22

 Song Yu's shoulders trembled slightly. He pretended not to hear and pursed his lips as he returned to the changing room.

Just as he finished dressing, Lu Xing came out from inside.

Song Yu noticed that his bath towel was also wet: "Are you done?"

Lu Xing hummed in response.

"Thank you."

"Only thank you?"

Song Yu looked up, puzzled.

That innocent expression warmed Lu Xing's heart. He moved closer to the boy: "My bath towel got wet, so my bath was for nothing. Isn't there any other benefit?"

Song Yu subconsciously felt that the benefit the other person mentioned might not be a good thing.

He remained silent.

The changing room fell silent for a moment.

Lu Xing couldn't hold back any longer. The usually aloof sports student ground his back teeth and said something contrary to his personality for the first time: "Can't you kiss me?"

Wh-what?

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door: "Xiao Yu, are you in there?" It was

Zhou Yanming's voice.

Song Yu looked up and met Lu Xing's face, which was very close to his.

The other person's voice was low and hoarse: "Never mind."

"I'll do it myself."

*

Luckily, there were plenty of shops nearby, including several shoe stores. Zhou Yanming was afraid Song Yu would get impatient, so he randomly went into one and picked out a pair of slightly softer hiking boots.

Hiking boots are all stiff; Song Yu's feet are so delicate, he didn't want her to get blisters.

Zhou Yanming paid and hurried back. Seeing that Song Yu wasn't in the tent, he turned and went to the bathroom.

The bathrooms were separated for men and women, far apart, with heavy shower curtains covering the doors. He wanted to go straight in, but then he remembered that Song Yu might be changing clothes in the changing room, so he paused and turned back.

"Xiao Yu, is she in there?" he called again. He could hear slight movements inside, but there was still no response.

Zhou Yanming was worried and decided to go in directly. But as soon as he opened the door, a soft, fragrant figure almost bumped into him.

Song Yu took two steps back, her face flushed, and stammered, "...Zhou Yanming, I...I'm done showering!"

Zhou Yanming: "I saw it."

The fragrant steam was all coming towards him, her hair was wet and messy, and her fair and pretty face was flushed from the heat; of course he could see it.

Avoiding his gaze, Zhou Yanming looked at the person not far away, and his expression immediately froze.

Lu Xing was only wrapped in a bath towel, and until just now his gaze had been fixed on Song Yu.

Perhaps because of the distance, Zhou Yanming did not see the unnatural red mark on the other's chin.

"Let's go..."

Seeing that Zhou Yanming was still standing there, Song Yu carefully tugged at his clothes, and said in a soft, breathy voice, "Have you bought the shoes? Let's go back and change our shoes, okay?"

Full of suspicion, Zhou Yanming looked down and met Song Yu's face, which was tilted up at him.

Her lips were full like jelly, brightly colored, with clear water stains, and her slightly open mouth exuded a strong, sticky fragrance.

The tall, athletic student's mind went blank for a moment; all he knew was to grab Song Yu's hand and walk back.

The locker room fell silent.

Lu Xing stared at the spot where the slender figure had disappeared for a while before snapping back to reality.

He hadn't expected that this seemingly innocent and gentle young man could have such a temper when he got angry.

He could hit someone hard.

Lu Xing reached out and touched his burning chin.

As if reliving the slap he'd accidentally received during his earlier impetuousness, Lu Xing took a deep breath, suppressing the strange sense of satisfaction in his heart.

The boy's expression of both embarrassment and anger was incredibly cute.

He pulled off his towel and went back into the bathroom for a cold shower.

*

The shoes Zhou Yanming bought were the perfect size, and they even had a pair of soft insoles inside. Song Yu transferred the money to him, changed his shoes, put on his coat, and got up from his chair.

Just as he was about to leave with him, he saw Zhou Yanming's smug expression.

"..." Song Yu thought for a moment, "The shoes are so comfortable."

Zhou Yanming was satisfied.

