Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Jiang Songen drove You Nan home.

They arrived early, before Xiao Youruan’s school had let out.

The house was occupied only by a mischievous little kitten keeping watch.

007 heard the door open and popped its fluffy little head out from the sofa. Seeing it was You Nan and the protagonist shou, it paid no further mind and retreated back into the cushions.

It tucked in its sprawled-out legs, unable to resist opening its tiny mouth for a big yawn.

It was no longer the same as before.

The protagonist shou always liked to stay by You Nan’s side, and 007 had gradually grown accustomed to this willing catch, feeling an inexplicable sense of pride.

Other hosts had to actively pursue the protagonist shou, but its host could just stand still and still be a "brother magnet" and "little brother collector" all in one.

The protagonist shou’s Energy Points also came pouring in.

Life was beautiful now, with a thriving career—what more could 007 want!

You Nan patted the kitten’s head a couple of times, and the curled-up furball stretched out again, emitting a rumbling purring sound.

Jiang Songen had been to You Nan’s house many times and was already familiar with the place, feeling as comfortable as if it were his own home.

He opened the fridge and took out two bottles of AD Calcium Milk he had bought for You Nan.

Droplets had condensed on the bottles. Jiang Songen grabbed a tissue to wipe them dry, then cupped the bottles with both hands to warm them slightly. Once they were no longer dripping, he inserted straws and handed one to You Nan.

They had been quiet the whole way back.

What Zhang Chun had said at the school gate was too shocking; the mere thought of it made Jiang Songen’s stomach churn with physical disgust.

He didn’t feel like saying anything.

You Nan drank the milk Jiang Songen gave him while listening to the boy murmur beside him, "There’s nothing between me and Zhang Chun. I had no idea he had such disgusting thoughts. Don’t take what he said to heart."

Jiang Songen sat down next to You Nan, rubbing his arms. "It really made me sick all the way back. Just thinking about it makes me want to vomit."

You Nan nodded in agreement. "I won’t take it to heart. It’s not something good anyway."

A slight smile lifted the corners of Jiang Songen’s lips.

In the afternoon, Jiang Songen helped You Nan pick up Xiao Youruan from elementary school.

As soon as Xiao Youruan saw him, his eyes lit up, and he scampered over. "Brother Jiang! Did my brother come too?"

Jiang Songen said You Nan hadn’t come. "The electric scooter is too small. One of these days, I’ll buy you a bigger one. Then I can bring your brother along to pick you up after school."

Xiao Youruan cheered, jumping up on the spot. "Brother, you’re the best! Thank you, brother!"

The child didn’t need Jiang Songen to carry him; he climbed into the seat himself.

He spread his arms and wrapped them around his brother’s waist, glancing around. "Brother, that car is so pretty. It’s yellow, just as nice as SpongeBob."

Jiang Songen looked over—it was indeed nice.

The owner was a young mother who had bought a soft yellow compact car. The windows were clean and bright, and inside, white little curtains hung.

The interior had been modified too, looking very cozy with a small bed and a little table.

Among the luxury cars and the electric scooters driven by grandparents there to pick up kids, this car stood out, attracting curious and envious glances from many children.

By the time Jiang Songen snapped out of his thoughts, he had already taken the child to a 4S dealership.

The salesperson’s voice rang in his ears: "This car’s appearance is very cute and quite popular among young people. The interior space is a bit smaller compared to regular cars, but it’s enough for one person with a child…"

"How much?" Jiang Songen cut the salesperson off directly.

Seeing how straightforward he was, the salesperson smiled and quoted a promotional price—less than 40,000 including taxes and fees.

"If you’d like it, we have it in stock right now."

The salesperson dealt with many customers daily and had long honed a sharp eye.

He could tell the boy in front of him was wearing branded clothes. His demeanor was restrained yet unmistakably refined—a young master from a truly wealthy family.

The young master didn’t even flinch at the price, clearly carrying enough pocket money to cover it.

