Chapter 43: “You Lured Me Here.”

Jiang Yao’s heart skipped a beat before it started pounding wildly. The image of a senior proposing to a senior on one knee at the same spot ten years ago suddenly flashed in his mind.

Standing in the secluded grove, Jiang Yao felt all his limbs freeze in place, staring blankly until the man in front of him bent slightly, his distinct fingers landing on his shoe.

Duan Zhuxian picked up a shoelace that had fallen to the ground, his index finger slowly looping it as he said calmly, “Your shoelace is untied.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the limited-edition sneakers in front of him abruptly moved back a few centimeters.

Duan Zhuxian paused and looked up.

Jiang Yao’s almond-shaped eyes were filled with surprise, his face alternating between red and white, with his breathing quickened.

“Did you think I was proposing?”

Duan Zhuxian’s tone was amused, and his expression inquisitive.

“No.”

Jiang Yao replied with a blank face, his beautiful jawline tensing as he clenched his teeth. His fists, hidden in his school uniform pockets, itched slightly.

Duan Zhuxian chuckled softly, “Just kidding.”

A flash of anger crossed Jiang Yao’s eyes, and he began to recall the stance he used the last time he punched Duan Zhuxian.

Duan Zhuxian lowered his head again, grasping the loose shoelace. He tied a neat bow, as if wrapping a gift, right under Jiang Yao’s nose. Instead of standing up immediately, he looked up at Jiang Yao again.

Jiang Yao glanced down coldly, “Are you planning to kneel for a blessing?”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “I meant, I was lying to you earlier.”

“…”

Jiang Yao couldn’t quite follow, only noticing Duan Zhuxian’s suddenly gentle gaze.

Then, a silver ring studded with diamonds appeared before his eyes.

It was held in the palm of Duan Zhuxian, who was kneeling on one knee.

Like a magic trick.

The wedding ring Jiang Yao had taken off and left at home was now in Duan Zhuxian’s hand.

Damn thief!

Jiang Yao silently cursed, but his heart continued to race uncontrollably.

After waiting a few seconds, seeing that Jiang Yao still had his hands in his pockets, Duan Zhuxian directly reached into his left pocket.

He paused when he felt a tightly clenched fist.

Had he been a moment later in getting the ring, that fist would have likely landed on him.

Jiang Yao’s fist seemed fierce but was actually easy to open.

Without saying anything, Duan Zhuxian took his hand, slipped the ring onto his ring finger, and then let go, standing up.

“Duan Zhuxian, you…”

Jiang Yao’s voice was hoarse, with a mix of frustration and amusement, but he didn’t finish his sentence.

He stared at his hand suspended in mid-air, feeling the warmth spreading from the small circle of skin touching the ring.

He inexplicably felt that the ring, custom-made for him, had become smaller, tightly gripping the base of his ring finger as if it would never come off again.

What is Duan Zhuxian doing in broad daylight?

Is he suddenly in the mood for a mock proposal?

But who proposes without a single decent line? It’s more domineering and casual than a robbery. At least robbers know to say some threatening words before committing their act.

In those few short moments, too many emotions flashed across Jiang Yao’s face, and Duan Zhuxian caught every single one, not willing to miss a thing.

He asked in a low voice, “Does it feel complete now?”

Jiang Yao’s ears turned red. “Get lost…”

*

As the time for their meeting with the school leaders approached, they arrived at the Student Affairs Office.

Jiang Yao stopped at the door. “You go in. I’m not going.”

Despite his excellent grades in high school, his bold and rebellious nature had brought him here for reprimands more than a few times, making him somewhat physiologically averse to the place.

Duan Zhuxian didn’t insist and told him to wait outside for a few minutes.

After Duan Zhuxian went in, Jiang Yao leaned on the railing, idly watching the scenery. Suddenly, someone bumped into him from behind, and a chill spread across his back and collar.

He turned around and saw a thin, monkey-like boy holding a half-empty bottle of mineral water.

“Sorry, fellow—” the boy started to apologize but froze upon seeing the red highlights in Jiang Yao’s hair. The word “student” got stuck in his throat, and his expression gradually turned to fear, worried that he had offended some tough guy.