Once outside the tent, Song Yu, having learned his lesson, dared not wander off again.

Zhou Yanming walked behind him on his right, keeping a close watch on him, afraid he might get into another accident.

The two walked quietly, the sky gradually turning gray. Song Yu was staring blankly at a crescent moon in the distance when a voice suddenly came from beside him: "What did Lu Xing do to you in the bathroom just now?"

Song Yu felt extremely embarrassed, remembering that he had accidentally slapped Lu Xing's face when he pushed him away, and mumbled a perfunctory reply: "Nothing."

"Your lips are all red!" Zhou Yanming didn't turn a blind eye as usual. He stopped and faced Song Yu. "I saw your lips were red. Did he force you?"

Song Yu paused, his face burning hot after realizing what he meant. He was somewhat annoyed.

"What nonsense are you talking about..."

"I bit myself."

"I wouldn't just let anyone kiss me."

Song Yu's ears burned, and he glared at Zhou Yanming.

Zhou Yanming could spot the subtle movements Song Yu made when he lied, but this time the other party didn't make those movements.

His brows relaxed, the pent-up anger dissipating, and he said refreshedly, "I was just asking, afraid he might do something bad to you."

"I'm sorry."

"Smile, don't be mad at me."

The boy apologized quickly, then made a face to amuse him, making Song Yu too embarrassed to get angry.

The two didn't need to rush, leisurely walking to the stargazing spot.

Several telescopes were already set up, disposable tablecloths were laid out nearby, and everyone chatted and laughed, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Zhou Yanming had no interest in the meteor shower. He took a portable stool from his backpack and handed Song Yu a thermos and some unwrapped snacks.

At that moment, Song Yu felt like the other person was taking care of a baby, almost like putting him in a stroller.

Everyone waited for the meteor shower, but the wait inevitably became boring, so they started observing other stars.

Song Yu looked up; when he was little, he couldn't distinguish east from west, so his grandmother taught him to recognize the North Star.

Therefore, he only recognized that one star.

The North Star was very bright. Following its line of light, he found another bright star, surrounded by many dim stars, forming a pattern.

"What are you looking at?" Zhou Yanming asked, following Song Yu's gaze. "I can't see anything."

Someone immediately teased, "Are you night-blind? You didn't see such a big North Star?"

Song Yu pointed, "I'm looking at the one next to the North Star, it's very bright too. Do you know what it's called?"

"..."

Zhou Yanming fell silent.

He was not only night-blind but also illiterate.

"That's the Andromeda constellation," Xie Zhiyan suddenly spoke up, bending slightly to be at the same level as the boy, explaining in line with his gaze, "From that star, if they're connected, they form two curves... They're not usually easy to observe, but they're easier to see in November."

Song Yu seemed thoughtful: "Looks like we're lucky."

Xie Zhiyan stared into his eyes: "Hmm."

A little while later, the remaining team members who had been catching up on sleep arrived, including Lu Xing. Everyone gathered in front of the telescope, intently waiting for this spectacle.

Unfortunately, they didn't see it.

Someone from the astronomy department comforted them: "This is normal. It might have been blocked by clouds, or the prediction might have been inaccurate. Just

consider it a relaxing outing." His words of comfort made everyone less disappointed. Someone took out wishing cards that had been prepared beforehand and handed them out one by one.

There was a large artificial banyan tree nearby where they could hang their wishing cards; it was said that wishes made there were very effective.

It was too dark, so everyone turned on the flashlights on their phones, found their spots, and began writing their wishes.

Unbeknownst to them, if viewed from above, these faint, scattered lights resembled a suspended meteor shower.

Song Yu quickly wrote: Go home early.

He had few wishes, so he deliberately left a space for 009 as well: [Do you have anything to wish for?]

009: [Artificial intelligence doesn't need to make wishes; I'll leave my wishes to the host.]

Song Yu secretly made a wish for 009 to level up soon.

