Chapter 44: Choices

Chapter 44: Choices

Busy Xu Xu, coming back to the country this time was certainly not for a leisurely stroll or brewing soup. Primarily, he returned to sort out Ye Lincheng's overseas study plans, but coincidentally it was his vulnerable period, hence the pot of soup.

The soup, a blend of caterpillar fungus, tea tree mushrooms, and pork ribs, was light brown with a tantalizing mushroom aroma.

"I need to discuss this with my son first," Xu Xu continued,

"Chengcheng, your father and I feel you should attend Y University. We know many people there, and several professors collaborate with our company. It'd be convenient for you. Besides..."

"Mom, I'm not going abroad."

After speaking, Ye Lincheng took a sip from his bowl, felt the hot soup, immediately cautioned Xie Chu in a whisper, "It's hot. Let it cool a bit before drinking."

Hearing this unexpected remark, a hint of surprise finally appeared on Xu Xu's usually composed face. She set down her porcelain spoon and raised an eyebrow, "You're not going abroad?"

"No, I'm taking the college entrance exam."

Ye Lincheng's tone was steady, casual. From his demeanor, it was evident this wasn't a spontaneous decision. He must've been contemplating it for some time.

If the previous atmosphere at the dinner table was casual banter, the mood now turned a bit tense after those words. Xu Xu's posture became a tad more formal.

"This isn't a joke. Don't treat it like joining a community basketball game because it seems exciting," Xu Xu glanced at Xie Chu, holding his gaze for a moment before pulling back, "We give you freedom in most things, but not when it comes to college."

"The college entrance exam? How well can you score? Which universities do you think you can get into?"

The dining room fell silent instantly.

That's a difficult question to answer right now. Even if based on Ye Lincheng's best midterm performance to date, he's only at a level for a second-tier university. Mentioning that wouldn't be convincing.

Having navigated the ups and downs of the business world for years, Xu Xu had long grown accustomed to the role of a decision-maker. She doesn't have the luxury to ponder processes; she seeks outcomes—outcomes that would satisfy both her and the Ye family. Matters like attending university were supposed to be pre-decided; Ye Lincheng merely needed to follow the path she and Ye Tian had laid out.

However, with Xie Chu now in the picture, she had to reconsider some plans.

If Ye Lincheng was genuinely invested, she wouldn't mind having an outstanding Omega daughter-in-law. For the Ye family, the earlier Ye Lincheng's acquaintances, the more innocent their backgrounds and histories, making them more suitable matches.

Otherwise, if in the future the young lad brings home someone with a colorful past, she'd be left cleaning up the mess.

Xie Chu seemed perfect in her eyes, unblemished.

His pheromones were exceptional.

If Ye Lincheng mentioned wanting to study abroad together with Xie Chu, Xu Xu would probably agree without hesitation. However, teenagers in their youth seldom say what their parents wish to hear. Sipping his hot soup, Ye Lincheng said,

"Wherever he applies, I'll apply."

Xie Chu, who had been silent, flinched.

Xu Xu's gaze became complex.

She was familiar with Xie Chu's records and academic performance. Ranking consistently first in Jia City No.1 High School, always leading the second by over twenty points. With such grades, Tsinghua or Peking University was almost a guarantee unless something went wrong.

Her understanding of Ye Lincheng's academic performance was still based on when he transferred schools. The school principal, with a cheeky grin, once showed Xu Xu Ye Lincheng's total score, asking, "This is Mr. Ye's math score, right? Quite good. How about other subjects?"

Xu Xu, without hesitation, retorted, "Did you use your feet to write the exam?"

"Mom," Ye Lincheng shot a glance at the straightforward Mrs. Xu, continuing seriously, "Mrs. Xu, you need to update your database. Your son is now a mid-tier competitor."

He quickly recapped the scores he had learned while staying at the guest house, then confidently asked, "Did I exceed your expectations?"

Xie Chu: "..."

Xu Xu glanced at the paper Xie Chu had handed her earlier, now discarded on the sofa. Though she wasn't well-versed in the exact high or low of the scores, she knew they were incomparably better than the scores that had once made the principal sweat.

Sensing the conversation wasn't progressing at the dining table, Xu Xu said to Ye Lincheng, "Come with me to the study." She then flashed a smile at the ostensibly uninvolved Xie Chu, "We'll have a chat. You continue eating; don't wait."

Xie Chu wanted to say something in Ye Lincheng's defense, but a reassuring glance from Ye Lincheng stopped him. Ye Lincheng said, "Sit down and enjoy the soup. My mom's soups are unparalleled, truly delightful."

"What do you mean by 'just'? Doesn't your mom's cooking taste good?" Xu Xu pushed the person, who stood more than a head taller than her, into the study. As soon as they entered, she shut the door and anxiously inquired, "What's wrong with you? Did you take the college entrance exam for him?"