Noticing the boy’s nervousness, Jiang Yao stifled a laugh and raised one eyebrow in a displeased arc. “Are you in such a hurry to reincarnate?”

The boy was immediately frightened, stammering and unable to form a complete sentence.

Jiang Yao stared at him for a long moment until the first bead of sweat rolled down the boy’s forehead. Then he waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, you can go. Just watch where you’re going next time.”

The boy’s eyes lit up with relief at Jiang Yao’s words. Before retreating, he couldn’t help but admire Jiang Yao for a moment. This tough guy was both handsome and kind-hearted!

Watching the boy scurry away obediently, Jiang Yao suddenly realized that he had just teased a younger student for fun.

He had never done such a boring thing before.

Then he thought of a certain person with top-notch acting skills and a hypocritical demeanor…

Could such a trivial bad habit be contagious through shared living quarters?

Jiang Yao shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.

In the reception room just a wall away, a group of smiling school leaders sat around Duan Zhuxian.

The elderly principal, with graying hair, held Duan Zhuxian’s hand tightly. “Recently, our school faced some difficulties, and thanks to Mr. Duan’s donation, we were able to get through them. On behalf of all the school leaders, teachers, and students, I want to thank Mr. Duan for your generosity.”

“No need to thank me. Xingyuan has its own necessity,” 

Duan Zhuxian said calmly, subtly moving his right hand to indicate that the principal could let go.

The principal, even more touched by these words, tried to shake Duan Zhuxian’s hand again.

Duan Zhuxian discreetly avoided it.

It wasn’t because he was arrogant or unwilling to accept gratitude; it was just that he had always been emotionally detached. It was hard for him to feel any attachment, not just to places, but even to people.

To him, the school was merely a place of learning, no different from a hospital for seeking health or a market for seeking goods.

The reason he donated such a large sum to Xingyuan Foreign Language High School was simple: it was the place that brought Jiang Yao into his life.

In this place, many things happened that should and shouldn’t have happened. His overflowing emotions, long without a place to go, needed somewhere to be anchored.

Leaving the reception room, Duan Zhuxian saw from a distance the impatient figure waiting in a sheltered spot.

The man with a slim waist and long legs was wearing only a light shirt, with his school uniform jacket draped over his arm. His shoulders and arms were slightly hunched, and his exposed shoulder blades were gently trembling in the wind.

Back when they were students, Duan Zhuxian had seen this kind of “style over warmth” look on Jiang Yao many times.

At that time, Jiang Yao was still a teenager, thin, sharp, and resilient, cutting through the cold air like a narrow blade. His fierce and dazzling presence made him a model for countless classmates who sought to emulate him.

But Duan Zhuxian always thought Jiang Yao looked cold. Back then, he couldn’t personally confirm Jiang Yao’s temperature, had no standing to remind him to dress warmly, and certainly no right to share his own warmth with Jiang Yao.

Duan Zhuxian strode forward and grabbed Jiang Yao’s hand, feeling the icy coldness.

He frowned slightly and finally voiced what he’d held back for three years: “You’re a grown man. Don’t you know how to dress properly?”

Jiang Yao nonchalantly replied, “Someone spilled water on my jacket and got it wet. I had to take it off because I couldn’t wear it.”

He then let out a huge sneeze.

Jiang Yao had worn only a thin sweater underneath to maintain his stylish look in the uniform, and now he deeply regretted it.

Without a word, Duan Zhuxian immediately took off his own school uniform jacket and put it on Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao was stunned. “What are you doing?”

Duan Zhuxian: “Wear it. Don’t take it off.”

The tone was commanding and left no room for argument.

Quite assertive.

Is Duan Zhuxian getting addicted to draping coats on people?

Remembering that freezing night a few days ago when Duan Zhuxian also offered his coat, Jiang Yao felt a bit awkward and pursed his lips.

Fine, if he likes being cold, let him be colder.

Duan Zhuxian had a larger frame and more developed muscles compared to Jiang Yao. The school uniform jacket, zipped all the way up, looked a bit oversized on Jiang Yao. Combined with his red-dyed hair and casual stride, from a distance, he looked even more rebellious and intimidating.

