Chapter 203

Chapter 203

Yu Shang pinched the bridge of his nose, his thick, sword-like brows slightly furrowed. He had come to realize one of Tian Ruan’s defining traits—whenever cornered, he would talk nonsense, and nine times out of ten, that nonsense would involve him and Lu Qiuyan.

Where on earth did all those outlandish ideas in his head come from? They always caught people off guard.

"Give me those pills," Yu Shang extended his hand toward Tian Ruan.

Tian Ruan dug into his pockets and angrily surrendered the vitamins and fish oil. "You’ve watched me take them every morning these past few days. Mr. Yu didn’t say anything—they’re just supplements."

Yu Shang lowered his gaze. "Explaining to me doesn’t matter. You need to prove to everyone else that you’re not on drugs."

"...Then put up a notice."

"These pills need to be tested for their ingredients. Only after confirming they’re safe can we make an announcement."

Xi Qin interjected, "We can issue a statement first. Tian Ruan, write up a hundred-word statement, and the student council will share it."

Qian Lailai handed over paper and a pen, saying, "We all believe you."

Xie Tangyan added, "Honestly, why not just call the police? Have them give Tian Ruan a medical checkup. Once the report comes out, the rumors will die."

Yu Shang countered, "If the police get involved, the rumors will just spread more. If we can’t even handle something this minor, what’s the point of the student council?"

The others fell silent. Since the principal hadn’t stepped in, it meant Yu Jingmo hadn’t intervened either, indirectly indicating this matter wasn’t serious enough to warrant outside attention.

Soon, Tian Ruan finished drafting the statement and handed it to Yu Shang.

—I, Tian Ruan of Class 1, Grade 12, have never used any banned substances, nor have I led my classmates in drug use. These accusations are ridiculous and unfounded. My academic achievements are genuine—true gold fears no fire. I’m open to any investigations and await your challenge. The student council has confiscated the supposed evidence—calcium, iron, zinc, selenium vitamins, and fish oil—and will send them for laboratory testing. If any banned substances are found, I will withdraw from school immediately!

Xie Tangyan read it and asked, "Isn’t this too risky?"

Tian Ruan had carefully reviewed the ingredients of these supplements, though he couldn’t guarantee there were no hidden additives. Still, given their high price, the manufacturers likely wouldn’t dare include anything illegal.

"It’s fine," Tian Ruan said. "If things go south, I’ll just play dumb. I’ve got thick skin."

Xie Tangyan chuckled and gave him a thumbs-up.

Tian Ruan then returned to the classroom. Since the rumors started right after finals, his classmates were freaking out. The moment he entered, they swarmed him, bombarding him urgently: "Tian Ruan, what’s really going on?" "There isn’t actually a problem, right?" "Did I really feel smarter because of the pills you gave me??"

Drowned out by the noise, Tian Ruan’s ears rang. He raised a hand, signaling for quiet.

But the arguing continued.

SLAM—a loud crash made everyone jump, turning in shock toward the source.

A desk had been shoved nearly a meter away. Lu Qiuyan sat in his chair, long legs stretched out casually, chin slightly lifted as he remarked coolly, "Sorry. My foot slipped."

As the unofficial "school tyrant," Lu Qiuyan’s presence alone had clout. The chattering rich kids instantly quieted, even lowering their voices as they asked Tian Ruan, "The pills you gave us… they’re really safe, right?"

Tian Ruan replied, "If there’s a problem, we can all just get expelled together."

Everyone: "..."

Tian Ruan: "Ha, kidding! Not funny, huh?"

Everyone: "Not even a little."

They were already in Grade 12. Dropping out of Deyin now would be a total waste.

Tian Ruan reassured them, "Don't worry, what I gave you was just vitamins and fish oil. If you don’t believe me, wait until your grades come out—you’ll see that the feeling of being smarter is just an illusion."

"..."

As he spoke, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom and tapped the podium. "Go back to your seats, everyone. Let’s give a round of applause to the top twenty students in the grade for this term’s final exams."

The students listened as usual. Unsurprisingly, Yu Shang took first place again, while Tian Ruan was second, Xi Qin third, Ying Feixu fourth, Nan Mengyao fifth, Lu Qiuyan sixth, Xie Tangyan seventh, Qian Lailai eighth...

"Let’s give them a round of applause for their hard work."

A smattering of applause broke out in the classroom.

