Chapter 214

Chapter 214

"It’s good that it came out. Getting it off your chest clears your head." As Tian Ruan grew to understand Lu Qiuyan better, he realized more deeply how a family could shape or destroy a person—all hanging on a parent’s whim.

Perhaps, even much later, Lu Qiuyan would still carry regrets about his parents.

But who could guarantee that, even if they reached a temporary understanding, they wouldn’t end up grinding each other down again?

In this family drama, there was never an optimal solution. Parents, rigid in their thinking and hiding behind *"it’s for your own good,"* framed their kid’s escape as an act of betrayal and wrongdoing.

Tian Ruan respected Lu Qiuyan’s choice—the military wasn’t a bad call.

Life’s never a single-track road.

In the afternoon, Lu Qiuyan returned to class as usual. Tian Ruan didn’t pry, only saying, "I support whatever choice you make."

The following days passed peacefully.

Until that Sunday, when the Yu estate got a call.

It was Lu Qiuyan’s mother. She said, "My husband and I would like to invite Yu Shang to dinner, to thank him for taking care of Lu Qiuyan these past two years."

The butler handed the phone to Tian Ruan, the only one home at the time.

Had it been the original punching bag "Tian Yuan," he would have outright refused and shot back with insults. But Tian Ruan simply replied politely, "We’ll have to see if Yu Shang is available."

Lu’s mother: "That’s fine. I can wait."

Tian Ruan figured Yu Shang would likely agree, but doing so would give Lu’s mom exactly what she wanted and embarrass Lu Qiuyan. He called Yu Shang, carefully choosing his words: "Lu Qiuyan’s mother invited you to dinner. I think there’s an 80% chance she’s got her eye on you."

Yu Shang: "?? Watch your mouth."

"Oh, I don’t mean she likes you—I mean she likes you as her potential son-in-law."

"..."

"High school students aren’t allowed to date. Surely you haven’t forgotten the rule you set yourself?"

Yu Shang fell silent for a moment. "I haven’t."

"So you know whether this dinner should happen or not."

"I don’t need you to tell me," Yu Shang said. "I’m in the capital right now. I can’t make it back."

"Good."

So Tian Ruan cheerfully called Lu’s mother back, putting on a sorry tone: "Yu Shang is away on business. He’s even busier than I am—after all, with such a huge family business, he has to help Mr. Yu manage it."

Lu’s mother: "No worries. We’ll try another time."

But that "next time" never happened.

Lu’s parents grew resentful toward Lu Qiuyan, blaming him for failing to seize the golden opportunity and the backing to get the Lu family back on top.

By the end of their arguments, Lu Qiuyan was left with nothing but numb resignation, too drained to argue.

He suddenly felt a little envious of Hai Chao, who could cut ties just like that, completely done with so-called parents.

What about him? Could he bail like that too?

Lu Qiuyan's inner struggles were rarely visible during the day, whether at school or work. Only occasionally would his brows furrow slightly, and when he looked up at the drifting clouds or passing birds, a hint of loneliness would surface.

Tian Ruan had read countless coming-of-age novels, yet he couldn’t find the perfect solution for Lu Qiuyan. It seemed the only way to true freedom was to break free from these chains and escape this confined world.

And that day would come soon.

Tian Ruan cherished every moment with Lu Qiuyan—walking to and from school together, scouting for good street food at lunch, or spending weekends hanging out at bars or hotels, people-watching as they laughed and partied.

It wouldn't be the same without Lu Qiuyan.

It suddenly dawned on him that Lu Qiuyan wasn’t just his classmate or would-be son-in-law—he was his best friend.

No one else could match his humor, tolerate his nonsense, or throw down for him without question.

The more he thought about it, the gloomier Tian Ruan became. Seeing Lu Qiuyan at school made him want to cry.

"What’s with that face?" Lu Qiuyan scoffed. "I’m not dead yet."

Tian Ruan put on a weepy act. "Lu Qiuyan, no matter where you go, don’t forget—you’re my favorite son-in-law."

Lu Qiuyan: "...Piss off."

Tian Ruan didn’t want to get mushy. He preferred their usual banter—it kept things normal—no need for some dramatic farewell.