The wishing tree was tall, and some people asked tall boys to hang their wishes for them. Zhou Yanming originally intended to hang it for Song Yu directly, but after glancing at the boy, he changed his mind: "Do you want to hang it yourself?"

Song Yu was a little embarrassed: "I can't reach it."

Zhou Yanming squatted down: "Come on up."

It wasn't the first time Song Yu had been carried by Zhou Yanming. After saying "thank you," he obediently climbed onto the boy's back and hugged his neck.

The branches were too high, and even with a strenuous reach, Song Yu was just a little short. His arms ached, and he murmured regretfully, "I can't reach."

Zhou Yanming squatted down again, and Song Yu thought he was being asked to get down, but as soon as he moved, his leg was grabbed.

"Ride on my back."

Song Yu didn't understand, "What?"

"Ride on my neck, it'll be higher."

Song Yu: "Um... thank you."

It wasn't until the soft touch brushed against his ear that Zhou Yanming realized how... torturous this suggestion was.

Song Yu's bones were slender, typical of a young man, but not withered; he had flesh in all the right places.

Especially his thighs. They

were incredibly soft.

Zhou Yanming tensed up, feeling like he was on fire in the cool valley, his back sweating, veins bulging on his forehead.

With just a slight turn of his head, he could touch the soft flesh on the inside of Song Yu's thigh.

The boy was so delicate; he'd probably hurt him.

Zhou Yanming knew Song Yu was delicate, but the boy had never taken advantage of his affection.

Instead, it made one feel that only in a fairy tale world could such a fair-skinned and beautiful princess exist.

Yes, he called Song Yu "Princess."

Not at all effeminate.

Because Song Yu was born deserving of the best from everyone.

After hanging the wishing plaque on the tree branch, Song Yu called Zhou Yanming a few times, but the other seemed not to hear. He could only rub his leg against the other's head.

This time, the other finally reacted, his voice hoarse as he said, "Okay..."

Song Yu was slowly put down. He was afraid of heights, so even though he was close to the ground, he only dared to move down from Zhou Yanming's body little by little.

As a result, the arm that was supporting his ankle suddenly lost its grip, and Song Yu's body leaned backward—

the next second, he was directly hugged around the waist.

Zhou Yanming reacted quickly, immediately getting up and turning around, saying nervously, "Xiao Yu!"

After seeing that Song Yu was being held in Xie Zhiyan's arms, he breathed a sigh of relief.

After a moment, Song Yu stammered, "I'm fine..."

"Sorry, I... I didn't hold on properly just now." Seeing Xie Zhiyan's hand still firmly on Song Yu's waist, Zhou Yanming said unhappily, "Aren't you going to let go?"

Xie Zhiyan released his hand: "Don't show off if you can't handle it."

Zhou Yanming's pent-up heat had nowhere to go, so he scoffed: "I don't need art students to instruct me."

Why are they arguing again... Song Yu was sandwiched between the two of them. If he moved forward even slightly, he would bump into Zhou Yanming's chest, and if he moved backward, his back would directly hit Xie Zhiyan. He

was about to suffocate from being squeezed... Song Yu's cheeks started to burn from the difficulty breathing, and it took a while before Lu Xing pushed him out by pressing his shoulders.

After that, he sat on a small stool and waited for the others to finish hanging up.

At this moment, someone in the crowd suddenly joked: "Who among you is so greedy as to write two wish plaques, and the key is that they are exactly the same wish!"

Everyone was surprised: "Ah, what did you wish for?"

They were acquaintances from the team, and they were used to joking around, so no one cared that their wish was read aloud.

"Let me see... I really want Song Yu to be my wife."

"Holy crap! This must be Old Zhou's wish."

"How much does he want that, hahaha."

"Old Zhou's handwriting isn't that good, it looks like scribbles."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Does Old Zhou even know how to write the word 'wife'?"

Zhou Yanming gave a slight smirk, letting the mockery continue: "Don't be so ridiculous."

His expression wasn't so good, not because everyone was joking, but because he had only written one wish.

