Chapter 26: Childhood Friend I (Part 2)

Chapter 26: Childhood Friend I (Part 2)

After spending two days and one night at the ski resort.

Back at the Song residence, Li Su looked at the photos they had taken with lingering satisfaction.

The photos had been compiled into an album and placed in Song Wuyi's growth journal.

Although Song Wuyi had lost his mother, the topic of his mother had not become a thorn in his heart—or rather, Li Su would not use that thorn to cause him pain.

Li Su flipped through the photos of him and Song Wuyi playing together at the ski resort. When he turned back further, he saw Song Wuyi's mother.

Qi Qin was absolutely gorgeous, more beautiful than any woman Li Su had ever seen.

Her brows and eyes curved gently, and she was smiling brightly in every photo.

Song Wuyi had gotten all of Qi Qin's good looks; even as a child, his features were so striking you couldn't take your eyes off him.

Li Su turned the album back to the photo of him and Song Wuyi standing side by side.

Song Wuyi's features had already started to mature, making him look almost like an adult.

But Li Su's face was still pudgy, his stature short, and even his whole vibe made him look like a little piggy who loved rolling in the mud.

Being called cute as a boy was a point of pride as a child, but when he was old enough to have some masculine vibe and was still called cute, Li Su was a bit annoyed.

One morning.

Li Su made sure to ask the servant who prepared breakfast for Song Wuyi to prepare the exact same meal for him.

Song Wuyi ate a sandwich for breakfast, and Li Su followed suit.

Song Wuyi drank milk, and Li Su followed suit.

Song Shuzheng saw Li Su eating the same as Song Wuyi and casually reminded him, "Just eat what you like. You don't have to follow Wuyi's every arrangement."

Li Su took a sip of the rather cold milk and explained, "It wasn't Second Brother's arrangement. I chose to eat like this myself. Drinking more milk will make me taller."

In front of Song Shuzheng, Li Su couldn't play favorites. If he called Song Wuyi "Second Brother," he had to call Song Xianting "Big Brother" as well. Since both were older brothers, he had to distinguish them, so Li Su could only address Song Wuyi as "Second Brother."

Li Su's explanation wasn't all that convincing.

In the Song household, all of Li Su's autonomy was based on Song Wuyi's tacit consent.

From clothes and food to housing and transport.

The clothes Li Su brought from home had been stored in a rarely opened closet, and everything he wore now was handpicked and bought by Song Wuyi.

Some were even couple outfits—oops, I mean brother sets.

Two of the same shirt, the only difference being the embroidered detail on the chest.

The one Li Su wore had a pale pink swallow emblem; Song Wuyi's had a dark blue weed insignia.

Although wearing the same clothes could express brotherly affection, why couldn't they buy completely identical ones?

Song Wuyi's answer left Li Su speechless.

Because pink suited him.

Li Su just couldn't shake the "cute" label.

It was no wonder Song Shuzheng thought Li Su was always being arranged by Song Wuyi. Even Li Su felt that way.

But Song Wuyi's arrangements didn't make him uncomfortable; in fact, they were very considerate.

Over time, Li Su accepted whatever Song Wuyi arranged.

Now, Li Su and Song Wuyi had the same breakfast, wore the same clothes, and sat side by side.

The uniqueness of their relationship was plain to see.

Song Xianting watched Li Su with amusement.

Being completely marked as Song Wuyi's possession without batting an eye, and even taking pride in being his appendage—how hopelessly foolish.

Li Su once again felt that weird gaze. This time, he looked up and met Song Xianting's assessing eyes directly.

This stepson.

Li Su rarely interacted with Song Xianting, first because he didn't want to, and second because Song Xianting seemed disdainful.

Yes, disdainful.

Li Su always felt that Song Xianting looked down on him.

Just like the look in Song Xianting's eyes now, as if he was mocking something about Li Su.

Song Xianting just seemed off.

Unlike the outsider characters in novels who covet the family fortune, Song Xianting wasn't keen on causing trouble for Song Wuyi.

They kept a respectful distance, like well water and river water—non-interfering and even peaceful.

Li Su observed that Song Xianting and Song Wuyi had almost zero communication. Only when Ji Baimei spoke to Song Wuyi would he respond politely.

There was a hint of sharpness, but no open conflict.

Li Su had been ready to side with Song Wuyi through and through if a conflict ever broke out, but now it seemed there was no chance to show his loyalty.

.

Mid-August.

The elite school had already processed Li Su's student info and sent him materials for the semester-start placement exam.

After reading it, Li Su realized that straight A's were only the entry requirement.

The school divided students into zones based on their scores: Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, corresponding to Elite Zone, Regular Zone, and Commoner Zone.

Song Xianting and Song Wuyi were both in Zone A, while Li Su's current scores could only place him in Zone C, among the commoners.

With only about half a month to go, Li Su only had so much talent; no matter how much he studied, he couldn't reach the standard for Zone A.