The homeroom teacher gave the usual words of encouragement before adding, "There have been some rumors about Tian Ruan. Don’t believe or spread rumors—got it?"

"Got it!" Tian Ruan said loudly.

The teacher nodded, gave some instructions for winter break, gathered his teaching materials, and left.

After that, they had free time. In two days, they would return to collect their report cards and homework before winter break began.

Tian Ruan visited the translation club, where the club president, Ai Ge, specifically asked him about the incident and sighed, "I’d like to believe you, but until the results come out, I can’t recommend you to the publishing house for translating poetry collections."

Tian Ruan replied, "...Never mind, then. I’ll be busy preparing for the IELTS exam over winter break anyway."

Ai Ge nodded. "Then focus on IELTS first—that’s the top priority."

Tian Ruan left somewhat disappointed, but he didn’t blame Ai Ge. Even he found the situation dubious, let alone others.

With no club activities, Tian Ruan went to the library. As he browsed the shelves, his phone vibrated. He unlocked it with facial recognition—it was a WeChat message from Yu Jingmo.

Yu Jingmo: The medication has been sent for testing. Don’t worry; the results will be out this afternoon.

Tian Ruan: Okay.

Yu Jingmo: Where are you at?

Tian Ruan: ?

Yu Jingmo: I’m in the principal’s office.

Tian Ruan: Mr. Yu, you didn’t need to come yourself.

Yu Jingmo: Come to the office.

Tian Ruan: On my way.

Tian Ruan carried three books to the librarian’s desk to check them out. The librarian, a kindly middle-aged woman, recognized him and smiled. "Three things in life will never fail you. Do you know what they are?"

"What three?" Tian Ruan asked, puzzled.

"Love, knowledge, and hard work," she said gently. "The love you give will one day return to you in another form. The knowledge you acquire becomes a part of you—no one can take it away. And effort is never wasted; sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing."

Tian Ruan nodded. "That’s true. Thank you."

The librarian waved a hand. "Oh, I’m no teacher—just a book lover."

But Tian Ruan replied, "Everyone we meet can teach us something. Anyone who teaches you is a teacher; anyone who cares for you is a friend."

Hearing that, Tian Ruan felt a sudden clarity. After all, he wasn’t the one who did wrong—he shouldn’t suffer for others’ mistakes. Under the vast sky, with the sun and moon bearing witness, how could the world be without justice or truth?

The library books could be checked out for a month. Tian Ruan calculated the time—it would be just right when the new semester started.

Passing by the teaching building, a tanned boy suddenly darted out, shouting dramatically, "Tian Ruan! You were framed!!"

Tian Ruan stopped in his tracks and watched as Wang Weiqi came hurtling toward him on a skateboard. He sidestepped just in time, and Wang Weiqi shot past him, crashing into an ornate European-style pillar in the hallway with a full-body collision.

Wang Weiqi: "..."

Tian Ruan turned his head: "What are you doing?"

Wang Weiqi clung to the pillar as if it were his dearest lover, only able to move his head. He turned his face, blood streaming from his nose and tears pouring down: "Dude, I believe you didn’t take drugs."

Tian Ruan: "...But you look like you’re the one on drugs."

Wang Weiqi clutched his nose and ran off toward the infirmary, howling, "Nurse! Help me!"

Tian Ruan had no idea what Wang Weiqi was up to. "Lost it?"

Utterly confused, he headed to the principal’s office and knocked politely on the door.

"Come in," came Principal Li’s refined voice.

Tian Ruan turned the doorknob and entered. "Hello, Principal Li. Hello, Director Hu. Hello, Mr. Yu."

Director Hu’s goatee bristled as he immediately began flattering, "What a polite young man, so gentle and kind. And such a good-looking face—they say you can judge by appearances. Tian Ruan is truly a gentle, sincere, and respectful young man."

Yu Jingmo wore a slight smile at the corner of his lips and asked Tian Ruan, "What do you say?"

Tian Ruan: "..." What was there to say? It was awkward.

Principal Li beckoned. "Sit down first."

Tian Ruan sat down beside Yu Jingmo and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Director Hu."

Director Hu grinned widely. "No need to thank me. I’m just an honest man."

Tian Ruan just smiled.

Principal Li said, "I know you’ve been wronged. Such rumors can be very damaging to a student. Rest assured, once the results come out, the person responsible for spreading them will be dealt with harshly."

After a moment’s thought, Tian Ruan replied, "I don’t need to know who it was. Just follow Deyin’s school regulations."