Thinking of his commission, the salesperson’s smile grew more genuine, though inwardly he grew a bit anxious, eager to close the deal quickly.

Jiang Songen didn’t hesitate. "Alright, get me the best one you have."

As he spoke, his heart raced.

At this moment, his desire to buy something for You Nan peaked, his eardrums throbbing in sync with his heartbeat.

Jiang Songen pulled out a card from his pocket and swiped it on the POS machine—over 30,000 yuan vanished just like that.

Seeing how decisive he was, the salesperson beamed.

He asked Jiang Songen to wait a moment, then hurried to the garage himself to bring out the best soft yellow compact car they had. He checked all the documents to ensure nothing would delay the process before having Jiang Songen inspect the car.

Jiang Songen had just turned eighteen, and his family had arranged for someone to teach him to drive. He already had his driver’s license.

Jiang Songen got into the car and sat in the driver’s seat. Xiao Youruan obediently followed, sitting inside and curiously looking left and right without touching anything.

He knew this wasn’t his and his brother’s car.

The child’s well-behaved and sensible demeanor warmed the salesperson’s heart. As expected of a child from a wealthy family—so polite.

Jiang Songen test-drove the car several times, carefully checking its condition and performance. Only after repeatedly confirming everything was fine did he nod.

The salesperson then personally drove with them to the vehicle management office to get the license plate.

Going to the vehicle management office was usually the fastest way to get a plate—it could be done the same day, whereas making an appointment would take three days or even longer.

Jiang Songen wanted to give the gift to You Nan today and naturally didn’t want to wait several days.

Xiao Youruan’s already sparkling eyes grew even brighter.

The way he looked at Jiang Songen now wasn’t like looking at a brother—more like looking at a person made of gold.

"Brother Jiang, you’re really so good to me and my brother!"

Jiang Songen found it somewhat amusing and patted the child’s head. "Of course. Your brother is my best friend, and you’re my best little brother."

Xiao Youruan smiled, his eyes curving like crescent moons.

They arrived at a fortunate time; it being a weekday, there weren't many people, so they quickly reached the front of the line.

The license plate number was chosen by Xiao Youruan, with auspicious numbers.

After getting the plate, Jiang Songen pulled out his card again, went to the dealership to pay for the car's insurance, and then drove off right away.

You Nan had been cooking. He had gone downstairs to buy some groceries and, while Jiang Songen and You Ruan were still out, made a corn and pork rib soup, cola chicken wings, pork stir-fried with green peppers, and a few other home-style dishes.

The phone on the table rang. You Nan wiped the grease from his hands and answered the call.

Jiang Songen on the other end said, "Xiao Nan, come down! I have a gift for you!"

You Nan was surprised. Following Jiang Songen's words, he walked to the door and changed into his shoes. "What gift?" he asked.

He said, "What took you so long today? Did you go somewhere to play?"

Jiang Songen didn't tell him, just urged him to come downstairs.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore!"

The boy's voice carried tension and a bit of excitement, which You Nan didn't notice.

A minute later, You Nan appeared downstairs.

In front of him was a bright yellow car, with Jiang Songen and his younger brother sitting inside.

You Nan walked over, looking the car over. "Why did you bring a different car?"

It's actually pretty cute.

Jiang Songen exchanged a subtle glance with the child sitting in the back.

"This car is the gift I want to give you."

Jiang Songen handed him the car keys, got out of the car, and gently pushed You Nan's shoulder. "Get in, I'll take you for a ride."

You Nan was stunned.

This car is a gift?

"This is too expensive. I can't accept it."

Jiang Songen softened his voice, trying to reassure You Nan. "What's the big deal? This car only cost just over thirty thousand. When Li Qiutian had his birthday, I gave him limited edition sneakers that cost about the same. He gave me a watch in return, that cost over forty thousand."

You Nan was absolutely stunned by the spending habits and wealth of the wealthy.

By the time he snapped out of it, he had already been pushed into the car by Jiang Songen, seated in the passenger seat, and the car had started and left the neighborhood.

