The Family Portrait photo arrived soon, and after much deliberation, Gu Lao ordered it hung in the Study Room.
Gu Cheng was discussing Gu Yuan’s studies with Gu Lao when he noticed the enlarged photo, particularly how tightly Gu Yuan and Zhou Chiyu held hands.
“Little Yuan plans to graduate from MIT as soon as possible and come to the Company to help me.”
Gu Cheng gazed at the Family Portrait before him and smiled warmly. “I never expected the two kids to be apart for so long yet maintain such a close bond.”
Gu Lao picked up his teacup. “They’re like real brothers, so of course they wouldn’t grow distant.”
“True.” Gu Cheng brought up an amusing incident. “The other day, I ran into someone from the He Family. They heard Little Yuan has come of age and want to introduce him to a match.”
Gu Lao smiled. “Really? But I think Little Yuan is still too young. He should focus on his studies and health for now.”
“You’re right.” Gu Cheng put away the Corporation’s official seal and financial stamp, then signed the equity transfer documents. “Does Gu Ming know about this?”
“He doesn’t.” Gu Lao’s expression remained calm, his tone less amiable than before. “During the gaps in Little Yuan’s studies in the USA, have him intern more at the Corporation. Little Fish has already started learning management knowledge.”
“Good.” Mentioning Zhou Chiyu brought a smile to Gu Cheng’s face. “The child is kind and grateful. Little Yuan originally wanted to take him to the USA to study, but he said he couldn’t bear to leave you.”
Gu Lao frowned slightly and took a deep breath. “Little Fish really thinks that way?”
In Gu Lao’s view, studies were naturally more important.
Though his eyes shone with gratification and emotion, he still said, “Sometime soon when I have time, I’ll talk to Little Fish. Studying in the USA for further education would naturally be more beneficial for his development.”
In the corridor, Gu Yuan, who had originally intended to chat with Grandpa, quietly returned to the new room the servants had prepared for him.
Since Zhou Chiyu had grown accustomed to his room, he had no intention of making him leave. He had specially asked the photographer for a copy of the Family Portrait negative, printed it out, and placed it in a frame by the bedside.
His fingertip slowly traced Zhou Chiyu’s smile, the motion slow and gentle. Memories he had recalled countless times in his mind surged before his eyes like a tide.
His heart pounded anxiously.
His thoughts were gradually swallowed by heavy pressure.
Sometimes, he didn’t even know what he was truly thinking.
…
In the morning, Gu Yuan and Zhou Chiyu went to school together.
Gu Yuan had gotten his driver’s license in the USA at seventeen and had just renewed it, allowing him to drive legally in the country.
It was Zhou Chiyu’s first time riding in Gu Yuan’s car, and he was full of envy.
“Brother, this car can turn into a convertible sports car, right?”
Zhou Chiyu grinned mischievously and pressed the control button. The roof slowly folded back.
He comfortably rubbed against the seat and sighed. “Brother, when we were little, I always wanted to take you for a drive, but now I haven’t even gotten my license yet.”
“I’ll take you for a drive instead.” Gu Yuan pulled over to the side of the road and raised his hand to shield Zhou Chiyu’s eyes. “Too bright? I have sunglasses here.”
“Awesome.” Zhou Chiyu put on the sunglasses and crossed his arms over his chest. “Brother, am I handsome?”
Gu Yuan’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Mm.”
Both had full schedules that morning. Zhou Chiyu needed to borrow a few management books recently and had arranged to meet Gu Yuan at the library at noon.
News of Zhou Chiyu’s engagement spread like wildfire through the entire academy in just a few days. Of course, the main reason he became the center of attention was Gu Yuan.
His close friends probed him openly and covertly about Gu Yuan’s background. Plenty of girls even wanted to use Zhou Chiyu to ask Gu Yuan out.
Zhou Chiyu naturally knew what they were after, but unsure if Gu Yuan wanted to make new friends, he politely declined.
Chen Qixuan and the others were even more direct, trying to introduce their sisters to Gu Yuan. Zhou Chiyu felt a bit unhappy. He was handsome, dashing, and charming too—why didn’t his roommates introduce their sisters to him?
Still, regarding the engagement, Zhou Chiyu understood Gu Yuan’s intentions.
His brother must be worried about him being harassed and had deliberately released a smokescreen.
On his way to the library, Zhou Chiyu ran into a familiar person.
Ye Xifeng, the Art Department student who had obsessively pursued him.
“Little Fish!”
Ye Xifeng looked in terrible shape—sallow-faced, as if he hadn’t slept in days. “I heard you have an engagement?”
Zhou Chiyu instinctively glanced around and recoiled, taking two steps back. “Mm.”
Ye Xifeng’s expression fell. He took out the Oil Painting from his back and showed it to Zhou Chiyu. “But Little Fish, I truly love you.”
Zhou Chiyu waved his hands nervously. “Thank you for liking me, but I—”
“Little Fish! Can I buy you a cup of coffee?” Ye Xifeng interrupted, stepping closer and reaching to touch Zhou Chiyu’s hand. “I want to talk to you—”
“What is there for you two to talk about?” A low voice suddenly sounded. Before Ye Xifeng could react, Gu Yuan had seized his wrist and twisted it behind his back, rendering him immobile.
“Brother!” Zhou Chiyu rushed forward anxiously. “Let go quickly.” He wasn’t sure about Gu Yuan’s recovery and feared he might get hurt again because of him.
“It’s fine.” Gu Yuan released his grip. His narrow eyes looked down coldly at the disheveled man before him. “We’re all here to go to school. My brother doesn’t want to hurt you, but if you keep harassing him repeatedly, that’s on you.”
Ye Xifeng’s expression was dazed, his gaze at Gu Yuan somewhat unfocused.
“No next time, got it?” Gu Yuan’s thin lips pressed together as he spat the words coldly through his teeth.
“Mm.” Ye Xifeng nodded vaguely.
