Chapter 39: The Person in the Dream Was Big Brother Part 2

It was dawn…

Li You froze for several seconds, lifted the blanket to look, then smacked his forehead hard.

He shoved the blanket back onto the bed, crawled into the already cold covers, wrapped himself up tight, knelt and huddled inside, head buried under the pillow, arms hugging it tightly, motionless.

Soon, a knock came, followed by his brother’s voice.

“Li You, awake?”

Li You shuddered violently in the covers and muffledly replied, “Awake.”

Silence outside for a few seconds. Just as Li You thought his brother wouldn’t ask again, he heard, “I’m coming in.”

He didn’t have time to say “don’t.” The door pushed open, and Li Ye walked in.

Li You stiffened in his nest.

Li Ye saw the mound on the bed and narrowed his eyes. “Not up yet?”

He went to the closet to find clothes, took the smallest size regular uniform and placed it by the bed, then crossed his arms in front of his chest as he stared at the lump on the bed. “Get up, pig. Didn’t we agree to go to the Imperial Military together?”

The lump moved a little. Li You slowly threw off the covers, knelt on the bed with his back to Li Ye amid his messy hair, and awkwardly shifted toward the other edge of the bed. His bare feet had just touched the ground when he suddenly remembered something. He yanked his feet back, buried his head to find his slippers, and obediently put them on. Then he ran toward the bathroom in a slightly strange posture. “I’m going to wash up. It’ll be quick!”

Li Ye watched the fleeing figure and reminded him, “Take the clothes.”

Li You froze, glanced back, sidled his body over to pick up the clothes, then immediately ran off again.

The bathroom door slammed shut with a “bang,” followed by the sound of it locking.

Li Ye: “……”

He frowned at the bathroom door, didn’t think much of it, and turned to prepare hot milk at the island counter. After just two steps, he heard water running in the bathroom. The pattering sound made him immediately turn back. He strode to the door in a few big steps and knocked twice. “Li You, no cold showers.”

The voice from inside sounded a bit guilty. “I’m not!!”

Li Ye stood at the door without leaving until he was sure the glass door had fogged up before he departed.

He had a vague guess about Li You’s morning oddity, but he had no intention of prying.

While Li Ye heated the milk, an attendant delivered the shoes he had ordered yesterday, sized for Li You. He returned to the room, sat in the booth, and opened his Light Brain. He waited a bit longer until the bathroom door finally opened.

Li You, now changed into the new clothes, stood at the bathroom door with dripping hair. He looked at the sleeves that extended past his arms and asked Li Ye, “Can we go buy clothes first?”

Li Ye looked at him. “There’s an Imperial Military meeting this morning.”

“Okay.” Li You glanced at the folded-up pant legs, heard Li Ye call him over to dry his hair, paused for a moment, then turned and ran off. “I can do it myself.”

Li Ye’s gaze followed the fleeing youth, a thread of doubt rising in his heart.

He withdrew his gaze, took out the pair of athletic shoes sized for Li You, and waited until the other had dried his hair before saying, “I ordered you a pair of shoes. Try them on and see if they fit.”

Li You, who was tying his tie, turned his head. “When did you order them?”

“Yesterday.”

“Then why…” Li You shook his sleeves and muttered, “Why not order a whole outfit?”

“Clothes can’t be rushed out today.” Li Ye told him, “Better to go buy them.”

Li You was skeptical but said, “Okay.”

He approached but stopped far away from Li Ye, leaned over to hook the shoes closer with his body, then went even farther to sit in the corner of the sofa. He bowed his head and silently put on the shoes.

“……” Li Ye watched him, set down his Light Brain, and pushed the hot milk over. “Li You, are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not! You’re talking nonsense!” Li You jumped in surprise. His fluffy hair looked like it had exploded, with a stubborn tuft sticking up on top.

Li Ye looked at that upright tuft of hair and lowered his eyes. “I was just asking. Why such a big reaction?”

