Song Yi snapped out of her daze and snatched the phone back, just in time to see Shen Li’s contact disappear from his WeChat. “What are you doing?”

“I hate it when he messages you.” Gu Xingchuan replied, completely unapologetic.

Song Yi gripped his phone tightly, glaring at him with irritation. “That doesn’t mean you can delete him!”

Gu Xingchuan nodded with a half-hearted smile. “Sorry. Won’t happen again.”

Song Yi adjusted his glasses, forcing himself to stay calm. He decided it was better to sort this out now rather than let Shen Li become a recurring source of conflict. “Listen, I don’t like Shen Li anymore. It’s been years, I just treat him as a regular friend now.”

Gu Xingchuan narrowed his eyes and pinched his cheek in annoyance. “I don’t like the way you talk to him.”

Song Yi gently patted the back of his hand, prompting him to release his face, though he did so reluctantly. Keeping his voice level, he explained. “Shen Li helped me out in the past. You know what my family was going through when I was in high school. My dad got seriously ill during my first year, and Shen Li lent me 50,000 yuan when we were desperate. I’ll always be grateful for that, and if there’s something I can do to repay him, I will.”

Even though Shen Li later used that debt to negotiate for a school admission spot, Song Yi had long let it go. His family couldn’t afford the high costs anyway, and giving it to Shen Li had been the practical choice.

Gu Xingchuan shot him a sidelong glance and snorted. “What a businessman—50,000 yuan to buy your undying gratitude.”

Song Yi chuckled softly and shook his head. “It’s all in the past now. All I feel toward him is gratitude and friendship, so there’s no need for you to be so sensitive.”

Gu Xingchuan turned his head to look at him, raising his chin arrogantly. “You may have moved on from him, but that doesn’t mean he’s moved on from you. The way he looks at you is far from normal.”

Song Yi found this amusing. Shen Li’s gaze? Unusual? If Shen Li had truly liked him, he would have acted on it long ago. By now, he was practically engaged—he’d missed his chance ages ago.

Before night fully fell, Gu Xingchuan’s parents returned home.

His mother looked just as Song Yi remembered: graceful and beautiful, with not a wrinkle in sight. She wore a leaf-green ruffled dress that accentuated her elegant figure, along with white silk sun gloves, looking every bit like a refined lady from a vintage magazine cover.

Following closely behind was Gu Shaoyuan, her husband. Together, they were a strikingly attractive couple, their presence effortlessly harmonious.

The family, along with Song Yi as the outsider, gathered around the dining table for dinner.

Mother Gu was in high spirits, her eyes sparkling as she smiled at Song Yi. “Our little darling has really started to take care of his friends. He told me first thing in the morning that you can’t handle spicy food and insisted dinner must be mild.”

“Thank you for going to the trouble, Auntie.” Song Yi said, feeling a bit embarrassed as he glanced at Gu Xingchuan, who sat across from him, his expression unreadable as he blinked slowly.

“No trouble at all,” his mother replied warmly. She glanced at her son with a teasing smile playing on her lips. “He, on the other hand, only ever thinks about himself. He’s never been one to consider others…”

Gu Shaoyuan cleared his throat and set down his chopsticks, cutting her off with a meaningful look at Song Yi. “Xingchuan’s friend is here. Let’s not criticize him at the dinner table.”

Mother Gu who was oblivious to her husband’s meaningful look, continued pouring flower tea as she spoke. “Xiao Song Yi knows what kind of person he is. They’ve known each other for years.”

Gu Xingchuan’s face darkened slightly as he focused on his meal, eating in silence.

Song Yi forced a dry laugh, pretending he hadn’t heard anything.

Gu Shaoyuan turned to his wife, his tone gentle. “You’re being too harsh on the boy. At least he has his own career, and he hasn’t asked us for a single penny in years. Look around at the kids in our social circle—how many his age isn’t relying on their parents? Just this alone makes him stand out from the crowd.”

Mother Gu gave him a curious glance, her expression thoughtful. “But didn’t you always dislike him singing?”

Gu Shaoyuan remained composed. “I never supported it, true, but I can’t deny he’s done well for himself. Honestly, I’m glad he hasn’t picked up any of the bad habits common among the second-generation rich. No substance abuse, no reckless driving, and no messy romantic entanglements. Sure, his temper’s a bit fiery, but he’s straightforward and honest with everyone. Reminds me of myself when I was young.”