Principal Li asked in disbelief, "That’s it?"

"Mm." Tian Ruan nodded. "Call it my good deed for the day."

Principal Li smiled at Yu Jingmo. "Tian Ruan really is an exceptional young man."

Yu Jingmo: "Mm."

Tian Ruan: "No more praise, or I’ll get a big head."

Everyone laughed.

This was Tian Ruan’s way of moving on—otherwise, he might have indeed demanded "severe punishment." Now, he just wanted to peacefully enjoy his winter vacation and prepare for the upcoming *Gaokao*.

Leaving the principal’s office, Tian Ruan avoided walking with Yu Jingmo to avoid drawing attention.

Yu Jingmo’s tall figure walked ahead, while Tian Ruan kept three or four meters back. It was already noon, and Yu Jingmo was taking him out for *Buddha Jumps Over the Wall*.

Tian Ruan began to drift off in thought as he walked, slowing his pace considerably. When he came back to himself, Yu Jingmo ahead of him remained keeping a steady distance, adjusting his stride to match Tian Ruan's.

Young students passed by now and then, many eyes watching Yu Jingmo with either admiration or fear as he passed.

Tian Ruan walked through the dappled light of corridors, flowering trees, and broad pathways, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Yu Jingmo’s back, like a child trying to keep up with an adult.

Yu Jingmo slowed to a halt, turning his head to glance at him, his voice deep yet gentle: "There’s no one here now."

Tian Ruan suddenly snapped back to reality, and in that moment, like any lovestruck teenager, he hurried toward his beloved.

Yu Jingmo caught his hand with perfect precision.

Tian Ruan laced their fingers together, his palm securely enveloped in warmth, grinning happily: "Mr. Yu, I really like you."

Yu Jingmo glanced sideways at the young man beside him, tightening his grip slightly, and asked, "Why?"

"Because you’re you."

Yu Jingmo was one of a kind. He might not say much, but every little detail of his being soothed Tian Ruan perfectly. With him around, it seemed there was nothing in the world worth worrying about.

Yu Jingmo chuckled softly. "I’m not as good as you think, but I truly like you too."

Tian Ruan: "Then we’re just like 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'—two peas in a pod."

Yu Jingmo: "...You could choose a better phrase."

They went to a Cantonese restaurant to eat Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, where they ran into Hai Chao—Nan Huaiju was also there.

Because of Yu Jingmo’s presence, Nan Huaiju behaved himself and greeted them properly: "Tian Ruan, you’re here to eat too. Hello, Uncle."

Yu Jingmo nodded and said to the waiter, "I’ll cover both tables."

Though Nan Huaiju had plenty of money, Hai Chao always insisted on splitting the bill, making him feel too guilty to eat much. Now that someone else was treating them, he ate eagerly, his lips glistening with oil: "Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Uncle Yu."

Tian Ruan: "...You’re welcome. Take your time."

Hai Chao remained expressionless. Only after Nan Huaiju finished eating did he finally sit down to have a bite. Nan Huaiju had deliberately left more than half of his portion untouched and said, "I didn’t touch this side. You can have it."

"Mm." Hai Chao didn’t speak much while eating.

Nan Huaiju, bored and fidgety, found a fellow troublemaker in Tian Ruan and started chatting: "Uncle Yu, I heard you were taking drugs?"

The moment the words left his mouth, the neighboring table’s customers shot them suspicious looks.

Tian Ruan: "...Kid, don’t talk nonsense. I was framed—those were just vitamins."

"Vitamins, huh." Nan Huaiju pondered this before reaching a conclusion. "So if you take vitamins, can you skip meals?"

Tian Ruan: "One of these days, your ignorance is going to cost you."

"?"

"Vitamins only add extra nutrients. You still have to eat actual meals."

Nan Huaiju nodded. "Then what’s the benefit of taking vitamins?"

Tian Ruan glanced at Hai Chao. "Ask Hai Chao about it."

"He doesn’t take vitamins."

"Oranges are rich in vitamin C, so he must eat a lot of them."

Nan Huaiju didn’t get it at first and asked, "Hai Chao, do you like eating oranges? What are the benefits of eating them?"

Hai Chao: "..."

Hai Chao glanced at Tian Ruan, who was stifling a laugh, and replied flatly, "Haven’t eaten much. Don’t know."

Nan Huaiju said matter-of-factly, "So you don’t know everything either, just like me, a slacker."