“……” Li You’s teeth itched. He lowered his head to stare at the pristine white shoes, his heart unable to stop yelling.

【Damn it!】

【Li You, you’re acting weird!!】

【He doesn’t know, so why are you feeling guilty…】

This was the first time that day he heard Li You’s inner voice. Li Ye’s gaze shifted slightly as he quietly waited for Li You to finish putting on the shoes, then stood and walked over.

Li You shrank into the corner like a quail. “What?”

“Your tie isn’t tied properly.” Li Ye crouched in front of him, maintaining a perfect distance, reached out to retie Li You’s tie, straightened his collar, rolled up his pant legs and sleeves, then stood and ruffled his hair. “Drink the milk.”

Li Ye’s gentle actions calmed Li You’s irritable mood considerably. He held the milk the other had handed him and softly replied, “Oh.”

Watching the other go to the island counter for sandwiches, Li You’s heart itched. He softly called out, “Brother.”

Li Ye raised his eyes. “Hm?”

“I had some bedhead temper earlier and was in a bad mood. Sorry.”

Li Ye looked at the obedient Li You sitting in the sofa corner, lowered his eyes to put the sandwich on a plate, cut it into small pieces with knife and fork, spread on Li You’s favorite sauce, carried it over and set it in front of him, then lightly tapped his forehead twice. “I know you have bedhead temper. Eat your breakfast properly.”

Li You’s eyelashes fluttered as he looked up. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad?” Li Ye sat down, calmly took out his Light Brain to handle work, and looked at Li You’s eyes through the light screen. “I’m your brother. I understand you well.”

Li You blanked out for a few seconds, then lowered his head to drink the milk.

“Bro.”

“Hm.”

“Have you eaten breakfast?”

“I have.”

“Want a bite of the sandwich?”

“Eat it yourself, lazy pig.”

“I can’t finish it all. Help me eat some.” Li You speared a piece of sandwich, got up, and brought it to Li Ye’s mouth. “Ah—”

Li Ye didn’t refuse and ate it from Li You’s hand.

Li You returned to his seat, finished breakfast, quickly cleared the dishes, came back to drink the last sip of milk. “I’m done. Let’s go, bro.”

Li Ye stood. “Wait.”

Li You, heading for the door, stopped and turned back. “What?”

Li Ye put a pair of sunglasses on his face, lifted his hair, let his fingertips pass through the soft strands, pressed Li You’s shoulder to turn him around, and tied his hair into a little ponytail with a hair tie. “Do you want to get a haircut today?”

Li You pushed at the sunglasses and smiled. “Sure.”

The two finally headed out. Li You sat in the passenger seat of the Hover Car, buckled his seatbelt, pushed his sunglasses with a finger, and turned to Li Ye in the driver’s seat. “Am I handsome?”

Li Ye: “You’re the handsomest.”

“Hehe.”

The Hover Car headed straight for the Imperial Military. At the same time, in the central work area of the Imperial Military, Li Ye’s office.

Yulian pushed open the office door and strode in energetically, sending a voice message to the contact on his Light Brain. “I bought you a cake from Yuhu Bakery. Are you still at the Imperial Palace this afternoon? I can bring it over, or give it to your brother to pass on?”

After sending the message, he looked up and saw the room full of people. His steps halted as he scanned the room. “What day is it that everyone’s so free? Why are you all hanging out in Your Highness’s office?”

Li Ming “tsk”ed, glanced at the cake bag in Yulian’s hand. “Isn’t Dr. Yulian free too? Not in the lab this time of day, but here delivering cake?”

“When you’re talking about me, did you not see your brother, my colleague, Dr. Li Ze over there?” Yulian looked toward Li Ze standing in the corner.

Three people, all holding cake bags from Yuhu Bakery.

