Han Chengfeng was quick on the uptake. Seeing Shen Ju defending the new guy, he immediately asked, “Who’s this?”
Shen Ju had just opened his mouth. “My brother…”
Han Chengfeng let out a “Whoa,” blurting out, “How many awesome brothers do you even have?”
Shen Ju: “?”
How many could he possibly have?
Guan Mulin chimed in from the side, exasperated. “This is Shen Ju’s cousin, and mine too. Jian Yi.”
Jian Yi nodded in greeting to the group. “Hey, everyone.”
Han Chengfeng and the others exchanged glances, locking eyes with Ke Sheng. Thinking back to Shen Ju and Guan Mulin’s backgrounds, they roughly pieced together what this “cousin” was all about. They hadn’t expected Shen Ju to still have ties to his old family—or for the guy to transfer right here to Qichen.
“Let’s grab lunch together at noon,” Guan Mulin suggested.
Truth be told, he hadn’t seen Jian Yi much.
Just a few times during the family recognition ceremony.
And even then, they hadn’t interacted much.
Back then, he’d been drowning in the shock of his true heritage, too caught up to pay attention to the people and changes around him. He wasn’t completely out of it—he’d done some self-soothing and processing—but he couldn’t snap back right away. So when facing his real family, he couldn’t muster the right mindset to get close. It even felt awkward.
He had no idea what Jian Yi thought.
But Guan Mulin always sensed that his cousin was keeping a distance too.
They hadn’t even swapped contact info.
So afterward, unless it was absolutely necessary, Guan Mulin had made a point not to bother him.
But now that Jian Yi had transferred to Qichen, the guy was blood family no matter what. Guan Mulin figured he should take the initiative.
“Then I’ll eat with bro too,” Han Chengfeng raised his hand.
Pei Haochuan pinched his brow and shot Han Chengfeng a look.
“What?!”
Han Chengfeng snapped sensitively. “Shen Ju’s under my protection. What’s wrong with eating with his brother?!”
“Besides, I’ve treated you guys before!”
Pei Haochuan replied innocently, “Did I even say anything?”
Han Chengfeng: “…”
Damn it, I wanna throw down right now.
Just then, Pei Haochuan remembered he still hadn’t mentioned the tutoring thing, so he spoke up. “I’ll book us a table at the small cafeteria. We can head straight there at noon.”
In the end, though, Han Chengfeng ended up footing the bill at lunch.
Because he’d brought along an extra person.
The guy was Wei Tianxi, also from the Elite Class and part of Han Chengfeng’s little crew.
Just like how Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan always hung out together, Han Chengfeng had his own group. But it was different from his dynamic with Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan’s circle—Han Chengfeng loved being the top dog, so his crew was mostly people who’d latched onto him. After all, the class hierarchy only had room for a few at the top.
Han Chengfeng would die before admitting that guys on his level—like Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan—didn’t wanna hang with him.
Hmph. Whatever, now I’ve got Shen Ju.
Wei Tianxi had shown up right at noon, so Han Chengfeng figured he’d introduce him to Shen Ju.
But no sooner had they sat down than Pei Haochuan brought up the tutoring.
He targeted Shen Ju first.
“My little uncle’s tutoring in person—that’s something you can’t even beg for. You felt it during break, right? Gets it right away, no sweat?”
Pei Haochuan was scared of Pei Yan himself and didn’t wanna go, so he assumed everyone else felt the same. He hyped Pei Yan up against his conscience: meticulous teaching, top scholar, impossible to hire outside… Basically painted him like a saint, all to nudge Shen Ju into more sessions with Pei Yan.
If Shen Ju went, it’d be easier to drag Guan Mulin along.
996 let out a whoop: 【What’s this? Speak of the devil and he shall appear?】
Shen Ju hadn’t expected it either.
He’d been thinking yesterday about finding a chance to go back to Pei Yan’s for tutoring, and boom—here it was.
Guan Mulin’s ears twitched.
What did that mean?
Shen Ju had planned to keep going to Pei Yan’s anyway?
996: 【Perfect. Was gonna suggest bringing Pei Haochuan and Guan Mulin too. Pei Haochuan’s already in—now figure out how to rope in Guan Mulin, host.】
【Can’t miss either protagonist, especially the Protagonist Shou.】
Guan Protagonist Shou Mulin: “…”
Oh hell no, I wanna refuse!