Ye Licheng sat down at the table, his gaze wandering aimlessly, not settling on Xu Xu.

"What? Can't my son strive for greatness?"

So be it then.

Xu Xu lowered her voice, laying all her cards on the table, "If you like him, tell him. Go abroad together; you can still be with him, right? Mom likes him too. He seems so smart; when you're in the US..."

"He can also accompany you in playing mahjong, perhaps?" Xu Xu smirked, giving him a playful glance.

Only you would think of that.

Teasing aside, Ye Licheng didn't refute. "Yes, I know."

In fact, he had once thought the same.

"But my son, with his whole life ahead of him, if he can't even muster the effort to get into a good college, what right does he have to say he likes him?"

Ye Licheng paused, lowering his eyes, "If he says he can take care of someone for a lifetime, would you believe him?"

Xu Xu frowned, remaining silent.

"Mom, I've had everything growing up, all thanks to you. I'm grateful."

Though he still looked like the carefree young lad, with a dash of nonchalance on his handsome face, his voice was firm.

"In the future, I want him to have everything too. If he wishes to stay, he stays. If he wishes to leave, I'll take him."

"And not just because he likes me, should he have to give up his own path to accompany me."

Xu Xu pursed her lips, not saying a word.

It was the first time she had heard Ye Licheng speak to her this way.

For a moment, she suddenly realized this was no longer the mischievous little boy, who, only as tall as her knees, would cheekily follow her around. He wasn't the one who would bask in their parents' protective shade, carefreely playing ball, sipping soup, and then running off to find mom.

He had grown up, yearning for things that Xu Xu and Ye Tian couldn't provide. He had to earn those himself.

Xu Xu sat beside him, nudging him with her elbow, whispering, "So, not reconsidering? There won't be other chances in the future..."

"Nope." Ye Licheng cradled his head with one hand, laughing as he pulled her in with the other, "Mom, you can't have these wicked mother-in-law thoughts."

"Scram! Who are you calling wicked?"

Xu Xu glared at him, "Listen, if you don't get into a 985 university, you better go study abroad. Otherwise, the Ye family will blame me. If I have to, I'll use anesthesia and smuggle you overseas in a cargo hold..."

Ye Licheng hurriedly steered Mrs. Xu, who was seemingly plotting, out, "Drink your soup, Mom. It's getting cold."

"You could survive floating at sea for four months on compressed biscuits and still make it ashore. Once here, I'd throw you into a dormitory. Understood? Don't think your father and I have no ways to deal with you..."

A shiver ran down Ye Licheng's spine as he opened the study door.

"Mrs. Xu, wouldn't you like to take another look?"

Xu Xu paused, then shut her threatening mouth, returning to the table with a smile.

Yes, she should take a closer look.

Xie Chu couldn't overhear Xu Xu and Ye Licheng's discussion, and his heart was in turmoil, fearing that Ye Licheng might have a disagreement with Xu Xu because of him.

Just as Xu Xu returned to the dining table, Xie Chu blurted out, "Auntie, he's incredibly smart. He'll make it. I'll tutor him daily. And, I can reconsider going too..."

Unexpectedly, Xu Xu seemed to be in a good mood and curiously asked, "Why would you tutor him every day?"

Xie Chu was momentarily speechless, his ears turning red.

Looking at Ye Licheng, who was sipping soup, it was evident he had no intention of coming to Xie Chu's rescue.

So inconsiderate.

Xie Chu, blushing, murmured, "Because... we're close."

The apartment by the river didn't have many rooms: just a master bedroom and a guest room. After dinner, Xu Xu tidied up a bit and then put on her high heels.

"Leaving?" A distracted voice echoed from the study – it was Ye Licheng.

"Mm, going back to the lake area. I'll come cook for you a few more times before leaving the day after tomorrow." Xu Xu added, glancing towards the master bedroom with a contemplative expression, "Licheng, I've ordered some fruits and milk for you. Remember to get them when they're delivered."

"Got it."

Currently, Ye Licheng ranks 389th in his grade. With final exams in two months, Xie Chu set a goal for him: to rank within the top 300 and strive to be in the top 25 of his class.

After a long time apart, the two sat facing each other at the desk in the study. Xie Chu hung his head, resembling a de-feathered chick.

Ye Licheng sat across from him, a stack of test papers in his hands.

His face was ashen.

As the saying goes, without expectations, there's no disappointment. Expecting a monthly salary of twelve thousand only to find eight thousand in the bank. Imagining a date to be 1.8 meters tall but they turn out to be only 1.6.

Heart-wrenching.

"I genuinely didn't intend to deceive you this time," Xie Chu peeked up, trying to defend himself. "You know... at that time, you..."

Ye Licheng moved the test papers aside, meeting Xie Chu's innocent gaze.

The chick quickly looked down again.