Li Su somewhat resigned himself to his fate. Since he didn't have the ability, Zone C it was. He might as well spend the remaining ten or so days having fun.

But Song Wuyi wasn't going to let Li Su slack off.

Song Wuyi produced a registration form.

"Wilderness... survival?"

Li Su stared in shock at the registration form that had already been signed, with the characters "Li" and "Su" clearly written on it.

The young Song Wuyi could already write very beautiful characters like an adult,

Flowing and vigorous, so much so that it could be mistaken for Song Shuzheng's handwriting.

But why did he write his name!

The full title of the registration form was: Wilderness Practice Base, Outdoor Survival Skills Training Competition.

Song Wuyi put away the registration form.

"I'll participate with you. As long as you place in the top three in this activity, you'll get extra points for your placement exam."

It was only then that Li Su realized what the butler meant by "abundant extracurricular activities."

Li Su pestered Song Wuyi with questions: "But your name isn't on here. How will you participate?"

Song Wuyi pulled out a badge from thin air—team leader.

As a senior student, participating in such an activity as a team leader would also earn Song Wuyi extra credits.

But Song Wuyi no longer needed those credits.

"It lasts five days. As long as you stay by my side and nothing unexpected happens, getting into the top three will be easy."

Song Wuyi had participated in many such activities before, often coming in second. Though he lacked honorary medals, he had plenty of experience.

When Li Su heard that Song Wuyi would be with him, his fear of the deserted island turned into an eagerness to take on the challenge.

.

The custom uniform was delivered to the Song residence the next day.

On the day of the deserted island survival activity, Li Su, wearing his uniform, took a boat with Song Wuyi to the venue.

The venue signs of the elite school were very conspicuous, with instructors in camouflage already waiting there.

Song Wuyi jumped off the ship first, then grabbed Li Su under his armpits and lifted him down.

The instructor was familiar with Song Wuyi and gave him a signal, signaling for him to lead Li Su into the student lineup.

Li Su's team consisted of only six people, plus team leader Song Wuyi.

Song Wuyi seemed quite well-known among the students; the team members greeted him warmly, but he responded coolly, just nodding politely.

Having been isolated at school due to rumors and gossip, Li Su felt really uncomfortable in social settings with many people and instinctively hid behind Song Wuyi.

Li Su was a new transfer student, with no friends or classmates he knew in advance. While others gathered in small groups to chat, no one noticed Li Su.

So Li Su had to sit with Song Wuyi.

Song Wuyi took a water bottle from his backpack and handed it to Li Su.

Then someone noticed that Song Wuyi and Li Su were sharing a backpack and quietly gestured others to look at Li Su.

The activity had grade restrictions, and Li Su just barely qualified for the requirements.

There were students Li Su's age around, but for some reason, Li Su was the shortest and smallest of all.

His slightly long hair curled slightly, pressing against his forehead and covering just his eyebrows.

He drank water in small sips, his mouth puckered.

After drinking, Li Su wanted to wipe his mouth with his sleeve, but Song Wuyi reached out first and wiped the water droplets from the corner of Li Su's lips.

Li Su smiled and held the water bottle up to Song Wuyi's lips. "You drink too."

Song Wuyi drank from it as Li Su held the bottle up, tilting his head back.

Such an intimate moment made others speculate about the relationship between the two.

Arriving together, sharing a backpack, sharing a drink.

"Senior Song has arrived!"

At that moment, someone exclaimed, drawing Li Su's attention.

'Senior Song' was sitting right next to him, so why was everyone else looking somewhere else?

Li Su also wanted to join in the excitement. He was about to stand up when Song Wuyi pulled him back down, holding his hand. He could only crane his neck to see.

And then, the person being celebrated in the crowd, it was Song Xianting.

Song Xianting was taking part too as a team leader.

Li Su suddenly realized that at school, Song Xianting was more popular than Song Wuyi.

Li Su held Song Wuyi's hand and glanced up at Song Wuyi's calm, unreadable eyes.

The sensitive Li Su thought that Song Wuyi always came in second—clearly the legitimate one, yet always lagging behind the stepson. Although Song Wuyi never said it or showed it, he must feel terrible inside.

So Li Su offered his encouragement.

"You're the best in my eyes."

Song Wuyi chuckled softly, not sure if he had taken it to heart. He just held Li Su's hand, gently rubbing his thumb over Li Su's hand.

Song Xianting noticed Song Wuyi and Li Su, and his gaze met Li Su's hostile glare, frowning.

Just as Li Su found Song Xianting baffling, Song Xianting also found Li Su confusing.

It seemed that from the very first meeting, Li Su had treated him as an imaginary rival and deliberately avoided him.

Song Xianting thought it was definitely Song Wuyi's doing.

Whether it was the five Border Collies or Li Su, once marked by Song Wuyi, they became something he could not touch.

Song Xianting looked away and glanced at Song Wuyi.

