Leaves rustled and fell in the wind. Zhou Junyi was stunned for a moment, and an inexplicable chill swept over him.
“Oh.”
He smiled innocently. “You’re Little Fish’s family member. It’s normal for him to love you.”
Gu Yuan turned his head to look at Zhou Junyi. His light brown pupils carried a hint of sly amusement. “Little Fish is very cute, so he has lots and lots of friends.”
Zhou Junyi nodded thoughtfully. “Really?”
“Mm.” Gu Yuan withdrew his gaze, slightly bent his arms, and pillowed his head on them. His tone was meaningful. “Little Fish likes lots of people, but the one he loves is only me and Grandpa.”
“Oh, oh.” Zhou Junyi was a bit confused. He didn’t understand why Gu Yuan was telling him this. Gu Yuan seemed a little strange.
The mountain stream water was clean and sweet, with the sand and stones clearly visible.
After being exposed to the sun, the stream’s temperature was just right. Many students rolled up their pant legs and ran over to play in the water.
Zhou Chiyu was woken by the sounds of play. He discovered that Gu Yuan had returned to their picnic mat at some point and was sitting upright beside him, watching him.
“Brother.” His childish voice carried a hint of sleepiness. He raised his hand and smoothed down his little curly hair. “I’m thirsty.”
Gu Yuan lowered his eyelashes and held the water cup with the straw to his lips. “We still have a ways to go. We need to hurry and leave.”
“Mm.” Zhou Chiyu sipped the water and mumbled a response. He wasn’t fully awake yet. His two little chubby hands draped lazily over his legs, completely in a mode of being waited on. “Brother, don’t forget my milk tea.”
“I remember.” Gu Yuan packed up their schoolbags and stroked Zhou Chiyu’s little curly hair again and again. His expression was serious. “Let’s go.”
He took Zhou Chiyu’s hand and gripped it tightly. No one could separate them.
_
After the hike ended, the Hayton No.1 Primary School children prepared to head back.
Once on the bus, Zhou Junyi extended an invitation to Zhou Chiyu. “Little Fish, do you want to come to my house this weekend?”
His parents had been very enthusiastic after learning he’d made a new friend. They hoped Zhou Chiyu could come over to play and strengthen their bond.
“Sure, I don’t have any after-school classes.”
Zhou Chiyu’s after-school classes were mostly scheduled during winter and summer breaks, and he attended them with Gu Yuan.
Gu Lao felt that the two were still too young. Elite courses in management and such could wait until middle school.
“Great! What do you like to eat? I’ll have Auntie prepare it in advance.”
As the transfer student in class, everything Zhou Junyi did attracted attention from others. When he invited Zhou Chiyu over, the others expressed great envy.
“It’s probably because Little Fish is too cute.”
“I want to be friends with Zhou Junyi too.”
Hearing the discussions around him, a flash of pride and smugness crossed Zhou Chiyu’s chubby little face. He completely failed to notice Gu Yuan’s cold expression next door.
Back home, Zhou Chiyu excitedly shared the joys of the autumn outing with Gu Lao. He’d picked up two pretty pebbles in total, and his schoolbag was stuffed with some rare flowers and plants to give to the science teacher for experiments.
“Grandpa, on Saturday I’m going to a new classmate’s house to visit.”
Gu Lao held the little meatball in his arms and smiled. “No problem. Grandpa will have them prepare some visiting gifts for you to give to his parents.”
“Mm-hmm!” Zhou Chiyu cupped Gu Lao’s face and planted a loud kiss on it. His voice rang out clear and bright. “Grandpa, you’re the best!”
Gu Lao’s smile spread instantly. Suddenly, he noticed Gu Yuan’s calm and composed little face and probed, “Little Yuan, what are your plans for the weekend?”
Gu Yuan took a strawberry and bit into it gently. “I’m the older one. I have to take Little Fish to visit his friend’s house.”
Gu Lao’s smile quietly froze. “The older one?”
…
In the early morning, Zhou Junyi received a call from Auntie in his bedroom, telling him that his classmate had arrived. He changed into his prettiest light blue sweater and excitedly ran downstairs. When he pushed open the door, however, he saw two people.
The pair in front of him wore identical baseball jerseys and casual pants. The only difference was that one was tall and slender, the other round and chubby.
Zhou Chiyu raised his little hand and grinned enthusiastically. “Hello!”
Zhou Junyi smiled, revealing his dimples. “Hello, Little Fish.” The moment he saw Gu Yuan, his expression froze dramatically. Gu Yuan nodded politely. “Hello. Our family wasn’t comfortable with Little Fish coming to your house alone, so they specially asked me to accompany him.”
“No problem.” Zhou Junyi invited the two inside and introduced them to his parents. His parents were university professors from abroad. They were currently with a domestic research team on a new project, which was why they’d brought Zhou Junyi back to the country temporarily.
“Auntie, your floral dress is so pretty. You look like a noble queen.” Zhou Chiyu took Zhou Junyi’s mother’s hand proactively and twirled her around. “You’re so beautiful.”
Gu Yuan’s focus was different from Zhou Chiyu’s.
If Zhou Junyi was just a temporary student, didn’t that mean he’d leave after a while?
“Little Treasure, you’re too cute.” Zhou Junyi’s mother pinched Zhou Chiyu’s chubby little cheek and invited them inside to sit.
“Auntie, I’m Zhou Chiyu’s brother. This is a gift we’ve brought for you. Sorry to intrude today.”
Gu Yuan bowed politely and then hurriedly pulled Zhou Chiyu’s hand tight. Zhou Junyi’s mother smiled kindly. “Are you two wearing matching brother outfits?”
“Yes.” Gu Yuan looked straight at her. “My younger brother and I have a very good relationship.”
Zhou Chiyu didn’t know how to say such formal words. He just nodded obediently beside him. “Yes, we’re real brothers.”
