Chapter 40: I Like You 2

Chapter 40: I Like You 2

During this time, Zhang Xunmei knocked and entered to deliver some milk. Seeing the two of them studying diligently, she didn't disturb them and left. Finally, at nearly nine o'clock in the evening, they both finished their homework.

Yun He sat up and stretched. "Finally done. We can enjoy ourselves guilt-free this weekend."

"Uh-huh." Gu Jiabei rotated his neck to relax.

"Then you should rest early. I'll go back to sleep too. Tomorrow, we'll take the eight o'clock bus for our trip," Yun He said as he packed his homework into his backpack and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment," Gu Jiabei called out to Yun He.

Yun He turned around to look at Gu Jiabei, who was still seated. "Anything else?"

Gu Jiabei stood up from the chair and faced Yun He directly. "Your English pronunciation just now sounded really nice. It had a good feel to it."

"Of course, that's why I'm the class representative for English. Let me tell you, not everyone has a knack for language," Yun He said with a hint of pride.

"So I had an idea just now," Gu Jiabei took another step forward, their chests almost touching. "When I have you beneath me, I want you to cry while reciting an English poem for me."

Yun He's eyes widened in disbelief. "F*ck..."

"Like it?" Gu Jiabei whispered with a teasing smile.

Yun He imagined the scene and couldn't help licking his dry lips. "It must be thrilling... I can't wait to turn eighteen."

Gu Jiabei gently stroked Yun He's earlobe.

"Wait, no! Damn, I almost fell for it!" Yun He suddenly realized. "Why am I still the bottom?!"

Gu Jiabei chuckled. "Alright, go back to sleep now."

"See you tomorrow, Baby Gu. Dream about me," Yun He kissed Gu Jiabei's lips.

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

After Yun He left, Gu Jiabei knocked on his mother Zhang Xunmei's door.

"What is it, son? Did Little He come home?" Zhang Xunmei asked, rubbing her eyes as if she had just dozed off.

"Well, he didn't want to disturb your rest, so he left without saying goodbye," Gu Jiabei explained.

"Oh, it's alright. I must have dozed off while reading the magazine. You should finish your homework and go to bed early too," Zhang Xunmei yawned again.

"Mom, I'd like to spend two days at Yun He's grandpa's house this weekend," Gu Jiabei said.

"Really? This weekend?" Zhang Xunmei frowned. "But tomorrow is your birthday. Are you not celebrating at home? Or are you planning to celebrate with Yun He?"

"He doesn't know it's my birthday tomorrow. Sorry, Mom. Let's skip the celebration this year."

"There's no need to apologize for that." Zhang Xunmei patted her son's shoulder, which she could no longer reach easily. "It's Mom and Dad who owe you an apology. We won't be able to celebrate your birthday like we used to this year. It's unfair to you, but your father did buy you a birthday present in advance. Mom was going to give it to you tomorrow, but since you're going out with Yun He, I'll give it to you now."

With that, Zhang Xunmei turned and went back to the bedroom, returning shortly with a beautifully wrapped small box in hand.

"Your father has been busy with work and couldn't come back, so he bought the gift ahead of time. Here you go, son. Happy birthday," Zhang Xunmei said with a smile as she looked at Gu Jiabei.

Gu Jiabei took the gift and hugged his mother. "Thank you, Mom."

"Son, you're growing more handsome and taller every day. Mom's getting old..." Zhang Xunmei sighed, admiring her tall son. "Alright, get some rest early, darling."

"Mom, you're not old at all. You're still beautiful." Gu Jiabei suppressed the ache in his heart and tried to sound casual.

"Alright, go to bed early," Zhang Xunmei said with a smile.

Gu Jiabei nodded, watching as she closed the door. He stood quietly outside for a moment, allowing the emotions in his eyes to surface gradually – a mix of heartache and guilt.

Back in his room, Gu Jiabei tossed the gift box into a drawer without another glance.

The next day, Yun He knocked on the opposite door early on. He was too excited to sleep.

Half-awake, Gu Jiabei opened the door, still dazed.

"Where's Aunt?" Yun He asked, unable to resist the harmless charm of Gu Jiabei just woken up. Handsome was always handsome, even in a freshly-awakened state, presenting a different kind of allure.

"She went out early this morning for a community event, visiting elderly widows and orphans," Gu Jiabei yawned, heading towards the bedroom. "Why are you here so early?"

"I couldn't sleep," Yun He rushed into the room, locking the door behind him. He wrapped his arms around Gu Jiabei's waist from behind and buried his nose in his neck. "I'm thrilled about going to Grandpa's house with you soon."

"What are you thrilled about..." Gu Jiabei allowed Yun He to hold him, letting himself be led back to the room.

"Sit tight for a moment, I'll wash up and then we can have breakfast before we leave," Gu Jiabei patted Yun He's wandering hand that was caressing his stomach under his shirt.

"Oh, alright then, but hurry up," Yun He said with a hint of reluctance, his gaze lingering lower. "Little Bei Bei is quite energetic."

"Yun He, I've noticed you've been rather lustful lately," Gu Jiabei commented, now more composed as he turned to face Yun He, who still held him tightly.

"But I don't act like this with anyone else, it's only because I like you," Yun He replied.

"How many times do you say you like me in a day? Have you counted?" Gu Jiabei teased, gently pinching Yun He's cheek.

"From the start to the end of each day, liking you, how could I possibly keep count?" Yun He responded.

"You're starting with your antics early in the morning, huh?" Gu Jiabei said, exasperated. "Oh, great Casanova, let go, you're squeezing the life out of me."

Reluctantly, Yun He released his grip. "Hmph, I can't feel your affection at all."

"That's because you're insensitive, silly," Gu Jiabei gave Yun He a light kiss on the forehead, smiling as he entered the bathroom with a twinkle in his eye.