Chu Xingning gently held Pei Jiang’s hand, his gaze tender and filled with affection.

“This is my little one,” Chu Xingning said with a doting smile. “His name is Pei Jiang. He’s a bit silly and clingy, but he’s easy to get along with.”

Chu Tao immediately raised his hand in greeting. “Nice to mee—”

Before the word “meet” could leave his lips, Jiang She curled his lips into a smirk, cutting him off.

“Well, isn’t this a coincidence.”

Chu Xingning and Chu Tao froze at the same time. Pei Jiang clenched his jaw, cold sweat forming on his back.

This situation was completely beyond anything Pei Jiang had anticipated.

Chu Xingning’s younger brother’s boyfriend turned out to be his cousin!

Pei Jiang, normally meticulous and calculated, had always been indifferent to people outside of Chu Xingning. To him, it didn’t matter if he never knew who Chu Xingning’s parents or siblings were—he simply didn’t care.

But because Chu Xingning cared, Pei Jiang had meticulously prepared tonight’s gathering. He had transformed this small, rented apartment—chosen to maintain a façade—into a cozy celebration space. Warm helium balloons floated along the ceiling, twinkling fairy lights spelling out his and Chu Xingning’s names adorned the windows, and the table was lined with high-end desserts, impossible to find in Huai City, their packaging carefully removed for presentation.

He had planned everything perfectly to delight Chu Xingning.

Never in his wildest imagination did he think he would run into Jiang She here.

Though Jiang She and Pei Jiang were not close, Jiang She knew his secrets.

And if those secrets were exposed…

Chu Tao, puzzled, turned to Jiang She. “Huh? You two know each other?”

Pei Jiang tilted his head, putting on an innocent expression as he looked at Jiang She and preemptively interjected, “Have we met before, Gege?”

Jiang She locked eyes with him but said nothing.

After a few seconds, the childlike innocence in Pei Jiang’s gaze finally crumbled, replaced by a pleading, vulnerable look.

Jiang She frowned.

For some reason, he felt Pei Jiang was genuinely afraid—truly desperate for him to keep his secret.

But then again, perhaps Pei Jiang’s acting had improved so much that even Jiang She was almost convinced.

Pei Jiang kept a faint smile on his lips, but his tightly clenched fists trembled slightly.

Today, after his birthday celebration, Pei Jiang would turn sixteen.

Though not a child anymore, he wasn’t yet mature enough to hide all his emotions. His whole body betrayed his turmoil.

Jiang She eventually relaxed his brow and replied indifferently, “Oh, I must have mistaken you for someone else.”

The tremor in Pei Jiang’s arms stopped instantly.

Chu Xingning didn’t notice anything unusual and was busy urging Pei Jiang to fetch slippers for Chu Tao and Jiang She.

However, Chu Tao knew Jiang She far too well. Jiang She’s current behavior made it clear that he did, in fact, know Pei Jiang.

Uneasiness crept into Chu Tao’s heart. He was worried Jiang She and Pei Jiang might have a past grudge. It wasn’t entirely impossible—after all, among the twelve schools in this district, there were countless people Jiang She had fought with before.

But Pei Jiang, such a well-behaved kid, what could he have done to cross paths with Jiang She?

Noticing Chu Tao’s unease, Jiang She lightly patted his shoulder.

As Chu Xingning crouched down to find slippers, Chu Tao glanced at Jiang She.

Jiang She mouthed to him, *“Don’t worry, we’ll talk later.”*

Chu Tao pressed his lips tightly together and nodded. After all, it was Pei Jiang’s birthday today, and even if there was bad blood, this wasn’t the time to bring it up—especially since it might affect his brother.

Chu Xingning eventually found the comfiest pair of slippers and placed them by Chu Tao’s feet. “Chu Tao, wear these.”

Chu Tao pulled him up. “It’s fine, Ge. You don’t need to fuss over me.”

Jiang She, without waiting for slippers, stepped inside, casually glancing around the apartment.

Pei Jiang didn’t dare let his guard down and quickly followed him.

Jiang She surveyed the living room, barely 30 square meters, and the aged window frames, now slightly yellowed with time. “Nice place,” he murmured. “When was it bought?”