Before Shen Ju could respond, Han Chengfeng couldn’t hold back after hearing all that…
“Wait, your little uncle—Pei Yan?”
Pei Haochuan rolled his eyes. “Who else?”
“…”
Han Chengfeng: “I won’t deny God Pei’s badass rep—it’s legendary at Qichen—but meticulous and gentle? You serious?”
Pei Haochuan touched his nose.
Guilty.
Shen Ju, though, disagreed a bit. “I think Pei-ge’s great.”
Pei Haochuan and Han Chengfeng whipped their heads around in unison. “…You’re serious?”
The two exchanged glances, then both made gagging motions.
That’s when Wei Tianxi suddenly spoke up. “You don’t know? Back when God Pei was at Qichen, he was infamous as the cold-faced god. Student council president—no one dared cross him. He didn’t hold back at all. Legend has it he made guys and girls alike cry. That’s why most people steered clear.”
Shen Ju: Is this the same Pei-ge?
996: 【Right? Must be rumors. Pei-ge’s a total good guy.】
Guan Mulin: “…”
Pei Haochuan couldn’t help defending his uncle now. “That was high school. He’s better now.”
At least he smiled these days.
Even if it was often just a skin-deep smirk…
Wei Tianxi always followed Han Chengfeng’s lead. Back when Han Chengfeng clashed with Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan, he kept his distance too—no friendly chats. Sitting at the same table was rare. Seeing Pei Haochuan pick up on his words, he couldn’t resist asking more. “So the rumor about God Pei… is it true? You know, the one about—”
He didn’t finish before Pei Haochuan’s face darkened. He shot Wei Tianxi a look.
Wei Tianxi shut up, spooked.
Shen Ju hadn’t noticed, still asking, “What rumor?”
Jian Yi caught it, though. He frowned slightly and tugged Shen Ju.
“It’s nothing.”
Pei Haochuan looked away from Wei Tianxi, brushing it off lightly. “Not a big deal. Just a bit of family business.”
“Oh.”
Shen Ju nodded and dropped it.
Whatever rumors Pei Yan had, the Pei Yan he knew was just… really great.
Han Chengfeng shot Wei Tianxi an exasperated look and changed the subject. “So, Shen Ju, you going for tutoring?”
Shen Ju nodded firmly. “Yeah.”
“I don’t wanna be a slacker.”
“Your grades aren’t bad,” Jian Yi said.
Shen Ju nudged Jian Yi’s arm with a grin. “Not as good as yours, bro.”
Wei Tianxi glanced at Jian Yi on instinct.
Jian Yi was sensitive to stares and looked up, meeting Wei Tianxi’s eyes.
Wei Tianxi held it for two seconds, then looked away.
Jian Yi frowned.
Don’t think I know this guy, but why does it feel like…
“Alright, alright, no more tutoring talk.”
Han Chengfeng rubbed his hands. “How about the Ant Market? Rare chill time for seniors. It’s open day too—other schools don’t do this. What’re you all planning to sell? Last time, someone straight-up busked with a guitar like a street performer.”
Ke Sheng eyed Han Chengfeng up and down. “You planning to peddle your ‘talents’? Didn’t know you had any.”
Han Chengfeng rolled his eyes. “I learned street dance, asshole!”
Pei Haochuan: “If you wanna do monkey tricks solo, be my guest. I’ll toss you some cash.”
“Fuck!”
Han Chengfeng rolled up his sleeves. “Just brainstorming—haven’t decided… Pfft! I never said I’d sell myself… Wait, no—”
Why am I digging myself deeper?!
Shen Ju asked curiously, “What’s the Ant Market?”
“Basically Qichen’s charity thing,” Guan Mulin explained.
“Every senior year has one. Students set up stalls, sell whatever they come up with. Open day—you can invite parents and family. Proceeds go to charity. Sell a ton, and the school gives you a certificate.”
“It’s to get kids more invested, raise more funds.”
Jian Yi got the gist.
Just charity with extra steps?
“The charity money gets donated, right?”
Jian Yi frowned. “If so, why make it complicated? Just tell students to donate stuff.”
“You wouldn’t get it.”
Wei Tianxi spoke up with a mocking half-smile. “Small-town ignorance. Didn’t hear it’s open day? Inviting parents?”
“Families sending kids to Qichen? This isn’t just about charity cash. Deeper level: parents network, expand circles. Otherwise, why show up? Pure altruism?”
