“Brother.” Zhou Chiyu took Gu Yuan’s arm and whispered, “Let’s go first.”
Gu Yuan withdrew the chill from his gaze and grasped Zhou Chiyu’s wrist. “Mm, let’s go.”
…
Inside the library, Zhou Chiyu was still immersed in that unpleasant encounter.
But what comforted him was that his brother was very strong.
It proved from the side that Gu Yuan’s body was healthy.
After finding the Project Management Essentials Zhou Chiyu wanted to borrow, Gu Yuan walked over. “Why is your face all scrunched up like a little bun?”
He took a step closer and ruffled Zhou Chiyu’s hair. “What are you thinking about?”
Zhou Chiyu shook his head and flashed a mischievous grin. “Brother, did you know? Several girls have already asked me about you. I could make money selling your info at this rate.”
“Really?” Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly. His finger trailed down from Zhou Chiyu’s brow bone, brushing his nose tip. “What did you tell them?”
“I said my brother still has to go back to the USA for school, and I’d have to ask if he wants a girlfriend.” Zhou Chiyu’s eyes lit up as he winked at Gu Yuan. “Brother, have you ever dated?”
Gu Yuan’s fingertip paused, his brows lowering. “Are you that curious?”
“Yeah.” With hands behind his back, Zhou Chiyu tilted his head up. “In high school, tons of couples were dating.”
“Really?” Gu Yuan chuckled silently, his expression lazy yet curious. “What do those student couples do?”
“Kiss, I guess.” Mentioning it made Zhou Chiyu’s cheeks flush red. “Of course, other stuff too, like watching movies, strolling, playing games, or script killing.”
Gu Yuan nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”
“So, have you dated?” Zhou Chiyu’s expression grew uneasy, his curiosity piqued.
Gazing into those eyes brimming with youthful vigor, Gu Yuan’s memories overlapped, as if seeing the mischievous little Zhou Chiyu from childhood.
“Mm.” Gu Yuan smiled faintly. “I am.”
He turned away to continue selecting books for Zhou Chiyu.
“Huh? Then you—” Zhou Chiyu’s emotions tangled, murmuring, “You’re still willing to come back from the USA…”
Gu Yuan smiled without replying.
“Hey.” Zhou Chiyu followed and poked his shoulder. “You never told me you’ve dated. Didn’t you say there are no secrets between us?”
The words carried a hint of accusation. Gu Yuan’s lips curved up as he turned to gaze at Zhou Chiyu.
“Tch.” Zhou Chiyu sulked like he did as a child. “Not playing with you anymore—”
He started to leave but was suddenly stopped by Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan pulled him close, his palm cupping Zhou Chiyu’s neck and giving it a squeeze. “Just teasing. I’ve told you everything in the videos.”
“I knew it!” Zhou Chiyu shot him a sneaky glare, his smile deepening. “Auntie Bai would never let you date early.”
“Hm?” Gu Yuan chuckled lowly, not expecting Zhou Chiyu to think that way.
“Hey, classmate.” A pretty boy approached Gu Yuan, seemingly mustering courage. “I heard you participated in the HIMCM Modeling Competition before. Maybe we could spar sometime?”
Gu Yuan nodded politely. “Thanks for the invitation, but I’m quite busy lately.”
The boy wore a white shirt, his vibe lively and clean. “No worries, just to make a friend? I think you’re really handsome and want to get to know you.”
Gu Yuan pondered briefly before refusing again. “Sorry, I already have someone I like.”
The repeated rejections left the boy dejected, but he still smiled. “Out of curiosity, is the person you like a guy?”
Gu Yuan pressed his lips. “Not convenient to say.”
Only then did Zhou Chiyu realize the boy was hitting on Gu Yuan. As they finished picking books and walked out side by side, he asked, “Brother, do you have someone you like?”
To be honest, Zhou Chiyu didn’t fully grasp the concept of “liking” someone that way. Growing up, he liked many people—friends, family—but never a lover.
Yet in his heart, Gu Yuan held his highest level of affection.
So learning Gu Yuan might have someone he liked stirred complex feelings.
On one hand, it was normal for Gu Yuan to have an admirer.
On the other, he worried he was no longer Gu Yuan’s most important person.
“Just an excuse.” Gu Yuan’s eyes flickered as he glanced at the time. “Any plans this afternoon? Want to catch a movie?”
“Sure.” Zhou Chiyu was successfully distracted and hurried to keep up. “A new family drama just released. They say it’s super tear-jerking.”
Gu Yuan looked at him. “Mm.”
…
In the theater, Gu Yuan had already bought popcorn and Milk Tea, waiting with Zhou Chiyu to enter.
“This popcorn is so sweet.”
Zhou Chiyu had his own bucket but kept digging into Gu Yuan’s. He didn’t know why he enjoyed it so much, but he loved doing it—like a sly kitten stealing fish, smug and triumphant.
Gu Yuan’s lips held a faint smile, eyebrow arching slightly. “Want my Milk Tea?”
Mentioning Milk Tea brought the childhood memory to both their minds.
Back then, Zhou Chiyu was greedy for everything.
“Want.” Zhou Chiyu opened the Milk Tea and took a sip, discovering Gu Yuan’s was strawberry white chocolate flavor.
He loved that taste, so he lowered his head and drank more than half in one go, sneaking a glance at Gu Yuan’s reaction.
Gu Yuan definitely wouldn’t drink from this cup now.
He remembered Gu Yuan had severe mysophobia; he’d end up finishing it himself.
“Brother, here back to you.”
Zhou Chiyu smirked triumphantly. “I want to drink mine now.”
Unaware why Zhou Chiyu was so pleased, Gu Yuan took the Milk Tea and sipped from the straw. “Tastes good.”
Zhou Chiyu froze, scratching his ear in surprise.
“Let me try yours.”
Gu Yuan’s gaze fell on the Milk Tea Zhou Chiyu had sipped twice. “Yours looks tasty too.”
“Oh…” Zhou Chiyu reluctantly held it out, wondering where Gu Yuan’s mysophobia had gone.
Maybe their bond was just that close.
He handed it over, eyes bright and clear. “Mine is… seems like honeydew—”
“You two little lovebirds.” The ticket staff called out. “Hall 1? Time to enter.”
“Huh?” Zhou Chiyu blinked in shock. Were they calling them?
“Mm.” Gu Yuan remained composed, leading Zhou Chiyu inside as those around them quietly eyed the eye-catching pair.
