Chapter 76 The Arrival of the Campus Flower

Chapter 76 The Arrival of the Campus Flower

The moment Ning Song got into the car, he leaned his head on Pu Yu's shoulder, appearing unusually docile and somewhat clingy.

Of course, he wasn't genuinely docile. When he tried to touch Pu Yu, Pu Yu caught his hand after just two attempts, which only made Ning Song more persistent.

So he deliberately leaned heavily on Pu Yu's shoulder, thinking to himself how mischievous he was being.

Pu Yu, of course, knew he was doing it on purpose.

Feeling both exasperated and amused, he really wanted to give him a lesson.

Pu Yu struggled with his thoughts throughout the journey.

In fact, their house was empty except for an aunt and a security guard. Ning Song could have easily gone back with him.

But he managed to hold his ground, believing that one of them needed to maintain some boundaries.

Ning Song was definitely not going to be the one to do so.

Wasn't he afraid at all?

When he dropped Ning Song off near his home, he got out of the car and said, "See you tomorrow."

Ning Song asked him, "Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Pu Yu: "...Not really."

"You can take care of it when you get home," Ning Song said, blushing but satisfied as he walked away.

As Ning Song approached his front door, he looked down and saw Pu Yu still standing below.

Ning Song liked this side of Pu Yu.

He thought about why he had fallen for Pu Yu in the first place. It must have been because of their contrasting personalities. When Pu Yu was still "Sardine," he enjoyed teasing such a polite and reserved person. The more Pu Yu restrained himself and held his ground, the more Ning Song liked it, almost to the point of obsession.

He was actually a paper tiger, but as long as Pu Yu didn't expose him, he could keep playing this game.

It felt novel. Whether it was exploring each other's bodies or reactions, he had a strong desire to discover more.

The beauty and uniqueness of first love perhaps lay in this novelty, the unknown, and the intense curiosity that brought new experiences. Together, they were drawing on a blank canvas, an experience that would happen only once in a lifetime.

Pu Yu was no saint either, able to resist such temptation. One reason was his strong sense of morality and responsibility; the other was his own considerations.

Human nature craves both food and sex, and Ning Song made no effort to hide his desires. While he did intentionally tease Pu Yu, most of it came from instinct.

Pu Yu found it hard to control Ning Song. With many rivals, especially Sheng Yan, who gave him a lot of anxiety, his romantic path hadn't been smooth. Added to the complexity of their long-distance relationship, Ning Song's increasing attractiveness, his good personality, and his soft heart, Pu Yu had his own worries.

People often say that men don't cherish what they already have, though this varies from person to person. But the unattainable is always more tempting.

So half driven by morality and half by his own calculations, he managed to hold his ground.

He even regretted sending Ning Song those videos before. He was too easily swayed by Ning Song. Even a slight sign of dissatisfaction from Ning Song would make him panic.

He couldn't continue like this. Now he was the official boyfriend and needed to be different from those pursuing Ning Song. He wanted to be the kind of boyfriend who had strict principles and was hard to get!

The next day was the start of the new semester. Liu Fen woke up early in the morning.

Ning Wei was also at home, and the couple planned to send him to school.

This was the first time they were taking him to Upper East Boys' School.

Ning Song knew they wanted to go, so he decided to show them around the campus.

On the first day of school, cars were allowed on campus, and Liu Fen felt a bit regretful as she saw all the luxury vehicles outside.

Since they were in a yellow taxi, which stood out quite a bit, Liu Fen suggested, "Why don't we just get off at the school gate? We don't want your classmates to laugh at you."

Ning Song replied, "Laugh at me? I won't even laugh at them!"

His good days were coming soon. His game was launching this month, and if it became popular, they would become wealthy!

With his good looks, excellent grades, a bronze medal in shooting during the summer sports meet, and dating the top student in the school, he had a loving family and a bright future. Who was he afraid of?

He showed Liu Fen and Ning Wei around the entire campus, took them to his dormitory, and even treated them to a meal at the school cafeteria.

Within half a day, photos of him and his parents spread across the school forum.

However, no one criticized Liu Fen or Ning Wei. Instead, everyone marveled at Ning Song's transformation.

"My goodness, in just two months, Ning Song has changed so much!"

There were photos of him eating in the cafeteria, walking around the campus, from every angle, and many clearly showed the surrounding boys looking at him.