Song Wuyi did not look over because of the commotion around him; he only kept his head down, focusing on fiddling with Li Su's fingers.

Song Xianting watched for a moment, then withdrew his gaze.

When everyone had arrived, the instructor announced the start of the competition and assigned each team its survival area.

Song Wuyi's team was assigned to a densely wooded area on the mountaintop, sunny during the day and full of mosquitoes at night.

Although it was a survival activity, all participants were pampered rich kids.

Even the tents they used were not the ones handed out by the instructors but the big, comfy camping tents they had brought themselves.

Li Su was a little jealous, but still obediently set up the practice tent the instructor had given them together with Song Wuyi.

The interior of the tent was very small, so small that even one person would have some trouble turning over.

"Brother, how are we two going to sleep?"

"You can sleep on me."

Sweat beaded on Song Wuyi's forehead, and Li Su leaned over and wiped it with his sleeve.

Song Wuyi swatted Li Su's hand away and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

Li Su sheepishly pulled his hand back.

But Song Wuyi didn't wipe his own sweat with the handkerchief; instead, he held Li Su's hand and wiped his palm.

The palm was dirty with mud and dust.

After wiping his hands, Song Wuyi stuffed the dirty handkerchief into a pocket of his backpack, then took out bug repellent balm and applied it to Li Su's neck, wrists, and ankles.

"Brother Song, you're way too thorough. Spare a bit for me?"

It was Lin Qiushuang from their group who interrupted Song Wuyi.

The Lin and Song families had been close for generations. Lin Qiushuang had known Song Wuyi since they were kids, and was a year behind him in school.

Back when they first got off the boat and landed on the island, Lin Qiushuang had already noticed Song Wuyi and Li Su.

Song Wuyi had always been a loner—not that he had no friends, but he never had anyone he was inseparable from.

But from the minute they got off the boat to when they were assigned to zones, the two had been holding hands—even clingier than a pair of girlfriends.

"I wipe your sweat, you wipe my hand."

Even though Li Su looked young, he didn't need to be treated like a baby.

Song Wuyi gave Lin Qiushuang a quick glance, placed the balm in Li Su's palm, and said, "It evaporates fast. Reapply when you can't smell it anymore."

Li Su nodded, then stared at Lin Qiushuang with wide eyes.

Lin Qiushuang's short, neat hair reminded Li Su of the friends he used to play hide-and-seek with, and his easygoing personality made Li Su feel at ease.

Lin Qiushuang plopped down on Li Su's little stool, held out his hands, and asked Li Su for the balm Song Wuyi had given him.

"I'm getting eaten alive. These bloodsuckers. Xiao Guzi, you don't want to see a classmate turned into a mummy, do you?"

Li Su was surprised at the nickname Lin Qiushuang used for him, and somehow ended up handing over the balm.

Song Wuyi was organizing the rest of the gear. When he heard someone needed help, he came over to tell Li Su not to wander off and asked Lin Qiushuang to watch him for now.

Lin Qiushuang leaned in for a closer look and realized Li Su really did have one of those faces that needed looking after.

A bit childish: big round eyes, long curled lashes, a glossy nose tip, and slightly full lips.

Especially the way his eyes darted away when caught staring—he'd carefully peek back, then awkwardly look away.

Like a cautious fawn.

"I can't. You do it, the way Brother Song did for you."

Lin Qiushuang stuffed the balm back into Li Su's hand, casually rolled up his pant leg, pulled down his sock, and exposed his ankle.

Li Su hesitated, but figured Lin Qiushuang was on good terms with Song Wuyi and wouldn't mean him any harm, so he crouched down.

He scooped up a little balm on his finger and dabbed it onto Lin Qiushuang's skin.

Li Su's touch was so light it felt like an ant crawling on his skin.

Lin Qiushuang burst out laughing, and his foot jerked, almost kicking Li Su.

To dodge, Li Su leaned back, lost his balance, and fell on his butt.

Before he could push himself up, Song Wuyi grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him to his feet.

Song Wuyi kicked Lin Qiushuang's calf and told him to get out of the seat that wasn't his.

Lin Qiushuang put on a frightened face, stood up, and stepped aside.

Song Wuyi brushed the dirt off Li Su's backside, then pressed him down onto the little stool.

"I told you to watch him. Is this how you do it?"

Lin Qiushuang threw up his hands innocently: "I didn't do a thing."

Seeing the dark look on Song Wuyi's face, Li Su chimed in, "He didn't do anything."

Lin Qiushuang glanced at Li Su and suddenly laughed.

He leaned in and whispered to Song Wuyi, "Who is he? Why can't I even touch him?"

Song Wuyi pushed Lin Qiushuang's head aside, keeping them at a distance where they couldn't smell each other's breath.

"None of your business."

Lin Qiushuang got annoyed and yelled, "How is it none of my business? You told me to watch him. I deserve to know who he is! Is he one of your dad's bastards..."

Song Wuyi shut Lin Qiushuang up with just a look.