Pei Jiang swallowed hard and forced a smile. “A long time ago. I don’t really remember.”

Jiang She turned back to him, the corner of his lips curling slightly. “Do you like living here?”

Pei Jiang’s real home was a luxury riverside villa fully paid for by Shen Lan, a woman who adored the finer things in life. She had meticulously crafted their home to an exquisite standard, meaning Pei Jiang had grown up surrounded by opulence unimaginable to most people.

This entire apartment wasn’t even as large as the bathroom in Pei Jiang’s house.

Jiang She, born a few years earlier than Pei Jiang, didn’t experience such a privileged childhood. Back then, Jiang Qifeng hadn’t yet amassed his fortune, and Shen Qing was known for her frugality and upright nature. Even after their family became wealthy, she refused to indulge in extravagance.

It was hard to reconcile that now, all his parents seemed to know was how to lavish money on him.

Pei Jiang exhaled softly, walked to the coffee table, and poured a cup of red tea. Bending slightly, he handed it to Jiang She. “Once you’ve lived here long enough, you get used to it. My mom isn’t around, so I manage on my own.”

Jiang She lowered his gaze, accepted the cup, and raised it slightly. “Thanks.”

Pei Jiang’s words were a subtle reminder to Jiang She—out of respect for Shen Lan, don’t expose him.

Hearing Pei Jiang mention being on his own again, Chu Xingning couldn’t help but reach out and ruffle his hair affectionately.

When Pei Jiang was younger, he had been a picky eater, and with his parents often absent, he’d suffered from mild malnutrition, resulting in hair that always retained a light brown tint.

Under Chu Xingning’s touch, the soft, smooth brown hair became messy and fluffy. Pei Jiang shrank back and covered his head, complaining, “Ge, my hairstyle!”

Chu Xingning’s gaze was as tranquil and gentle as moonlight reflecting on a still pond.

“You’re not alone. I’m here with you.”

Pei Jiang’s eyes lit up, and he immediately threw his arms around Chu Xingning, nibbling gently on his wrist like a little puppy. “Then Gege has to stay with me forever.”

Chu Tao blinked, watching as Chu Xingning laughed heartily, thoroughly entertained by Pei Jiang.

He could tell—his brother genuinely liked this kid.

*That’s nice,* Chu Tao thought to himself.

His brother had received so much love growing up and possessed a gentle, vibrant spirit that could positively influence others. Being around Chu Xingning felt like basking in sunlight, making life seem brighter and more enjoyable.

It was different for him. There were many dark corners in his life, slowly buried with time. It wasn’t until he met Jiang She that those shadows began to dissolve under their mutual support.

Seeing Pei Jiang cling to Chu Xingning with an expression like an overly enthusiastic pet, Jiang She clicked his tongue in disdain. “Just a head pat, and you’re this happy?”

Pei Jiang froze mid-action, blinking as he studied Jiang She and Chu Tao with curiosity.

Jiang She, unnerved by Pei Jiang’s strange gaze, raised a brow in slight irritation.

As if a lightbulb had gone off in his head, Pei Jiang suddenly murmured, “So, the two of you have already done more intimate things? I always thought we were too young for that, so I’ve been holding back a lot.”

He looked completely sincere, like a diligent student earnestly seeking guidance from his seniors.

Having few adults around him, Pei Jiang had been left to navigate life largely on his own. Although Shen Lan had asked Shen Qing to look after him, Shen Qing was too busy with work. Jiang She himself barely had time to manage his own affairs, let alone help Pei Jiang.

Most of Pei Jiang’s time was spent with an elderly nanny, whose conservative values subtly shaped his beliefs. He came to think that stepping beyond certain boundaries would tarnish the pure relationship he had with Chu Xingning, so he constantly restrained himself.

But, truthfully, he really wanted to kiss his *Gege*, maybe even bite his gland. After all, he hadn’t differentiated yet, and his pheromones wouldn’t affect Chu Xingning.

Chu Tao’s ears turned red as he awkwardly denied it, “N-no… absolutely not!”

Jiang She’s face twitched slightly. “Focus on yourself, kid.”

Chu Xingning quickly covered Pei Jiang’s ears and changed the subject. “Alright, enough of that. Has the cake I ordered arrived?”

