Chapter 43: Betelgeuse

Chapter 43: Betelgeuse

After dinner, Yun He took Gu Jiabei out for a stroll. The countryside at night was serene and pitch black, devoid of the neon-lit hustle and bustle of the city. Walking along the quiet country road, they listened to the chirping of insects, a tranquility that held a hint of indescribable emotion.

"I feel like we're shortchanging ourselves if we don't do something in this atmosphere," Yun He said as he led Gu Jiabei down a dimly lit path.

"In the middle of the night, you brought me out here – do you have ulterior motives?" Gu Jiabei asked softly, his voice low in the darkness.

It was as if someone had scratched the surface of Yun He's heart.

"Don't provoke me now," Yun He warned.

Gu Jiabei didn't reply. He simply followed quietly behind Yun He. The path was too narrow for them to walk side by side.

"We're here!" After about ten minutes, Yun He exclaimed satisfactorily, pointing ahead to an open field. "This is our destination for tonight."

"My birthday present is here?" Gu Jiabei glanced at the dark expanse before him, sensing that it was a grassy area.

"Yup, come on, let's head over," Yun He said, taking Gu Jiabei's hand and leading him towards the field.

"Come, sit down." Yun He took the lead, plopping himself on the ground and patting the grass beside him for Gu Jiabei to join.

Without hesitation, Gu Jiabei sat down next to Yun He.

"Look up," Yun He's voice whispered in Gu Jiabei's ear.

Gu Jiabei lifted his gaze to the sky, filled with countless stars that were invisible in the city's light-polluted nights. The neon lights of the city were too bright, the sky too high, leaving the nights barren. But at this moment, their sky was studded with stars sparkling like diamonds.

"It's beautiful," Gu Jiabei commented.

"Do you see that one? The brightest one, with a hint of red," Yun He pointed at the star directly ahead of them, "That's Arcturus."

Gu Jiabei followed the direction of Yun He's finger, though uncertain if the star he saw was the same Yun He mentioned, it was indeed the brightest in his view.

"Have you heard the story of Arcturus?" Yun He inquired.

Gu Jiabei shook his head.

"Cough, cough," Yun He pretended to clear his throat dramatically, "Arcturus is the brightest star in the constellation Bootes and also the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. It has a legend attached to it."

Gu Jiabei withdrew his gaze from the starry sky and looked at the young man beside him, whose profile was clearly visible against the night sky: "What legend?"

Legend has it that Zeus, the King of Gods, fell in love with his own handmaiden and together they bore a son. When the Queen of Gods, Hera, discovered this, her jealousy transformed the handmaiden into a great she-bear. As time passed, their son grew up and one day, while hunting in the woods, he stumbled upon his mother. Instinctively, she sought to embrace her child, but forgetful of her bear form, the son raised his spear in defense. Witnessing this heart-wrenching scene from the heavens, Zeus intervened. Unable to bear the sight, he lifted them both into the sky - the mother becoming the Great Bear constellation, and the son, the bright star known as Arcturus, forever watching over his mother.

"In the end, wasn't it all because of his father's mistake?" Gu Jiabei couldn't help but scoff.

"No, that's not what I meant. Ah, anyway, I just stumbled upon it online, so I'm not sure if it's true or not. But what I was trying to say is that Big Horn Star symbolizes bravery, because he's always protecting his mother," Yun He explained.

"Do you think I resemble Dajiaoxing?" Gu Jiabei smiled, though there was an indiscernible hint of self-deprecation in his grin.

"I believe you're incredibly brave, Gu Jiabei," Yun He said earnestly, gazing into Gu Jiabei's eyes. "You're unlike anyone else, yet you're so resilient and strong. In my eyes, you shine as brightly as the stars in the sky – no, brighter than them!"

