Chapter 32 Part 1

The deep blue seawater resembled a piece of soft silk, enveloping the two of them. Zhou Chiyu stared blankly at Gu Yuan and grinned foolishly, his eyes filled with confusion.

“Brother, why didn’t you wish for good health?”

On the way back, Zhou Chiyu finally asked.

Gu Yuan leaned against the cushion and said softly, “Being able to spend every winter with you is my greatest wish.”

“That’s enough.”

Being able to accompany Zhou Chiyu meant he could also stay with his parents and grandpa.

What more could he ask for?

That was what Gu Yuan thought.

…

In midsummer, the camphor trees sprouted pale yellow clusters of tiny flowers. At the Gu Family Backyard Lakeside, the swan family played leisurely in the green waves.

In the flower bed, Zhou Chiyu held the soft soil and buried the sunflower seeds that he and Gu Yuan had bought deep into the earth.

In just six short months, Gu Yuan had grown a lot taller, even a full head above Zhou Chiyu. Meanwhile, Zhou Chiyu seemed unchanged except for his increased appetite.

But Gu Yuan said that Zhou Chiyu had become even cuter.

In front of Gu Lao’s study room, the father and son discussed matters concerning the Zhou Family Foundation.

Zhou Chiyu would turn ten in another year and a half, so Gu Lao needed to prepare for the foundation’s handover in advance.

“Little Yuan’s lung function is down to 60%.” Gu Cheng’s voice was low, his brows knitted in helpless heartache. “They’re already preparing on the USA side.”

“Good.” Gu Lao’s throat bobbed slightly as he frowned. “How long will the treatment take?”

Gu Cheng replied, “Xiaoyu Family’s Biotech Company is researching a new treatment to conquer cystic fibrosis. Compared to traditional methods, this one is more effective and can completely cure it, but it will take a very long time. Conservatively, at least five years.”

“So long…” Gu Lao’s gaze locked tightly on the slender figure downstairs. “Have you arranged the school over there?”

“It’s arranged.” Gu Cheng sighed. “You’ll have to take care of Little Fish yourself then—it’ll be tough. Keep a close eye on him these next couple of years.”

Zhou Lao’s Last Will was no longer a secret. Everyone among the Gu Family and Zhou Family’s business partners knew that Zhou Chiyu would officially take over the foundation and all group shares at age ten. The cause of Zhou Lao and his son and daughter’s deaths had yet to be fully clarified, and the Zhou Family’s collateral branches hadn’t gotten a single cent of the inheritance—they were bound to make a move.

Back then, Zhou Yonghe had wanted to raise Zhou Chiyu with the same intentions toward the inheritance.

Gu Lao took a deep breath, as if he finally understood his old friend’s actions back then. If anyone truly wanted to target Zhou Chiyu, only the Gu Family could protect the child.

“Don’t worry. The bodyguards I assigned guard the school perimeter at all times. Even if someone tries to take Little Fish, they won’t get him out.”

Zhou Yonghe and his ilk were ruthless. Having failed to kidnap him back then, if they wanted to swallow Zhou Lao’s fortune, there was another path—if Zhou Chiyu were gone, the inheritance would naturally fall to other Zhou Family members.

Gu Cheng nodded. “You’re the one who thinks of everything.”

“Brother! Hand over the shovel quick!”

From outside the window, Zhou Chiyu’s clear voice drew both men’s attention. They looked out together and saw Zhou Chiyu snatch the tool from Gu Yuan’s hand. Acting like a little adult, he “scolded” Gu Yuan: “Brother, you just handle sowing the seeds. I’ll take care of the rest.”

The summer sun blazed, making the flower bed even hotter. Zhou Chiyu seemed tireless as he alternated between the hoe and shovel, following the steps from the book for planting preparation. This was Gu Yuan’s group project—on the effects of planting density on sunflower growth. He didn’t want Gu Yuan to work, so he handled it all himself.

“Little Fish.” Despite the scorching sunlight baking the soil, Gu Yuan still felt cold. This sensation was all too familiar, just like those years as a child lying in bed.

He paused, then handed Zhou Chiyu the sour plum soup from the table. “Thirsty?”

“You drink first, Brother.” Zhou Chiyu grinned and wiped his cheek, then continued turning over another patch of soil. “Brother, we’re going to the Vacation Resort this week for the social practice class. Wanna come?”

Ever since the weather turned hot, Gu Yuan’s condition had worsened. He rarely participated in PE or outdoor activities anymore, and he’d missed the last hiking competition, unable to accompany Zhou Chiyu.

“I’ll go.”

The Vacation Resort was mostly for fun, with no intense sports. He cherished every moment left with Zhou Chiyu.

“Awesome!” Zhou Chiyu raised the shovel high, then suddenly remembered something. “Brother, your birthday’s coming up soon.”

Gu Yuan’s birthday fell on the summer solstice. After hearing about the sweet summer solstice soup that day, Zhou Chiyu had been nagging everyone about it.

“Yes.” Gu Yuan gently took the shovel from Zhou Chiyu’s hand and softly rubbed the red mark from prolonged labor. “That’s enough. Stop now.”

“But I want to plant lots and lots of sunflowers.” Zhou Chiyu’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Next autumn, we can lie in them and cool off.”

“Alright.” Gu Yuan nodded thoughtfully. Next autumn, with the flower bed full of sunflowers, it would surely be beautiful.

He picked up the sour plum soup again and held the cup to Zhou Chiyu’s lips to feed him. “Then we’ll plant together tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Zhou Chiyu gulped down the cool, icy sour plum soup, sweat beading on his nose. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he squinted mischievously.

Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing trouble.

Suddenly—

Zhou Chiyu buried his little face in Gu Yuan’s chest and rubbed hard. “On your birthday, Brother, I want a nine-layer cake!”

Gu Yuan looked in surprise at Zhou Chiyu’s happy expression, his gaze falling on his white knit sweater now smeared with dirt. He smiled and pursed his lips. “Mm-hmm.”

The adults upstairs watched their interaction. Gu Cheng sighed— if Gu Yuan left, Zhou Chiyu would surely grieve for a while.

…