You Nan suddenly cried out, "Oh no!"

Jiang Songen turned to look at him.

You Nan's face was filled with dread. "When I came out, I left soup simmering on the stove, and I haven't turned off the heat!"

Jiang Songen: "!!!"

Jiang Songen immediately made a U-turn and drove home.

The three of them got out of the car. You Nan rushed into the house.

The soup had finished cooking. He breathed a sigh of relief, terrified.

Luckily, they had only been gone for about ten minutes.

Jiang Songen felt somewhat awkward and sat at the table eating in silence.

He thought that if he hadn't directly pulled You Nan into the car, this wouldn't have happened.

You Nan served him some cola chicken wings. "Try these, they're a bit hot."

Jiang Songen pushed aside his thoughts, lowered his head, and took a bite. The cola chicken wings were stewed to perfection, sweet and flavorful.

Jiang Songen ended up helping himself to more, finishing off several dishes on the table.

The Jiang family's driver arrived. Mrs. Jiang wouldn't let her son keep staying at You Nan's house before graduating from high school.

Having been young herself, she still remembered how easily young people's self-control and passions could be stirred up.

She couldn't be sure her son would definitely keep himself in check.

Jiang Songen went downstairs and gave the car keys to You Nan. His attitude was clear: whether You Nan wanted to keep the car or sell it later was up to him.

Since the car was given to You Nan, he would not interfere afterward.

You Nan clutched the keys in his hand, feeling all sorts of feelings.

He watched the Jiang family car drive away.

Jiang Songen was incredibly good to him.

Especially since the other party was giving so generously without asking for anything in return.

And he himself had nothing to offer in return.

This feeling left You Nan at a loss and filled him with immense gratitude.

The next day at school, You Nan found that the news of "Zhang Chun likes Jiang Songen" was spreading like crazy throughout the school.

Not only in the senior year, but even the junior years downstairs knew about it.

Jiang Songen was visibly upset about this.

His face already drew enough attention in school, and now with this news, the number of people passing by their classroom during breaks noticeably increased, with many eyes inevitably wandering toward Jiang Songen's face.

Jiang Songen paid no attention to the others; he didn't care about the curious looks from others.

The only person he cared about was You Nan.

Compared to Jiang Songen's calmness, Zhang Chun couldn't bear it.

Zhang Chun was already proud and haughty.

Now that his secret was out, within just the morning, many people in the classroom secretly glanced at him, and Zhang Chun's pride couldn't handle it.

He completely lost his temper in the classroom, saying that anyone who dared to look at him with that look would have their eyes dug out.

His direct outburst of anger pretty much confirmed the rumor that he liked Jiang Songen.

Zhang Chun also realized that he had overreacted. After school at noon, he didn't return for afternoon classes and directly took the rest of the day off.

"Whoa, I heard Zhang Chun has a crush on you, is it true or not?" Li Qiutian, having recovered from his illness, came to class today.

He heard this shocking news first thing in the morning, so startled that the filling from his breakfast bun accidentally fell to the ground and couldn't be eaten.

It broke his heart.

Jiang Songen didn't want to hear this news. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Stop talking."

Li Qiutian understood his tone.

He also took a deep breath.

Li Qiutian rubbed his arms, trying to get rid of the goosebumps that had appeared. "This is so ridiculous. How can Zhang Chun be so disgusting?"

"He said, 'Maybe he doesn’t really like you, and his real intention is to gross you out so you leave?'"

Jiang Songen didn’t want to dwell on it. "It doesn't matter. Anyway, we’re graduating soon."

Li Qiutian thought about it and nodded. "That's true."

There was less than a semester left.

After graduation, everyone would go their own ways.

They might never see each other again in this lifetime.

Zhang Chun took two days off and returned on the third day after everyone had moved on.

Life went on as usual for everyone.

You Nan lowered his head, holding a pen and working on exam papers. With less than three months until the college entrance exam, he had now grasped all the key concepts in the textbooks. His grades had improved, stably ranked in the top fifty of his grade.

