Chapter 62

Chapter 62

When Xie Ci brought Gu Yufeng back from their walk, it was almost time for dinner.

Grandma, upon seeing Gu Yufeng, kept calling him "Little Gu" and invited him to sit down and wait for the meal.

It was Gu Yufeng's first time meeting Xie Ci's grandmother, and he was a bit overwhelmed by the warm reception. Nevertheless, he smiled and introduced himself, "Grandma, I'm Gu Yufeng, Xie Ci's classmate. Something came up today, so I came without prior notice. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No need to talk about disturbing. It's rare for the house to be so lively," Grandma said, setting a fruit platter in front of Gu Yufeng. "Your family isn't here, how could we let you spend the New Year alone?"

Gu Yufeng responded with a few polite words, and when Grandma was called away, he leaned over to Xie Ci and whispered, "Did you mention me to her?"

"I told Grandma before you arrived," Xie Ci said, pouring him a cup of hot water in a disposable cup. There was tea on the table, but he was afraid the young master might not be used to it.

Gu Yufeng took the cup and glanced at Xie Qian, who was chatting with Xie Ci's uncle at the side. They exchanged a slight nod, which was enough of a greeting.

Interacting with introverts was easy; there was no need to talk, and they didn't want to hear you talk either.

Not long after, two middle-aged men arrived, one of whom wore a large gold chain around his neck and carried a bag, looking like a local tycoon.

"Are these two also your relatives?" Gu Yufeng whispered.

Xie Ci glanced at them a few more times but still couldn't place them.

Although he grew up here, he didn't usually visit relatives much, and after so many years, even if he had seen them before, he had forgotten.

Xie Qian and the uncle stood up to greet them, and Xie Ci, being a junior, followed suit.

After the uncle made the introductions, Xie Ci remembered that the man with the gold chain was his mother's cousin, also his uncle, and the other was his second uncle.

After exchanging pleasantries with the uncle, the man turned to Xie Qian, his smile taking on a slightly ambiguous tone. "You're here too? Why didn't Xiao Rou come back with you?"

At the mention of Ye Yurou, the expressions of several people in the room hardened.

Grandma, who had just come out to greet them, immediately turned her face and silently returned to the kitchen.

Xie Qian, of course, noticed the awkwardness but still replied, "Xiao Ci is living with me now."

The uncle was about to say more but was stopped by the other uncle.

"Alright, Xiao Rou must be busy and couldn't come back. Let's not bring her up. Sit down."

Xie Ci, used to being alone, hadn't dealt with so many relatives in a long time. Going through it again, he found it a bit annoying and couldn't help but glance at Gu Yufeng.

It was rare for the young master to come back to spend New Year's with him, but now they were having dinner with this group. He wondered if it would ruin the mood.

Gu Yufeng, however, seemed indifferent, snacking on melon seeds while watching a soap opera on TV. He couldn't take it anymore, grabbed the remote, and switched to the sports channel, asking Xie Ci, "Next weekend, let's go watch a football match together?"

Xie Ci replied, "Sure, I'll let you handle it."

Gu Yufeng turned to him, "You're really good at being the hands-off boss."

Xie Ci didn't argue, "We take turns. Now it's your turn."

Dinner started at six, and the whole family filled the table. Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng sat next to Xie Qian.

The uncle was displeased and waved at Xie Qian, "Why are you sitting with the youngsters? Come over here and have a drink with us."

"No, I don't drink," Xie Qian said, making no move to switch seats.

However, the uncle seemed determined to embarrass Xie Qian, kept pushing him to switch seats, or it'd be rude.

"How about I drink with you instead?"

Xie Ci smiled, "My dad's not in great health, he can't drink. I'm young and healthy, worst case, I'll be out cold for a couple days."

Hearing this, the old man looked annoyed and retorted to the uncle, "You two drink by yourselves, is alcohol such a good thing? If A Qian can't drink, why force him?"

The uncle chuckled awkwardly and backed off.

Gu Yufeng wasn't big on family-style meals. Seeing several middle-aged men not using serving chopsticks, he didn't say anything, but he'd steer clear of anything they'd touched.

This way, he would end up with nothing to eat.

It wasn't about being hungry or not, but not eating at all would make him look totally out of place.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, someone slid a bowl of fish soup and a heaping plate of veggies his way.

"The dishes over there are out of your reach, I helped you get some. Dig in, no need to hold back."

While chatting with others, Xie Ci also served a bowl of fish soup for his grandmother.

The old man, seeing this, smiled at Gu Yufeng, "Xiao Gu, eat more, make yourself at home."

