Chapter 68 Part 2

Gu Yuan smiled, turning the long, deep kiss even more fervent. He caught Zhou Chiyu’s slightly cool hand, shifted his body to cradle him, and wrapped him completely in his broad coat.

The rattan chair rocked more violently. Zhou Chiyu felt dizzy, his hands pushing against Gu Yuan as he tried to escape, but Gu Yuan’s clothes were like chains trapping him inside, impossible to break free from.

When he was about to suffocate, Gu Yuan finally released him, planting a tender kiss on his forehead.

He dazedly opened his eyes and breathed out a single syllable. “Squishy.”

Gu Yuan’s arm around his waist adjusted his position, flipping him onto his own body in one smooth motion. “How about this?”

Zhou Chiyu’s head sank heavily onto Gu Yuan’s chest like a beached little fish, desperately gulping air. “Much better.”

No sooner had the last word left his mouth than he suddenly covered his lips, blushing as he glanced at Gu Yuan.

When he spoke just now, his mouth was filled with a strong grape flavor.

It was Gu Yuan’s taste.

“What’s wrong?” Gu Yuan draped an arm over his shoulders and buttoned the coat, enveloping Zhou Chiyu completely. He bent his long legs slightly. “What are you thinking about?”

He touched Zhou Chiyu’s nose tip. “So lost in thought?”

“Nothing.” Zhou Chiyu rested his chin on Gu Yuan’s warm chest and narrowed his eyes. “I feel like a koala.”

Gu Yuan let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, you do.”

Zhou Chiyu curled his legs, his fingertips tapping Gu Yuan’s arm idly, savoring this rare moment of leisure.

Gu Yuan’s body was very warm, especially comforting in the cold night.

Like a baby sloth, he nuzzled closer and exhaled a contented breath. “Brother, I got a lot of gifts this time.”

“Yeah.” Gu Yuan stroked his head, fingers threading through his hair. “Did you like them?”

“They’re okay.” Zhou Chiyu kept his eyes closed. “We’ll open them together another day.”

“No problem.”

Moonlight spilled over their entwined shoulders. Zhou Chiyu slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep in Gu Yuan’s arms.

“Little Fish, don’t worry. Leave everything to me.”

Gu Yuan carried Zhou Chiyu off the Terrace. That night, he slept better than he had in years.

…

The next day, Butler Chen woke Zhou Chiyu.

It was Sunday, and with the whole family home for once, Gu Lao had the Kitchen prepare a lavish brunch— all favorites of the two young ones.

Zhou Chiyu was still basking in last night’s confession and hadn’t come back to reality. He even forgot how he’d gotten back to his room.

After hurriedly washing up, he threw on a white sweater and dashed downstairs, oblivious to Butler Chen’s complicated gaze.

As soon as he poked his head out, he caught Gu Yuan’s eyes. Gu Yuan smiled at him and gestured for him to sit beside him.

He touched his nose guiltily and greeted the elders.

“Looks like Little Fish was too excited last night. Did you stay up late?”

Gu Lao hadn’t expected Gu Yuan to return so early. He chuckled. “Your brother’s back—didn’t you know?”

“Oh, yeah, I knew.” Zhou Chiyu mumbled vaguely. As he sat down, he noticed the Shrimp Seafood Porridge in front of him was loaded with ingredients.

“Your brother peeled the seafood for you himself.”

Gu Lao teased deliberately. “The rest of us didn’t get any.”

Zhou Chiyu looked up and met Gu Cheng’s profound gaze, suddenly feeling nervous for some reason. “Grandpa, this bowl of porridge is for you.”

Gu Lao burst into hearty laughter. “This kid—can’t handle a little teasing. Grandpa wouldn’t dream of taking your food.”

“Did you two brothers chat last night?” To Gu Lao, Gu Yuan’s return was great news. With Zhou Chiyu lately immersed in romance, this old man couldn’t pry into his grandson’s heart matters, but with Gu Yuan as his brother, Zhou Chiyu had someone to confide in.

“We chatted a bit.” Gu Yuan ate his breakfast unhurriedly, then set down his knife and fork. “Grandpa, are we heading to the Company today?”

“Go by yourself. I have something this afternoon.” Gu Lao picked up a piece of Grilled Eel and placed it in Zhou Chiyu’s bowl. “Little Fish, want to go with your brother to learn something?”

Zhou Chiyu nodded lightly while chewing his porridge. “Sure.”

“Little Yuan’s heading to discuss the Yue City financing case this afternoon. Go with him and pick up some knowledge.”

After the meal, Zhou Chiyu headed upstairs to change.

Footsteps echoed behind him on the stairs. He turned to see Gu Yuan following. He quickened his pace unconsciously, but Gu Yuan cornered him at his bedroom door anyway.

“Hey.”

Gu Yuan’s arm wrapped around Zhou Chiyu’s waist. He furtively scanned the surroundings, delaying entry. “Brother, I need to change. Do you need something?”

“Yeah.” Gu Yuan released him and leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets. “Nothing much. Just wanted to see you.”

“Oh. Then I’m going in.”

Zhou Chiyu cracked the bedroom door open, ever vigilant against Gu Yuan. To his relief, Gu Yuan didn’t budge, even as he closed the door.

He sighed in relief, stripped off his sweater and pants, and strode into the walk-in closet naked except for his boxer briefs— the room’s heating made it comfortable.

When he emerged with his clothes, he found Gu Yuan brazenly sitting on the sofa, reading a book.

“Brother!”

Zhou Chiyu was both embarrassed and annoyed. “How did you get in? My room needs a password!”

“Walked right in.” Gu Yuan spread the book flat, his dark eyes scanning Zhou Chiyu up and down. “Why aren’t you dressed?”

“This is my room, dude! I’m changing!” Zhou Chiyu covered himself. “Entering someone’s room without permission is rude!”

Gu Yuan remained calm, turning a page. “This is my room.”

“Fine, fine, you win!”

“You’re right, okay?”

Zhou Chiyu dashed back to the closet and reemerged in a fresh outfit. “I declare: I’m moving out of this room.”

Watching Zhou Chiyu’s flustered annoyance, Gu Yuan’s thin lips curved slightly. “Move where? You’ve lived in my room for years—paid rent?”

“You’re worse than a feudal landlord.” Zhou Chiyu grabbed his Suitcase and started packing. “This Young Master has plenty of money. Here’s ten million. No change needed.”

“I don’t want money.”

Gu Yuan caught Zhou Chiyu’s hand, nudged the Suitcase aside, and effortlessly lifted him onto the sofa beside him.

“Hey!” Hot breath tickled his ear as Zhou Chiyu sat on Gu Yuan’s lap, his face red as a mantis shrimp. “What do you want then?”

Gu Yuan’s palm pressed firmly against the back of his neck, his tone laced with amusement. “Rent for my room can’t be paid with money.”

It was the first time Zhou Chiyu had seen Gu Yuan like this.

“Unfair terms.” His Adam’s apple bobbed twice, his voice trailing off playfully. “Did you put that in the contract ahead of time? You don’t even have a lease. Watch me sue you for tax evasion.”

Gu Yuan’s smile deepened. “So the elite courses were all for me, huh.”

“Of course!” A spark of pride flashed in Zhou Chiyu’s eyes. “I studied very seriously.”

Gu Yuan’s smile softened his features.

On Zhou Chiyu’s face, he saw the expression from when he was five.

“Little Fish is amazing. Maybe a reward?” Gu Yuan’s smile turned teasing as he leaned in slowly and kissed Zhou Chiyu’s ear. “Rent collected.”