The other wish plaque was either written by Xie Zhiyan or Lu Xing.

It could also be someone else.

The thought of so many men coveting Song Yu annoyed Zhou Yanming. He was a little nervous, but also looked towards Song Yu with a hint of anticipation.

The boy was just sitting there, chin in hand, lost in thought.

Song Yu was probably immune to these kinds of jokes from the team members.

Zhou Yanming was a little disappointed. He was about to go to Song Yu's side when he was called to dismantle some equipment. Everyone chatted and admired the night sky along the way, and it was almost midnight when they returned to the tent.

Zhou Yanming had booked a double room, but Lu Xing said he couldn't get one and came to sleep in his sleeping bag. Zhou Yanming was naturally unhappy, and the two argued fiercely. Song Yu, worried about disturbing others, discussed with Zhou Yanming about letting Lu Xing stay.

However, Zhou Yanming insisted that Lu Xing sleep in the furthest spot from the bed.

Exhausted after a long day, Song Yu took a quick shower and collapsed onto the bed. After staring at his phone for a short while, his eyelids began to droop, gradually sticking together.

In his drowsy state, he felt someone talking to him.

He hummed twice, uncomfortably turning his head away, not wanting to acknowledge the person.

A moment later...

Just as he was about to fall asleep again, the person started again, whispering something in his ear.

Song Yu didn't hear clearly.

*

When he woke up the next day, Song Yu thought the person who had spoken in his ear the night before was just a dream. It was a bit strange, and he didn't mention it to anyone.

Only 009 knew that it had used medicine to remove the red mark Xie Zhiyan had left on its host's ear.

The mission was almost complete, and it didn't want any data to ruin its host's mood.

Song Yu spent two days with the camping group, trying things he had never done before, such as catching and releasing fish and setting up an outdoor barbecue.

The pleasant time passed quickly.

After returning from the outdoor activities, some classes were about to end, and there would be final exams.

For those few days, Xie Zhiyan was in the library, following Song Yu the whole time.

"Wrong."

Song Yu's pen paused, and he looked up at Xie Zhiyan with a pitiful expression: "I calculated it three times, you must have misread it."

Xie Zhiyan pointed to the place where he had misread it.

Song Yu realized it then, and after feeling annoyed, he comforted himself: "Luckily it's not an exam."

Xie Zhiyan chuckled.

He had been laughed at.

Song Yu was unhappy, his face drooping: "Are you laughing at me for being stupid?"

Xie Zhiyan rested his chin on his hand, lowering his gaze to look at him: "Not stupid. But Xiao Yu, did you forget something?"

Song Yu stared at him questioningly, then glanced down at his homework, muttering softly: "Is there anything wrong..."

Xie Zhiyan's heart was melting.

He resisted the urge to pinch Song Yu's cheek, reminding him: "Not counting this time, you still owe me three."

Speaking of "owe," Song Yu finally realized.

—He still owed Xie Zhiyan three kisses for helping him revise his paper.

Seeing the boy opposite him immediately lower his head like an ostrich, Xie Zhiyan didn't press him, but waited until after the exam to remind him again.

That day, Song Xu happened to call Song Yu, and Song Yu used his brother as a shield: "I promised my brother I would come home."

Xie Zhiyan remembered the man who took Song Yu away from the resort last time: "His real brother?"

Song Yu shook his head.

Xie Zhiyan's expression softened. He escorted the boy to the school gate, watching him walk to a black sedan. The door opened quickly, revealing a tall, distinguished-looking man in the back seat. Seeing Song Yu approach, the man affectionately patted Song Yu's head.

Xie Zhiyan's eyes darkened.

He only looked away after the car drove away.

*

Song Xu would call every now and then, sometimes asking about his grades, sometimes when he was coming home. Song Yu himself liked going home, but according to his character, he couldn't go back too often.

On the way, fearing Song Yu would be bored, Song Xu replaced his wine cooler with his brother's favorite snack cabinet, and placed two comic books on the back seat.