Gu Xingchuan looked up in surprise. It was the first time he’d ever heard Gu Shaoyuan compliment him—an unprecedented moment.

Song Yi found himself agreeing. Despite his many flaws, Gu Xingchuan lacked the vices typical of his peers. His personality was direct, and he wore his emotions openly making it easy to get along with him.

“That’s true,” Mother Gu said, her face lighting up with a delighted smile, her eyes crinkling into crescents. “He’s just like you—loyal to his friends. Remember the Ding family’s youngest son? When he was bullied, Xingchuan stood up for him and taught those bullies a lesson. They were beaten so badly…”

“Ahem…” Gu Shaoyuan cleared his throat, pinching the bridge of his nose as he glanced at Song Yi. With a faint smile, he added. “The Ding family’s son used to be our neighbor. He and Xingchuan were like brothers growing up. When he got mugged by a Black guy in Seattle, Xingchuan not only got his wallet back but also gave the mugger a… stern lesson.”

He sighed helplessly, though his face was filled with pride. “This kid has been loyal since he was little—always standing up for his friends, even when it’s hard to rein him in.”

Gu Xingchuan seemed to catch on to something. He glanced at Gu Shaoyuan and lowered his head, chuckling quietly to himself.

Song Yi wasn’t sure why Gu Shaoyuan suddenly brought all this up, but he nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Uncle. Xingchuan is a very loyal person.”

Mother Gu took a slow sip of her tea and said. “You’re happy he won the fight, but don’t forget he ended up in the hospital. All for a friend—stabbed and bleeding all over the place. I was scared to death at the time.”

She patted her chest, as if still shaken by the memory, and gave Gu Xingchuan a reproachful look. “I just wish you’d stay out of trouble and stop trying to play the hero.”

Gu Shaoyuan smiled faintly. “He’s an alpha. That’s just who he is.” Then he leaned back and whispered something to the middle-aged man standing behind him. The man nodded and left the room.

Moments later, the man returned, carrying a wooden tray that he placed in front of Song Yi. On it was a beautifully packaged gift box wrapped with a white silk ribbon. The presentation was both luxurious and elegant.

Song Yi was caught off guard, feeling a little overwhelmed. Gu Shaoyuan gestured for him to open it. Carefully, he lifted the lid to reveal a metal wristwatch inside. Its intricate design and artistic craftsmanship exuded sophistication, the kind of piece that screamed exclusivity and high value.

Gu Shaoyuan smiled warmly. “Xingchuan told me you were visiting today, so I wanted to prepare something for you. I hope you like this watch.”

“Thank you, Uncle and Auntie. You’ve been too kind.” Song Yi replied graciously, closing the gift box with practiced composure but internally, he was already calculating. He planned to search for the watch’s price later and transfer the money to Gu Xingchuan—hopefully, it wouldn’t be outrageously expensive.

Mother Gu beamed with joy. “If you like it, you should come visit more often. It’s rare for Xingchuan to bring a friend home.”

Gu Shaoyuan nodded in agreement. He exchanged a brief glance with Gu Xingchuan, a faint smile on his face. “Xingchuan, you’ve been doing well lately. Keep it up.”

Gu Xingchuan set down his chopsticks and cast a sidelong glance at Song Yi, his response a simple, yet meaningful. “Mm.”

After dinner, the housekeeper led Song Yi to the guest room which had been meticulously prepared. It was separated from Gu Xingchuan’s room by only a wall. The room boasted a small terrace overlooking the deep blue sea, with Seattle’s skyscrapers shimmering in the distance like a mirage on the horizon.

The night sky hung low, studded with stars that gleamed against the dark canvas. A gentle breeze carried the quiet chill of the night, wrapping the world in serene stillness.

Lying on the soft bed, Song Yi tossed and turned like a pancake, wide awake.

Habit was indeed a terrifying thing. Lately, he had gotten used to sharing a bed with Gu Xingchuan, who had a shameless tendency to hug him tightly from behind, his body radiating warmth. Now that no one was there, the empty space behind him felt unnervingly cold, making sleep elusive.

Determined to settle himself, he quietly recited a calming mantra. Slowly, drowsiness began to take over, and soon he was on the verge of falling asleep.