Tian Ruan finally burst into laughter, while Nan Huaiju still looked completely clueless.

After the meal, Yu Jingmo took Tian Ruan back to school and said, "If you don’t have anything urgent, you don’t actually have to go to school this afternoon."

Tian Ruan: "No, if I’m not there, the gossip will just spiral."

Only by being present at school when the truth came out would his innocence be fully proven. He didn’t want to give anyone a chance to twist the situation.

"I’ll pick you up in the afternoon," Yu Jingmo said, reaching out to ruffle the guy’s neat hair.

Tian Ruan grinned. "Okay."

The entire noon passed with Tian Ruan studying and reading.

A slice of Black Forest cake and a cup of lemon tea were placed in front of him. Tian Ruan looked up in surprise at Lu Qiuyan. "How did you know I was craving something sweet?"

Lu Qiuyan: "An early celebration for clearing your name and restoring your innocence."

Tian Ruan lifted the cake lid and happily took a bite. "Lu Qiuyan, you’re such a good son."

Lu Qiuyan: "...If you’re gonna talk nonsense, no cake for you."

Tian Ruan guarded the cake. "You’re the best, okay?"

In the afternoon, the student council posted the complete lab test results of the vitamins and fish oil on the electronic bulletin board.

Director Hu personally made a special announcement in his gravelly voice over the school broadcast: "Good afternoon, students and teachers. It is now 3:50 PM Beijing time. At 8:45 this morning, a student reported that Tian Ruan from Class 1, Grade 12 had brought prohibited drugs for the entire class to consume, falsifying academic results. After thorough testing, this claim has been proven completely false!"

"The test results are posted on the school bulletin board. Everyone is welcome to review them. This incident has caused significant harm to a student’s academic life. We urge everyone not to believe or spread rumors. Tian Ruan’s academic achievements are undeniable, earned through genuine effort, spotless. Anyone found maliciously slandering or spreading false rumors will face severe consequences!"

"Tian Ruan is courteous, polite, and kind-hearted. He specifically requested the principal not to punish the student who spread the rumors, only to issue an anonymous criticism and probation according to school regulations. We hope this student will learn from this and focus on prepping for the college entrance exams, and refrain from such underhanded tricks. Academic performance is the true measure of a student’s capability."

"Have a great winter break, everyone. May spring bring blooming flowers to Deyin, and may every student chase their dreams with boundless hope for the future."

For the first time, everyone at Deyin listened quietly to Director Hu’s raspy broadcast. Amid the serene winter fragrance of plum blossoms, students rushed to the bulletin board.

Tian Ruan let out a small smile. "Finally, everything’s settled."

Two days later, Tian Ruan collected his report card and homework, bidding farewell to his classmates. Someone asked if he wanted to join the winter camp, but he politely declined, saying, "I need to prepare for the college entrance exams."

Classmate: "...Quit overachieving, dude. If you keep this up, the rest of us will die from the pressure."

Tian Ruan chuckled. "A kid from nothing has no choice but to grind."

Everyone thought to themselves—if he was "humble," then Deyin had no wealthy students. Though Tian Ruan was merely Yu Jingmo’s "brother-in-law," he was already loaded.

Nothing major happened during the winter break—just the main couple meeting, chatting, and falling deeper in love, though they never made a move. While they took their sweet time, fans were losing it, driving readers up the wall.

As Tian Ruan packed his things, he spotted a girl waiting at the classroom door.

Ai Ge smiled and asked, "Are you still doing the translation work for the publishing house?"

Tian Ruan, ever-flexible, replied, "Yes."

Thus, Tian Ruan had three things on his plate for the summer: preparing for the college entrance exam, taking the IELTS, and translating a poetry collection. He roughly figured it out—as long as he wasn’t too lazy, there would be enough time.

Moreover, he had already borrowed all the reference books.

When Lu Qiuyan heard about his plans, he was astonished. "You're really grinding hard."

Tian Ruan shook his head. "If we’re talking about the King of overachievers at Deyin, it has to be Yu Shang."

"Oh?"

"He’s taking over four or five more companies during the winter break, preparing for certification exams in fencing, boxing, piano, and violin, studying for his driver's test… and something else I forgot."

"..." Lu Qiuyan said, "He’s really capable."

Tian Ruan’s mind went there, and he chuckled. "Yeah, capable."

Lu Qiuyan immediately caught the innuendo and had learned to counter: "No matter how capable he is, I doubt he’s as capable as his father."

