Chapter 73: Fried Egg Rice 1

Chapter 73: Fried Egg Rice 1

Gu Jiabei led Yun He into his staff dormitory, which was empty. Just as he hung Yun He's backpack on the clothes rack behind the door, he felt a force pressing against his back. Yun He's chest was pressed firmly against Gu Jiabei's back, and his arms wrapped tightly around Gu Jiabei's waist.

"I missed you," Yun He whispered against Gu Jiabei's broad spine, his tone filled with both coquetry and vulnerability. "Did you miss me even a little?"

Gu Jiabei turned around in Yun He's embrace. His expression held a mix of sadness and helplessness that seemed to linger.

Seeing that he didn't answer, Yun He didn't wait for a response. Wrapping his arms around Gu Jiabei's neck, he pulled him closer and kissed him without preamble.

Time seemed to flow between them, just like it did when Yun He had first kissed Gu Jiabei during their youth, driven by a reckless impulse.

Yun He's lips were slightly cool, while Gu Jiabei's were warm. Their lips intertwined, and Gu Jiabei's hand slowly found its way to Yun He's waist. Encouraged, Yun He took the initiative with his tongue, and Gu Jiabei, unusually compliant, allowed himself to be kissed.

The familiar scent of Gu Jiabei's cologne and cigarette smoke filled Yun He's nostrils, soothing the chill and hurt in his heart. Unconsciously, Yun He's hand glided down Gu Jiabei's chest.

Gu Jiabei held Yun He's wandering hand, gently pushing him away. His brows furrowed. "This is a staff dormitory. People could come at any moment."

Feeling embarrassed by the interruption, Yun He's stomach chose that moment to betray him with a loud growl. He could only say awkwardly, "...I'm hungry..."

"Not now, but I'll consider satisfying you when we get back," Gu Jiabei deliberately taunted Yun He.

"You..." Yun He blushed from his remarks.

Satisfied with Yun He's reaction, a subtle smile tugged at the corners of Gu Jiabei's lips, lifting his spirits effortlessly.

"Let me take you out for dinner," Gu Jiabei offered.

Yun He nodded and began to play the victim. "I drove all day just to find you, without even a drop of water or a thought of food. Touch my waist, can't you tell I've lost weight?"

As Yun He spoke, he seized Gu Jiabei's hand and placed it on his waist, relentlessly seducing him despite the recent mockery.

Gu Jiabei held Yun He's waist, gradually pushing him against the corner. With his knee wedged between Yun He's legs, he applied slight pressure on that sensitive spot, his tone laced with danger. "Are you sure you want to test my limits here?"

Yun He, overwhelmed by the friction, barely managed to suppress a moan. His eyes, shimmering with desire, met Gu Jiabei's. "Gu Jiabei, can you... hug me?..."

Memories flooded back, reminding Gu Jiabei of the rainy night they had parted ways. Yun He's trembling voice echoed in his ear.

"Gu Jiabei... can you hug me again...?"

It seemed as if the rain from that fateful breakup night had returned, pouring down in a torrent of memories, carrying the pain of the past and slamming it onto Gu Jiabei.

"I can be with you, but I can't hold you." Gu Jiabei's voice was soft and composed.

Yun He's eyes instantly reddened, but he forced a smile, pretending nonchalance. "Is that so? Then let's skip the hug. I'm hungry. Take me to eat."

The school cafeteria was long past its meal hours; when they entered, it was deserted, the spacious area appearing cold and empty.

Gu Jiabei walked straight into the kitchen, and Yun He followed.

"There's no food left," Gu Jiabei said after lifting the lid of a pot and peering inside. The pot was cleaner than his face, not a single scrap of food remaining. He then checked the rice cooker beside it. "There's still some rice."

"Then let's just forget it. I'm not really all that—"

"I'll make you fried rice," Gu Jiabei offered.

"Hmm?" Yun He looked at Gu Jiabei in surprise. "Fried rice?"

"There's only rice left, so there's not much else I can do," Gu Jiabei explained.

"Not really. I meant, are you capable of doing it?" Yun He was slightly surprised. "Aren't you the one who can't cook? Remember that time with the cake?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Yun He knew that mentioning the past would still be a sore spot for Gu Jiabei.

"It's been years. Learning to cook isn't exactly a rare feat," Gu Jiabei said as he searched for a plate to serve the rice, maintaining a calm expression. "You've picked up so many skills, how could I not try to catch up?"

Yun He watched Gu Jiabei anxiously. Relieved when he sensed no sarcasm, Yun He relaxed slightly.

"By the way, did you sponsor this primary school?" Yun He wished to learn more about Gu Jiabei's past. Leaning against the countertop, he observed Gu Jiabei washing his hands and chopping scallions. "Are you involved in charity work?"

"Well, you know my mother enjoys doing charity work, right?" Gu Jiabei couldn't help but frown as he noticed the unevenness of the chopped scallions.

"I do remember that, and more," Yun He replied softly.

Without looking up, Gu Jiabei paused in his slicing for a moment before continuing, "I established 'In Search of Beauty Charity,' so my mother could be involved, and it would also bring a positive image to the company."

"And what about Ji You? Why is he here?" The mention of Ji You made Yun He's tone turn sour.

"Do you want me to explain that to you?" Gu Jiabei asked, his almond-shaped eyes casually roaming over Yun He's face.

Yun He's lips trembled as he spoke softly, his voice tinged with a nervous sorrow. "I was just asking... If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine."

Seeing the hint of sadness on Yun He's face, Gu Jiabei felt a twinge of regret amidst his satisfaction. He wasn't sure what he truly wanted – to accept Yun He but feared repeating past mistakes, or to forget Yun He, something he had failed to do for over a decade.

Yun He was the fleeting yet life-altering glimpse of beauty from his youth.

"Yun He," Gu Jiabei's voice was low and warning. "Don't try to act cute or pitiful here."

"I'm not..." Yun He denied, turning his face away awkwardly, refusing to look at Gu Jiabei anymore.

Gu Jiabei sighed inwardly, accepting his fate. He then proceeded to chop cucumbers into diced pieces, but his efforts produced a rather unappetizing result.

"He was my classmate in college," Yun He replied, turning back at the sound of Gu Jiabei's slightly resigned tone. His gaze landed on the pile of uneven cucumber cubes before Gu Jiabei.

"I mentioned starting a business, and he insisted on joining me. His family has connections, which makes things easier, and he only invests for an end-of-year dividend without interfering in company decisions. So, he's still my partner in work."

After dicing the cucumbers, Gu Jiabei cracked an egg into a bowl, accidentally dropping some shell fragments inside. Frustration flickered across his face. "Are you satisfied with this explanation?"

"Mm." Yun He felt a bit reassured, knowing that Gu Jiabei's tough exterior hid a soft heart.

"Yet... Can you really cook?" Yun He couldn't help but ask as he watched Gu Jiabei fumble awkwardly with cracking an egg.

"I can."

"Should I assist you?"

"No need." Gu Jiabei's tone was rather unfriendly.

Yun He obediently stood aside, watching as Gu Jiabei lit the stove, heated the pan, and poured in oil. With the spatula held a few meters away from the pan, his action of tossing in the vegetables resembled throwing a grenade that one would want to avoid.

It seemed that the versatile Gu Jiabei truly lacked a knack for kitchen matters. Yun He couldn't resist the corners of his lips curling up slightly.

"You did say you learned how to cook," Yun He said, finding Gu Jiabei's clumsiness both amusing and endearing.

"I can cook, but not well," Gu Jiabei replied, his brows knitted together as he faced the sizzling pot.

Yun He chuckled silently behind him, even more delighted.