Gu Yufeng smiled and agreed, looking at the two bowls in front of him, he noticed Xie Ci had skipped the stuff he hated and was allergic to.

No matter how much Xie Ci's personality had changed, he was still as considerate as ever.

On the way back, Xie Ci had mentioned that his grandmother made killer fish dishes. Gu Yufeng took a sip of the fish soup and decided to have it with rice.

Not worrying about proper etiquette made the whole thing way more chill.

Xie Ci couldn't help but grin, "Is it good?"

"Delicious," Gu Yufeng said, trying a mouthful and nodded appreciatively.

The aunt scooped up some fish soup, and Xie Ci, seeing her about to take it out, casually asked, "Is there someone else coming?"

"No, no."

The aunt explained with a smile, "This is for my daughter-in-law, she's still recovering from childbirth and needs to stay in bed."

The uncle and the old man chatted a bit about this topic, and Xie Ci learned that the fish and tofu soup was specially prepared to help with milk production postpartum.

Gu Yufeng froze, looking at the bowl of rice soaked in soup, not sure if he should keep eating.

Xie Ci met his gaze, seeing the reproach in his eyes, he barely stifled a chuckle, "It's okay to eat even if you're not in confinement."

Gu Yufeng: "..."

Was he messing with me on purpose?

At the other end of the table, after knocking back a shot of baijiu, the uncle started bragging about his booming business and fat bank account. On a roll now, he turned his attention to the silent Xie Qian.

"After all these years, you're still painting? How much can you earn from that? If you had any real money-making skills, why would Xiao Man have divorced you?"

Xie Qian just took it without a word.

Like punching a pillow, Uncle lost interest after a few jabs and turned his attention to Xie Ci, who was busy eating, started asking about the kids' grades.

Asking about grades was a staple at every family gathering.

Two boys at the table, around Xie Ci's age, ducked their heads, afraid of being called upon.

"You, so handsome, taller than me, but your grades are indeed a bit lacking. Hasn’t your dad signed you up for any tutoring? You’re a senior; if you don’t get into college, are you planning to work out of town?"

Uncle took a sip of baijiu and continued, "My youngest son is the same age as you, ranked top five in his class midterm, and I hardly had to push him, he’s been good at studying since childhood."

With Grandma there, Xie Ci reluctantly replied, "That’s good."

"Compared to you, he’s doing much better."

Uncle glanced at Xie Qian, implying, "If someone could really guide you, getting into a junior college shouldn’t be a problem."

Xie Ci nodded, too lazy to argue, it was pointless.

"Didn’t you just ace the mock exam for the whole school?"

Gu Yufeng, after finishing his mouthful of rice, asked Xie Ci with feigned confusion, "The top student from a top high school can only get into a junior college? Isn’t the teaching quality terrible?"

This statement caught the attention of everyone at the table.

Uncle exclaimed, surprised, looking at Xie Ci, "Really? You got first in your grade?!"

Before Xie Ci could speak, Gu Yufeng took over, "Yes, he’s been first from midterms to mock exams, and he even won first prize in the provincial math competition. Didn’t you hear about it?"

Uncle, hearing this and seeing Xie Ci’s calm demeanor, widened his eyes.

What does this mean? First in grade and a provincial first prize?!

"Bragging, right?"

The two boys at the table, seeing Uncle’s doubt, whispered.

"Really, cousin did win the provincial first prize, our teacher talked about it in class."

"Cousin also won first in the provincial basketball league, I watched it on TV."

Uncle was very happy for Xie Ci and asked further, "Xiao Ci, when did you start doing so well in school? I didn’t know, I thought you still didn’t like studying."

Xie Ci, noticing Grandma finally looking a bit happier, decided not to mention his aunt and vaguely replied, "Since this semester started, Dad has been tutoring me every weekend, and my grades just shot up, it’s really magical."

Xie Qian: "..."

This kid’s knack for talking nonsense matches his academic skills.

Uncle, embarrassed again, sobered up, his face red, and dared not speak anymore, listening to the table praise Xie Qian and Xie Ci, quickly changed the subject.

After Gu Yufeng started the conversation, he began to enjoy the show, happily ate two bowls of fish soup over rice, and by the third bowl, he couldn’t eat anymore.

Xie Ci noticed, took his bowl, and finished it in a few bites.

Gu Yufeng was somewhat surprised, "You don’t mind eating my leftovers?"

"I grew up eating leftovers."

