Chapter 32

Chapter 32

"Why did you come looking for me?"

Gu Jingchi, like a man possessed, pressed for answers, desperate to hear what he wanted from Song Yuan’s lips.

Song Yuan’s voice was soft and unhurried, but his words struck Gu Jingchi’s heart like a typhoon: "Because… I have separation anxiety when it comes to you."

"I can’t stand being apart from you. If we’re separated, I get so anxious I can’t sleep."

Song Yuan’s eyes curved, shining brightly.

"Do you remember? We used to do everything together—not just going to school. Hmm… Every weekend, we’d go to Central Park to throw frisbees. In spring, we’d go camping together. In winter, we’d soak in hot springs in the mountains…"

Lost in the role of storyteller, Song Yuan vividly spun a tight, inescapable web around Gu Jingchi.

Gu Jingchi stared at him. "You could do all those things with someone else."

Song Yuan shook his head seriously. "I don’t think so."

Gu Jingchi kept watching him.

"Even though I could do these things alone, I probably wouldn’t do them in advance. I’d wait for you to come back, and then we’d do them together." Unconsciously, Song Yuan leaned closer, meeting Gu Jingchi’s gaze.

"Because all these things are fun. I want to save all my firsts to share them with you."

Firsts.

Song Yuan said every first time of his, he wanted to experience with him.

Those three little words made Gu Jingchi stop in his tracks.

Song Yuan stopped too, looking up at him in confusion.

Thinking he hadn’t made himself clear, Song Yuan emphasized again, "You don’t believe me? I mean it. Your firsts should invite me along too."

"Gu Jingchi, no sneaking off to play. Take me with you. We should be happy together."

It was late, and the temperature in Nancheng dropped sharply after nightfall. Song Yuan, without a coat, shivered from the cold wind, sneezing, his nose red and eyes misty.

Gu Jingchi looked at him, and the impulse he had suppressed earlier surged again. Suddenly, he took Song Yuan’s arm and pulled him forward a few steps.

"What’s wrong?" Song Yuan was startled by the sudden move, but Gu Jingchi didn’t answer.

He led Song Yuan to the riverside, standing behind him.

"Gu Jingchi, what’s going on?" The silence unnerved Song Yuan.

Still no response. Instead, Gu Jingchi cupped Song Yuan’s face and kissed him hard.

The kiss took him by surprise. Song Yuan’s eyes widened, his brain short-circuiting.

"Gu—mmph!"

Song Yuan couldn’t speak—Gu Jingchi was anything but gentle. The usually composed man turned aggressive, one arm locking around Song Yuan’s slender waist, leaving him no room to escape.

His breath was stolen. Lightheaded from lack of air, Song Yuan’s legs weakened. Gu Jingchi stepped forward, pinning him against a tree, kissing him deeper.

This was a school district—no residents, no passersby. In the extreme quiet, Song Yuan could only hear his own ragged breathing and the soft sounds of their kisses.

Struggling to breathe, Song Yuan feebly batted at Gu Jingchi’s arm, but it lacked force—more of a weak protest than resistance.

Gu Jingchi steadied him, easing back slightly. He gently touched Song Yuan’s face and ears.

Song Yuan stared at him, eyes wide with disbelief.

Something about his expression pleased Gu Jingchi. He softly pressed Song Yuan’s head against his shoulder, patting his back to help him catch his breath.

Catching his breath wasn’t easy. Song Yuan tried to stand straight but lacked strength, half-draped over Gu Jingchi’s shoulder, his cheek nuzzling softly into the crook of his neck.

Gu Jingchi’s breathing grew rougher. Unable to resist, he kissed him again.

This time, the kiss was gentler than the night breeze—no teeth, no rush. Song Yuan’s breathing steadied.

When they finally parted, Gu Jingchi seemed to kiss his ear, whispering praise.

"So smart. You’ve learned to breathe now."

"!"

Song Yuan’s entire face burned red, his words tripping over themselves. "You—how could you… How…"

His heart pounded wildly.

Gu Jingchi looked down at him, expression calm, though his breathing was slightly heavier than usual—back to his usual detached demeanor.