Jian Yi pressed his lips together, but Shen Ju beat him to it, turning to Wei Tianxi. “I don’t get it either.”
Wei Tianxi’s face stiffened.
Guan Mulin chuckled. “No biggie, Shen Ju. Some parents do need the networking. But not all… So it’s fine if you don’t get it. And cousin? He doesn’t need to either—with me and Shen Ju in the Guan Family.”
The implication: Not everyone needs the ‘deeper’ scoop.
Wei Tianxi’s expression soured more.
Han Chengfeng glared at him and muttered, “Loose lips.”
By the end of lunch, Jian Yi had gotten a preliminary taste of how Qichen differed from Yude School.
He was actually glad he’d come.
Shen Chirp alone at Qichen? He’d probably get bullied without knowing.
For afternoon PE, Jian Yi didn’t stay in the classroom. He went to the basketball court with Shen Ju.
He had to keep an eye on him.
Shen Ju had originally planned to skip.
He knew Jian Yi never did PE—he had exemptions, same as at Yude.
Shen Ju figured, first day at Qichen, he’d stick with his brother.
But then Han Chengfeng popped up at the window again…
“C’mon, let’s play ball. Our classes are together this time.”
He whispered, “No Wei Tianxi this round. Guy’s too mouthy.”
Shen Ju started to refuse.
“You had a blast at the gym last time. Looked happy,” Han Chengfeng added.
Jian Yi’s interest piqued. He urged Shen Ju to go, saying he’d join too.
“Get to see you play basketball. I can fetch balls for you guys.”
Han Chengfeng whooped. “Sweet! Thanks, bro!”
Pei Haochuan passed by and caught Jian Yi’s lips twitching upward a few pixels. Shen Ju and Mulin’s cousin actually likes Han Chengfeng?!
He stopped. “Fine. We were teammates last time—opponents this round.”
Han Chengfeng tsked. “Scared of you?”
“Shen Ju’s with me!”
Guan Mulin walked by. “Then I’m with Shen Ju.”
Pei Haochuan whipped around like he’d been betrayed!
“…Mulin?!”
Guan Mulin touched his nose, eyes sliding away.
Ke Sheng: “Uh, me and Haochuan then?”
Han Chengfeng cackled inwardly. Taking Shen Ju as my little bro was the best call! Look, even Mulin’s on my side. Gonna piss off Pei Haochuan!
Qichen’s outdoor fields were huge.
PE had tons of activities, gear everywhere.
The basketball court was open-air, no barriers, ringed by tree-lined paths. When Pei Yan walked by with the principal, his eyes landed on Shen Ju instantly.
It was bizarre.
The basketball court wasn’t empty—spectators even gathered around the edges to watch the game.
But he noticed Shen Ju at first glance.
He saw the relaxed smile softening Shen Ju’s features, that unique youthful vigor of a teenager shining through once more.
This time, Shen Ju wasn’t just defending. He chased after the ball across the court. His movements were still a bit clumsy, not yet smooth or fluid, but they drew the eye anyway. Pei Yan thought for a moment—it must be that whenever Shen Ju could set aside his tasks for a bit, that resilient life force, tough as a weed, stood out all the more.
Like a little sparrow flapping its wings, impossible not to glance at twice.
Or perhaps it was the contrast between his two states—on-task and off—that stirred a twinge of pity in Pei Yan’s heart at times.
Seeing Pei Yan stop in his tracks, still staring at something, the principal halted too and followed his gaze.
“Oh, right—your nephew’s over there.”
“He’s a senior this year too, huh.”
Pei Yan let out a quiet “Mm.”
In fact, he hadn’t noticed Pei Haochuan at all.
The principal smiled. “It’s rare for you to have time to come back. Perfect timing—the seniors’ Ant Market is about to kick off. Make sure to stop by.”
They were still chatting when Shen Ju fumbled the ball. It sailed right out of bounds.
Someone bent down and scooped it up with one hand.
Shen Ju jogged over with a laugh, chatting with the guy.
Even from Pei Yan’s distance, he could tell the easy intimacy on Shen Ju’s face.
The other person stood mostly with his back turned.
But Pei Yan could guess who it was.
Jian Yi.
This was the second time he’d seen Shen Ju interacting with Jian Yi. Pei Yan’s expression froze for a beat.