"So don't be sad anymore. You've been protecting your mother in your own way, and you've done an amazing job. But many things aren't your fault, so please stop blaming yourself," Yun He continued, cradling Gu Jiabei's face in his hands, turning it to meet his own gaze. "I remember every word you spoke to me in the hallway that day. I could sense your turmoil and suffering. But Gu Jiabei, sometimes we really are powerless when it comes to adults' matters."

"That's because we haven't grown strong enough to protect those around us yet," Gu Jiabei replied.

"One day, we will be. Until then, I hope you can find some ease and joy in life, alright?" Yun He said softly. "And I'll be right here with you every step of the way."

Gu Jiabei stared at the boy before him under the starlit sky, captivated by his sincerity and the radiant light in his piercing eyes.

"Gu Jiabei, in this sea of stars before my eyes, you shine the brightest," Yun He said. "Happy 17th birthday." Yun He held Gu Jiabei's face, drawing closer to him slowly. Gently, he placed a kiss on his tightly pursed lips, then retreated back to admire him.

"Thank you," Gu Jiabei's lips finally relaxed, revealing a starry reflection in his dark eyes. That ray of light trickled into his heart, illuminating a corner that had been shrouded in darkness.

"Wait a moment," Yun He suddenly released his grip and stood up, dashing towards a cluster of bushes while calling out, "Wait for me! Don't follow!"

Gu Jiabei watched as Yun He disappeared behind the hay bales, unsure of what he was up to. All he could see was the restless movement of Yun He's head. After about a minute, Yun He's voice echoed from behind the bushes, "Alright, close your eyes!"

Gu Jiabei obeyed, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He had a good idea of what was coming next.

True to his expectations, when Yun He said, "Okay, open your eyes now."

Gu Jiabei saw Yun He crouching before him, holding a cake. On it were candles shaped like the number 17.

The cake looked simple, devoid of any extravagant decorations, but there were two little boy figurines on top.

"Do you want me to sing 'Happy Birthday'?" Gu Jiabei asked, his voice filled with amusement.

"Of course, and you should make three birthday wishes too," Yun He replied.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to my precious Gu baby, happy birthday to my precious Gu baby~~~" Yun He sang softly while holding the cake. "Gu baby, make a wish."

"I wish for Mom to always be healthy and happy," Gu Jiabei said to the cake.

"It will definitely come true," Yun He replied with a smile.

"For my second wish, I want to give it to you," Gu Jiabei whispered as he held Yun He's hand that was supporting the cake. "I hope all your desires come true."

"But I'm content right now, I don't have any wishes," Yun He said, tilting his head in thought.

"Then keep it for later, whenever you think of one. The wish will never expire."

"Alright, I won't say my third wish out loud."

"Mm." Gu Jiabei closed his eyes and made his wish beneath the shimmering galaxy of candles.

"Alright, blow out the candles then."

"Celebrate together."

"Sure!"

As the candle went out, the faces in front of each other dimmed. Gu Jiabei placed the cake on the grass beside him and suddenly lunged forward, toppling Yun He who was crouching in front of him.

"Damn!" Yun He found himself lying flat on the grass with Gu Jiabei on top of him. However, Gu Jiabei's hands were protectively cradling the back of Yun He's head, preventing any injury.

"In this atmosphere, should we do something?" Gu Jiabei whispered seductively into Yun He's ear, his breath warm.

Yun He swallowed involuntarily.

"Hmm? Do you want to?" Gu Jiabei asked again.

"Yes..." Yun He replied, his voice trembling with both nervousness and anticipation. "No one will come here. You can do whatever you want without worry..."

"Alright." A hint of amusement laced Gu Jiabei's voice. Then, he leaned down and nibbled on Yun He's earlobe.

...[Content removed for brevity and appropriateness]...

Yun He had no idea how much time had passed until he reached the peak of his dizziness, and stars exploded before his eyes, their light radiating with intense passion.

"Damn... It's like fireworks..." Yun He lay there weakly, his chest still rising and falling visibly.

"Next time, I'll give you a firework display," Gu Jiabei chuckled, patting Yun He's cheek.

