Chapter 34: The First Parting

Chapter 34: The First Parting

Lu Angyu spent his days indulging in play with Gu Jiabei and Yun He, unknowingly lingering until the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month. During this time, his parents hadn't sought him out, but his uncle had called several times, urging him to return home promptly. Each time, Lu Angyu dismissed these concerns with a few brief words.

"Are you planning to spend the New Year's here?" Yun He asked Lu Angyu as he maneuvered his game controller. They were engaged in a boxing match on a gaming console, while Gu Jiabei watched them quietly from the sofa. The gaming setup was brought over by Lu Angyu, and the three of them would often gather at Yun He's place for some leisure time, especially since Gu Wei had been spending more time at home lately, making Yun He reluctant to visit Gu Jiabei's house. With Yun He's parents busy earning a living at their fruit store, his home naturally became the go-to spot for their entertainment.

"I'll be heading back tomorrow, together with Bei Bei," Lu Angyu said absently, his eyes fixed on the television screen as his fingers tapped rapidly on the game controller.

Yun He's agile fingers suddenly stilled, and the character in the game was met with a punch to the face by Lu Angyu.

"Along with you?" Yun He sat beside Lu Angyu on the floor, turning to look at Gu Jiabei sitting on the couch behind them, his face filled with surprise. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's literal. I'm going back for the New Year with Gu Jiabei," Lu Angyu took the opportunity to deal more damage to Yun He's in-game character, wearing a mischievous grin. "Hey, Yun He, does the whole world suddenly seem sour to you?"

"Shut up," Gu Jiabei said from his elevated position on the sofa.

Lu Angyu shrugged nonchalantly and continued to unleash powerful moves against Yun He's character.

Yun He's fingers remained still, as he turned halfway to gaze at Gu Jiabei, his expression a mix of emotions.

Gu Jiabei softly sighed. "His uncle called my dad last night. They have some matters to attend to, and they're also taking Lu Angyu along. My grandma hasn't seen me in half a year, and she misses me a lot, so I thought I'd go back and visit her too."

"Game over!" The television announced, and Yun He's game character crashed to the ground. However, Yun He paid no attention to it, his gaze fixed on Gu Jiabei.

"Why didn't you tell me last night?" Yun He asked.

"I was afraid that if I told you last night, you wouldn't be able to sleep well," Gu Jiabei replied.

"Oh…" Yun He was trying to digest this sudden news. He had assumed that he would spend the New Year with Gu Jiabei. He had even decided not to visit his grandparents this year. But now, Gu Jiabei was going back to celebrate with his grandma. Though he felt uneasy about it, he couldn't act unreasonable. Instead, he suppressed his emotions and asked, "So when will you be back?"

"He's not coming back, right? If his father sorts out his business troubles, he'll surely return to where he came from," Lu Angyu said, casting aside his game controller to engage Yun He with playful enthusiasm.

"Lu Angyu," Gu Jiabei's face was a warning, his brows knitted together, and a hint of displeasure laced his voice.

"Enough of your nuisance!" Yun He shouted at Lu Angyu.

"Yes, I'm utterly frustrated, which is why I can't bear this annoyance alone – we should share both blessings and burdens, right?" Lu Angyu stretched out with a carefree gesture as he got to his feet, then strolled over to the dining table to pour himself a glass of water to soothe his throat.

Yun He's anger flared, his eyes reddening with emotion.

"Don't listen to his nonsense, he's just teasing you," Gu Jiabei gently pressed Yun He's shoulder, his expression softening around the eyes.

"I know he's no good," Yun He said, "but he can't be entirely wrong, right? You'll eventually have to go back to where you came from... After all, that's your home..."

"Stop thinking about useless things. I'm only going back to visit my grandmother; I'll come back," Gu Jiabei spoke softly.

"Uh-huh..." Yun He lowered his head, his mood plummeting.

"But it's the peak of the Spring Festival travel rush now, tickets must be hard to come by, right?" Yun He looked up suddenly, hoping that if they couldn't buy a ticket, Gu Jiabei wouldn't have to leave.

"What a joke. It's just a few plane tickets; my uncle could sort that out with a single phone call." Lu Angyu approached with his glass of water, casually splashing some on Yun He.

"Yes, with such an accomplished man as your uncle, whoever becomes your future sister-in-law will be incredibly fortunate!" Yun He glared at Lu Angyu, gritting his teeth in resentment.

A hint of melancholy appeared on Lu Angyu's devil-may-care face.

"Little Yun He, your words are quite cutting," Lu Angyu remarked, holding the glass tightly.

"You've got a long way to go to match me," Yun He replied, sitting on the floor and looking up at Lu Angyu.

Their eyes met in the air, crackling with electricity.