Regardless, Xie Chu decided to admit his mistakes, "I may have exaggerated the results for two subjects..."

Ye Licheng's eyes narrowed, "Exaggerated?"

"Yes, exaggerated. What do you want to do about it?" Xie Chu raised his head, pouting at Ye Licheng, feeling slightly resentful inside.

After all, he even had a bitten lip from earlier.

The warm yellow light illuminated the man across the table, who was earnestly apologizing. His pale lips were tinted with a cherry hue, and a small tear made them look as delicate as butterfly wings, especially tantalizing in the play of light and shadow.

Recalling the sensation of their kiss, Ye Licheng felt a pang of regret for acting so impulsively and not savoring the moment.

His gaze, fixed intently on Xie Chu's lips, was unmistakably suggestive. Xie Chu, recognizing the intent, felt his heart race.

Perhaps a kiss wouldn't be amiss.

"One mark, one kiss."

Xie Chu: ...

After discussing and analyzing all the mistakes in Ye Licheng's midterm exam and categorizing every knowledge point, it was already past 9 PM. Ye Licheng stretched and leaned over the table towards Xie Chu, clearly intending to claim his due.

"Ding Dong" - the doorbell rang.

It must be the fruits and milk ordered by Xu Xu.

Fearing another swollen kiss, Xie Chu quickly stood up, stammering, "I... I'll get it." He dashed out, opening the door to grab two large bags from the delivery guy.

Ye Licheng followed at a leisurely pace, chuckling, "I was only teasing. Just one, okay?"

He caught Xie Chu, who was about to slip away to the kitchen, pinning him against the wall. Lifting Xie Chu's delicate chin, he said with mock reproach, "Does Chu-Chu not keep his word?"

With both hands holding white plastic bags, Xie Chu had no way to resist – not that he wanted to. He mumbled with downcast eyes, "Just one, like you said."

The next moment, Ye Licheng leaned in.

Their soft lips tangled together, and Ye Licheng teasingly pinched the recently healed cut on Xie Chu's lip.

But he was gentle.

Xie Chu felt no pain, just a ticklish sensation.

Their breathing grew erratic. Ye Licheng had promised just one kiss, but he never mentioned how long it should last.

It felt like ten minutes, yet it could've been half an hour.

A blush crept up Xie Chu's neck. Their tongues intertwined, reluctant to part, and moisture gathered in his eyes.

A rustling noise startled them as Xie Chu's weakening grip allowed the plastic bags to spill onto the floor. The two of them pulled apart, still lost in the moment.

Ye Licheng's gaze darkened momentarily, turning his head to gather his thoughts.

Xie Chu, face flushed, looked away too.

Then,

Both pairs of eyes

Spotted the small square condom packet on the floor. "..."

Author's Note: Thank you to my angels for their votes and nutrient solutions.

Special thanks to the angel who provided the nutrient solution: Qi Mo, for one bottle.

I'm immensely grateful for all the support! Some people die, but they're not entirely gone...

After an endless unconsciousness, Shi Yu abruptly sat up from the bed.

He took deep breaths of fresh air, his chest quivering with each intake.

Bewilderment, confusion, and a myriad of emotions welled up within him.

Where is this?

Subsequently, Shi Yu instinctively surveyed his surroundings, only to become even more perplexed.

A single-occupancy dormitory?

Even if he had been rescued, he should be in a hospital ward now.

And his body... How is it that there isn't a single injury?

With a puzzled expression, Shi Yu's gaze swiftly swept across the room, finally settling on a mirror by the bed.

The mirror reflected his current appearance, looking to be around seventeen or eighteen, with handsome features.

The previous him was a dashing young man in his twenties, having been in the workforce for some time.

Now, however, he looked no older than a high school student...

This transformation left Shi Yu in stunned silence for a long while.

Please don’t tell him the surgery was a success...

A change in body and appearance, this wasn't about surgery anymore; it was like magic.

He had become an entirely different person!

Could it be... he had traveled through time?

Aside from the oddly placed mirror by the bed, which seemed to defy feng shui principles, Shi Yu noticed three books nearby.

Picking one up, the title rendered him speechless.

"Beginner's Guide to Creature Caretaking"

"Postnatal Care for Magical Beasts"

"A Review Guide to Otherworldly Beast-Eared Girls"

Shi Yu:

The first two book titles seem reasonable, but what's up with the last one?

"Ahem."

Shi Yu's gaze turned stern as he reached out, but his arm stiffened almost immediately.

Just as he was about to flip through the third book, curious about its content, a sharp pain surged through his brain, and a flood of memories washed over him.

Icefield City.

Pet Beast Breeding Base.

Intern Beast Caretaker. The website is about to shut down. Download the "Ai Yue" app to provide you with the famous "Zhi Zhi Zhi's" deceptive beautiful Omega.

Beast Master?