Teachers paid more attention to him now.

He was no longer the nobody he used to be in class.

After this class, the next period was gym class. You Nan went to the field with his classmates.

The teacher had the students do warm-ups and run two laps around the field before letting them break off for free time.

You Nan didn’t want to move around. He chose a shady spot and sat down.

The weather was gradually getting hotter, and the sun's temperature was rising. After running two laps, he had broken a slight sweat.

The girls sat on the other side, on the other side, all wearing long sleeves. They were quite a distance from You Nan, almost across the whole field.

A shadow fell over him.

He looked up and saw it was Yi Jiahe.

Yi Jiahe sat down in front of You Nan. You Nan instinctively moved to stand and shift away to maintain a safe distance but was suddenly grabbed by the wrist by Yi Jiahe.

He didn’t let go.

"I just want to say a few words to you. I'll leave after I'm done."

Yi Jiahe's expression was calm, his eyelids drooping as his gaze fell on You Nan's lips.

You Nan couldn’t pull free from his grip. The more he struggled, the more uncontrollably the guy’s grip tightened, squeezing harder.

Worried he might hurt his wrist, You Nan gave up on the idea of putting distance between himself and Yi Jiahe.

"What do you want to say?" You Nan turned his head away, unwilling to look at him.

Since their fight during winter break, Yi Jiahe had never again asked him to do the things they used to.

This was a relief to You Nan.

But now, seeing Yi Jiahe's attitude, he wasn’t sure anymore.

Yi Jiahe's heart was racing.

Ever since he realized the intensity of his feelings for You Nan, he had tried to pull himself out of this emotion quickly.

He had even deliberately observed the details and scenes of You Nan and Jiang Songen interacting, torturing himself in an attempt to give up sooner.

But it was useless.

The more he saw those scenes, the more he couldn't reconcile with himself.

Why could Jiang Songen have it, but not him?

He had done wrong by You Nan, and he was willing to make amends, to let You Nan vent his anger.

He hoped You Nan would treat him the same way he treated Jiang Songen.

So when he saw You Nan sitting alone, he couldn't help himself and came over.

"You Nan," he said, "I'm sorry for what happened before. I apologize, I'm sorry."

Yi Jiahe tightly held You Nan's hand, afraid he might suddenly run away.

"And also, I... think I've fallen for you."

You Nan's eyes, already wide, grew even wider.

He looked at Yi Jiahe in astonishment. "Do you know what you're saying?"

Was Yi Jiahe possessed by something evil?

Yi Jiahe let out an "Mmm." "Of course I know."

The hand gripping You Nan's was damp with fine sweat from his nervousness.

You Nan's hand grew cold with sweat. He smiled at Yi Jiahe, unconsciously revealing the smile Yi Jiahe used to love. "Is it because the weather's been hot lately, making you restless and unstable?"

Yi Jiahe saw the smile on You Nan's face, and his heart skipped a beat. He reached out and covered You Nan's face, obscuring half of it.

"Can you not smile like that?"

Yi Jiahe's voice was extremely low, audible only to the two of them.

You Nan turned his face away and swatted Yi Jiahe's hand off. "Wasn't this your favorite smile? Now that I'm smiling, you're unhappy again. When I couldn't smile back then, you were also unhappy."

"Young master, could you please stop playing with me? I'm just an ordinary person. I don't have the time or energy to play games with you."

You Nan's voice was soft and gentle, as if he were speaking to a familiar friend.

You Nan's goal was very clear now. His grades had improved, and he could take the college entrance exam and get into a good university.

He would study hard in university, do more internships, and accumulate experience.

After graduating, he could find a decent-paying company to work at, earn money, take care of his younger brother, and then repay Jiang Songen for everything he’d done.

You Nan realized that his life was on an upward trajectory; he didn’t want Yi Jiahe to drag him back down, treating him like a little emotional pet with no dignity among their group.

Yi Jiahe refused to let go, saying, "Why? I can give you a lot of money. As long as you're my boyfriend, all my money will be yours."

