Chapter 20 Part 1

“ Why haven’t you two little ones gone to sleep yet?” Teacher Yueyue walked in at that moment. “It’s time to rest.”

Gu Yuan’s back stiffened for a moment. Worried that the teacher would find out Zhou Chiyu hadn’t eaten his vegetables, he quietly tucked the hand holding the greens back under the blanket.

Zhou Chiyu gazed at him, his dark, round eyes suddenly curving into crescents.

His brother looked so funny acting all sneaky.

With the greens gone from his mouth, he felt incredibly relieved. Those vegetables had been absolutely awful, even worse than medicine.

With nothing to do and no sleepiness, he sneaked a wink at Gu Yuan and started playing hand games.

“Little Fish, time to sleep.”

Caught red-handed by the teacher, Zhou Chiyu quickly shut his eyes. When he woke up again, naptime had already ended.

He never slept well, always tossing and turning. With his messy little curls sticking up, he immediately looked around for Gu Yuan.

Teacher Yueyue reminded him, “Your brother is already dressed. You’re the last one now.”

“Oh.” Zhou Chiyu replied in his milky voice, yawning as he started getting dressed. He was very curious—how had Gu Yuan dealt with those greens in the end? If Teacher Yueyue found out he had spat them out, would she give him a fresh plate?

He guiltily observed Teacher Yueyue’s expression and only relaxed a little once he saw nothing unusual.

During fruit time, Gu Yuan still sat next to Zhou Chiyu.

Unlike the other kids, Gu Yuan wore a vibrating vest. Everyone around was curious about what that little vest on Gu Yuan was for, but since Gu Yuan was naturally aloof, they only dared to sneak peeks and didn’t ask.

Zhou Chiyu munched on sweet strawberries and red grapes, his eyes constantly flicking toward Gu Yuan. Gu Yuan was eating his fruit slowly and methodically. Noticing those sneaky eyes, he set down his little fork and studied Zhou Chiyu.

At that moment, Zhou Chiyu raised his hand. “Teacher, I want more strawberries.”

“Strawberries have too much sugar, Little Fish. You can’t have any more.”

Zhou Chiyu pouted, disappointed, and picked up a red grape instead. For some reason, he had to diet at home and now at kindergarten too!

He propped his cheek on his hand, looking all aggrieved.

Suddenly, two strawberries appeared on the plate in front of him.

After giving his fruit to Zhou Chiyu, Gu Yuan picked up his water cup and went to read a book.

Worried the other kids might report him, Zhou Chiyu hurriedly shoved the two little strawberries into his mouth and looked around with his cheeks bulging.

Abu glanced at him then. He huffed, picked up his plate, and waddled off to rinse his mouth.

He had eaten the little strawberries!

No use reporting now!

His brother was the best!

During afternoon class, Teacher Yueyue announced some good news.

Their kindergarten’s spring fairy tale festival would be held in half a month. All the kids would put on beautiful dance costumes and perform in the auditorium. This year’s biggest sponsor was Zhou Chiyu’s mom, so the snacks, fruit, and gifts would all be provided by Zhou Chiyu’s mother.

The other kids cheered and clapped upon hearing this—everyone except Gu Yuan and Teacher Yueyue.

Gu Yuan watched Zhou Chiyu’s proud expression, and an inexplicable sadness welled up in him. He wondered, what if Little Fish found out his mom had passed away? Would he be as heartbroken as Gu Yuan had been when he learned he might die soon?

Preparations for the fairy tale festival officially began. After a vote, Zhong 1 Class decided to perform Sleeping Beauty.

“If you want to perform a certain role, come sign up with me. As per the usual rules, if too many kids sign up for the same role, we’ll have a lines competition.”

Zhou Chiyu was determined to get the Little Prince role. This was the Sleeping Beauty he had known since he was little! He was super confident!

But—

Zhou Chiyu stared at Gu Yuan, hesitating.

What role could his brother play?

With the two little strawberries as a peace offering, Zhou Chiyu scooted over and asked proactively, “Brother, what do you want to play?”

Gu Yuan hadn’t expected Zhou Chiyu to talk to him first. He lowered his gaze and thought for a moment. “I don’t want to perform.”

“Why not?” Zhou Chiyu tilted his head. “You can pick an easy role.”

Gu Yuan’s hesitation really did stem from the role’s complexity. He worried he wouldn’t perform well and would be mocked, or that it would ruin his image in Zhou Chiyu’s eyes.

“I can teach you. I know how to act.” Zhou Chiyu had starred in a fairy tale play in his younger class. “I’ll pick one for you.”

“You pick?”

“Mm-hmm. I’ll find one that doesn’t require any lines.”

Since Zhou Chiyu was so insistent, Gu Yuan’s resistance softened, and he nodded. “Okay.”

Though he wasn’t keen on participating, rehearsing together with Zhou Chiyu seemed acceptable.

That evening, Gu Yuan received his role script—Sleeping Beauty.

…

“Sleeping Beauty?” At dinnertime, after learning Gu Yuan’s role, Bai Wenran curved her lips and smiled quietly. “Is Little Yuan going to cross-dress?”

Gu Yuan had eaten dinner at kindergarten and wasn’t very hungry. He sat on the sofa reading a book.

“Little Fish signed me up.” His childish voice carried a hint of helplessness as he glanced at Zhou Chiyu, who wielded his knife and fork, then lowered his eyes. He actually didn’t want to play a girl.

Zhou Chiyu gripped his chicken roll smugly. “Auntie, in Sleeping Beauty, only the little princess has no lines. Of course, the trees and flowers don’t either, but standing is too tiring. I feel bad for Brother.”

Bai Wenran and Gu Cheng exchanged knowing smiles. “Little Fish is such a thoughtful kid.”