However, he realized he might have made a mistake.

With the snacks and comics, Song Yu didn't even glance at him. They

arrived at the villa around dinnertime. The Song family's housekeeper calculated their arrival time, and by the time they got home, the food was just cooked, steaming hot.

Tonight's meal was a home-cooked meal with dessert.

Song Yu didn't eat much, and he deliberately saved room for dessert. After taking a couple of bites, he looked at Song Xu and asked, "Brother, did you buy this cake?"

The man slightly averted his gaze and replied, "Yes. What's wrong?"

Song Yu didn't notice the tension in the man's tone. "It's not very good."

The man paused, and after taking another bite, his expression changed immediately. He pushed the cake away. "Don't eat it. I'll go buy some more."

"Thank you, brother."

Song Yu had thought Song Xu would send someone to buy it, but he went himself.

At this moment, the cleaning lady came downstairs after cleaning and saw the cake in front of Song Yu. She smiled and said, "Young Master, this cake was made for you by President Song himself."

Song Yu was stunned.

Song Xu made it himself?

Then he had just complained about the cake in front of him... No wonder Song Xu's expression was a little stiff.

But Song Xu... would actually make a cake for him? This didn't match the information Song Yu had received from 009.

"President Song has been learning for quite a while. He even burned his hand in the oven this afternoon while making it." The cleaning lady shushed him. "President Song told us not to say anything, so please pretend you don't know, Young Master."

Song Yu nodded.

He turned back, staring at the unassuming cake, and slowly cut off the part that he had messed up with his spoon, trying to keep it in a slightly nicer shape.

*

The Song family villa wasn't in the city center, and by the time Song Xu got home after buying the cake, it was already dark.

Walking into the living room, he didn't see Song Yu, and casually handed the cake to the housekeeper: "Where's Xiao Yu?"

"Young Master is watering the flowers on the balcony," the housekeeper said, looking at the cake. "Did you buy another one? But Young Master has already finished the one on the table."

Song Xu's usually indifferent expression faltered slightly, then he went to the balcony.

There were over a dozen potted plants on the balcony, all grown by Song Xu in his spare time. They were initially placed in the living room, but after Song Yu accidentally bumped his leg on a flowerpot, he had them all moved to the balcony. Some of the flowers didn't like sunlight and withered within a few days, so he just left them there.

At this moment, Song Yu was holding a small spray bottle, bending down to spray water on the leaves.

Amidst the overlapping shadows of the flowers, not a single blossom could overshadow the boy's face.

Song Xu's lips curled into a smile. Just as he was about to go over, the phone on the nearby table vibrated twice.

He picked up the phone and went to the balcony.

"Xiao Yu, a text message."

Song Yu had a bit of OCD, but his hands were wet. "Brother, can you tap it for me?" He then gave the password.

After Song Xu tapped it, the boy leaned closer, saw it was spam, and ignored it.

The man was about to turn off the screen when his gaze accidentally fell on an unfamiliar number at the bottom.

The most recent message was sent during summer vacation.

It didn't seem to be from a friend.

Song Xu tapped the number.

*

Song Yu hadn't expected Song Xu to find those messages.

The study was spacious and quiet. He stood in front of Song Xu like he was being punished.

And Song Xu was scrolling down the phone screen, one message at a time.

The thought of Song Xu seeing his slightly strange words filled Song Yu with the awkwardness of watching a romantic drama unfold in front of his parents. He wanted to disappear into the ground, too embarrassed to look at Song Xu's expression. His cheeks burned, his ears throbbed, and he whispered, "Brother..."

"I want to go back, my legs are so sore..."

He was barely finished speaking when his wrist was grabbed, and he was forcefully shoved into a chair.

No one dared enter Song Xu's study; there was only this one chair. Song Yu felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, obediently keeping his legs together, not daring to say another word.