You Nan rejected him firmly. "Stop joking around. I don’t like you."

He made it even clearer. "Do I need to bring up what you did to me again?"

"Your money helped me, but it came at the cost of my dignity. Your money bought my dignity back then."

You Nan said, "I don’t want to live like that anymore. Could you please not treat me like some experiment just because you’re having your first crush? The college entrance exam is almost here—I don’t have the time or energy to play around with you."

With his other hand, the one not held by Yi Jiahe, You Nan applied some force, pressing down on Yi Jiahe’s hand and pushing his hand down.

"Please, just like before, don’t come looking for me. Let’s pretend we don’t know each other."

All his nervousness and anticipation in Yi Jiahe’s heart were extinguished by You Nan’s words.

His pupils trembled. "I know I was wrong. Give me one more chance."

Having been in a position of power for so long, even his begging sounded like an order.

"I’ll treat you better than Jiang Songen does," he said.

As his hand slipped empty, Yi Jiahe immediately grabbed the hem of You Nan’s clothes.

These days had been tough for Yi Jiahe. Not only had he failed to erase You Nan from his heart, but You Nan’s presence had grown even stronger.

The harder he suppressed his feelings, the harder they bounced back.

He tried to restrain himself from thinking about You Nan, but every night when he lay in bed and closed his eyes, his dreams were filled with the other.

When Yi Jiahe woke up in the morning, he knew he was a lost cause.

He was sick, and only You Nan could save him from this misery.

You Nan didn’t want to wrestle with him, afraid of being seen by other passing students.

He didn’t want to become as infamous as Yi Jiahe.

"Don’t be like this," You Nan said, standing up to leave, but a powerful yank pulled him back, sending him stumbling into Yi Jiahe’s arms.

Yi Jiahe locked his arms around You Nan’s waist and shoulders, preventing him from escaping.

Yi Jiahe spoke directly into You Nan’s ear, so You Nan couldn’t see the gloomy expression on his face.

If Zhang Chun were here now, he would recognize that Yi Jiahe looked exactly as he had that day at his home—completely wrecked.

"You Nan, I’ve thought about it for a long time. I really like you. Let’s just leave the past in the past."

As he spoke, Yi Jiahe steered You Nan away from the playground toward the nearby gymnasium. "We can start over. Get to know each other again."

"In two months, I’ll arrange for you to study abroad with me. Your younger brother will have someone specially assigned to care for him. Once he’s old enough for high school, the Yi family will send him to study where we are."

"We’ll get engaged abroad, then married, and live there. Just the two of us."

You Nan felt something wet on his ear.

He clenched his eyes shut, about to scream to attract others’ attention, but Yi Jiahe reacted faster, clamping a hand over his mouth to prevent any sound from escaping.

"Mmph—"

You Nan’s strength was no match for his. He dug his heels into the ground and dug his fingers into Yi Jiahe’s hand, leaving red scratches on the back, but Yi Jiahe still didn’t let go.

Unable to resist, his nails nearly tearing, You Nan was dragged into the gymnasium’s locker room.

After second period gym class ended, Jiang Songen came to find You Nan to walk him home.

He came to see You Nan almost every day, and Class Two was used to them being close.

Jiang Songen waited for a while but didn’t see him.

He frowned, a bad feeling rising in his heart.

He asked a Class Two student who had just returned to the classroom, "Have you seen You Nan?"

"No, we weren’t with You Nan."

"I didn’t notice either. He’s probably still at the field."

High school friendships were mostly formed in the first two less busy years. As a transfer student in his final year, You Nan never really clicked with anyone.

Fortunately, You Nan had his goals set. He didn’t care about others’ opinions and did fine on his own.

So, nobody in Class Two knew him well.

Jiang Songen’s eyes darted to another empty desk in the classroom—Yi Jiahe’s.

Jiang Songen muttered, "This is bad," and immediately grabbed You Nan’s backpack, rushing out toward the playground.