Seeing his serious expression, he asked curiously, “Something on your mind?”

“No.” Gu Yuan replied, “Just checking out the place. Nice environment here.”

He Zhao’s lips curved up slightly. “As long as you like it.”

They reached the open skating area. Zhou Chiyu eagerly shed his jacket, revealing a handsome black Speed Skating Suit underneath.

“So Little Fish is such a pro?” He Zhao had someone bring over snacks Zhou Chiyu liked and smiled gently. “Looks like you’ll be laughing at my skills.”

“I won’t laugh at you.” Zhou Chiyu shot back.

“Little Fish, the track’s set up. Do you like it like this?” A gentle look crossed He Zhao’s face. “If not, we can change it.”

“I’ll give it a try.” With that, Zhou Chiyu shot out from the start like a golden little fish. He swung his arms gracefully around the curve obstacles, a confident smile on his face.

“Little Fish, you’re amazing!” He Zhao clapped, donned his skates, and chased after to take photos for him.

Zhou Chiyu was thrilled. While weaving through the cone markers, he struck various victory poses for He Zhao. He Zhao’s skills were impressive too—not only keeping pace with Zhou Chiyu’s speed but holding the camera steady.

Gu Yuan’s gaze stuck tightly to the two.

He saw Zhou Chiyu and He Zhao exchange smiles, saw them brush against each other while navigating obstacles—his heart ground like sandpaper.

After two laps, Zhou Chiyu noticed Gu Yuan watching him. He glided over on his skates, posture light and fluid, practically one with the skates.

“Brother, do you not know how to put them on? Need help?”

Gu Yuan veiled his desolation and lowered his eyes to the roller skates. The hesitation in his mind lasted only seconds before he said, “No.”

“Heehee, I’ll teach you.” Zhou Chiyu grinned and squatted down to carefully explain to Gu Yuan. “Finally my turn to teach you.”

Gu Yuan followed Zhou Chiyu’s instructions to put on the skates. When he looked up, he found He Zhao watching him.

“Little Fish.”

Gu Yuan wobbled like a total beginner, stumbling forward into Zhou Chiyu’s arms when he stood.

“Sorry, I’m not very good at this.”

He gripped Zhou Chiyu’s wrist tightly, his tone low. “What now?”

Zhou Chiyu patted his shoulder reassuringly. “It’s okay, Brother. I’ll pull you along—I’ll keep holding you.”