Chapter 26

Chapter 26

There was more than one basketball game happening on the court.

While Shen Ju was talking to Jian Yi, another basketball flew out and rolled to a spot near them.

The person who had lost control of the ball seemed to yell something from a distance.

Probably asking for help to retrieve the ball or something.

Pei Yan saw Jian Yi hand his basketball to Shen Ju, then pick up the other one that had rolled over.

A gust of wind blew by.

Jian Yi’s left arm, hidden in his sleeve, became more noticeable.

A student waiting for the ball to be thrown back shouted "Whoa" from not too far away—loud enough for Pei Yan to hear clearly—followed by, "No hand or what?"

Jian Yi’s face remained neutral, though his movements froze for a second.

But Shen Ju’s expression suddenly changed.

He grabbed the basketball, turned, and headed over to the person who had shouted.

Guan Mulin, Han Chengfeng, and others quickly joined him.

Even Pei Haochuan was among them.

The speaker looked uncomfortable.

But teenagers, at that age where they are most concerned about pride, initially thought it was just a slip of the tongue and hadn’t planned to apologize. Now, with all these people showing up...

"Okay, I’ll apologize!"

"Why are you all crowding around?!"

"It’s getting crowded in here!"

"Move aside, I’m going to apologize!"

Shen Ju rubbed the tip of his nose. A moment ago, he had looked ready to reason with the guy, but now, hearing this, he stepped aside like he was told.

Then he hurried after them too.

As he turned, his gaze swept in this direction and accidentally met Pei Yan’s eyes.

Then Pei Yan heard—

"Bro 996, it’s Brother Pei!"

The suddenly excited, surprised voice hit Pei Yan full-force, accompanied by an expression of delight, as though he was very happy to see him.

Pei Yan returned the smile at Shen Ju.

Shen Ju probably didn’t even realize that quite a few people had gathered around him by now.

But the next moment, Shen Ju signaled to Jian Yi, then ran over to Pei Yan.

He stopped short when he got close.

As if only then noticing the principal standing beside him.

Shen Ju straightened up and gave a proper greeting:

"Hello, Principal."

Then looked at Pei Yan.

"Pei— I mean, Brother Pei, hello."

The principal said cheerfully, "Hello there."

Then patted Pei Yan’s shoulder. "You two chat; I’ll go walk around over there."

"Okay, thank you, Principal."

After the principal left, Pei Yan looked back at Shen Ju.

The kid’s face was still sweaty. When he noticed Pei Yan looking, he stood on his toes a bit, eyes shining.

"What is it?"

Pei Yan was a little amused. "Do you have something to say to me?"

"Are you still gonna tutor me, bro?"

Shen Ju looked around—Pei Haochuan surprisingly hadn’t come over.

"Pei Haochuan said we can still go to your place for tutoring?"

Pei Yan looked toward the distance. Pei Haochuan was, of course, also watching. When their eyes met, he flinched a little, thinking it wasn’t that he didn’t want to go greet his uncle—it was just that Shen Ju moved too fast. If he followed now, it’d feel a little awkward...

No idea why Shen Ju thought his uncle was easy to get along with. Weird.

Pei Yan withdrew his gaze and nodded.

"You wanna come?"

"Yeah."

Shen Ju nodded.

Then shyly, he added, "I was already wondering whether I should still ask you to tutor me—just hadn’t had the chance to ask yet."

Bro 996 added: "And it’s such a coincidence—not only are you going, but Pei Haochuan and Guan Mulin are too. That’s so great!"

"Brother Pei is really great."

"At noon, someone was saying Brother Pei is some kind of stone-faced demon, shows no mercy, even made classmates cry back in high school. So exaggerated."

Really...

Behind his back, someone had said things like that in front of Shen Ju, huh.

Pei Yan didn’t let his expression change and glanced again toward the distance.

Then he turned back to Shen Ju.

"I don’t think Brother Pei is bad at all."