“You three hustling for sales at Yuhu Bakery?” Peisengke sneered, placed the latest work report on Li Ye’s desk, rolled his shoulders, and said to Kris, who looked equally haggard from staying up all night beside him, “How’d you let these three in so casually? This is His Highness’s office, not a resort.”

Kris, who had worked all night with heavy dark circles and equal resentment, punched Peisengke hard in the shoulder. “You got here before me. Why ask me why I didn’t stop them?!”

Peisengke, his brain fried from fatigue, scratched his head. “Damn, I think I really should go rest.”

Just then, Qi Yu came in, handed them two cups of water, turned to the others, and said, “Sorry, everyone, this is Your Highness Li Ye’s work area. Please wait outside.”

Li Ming was displeased. “On what grounds? We’re not here for Li Ye.”

Qi Yu’s smile faded a bit as he stared straight at Li Ming. “Lieutenant Colonel Li Ming, this is the Imperial Military. Please cooperate.”

Li Ming’s face stiffened. He “tsk”ed in displeasure, picked up his cake, and headed out.

Li Ze had no choice but to follow.

Yulian didn’t mind; waiting anywhere was the same. He nodded mildly at Qi Yu in greeting, picked up his cake to leave, when his Light Brain received messages—three voice clips in a row.

He tapped to play, and Li You’s vibrant, exceptionally clear voice came through.

“I’m going to the Imperial Military with my brother today. We’re almost there. I’ll be back at the Imperial Palace in the afternoon.”

“Are you coming to find me?”

“I want cake from Yuhu Bakery! Chocolate flavor!”

The room fell instantly silent. Yulian “tsk”ed. “That guy’s really not holding back.”

He looked up to see the people in front and beside staring at him. Yulian blinked in confusion. “What?”

Li Ming frowned. “Wasn’t it no chocolate? How’s he getting picky now?”

Over there, Li Ze silently opened his Light Brain and started ordering.

Yulian: “……Huh?”

The three officers with arms crossed watched the three cake-holders in unison. Kris was the first who couldn’t hold back her laughter. She brushed back her long hair and pointed it out. “Two brother-cons, one sharp tongue but soft heart. Tsk tsk tsk…”

She curved her eyes, her expression gentle. “Really looking forward to seeing Your Highness Youyou.”

Just then, the office door opened, and everyone looked up together.

Li Ye walked in front, followed by a youth noticeably shorter than him.

The youth wore sunglasses and an outfit that clearly didn’t fit. He pulled down the sunglasses, saw so many people, and turned to leave.

Li Ye stopped, hooked an arm around Li You’s waist to pull him back, and said to those in the office, “Out.”

Li Ming: “……”

Li Ze: “……”

Yulian looked at Li You. “Me too?”

Li You calmed for a few seconds, rubbed his face, and said to Li Ye, “No need, no need. They must have official business with you.”

Li Ye glanced at the items in their hands. “Discussing official business with cakes?”

Li You followed his gaze and finally noticed they were Yuhu Bakery cakes. His inner glutton perked up instantly, and he blurted out, “Any chocolate ones?”

Yulian shrugged. “Too bad. You didn’t say earlier. I got matcha flavor.”

Over there, Li Ze suddenly spoke up. “I got chocolate. It’ll be here soon.”

Seeing Li You look over, he quickly added, “Long time no see. Want to sit in the tea area outside?”

Li Ye didn’t interrupt the guy. He lowered his eyes to look at Li You; the sunglasses hid his expression.

A few seconds later, Li You said, “Sure.”

Li Ze let out a breath of relief, but just as he relaxed, he heard Li Ye say, “I have time. I’ll join.”

Li Ming and Li Ze felt a chill down their backs.

The three officers standing side by side exchanged glances. Kris covered her mouth with one hand and whispered, “Where does His Highness have time? Isn’t the work piled up like a mountain?”

Peisengke stared at Li You, finding him more and more familiar. He closed his weary eyes and shrugged. “Who knows?”

Qi Yu: ^_^