Chapter 9

Chapter 9

It seemed to be snowing outside.

Song Yuan’s eyes were already large, and after being exposed to the cold wind, their rims turned red, making him look like a little rabbit.

Unconsciously, he leaned closer to Gu Jingchi, his bright eyes gleaming with innocence and harmlessness. "Want to try?" His tone was perfectly normal, like a high school student sharing snacks with a classmate, still carrying a childlike playfulness.

When Gu Jingchi didn't respond and just kept staring at him, Song Yuan noticed the frost in his gaze, veiled beneath lowered eyelids, concealing emotions he couldn't quite decipher.

For some reason, even though he was the one looking down in this position, Gu Jingchi's piercing gaze felt almost tangible, as if it could see right through him.

After a slow, silent exchange of glances, Gu Jingchi spoke first. "What is this?"

Why was he being given something like this?

What was Song Yuan trying to imply?

Song Yuan replied, "It's nourishing soup."

"For me?"

Song Yuan nodded eagerly. "Mm-hmm."

"Why give it to me?"

"I..." Song Yuan stumbled over his words, but he was never good at hiding things. He was terrified that Gu Jingchi would find out he had already eaten lunch. "We... we're engaged, aren't we? Engaged means we're fiancés. Is there anything wrong with me bringing you soup?"

His voice grew quieter as he added, "This is for you. I won't drink it."

Gu Jingchi lowered his eyes, silently observing Song Yuan. He didn't want to admit he was overthinking things, but since Song Yuan had explicitly stated the soup was for him, it was hard not to wonder if there was some hidden meaning. Logic told him he should distance himself immediately—no more entanglement with Song Yuan, whether emotional or financial.

With a cold expression, he pulled out his phone. "How much? I'll transfer it to you."

"Ah—" Song Yuan waved his hands hastily. "No, no, really, it's fine!"

Seeing Song Yuan refuse, Gu Jingchi stood up and walked toward a cabinet behind him.

Confused, Song Yuan's gaze followed him.

Perhaps because the room was heated, Gu Jingchi had taken off his coat, leaving only a black dress shirt. His figure was impeccable—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and the faint outline of well-defined chest muscles beneath the fabric.

Even though it wasn't his first time observing, Song Yuan couldn't help but marvel—Gu Jingchi's physique was better than most male models.

Tall and long-legged, Gu Jingchi quickly returned with a card in hand, offering it to Song Yuan.

"My schedule is packed. I likely won't have time to eat with you. Take this card—it grants VIP access to most restaurants in Jiangcheng. No need to make reservations or wait in line. Don't come looking for me specifically in the future."

The money on it was enough for Song Yuan to spend for a lifetime.

Song Yuan raised his hand to refuse.

Gu Jingchi seemed surprised by the rejection. Before he could withdraw his hand, their fingertips brushed lightly against each other.

The touch was fleeting, barely noticeable through the fabric, but it carried an unexpected warmth.

Song Yuan suddenly recalled the words of the soup shop owner: "Cold hands and feet? This soup is the best remedy! One bowl, and even the most depleted will feel the effects immediately!"

His mind wandered inappropriately—

Gu Jingchi's body was already warm. He probably didn't need this soup.

Song Yuan thought he should've bought milk tea instead. In this world, no one hated milk tea.

Snapping back to reality, he noticed Gu Jingchi staring at him expressionlessly, making him inexplicably nervous. "No, really, it's fine! I usually eat at the school cafeteria and don't go out much. I won't need this."

Gu Jingchi frowned slightly.

Song Yuan's refusal to accept the card all but confirmed his suspicions—

Song Yuan hadn't picked up on the hint to dine alone in the future. He still intended to seek him out.

Gu Jingchi stuffed the card into Song Yuan's coat pocket and zipped the pocket shut. Though he didn't say a word, his attitude left no room for argument—

Song Yuan had to take the card.

Song Yuan was more well-behaved than he'd expected, true, but that didn't mean he was willing to develop anything beyond a contractual partnership with him.

Dining together? No.

He could fulfill all the privileges Song Yuan was entitled to as a fiancé—financial support was no issue.

But nothing else. Meeting in person was already an exception. Meals, dates... any routine intimacy was off the table.

Seeing Gu Jingchi not only tuck the card into his pocket but also zip it up, Song Yuan couldn't bring himself to refuse again.

He had an online library seat reservation, and staying too long would result in an automatic cancellation. He didn't understand why Gu Jingchi was forcing money on him, but he feared being dragged into a meal, so he quickly prepared to leave.

Before going, a small head peeked out from the doorway, a tiny hand waving lightly. "Make sure to finish all the soup, okay?"

"......"

Gu Jingchi's expression darkened as he closed the lunchbox. With a cold face, he pressed the intercom and summoned his secretary Chen to clean up.

Gu Jingchi felt unusually out of control today—foolish, even. He decided to pile on more work in the afternoon to snap himself out of this state.

The secretary and assistant were nervous as they carried the food container away.

—Had Song Yuan rushed off to study at the library, leaving their boss to eat alone? Was that why he was in such a terrifying mood?

Hard work paid off—Song Yuan aced all his exams and finally returned to school!

*

Jiang Ming was overjoyed, slinging an arm around Song Yuan's shoulders. "I knew you could do it!"

"Thanks for the reference materials!" Song Yuan replied cheerfully.

Jiang Ming waved it off. "No problem."

A few classmates approached, greeting Song Yuan enthusiastically. "Song Yuan? Was it you who designed that 'To the Stars' set in the group chat?"