Whenever the cold wind blew into the oversized jacket, inflating it, Duan Zhuxian would reach out and pat it down to keep it snug.

Only Duan Zhuxian knew that this was just a deflated pufferfish.

At 9:30 AM, the two of them attended the school anniversary ceremony. As the most outstanding alumnus of the past decade, Duan Zhuxian had a small speech to give later, so he went backstage to prepare.

The large celebration venue was brightly decorated. Entering the audience section through the back door, Jiang Yao choose a seat near the front. Dressed in his school uniform, his pale face and lazy, aloof expression blended in perfectly with the sixteen- and seventeen-year-old students around him.

The first segment was a speech by the school leaders, which was as dull and lengthy as it had been back in the day, and just as sleep-inducing.

Half an hour later, it was time for the alumni interaction segment.

The moment Duan Zhuxian stepped onto the stage, the drowsy students instantly perked up. Those who were secretly playing with their phones were nudged by their neighbors and shifted half their attention to the stage.

Duan Zhuxian’s speech was impromptu, roughly discussing the changes in their alma mater.

Recalling their walk earlier, Jiang Yao seemed to understand something.

No wonder Duan Zhuxian, who usually acted all serious and reserved, started talking more as soon as they entered the school, trying to reminisce about their campus life together. So he was gathering material for his speech.

His steady voice echoed through the speakers, and unlike the rigid demeanor he had under the national flag ten years ago, the man on stage now exuded a calm and composed aura. Within a minute, his elite presence as a successful individual captured everyone’s attention.

Amid the thousands of gazes, Jiang Yao’s eyes also fell lightly on Duan Zhuxian’s upright figure.

Similar scenes had occurred many times before.

Initially, his gaze was mixed with admiration for his rival, but it gradually became confrontational and irreconcilable.

And now, sitting in the audience with an identity he had never imagined before, his lips unintentionally curled into a disdainful smile—

No matter how polished and glamorous Duan Zhuxian appeared outside, at home, he still had to close the door and live with his arch-enemy, playing the role of a loving couple for the rest of their lives.

After Duan Zhuxian’s speech, the session moved into a Q&A segment.

At first, the questions were normal, covering topics like university, studying abroad, and career. Then the microphone was handed to an eager girl.

“Excuse me, this might be a bit forward,” the girl said, blushing, “but I want to ask, is Senior Duan already married?”

Duan Zhuxian smiled. “How do you know?”

The girl pointed to Duan Zhuxian’s left hand. “You’re wearing a wedding ring.”

Duan Zhuxian nodded as if understanding. “You have a keen eye.”

Jiang Yao couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Duan Zhuxian had been holding the microphone with his left hand the entire time, and the diamond ring was so conspicuous that only a blind person wouldn’t notice it.

As this slightly private topic came up, the students got excited. Several school leaders braced themselves, ready to stop the students if Duan Zhuxian showed any sign of displeasure.

Another student stood up and asked Duan Zhuxian to talk about his partner.

Jiang Yao squinted, catching Duan Zhuxian’s glance in his direction. He silently warned Duan Zhuxian with his eyes, daring him to mention his name.

Duan Zhuxian chuckled softly. “He’s quite shy.”

Bullshit, who’s shy?

Jiang Yao immediately glared back.

The atmosphere grew livelier, and the questions became more and more off-topic.

Someone asked, “Senior Duan, why are you only wearing the school pants and not the school jacket? Is it to look cool?”

Someone in the audience immediately shouted back, “Senior Duan is already cool, he doesn’t need to try!”

After the uproar died down, Duan Zhuxian calmly replied, “Because my school uniform jacket is currently being worn by my spouse.”

Another bombshell statement, implying that Senior Duan’s partner might very well be present.

Jiang Yao, with his long legs cramped under the narrow seat, shifted his position to be more comfortable, adjusting his school jacket. He overheard the students behind him talking.

A boy spoke mysteriously, “My brother’s girlfriend’s best friend’s sister once went on a blind date with someone from the Hua Yan Duan family.”

A girl replied, puzzled, “How did I hear that Senior Duan’s wife is his childhood sweetheart.”

