Chapter 18 Part 3

The children at Haicheng No.1 Kindergarten all came from wealthy families. No need to mention Gu Yuan’s name—just citing the address made everyone understand.

In Zhong 1 Class, Zhou Chiyu was acting cute with the teachers.

“Teacher Yueyue, you’re prettier than the moon fairy on the Spring Festival Gala.”

“Teacher Tangtang, you look like a flower fairy in that skirt!”

The other kids quietly read books, but Zhou Chiyu enjoyed special treatment, lying in the teachers’ arms as they read picture books to him.

The teachers knew about Zhou Chiyu’s family situation and naturally spoiled him more. Teacher Tangtang pressed close to his chubby little face, wishing she could take him home.

“Little Fish really is popular.” In the monitoring room, Bai Wenran and the Gu Cheng couple observed Gu Yuan’s adaptation, while Director Lady nodded gently. “Little Fish Baby is the group pet of all the teachers.”

“Normal.” Bai Wenran stared at Gu Yuan. “We’ve prepared gifts for all the kindergarten kids—we hope everyone likes them. Also, our family can cover all expenses for the new semester’s spring outing.”

Director Lady smiled. “You’re too kind.”

As the new kid, Gu Yuan had no other playmates. Of course, Little Young Master Gu had no interest in socializing with others.

He sat alone on the little sofa in the reading area, flipping through an interesting picture book story, when he was interrupted.

“What’s your name? Are you a transfer student?” The little boy was very interested in Gu Yuan and invited him. “Let’s play together.”

Gu Yuan glanced at him and replied coolly, “No.”

The little boy scratched his head, puzzled by the pretty boy’s coldness. “Do you want to play hair salon?”

“No.” Gu Yuan stared at his book, his voice indifferent. “I just want to read. Please don’t disturb me.”

The little boy was named Mao Mao. He eyed him twice, then brought over the class toys to share. “Then let’s play a game.”

Gu Yuan grew irritated, raising his voice. “I said, I don’t want to play.”

This time, their conflict drew a lot of attention.

As Zhong 1 Class kids, they had strong curiosity about the new classmate. It wasn’t just Mao Mao—others sneaked peeks at the handsome new boy too. Children loved beautiful things.

“The teacher said we need to learn to make friends.” Mao Mao got angry and snatched his book. “You’re not being good, so no book for you as punishment.”

After his book was taken, Gu Yuan’s demeanor sharpened. He stood up and stared coldly at Mao Mao. “I’ll say it one last time: don’t disturb me!”

Mao Mao had never met such an aloof kid and hesitated. Just then, the teacher announced class was about to start.

Mao Mao tossed the book and ran off hugging his little chair.

In front of the monitors, Bai Wenran looked worried. “Director, do you think Gu Yuan isn’t good at socializing?”

Director Lady observed. “Let’s watch a bit more. Don’t worry.”

“Before class today, the teacher will introduce a new friend to everyone.”

The teacher gestured for Gu Yuan to come forward. “Please introduce yourself, little one.”

Gu Yuan hesitated but slowly walked up after several invitations.

“This brother is so pretty!”

“I want to be his friend!”

Zhou Chiyu sat in the front row, baring his little teeth. “Brother, hurry and introduce yourself.”

“I’m Gu Yuan.” His voice was clear. “I hope my name comes from an ancient poem: Chiyu Misses Guyuan.“

“So cool! Brother knows ancient poems!”

“Gu Yuan is so mean!”

“Yeah! Gu Yuan ignores people—he just yelled at Mao Mao.”

Amid the chatter, mixed with some negative comments, Gu Yuan traced the voices and saw they were the kids who had watched the picture book clash.

“He brought a wheelchair—is he disabled?”

“Only disabled people use wheelchairs, right?”

“His legs look fine.”

In front of the screen, Bai Wenran grew restless. Gu Cheng held her hand and soothed her gently. “Let’s see.”

“I don’t want to be his friend.” Mao Mao said loudly.

“Yeah! We don’t want to be his friend either!” Mao Mao’s good friend echoed.

Facing the barrage of comments, fine sweat beaded on the back of Gu Yuan’s neck, and his lower lip nearly bit a crescent-shaped mark.

He clenched his fists slightly, wanting to flee. His eardrums automatically blocked the words he hated, leaving only his swallowing and rapid breathing.

As expected…

Just as he thought.

“He’s not disabled.” Suddenly, Zhou Chiyu rushed forward and grabbed his hand. “He’s my real brother!”

This time, all the kids fell silent.

Mao Mao’s mouth gaped in shock, unable to believe this icy kid was Zhou Chiyu’s brother.

“My brother is super super awesome. He knows Go, can solve Rubik’s cubes, swims, plays piano— the books he’s read are as tall as four kids stacked!”

Zhou Chiyu held Gu Yuan tightly, hands on hips as he retorted, “That’s rude! My brother is just sick. The teacher said we should be kids with compassion!”

Little Mango, Fresh Milk, and Junjun—Zhou Chiyu’s good friends—stood by him after hearing this, joining in condemning Mao Mao and the others’ inappropriate behavior.

“Anyone who wants to be my brother’s friend, raise your hand!”

Zhou Chiyu declared, raising his little arm high first.

“I do!”

“Me too!”

As more and more kids raised their arms, Zhou Chiyu proudly lifted his chubby face to look at Gu Yuan.

Gu Yuan took a deep breath and actively gripped Zhou Chiyu’s hand back.

—

Author’s note:

Years later, Young Master Gu held Zhou Chiyu in his arms, sighing inwardly that it was fortunate they weren’t on the same Household Registration Booklet.