"Brother Pei is great."

"And it's not like he can't smile."

Shen Ju spoke to bro 996, while looking at Pei Yan.

Moreover, Brother Pei is so handsome.

The moment he turned his head, he noticed Pei Yan.

Even though he was noticeable enough next to the principal, Shen Ju also noticed that the instant Pei Yan appeared, many nearby gazes automatically focused on him.

Some people naturally become the center of attention.

Feeling Shen Ju's gaze and hearing these comments Shen Ju "said," Pei Yan couldn't help but twitch his mouth corner, thinking he's still a kid, judging him by these things.

Smiling isn't that hard.

As for being handsome...

He didn't deny getting that label from Shen Ju.

"By the way, Brother Pei, what brings you to Qichen?"

I just realized I actually saw Pei Yan at school.

"I didn't delay you from anything, did I?"

"No, just coming back to take a look."

Pei Yan paused: "I also accepted the principal's invitation—the Ant Bazaar, you've heard about it, right?"

Shen Ju nodded.

"But I haven't decided what to sell yet."

After saying that, he grew curious again: "Bro, what did you sell at the Ant Bazaar?"

"Want to know?"

"Yes."

Pei Yan smiled: "I only sold one thing."

"What?"

"My study notes."

Pei Yan: "In an auction format."

"They ended up selling for the highest price of the event."

Shen Ju's jaw dropped: "...How much did they sell for?"

"Not much, just 100,000."

"............"

Even bro 996 remarked: "Host, do you think if I gather study materials online and compile them, I could sell them as well?"

"This is practically a no-cost business."

Shen Ju thought for a moment: (First, bro 996, you probably need 'celebrity status,' and second, you need to be handsome.)

bro 996: "...Alright then, never mind."

Not far away, Guan Mulin wondered: What are they even talking about?

Because Shen Ju went to find Pei Yan, they'd stopped playing basketball.

Guan Mulin took out his phone and posted in the "Special Events Investigation Bureau" group chat, along with a photo of Shen Ju chasing after the basketball.

Qin Suxi immediately popped up: [My baby is getting more and more cheerful.]

Team Member Xiao Yao: [You guys were playing basketball?]

Team Member Xiao Lin: [We had gym class, we were playing earlier, but now Shen Jiujiu went to chat with Pei Haochuan's little uncle.]

Director's Husband: [Pei Yan? Why is he there too?]

window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: '6909b82653c30418d8ca4f40', id: 'pf-17365-1'})

Guan Mulin typed while glancing over at Shen Ju and Pei Yan.

They're still talking.

How do they have so much to say?

Guan Mulin couldn't help but sigh in the group chat: [Feels like Shen Ju calls Pei Yan 'bro' more times than he calls us, both he and bro 996 keep saying 'Brother Pei, Brother Pei.']

And it's not like the sarcastic way he uses when calling me "second brother" to my face.

Though that's fake.

Guan Mulin thought for a moment, then he typed: [Big bro, he addresses you even less, right?]

Guan Muyao looked at his phone: "............"

Why mention that.

Putting away his phone, Guan Muyao turned to his assistant, who was reporting his evening plans—there was an auction event to attend.

Guan Muyao: "Are there things high schoolers use at the auction?"

Assistant: "What?"

Guan Muyao frowned: "No?"

Assistant: "...Let me check the auction list."

Things high schoolers use...

Would the auction even sell like exercise workbooks?

............

In the afternoon after school, Pei Haochuan followed Guan Mulin and Shen Ju back, looking dejected and listless.

Qichen does have evening self-study sessions, but since it's just studying on your own, it's better to come back to Pei Yan's place for "evening self-study." After all, the desk in Pei Yan's study is really big—five meters long.

"I have to stay at my uncle's place tonight..."

Pei Haochuan exclaimed "Huh?" and turned to look at Guan Mulin: "Yeah, Mu Lin, maybe I could stay at your place tonight—"

"No!"

"Why not!"