He had developed a magnetic charm, which Jin Yang harshly described as a flirtatious aura. He was envious and pained, convinced that something must have happened between Ning Song and Pu Yu. Ning Song used to be so straight-laced and boring!

What could have happened? Just thinking about the possibility of the aloof Pu Daxi kissing or doing anything else with Ning Song made him jealous enough to scream.

On the first day of the new semester, the final exam results from last term were announced.

Ning Song ranked second overall, right behind Pu Yu.

This quickly boosted his points, surpassing even Chen Mo, the outstanding representative of their special admissions students!

The once-unknown bean sprout had undergone a qualitative change, causing a ripple effect wherever he went, drawing attention everywhere.

His beauty was different from Sheng Yan's, more delicate and fresh. Walking around the campus with his ordinary-looking parents made Ning Song seem more approachable compared to Sheng Yan's unattainable status.

A beautiful young man who's within reach, perhaps even one you could tempt.

Sheng Yan is a star in the sky, while Ning Song is a flower that can be plucked.

Now the bud is tinged with a pale pink, drooping wet and alluring, tempting to the eye.

This temptation isn't just evident on forums; it's obvious even in real life.

Pu Yu finished all his paperwork. He didn't know when he would return to Shandong province next time, so before leaving, he repeatedly instructed Ning Song: "Wait for my video call every night."

"Your English is still a bit lacking; I'll check your progress daily from now on."

"Don't read any love letters you receive."

Ning Song interrupted him: "What if it's a threat letter?"

To which Pu Yu replied: "You won't receive any more."

Ning Song was taken aback and asked: "Do you know who sent them? Qin Yi?"

Pu Yu nodded.

"Really him?"

"Later, after you and Aunt Liu moved to our house, someone came to deliver another letter. I had someone investigate, and they said the person took the job online. The IP address traced back to the Qin family," Pu Yu explained. "He might have seen our family being threatened repeatedly and tried to take advantage of the chaos."

"What happened then?"

Pu Yu said: "Their family is currently struggling. As for Qin Yi, I heard he's in the hospital, but I'm not sure about the details."

Ning Song raised an eyebrow. Pu Yu continued: "It seems he caused some trouble and ruined Old Qin's plans... After my father retired, Old Qin was still quite active."

Ning Song wanted to laugh, wondering what kind of script Qin Yi was following.

It seemed like he often got beaten up.

Qiao Qiao heard from Zheng Xiaobo that Qin Yi was frequently whipped by Old Qin. It wasn't clear whether he was whipped because of psychological issues or developed them due to the beatings.

"So no matter what kind of love letter, just collect them, but don't read them."

"I wouldn't be swayed even if I did read them."

"That's still not allowed," Pu Yu said.

He had a peculiar possessiveness, believing that emotions were very private. Ning Song shouldn't show his feelings to others or see theirs.

In this aspect, he had to be exclusive.

"What if someone rushes up to me?" Ning Song teased him.

Unexpectedly, Pu Yu responded seriously: "Do you know why few people confess to me?"

His tone softened slightly as he said: "You need to be colder. Over time, no one will dare to approach you."

But Ning Song was different from Pu Yu. Pu Yu was a prodigy, accustomed to receiving goodwill, kindness, and even flattery since childhood. He was completely immune and had no qualms about being cold. Ning Song, however, received little kindness and was inherently needy. He always wanted to repay those who were kind to him, feeling guilty if he couldn't. This applied to Sheng Yan and others, as well as those who confessed to him. He treated them politely and kept their love letters carefully.

Pu Yu understood him well, having initially capitalized on Ning Song's soft heart.

He felt that this trait of Ning Song's was dangerous, easily allowing others to carve out a place in his heart.

So he decided to play the opposite card, leveraging Ning Song's softness, saying: "Then you decide for yourself. I'm far away, so I won't know anyway."

Ning Song smiled but didn't say anything. With the new semester came a fresh start. Today, he looked radiant, his eyes sparkling when he smiled, showing how happy and content he was.

Pu Yu felt that Ning Song was the only joy in his busy and gloomy life, wishing he could take Ning Song with him.

Pu Yu was going to Xianchuan province by plane, and Ning Song went to the airport to see him off.

Initially, it was just a spontaneous decision, thinking he had nothing else to do, so he should go.

He used to watch couples in long-distance relationships cry at parting, thinking he was relatively calm, expecting to see Pu Yu again soon, so there was no reason to cry.

The airport was far from the school, over an hour's drive. On the way back, he felt very low. This was a new experience for him, the sadness of parting gradually overwhelming him, boundless and vast.

