Chapter 101 Part 3

Just as Fu Zheng, puzzled, wanted to reason with Tao Zhi properly, Fu Si Heng appeared out of nowhere and interrupted.

Fu Zheng’s face fell instantly.

He instinctively reached out to grab Tao Zhi, but Tao Zhi ran toward Fu Si Heng like he’d been rescued, calling out in delighted surprise, “Bro!”

Fu Zheng: “? ? ?”

Tao! Zhi!

Fu Zheng’s head nearly smoked with rage.

“Tao Zhi, come back! You haven’t finished watering the flowers!” Fu Zheng tried to salvage it.

But he failed.

After seeing Fu Si Heng, Tao Zhi didn’t even turn his head. He grabbed his arm and waved at Fu Zheng. “Brother must have something super important. I’m heading back first, Fu Zheng. You go rest early too!”

Fu Zheng: “.”

Fuck.

Fu Zheng uttered a curse.

–

Once they were out of Fu Zheng’s sight, Tao Zhi finally released Fu Si Heng’s arm.

His behavior just now had been pretty odd. He thought Fu Si Heng would ask what he was doing with Fu Zheng, and he’d prepared excuses. But Fu Si Heng didn’t ask.

Instead, as they walked, Tao Zhi couldn’t hold back.

He tilted his head up to look at Fu Si Heng and asked, “Brother, why’d you come find me?”

“I saw you hadn’t come back, so I figured Fu Zheng was bothering you again.” Fu Si Heng’s voice was a bit low.

He stopped walking and asked, “What were you talking about with Fu Zheng just now?”

He still asked.

Tao Zhi’s heart tightened.

All his prepped excuses vanished from his mind. At Fu Si Heng’s question, he instinctively wanted to hide it and said it was nothing, then scratched his forehead. “Basketball game…”

“Fu Zheng invited you to watch his basketball game?” Fu Si Heng picked up. “Are you going?”

Tao Zhi shook his head immediately. “No, it’s mid-November. I might… have something then.”

His voice grew quieter toward the end, guilt plain on his face.

Because Tao Zhi had no idea what his November schedule was. The “might have something” was just a brush-off.

In truth, he had sensed Fu Zheng might have feelings for him beyond friendship, so he wanted to keep his distance.

Tao Zhi was very easy to read.

At least in Fu Si Heng’s eyes.

Fu Si Heng chuckled.

A very soft, low laugh.

He had seen the way Fu Zheng looked at Tao Zhi earlier too.

The boy’s gaze had blazed like wildfire, fervent enough to burn.

Tao Zhi had felt it and quickly pulled back.

Fu Si Heng saw through both their feelings at a glance.

In theory, he had no issue with homosexuality.

No issue with his brother being gay either.

Whatever, none of his business.

But not with Tao Zhi.

He was still so young, not even an adult. How could he date?

Fu Si Heng wouldn’t allow it.

So he had interrupted them.

But then he thought—what about when Tao Zhi grew up?

Once he was grown, an adult, after the college entrance exam—could he date then?

The answer was still no.

Fu Si Heng didn’t even need to think about it.

No matter if Tao Zhi was 17, 27, or 37, Fu Si Heng couldn’t accept or imagine him dating anyone.

This struck Fu Si Heng as unbelievable.

He knew his mindset was strange.

Fu Si Heng was perceptive; figuring out his odd thoughts wasn’t hard.

He liked Tao Zhi.

The answer came easily.

Liking a child he had watched grow up did challenge conventions, but their age gap wasn’t that big.

Just ten years.

Fu Si Heng realized he liked Tao Zhi and accepted it—all within the less-than-ten-minute walk.

He accepted it calmly.

Just before they reached the villa, Fu Si Heng stopped.

He halted and looked down at Tao Zhi.

“Grow up fast.” Fu Si Heng placed his palm on Tao Zhi’s head, gently ruffling his soft hair.

Grow up, and let me love you.

“…?” Tao Zhi had seen that strange look twice tonight.

He felt confused.

Compared to Fu Zheng’s pure fervor, Fu Si Heng’s gaze held a possessiveness.

Tao Zhi barely dodged his eyes.

What was going on?

Tao Zhi thought he might be overthinking.

Maybe tonight, he had been overthinking the whole time…

He was getting so narcissistic.

Tao Zhi’s cheeks warmed slightly.

“Hm? Will you?” Sensing Tao Zhi’s awareness, Fu Si Heng slid his palm down from his head and cupped his cheek with one hand.

Their gazes met.

Tao Zhi’s heart suddenly raced.

It was as if Fu Si Heng had said nothing—and everything.

Tao Zhi stared at him blankly.

Unlike his earlier evasion with Fu Zheng. Facing Fu Si Heng, the warm touch on his cheek made him nod instinctively. “Mm…”

After nodding, he felt it was wrong.

He should refuse.

But…

“Mm.” Tao Zhi clenched his fingers; hesitation turned to affirmation.

The budding emotions surged wildly in the night breeze, like vines entwining his reason and quietly tightening, leading to the decision that matched his heart most.

Tao Zhi agreed with Fu Si Heng.

On another level.

– IF Line End –