Chapter 14: In This World, There Are Many Men Who Love Men 1

Chapter 14: In This World, There Are Many Men Who Love Men 1

Zhang Xunmei's cooking was exceptional. Though Yun He didn't manage to eat three full bowls as he claimed, he did consume two substantial servings. By the time he returned home, he felt nauseous at the thought of taking another step. During dinner, he had been so focused on eating that he hadn't noticed the pain in his arm. Now, with no distractions at home, the ache was particularly acute.

Yun He decided against doing homework tonight, planning instead to ask his homeroom teacher tomorrow for an exemption until his arm recovered.

After washing up with one hand in the bathroom, Yun He climbed into bed, hoping that sleep might alleviate some of the pain. Just as he settled in, his thoughts drifted to Lin Yong. He wondered how Lin Yong was feeling tonight but decided it best not to inquire. To avoid causing Lin Yong further distress, knowing that his crush had rejected him and confessed to another boy, Yun He chose to pretend ignorance.

A short while later, Yun He's mind wandered to Gu Jiabei. It surprised him to learn that Gu Jiabei was his neighbor. How was it possible they had never crossed paths during their daily commutes? It was an extraordinary coincidence.

Just as these random thoughts occupied his mind, Yun He heard the notification sound of his phone. Struggling with one hand, he grabbed the device from the bedside table and was met with four bold characters staring back at him – Big Brother Jiabei!

"Big Brother Jiabei, what time are you leaving tomorrow morning?"

Yun He swiftly typed his response: Damn it!

"Big Brother Jiabei, shouldn't you say hello?"

"Damn it, Yun! Is this amusing to you?"

"Brother Jiabei" is quite intriguing.

"Cloud" So what did you note down for me?

"Cloud" Little Brother Hao?

"Brother Jiabei" Guess.

"Brother Jiabei" What time exactly are you leaving?

"Cloud" Guess!

A few seconds passed before Gu Jiabei's reply came through.

"Brother Jiabei" Then I'll knock on your door at seven thirty.

"Cloud" Why would you knock on my door?

"Brother Jiabei" To go to school together.

"Why" - Why should I go to school with you?

After a few more seconds of silence, Gu Jiabei replied.

"Elder Brother Jiabei" - Big brother is here to take care of you.

"Why" - But I didn't ask you to.

"Elder Brother Jiabei" - You will eventually.

"Why" - Damn it!

"Elder Brother Jiabei" - Is your arm still hurting?

"Why" - Of course it is.

"Elder Brother Jiabei" - Then get some rest early.

"Why" - Damn...

After waiting for several seconds without any response from Gu Jiabei, Yun He idly tapped on his profile picture to enlarge it. It was a side profile of Gu Jiabei, seemingly taken in the warm glow of sunset. The expression on his face wasn't clear, but his prominent nose and smooth jawline were visible.

Yun He exited the profile picture and casually scrolled into Gu Jiabei's Moments, which seemed to have not been updated for quite some time. The latest post was from three months ago, featuring a sunset with no accompanying text.

The next one down was likely from before the transfer, a group photo with a few friends - three boys and two girls. Gu Jiabei stood right in the middle, looking relaxed with a hint of nonchalance. A girl stood slightly tilted towards him on his left, as if her head rested on his shoulder, suggesting a close relationship. Yun He zoomed in on the photo to examine Gu Jiabei and the girl, wondering if they might be in a romantic relationship.

Scrolling further, Yun He noticed that Gu Jiabei didn't seem to enjoy posting selfies. There were only a few side-profile pictures besides that group photo where his full face was visible.

Then there was a short video. Yun He clicked on it, revealing a self-shot clip with only a guitar and hands strumming its strings in frame. Gu Jiabei's deep voice filled the room from the phone, almost creating an illusion of surround sound due to the quietness at home. As Yun He listened to the song with his eyes closed, he recalled the first time he saw Gu Jiabei - in the sunlit classroom, holding his guitar and turning to look outside, his eyes shimmering with light.

