Chapter 24: Gu Wei 1

Chapter 24: Gu Wei 1

After the October holiday, the temperature difference between day and night grew increasingly significant, finally bringing the sensation of autumn to the northern region.

The scar on Yun He's arm had yet to fully fade, but he didn't mind much. It wasn't uncommon for boys to have scars, and besides, this one was connected to Gu Jiabei. He even felt that bearing a scar for the person he loved was worth it.

"One day, I was wondering why I like you so much even though we haven't known each other that long," Yun He said to Gu Jiabei when he had nothing else to do.

"How much do you like me?" Gu Jiabei asked.

"I just really like you. But if you ask me to describe how much, I wouldn't know where to start. Hey, do you think you like me too?" Yun He blinked, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Do you know what a foolish question is?" Gu Jiabei chuckled.

"A foolish question?"

"Questions like 'Why do you like me?', 'What do you like about me?', or 'Will you always like me?' Those are foolish questions."

"Well, if it's foolish, then so be it! They say love makes people lose their intelligence, right?" Yun He said with a grin.

Thus, the foolish Yun He was perpetually immersed in the intoxicating atmosphere of love. He would secretly slip his arm under Gu Jiabei's coat while sitting on the back of his bicycle, embracing him tightly beneath its cover. Every day, he would sniff Gu Jiabei's nape, where a scent lingered that was as addictive as marijuana to him. They would steal kisses in the dark, deserted corners downstairs. Yun He would also constantly chatter like a motormouth, expressing his affection nonstop.

One day, Lin Yong asked Yun He if he was in a relationship, which startled him. When had Lin Yong become so perceptive? Lin Yong had noticed that Yun He was joining him for playtime after school or on weekends less and less. Of course, during this time, Lin Yong himself had been busy wooing his goddess with various invitations and gestures.

After the weather turned cold, Gu Jiabei quit his part-time job at the guitar tutorial center. Either they would study together in Gu Jiabei's room each evening after school, or he would cycle around the city aimlessly with Yun He on the back. Occasionally, Yun He would inquire about Gu Jiabei's life before the transfer. It seemed that he had lived the typical life of a wealthy second-generation heir, indulging in entertainment and pleasure. Most of these memories were intertwined with the name Lu Angyu. Whenever this topic arose, Yun He couldn't help but feel resentment and jealousy towards Lu Angyu, since Gu Jiabei's bond with him was genuine and something Yun He could never have been a part of.

In Gu Jiabei's recollections of the past, Yun He meticulously observed that one person was rarely mentioned: his father, Gu Wei. Curiosity piqued, Yun He had probed for more information about him, only to be brushed aside by Gu Jiabei's casual remarks. It wasn't until late November that Yun He finally met Gu Wei.

Near Yun He's building, there was an old, small basketball court, consisting of a dilapidated hoop that had weathered countless sunrains. Ordinarily, the area was commandeered by neighborhood aunties for their evening square dancing, lasting from dinner time till around 8:30 PM. As the weather grew colder and nights fell earlier, they began dispersing at 7:30 PM instead.

Yun He often waited for the court to clear before dragging Gu Jiabei to play basketball.

"You don't like playing basketball, do you?" Gu Jiabei was surprised when Yun He mentioned wanting to learn from him.

"I don't like the pain, all that pushing and shoving for one ball. But I trust you won't try to knock me down when it's just us. Besides, I don't like seeing you play with others. Do you know how those girls watching you describe you?" Yun He said.

"Handsome," Gu Jiabei replied.

"Sensual! Damn sensual!" Yun He said indignantly. "The guy I like showing off his sensuality to others is like a green light flashing over my head. Do you understand?"

"I honestly have no idea what goes on in that head of yours," Gu Jiabei said with a helpless chuckle, shaking his head.

"Whatever I think about is far more innocent than what your fangirls have on their minds. One day, I'll show you their group chats – you've no idea how they talk about you behind your back," Yun He huffed.

"Entertain me," Gu Jiabei seemed intrigued.

"They speculate what type of girl you'd like, whether she's pure or cute, what brand and color of underwear you wear, whether it's briefs or boxers. Hell, I even witnessed them discussing how long you could last in bed! Damn, are you scared now, Gu Jiabei? If it weren't for me taking you in, you'd probably be devoured clean by those girls by now," Yun He rambled.

Gu Jiabei smiled slightly. "Did you not exchange any insights with them? After all, you're the one closest to the truth."

"Pah!" Yun He retorted fiercely. "Shameless!"

"What face do you need with your wife?" Gu Jiabei replied with a mischievous grin.

"Who's whose wife? You're mine!" Yun He shot back promptly.

"Alright then." Gu Jiabei leaned closer to Yun He, tilting his head to whisper seductively into his ear, "Hubby."

He then flicked the tip of his tongue gently against Yun He's blushing, fair earlobe, causing Yun He's fingers to tremble.

"I... I'm still a minor... Don't lead me astray..." Yun He clung to Gu Jiabei's shirt corner, his face flushed as he spoke with restraint.

"How can that be considered a mistake?" Gu Jiabei's breath brushed against Yun He's neck, his voice laced with a teasing smile. "But I'll wait until you turn eighteen. By then, no matter how much it hurts, you'll have to endure it, hubby." The word 'hubby' was emphasized with a playful rise in tone.

"In fact... there's no need to wait until I'm eighteen..." Yun He leaned against Gu Jiabei's shoulder and whispered softly, "I'm not a girl, and I don't want to be some chaste maiden..."

Gu Jiabei chuckled and gently pushed Yun He away from him. "But I don't want to seduce a minor. Are we still playing basketball or not?"

"You've already seduced me..." Yun He licked his lips as he looked at Gu Jiabei. "I don't want to play anymore. I want to play with you."

"It's better to have fewer unrealistic fantasies. You should know your place," Gu Jiabei emphasized the word 'place' deliberately.

"Well then, I'll surely be above others!" Yun He declared without hesitation.

"Alright, we'll talk about it when you really have the ability," Gu Jiabei mussed Yun He's hair. "It's getting cold. Let's finish playing basketball and head back early."

Although they called it playing basketball, it was essentially Gu Jiabei dominating Yun He. The ball seemed glued to Gu Jiabei's hands, and Yun He couldn't snatch it away. Gu Jiabei showed no intention of letting Yun He win either. After half an hour, Yun He hadn't even touched the ball.

"I quit!" Yun He stood still, panting heavily.

Gu Jiabei also paused, still dribbling the basketball in his hands. "So, do you still find me sexy?"

"Sexy my foot! Even farts are sexier than you!" Yun He shot a glare at Gu Jiabei and then, taking advantage of Gu Jiabei's momentary lapse in defense, tried to snatch the ball. However, Gu Jiabei spun with the ball, evading Yun He. Frustrated, Yun He simply wrapped his arms around Gu Jiabei's waist from behind and held on tight.

"Hey, stop tickling me, it itches!" Gu Jiabei was extremely ticklish; any touch would make him laugh.

Yun He increased the pressure of his tickling, his tone fierce. "This is what you get for bullying me. Do you treat me as your brother in the middle of the night?!"