…

The students were sharing various second-hand stories they had heard, each more vivid than the last.

At first, Jiang Yao worried they might mention his name, but they ended up speculating about various prominent young ladies and a few notable young men, none of whom had any connection to him.

Jiang Yao’s temple throbbed.

These kids, his junior schoolmates, weren’t focusing on their studies. Instead, they spent all day spreading third-rate gossip, competing to be the most prolific rumor mongers.

Just then, a student presented Duan Zhuxian with a pair of custom Xingyuan High School commemorative badges, hoping Duan Zhuxian would give one to his partner, with an obvious undertone of wanting to see what his partner looked like.

Duan Zhuxian looked at Jiang Yao again, raising an eyebrow. His expression seemed a bit regretful, which Jiang Yao interpreted as mockery, as if Duan Zhuxian was calling him a coward.

The students in the back were still wildly guessing the identity of Duan Zhuxian’s partner.

Jiang Yao, with a stoic expression, lifted his chin, signaling with his eyes for Duan Zhuxian to stop showing off on stage and come to him if he dared.

Duan Zhuxian’s lips curved into a smile, and then he stepped off the stage, striding towards Jiang Yao under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Jiang Yao didn’t expect Duan Zhuxian to take the challenge so readily. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he felt more nervous than at their wedding ceremony.

When Duan Zhuxian stood in front of Jiang Yao, Jiang Yao kept his arms crossed, maintaining his slouched position in the seat, looking up at him with a narrowed gaze.

Amidst the noisy cheers, Duan Zhuxian bent down and whispered so only they could hear, “All these juniors are watching, give me some face.”

Jiang Yao snorted coldly, “I can’t afford to give Mr. Duan’s face.”

Yet he still slowly straightened up, exposing his chest so Duan Zhuxian could pin the badge on him.

The surrounding crowd erupted into applause, growing louder and louder.

Some students recognized Jiang Yao.

Rumor had it that Xingyuan Foreign Language High School once had two top school heartthrobs, one with the surname Duan and the other Jiang. Both were exceptionally handsome, consistently top of the class, and excelled in sports, matching each other in every aspect.

During their three years at school, the two of them fought like cats and dogs, refusing to acknowledge each other. Over the years, rumors about their relationship had evolved into more entertaining versions—some said they were not just rivals but possibly romantic competitors. Given how similar their goals and personalities were, it wasn’t a stretch to think they might be interested in the same person.

There were all sorts of outrageous rumors about them, almost becoming urban legends on campus.

But no one had ever dared to speculate that the two would end up getting married.

After Duan Zhuxian took a seat beside Jiang Yao, the host took the stage and introduced the next outstanding alumna.

Jiang Yao’s cheeks were still burning as he glanced towards the stage, sarcastically muttering, “Isn’t it enough for Mr. Duan to appear in financial news every few days? Do you have to make headlines at school too?”

Duan Zhuxian replied, “You lured me over here.”

Jiang Yao slapped the armrest and turned his head sharply, “When the hell did I lure—”

He swallowed the last word hard.

Duan Zhuxian said, “Your eyes had a murderous look, so I came.”

Jiang Yao was speechless, lowering his voice, “You call that luring? If I beat you up right now, would you call that luring too?”

Duan Zhuxian remained silent, watching Jiang Yao closely, from his flushed cheeks to the pale pink tips of his ears.

In truth, from the moment he fell for Jiang Yao, everything Jiang Yao did seemed to him like an attempt to lure him in. Lure him to the point where he couldn’t look away, with his heart split into pieces, each piece lost and confused.

But he wouldn’t say that, otherwise, Young Master Jiang might actually beat him up right here.

Seeing Duan Zhuxian’s silence, Jiang Yao thought he had won the argument and coldly snorted, “Does showing off in front of the kids make you feel accomplished?”

Duan Zhuxian raised an eyebrow, not denying it.

If declaring to over a thousand people that his spouse was Jiang Yao counted as showing off, then it indeed felt quite accomplished.

Author’s Note:

Mr. Duan really loves teasing his wife; it’s a habit he can’t break in this lifetime.