After a long pause, Song Xu finally finished reading the message, placed the phone face down on the table, leaned over, and braced his hands on either side of Song Yu's chair. His voice was icy, filled with obvious emotion: "Why did you never tell me?"

The man's aura was extremely low, yet his breath was scalding. Song Yu's face felt hot and itchy, but he dared not move away.

The air seemed to freeze.

Finally, Song Xu spoke first: "Leave the phone with me for now."

Afraid that he would call the police, Song Yu instinctively grabbed the other's arm: "Brother, are you going to call the police?"

Song Xu's body stiffened slightly, but he didn't pull away, letting the boy hold him: "Xiao Yu, leave this to me, don't be afraid."

Song Yu had been harassed for so long that he was no longer afraid. What he was afraid of was that if the police were called, they would find out that he had also sent harassing text messages to Xie Zhiyan.

"Can't you not call the police?" Song Yu cautiously used a coquettish approach, "Please, brother."

"Don't call the police, okay?"

After a moment, Song Xu gave in to Song Yu's pleading gaze.

"Leave the phone with me, don't go back to school tomorrow."

*

When Song Yu woke up the next day, it was not yet eight o'clock, but Song Xu had already gone to the company.

He washed up as usual, and when he opened the closet to look for clothes, he discovered that one of his light blue casual outfits was missing.

That outfit was very comfortable, and Song Yu wore it most often. He searched the closet again, but still couldn't find it. Finally, he had to go downstairs to ask the cleaning lady.

"Mr. Song said he needs to clean out the closet recently; the old clothes

are taking up too much space." This morning, Song Xu had asked her to put all the light blue clothes in the young master's closet into his room, specifically instructing her to say she was cleaning out old clothes if Song Yu asked.

She didn't understand the thought process of rich people, but simply did as instructed.

Song Yu didn't think much of it and changed into another casual outfit.

He didn't have classes on Monday, and he could stay home all day Sunday without any problem, but he had to break his promise to Xie Zhiyan.

After having 009 log WeChat onto the tablet, Song Yu sent messages to Zhou Yanming and the others, saying that something had happened at home and he wouldn't be going back today.

They all replied to the messages, and Xie Zhiyan directly called via video.

Song Yu answered.

The boy on the other end was wearing a bathrobe, slightly open, his hair half-wet, his eyes dark and deep.

Song Yu: "Did you just take a shower?"

"Yeah." Xie Zhiyan put down the towel, gathered his hair back, revealing his handsome, aloof features. "You didn't come back, so it was a waste of your shower."

Song Yu shifted the blame: "...You still had to shower even if I didn't come back."

Xie Zhiyan chuckled, the sound slightly distorted through the video: "Standing me up, are you going to owe me one more time?"

Song Yu pursed his lips, unsure what to say.

Xie Zhiyan stared at the boy's slightly reddened earlobes, changing the subject: "When are you coming back? Tomorrow?"

"Um...I don't know." Song Yu answered honestly, "My brother hasn't come back yet."

Mentioning Song Xu, a strange hostility flashed in Xie Zhiyan's eyes. He always felt that Song Xu was overly protective of his younger brother, Song Yu.

He gathered his thoughts and chatted with Song Yu for a while. Just before hanging up, he said, "Come back quickly."

"I miss you."

Before Song Yu could say anything, a deep voice suddenly came from behind him: "Xiao Yu."

Having been too focused, Song Yu hadn't noticed the noise at the door. Song Xu's voice startled him, making his shoulders tremble. He turned around and obediently called out, "Brother..."

Song Xu's gaze fell on the disheveled young man on the screen. His

expression grew increasingly stiff.

Thinking the other person was annoyed by the noise, Song Yu immediately hung up the video call: "I'll talk to you later..."

After doing all this, Song Xu suddenly spoke: "Come upstairs with me."

Song Xu's expression was no different from usual, but one could feel the oppressive atmosphere, as if ice had formed wherever he went.

