Chapter 46: Look at Me Part 2

“No need.” Li You snatched the fine ticket and gripped it tightly, his eyes burning like they held a flame. “I’ll enroll. Starting tomorrow, I’m entering the academy.”

“…” Moger narrowed his eyes and sized up Li You. He saw no trace of hesitation—instead, there was pure fervor. A bit surprised, he said, “You told me this afternoon you didn’t want to go somewhere crowded. How’d you suddenly change your mind?”

Li You looked up and grinned. “I want to go now.”

“You…” Moger rubbed his chin. “Left and right brain fighting each other? What made you see the light?”

“Didn’t you just have your own left and right brain fighting? You wanted me to go, then didn’t.” Li You muttered softly, beaming at the fine ticket in his hand. “I don’t care about those anymore.”

Because his head was full of his brother right now.

Beyond that, only one thought remained.

Get stronger—strong enough to stand side by side with his brother, strong enough to shut everyone up.

Li You pocketed the fine ticket, circled to the passenger seat, and waved at Moger. “Let’s go, Teacher. We’ll enroll right now!”

“…” Moger took out his light brain to report to Li Ye, then looked at Li You. “Really thought it through? Not discussing with your brother?”

“I’ll tell him on the way.” Li You buckled his seatbelt and looked at Moger, who reluctantly climbed into the driver’s seat of the Little Yellow Car. “I believe my brother supports all my decisions unconditionally.”

“That’s true enough.” Moger started the hover car and reminded him. “Although all your photos have been taken down, the news is out. Everyone on Starnet now knows someone who looks just like Your Highness Youyou showed up. You’ll draw a lot of attention after enrolling.”

“Let them come.” Li You sent his message to Li Ye and gazed at the sky outside the hover car. “I wasn’t afraid of those tough days over ten years ago. What’s this now?”

“Since I’ve made up my mind, there’s no need to hide.” Li You’s eyes shone brightly. “I’ve figured it out. I want everyone to know—Li You is back.”

“Good lad.” Moger laughed heartily. “That’s the student I taught.”

The enrollment procedures went quickly. Under Moger’s lead, amid the principal and vice principal’s continual astonished gazes, Li You signed all the forms, completed enrollment, and was successfully assigned to Class A of the freshmen.

“I’ll take over as the training instructor for Class A.” Moger patted the principal’s shoulder. “This age group is short one instructor anyway, right?”

“That’s true…” The principal looked at the blond youth beside him for the twentieth time, then down at the name on the forms in his hand, confirming repeatedly in a daze. “Currently, Major General Li Ming is substituting for one class, so instructors are sufficient for now.”

“Then let Your Highness Li Ming return, and have Class A’s original instructor take charge of that class,” Moger said. “I’ll lead Class A.”

The principal pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. “That works. Perfect timing—you can also serve as the instructor team leader. This year’s freshmen are too impetuous. They need your strict discipline.”

“I have no issue with that. Don’t blame me if I’m harsh,” Moger chuckled.

“You handle the arrangements.” The principal turned to Li You, who sat ramrod straight beside him. He set down the documents in his hand, his eyes still carrying a trace of disbelief. After mulling it over for a long while, he stood up, placed a reverent hand over his heart, and bowed his head. “Your Highness Li You, first of all, I’m delighted to see you again. Welcome home. We’re deeply grateful you chose our school. The military academy shines brighter with your presence.”

Li You, who had been behaving like the perfect obedient child, jumped in fright at the display. He quickly rose to support the principal. “I… um… you… no need to be so formal.”

“Have you forgotten all the etiquette Teacher Lisa taught you?” Moger teased from the side.

“…” Li You blinked, then immediately straightened up. He took hold of the principal’s arm with one hand while placing the other behind his back, bowing slightly. “Principal, you overstate it. I’m fortunate to have the chance to study at the military academy. From now on, we’re all part of one big family—no need to stand on ceremony.”

Moger nodded. “That’s more like it.”

Li You smiled proudly.

The principal straightened up, gazing movedly at the young man before him. A thousand words stuck in his throat, and in the end, he could only nod repeatedly, murmuring “Good” over and over.

Li You and Moger left the principal’s office. The principal and vice principal saw them off excitedly for two li, until the pair reached the green shade downstairs. Only then did Moger bring it up. “Your current appearance and age both look like you’re in your teens. No one would believe you’re twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Age might be a bit tricky…”

“Hm?” Li You halted, blinking in confusion. “When I filled out the info form earlier, I put eighteen.”

Moger: “…”

He thought for a moment and shrugged. “Fine. You should be that age anyway. If anyone asks, no need to explain. You’re not obligated to satisfy everyone’s curiosity.”

“Yes.” Li You smiled.

“You’re really not anxious at all?” Moger couldn’t help asking. “You weren’t like that this afternoon. What happened to boost your mental resilience so suddenly?”

Li You scratched his cheek vaguely. “It’s nothing.”

‘He’d only kissed Li Ye in front of a crowd.’

He quickly changed the subject. “Teacher, is there midnight snacks tonight? I want to drink the grilled milk Teacher Lisa makes.”

“All you think about is eating.” Moger pulled out his Light Brain and messaged Lisa. “Don’t forget to explain the necklace thing to Teacher Lisa.”

