The next morning, Zhu Ran got up and went downstairs for breakfast, only to run into Wang Ruyun in the dining room by coincidence.
He had spent the night fooling around with Huo Boyan until midnight, so seeing his mother now made him feel inevitably guilty. But leaving directly would seem too deliberate.
Zhu Ran sat down and took a sip of porridge, then asked casually, “Where’s Little Aunt?”
Wang Ruyun replied, “She went to Fei Luo City.”
Zhu Ran let out an “oh” and didn’t know what else to say. They ate quietly for a while before Wang Ruyun suddenly asked, “Did Vivian secure the agency rights for that artist’s works?”
Talking about work finally relaxed Zhu Ran. He nodded and said, “Yeah, we went three times before the other side finally relented.”
Wang Ruyun rarely praised anyone, but at that moment, she said approvingly—and somewhat unusually—”Vivian’s pretty capable. Following her, you can learn a thing or two.”
Zhu Ran nodded and added, “Plus, her experiences are quite extraordinary. Vivian was originally in the system, but reportedly, she couldn’t stand the family pressure to get married. In her thirties, she quit and crossed over to pursue a graduate degree in art management. That’s basically restarting her life.”
Zhu Ran’s words weren’t particularly clever; the hint was too obvious. How could Wang Ruyun not pick up on his subtext? The poor kid was feeling sorry for himself but didn’t know how to express concern for her, so he was beating around the bush by talking about others to comfort and encourage her to start a new life.
But Wang Ruyun had brought up the topic intending to ask who the person was that drove Zhu Ran home after last night’s dinner. Yet seeing his bright, sparkling eyes and cautious concern, she fell silent in an instant.
A dozen seconds later, Wang Ruyun let out a breath and nodded. “Yeah, giving up past achievements to start over—that’s impressive.”
Wang Ruyun didn’t bring up any other topics. After finishing breakfast, she left, and Zhu Ran had no idea he’d just dodged a bullet.
He was still thinking about how to carve out more time to spend with Huo Boyan. He didn’t consider himself clingy, but with September approaching, school was about to start, making it even harder to meet up. Moreover, this was Huo Boyan’s tough period, and he wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
Unfortunately, Huo Boyan was getting busier. If he made time to meet during the day, he’d work late into the night. Ever since learning that, Zhu Ran stopped letting Huo Boyan come find him during work hours and no longer disturbed him by dropping off paintings at his office.
But he couldn’t go out at night either. In the blink of an eye, several more days passed. Sometimes Zhu Ran wondered if it would be great if they could live together, but his mom would probably break his legs…
Zhu Ran’s mind was a mess, and he was distracted at work too. That morning, while hanging a painting, he nearly smashed his hand.
Wang Ruyun steadied one corner for him and said coolly, “What are you thinking about? You’ve been absent-minded all day.”
Zhu Ran knew he was in the wrong and said sheepishly, “Sorry, my hand slipped.”
Wang Ruyun glanced at him but said nothing more.
Fortunately, the frame wasn’t damaged. Zhu Ran didn’t dare zone out again and focused on finishing the work until lunchtime finally freed him up.
There was a message from Huo Boyan on his phone, asking if he was at the art gallery for lunch. Huo Boyan happened to be passing by and could come eat with him.
Zhu Ran bit into his sandwich while eyeing his stern-faced mother across the table. He replied cautiously: Sorry, I just saw it. I’m already eating.
Huo Boyan: Then forget it.
Zhu Ran: Where are you?
Huo Boyan sent a photo—it was right outside their art gallery.
Zhu Ran shoved the rest of the sandwich into his mouth and typed with both hands: Don’t go yet, I’ll be right down. I can watch you eat.
With that, he dramatically claimed his stomach hurt and bolted toward the bathroom without looking back.
Wang Ruyun: “…”
Zhu Ran dashed out to the street and slipped furtively into a car by the roadside. Huo Boyan held a simple meal that looked like it came from a convenience store, appearing utterly unappetizing.
Zhu Ran was a bit surprised. “You’re just eating that?”
Huo Boyan: “Doesn’t matter what I eat. I just wanted to come see you.”
Zhu Ran couldn’t handle such sweet talk. He leaned his face against Huo Boyan’s shoulder and sighed along with him. “Huo Boyan, what am I supposed to do with you like this?”
Huo Boyan: “I missed you. You can do whatever you want.”
Not wanting to waste time, Huo Boyan finished his food in a few bites and chewed two pieces of gum.
Zhu Ran had just been acting spoiled, but Huo Boyan’s nonchalant response made him say deliberately, “Then I’m leaving.”
Huo Boyan spat out his gum and raised an eyebrow. “You dare?”
Zhu Ran: “My legs are on my body—watch me…”
As Zhu Ran spoke, he reached for the car door. Before he could even stand, Huo Boyan yanked him back. The door, which had cracked open, slammed shut again. Zhu Ran was pushed against it, and Huo Boyan leaned in to bite his lips.
Huo Boyan had just finished the gum, so his kisses carried the cool, minty spice. The force was so intense it felt like he wanted to bite through Zhu Ran’s lips and suck on the flesh inside.
Zhu Ran’s skin was thin and pale, so even light marks showed up clearly. Huo Boyan didn’t dare linger and reluctantly released him, holding the young man’s waist as he said, “Don’t go.”