The next morning, as Yun He stepped out, he found Gu Jiabei leaning against the wall by his doorstep. His backpack was slung diagonally across his body, reminiscent of a scene where someone waits for their girlfriend. This impression was further reinforced when Gu Jiabei spoke.

"Have you eaten?" Gu Jiabei asked.

"No, I'll grab a bun on the way," Yun He yawned, tears prickling his eyes. His arm had ached all night, making it difficult to sleep.

Gu Jiabei handed him a bag. "Eat this."

"What is it?" Yun He took the bag and peered inside. "Bread?"

"Ah, my mom made it. Have some to tide you over." As Gu Jiabei spoke, he began descending the stairs.

Yun He didn't hesitate and started munching on the bread, cheerfully following behind Gu Jiabei. After a few bites, he frowned in dissatisfaction and asked, "Did you bring anything to drink? It's a bit dry."

Gu Jiabei pulled out a box of milk from his backpack and handed it over. "Here, young master."

"Can you put in the straw for me? It's inconvenient with one hand," Yun He said.

"Your arm is injured, not your hand, right?"

"I can't even lift my arm. How can my hand function properly?" Yun He took another bite of bread and shot Gu Jiabei a withering glance. "Besides, who was it that vowed to take care of me last night? Have you ever taken care of someone before?"

Gu Jiabei inserted the straw and held the milk box under Yun He's nose. "Shall I feed you then?"

"That won't be necessary. I can't afford to lose that much face." Yun He used the same hand holding the bread to grab the milk, pinching both with two fingers each.

"Impressive skills," Gu Jiabei laughed, admiration clear on his face.

"Thank you very much," Yun He replied with a casual tone.

By the time they reached the bus stop, Yun He had finished his meal and was satisfied. He threw the garbage bag into the bin beside the stop and then, while waiting for the bus, asked Gu Jiabei, "Why haven't we run into each other on our way to or from school?"

"I usually walk to school in the morning, and after classes, I work part-time teaching guitar. That's why you wouldn't see me," Gu Jiabei replied with his hands in his pockets, gazing into the distance for any sign of the bus.

"You walk to school in the morning?" Yun He was surprised.

"Mm-hmm. I don't like being squashed on the bus. Walking is pretty nice too. Maybe we can try it together if we get the chance," Gu Jiabei said, looking back at Yun He.

"No chance. Why use my legs when I have four wheels?" Yun He rejected the offer without hesitation.

"Alright, I guess I have a better idea of what kind of person you are," Gu Jiabei said with a slight upward curve of his lips, exuding warmth in the morning light.

"What kind of person do you think I am?" Yun He asked curiously.

However, before Gu Jiabei could answer, he pushed Yun He's back, signaling that the bus had arrived.

Yun He hurriedly took two steps forward, boarding the bus with the help of Gu Jiabei's push. Gu Jiabei followed closely behind him.

They inserted their coins and moved towards the back of the bus. As it was rush hour, there were no empty seats. The two stood side by side near the rear door. After one stop, a group of elderly people crowded onto the bus, making the already cramped space even more packed. One of the old men accidentally bumped into Yun He's injured arm as he struggled to find a spot, causing Yun He to wince and let out a sharp hiss.

Gu Jiabei glanced at Yun He and furrowed his brow. "Does it hurt?"

Yun He also frowned and nodded. "Damn, my luck is terrible. I've ended up in the most popular activity among the elderly."

"What activity?" Gu Jibei asked.

Yun He leaned closer to Gu Jiabei and whispered, "Listening to health supplement promotions, of course. They give out ten eggs and a bag of noodles or something like that. It's the favorite pastime for seniors across the country—Hey... Grandpa, please don't push so hard against me. My arm can't take it." Yun He shouted to an elderly man beside him.

An energetic and sprightly grandpa squeezed over.

"Young man, there's always pushing on a bus. Just bear with it," the grandpa said cheerfully, speaking loudly.

Yun He sighed and grumbled to Gu Ji Bei, "I'd rather walk to school..."

Gu Ji Bei didn't respond. Instead, he pulled Yun He's uninjured arm and positioned him in front of himself, shielding him from others like an eagle protecting its chick.