But Song Yuan knew very well—the Gu Jingchi who had pushed him against the tree and kissed him wasn’t a dream. He had been fierce, like a different person.

Gu Jingchi waited patiently for him to speak.

In the quiet, only Song Yuan’s uneven breaths broke the silence. He had only worn a thin hoodie today, no coat. Afraid he’d catch cold, Gu Jingchi took off his own jacket and bundled Song Yuan into its warmth.

"You said it yourself—to take you along when playing."

Is that what he meant?!

Song Yuan lifted his face, shooting him an innocent look. He didn’t know what to say—his mind was a scrambled mess.

That pure gaze made Gu Jingchi rethink his earlier impulsiveness.

He had lost control—no thought for where they were or if Song Yuan wanted it. The second their lips touched, he had wanted more…

It wasn’t like him.

He had always been restrained, composed. In this contract marriage, he understood better than anyone that Song Yuan was the one with less power. He couldn’t—shouldn’t—lead him on in any way through words or actions.

He believed such things should only be done by Song Yuan’s true partner.

—A true partner.

In Gu Jingchi’s subconscious, that meant someone free of contracts, someone who truly loved and respected Song Yuan.

Gu Jingchi knew exactly where he stood—he was anything but a "good partner."

Because between him and Song Yuan stood a contract. Its existence would make Song Yuan uneasy, as if their current happiness had an expiration date, fading day by day until it would disappear when the time came.

He thought that was unfair to Song Yuan.

But just now, he had figured it out.

Although this agreement still had a year left, he could make it vanish entirely.

There was no need for such a contract with ulterior motives between him and Song Yuan.

"Let’s head back for now." Gu Jingchi caressed Song Yuan's face.

Song Yuan felt dizzy—he had no memory at all of how they returned to the airport, boarded the plane, or ended up at the door of Gu Jingchi’s room.

It wasn’t until his hand gripped the doorknob that Song Yuan came to his senses.

"Sleep early." Gu Jingchi ran a hand through his hair.

The sudden gesture startled Song Yuan, and his eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Gu Jingchi.

In a daze, he softly called Gu Jingchi’s name—something he instinctively did when he wasn't thinking straight.

"Gu Jingchi…"

"I'm here." Gu Jingchi touched his head again. "I have some things to handle next door. You rest first."

The words sounded too intimate, as if they were truly partners living together. Song Yuan blinked several times, still unable to process what was happening.

"Go on."

Song Yuan nodded and turned toward the room.

Lying on the bed, breathing in the familiar scent of the sheets, Song Yuan finally realized the truth.

—He and Gu Jingchi had kissed.

Recalling everything that had just happened, Song Yuan could hardly believe it.

Logically, Gu Jingchi should have been extremely resistant to intimacy with him—unwilling to even hold hands—so how could he have done such a thing…?

Was it because he had repeatedly emphasized his separation anxiety and went on and on in front of Gu Jingchi that the latter thought he was anxious and kissed him to comfort him?

That would explain it!

Thinking further—

Perhaps the things he had just said were so annoying that Gu Jingchi, pushed past his limit, had resorted to this method to shut him up.

It was all too reasonable, perfectly logical.

No wonder Gu Jingchi had been in such a hurry to send him to bed—he probably couldn’t stand the sight of him anymore.

And that gentleness? Probably just a stalling tactic, a pretense to keep him, the high-maintenance person, from throwing a tantrum.

Song Yuan lay flat on the bed, motionless, thinking—*Damn, I must be impressive.*

To push Gu Jingchi to this extent…

*How scary is that!* he thought.

It just proved that Gu Jingchi was truly a gentleman. Even when provoked to this point, he still restrained himself and refused to act like a contract-breaker.

Tossing and turning, he couldn't sleep. Song Yuan opened his phone and found over a dozen unread messages piled up in the background—all from Song Shenyu and Song Qiao.

"Song Qiao: …"

"Song Qiao: Brother, why did you leave? I didn’t even get to see you, boo hoo…"

"Song Qiao: But I’ll be home in a couple of days. I bought you a gift—I’ll give it to you then [sad][sad]."

"Song Qiao: Before I left for school, I tidied up your room (your old one was too small, so I had them move you next to mine ^^)."