Pei Jiang snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. “It has. I put it in the kitchen.”

“Then let’s eat quickly,” Chu Xingning said with a smile. “The food won’t taste as good if it gets cold. We can talk more at the table.”

Pei Jiang, ever obedient to Chu Xingning, nodded. “Okay.”

However, just as the four of them were about to sit down, a knock came at the door. Pei Jiang ran to check the monitor.

It was a man he didn’t recognize.

“Who is it? I don’t know him.”

Jiang She got up calmly. “Oh, it’s probably the gift we ordered.”

Pei Jiang froze. “A gift?”

He’d received birthday gifts from Jiang She before, though they were more out of respect for Shen Lan than any personal sentiment. Jiang She never actually remembered Pei Jiang’s birthday; it was just that April Fool’s Day was too memorable to forget.

Pei Jiang opened the door, and a small, elegantly wrapped box was handed over.

Jiang She weighed the box in his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Pei Jiang, I heard it’s your birthday. Chu Tao and I prepared a gift for you. Open it and see if you like it.”

The box contained a trendy, budget-friendly watch, retailing at 200 yuan. It was tied with a tacky butterfly bow, and the box’s color imitated Tiffany blue, though the design of the watch was far removed from any luxury brand.

Every detail of the gift hit Pei Jiang’s sore spot perfectly.

Pei Jiang’s lips twitched as he tore off the wrapping paper, opened the box, and glanced at the watch inside.

He had *never* worn a watch this cheap.

Chu Tao leaned close to Jiang She and earnestly wished him well. “Happy birthday! I hope you and my brother stay happy together.”

Pei Jiang raised his face, flashing a sweet smile. “Wow! What a beautiful watch. Such a surprise—thank you, Gege!”

Jiang She teased, “Really? Can you get used to it?”

Pei Jiang nodded seriously. “Of course I can!”

Seeing how happy Pei Jiang was, Chu Xingning felt that Jiang She had thought of everything, handling it far better than any of them could have.

He also realized that Chu Tao, being with Jiang She, might learn a lot from him.

Chu Xingning went into the kitchen to arrange the chairs, and Chu Tao quickly followed. “Ge, let me help out with something!”

Taking advantage of their absence, Pei Jiang closed the box lid and muttered indignantly to Jiang She, “You cheapskate! This is a viral knockoff! And it’s mimicking Tiffany!”

Jiang She snorted. “Make do. It’s not like you’re short on watches.”

Pei Jiang ground his little tiger teeth. “What kind of big brother are you? This is outrageous! And you even scared me!”

With his hands tucked into his pockets, Jiang She replied softly, “Keep complaining, and I’ll spill your secret.”

Frightened, Pei Jiang immediately zipped his mouth shut.

At the dinner table, Pei Jiang’s compliments grew even sweeter.

While feeding cake to Chu Xingning, he flattered Chu Tao. “Chu Tao-ge, your sibling bond is amazing. Growing up and playing together like that—I’m so envious of you.”

Chu Tao glanced at Chu Xingning and smiled. “Well, we bickered a lot, but having someone around does make a difference.”

Chu Xingning couldn’t help reminiscing. “When Chu Tao was little, he didn’t talk much and kept a serious little face. I had to tease him all the time to get him to laugh. He was so easy to tickle and had a lot of ticklish spots. A couple of jokes, and he’d start giggling.

“And he used to get embarrassed so easily! Whenever he laughed, he’d cover his face with his hands. But back then, his hands were so small and silly—they’d always cover his eyes but never his mouth. He thought that as long as he couldn’t see anyone, no one could see him.”

Chu Tao firmly denied it. “No way! I wasn’t that silly as a kid.”

Propping his chin in his hands, Pei Jiang sighed with a tinge of envy. “I didn’t have such a nice brother to make me laugh.”

Jiang She glanced at Pei Jiang and drawled lazily, “Funny, I didn’t have such a sincere, adorable, pure, kind-hearted, shy, understanding, beautiful, and obedient little brother, either.”

Pei Jiang: “???”

Chu Tao quietly lowered his head, covering his eyes with one hand. “Can’t you tone it down when you’re complimenting me?”