Chapter 39: I Like You 1

Chapter 39: I Like You 1

From that day on, Gu Jiabei never mentioned Gu Wei again. Gu Wei spent most of his time in the south, only occasionally coming back for short visits. Life continued as usual, seemingly undisturbed.

As the weather grew warmer, Gu Jiabei and Yun He started going home for lunch every day. Although Gu Jiabei didn't say it, Yun He knew he wanted to spend more time with Zhang Xunmei.

Yun He also introduced Zhang Xunmei to a community service club organized by the neighborhood committee, which aimed to provide support to elderly widows and widowers. After joining, Zhang Xunmei would spend a few days each week with other volunteers, bringing homemade bread or meals to chat and accompany these seniors. She found this activity both enjoyable and meaningful, making her days more fulfilling.

The weather became increasingly hot, and they transitioned from long-sleeved shirts to short ones. One Friday evening in late May, Yun He suddenly suggested inviting Gu Jiabei to visit his grandparents' house.

"To your grandparents' place?" Gu Jiabei, who was doing homework, paused slightly upon hearing Yun He's suggestion.

Yun He sat backward on his chair, propping his head on the backrest as he tilted his head to look at Gu Jiabei. "Yeah, their place has great surroundings and fresh air. Let's go there for a weekend trip."

"Miss them?" Gu Jiabei picked up his pen and resumed his homework, asking casually.

"Mm, I do. Come with me this weekend, won't you? Please?" Yun He's eyes rolled around mischievously as he tugged on Gu Jiabei's arm, adopting a slightly pleading tone.

"Sure, let's go." Gu Jiabei remained focused on his homework but couldn't resist a smile. "I've noticed you've been getting more and more affectionate lately."

"Really?" Yun He shifted his chair closer to Gu Jiabei, leaning in beneath the older boy's eyelids with his bright eyes fixed intently on him. "Could it be because I'm starting to like you more and more?"

"Embarrassing," Gu Jiabei responded, tapping Yun He's head lightly with his pen.

"But I've never seen you act coquettish before. Hey, Gu Jiabei, could you show me how it's done?" Yun He grew excited, vigorously shaking Gu Jiabei's arm.

"I can't," Gu Jiabei rejected him coldly.

"Please, just once! Be a bit coquettish for me! I really want to see!" Yun He persisted. "Bao Bao Gu!"

"I truly don't know how," Gu Jiabei said helplessly.

"Just soften your tone, slow down your speech, and pout your lips a bit. Let me demonstrate," Yun He said, puffing out his own lips.

Gu Jiabei watched Yun He's lips closely, narrowing his eyes.

"Give it a try," Yun He urged, poking his own lips.

With one hand, Gu Jiabei gently held Yun He's chin, his fingertips grazing the younger boy's lips twice. "So, what should I say?"

Gu Jiabei's fingertips danced provocatively, transforming the atmosphere into an intimate one, filled with subtle hints of allure. Gu Jiabei looked directly at Yun He with an open gaze.

Yun He, with his chin held captive, couldn't help but straighten up. "Just say you like me..."

"In that case, show me how it's done," Gu Jiabei leaned closer to Yun He, their noses brushing against each other's cheeks.

"Gu Jiabei... With you holding my chin like this, how am I supposed to speak properly..."

"Just say it like you did before, in a softer tone and slower pace. And pout your lips," Gu Jiabei's lips brushed against Yun He's face, pausing near the corner of his mouth, his voice laced with temptation.

"Stop tormenting me..." Yun He tilted his head, searching for Gu Jiabei's lips.

But Gu Jiabei leaned back slightly, evading Yun He's kiss.

"Didn't you want to hear me be affectionate?" Gu Jiabei found endless delight in teasing Yun He.

"Darn it..." Yun He slapped away Gu Jiabei's hand from his chin, freeing his face. "Gu Jiabei, you're in trouble now. Tonight, I'll kiss you until you can't breathe!"

As he spoke, Yun He lunged towards Gu Jiabei, landing on his lap. He cupped Gu Jiabei's face, forcing him to look up, then eagerly sucked on Gu Jiabei's soft lips, his tongue flickering over his partner's lip.

Gu Jiabei's eyes shimmered with amusement as he wrapped his arms around Yun He's waist.

The air was saturated with Gu Jiabei's scent, which grew more intense with the rising heat of their kiss, urging Yun He to take things further.

Yun He nipped at Gu Jiabei's neck.

"Damn," Gu Jiabei didn't expect Yun He to bite down so forcefully.

"Do you want me to do that to you?" Yun He pulled away from Gu Jiabei's lips, his gaze fiery and bright.

"Do you want to top me?" Gu Jiabei looked at Yun He with a playful smile, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Of course I do!"

"How old are you? What do you have on your mind?"

"It's not illegal to think about it." Yun He hugged Gu Jiabei's neck, inhaling his scent deeply, and pouted. "Baby Gu, won't you top me?"

Gu Jiabei gently pushed Yun He away, patting his cheek with a smile. "Be good, don't think about it. On your eighteenth birthday, I'll top you."

"On my birthday, shouldn't it be me taking the initiative? You should present yourself as my coming-of-age gift!" Yun He protested unhappily.

"Then let's fight about it when the time comes," Gu Jiabei said lazily, his peach blossom eyes fluttering. "Anyway, you can never defeat me."

"Hmph, if I can't beat you physically, I'll outsmart you. Just you wait, Gu Jiabei, I'll definitely be on top during that time," Yun He threatened with a fierce look, baring his metaphorical claws.

"Let's see who has the skills then," Gu Jiabei dismissed Yun He's threat nonchalantly. "Get off me, I still have homework to do."

"How can you focus on homework with a handsome guy in your arms?"

"Well, would you rather I stay behind to do homework tomorrow while you go to Grandpa's alone?"

"In that case, hurry up and finish. Let's set off early tomorrow. I want to reach before lunch. Grandma's cooking is amazing. She can prepare a feast for you at noon!"

"Alright then, can the handsome guy get up now?" Gu Jiabei asked with a smile.

"One more kiss." Yun He planted a loud smooch on Gu Jiabei's face and sniffed his neck affectionately before finally getting off his lap contentedly.

Gu Jiabei shook his head, a mix of helplessness and indulgence in his eyes. "You clingy little thing..."

"It's because I like you so much that I cling to you!" Yun He rolled his eyes at him before sitting down at the desk and starting on his English exam paper.

Time ticked by silently as the two sat side by side at the desk, studying together with their arms brushing against each other.