"Song Qiao: If you come home next week, you can sleep in the new room. No more squeezing into the tiny one."

Song Yuan: ?

He almost thought he was seeing things wrong.

Song Qiao—who had gone eighteen years without done a single chore—had actually cleaned his room for him?

*What a surprise.*

Even more surprising was that his room had been preserved at all… Song Qiao was immature and couldn’t make decisions on certain matters. If this had happened, it must have been with Song Shenyu’s approval.

He switched chats and, sure enough, Song Shenyu had also sent him messages.

"Song Shenyu: Back so soon?"

"Song Shenyu: I won’t be back for a couple of days."

These messages had been received three hours ago, when he was still on the plane.

Before Song Yuan could figure out how to reply, another message came through.

"Song Shenyu: Coming home this weekend? I’ve organized your belongings—check if everything’s there when you return."

Song Shenyu’s words reminded Song Yuan—

He needed to go back to the Song family home.

Not for anything else, but his ID, passport, and the agreement were all there.

The first two were crucial to him. Recently, his advisor had asked if he’d be willing to go abroad for studies for a year to learn something new.

Song Yuan was very willing—seeing himself improve would make him happy. But to go abroad, he needed to have his documents in hand.

As for the agreement… What if Gu Jingchi one day had a change of heart and wanted a divorce?

He had to hold onto that agreement at all times.

Chance favors the prepared. Who knew? Maybe in a few days, Gu Jingchi would decide to renege on the contract and tear up the agreement. When that time came, he wouldn’t be left empty-handed.

Speaking of which—

Song Yuan suddenly thought of something else.

Why had Gu Jingchi asked him to stay?

If Gu Jingchi truly could barely tolerate him, why keep him around instead of just dropping him off at the apartment complex entrance?

The answer came the next morning.

Song Yuan woke up aching everywhere.

His shoulder blades complained as he sat up, and with eyes still red from sleep, he rubbed his aching shoulder.

As his senses gradually returned, he recalled the kiss from last night, and his face burned red.

After a quick wash-up, Song Yuan took a deep breath and opened the door.

When he went downstairs, Gu Jingchi was sitting at the table.

It took forever before Song Yuan finally made his way down the stairs and shuffled over to Gu Jingchi, calling his name.

"Have some snacks first," Gu Jingchi told him. "Lunch will be ready later."

Song Yuan nodded absentmindedly and ate the snacks in front of Gu Jingchi, his thoughts elsewhere.

"Fair warning, it might get a bit noisy later," Gu Jingchi said to him.

Song Yuan didn’t quite understand until he was taken to another house, where he realized what "a bit noisy" meant.

As the black gate swung open, even before stepping inside, Song Yuan could hear the clamor within.

The voices weren’t loud, but there were many of them.

"I haven’t met him yet—what does he look like?"

"I heard he’s really good-looking. Someone posted a photo of him in a group chat before, and I saved it. Let me find it."

"*Minna-san*, I really want to see him!"

"Me too, me too! My friend goes to the same school as him and says he’s really sweet and crazy talented."

"Yeah, yeah! At W University’s year-end showcase, he performed on stage with Sam."

"Sam? That cranky professor? I took his elective once—he was so strict."

"That just proves how amazing this guy is. Isn’t Uncle just as strict? But still…"

"I think you’ve got a point."

So, Gu Jingchi wanted to introduce him to the Gu family.

"This is so sudden," Song Yuan whispered softly into Gu Jingchi’s ear.

The moment Song Yuan leaned in, Gu Jingchi instinctively lowered his head and reassured him, "Sorry, it is a bit abrupt."

"If you’re uncomfortable, we can leave now."

"Ah, that wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?"

"It’s fine. They can eat on their own."

Song Yuan really did want to leave.

But turning back now would seem a bit immature.

"It’s fine. Let’s go."

The long, circular table was filled with people.

Most of those seated were young faces.

Though Gu Jingchi was young, his seniority in the family was high—some of the younger members even had to address him as "Young Master," though he found it awkward and made them all call him "Uncle" instead.