Five years wasn't that long. He could wait for Lu Qiuyan to return. By then, they’d only be in their early twenties—still so young.

After finishing his homework in the evening, Tian Ruan stretched at his desk and let out a big yawn. But it wasn’t bedtime yet—he still had to review his past exam mistakes.

He gave himself a ten-minute break to do whatever—mess around on his phone, snack, or shoot the breeze.

A knock came at the door. "Come in," Tian Ruan said casually.

Yu Jingmo strode in, holding a bowl of fruit parfait. Creamy yogurt smothered Tian Ruan’s favorite strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. "My hard-studying test-taker deserves a treat. Eat up—it’s good for the brain."

"Thank you, Mr. Yu." Tian Ruan happily took the bowl and scooped a spoonful into his mouth, relishing the sweet rush.

Yu Jingmo loved seeing how the kid got so excited by simple pleasures—it made him look so endearing.

Tian Ruan offered him a bite. "Try some."

Yu Jingmo glanced at the strawberry coated in creamy yogurt, his eyes turning smoky. "This looks just like you," he teased.

Before Tian Ruan could react, Yu Jingmo had already eaten the pink-tinged berry draped in white, his phoenix eyes gleaming with amusement. Tian Ruan’s cheeks flushed instantly, and he turned away, hugging the bowl to his chest.

Yu Jingmo didn’t mind. Instead, he began massaging Tian Ruan’s shoulders.

Between sitting at his desk for classes and studying, Tian Ruan had grown stiff from lack of exercise. Yu Jingmo’s large hands worked with just the right pressure, earning little pleased moans from Tian Ruan.

Then, Yu Jingmo suddenly stopped.

"Mr. Yu, why’d you stop? Keep going," Tian Ruan whined, wiggling his shoulders.

Yu Jingmo said, "If you keep moaning like that, the dragon will awaken."

Tian Ruan froze, then glanced down—sure enough, the dragon was starting to wake, half-hard and intimidatingly sizable. He quickly bit back his sounds. "Fine, keep going. I won’t make a sound."

Yu Jingmo resumed kneading his shoulders.

Though Tian Ruan stayed quiet, he occasionally let out small laughs. "More pressure—oh yeah, right there."

Yu Jingmo stood behind the chair, couldn’t even poke him. "You're comfortable, but what about me?"

"Take care of it yourself. I still have homework to do." Tian Ruan blinked innocently.

Yu Jingmo knew he was lying. His fingers slipped under the collar, pinching a small strawberry. "This one needs yogurt too."

"..."

Yu Jingmo kneaded gently. "Go ahead and moan."

Tian Ruan's tightly pressed lips suddenly parted, releasing a needy, teasing yet annoyed sound. "Mr. Yu, you're cheating again."

A few days ago, they had agreed on three rules: while Tian Ruan was studying, Yu Jingmo couldn't make excessive demands, do anything inappropriate, or do anything in bed.

Yu Jingmo had behaved well in the past few days, trying not to disturb Tian Ruan as he focused on preparing for the college entrance exams.

But today, he slipped back to his old ways. A guy in his prime like Yu Jingmo couldn’t last three or four days without.

"I broke the rules. So what?" Yu Jingmo played idly with the young man's vulnerable and sensitive spots.

"One time... 100,000," Tian Ruan snapped.

"Let’s do ten," Yu Jingmo declared domineeringly.

Tian Ruan: "..."

Ten times would kill Tian Ruan. After some negotiation, they settled on a maximum of three. Yu Jingmo obliged, though these three sessions were especially prolonged, like five times in one.

By the end, the young man was red all over, trembling uncontrollably, covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

He almost blacked out.

Yu Jingmo carried him away for a good wash, bathed him, bundled him up snugly in a bathrobe, and then held him close as they fell asleep.

Before long, May arrived, leaving just over a month until the college entrance exams.

Tian Ruan occasionally received messages from Hai Chao and Nan Huaiju.

One day after school, the group chat blew up with messages discussing who had gone abroad, which countries they’d chosen, and some gossip from the business circle.

The conversation eventually turned to Nan Mengyao, and from Nan Mengyao, to his unreliable cousin Nan Huaiju.