With so many people around, Xie Ci casually joked, but as soon as he finished, he saw Grandma’s eyes dim, realizing he’d messed up.

After dinner, Xie Ci called Xie Qian to go find their grandmother. Gu Yufeng, not convenient to follow, stayed in the living room with a group of people watching the New Year's Eve show.

The grandmother and her two grandsons talked privately for a long time. When they returned, Gu Yufeng noticed the grandmother's eyes were red, as if she had cried.

It was supposed to be New Year's Eve, but the elderly couldn’t stay up late and went to rest at nine o'clock. Before sleeping, she arranged their rooms.

"There are two empty rooms on the third floor, already cleaned up. A Qian, you take one," the grandmother said, then turned to Gu Yufeng, "Xiao Gu, I’m afraid you’ll have to share a room with Xiao Ci, if you don’t mind."

Gu Yufeng smiled and agreed, "No problem, I like sharing a room with him."

Xie Ci: "..."

Gu Yufeng's attitude made it sound like a polite and appropriate remark, and the grandmother laughed along, "Tomorrow morning, I’ll cook some walnuts for you."

Gu Yufeng: "Thank you, Grandma."

He called her "Grandma" without hesitation.

After seeing the grandmother off to rest, Xie Ci and Xie Qian said goodbye and took Gu Yufeng out for a walk.

At this hour, the village roads were almost deserted.

The rural path was illuminated by street lamps, with dark fields on one side, and the wind was strong.

Seeing Gu Yufeng dressed lightly, Xie Ci asked in a low voice, "Should we go back to the living room? It’s too cold outside."

"I’m not cold."

Gu Yufeng tightened the collar of his windbreaker and stuffed his hands into his coat pockets, "I want to be alone with you for a while."

Xie Ci subtly sensed that his mood was off, unlike his usual self who would seize every opportunity to tease. He seemed deep in thought, as if troubled.

"What’s wrong? Did something happen at your grandfather’s house?"

Gu Yufeng walked slowly, gazing at the faintly visible mountains in the distance, and sighed softly, "I like you."

"..."

Xie Ci paused, stopping to look at him, "Wait, what exactly do you mean?"

Gu Yufeng looked puzzled, "I mean it literally. Is it difficult to understand?"

Xie Ci, being stared at with such confusion, didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh, "So you didn’t like me before? Then why did you—"

Halfway through, Xie Ci realized.

If he could marry Gu Yufeng for benefits, why couldn’t Gu Yufeng do the same?

He always thought Gu Yufeng had many options and chose him out of some affection.

Now it seemed he was completely mistaken.

In their past life, not only was he acting, but Gu Yufeng was also acting. Two people without feelings had managed to stage a show of deep affection.

"When I suggested we start over, why did you agree?" Xie Ci asked him.

"For me, whether I like you or not isn’t so important. Those messy emotions don’t need to be untangled. I’m willing to start anew with you."

At this point, Gu Yufeng turned to look at Xie Ci, "But now I understand, I can't do without you."

Under the streetlight, the wind messed up their hair, and Xie Ci clearly saw the determination in Gu Yufeng's eyes, along with the calmness that came after sorting out his thoughts.

He had given their relationship serious thought.

This time, he didn't use his usual tactics to brush things off.

"No one can replace you, not even your younger self."

Gu Yufeng looked into Xie Ci's eyes, "I didn't think deeply about it before, thinking it was enough for us to keep going like this, but now it's different."

Xie Ci's hand, hanging by his side, slowly clenched, and he asked in a low voice, "What's changed?"

Gu Yufeng frowned, his gaze turning sharp, and his tone suddenly became serious, "I won't let anyone else be by your side, and I won't let you have any thoughts about them, not even a little."

Xie Ci was stunned.

This overbearing attitude instantly reminded him of Mr. Gu from their past life.

Xie Ci's heart skipped a beat and began to accelerate uncontrollably.

He could practically hear his own heartbeat.

It turned out that compared to the freedom this person gave him, he preferred to be constrained.

Seeing Xie Ci remain silent, Gu Yufeng guiltily averted his gaze, "I did say I didn't care before, but I take it back. No matter who you have an unclear relationship with, end it immediately—"

Xie Ci, silent until now, suddenly grabbed his wrist and strode forward.

"Xie Ci?" Gu Yufeng struggled slightly but couldn't break free, feeling a bit annoyed, "I haven't finished speaking."

Xie Qian parked in a muddy field with no lights around.

Gu Yufeng only had time to confirm the license plate of this Maybach before Xie Ci pinned him against the car and kissed him aggressively.