Tian Ruan: "...You've gone to the dark side."

"Learned from you."

The winter break finally started. On the very first day, Tian Ruan slept in until he woke naturally, stretching lazily and refusing to get out of bed. He mindlessly turned on an English broadcast on his phone and listened for a while. The automatic curtains slowly opened, and the blinding light made him close his eyes.

A large hand pressed down on the edge of the bed, making the bed dip slightly. A warm, woodsy smell wrapped around him.

A light as a feather touch brushed his forehead, and the deep voice vibrated in his ears, a deep, resonant voice: "Rise and shine! The sun's baking your butt."

"Where?" Tian Ruan refused to open his eyes. "I’m still sleeping."

Yu Jingmo chuckled. "Then who am I talking to right now?"

"It’s Tian Ruan Version 2."

"Tian Ruan Version 2? Calling Tian Ruan Version 1."

"There is no Tian Ruan Version 1, only Tian Ruan Version 0."

"Calling Tian Ruan Version 0."

"Version 0 is tired from last night and doesn’t want to get up."

"Calling Tian Ruan the Goofball."

"..." Tian Ruan abruptly opened his eyes and glared at the ridiculously handsome man before him.

Yu Jingmo: "Oh, the goofball’s awake."

"It’s Version 2, not goofball," Tian Ruan corrected.

Yu Jingmo kissed his lips and said, "Whether you’re Version 2 or a goofball, I like you either way."

Tian Ruan turned away. "Access denied. No kisses."

Yu Jingmo sat on the edge of the bed. "Paging Version 0 Tian Ruan."

"Zero’s tired, won’t come out till night."

"Is there a Number 3?"

"Nope," Tian Ruan said, "I don’t have multiple personalities."

"How can Number 2 get up?"

"Get the password right, and I’ll answer." Tian Ruan turned his face. "Mr. Yu, pull back the covers and help me get dressed."

Yu Jingmo pulled back the covers, and a sight of spring filled his view. His brow quirked as he reached to toy with Xiao Tianruan. "So soft and cute."

Tian Ruan covered himself. "...I told you to dress me, not mess with me."

Yu Jingmo grabbed underwear from the closet, stretched it open, and slipped it over one of the young man's slender, pale ankles, holding tight as he tugged the cotton up.

"Now the other foot."

With the fabric resting on his leg, Yu Jingmo caught the other ankle, bending and lifting it to slide the underwear on.

Midway, Yu Jingmo smirked and flicked Xiao Tianruan again.

Tian Ruan's face flushed. "How come yours is so big and mine won’t grow?"

"Blame genetics."

"But we’re blood brothers—why’s his big and mine’s not?"

"How’d you know his is big? You saw it?"

"Last year at the Macchiato pool, I got a look."

Yu Jingmo lowered his phoenix eyes, staring at the innocent-looking young man. "You didn’t even know he was your brother back then, and you’re eyeing *that*?"

Tian Ruan: "...Everyone was in swimsuits. Hard not to see it even if I tried."

This jealousy came out of nowhere.

"So, you've seen everyone else's too?" Yu Jingmo asked.

"Yep."

"And they're all bigger than yours?"

"..."

Watching the young man's flustered expression, Yu Jingmo chuckled and pinched him. "No more peeking at others *down there* next time."

Tian Ruan squeezed his knees together, cheeks pink, eyes still sleepy. "...Won't look. Don't punish me."

Yu Jingmo plucked a plum blossom from the snowy ground and showed it to Tian Ruan. "Just for a bit."

This winter’s snow piled high—unlike the thin sprinkles of years past, the manor was now blanketed in a heavy layer of white.

Heavy snow means a good year ahead. Tian Ruan was the snow; Yu Jingmo, the wind tossing it.

The wind gathered the snow, savoring it, until the snow melted into murmuring streams flowing through the white valley.

The storm’s hidden dragon roared free, soaring and crashing between the mountains, sending snow swirling and blossoms shivering.

The thawing stream transformed into the dragon's personal spa, where the dragon indulged in a refreshing bath.

Tian Ruan also took a bath, carried by Yu Jingmo, and had to put his clothes back on.

"Mr. Yu, I need to focus on studying this winter break. I can't keep fooling around with you," Tian Ruan said to Yu Jingmo. "My brain will turn to mush, and I won’t learn anything."

Yu Jingmo replied, "I'll teach you."

"How?"

"We'll study mid-hookup. You'll ace every test."

"—"