No one dared to touch their chopsticks until Gu Jingchi arrived. Only after he took his seat did lunch officially begin.

To his surprise, the atmosphere in the Gu family was warm. The younger generation was polite, and everyone treated Song Yuan with just enough friendliness and enthusiasm. By the end of the meal, Song Yuan couldn’t quite put his finger on exactly what made it so satisfying—he just felt totally comfortable.

As the butler served the final dessert, Gu Jingchi stepped out to take a call.

The moment he left, the room exploded with noise.

Groups of young relatives crowded around Song Yuan, firing questions at him.

"You go to W University too? What a coincidence! Me too! Are you at the north campus? We should totally hang out on the weekend!"

"Add me on WeChat! I’ll add you to our little group—it’s just us, no elders. We hang out together all the time!"

"W University has a study abroad program that got approved last year. I saw your major’s included. Have you thought about studying abroad? Any cities in mind? I’m in Syracuse—maybe we’ll be classmates!"

Gu Jingchi had been right.

The younger generation of the Gu family was split right down the middle—some were party kids who’d spent twenty years only knowing how to eat, drink and be merry, while others were workaholic overachievers who’d pushed themselves to extremes.

The topics among the young crowd stuck to the usual subjects. At first, Song Yuan was a bit nervous, but as they kept talking, he gradually relaxed.

"OMG, you study fashion design?! Are those drawings in your Moments your own work?"

"Where? Let me see, let me see!"

These younger relatives were about Song Yuan’s age, and he could follow along easily with their topics.

"Yeah, they are."

"How have we never met before?! Do you work in all styles? Do you design stage costumes? I’ve got a flash mob event at the mall in two weeks, and I still haven’t picked an outfit! I want something that’ll absolutely kill it—can you design a unique set for me? Money’s no object, just name your price!"

"Hey, you K-pop folks are hogging him! I asked first! Hey, what do you think of this cosplay outfit? Does this give you ideas? Could you modify it? I’ll pay for exclusive rights!"

"What is this, the wild west?! Where’s the respect for your elders?! Do you like hanfu? I’d love for you to design a unique set for me—I can’t stand looking like everyone else. I can pay a deposit upfront~"

Three groups were now fighting it out for Song Yuan’s attention.

Truthfully, Song Yuan was quite surprised. He hadn’t expected such enthusiasm from them and felt genuinely happy.

Happy as he was, their reactions still seemed excessive. He didn’t understand how a simple nod from him could cause such a stir.

The next moment, the situation spiraled out of control—what had been playful arguing escalated into actual shoving.

"We were talking about clothes—why are you bringing your jewelry into this?!"

"Jewelry design is still design! It shares the same roots as fashion design—inseparable! Why the hostility?!"

Song Yuan suddenly glanced up at the speaker.

Jewelry design? That was a novel profession.

It was a field he hadn’t explored yet—quite intriguing.

The young man, realizing he’d successfully caught Song Yuan’s attention, subconsciously straightened up proudly.

In reality, though, he was still just a trainee. If you asked him, he wouldn’t even know where to begin explaining.

But opportunities like this were rare, and he didn’t want to waste it. Just as he was struggling to find the right words, his gaze landed on Song Yuan’s fingers.

Something important seems to be missing here.

This is my chance!

"Our field specializes in jewelry design, and it's not some impractical field—it's something that can be applied to real life."

Someone behind him grew impatient. "Nobody asked! Cut to the chase!"

The young man flustered. "For example, wedding rings! I can design a wedding ring for you! Interested?"

Song Yuan froze, instinctively covering his left hand with his right.

As soon as the words were spoken, the younger generation erupted in a chorus of groans.

"No fair!"

"I was about to say that too! I even wanted to introduce our family's brand."

"Anyone can say nice things. Picking on us just because we’re not in obscure fields or professions, huh? No common topics to bond over?"

"Get to the back of the line right now! Wait your turn after we're done!"

The younger generation was actually quite polite, but there were simply too many of them. With each chiming in, the noise could’ve blown the roof off.

"Finished eating?"

Gu Jingchi's voice drifted in from afar, and the lively living room instantly fell silent.

Gu Jingchi said flatly, "If you want clothes, figure it out yourselves."