It was more biting than kissing, and it was quite forceful.

Gu Yufeng's hair was pulled, forcing him to tilt his head back and accept this person's assault, and a sound of pain escaped their lips.

Xie Ci felt the hand on his shoulder tighten, and soon it wrapped around him as he began to respond.

It wasn't until they were almost out of breath that Xie Ci pulled away.

Both were breathless, their tongues numb.

Gu Yufeng panted, looking at the enlarged face in front of him, "I was talking serious business, what's with the craziness?"

Xie Ci licked his wet lips, "You knew I was losing it, yet you still went along?"

Gu Yufeng relaxed against the car door behind him and smiled, "When it's handed to you on a platter, who wouldn't take it?"

Xie Ci, "Do you know what self-control is?"

"You brought me here and kissed me like that, and you talk about restraint?" Gu Yufeng didn't hold back in his criticism.

Xie Ci, "Then do you want me to kiss you like that again?"

Gu Yufeng laughed in exasperation, lifting Xie Ci's chin, brushing over the spot on his lips where he'd bitten him, and said slowly, "It felt good, let's do it again."

A gust of wind swept by, making Gu Yufeng sneeze and instantly killing the mood.

The countryside was colder than the city, and with the nearby rice paddies, the wind carried a damp chill.

Xie Ci didn’t press on. He opened the car door, grabbed a box from the back seat, and handed it to Gu Yufeng. "A New Year’s gift."

Gu Yufeng spotted the familiar brand logo on the box. When he opened it, he found a scarf inside. He looked up at Xie Ci and asked, "Why’d you suddenly get something from this brand?"

"Didn’t you used to like their stuff?" Xie Ci asked uncertainly. "Don’t you like it?"

Gu Yufeng was taken aback. "I thought you never paid attention."

In the past, Xie Ci would always give him something for every occasion, but it was usually random—whatever he could get his hands on.

Xie Ci took out the scarf and helped him put it on. "It only clicked when I saw it at the mall. You never used the stuff I gave you before, so I figured I’d switch it up this time."

Gu Yufeng let him adjust the scarf for him. "I was in such a hurry I didn’t have time to get you anything."

"You’ve already given me everything."

Xie Ci gave his cheek a light pinch and smiled. "Our first New Year back together, and I’ve already got the best gift. It’s a good start."

Gu Yufeng couldn’t keep it together anymore. He buried his forehead in Xie Ci’s shoulder, swamped by a whirlwind of emotions.

"You tired?" Xie Ci pulled him in and gave his head a casual rub.

After a long pause, Gu Yufeng finally choked out, "Can’t you just forget about Xiao Fang?"

"...Xiao Fang?" Xie Ci was confused. "What’s wrong with it?"

"Why bring up Xiao Fang now? What’s the connection?"

Gu Yufeng lifted his head. "You’re still hung up on her, and you’re asking me what’s wrong?"

Xie Ci: "...Huh?"

Xie Ci stared at Gu Yufeng’s pained expression, like he was on the verge of breaking.

This guy hardly ever showed weakness—even when he was being hunted, he stayed cool.

Although he didn’t understand, Xie Ci still asked, "It’s at home. I didn’t bring it. Wanna go check on it?"

Gu Yufeng cursed under his breath. "She’s living at your place?!"

The two caught a taxi back to the city that same night.

An hour later, Gu Yufeng trailed nervously behind Xie Ci into the two-story building behind the studio, his head spinning with thoughts of facing his rival.

"Xiao Fang," Xie Ci called out into the house.

There was movement on the stairs, and the dog happily ran down from the second floor, wagging its tail and rubbing against Xie Ci’s leg.

"Your pig’s gotten chubbier," Gu Yufeng said, bending down to pat its head. The dog wasn’t shy and actively pressed into his palm.

But Gu Yufeng was too anxious to play with the dog. After waiting for five minutes and still no movement upstairs, he turned to Xie Ci, who was making coffee in the kitchen, and asked, "Why hasn’t she come down yet?"

Xie Ci was full of questions. "Isn’t it already here?"

Gu Yufeng looked around. "Where?"

Xie Ci pointed at the puppy, "Isn’t it right there at your feet?"

Gu Yufeng paused, then suddenly looked down, directly meeting the doggy’s large, watery eyes.

"I'm looking for Xiao Fang!" Gu Yufeng snapped.

Xie Ci sighed helplessly, "That *is* Xiao Fang."

"...?"

Gu Yufeng was in disbelief.

Wait, what? What did that mean? Xiao Fang is a *dog*?