Chapter 34 ★★★★★★ Part 2

The gift bearer handed the ribbon tied around the box to Gu Yuan, gesturing for him to open it. Gu Yuan looked at his parents and grandpa, fine beads of sweat forming at the tip of his nose. “Where’s Little Fish? Why isn’t he here?”

This was the third time today he’d asked where Zhou Chiyu was.

Just then, a strange noise came from inside the box.

Gu Yuan gently pulled the ribbon, and a boy in a Deer Costume burst out of the paper box, hands on hips as he stood up.

The monitor beeped, and the steady heart rate line suddenly spiked.

Zhou Chiyu pursed his lips, his head tightly wrapped in the deer’s hood, making his fair, round little face stand out even more.

Gu Yuan smiled faintly, finding Zhou Chiyu in this outfit quite comical.

Zhou Chiyu didn’t look like a deer at all; he looked more like a chubby spotted leopard.

“Happy birthday~”

Under everyone’s gaze, Zhou Chiyu performed the dance he’d learned at kindergarten and presented the gift he’d carefully prepared to Gu Yuan.

Gu Yuan opened the box and found the 12 Small Animals inside.

“Brother, press the button on the bottom.”

Zhou Chiyu shook the giraffe’s long neck and affectionately rubbed Gu Yuan with the deer’s ears. “There’s a surprise.”

Gu Yuan pressed lightly with his fingertip, and a familiar voice came from the little mouse: “Brother, I love you!”

This was…

Gu Yuan’s weary eyes quietly lit up with a smile. It was Zhou Chiyu’s voice.

“Brother, make sure to eat well.”

“Brother, I miss you.”

“Brother, you’re my Baby.”

Gu Yuan pressed the sound switch on each of the 12 Small Animals one by one. Instantly, the room filled with Zhou Chiyu’s affectionate confessions rising and falling.

“Did Little Fish record these himself?” Bai Wenran quietly asked Gu Cheng.

Gu Cheng nodded. “Yeah, the little guy prepared them for a long time.”

“Brother, you’re the bravest Little Prince. Stay strong.”

“Brother, when I grow up, I’ll drive you around for a spin.”

Langlang’s mom watched Gu Yuan’s shoulders tremble slightly from emotional strain and couldn’t help tearing up at the brothers’ bond. Zhou Chiyu’s voice was very pleasant—warm, bright, milky, and incredibly healing.

She envied Gu Yuan for having such a wonderful little brother.

Many blood brothers didn’t share such a bond.

“Brother, if you miss me, just listen to them.”

Zhou Chiyu’s costume was a bit tight, stretching his belly taut and bulging against Gu Yuan’s hand.

“They can all be recharged.”

He hugged Gu Yuan, eyes curved in a smile. “You can listen to them for a hundred years!”

“Thank you.”

Gu Yuan lowered his eyes, trying hard to suppress his emotions, but he still started sobbing.

Zhou Chiyu was very optimistic, much stronger than he’d imagined.

“I’ll listen to them every day.”

His trembling eyelashes cast shaky shadows in the light. As Gu Yuan’s cries intensified, the scattered shadows spread across his face like ink in water, tears gradually soaking his entire cheek.

“Be good, Brother.” Zhou Chiyu took advantage of the lack of monitors on Gu Yuan and hugged him tightly. “When you return from abroad, you’ll be a healthy Brother.”

“Mm-hmm.” Gu Yuan’s salty tears fell on Zhou Chiyu’s face. “Definitely.”

“Brother, you haven’t made a wish yet.” Zhou Chiyu tilted his little head; the giraffe’s heavy neck nearly touched the ward’s light fixture. “I believe your wish will come true.”

“My wish is simple.” Gu Yuan closed his eyes. “I hope my family stays healthy and safe.”

…

Two days later, the Gu family’s plane took off from the private airstrip.

Zhou Chiyu chased after the plane for a long stretch until it completely vanished.

He waved at the sky, tears soaking his entire collar.

The day of parting was sad, but fortunately, they lived in an era of advanced information. Though Gu Yuan couldn’t stay awake every day, he video called Zhou Chiyu every few days.

Even after surgery when Gu Yuan couldn’t speak, Zhou Chiyu never felt lonely and could chatter on with him for ages.

During this time, Zhou Chiyu fell in love with photography and developed a habit of sending postcards to Gu Yuan. He often mailed photos he’d taken to the USA, writing on the back what he wanted to say to Gu Yuan.

［Dear Brother, I’ve grown 4cm taller lately, but my weight hasn’t changed~］

［Dear Brother, I’ve been having nightmares lately, dreaming you’re crying. Did you cry? If you miss me, video call anytime. Don’t be sad.］

［Dear Brother, I’ve moved to sleep with Grandpa! Secretly telling you, Grandpa snores.］

［Dear Brother, Grandpa handed our family’s Foundation over to me to manage! But I don’t know anything; I have so many classes to take.］

［Dear Brother, I’m super duper rich now! I’ll save all this money to build you a castle! A Little Prince should live in a castle.］

［Dear Brother, Grandpa allowed me to visit the USA during middle school first-year summer break! Apparently, I can see you through the sterile room window.］

［Brother, Grandpa said your fourth surgery was complicated. I’m quietly negotiating with the gods; you have to stay strong!］

［Congrats on Gu Yuan’s sixth surgery going smoothly! I told you, big bro has a blessed life!］

［Brother! High school homework is so much; I miss you.］

［Bro, can I visit you during second-year high school summer break? We haven’t seen each other in forever.］

［Damn flu in the USA! Grandpa won’t let me go abroad. He says lots of people died from this flu; school told us not to travel.］

［Bro, I think I’ve gotten handsomer! Should I straighten my natural curls? What do you think?］

［Bro! I got into Qing University!］

［Hehe, I got a love letter! Telling you secretly; don’t tell Grandpa.］

Morning light pierced the glass and fell on the handsome, youthful boy.

He propped his cheek on his hand and sent the postcard in his hand to Gu Yuan.

［Chiyu Misses Guyuan.］

［Brother, is this phrase in American textbooks?］