Before Pei Yan could enter the study, Pei Haochuan slapped his hand on the solid wood desk, winced but suppressed it: "Guan Mulin, I think you've been acting really strange lately—"

Guan Mulin averted his eyes, looking down at the workbook in his hand: "...How am I acting strange?"

"You're overthinking it."

Please don’t overthink it.

Pei Haochuan frowned: "Do you have some kind of problem with me lately?"

"If you do, just say it!"

Guan Mulin sighed helplessly.

He realized he had been acting a bit too sensitive toward Pei Haochuan.

But after learning about his and Pei Haochuan’s relationship from Shen Ju—though he didn’t think they’d become that type of relationship, he couldn't help being affected. He didn’t know how to face Pei Haochuan, especially since he couldn’t possibly explain it to him. What could he say? That because we might develop feelings beyond friendship, I feel awkward?

How could he ever say that out loud?

And even if he did, Pei Haochuan would probably think he was crazy.

"I don’t have any problem with you, Haochuan."

"I don’t believe you."

Pei Haochuan frowned and suddenly glanced at Shen Ju.

Seeing Shen Ju watching them with big, round eyes, he got immediately annoyed.

He jerked his chin at Shen Ju: "Ever since he showed up, you’ve changed."

You’re pretty observant...

Guan Mulin touched his nose.

Pei Haochuan immediately pointed at him: "Whenever you touch your nose, it means you’re guilty!"

bro 996: "Wow! No wonder they're the main couple, you know each other so well!"

Guan Mulin: "............"

He immediately put his hand down, snapped: "Doesn't everyone do that?!"

Shen Ju reached out and touched his own nose too.

I guess so.

Then he pinched his nose.

Noticing Shen Ju's mimicking out of the corner of his eye, Pei Haochuan got even madder!

"What’s the meaning of this? Guan Shenju! Are you just enjoying the show?!"

Shen Ju blinked innocently: "I’m just sitting here, I can’t help but watch."

Guan Mulin frowned: "Pei Haochuan, be reasonable, will you? Why are you flying off the handle like this?"

"Me, flying off the handle?!"

Pei Haochuan stood up abruptly, his frustration boiling over: "I said I wanted to crash at your place, and you refused! I only said a few words about him, and you scold me! Guan Mulin, tell me straight—am I still your best friend or not?! You keep making excuses for and protecting Shen Ju like this, but does he even appreciate it?! Even if you’re putting on a show for the Guan family—"

"Pei Haochuan!"

Guan Mulin suddenly snapped back too.

Just as he was about to say something, a knock came at the door.

They saw Pei Yan propped against the study doorframe, withdrawing his hand after knocking.

"You can even argue over this?"

Pei Yan looked at Pei Haochuan: "Aren't you a bit old, still wanting to share beds?"

Pei Haochuan was furious: "Uncle, that's not the point—"

"Even if it’s not, listen to what you said after that—what was that supposed to mean?"

Pei Yan’s face turned cold: "Also, if you’re being jealous, don’t take it out on innocent people."

"............"

Guan Mulin glanced at Pei Haochuan’s frustrated and sulky expression and couldn’t help but sigh softly.

"Alright, it’s my fault."

Guan Mulin pulled at Pei Haochuan's arm and said softly: "I really don’t have any problem with you, Haochuan. We’ve always been good friends. Don’t overthink it. I just thought it wouldn't be right for you to stay at my place while you’re getting tutoring at Mr. Pei’s. Besides, two guys squeezing into one bed—how would we get any sleep?"

Pei Haochuan pursed his lips: "I was just throwing it out there. You refused too quickly."

"Of course—"

"What I said afterward didn't mean any of that. I'm sorry too, sorry, Mu Lin. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to say those things."

"Mm, I won’t take it to heart—"

Before he could finish, a sudden scream rang out.

Guan Mulin nearly jumped.

Shen Ju jumped as well, shuddering all over.