He was a bit slow to realize it. The next day, when classes officially started and Pu Yu's seat was empty, he felt a deeper sense of loss.

He really wasn't used to a campus without Pu Yu.

A week later was Sheng Yan's final match, and Pu Yu had free time on Sunday, planning to come back if possible.

The first week of school was busy, with many tasks. With the new president absent, Ning Song, as the vice president, had more responsibilities than usual, including training new members. He had no personal time during the day, so he studied late into the night.

On Wednesday night, as he returned to the dormitory, he realized someone seemed to be following him.

Actually, on Tuesday, Qiao Qiao told him that someone posted lewd comments about him on the school confession wall, talking about locking him in a dark room and other such things. These comments were quickly shared on forums, with people discussing everything from his lips to his waist, giving him a new nickname—school flower.

Ning Song was alert, constantly looking back but saw no one. Just then, Pu Yu called, and he told him about it.

Unexpectedly, Pu Yu was very worried and kept sending messages throughout the next day, eventually calling him in the evening.

Ning Song enjoyed this concern, walking to the dormitory while talking on the phone.

"Why aren't you walking with Qiao Qiao?"

"He's going back to play games in the noisy dorm." Ning Song added playfully, "With you here, I feel much safer."

Pu Yu didn't respond, and just as Ning Song was about to ask what he was doing, he suddenly sensed someone emerging from behind a white ash tree, following him.

His brows and eyes turned cold.

When his brows and eyes turned cold, he looked somewhat aloof and exasperated, as if he could kick the other person two miles away with just one step.

But when he saw who was in the shadows, his darkened expression instantly brightened, like ice breaking on a spring river.

"Ah!"

He exclaimed in surprise, his eyes shining even brighter at the sight of Pu Yu's suitcase and the bag on his back.

Ning Song immediately hugged him: "You scared me! I thought you were a stalker! Why do you have a suitcase? Are you back for good?"

Pu Yu looked weary, as if he hadn't slept for days, saying, "After thinking it over, I still need to keep an eye on you."

Occasionally, other students passed by, so they separated after a brief embrace.

Ning Song looked at Pu Yu, his love overflowing: "Then I'll sleep in your dorm tonight!"

Pu Yu also missed him, saying, "Let's go to your dorm; mine hasn't been tidied up yet."

Ning Song immediately grabbed his suitcase, still hardly believing this surprise, constantly looking at Pu Yu.

It wasn't convenient to be too intimate on campus, so he walked quickly while pulling the suitcase. Pu Yu followed behind, thinking that Ning Song indeed needed to be watched closely and couldn't be left alone for too long.

Ning Song helped him sneak into their dormitory building. Fortunately, it was late, and they didn't run into anyone in the elevator. When they entered the dorm, Fan Duoduo and Qiao Qiao were playing video games in their rooms, making a lot of noise.

Once they got into his room, Pu Yu asked, "Are they always this noisy?"

As soon as he asked, he was hugged by Ning Song.

Pu Yu said, "I haven't showered in two days."

Ning Song sniffed his neck and found him still very fragrant.

They embraced for a while by the door. Then Ning Song let go: "Have you eaten? Are you hungry? What would you like to drink?"

Pu Yu replied, "I ate on the plane; I'm just a bit thirsty."

Ning Song immediately went out to get him water, bringing various drinks and mineral water, but Pu Yu only drank plain water.

His diet was healthy and bland.

In contrast, Ning Song was more like a carnivore.

Ning Song was also tired today, feeling a sense of unreality seeing Pu Yu in his dorm.

He had dreamed about Pu Yu this morning but couldn't remember the details, only feeling joy throughout the day.

"How long has it been since you rested?" he asked Pu Yu.

Pu Yu said, "I slept on the plane."

"You should take a shower now. They'll be gaming until ten-thirty... Wait a moment, I'll ask them if anyone needs to use the bathroom."

He ran to ask Fan Duoduo and Qiao Qiao, then came back and told Pu Yu to take a shower.

He waited in the living room.

Thinking about how Pu Yu wouldn't leave again, his joy was overwhelming, even overshadowing the idea of sleeping together. After Pu Yu finished showering, Ning Song went to shower as well.

Pu Yu used his towel, which was damply hanging on the rack. As Ning Song dried himself, he started having other thoughts. The damp towel brushed against his skin, and he noticed a strange redness without much pressure.