Just then, a sudden “thump” echoed from the terrace.

A lithe black figure vaulted over the terrace railing and landed soundlessly on the floor.

Without hesitation, the figure strode toward the bed, bringing with it the crisp chill of the night. It climbed onto the bed without a word, its dark eyes half-lidded, gazing down at Song Yi from above.

Song Yi yawned and squinted in the moonlight, spotting Gu Xingchuan dressed in a T-shirt and shorts. Considering how chilly Seattle nights could get, he marveled at the man’s resilience. “Why are you climbing over railings in your own house?”

Gu Xingchuan slipped into the bed beside him, his cold arm naturally wrapping around Song Yi’s waist. The icy touch made Song Yi flinch, which Gu Xingchuan misinterpreted as an attempt to pull away. Tightening his grip, he pressed himself against Song Yi’s back and drawled lazily. “Since you’re pretending to be just my friend, sneaking in through the front door would be too obvious. Gotta keep it discreet.”

Song Yi chuckled, amused by how petty he could be. “You’re ridiculous. I’ve never seen an alpha this insecure. Just don’t fall and break something.”

Gu Xingchuan’s long fingers slipped into Song Yi’s hair, twirling it absently. His voice dropped slightly. “Song Yi, before I came over, I found something in my room.”

“What?” Song Yi yawned again, his interest faint.

The room suddenly lit up as Gu Xingchuan turned on his bedside lamp. The faint rustling of paper reached Song Yi’s ears, followed by Gu Xingchuan’s voice, clear and deliberate in the quiet night:

“Dear Shen Li, hello. Today I saw you crying because you failed the physical test. I felt just as heartbroken. You might not believe me, but every time I see your crystal-clear eyes brimmed with tears, I wish I could take on your pain for you…”

“Stop!” Song Yi’s hand shot out, trying to snatch the paper away and destroy it. This was a letter he’d written to Shen Li before graduation, a relic he thought he’d lost in his desk. Apparently, Gu Xingchuan had taken it.

At the time, his words had been heartfelt. Hearing them now made him cringe so hard he wanted to crawl under the covers and disappear. How had he written something so embarrassingly saccharine?

Gu Xingchuan caught Song Yi’s wrist effortlessly, his tone mischievous as he continued reading:

“The geography teacher said the smallest sea in the world is the Sea of Marmara but I think it’s your eyes instead.”

Song Yi’s face burned with humiliation, his cheeks a vivid red. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself alive. “Stop reading already!”

“No way,” Gu Xingchuan refused coolly, letting out a mocking laugh. “This is gold. I’m going to take my time appreciating it.”

“And I wish to be the sailboat in your sea, raising white sails to journey freely in your eyes…”

Song Yi couldn’t bear it anymore. The words were so cringeworthy it felt like listening to a monkey’s tightening curse. He shot up from the bed, leaning close to Gu Xingchuan, and clamped a hand over his mouth. Their faces were mere inches apart as he whispered. “Stop reading, please.”

The warmth of Gu Xingchuan’s lips against his palm was unmistakable, tickling him like the brush of a feather. Song Yi froze momentarily, staring into Gu Xingchuan’s long, mesmerizing lashes that caught the lamplight like silk threads. Realizing what he was doing, he yanked his hand back and wiped it against his shirt in a fluster.

Gu Xingchuan’s tongue darted out, licking his lips with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He leaned closer, sniffing Song Yi lightly before his face hovered near Song Yi’s cheek. His voice dropped to a teasing murmur. “Fine, I won’t read. But tell me this—why do we use the same body wash, yet you smell so good?”

Song Yi, oblivious to the suggestiveness of the question, sniffed himself but caught no particular scent. “Maybe I just take longer showers?”

“Is that so?” Gu Xingchuan tilted his head, eyeing him intently. Suddenly, he lunged, pressing Song Yi down onto the bed as he deftly worked at the buttons in his way, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest. “I don’t believe you. Let me inspect what makes you smell so irresistible.”

Song Yi panicked, hissing in a low voice. “Your parents are still home!”

Gu Xingchuan’s lips ghosted over the corner of Song Yi’s mouth before his fingers began to toy with the softness of Song Yi’s lower lip. His voice turned sultry as he whispered. “Then you’d better not make a sound and wake them up. Be good, okay?”

=^_^=