Xu Yujia didn’t want to see her two sons fighting, but things were already a mess. She could only hope her older son would clear things up quickly and not let his younger brother sink deeper.
Even though at this point, clearing things up would inevitably lead to a big battle.
Xu Yujia didn’t blame Tao Zhi.
She could tell that Tao Zhi truly didn’t know Fu Zheng liked her. Fu Zheng’s personality was too awkward—his mom knew that better than anyone.
And his brother had struck too fast, without mercy.
Sigh.
So melodramatic.
Xu Yujia didn’t want to interfere. Let the brothers sort it out themselves—as long as it didn’t blow up into something huge. For now, she just wanted to escape this messy situation and pass on her advice to Tao Zhi.
Tao Zhi: “……?”
Tao Zhi didn’t understand.
His eyes were full of confusion, as if he wanted to ask for clarification, but Fu Zheng was already calling him.
His head poked out from the car window, shouting for him.
“……”
“Auntie…” Tao Zhi turned back, wanting to ask clearly, but Xu Yujia had already walked away, waving to Tao Zhi as she went.
Tao Zhi: “……”
–
Tao Zhi found Xu Yujia’s words strange. On the way back, he pondered it the whole time. He had a vague premonition—could Xu Yujia have figured it out?
Realizing this, Tao Zhi’s heart jolted. He quickly pulled out his phone, wanting to ask Fu Si Heng directly.
But as soon as he took it out, he paused.
Maybe… ask when he got back to the dorm?
Better to avoid Fu Zheng, so he wouldn’t pry and force him to make up excuses. It would be such a hassle.
Yeah, exactly—a hassle.
Tao Zhi put his phone back in his pocket and glanced sideways at Fu Zheng.
Fu Zheng was driving with a furrowed brow, looking grim and deep in thought, too preoccupied to talk.
Since his mom wouldn’t help, Fu Zheng decided to find someone else.
Top of the list was Brother 178k, because out of his friend circle, only Brother 178k was gay.
Even though the guy annoyed him.
Even though with Fu Zheng’s temper, someone who didn’t give him face like that should be cut off forever.
But he had no one else to turn to. Worst case, once he won Tao Zhi over, he could cut ties with 178k, never speak again.
Fu Zheng made up his mind, and his mood suddenly lightened. His brows relaxed, and he felt like the future was bright.
He first drove to Rong Huai’s shop. After Tao Zhi removed his makeup and changed clothes, he dropped him off at school.
In the parking lot, Fu Zheng didn’t get out of the car. Tao Zhi looked at him puzzled.
“Uh, I have something to do.” Fu Zheng rubbed his head, feeling like his wife was checking up on him.
Though he kind of enjoyed it, he pretended to be troubled. “Gonna meet a friend. You head back. I’ll be back later, as soon as I can.”
“Oh.” Tao Zhi responded obediently.
Perfect timing—he had something to discuss with Fu Si Heng too, and Fu Zheng not being around made it easier.
Each had their own little secrets, and for once, things were surprisingly harmonious.
“Bye.” Tao Zhi said to Fu Zheng, then shut the car door.
Fu Zheng: “?”
This wasn’t how he’d imagined it.
He just left without a hint of reluctance? Didn’t even ask where he was going.
Damn it.
Fu Zheng punched the steering wheel.
Pissed off.
……
After parting with Fu Zheng, Tao Zhi walked while texting Fu Si Heng.
Fu Si Heng was probably still driving and didn’t reply. It took twenty minutes before Tao Zhi got a message.
Fu Si Heng asked if he could take a call.
It was Sunday, and there was a senior in the dorm, so Tao Zhi went to the balcony to answer.
As soon as the call connected, before Fu Si Heng’s voice even finished, Tao Zhi hurriedly asked: “Did your mom figure out our relationship?! What she said when we were leaving was so weird.”
Tao Zhi had a good memory and repeated Xu Yujia’s words almost verbatim to Fu Si Heng.
After finishing, he asked: “Does that sound off to you?”
Fu Si Heng: “Mm.”
Tao Zhi: “?”
What did “mm” mean?
Nothing else to say?
Tao Zhi paused for a moment.
He waited a dozen seconds for Fu Si Heng.
“Just a ‘mm’? Nothing else you want to say?” Tao Zhi was a bit dissatisfied, feeling like Fu Si Heng was brushing him off. His voice sounded sulky, almost like he was coquettish: “Fu Si Heng?”
Fu Si Heng suddenly chuckled: “Are you free next Friday?”
Tao Zhi: “Huh?”
“If you’re free, I’ll pick you up next Friday.” Fu Si Heng said matter-of-factly. “Then I’ll analyze what my mom meant by those words.”
Tao Zhi: “?”
He had to wait until next Friday?
No.
Tao Zhi blanked for two seconds before realizing the real meaning behind Fu Si Heng’s words. He was baffled: “Didn’t we just part an hour ago?”
And he was already planning the next meeting?
“An hour is already a long time.” Fu Si Heng’s voice was calm. “In the honeymoon phase, don’t people want to meet anytime, anywhere?”
“You won’t let me come to your school, so I can only wait for your break.”
“Or have you changed your mind? I can come on a weekday?”