“I will!”

The master and disciple bantered all the way. Li You smoothly crashed at the teachers’ home for a midnight snack. Late at night, Moger sent him back to the Imperial Palace, agreeing to meet at the military academy’s training ground the next morning.

Li You jogged back to his room. After showering and sitting down, Li Ye’s video call suddenly came through. Caught off guard, he flinched and flung the Light Brain away.

The Light Brain on the floor: “…”

From Li Ye’s view, the screen spun wildly before settling on the ceiling.

He fell silent for a moment before asking, “What are you doing?”

Li You hurriedly picked up the Light Brain, wiped it clean, and cradled it carefully. When he saw Li Ye’s face on the screen, his heart raced several beats faster. “Just finished showering. You?”

“Writing work logs.”

“Oh.”

Their words were sparse, but Li You’s heart itched. He stared at Li Ye’s face on the screen, listening to the sound of the Old Pen scratching across paper, and softly called, “Brother.”

Li Ye looked up at the flushed-faced youth in the lens. “Mm, here.”

“I’ve finished the enrollment procedures. Reporting tomorrow.”

“Good.” Li Ye nodded. “Tell me if anything upsets you.”

“I know.” Li You’s fingers brushed the light screen, slowly tracing Li Ye’s face. His heartbeat roared in his ears. Though already bashfully overwhelmed, he couldn’t help calling again, “Bro.”

“Mm?”

“I kind of miss you.”

Silence on the other end for a beat. Li Ye looked up to see only the tuft of hair sticking up on Li You’s head. He stayed quiet for a while, then set down the Old Pen. “Hiding? You dare say that to me but won’t look?”

“…Mm mm.” Li You mumbled softly through his lips, trying to muddle through.

“What? Didn’t hear.” Li Ye watched him, his voice lowering a touch. “Li You, look at me.”

That low voice sent a tingle through Li You’s ears. He froze like he’d been hit with a binding spell, reacting only after a long pause. He sneaked a peek at the light screen, saw Li Ye’s face, and quickly ducked away.

His heart pounded chaotically, face burning hot.

Heavens, had his brother always been this handsome?

Li You stole another glance at the lens, struck again by Li Ye’s superior bone structure, his heart trembling. He wondered inwardly why he hadn’t noticed this before!

No, he’d always known his brother was handsome. Now it was probably because… he had a filter for his brother…

Noticing Li You peeking, Li Ye raised a brow. “Why so sneaky?”

“…” Li You showed only the upper half of his face, round eyes staring blankly at Li Ye, cheeks nearly aflame, yet his mouth stayed honest. “You look so good.”

Li Ye went still for a few seconds, then said, “I suspect you’re doing this on purpose.”

Li You puzzled. “What?”

“Doing it on purpose while I’m out on mission.” Li Ye watched him.

“Wronged! I didn’t.” Li You’s lashes fluttered rapidly. “I just happened to remember giving you the Ring, then recalled it was made of A-187X crystal, then thought again that through it I could see…”

He cut himself off abruptly. Li Ye narrowed his eyes on the other end. “See what?”

“…” Li You averted his gaze, stood, and paced the room, changing the subject. “Bro, have you eaten?”

“Eaten.”

“When do you rest?”

“After the work log.”

“Oh, then you must be busy, so I’ll—”

“Not busy.” Li Ye eyed the wandering lens. “I have time. Tell me what you saw.”

Images from the Illusion Realm popped into Li You’s mind one by one.

Young Li You chattering nonstop that he liked his brother. On the eve of parting, Li You grabbed Li Ye’s hand, his final words also “I like brother.”

Either one seemed embarrassing to say aloud.

He muttered softly, “If you want to know, come back and touch the Ring yourself to see.”

Li Ye said nothing, finally replying, “Fine.”

Li You glanced at the screen several times, feeling something off.

Why was his brother so quiet?

After thinking it over, he probed, “Hang up first?”

“No. You sleep—put the Light Brain by your side.” Li Ye said.

“I’m not that sleepy actually.” Li You plopped on the bed, rolling side to side, clutching the Light Brain and flipping angles to watch Li Ye work.

Soon, Li Ye looked up from his log and saw the youth had fallen asleep. Steady breaths came through the video, like feathers brushing his heart.

Li Ye gazed calmly at Li You’s face, reached out, and let his fingertip trace the youth’s image on the screen, outlining his features before lingering on the mole at Li You’s neck, his gaze deepening.

Li You slept soundly, waking early too. He opened his eyes to see it still dark outside, so he shut them to sleep more. As he rolled over, he suddenly felt an odd sensation in a certain part of his body.

Li You: “…”

He huffed sulkily, curling up, his body tense. Still groggy with sleep, he suddenly recalled that time with Li Ye, and heat flushed through him.

He clutched the covers motionless for a long while, sighed, and curled into a shrimp, muscles taut, not daring to move.

In the darkness, the youth’s suppressed voice trembled. Long after, it showed no sign of calming. He rolled over, buried his face in the pillow, and whispered densely, “Brother…”

“…” In the quiet, at the end where the call never disconnected, Li Ye pressed his lips tight, watching the Light Brain. He took a deep breath but ultimately stayed silent, not wanting to disturb.

Yet in this moment, both endured exquisite torment.