Song Yu wasn't exaggerating at all; the usually cheerful aunties in the house now had solemn expressions, barely daring to breathe.

They probably knew this was Song Xu's angry state.

Song Yu held his breath, pursed his lips, and followed the man in his soft slippers.

He didn't dare walk too slowly, keeping close to Song Xu's pace. But when they reached the second-floor corridor, the person in front suddenly stopped.

Song Yu didn't react in time and bumped into the person's back.

The body was so hard.

Seeing Song Xu turn around, Song Yu didn't dare move, and softly called out, "Brother."

The boy's ingratiating voice softened Song Xu's expression. He leaned down, getting close to the boy, and noticed his forehead was red. He was

really delicate.

Song Xu suppressed his anger, told someone to go to the study first, and went downstairs to get ice from the kitchen.

After applying ice to Song Yu's forehead, he slowly spoke.

"The person you were video chatting with just now, his name is Xie Zhiyan, right?"

Song Yu nodded. He thought Song Xu suspected him of having a relationship and wanted to explain, but the next moment—

"Do you know he sent those text messages?"

*

Song Yu hadn't been to school for three whole days.

Zhou Yanming had made countless calls, but the phone was always off. He reported the situation to the counselor, who said Song Yu's family had already called, saying he needed to take some time off.

Zhou Yanming was extremely anxious and also contacted Lu Xing and Xie Zhiyan, but neither of them could reach Song Yu.

Xie Zhiyan, in particular, couldn't help but worry after the abrupt end to their video call.

They had also found Song Yu's home address, but were politely refused, told that Song Yu wasn't feeling well.

They could only wait and see.

Zhou Yanming was restless and couldn't eat or sleep. He continued to message her every night and call her occasionally, but her phone remained switched off.

Finally, on Friday afternoon, he went to the classroom to try his luck and caught a glimpse of a fair profile in the corner.

Zhou Yanming suppressed his excitement and stared intently at the person. As soon as the bell rang, he rushed over and hugged Song Yu tightly.

The familiar scent of the boy wafted over him, and Zhou Yanming greedily inhaled, his urgent tone changing: "Why has your phone been off? What happened? Are you okay? How are you?"

Song Yu, struggling to breathe, said, "Let go, let go a little..."

Zhou Yanming reluctantly released her.

Song Yu's expression was a little unnatural: "I'm fine."

Zhou Yanming could certainly come out, but Song Yu didn't want to talk about it, so he didn't ask anymore. As long as he saw the person, that was enough: "Going back to the dorm later?"

Song Yu paused: "I haven't been staying in the dorm for a while."

"Is it about family?"

"Um..."

Song Yu was also surprised when he first learned that the harasser was Xie Zhiyan.

But thinking about how the other person would be with the person who harassed him, it all seemed to make sense.

To paraphrase 009, he'd encountered a pervert…

but since everyone had harassed each other, it was even. And after learning the man's identity, Song Yu wasn't as scared as he'd been initially, with his wild guesses.

But he hadn't expected Song Xu to be so extreme.

He changed his phone number, wouldn't let him go to school, and wouldn't let his friends visit.

Song Yu had one last task: he couldn't stay home forever. He pestered the man for three days, finally swearing he'd never contact Xie Zhiyan again, before he was allowed to go to school.

But it was just attending classes; after class, he was immediately taken home.

Knowing Song Yu was going home soon, Zhou Yanming was somewhat disappointed.

He immediately took out his phone: "Did you change your phone number? What's it?" Song Yu gave him his number.

The next day at school, Xie Zhiyan and Lu Xing were also there.

Song Yu gave his number to Lu Xing but completely avoided Xie Zhiyan, not even glancing at him.

After a few times, Xie Zhiyan didn't press him further, but his gaze remained fixed on Song Yu during class.

Song Yu went back and forth between school and home like this, as if he were back in high school, commuting to school. On Friday afternoon, the team had an activity, and Zhou Yanming asked if he could participate.

Song Yu thought for a moment, "Is Xie Zhiyan going?"