Not a peep from the younger crowd.

"Shall we go?"

Everyone knew Gu Jingchi was speaking to Song Yuan.

Song Yuan nodded, waving goodbye as he walked away.

The younger generation was reluctant to see him go, but no one dared to speak up to stop him. They kept their cool, waving goodbye gracefully.

Spring in Jiangcheng was different from other places. Some trees hadn't even grown leaves yet, but their flowers had already bloomed. It must have rained yesterday—the earthy scent of camphor leaves hung lazily in the air.

"Sorry, I didn’t expect them to be so noisy," Gu Jingchi said sincerely to Song Yuan.

Song Yuan shook his head. "Not at all. They were fun."

Did Gu Jingchi catch the wedding ring comment?

Stealing a glance at Gu Jingchi, he saw no particular expression on the man's face—probably hadn’t heard it.

Thankfully, no. Those kids had guts, poking at Gu Jingchi’s boundaries.

Back home, Song Yuan suddenly felt sleepy and wanted to nap.

He figured socializing must’ve wiped him out, and he needed a good, deep sleep.

Too lazy to go upstairs, Gu Jingchi had to fetch a blanket for him.

"I have work in the afternoon. I can’t stay with you."

Song Yuan’s eyes widened slightly—he hadn’t expected Gu Jingchi to explain himself.

It was a small thing, but it warmed Song Yuan’s heart.

His voice was so soft that Gu Jingchi almost thought he’d imagined it.

"It’s fine. I don’t need company." Half-awake, Song Yuan mumbled something revealing. "I’ve been on my own forever. I’m used to it."

Song Yuan wasn’t lying. Orphanages, foster homes, dorms—being alone was all he’d known for most of his past life. He’d never told anyone before because once, while volunteering at a temple, he’d mentioned it offhand to a monk buddy, and the monk had burst into tears.

Song Yuan couldn’t stand seeing people cry. Even if it wasn’t on him, the guilt stuck.

By the time he realized what he’d said, it was too late.

Song Yuan’s eyes flew open, a flash of guilt crossed his face.

He was supposed to be playing the part of a needy, high-strung diva who needed his fiancé’s constant affection to function.

For him to say something like this was totally out of character.

Song Yuan laughed awkwardly, awkwardly changing the subject. He brushed Gu Jingchi’s hand but pulled back, keeping things polite. "So… uh, got anything else going on?"

Say something. Like about that kiss. Like wanting out.

Gu Jingchi turned and left, his retreating figure seeming almost hurried.

Song Yuan didn’t pay it much mind, rolling over and falling asleep.

When Gu Jingchi returned, this was the scene he found.

Song Yuan was sprawled on the blanket, eyes closed like a curled-up kitten, still clutching the fabric.

Too bad—he’d missed his chance to tell Song Yuan before he fell asleep that he’d stay with him.

Gu Jingchi recalled the careless remark made by that kid at the family gathering.

He’d invited Song Yuan to make him feel more secure.

Before finding a way to resolve that agreement, he just wanted Song Yuan to be happy and peaceful through this transitional period. He’d meant to invite the elders too but worried Song Yuan might feel nervous, so he’d only called some of the younger ones.

Song Yuan’s earlier words had thrown him off.

His fiancé was clingy—that much was clear from the last time he’d gotten drunk. Song Yuan wasn’t as okay as he acted; he actually needed companionship. But he played it cool, insisting he didn’t need it even if that wasn’t how he truly felt.

This was Gu Jingchi’s failing. He felt he needed to put in more effort to make Song Yuan feel at ease.

Sound asleep, Song Yuan tilted his face up slightly. Gu Jingchi’s gaze unconsciously lingered there.

His eyes were pink from sleep, blending with the teardrop mole at the corner into a rosy hue.

Gu Jingchi touched the mole with a fingertip, a tiny shock buzzed through his finger.

He bent down and pressed a kiss to it.

The dinner hadn’t been a waste—he’d found a new way to give Song Yuan a sense of security.

He pulled out a red silk ribbon and carefully wrapped it around Song Yuan’s ring finger.

—He’d get Song Yuan a custom wedding ring.