This unusual redness was something he had never noticed before. He put on his clothes and returned to his room, finding Pu Yu sitting below, looking at his homework.

Ning Song applied some lotion and asked Pu Yu, "Do you want some?"

Pu Yu shook his head and said, "Your homework is quite messy today."

"I wrote faster because you told me to come back to the dorm earlier," he said, turning off the main light. "Aren't you tired? Let's go to bed early."

With the main light off, only the small desk lamp was on, casting a warm glow around Pu Yu as he looked at him with a slight smile.

"Don't worry, you're so tired, I won't touch you. Do you want me to sleep in Qiao Qiao's room?"

Pu Yu climbed onto the bed, and Ning Song turned off the desk lamp, using the light from the window to climb up as well.

The bed wasn't big enough for both of them, so Pu Yu had to curl up his legs or rest his feet on the bed's footboard.

Ning Song made Pu Yu sleep against the wall, while he sat cross-legged, smiling at Pu Yu in the darkness.

Pu Yu lay on his back, looking at Ning Song in the dark, not inviting him over!

Ning Song tried to lie down on the edge, facing outward.

Sleeping together was a bit cramped, with Ning Song pressed against the railing, one hand gripping it, feeling its coolness from the air conditioning.

Then Pu Yu turned over, wrapping his arm around Ning Song's waist, pulling him closer.

Ning Song's back pressed against Pu Yu's chest, fitting perfectly against Pu Yu's body.

Ning Song couldn't resist turning over, but Pu Yu held him still, saying, "Just sleep like this."

Ning Song felt it was inconvenient to face Pu Yu, unable to touch or kiss him. Just as he was about to move, he suddenly felt Pu Yu's hand slide down and grip him.

He froze.

Pu Yu's hand was very large.

Pu Yu chuckled, saying, "So spirited."

Ning Song curled up, shivering slightly. Pu Yu applied more force with his hand, and Ning Song grabbed the railing.

Qiao Qiao's voice came from outside, asking in the living room, "Aning, are you done yet?"

Soon after, he heard him say to Fan Duoduo, "The bathroom light is still on."

He realized then that he might have forgotten to turn it off.

Qiao Qiao called out again, "Aning?"

And then he pushed open the door to his dormitory. Seeing the dark room, he paused and looked up at the top bunk: "Are you asleep?"

Ning Song couldn't help but respond: "Sleeping."

"Sleeping so early? Will we disturb you?"

"I'm wearing earphones."

Ning Song slightly raised his body, resting his arm on the railing, revealing his slender white wrist. The faint light from the doorway illuminated part of the bed. His hair was messy, and his face had an indescribable delicate allure in the dim night: "Close the door for me; I'm exhausted."

His voice was hoarse, and Qiao Qiao took him seriously, closing the door.

Through the closed door, he heard him say to Fan Duoduo, "He actually went to sleep so early."

Perhaps afraid of disturbing his sleep, the sounds of gaming from next door ceased, leaving everything quiet. Ning Song gripped the railing tightly, his knuckles turning white, and let out a low moan.

Pu Yu thought that his previous approach might have been wrong.

He didn't necessarily need Ning Song to see or touch him. In fact, taking the initiative himself could be more effective. He could watch Ning Song and touch Ning Song, satisfying both of them while maintaining some mystery.

Most importantly, Ning Song wouldn't be so arrogant anymore.

He liked this side of Ning Song that no one else saw. He leaned into his neck, pecking his ear. Ning Song's bed was too narrow and short, forcing Pu Yu's feet to rest against the footboard.

Pu Yu was a man of few words and wouldn't ask frivolous questions at such times. He remained silent, only his breathing audible.

Silence.

Between them, silence seemed more effective than words.

On the midnight confession wall, an anonymous post read, "How can you hug someone else, my darling?"

"The way you smile at him really makes me angry."

The nights at the boys' school were restless, filled with gaming, card-playing, drinking, smoking, dating, and watching videos under the covers. In the sweltering August heat, the lush vegetation seemed to conceal secrets everywhere. Without the fragrant scent of white elderberry, the boys' school smelled warm and sweaty, like boys who had just finished playing sports—pleasant yet unpleasant.

But such an environment nurtured even more beautiful school beauties, their fresh allure almost dripping with moisture.

Pu Yu never imagined that his love would make Ning Song increasingly attractive, like a flower tended by a diligent gardener, meant for everyone to admire.

**Author's Note**

As they say, love's nourishment is the best skincare.