The boy had been avoiding Xie Zhiyan so obviously lately that everyone could see it. Zhou Yanming said, "He's not coming."

Song Yu nodded in agreement.

The activity Zhou Yanming mentioned was a freestyle basketball competition, with everyone showing off their skills. Song Yu gradually became engrossed in watching, and his recent depressed mood dissipated somewhat.

He was infected by the emotions around him and joined in the clapping.

Seeing the boy finally relax, Zhou Yanming's lips curled into a smile. He looked down and saw that Song Yu had finished his water, so he immediately got up, "I'll go buy some water."

Song Yu nodded.

He was so focused on watching that he didn't notice someone passing by with a can of cola.

"Ah—sorry, sorry!" The other person accidentally spilled cola, some of it getting on Song Yu's clothes and the back of his hand.

Song Yu quickly said it was okay and took the tissues offered by the kind person next to him.

The cola on his clothes was fine, but the cola on his fingers was still sticky no matter how much he wiped it off, so Song Yu decided to go to the restroom to wash it off.

He stood up, and as soon as he reached the door, bodyguards followed him.

These men were sent by Song Xu to protect him, but Song Yu felt it was unnecessary and even uncomfortable. He stopped. "I'm going to the restroom, I'll be right back."

The bodyguards didn't follow.

Song Yu went to the restroom alone, his fingers turning slightly red from the cold water.

After washing, he turned around and saw a tall, thin figure at the door.

Song Yu froze, and seeing the other person walking towards him with a cold face, his legs inexplicably went weak.

"You know." Xie Zhiyan's tone was unquestioning. He pressed closer, finally leaving the boy with no way out. "You know I sent those text messages."

Song Yu's breath hitched.

When he was nervous, he would bite his lip hard, and his expression would become dull.

In fact, it made him seem more provokeable.

He hadn't expected Xie Zhiyan to admit it so directly, and a scene of murder to cover it up flashed through his mind. His already small face turned pale.

Slowly releasing his lower lip, Song Yu's voice trembled uncontrollably: "Then that time... when you deliberately scared me in the alley... was that you too?"

Xie Zhiyan: "Yes."

Perhaps not expecting him to admit it so frankly, Song Yu was stunned for a moment, then his expression showed a hint of surprise: "How could you do that..."

deliberately scare him.

And then pretend to be a good person.

It was as if he was being treated like a small animal, watching him run away haphazardly until he was exhausted, and then taking the opportunity to gain his trust.

Song Yu's eyes slowly reddened.

More than fear, he was angry now.

He didn't want to talk to Xie Zhiyan, sniffed, and turned to leave.

Xie Zhiyan immediately grabbed his wrist, his voice clearly disordered: "I can explain."

"I won't listen!"

The air became quiet.

Song Yu's voice, both coquettish and annoyed, echoed throughout the restroom.

The boy himself was taken aback for a moment, then frowned and said fiercely, "You say it."

Xie Zhiyan: "Sorry."

Song Yu was still angry and turned her face away: "I'm leaving, let go of me first."

Xie Zhiyan let go, wanting to hand over the phone for the other to check, but Song Yu dodged it.

Song Yu was afraid of him.

She didn't want to talk to him.

She didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore.

Realizing this, Xie Zhiyan's heart ached slightly, and he tightened his grip on the boy's wrist again.

"Don't be afraid of me."

Song Yu struggled but couldn't break free, and her temper flared. "Let go of me, I'm leaving! Someone's waiting for me outside."

"Who? Zhou Yanming? Or Lu Xing? Do you think they're good people?" Xie Zhiyan was provoked by Song Yu's words and lost his temper. Jealousy surged in his chest, taking over completely. "That Zhou Yanming, he washed your clothes for you time and time again. Do you know what he did with your clothes? And Lu Xing, he openly and secretly asked me for the surveillance footage of you applying medicine in my house."

"Song Yu, I'm not the only one who's lusting after you.

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