Song Yuan was confused until another classmate pulled out their phone, displaying the fashion design he'd just submitted. Then it clicked—

The teacher had posted his work in the group.

The theme of this assignment was "Civilization."

The topic was broad, and most submissions featured cybernetic and mechanical elements to showcase humanity's advanced development.

But Song Yuan took the opposite approach. The fabrics he chose were soft, emphasizing comfort and amplifying the natural beauty of human bone and muscle structure.

Song Yuan's idea was simple—for a civilization, survival was important, but what mattered more was living with dignity and vitality.

He liked cyberpunk aesthetics too, but whenever he saw cybernetic implants or cold, mechanical prosthetics, a faint melancholy would wrap around him. It was a sentiment that had shaped his beliefs since childhood—

He wanted to bring warmth to everything cold.

Though often called quirky but interesting, Song Yuan never wavered in his vision.

After submitting this design, the professors were excited. They told Song Yuan to return to classes starting next week and even surrounded him, asking about his interest in graduate studies.

Song Yuan was flustered by the praise, initially assuming it was just polite small talk.

But to his surprise, the moment he left the building, the teachers posted his work in the arts department's main chat group, where it was met with overwhelming praise.

[[kissing sound] Damn, this is next-level! How did you even think of this?!]

[666 [Chinese internet slang meaning 'awesome'], why didn't I come up with this?]

[Reward offered for Song Yuan's contact info—a milk tea~]

Song Yuan was both shocked and touched.

Jiang Ming suggested going to the shooting range.

Surrounded by so many new people, Song Yuan didn't feel uncomfortable and agreed with a nod.

At the range, they were led to a private room, where others began instructing Song Yuan, who had never shot before.

With the help of enthusiastic friends, Song Yuan finally learned how to handle the equipment. He stood at the shooting position and fired three times in succession.

Miraculously, only one shot missed the target.

Jiang Ming gave a thumbs-up. "For a beginner, that's really good!" Then he turned to Song Yuan, his tone shifting abruptly. "Yuan Yuan, are you okay?!"

Song Yuan was baffled.

A tall man stopped nearby and politely pointed at his own shoulder. "Here."

Since shooting required protective gear, Song Yuan had taken off his outerwear, leaving only a sweater. The neckline was slightly loose, revealing his slender neck and graceful collarbones.

A small mole adorned his collarbone, making his skin appear even fairer.

Now, that fair shoulder had everyone gasping.

Due to improper handling, the firearm's recoil had hit Song Yuan's shoulder, leaving a patch of red.

Song Yuan glanced down. It looked worse than it felt—he wasn't in pain at all.

But the man beside him spoke up. "May I check for you? If there's any damage to tendons or bones, it could be serious."

Song Yuan blinked at the tall stranger.

Realizing his abruptness, the man chuckled apologetically. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is He—I'm a surgeon. The shooting range owner can vouch for me; he's a friend."

The owner arrived late, horrified at the sight of Song Yuan's shoulder and scolding the instructor for poor service.

"Boss, it wasn't his fault."

Not wanting to worry everyone, Song Yuan agreed to Dr. He's examination.

Dr. He carefully put on gloves, maintaining a respectful distance. "No fractures, likely. Apply some medicinal ointment tonight and monitor it. If the swelling doesn't go down by tomorrow, please visit the People's Hospital. I'm usually in the surgical department—feel free to find me."

Song Yuan doubted it'd be necessary but thanked the doctor politely.

Dr. He nodded gently and pulled up his WeChat contact. "Sometimes I assist in other departments. If you can't find me, just message me."

Song Yuan didn't want to trouble him, but the doctor insisted, so he reluctantly agreed.

Staring at his phone, Song Yuan thought of Gu Jingchi.

After delivering the soup last time, they hadn't met again—he'd been too busy preparing for exams.

Gu Jingchi seemed swamped too, replying sporadically.

After some thought, he sent the photos Jiang Ming had taken earlier.

"San Shui Yuan: Done with exams! Starting next week, I can go back to class!"

"San Shui Yuan: Hanging out with friends~"

"San Shui Yuan: But next time, I want to go with you [happy]"

Jiang Ming forbade Song Yuan from touching the equipment again and suggested hot pot instead.

Since hot pot was served quickly, Song Yuan sent pictures of the meal to Gu Jingchi too.

At 9 p.m., the global conference ended.

Just as Gu Jingchi was about to head home, he received Song Yuan's photos.

Song Yuan had made new friends.

He wasn't surprised.

Song Yuan had a great personality—genuine, affectionate, and who liked to act cute. Anyone would like him.

Acting cute...

Involuntarily, a thought flashed through Gu Jingchi's mind—did Song Yuan act this way with others too?

Considering the recent drop in their chat frequency, Gu Jingchi's fingers moved on their own.

A faint irritation stirred in his chest, but he prepared to send his usual brief reply.

Then he scrolled up and saw the shooting range photo. A strange glint flickered in his eyes.

Song Yuan's shoulder had been hit—badly. Even with the poorly lit photo, he could tell it was red.

He deleted the drafted message.

"Gu Jingchi: The driver is on his way. He'll take you to the hospital."

Song Yuan hadn't expected Gu Jingchi to notice through the washed-out picture and hurriedly declined.

After a full day of nonstop international meetings, Gu Jingchi's usual boundaries had loosened slightly.

"Gu Jingchi: Did you cry?"

The message made Song Yuan pause. Unconsciously, he touched his face and blinked.

"No, I don't cry that easily."

After a moment, he added:

"But if you were here and hugged me, I might cry."

"QwQ [cute emoticon representing teary eyes] Hugs~"