Pei Haochuan thought Shen Ju was grossed out by what I said and was faking it just to provoke him. He opened his mouth to yell at Shen Ju but, after a moment’s thought, bit his tongue.

bro 996 was still screaming: "Host!! The mission energy bar jumped way up!!"

"Can you believe it?! It jumped to 17% in one go!!"

"You didn't even do anything, and it went up anyway!!!"

Shen Ju couldn't believe it either: "Really? bro 996?!"

"Yes, yes! It really jumped to 17% just like that!!"

996 settled down and said delightedly, "There's a saying among you humans that's indeed true: 'Lovers' quarrels are soon mended'—arguing can actually be healthy and even strengthen relationships! It's really true! The main CP just had a fight and made up, and look, our mission progress shot up so much. It really works! You didn't even have to do anything, Host!"

"Well, actually, that's not entirely accurate. You did contribute somewhat, Host. Part of the reason they argued was because of you, so it's also counted toward your contribution."

"Even though you didn't really do anything."

"See, this is the power of role-playing!"

"To Pei Haochuan, you're the 'stumbling block' between him and Guan Mulin. He argued with Guan Mulin because of you, and after the argument, their relationship progressed even further!"

After 996's analysis, Shen Ju found it quite reasonable: "So that's how it is."

"Even if I didn't do anything, as long as Pei Haochuan perceives me as having some influence on them, the mission energy bar goes up, right?"

"Yes, yes!"

996 responded cheerfully.

Pei Yan lowered his gaze, seemed thoughtful.

On the other side, Guan Mulin was also pensive.

If that's the case...

"Wait..."

Pei Haochuan frowned, his voice filled with confusion: "Why is everyone suddenly silent?"

Did my words really disgust everyone that much?

Shit! Seriously?!

............

Fighting aside, studying was still necessary.

Shen Ju stayed at Pei Yan's place, studying late into the night before heading back.

Before leaving, he took a photo of Little Stone.

Whenever he came here for tutoring, Little Stone would always drag its dog bed over to his feet. When he swung his feet, Little Stone would wag its tail.

Pei Haochuan once joked that they were like brothers, birds of a feather.

As a result, Little Stone bit his pant leg, and Guan Mulin gave him a good kick.

Shen Ju really liked Little Stone.

It was clear that Pei Yan took excellent care of Little Stone.

Not only was Little Stone glossy and well-kept, but Pei Yan also regularly brushed its fur, gave it baths, fed it by hand, and of course took it out for walks morning and night—showing great thoroughness and patience.

How could such a Pei Yan be the kind of person others described?

Someone who cares for animals couldn't possibly be an ice-cold person.

The rumors must be wrong.

Anyway, Shen Ju thought Pei Yan was great.

Really great.

He had decided what to do at the Ant Bazaar and also wanted to give Pei Yan a gift to thank him for looking out for him all this time.

But after taking the photo and returning home, Shen Ju saw the group chat discussing what to sell at the Ant Bazaar.

—Autographed photos I got while watching soccer games abroad, now unwanted and planned for sale;

—Recently learned to make desserts from the family baker, planning to make and sell them fresh on the day;

—Bought a bunch of souvenirs during the National Day break abroad, leftovers from gifting, could be sold;

............

And many more, almost all items pretty valuable.

Compared to what Shen Ju planned to sell, it felt kind of "didn't fit in."

Although it wouldn’t be a big deal if nothing sold, the money was for charity. The event was large-scale, even made the news in the past, and many students at Qichen took the Ant Bazaar seriously. If he ended up selling nothing, the contrast with other students would likely feel uncomfortable.

Afraid of this happening, Qin Suxi wanted to help offer suggestions beforehand.

Mainly for Shen Ju’s sake.

After all, Guan Mulin had been in Qichen for nearly three years. Even if he hadn’t personally sold anything before, he had experienced two Ant Bazaars and probably already had some ideas.