"Your hand is sticky." Yun He frowned in displeasure, tilting his head to avoid Gu Jiabei's touch.

"You're complaining about your own mess?" Gu Jiabei found it amusing and climbed off Yun He, sitting beside him.

Yun He sat up too, pulling a disposable wet wipe from his pocket and passing it to Gu Jiabei.

"You carry wet wipes with you?" Gu Jiabei took it, glanced at Yun He, then tore open the package and wiped his hands.

"Better safe than sorry, right?" Yun He scratched his head. Lowering his gaze, he noticed the obvious bulge in Gu Jiabei's pants.

"You..." Pointing at that area, Yun He offered, "Let me help."

"No thanks. When it was time for mutual assistance just now, you were like a lifeless body. I'll be fine after sitting for a bit," Gu Jiabei replied, rolling his eyes after wiping his hands.

"Just now you were so engrossed... I didn't attend to you. Give me another chance, I—" Yun He's words were cut short by a meowing sound.

The cry was pitiful, and Yun He looked around, spotting a small kitten not far away.

"A kitten?" Gu Jiabei also noticed the creature.

Yun He approached, and the kitten didn't move but cried even more pitifully. Upon closer inspection, it was trembling.

"This kitten is so tiny." After observing the kitten for a while, Yun He noticed it had no intention of fleeing, so he gently picked it up.

"Is it injured?" Gu Jiabei came over as well.

Holding the kitten up in the air, Yun He examined it and found no signs of injury. "Maybe it's just hungry, crying like that."

"It seems to be a stray cat," Gu Jiabei deduced after studying the kitten closely.

"Mm-hm, there are plenty of strays around here, both cats and dogs. But this little one is quite adorable," Yun He said, stroking the kitten's head.

"Do you like cats?" Gu Jiabei asked.

"Well, I prefer cats over silly dogs anyway," Yun He said.

"Then let's both take care of it," Gu Jiabei also stroked the cat's head, and the kitten meowed softly again.

"Really?" Yun He didn't expect Gu Jiabei to make such a suggestion.

"Mm-hmm," Gu Jiabei nodded. "Let's give it a name."

"Hmm... How about White Kitten?" Yun He racked his brains for a moment.

"Why not just call it Mimi?" Gu Jiabei couldn't help rolling his eyes at Yun He.

"Then what should we call it?" Yun He said irritably. "When I was a kid, I had a little yellow duck, and I named it Little Yellow Duck. Simple and straightforward, right?"

"But it lacks creativity," Gu Jiabei commented.

"Well, then come up with something creative and let me hear it," Yun He said, not convinced.

Gu Jiabei thought for a couple of seconds before suggesting, "How about Baiyun, since it's so white, and it can also be associated with your given name? What do you think?"

"Baiyun Jr.?" Yun He repeated. "It does roll off the tongue, but why is it only associated with my character and not yours? Isn't this our cat?"

"Because you're its mother," Gu Jiabei replied promptly.

"Pah, you're its mother! I'm its father! Oh, wait, that has nothing to do with parents… Never mind, Baiyun Jr. it is for now. I'll think of a better name later and change it then." Yun He stroked the white kitten in his arms.

"Alright, it's up to you," Gu Jiabei said with a smile. "Come on, let's go eat the cake."

Yun He carried Baiyun Jr. over to where the cake was, then sat down on the grass. The ground was a bit damp, but Yun He didn't mind. He was in a great mood, holding the kitten lovingly and playing with it.

Gu Jiabei took out his phone and snapped a photo of the cake. Then, he took another picture of Yun He holding the cat.

"Is it even visible in this darkness?" Yun He asked.

"I didn't use the flash, so it's not very clear," Gu Jiabei replied.

"Then who are you taking pictures for?!" Yun He grumbled.

To his surprise, Gu Jiabei actually answered, "For Lu Angyu."

Gu Jiabei was absorbed in his phone, failing to notice that Yun He had paused stroking the cat, with a deadly glare in his eyes.