That day, Yun He clung to Gu Jiabei like a little shadow, almost following him into the bathroom to help him undress. Lu Angyu couldn't bear to witness it.

"Gu Jiabei, I think you're done for," Lu Angyu shook his head and sighed. "You might never escape from Little Yun He's Five Fingers Mountain."

"If you're bored, go back to the hotel and pack your bags," Gu Jiabei suggested.

"Sure, I'm not that insensitive. I'll give you two some alone time," Lu Angyu patted Gu Jiabei's shoulder before leaving, wearing a knowing smile. "Take it easy, buddy."

"Get lost," Gu Jiabei said irritably.

Lu Angyu left calmly, without fuss or anger, leaving Yun He and Gu Jiabei in a quiet room.

Yun He wrapped his arms around Gu Jiabei's waist, burying his nose in the crook of his neck, taking a deep breath. The familiar scent had a soothing effect on him.

"It smells so good..." Yun He murmured with his eyes closed.

"Should I leave you something like an undergarment? You can take it out and smell it when you miss me," Gu Jiabei chuckled, his gaze filled with a restrained tenderness, his peach blossom eyes exuding charm.

"I want to keep you here, attached to me, without a single article of clothing," Yun He lifted his head, gazing at Gu Jiabei with a slight tilt forward.

Gu Jiabei understood Yun He's intention and lowered his head for a kiss.

They embraced each other tenderly. Unusually, Gu Jiabei didn't dominate the kiss but instead kissed gently and affectionately. Yun He licked Gu Jiabei's soft lips, his breaths gradually becoming unsteady.

"Gu Jiabei... come back soon..." Yun He mumbled against Gu Jiabei's lips, his words slightly slurred.

"Alright..." Gu Jiabei cupped Yun He's buttocks, lifting him up as he carried him towards the bathroom. Yun He wrapped his arms tightly around Gu Jiabei's neck.

"Mmm..." Yun He was suddenly pressed against the bathroom wall, his back feeling the cold tiles.

...[censored]...

It was the first time they had done this for each other, as if from now on, they would always occupy a part of each other's lives, an indelible bond.

And I will forever be your first memory.

The next day, as Gu Wei accompanied Gu Jiabei and Zhang Xunmei out of their home, they noticed their neighbor's house had also opened its door. Yun He emerged from inside.

"What a... coincidence..." Yun He stood by the door, trying to maintain a natural smile. "Are we leaving now?"

"Yep." Gu Jiabei carried only a simple backpack. He could picture Yun He standing by the door, listening for any sounds from outside, waiting for this 'chance' encounter. Unconsciously, he stepped closer to Yun He.

"Little He, Bei Bei must have told you – we're going back for the New Year," Zhang Xunmei said gently, a stark contrast to the stern Gu Wei standing beside her. "We'll bring you some local specialties when we return."

"Thanks, Aunt Zhang. I'll wish you an early Happy New Year then," Yun He replied with a smile.

"You too, Little He. Have a happy New Year," Zhang Xunmei responded happily.

"Let's go." Gu Wei, carrying a suitcase, led the way down the stairs, with Zhang Xunmei close behind.

Gu Jiabei didn't follow but instead went over and gently held Yun He's hand.

"I'll walk you downstairs," Yun He said, his smile appearing effortless.

"Alright," Gu Jiabei replied, still unreadable, simply nodding in response.

"Will Lu Angyu meet you directly at the airport?" Yun He asked as they descended the stairs.

"Mm-hmm."

"I really envy him," Yun He said with a smile. "How wonderful it would have been if I could have known you since we were young."

"It's not too late now," Gu Jiabei replied earnestly, casting a serious glance at Yun He.

"Beibei, hurry up and get in the car," Gu Wei called from beside a pre-arranged taxi. The luggage had already been stowed in the trunk, and he frowned as he urged Beibei on.

Gu Jiabei looked at Yun He once more, though his expression remained unchanged.

In the end, Gu Jiabei didn't say anything and started walking towards the taxi.

"Gu Jiabei!" Yun He suddenly called out to him.

Gu Jiabei stopped and turned back.

"Gu Jiabei, please come back," Yun He whispered, desperately suppressing the urge to rush forward and embrace him tightly.

"I'll definitely come back," Gu Jiabei reassured with a comforting and charming smile. Using only lip movements, he mouthed the words, "My little darling," ensuring that only Yun He could see.

Gu Wei stood aside with a cold expression, frowning in silence. He only leaned down to close the car door after watching Gu Jiabei get into the vehicle.

The taxi sped away, leaving Yun He alone in the biting winter wind. Feeling the cold breeze, he experienced his first goodbye. It turned out that missing someone could begin even before they were gone for a single second.

The wind reddened his eyes, tousled his hair, and provoked a sneeze from him.