Guan Lifeng and Guan Muyao were also there—both were "old alumni" of Qichen and had been through it before.

"I remember it used to be called 'Stress Relief Day.' Because senior year academics are intense, they picked one day to do some meaningful activities," Guan Lifeng said, his tone nostalgic. "Back then, it was basically street stalls, like a bustling market."

Qin Suxi teased, "You’ve been to a bustling market?"

"Dad took me to experience life."

Guan Lifeng rubbed his chin: "Dad always taught me to be down-to-earth and not focus on flashy things. So I sold a lot of his tea sets and tea pets. Oh, right, I remember there were several handmade Yixing clay teapots too—Dad hardly used them, so they were just gathering dust."

Guan Muyao couldn’t help interjecting, "Did Grandpa not beat you for that?"

Guan Lifeng gave him a side-eye: "Did I say anything when you sold my golf clubs? Our family doesn’t believe in physical punishment."

Guan Muyao: "...He didn’t scold me, but I had to eat dishes I disliked for a month."

I almost couldn't take it.

In the end, he really did vomit.

That’s when it stopped...

Guan Lifeng cleared his throat: "Then why do you ask?"

"............"

The conversation turned to Shen Ju and Guan Mulin.

Sure enough, Guan Mulin already had a plan—

"Pei Haochuan and I discussed it. Besides selling some of our old items, we plan to—uh—offer phone screen-protecting services for customers."

Guan Lifeng looked confused: "You’re not just sticking to selling things anymore?"

Guan Mulin: "Yeah, we're also providing services."

Guan Muyao: "...Good thing it's not some kind of special service."

"............" (awkward silence)

Then everyone turned to look at Shen Ju.

Shen Ju awkwardly scratched his chin: "Well, I..."

"Bro 996, I don't really have anything to sell."

After all, when Shen Ju came to the Guan family, he didn’t bring much luggage.

There were even fewer spare items he could take out to sell.

Actually, this went without saying—the Guan family could already guess as much.

Otherwise, Qin Suxi wouldn’t have asked in the first place.

Seeing that Shen Ju seemed at a loss for words, Qin Suxi quickly spoke up: "By the way, honey, I happen to have some things I don't use here too. They're just collecting dust. How about you help me sell them later? Otherwise, it’d be such a waste—I wouldn't use them anyway."

Guan Lifeng grunted in agreement: "I have some too."

Then added two more words: "A lot."

996 exclaimed: "Perfect! Host, don't hold back—take everything!"

Shen Ju puffed his chest out: "Sure—"

996: "Oh right, and there’s your older brother too!"

"You think your parents owe you, and your older brother owes you too!"

"Everything good he has should be yours, host! You need to learn to ask your older brother for stuff!"

"That watch looks pretty good—go ask for it!"

Guan Muyao: "............"

He hadn’t even had a chance to speak up yet.

Couldn’t they give him a chance to say something?

Shen Ju gave a couple of "uh-huh"s, acting like he'd already collected items from Qin Suxi and Guan Lifeng, then naturally turned to look at Guan Muyao.

One look, and he shrank back.

"......"

What should I say.

Although Guan Lifeng was also pretty serious, perhaps because Qin Suxi softened him and the two were always together, Shen Ju didn't see him as that intimidating.

But Guan Muyao...

He felt like his older brother might just be born without a smile.

So serious.

His gaze was so serious...

At that moment, Guan Muyao’s hand happened to be resting on the watch on his left wrist.

It was a watch he had just bought at an auction earlier that evening.

It originally had some use.

But if Shen Ju asked for it, it'd be fine.

Guan Muyao patiently waited for Shen Ju to speak, ready to take off the watch and give it to him.

So he just looked right at Shen Ju.

As a result, Shen Ju met Guan Muyao’s gaze, staring at his serious face, and after working up courage for a long time—

Opened his mouth: "............Ahem."

All that came out was a faint breathy sound.

Guan Muyao: "............"

Was he really that intimidating?!

-----------------------