“Of course. He’s been talking about you the whole way.” As he spoke, Wu Chen occasionally glanced at Gu Yuan’s expression, hands behind his back as he muttered, “Gu Yuan, are you leaving again after this trip?”
Gu Yuan was clearly lost in thought, responding absentmindedly. “Mm, after the New Year.”
“You two brothers have such a great relationship. Way better than me and my brother.”
Wu Chen knew about the ties between the Gu Family and the Zhou Family, so he didn’t mistakenly assume Gu Yuan was Zhou Chiyu’s biological brother like an outsider might.
They boarded a sightseeing cart, and Wu Chen introduced the island’s entertainment facilities to the pair. “My dad just bought it. It’s meant for entertaining VIPs, but we’re getting to play on it today too—lucky us.”
Five minutes later, Wu Chen hopped off and led them into a blue-and-white seaside villa.
“You have no idea—Xie Lin must’ve mentioned you a hundred times on the way.”
Wu Chen’s gaze flicked intentionally toward Gu Yuan. “My ears are callused.”
“He misses me that much?” Zhou Chiyu’s impression of Xie Lin was fuzzy. Though they’d added each other as friends three years ago, they’d barely chatted. If Wu Chen hadn’t kept sharing daily photos, he’d have forgotten what Xie Lin looked like.
“Of course.” Wu Chen’s lips curved in a mischievous grin. “In Xie Lin’s eyes, you’re the Universe Invincible Super Pretty Boy.”
“Really?!” Zhou Chiyu’s mouth curved up high. “Xie Lin’s got good taste.”
“You bet!” Wu Chen turned to Gu Yuan and teased, “What do you think—does your little brother look good?”
Gu Yuan’s voice was low. “Mm.”
“What’s ‘mm’ supposed to mean?” Wu Chen wasn’t letting him off, pressing further. “Good-looking or not?”
Gu Yuan’s gaze swept over briefly and caught Zhou Chiyu staring at him curiously too, so he said, “Extremely good-looking.”
“Wow.”
The three entered the living room, where lively sounds of play came from inside.
While Gu Yuan wasn’t paying attention, Wu Chen quietly pulled Zhou Chiyu aside and asked, “Does your brother like boys or girls? Is he single?”
“He’s single, but his orientation…” Zhou Chiyu sneaked a glance at Gu Yuan and immediately got caught. He scratched his head with a laugh. “I’m not really sure about that.”
On the sofa, five young guys were engrossed in a racing game.
The guy in the middle spotted Zhou Chiyu and immediately tossed his controller aside, standing up to wave. “Little Fish, you made it.”
“Yeah.” Zhou Chiyu looked at Xie Lin. “This is my brother, Gu Yuan.”
Xie Lin had already come over to Zhou Chiyu’s side, lifting his lips carefully. “So this is your brother? How’ve you been lately? You look like you’ve lost some weight.”
“I’ve been great lately, especially since my brother’s back—I’ve been eating like a champ.” Zhou Chiyu met Xie Lin’s fervent gaze and greeted the other four guys. “Check it out, isn’t my brother handsome?”
“Totally.” The guy in the orange shirt draped an arm over Xie Lin’s shoulder and nodded at Gu Yuan. “I’m Xu Moting. We probably met when we were kids—I went to your house once.”
Gu Yuan’s childhood memories only held details of time spent with Zhou Chiyu; he hadn’t paid much attention to others.
He nodded politely. “Hello.”
Though Gu Yuan’s response was courteous, his distant aura was palpable to everyone.
Xu Moting patted Xie Lin’s shoulder. “Don’t just stand there—sit down and grab something to eat.”
Xu Moting was Wu Chen’s cousin, studying in the USA like Gu Yuan, but nearing graduation with most credits done, preparing to return home for work.
“Little Fish, your favorite Avocado Mulberry Smoothie.”
As they sat, Xie Lin scooted close to Zhou Chiyu and handed him the drink the servants had prepared in advance. “Try it.”
Three years ago, Xie Lin had fallen for Zhou Chiyu at first sight. Same-sex marriage had just been legalized then, and as the family’s only son, he hadn’t dared come out.
Last year, he’d come out to his father. Though he’d faced sanctions like being cut off from living expenses, he’d ultimately been accepted.
His only hesitation now was whether Zhou Chiyu liked him back.
Wu Chen knew Zhou Chiyu well and advised Xie Lin to become good friends first, then take it slow.
Xu Moting and the others knew Xie Lin liked Zhou Chiyu, and this island trip was partly to help them grow closer.
“My little brother just had some seafood—he can’t have cold fruits right now.”
Gu Yuan intercepted it, taking the drink for Zhou Chiyu. “I’ll have this.”
Xie Lin froze, then gave an awkward smile. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”
Zhou Chiyu waved his hands hurriedly. “It’s not your fault. Thanks for thinking of me—I appreciate it.”
Hearing that instantly dispelled Xie Lin’s awkwardness and nerves. Sticking to his plan, he invited Zhou Chiyu, “I bought you a gift from abroad last month. Come to my room—I’ll show you.”
Zhou Chiyu nodded with a smile. “Sure.”
As the two stood to leave, Gu Yuan gently caught Zhou Chiyu’s wrist and said in a low voice, “Grandpa was just asking if we’d arrived on the little island. Remember to let him know you’re safe.”
“OK, no problem.” Zhou Chiyu was eager for the gift and trailed after Xie Lin like a little tail. “Let me guess what you got me…”
As their voices faded into the distance, Gu Yuan quietly set the smoothie down on the table and stared blankly ahead.
The deep blue waves rhythmically crashed against the rocks, while the soft beach sparkled with golden light under the sun.
Outside the window, the scenery was idyllic and beautiful.
Gu Yuan’s fingertip twisted the hem of his shirt, his pretty nails turning slightly white from the pressure.
After a minute of silence, he raised his calm, emotionless eyes to Wu Chen. “Which floor is the room Little Fish went to?”
Wu Chen was sizing him up too and curved his lips slightly at the question. “Little Fish is just checking out a gift—not going to the execution ground. You don’t need to worry so much.”