And from Nan Huaiju, the topic shifted to his classmate Hai Chao.

There was plenty of regret in their words—if Nan Mengyao and Hai Chao were still around, Deyin’s overall academic performance would undoubtedly rank at the top among all prestigious schools.

Tian Ruan wanted to say they were wishful thinking.

With these rich kids slacking off and neglecting their studies, even ten Hai Chaos wouldn’t be enough to save the school’s rep.

Over the past three years, Deyin had relied solely on the top twenty students in each grade to keep up appearances, ensuring outsiders didn’t dismiss it as just another "elite high school" with no real academic achievements.

Tian Ruan: *Yeah, it’s a shame they’re not here.*

A quick reply, yet after school, it earned him a video call from Nan Huaiju.

Tian Ruan checked three times to confirm it wasn’t a scam before answering. "Nan Huaiju?"

On the other side of the Atlantic, the sun wasn’t up yet. Nan Huaiju’s backdrop was a deep indigo sky, with faint household lights and the silhouettes of trees in the distance.

"Done with school for the day?" Nan Huaiju said casually. "Sweet, I've been dying of boredom here."

Tian Ruan: "Oh, so I'm just your boredom hotline now?"

"...If you don't want to talk, I'll hang up."

"Don't! We're global buddies now," Tian Ruan said. "Let's communicate in English."

Nan Huaiju: "...I've been using English nonstop here. If I don't switch back to my mother tongue, I'll fucking forget it."

Tian Ruan swung the camera to show Lu Qiuyan and Yu Shang as he walked. "Come on, check out your old classmates."

Lu Qiuyan glanced over. "Hello."

Yu Shang: "Hello."

Nan Huaiju: "..."

Tian Ruan: "No need to be shy. Nan Huaiju, are you coming back?"

Nan Huaiju answered honestly, "Dunno yet. I'm still getting my school papers sorted."

"What about Hai Chao?"

"He's asleep."

"Then why aren't you?"

"I went to bed early. Otherwise, I wouldn't have time to be on my phone now."

"Oh~ pussywhipped much?" Tian Ruan teased.

Nan Huaiju's face got hot, and he changed the subject. "How are you? How's everyone else?"

Tian Ruan: "Same old, same old. Missing the college entrance exam is a blessing for you—you wouldn't want to flunk it right before leaving, right?"

"...True."

"You and Hai Chao are living together? Just the two of you?" Tian Ruan asked quietly.

Nan Huaiju mumbled noncommittally. "So... his parents been asking about him?"

"Yeah. Couldn't find him."

"His parents tried reaching out to me too. I didn't answer. Is that bad?"

"?" Tian Ruan quickly said, "Hell no, it's perfect. Never pick up, no matter what, and don't have any contact with them. If you do something Hai Chao dislikes, he won't keep forgiving you."

Nan Huaiju nodded. "Roger that. Thanks, Unc."

"No sweat." Tian Ruan smiled warmly. "Just enjoy your lovebirds' paradise~"

"..."

The call ended, but Tian Ruan couldn't stop grinning. "So nice."

Lu Qiuyan scoffed. "They ran off together, and you're happier than anyone."

"Of course," Tian Ruan said. "After all, they're basically family. If they're happy, I'm happy. If you and Yu Shang could be happy too, I'd be even happier—I'd pass out wedding sweets tomorrow."

"...Scram."

Yu Shang showed no reaction.

When they reached the school gate, Tian Ruan was about to get into the Maybach as usual when he suddenly noticed Lu Qiuyan surrounded by a few tough-looking guys in shades, talking to him. Students nearby kept sneaking glances.

Tian Ruan’s stomach dropped as he recalled the original novel’s plot.

Before enlisting in the military, Lu Qiuyan had been hounded by loan sharks, got into a fight, and nearly failed his physical exam. It was only thanks to Yu Shang pulling strings that he managed to pass.

Readers had debated whether this plot point counted as "sugar," but Tian Ruan thought that if he could prevent this incident, it would save Lu Qiuyan a lot of trouble.

With a serious expression, Tian Ruan walked over.

Yu Jingmo, mid-reach to help his wife into the car: "...?"