"Why did you randomly send him a picture?" Yun He asked coldly.

Perceiving the unusual tone in Yun He's voice, Gu Jiabei lifted his gaze from his phone to Yun He's face. Seeing the even colder expression, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Is your mind filled with jealousy? Lu Angyu sent me a birthday red packet, so I intended to return the favor with a photo. How is that random?"

"Hmph, is a red packet such a big deal? Was it even over a thousand?" Yun He dismissed it nonchalantly.

"Seventeen thousand," Gu Jiabei replied with a smile, raising his eyebrows high as he looked at Yun He's defeated expression with great interest.

"Prodigal!" Yun He grumbled, then roughly tousled Little Baiyun's innocent head, causing the kitten to meow in grievance.

After that, Gu Jiabei's lips remained curled in a smile. Of course, Yun He's lips never curved up again either.

"How did you usually spend your birthdays before? Were they wild all-night parties with a bunch of shady friends, just like those wealthy second-generation characters on TV, indulging in decadent luxury?" Yun He stabbed the cake fiercely with a small fork.

"You must have watched quite a few dramas," Gu Jiabei chuckled. "Something like that, I guess, but probably not as decadent and extravagant."

Yun He huffed through his nose. "The rich never think they're being indulgent or luxurious!"

Yun He lifted his wrist to glance at the watch Gu Jiabei had given him, his expression slightly downcast. "A birthday gift as expensive as this... I—"

"I don't care about that," Gu Jiabei interrupted Yun He's self-deprecation. "Besides, strictly speaking, I'm currently in a state of decline."

"Even a dead camel is still bigger than a horse!"

"Damn..." Gu Jiabei realized Yun He was quite adept at using colloquial expressions.

"But I still prefer these two little boy cakes and this sky full of stars," Gu Jiabei whispered closer to Yun He. "Most importantly, the person who gave me these gifts is named Yun He."

Gu Jiabei kissed away the crumbs of cake from the corner of Yun He's mouth, gently licking them into his own mouth.

Yun He felt himself being shamelessly cheered up in an instant, even leaning in to reciprocate the kiss, wrapping his arms around Gu Jiabei's neck.

"I'll celebrate your birthday with you from now on," Yun He said, biting Gu Jiabei's lip.

"Alright."

"You're not allowed to let Lu Angyu celebrate it with you!" Yun He warned fiercely. "No, wait, you can accept his red packet – might as well take it if he offers!"

"Alright, I'll tell him tonight. From now on, he's only allowed to send red envelopes for my birthday, not wishes," Gu Jiabei's eyes curved into crescents with his smile.

"I'm jealous of him..." Yun He said with a tinge of grievance, losing his previous hostility and appearing rather pitiful. "He's good-looking, comes from a wealthy family, and you two grew up together with a strong bond. Most importantly, he's gay! What if one day he suddenly falls for me again? What should I do then?"

"F*ck..." Gu Jiabei couldn't help but shiver. "What kind of twisted logic is that? If he liked me, he would've done so long ago. Why wait? Besides, aren't you aware of who he likes? Stop playing matchmaker here."

"But what if I can't help being jealous of him?!" Yun He pouted.

"Admit it, are you just a jealous person or not?" Gu Jiabei said helplessly.

"So what if I am? I'm your exclusive green-eyed monster! I only get jealous over you. What can you do about it?" Yun He declared confidently.

"There's nothing I can do. You spoil your own boyfriend, after all." Gu Jiabei picked up a small fork, took a bite of the cake leisurely, and put it in his mouth. "Look at me. I never get jealous because I have enough confidence in myself."

"Really? You've never been jealous of anyone for me?"

"Of course not," Gu Jiabei nodded shamelessly.

"Fine, you win..." Yun He gritted his teeth, resolving to cling to Lin Yong like Siamese twins once school started, just to see if Gu Jiabei would feel jealous or not.