Chapter 36: The Pain of Yearning 2

Chapter 36: The Pain of Yearning 2

In the following days, Yun He once again found himself lost in thought, oblivious to the passing of time. Gu Jiabei's prolonged absence weighed heavily on his heart. Though Yun He was grateful for technology that allowed him to see Gu Jiabei through his phone, it was a meager comfort in alleviating his longing. Like a distant oasis, it couldn't quench his immediate thirst. To distract himself, Yun He busied himself with homework, but when he finished, he was left with nothing but idle hours, sighing at the bleak winter scenery in his grandfather's courtyard.

A few times, Yun He spotted Gu Jiabei in Lu Angyu's social media feed, adding to his heartache. Frustration, yearning, impulsiveness, and worry intertwined in a bitter cocktail of emotions.

Lin Yong called Yun He several times, asking when he would return. Yun He didn't know how to respond. He didn't want to go back to a place without Gu Jiabei; it felt empty. Yet, he yearned to return to a place where Gu Jiabei had once been, if only to find solace in memories.

Days passed in this turmoil. Eventually, Cai Mingzhi and Yun Qingtian returned home to resume their business, yet Yun He remained, lingering in his grandparents' house, immersed in melancholy thoughts.

Just as the winter break was drawing to a close, Gu Jiabei finally conveyed his imminent return. Yun He, overjoyed, raced around the yard with the big dog, their movements mirroring his excitement.

On the day Gu Jiabei set off, Yun He boarded a bus too.

One traveled south by plane, while the other, Yun He, found himself stranded in a broken-down bus on the northern route.

When Yun He had to disembark at a rest stop, frustration threatened to overwhelm him. If only he had taken the morning bus, or if his grandparents hadn't insisted he finish lunch before leaving, he wouldn't be stuck in this situation. Half of the passengers waited inside the bus for a replacement, while the others aimlessly wandered the rest stop. Yun He, like an anxious hamster, paced around the bus, watching the driver futilely attempt repairs. Finally, the driver shook his head, "Wait for the next bus. This one can't be fixed."

Desperation often breeds unforeseen obstacles. Yun He now understood this truth all too well.

By the time Yun He finally returned to the familiar building after a series of ordeals, night had fallen. His hands trembled with anticipation at the thought of seeing the person he yearned for. Suppressing his heavy breaths, he walked up the dimly lit stairs, his ears filled with the pounding of his own heart.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Yun He raised his enthusiastic hand to knock on Gu Jiabei's door, still wearing his backpack on his shoulders, not even bothering to go home and put it down before coming over.

The door creaked open, revealing a beam of light, and it was Zhang Xunmei who stood in the doorway.

"Aunt Zhang," Yun He suppressed the urge to burst through the door, offering Zhang Xunmei a gentle smile instead.

"Little He? You've just returned?" Zhang Xunmei looked at Yun He with surprise, noting his dusty and breathless appearance.

"Yes, I just got back from Grandma's. Auntie, is Gu Jiabei at home? I need to talk to him about something," Yun He replied hastily.

"Oh, he's in his bedroom. Come on in," Zhang Xunmei welcomed him with a full smile, opening the door wide.

Yun He glanced around the vicinity but didn't spot Gu Wei. At this moment, however, he no longer cared whether Gu Wei was present or not. His eagerness to see Gu Jiabei overshadowed everything else.

"Go ahead," Zhang Xunmei chuckled.

Yun He nodded and strode to Gu Jiabei's bedroom door, turning the handle and eagerly pushing it open.

Gu Jiabei was seated at his desk with his back to the entrance, headphones on, holding a pen as if working on homework. Unaware of someone entering behind him, Yun He locked the door and swiftly approached, wrapping his arms around the one he longed for.

It felt wonderful to inhale that familiar scent again – the one that brought Yun He a sense of comfort.

The force of Yun He's approach was strong, pushing Gu Jiabei abruptly against the desk and embracing him from behind.

Startled, Gu Jiabei paused, then turned around while removing his headphones.

"Why are you back early? Didn't you say you'd return tomorrow?" Gu Jiabei frowned, but joy shone in his eyes nonetheless.

"I lied to surprise you. Unfortunately, the bus I was on broke down halfway, so I've only just managed to get back. Otherwise, I would have seen you sooner," Yun He whispered, nuzzling his cheek against Gu Jiabei's neck and tossing his backpack onto the floor.

"Are you silly?" Gu Jiabei stood up from his chair. "Why didn't you tell me the bus broke down? I could have picked you up from the station."

"It doesn't matter now. I'm finally here, holding you. You're finally back." Yun He clung onto Gu Jiabei, unwilling to let go. "Gu Jiabei, do you know that because of you, my Chinese grades might improve significantly."

"Hmm?" Gu Jiabei gently stroked Yun He's back, his dark eyes fixed on him intently.

"I've recently gained profound insights into many literary works and poems," Yun He said.

"Like which ones?" Gu Jiabei inquired.

"For instance, 'Since we last parted, I've recalled our meetings, how many times have I dreamt of you in my sleep?'" Yun He replied.

"And what else?"

"Also, 'I didn't know love until I fell, now consumed, by this longing disease.'"

"How about another?"

"Or, 'Whether walking or sitting, thoughts of you fill my mind.'"

"Go on."

"Enter the gate of my yearning, know the pain of my heart's affliction."

"More?" Gu Jiabei couldn't help but smile, his lips curving up in amusement.

"And, Gu Jiabei, I've missed you so much..." Yun He tilted his fair neck slightly, gazing at Gu Jiabei with affectionate eyes.

Gu Jiabei smiled and kissed him back. "I've received all your longing for me."

"Gu Jiabei, I locked the door..." Yun He whispered while kissing, his voice soft.

The mirth in Gu Jiabei's eyes deepened. "Naughty one, you've learned well."

"Well, a great teacher produces an excellent student, right?" Yun He sucked on Gu Jiabei's lower lip, looping his arms around his neck. Step by step, he pushed Gu Jiabei backwards.

When Gu Jiabei reached the edge of the bed, Yun He swiftly pushed him down onto it, then flipped over to straddle him.

"Gu Jiabei, did you know that I've been worried and scared, afraid that you wouldn't come back," Yun He pressed down on Gu Jiabei's shoulders, his eyes shimmering as he nibbled on his reddened lips. "What would I do if you didn't return? I still like you so much..."

"Silly." Gu Jiabei stroked Yun He's head affectionately, his palm gliding gently across his delicate face. "Don't dwell on such thoughts."

"Mm, I won't worry anymore now that you're back. Kiss me again, please." Yun He pouted, leaning closer to Gu Jiabei's face.

Gu Jiabei chuckled, observing how Yun He puffed up his lips, resembling a puppy seeking affection from its owner.

"My mother is still at home," Gu Jiabei reminded with a smile.

"I know, I'm not going to do anything else. I just want a kiss," Yun He muttered, then leaned in closer to Gu Jiabei with his lips pouted.

Gu Jiabei deliberately turned his face away, avoiding Yun He's lips.

Yun He grabbed Gu Jiabei's chin anxiously, turning his face back to face him. "Don't move!"

"Shouldn't the one not moving be you?" Gu Jiabei suddenly exerted force, flipping over and pinning Yun He beneath him, leaning in close.

Their eyes locked in a silent gaze, the temperature in the air seemed to rise a few degrees, and their breaths mingled with each other's scent.

After a long moment, Gu Jiabei slowly lowered his head, planting a gentle kiss on Yun He's forehead.