Chapter 5: Ban Lifted

The bell signaling the end of the exam rang, and regardless of how they had performed, the students poured out of the school gate in a rush.

Winter break was here!

They were in their second year of high school, so the winter break would only last for half a month, but it was something they had eagerly looked forward to for half the semester, and it had finally arrived!

Kui Ming tugged on Xie Jun’s sleeve. Due to the hand-holding ban, he could only stare longingly at Xie Jun’s hand but didn’t dare to hold it, so he settled for holding onto his sleeve. “Will you come to my place tomorrow to hang out…?” The word “hang out” quickly twisted into, “…study?”

“Sure,” Xie Jun replied with a smile.

Kui Ming’s smile was bright. “Then I’ll wait for you tomorrow.”

…

“Young master, it’s only 8:40.”

The butler spoke up, watching the young master eagerly rubbing his hands together as he waited by the front gate early in the morning.

The young master had mentioned that he had invited a classmate over to hang out today. Last night, he had meticulously gone over the snacks and drinks to prepare for today. They had agreed to meet at nine, but here he was, already waiting at the gate well ahead of time.

The butler found it amusing to see him taking things so seriously. The young master had grown up, after all.

Kui Ming blew warm air into his palms, his nose slightly reddened from the cold.

An oversized Alaskan Malamute circled around him, wagging its tail happily.

“He’s here!”

Kui Ming’s eyes lit up as he saw a figure approaching in the distance. It was too far to make out any details, but he just had a feeling that it was Xie Jun.

The Alaskan Malamute took the lead, bolting forward, its four legs tearing through the snow, and in no time, it reached the approaching figure, furiously wagging its tail.

Not to be outdone, Kui Ming also dashed toward the person.

“Where did this dog come from, and it’s so enthusiastic,” Xie Jun thought as the dog stood up on its hind legs, ready to pounce on him. Xie Jun, startled, took a step back.

The Alaskan Malamute, having missed its target, let out a disappointed whine.

Just then, Xie Jun was caught in a full-on embrace by the person who came running up behind. The Malamute pawed at their pant legs, wagging its tail vigorously.

The expressions of the person and the dog bore a striking resemblance.

Xie Jun chuckled and ruffled Kui Ming’s hair. “Is this your dog?”

“Yeah, his name is Zhuang Zhuang.” Kui Ming made a gesture towards the dog. “Zhuang Zhuang, wish him a Happy New Year.”

The Alaskan Malamute promptly stood on its hind legs, bringing its front paws together in a bow.

Xie Jun laughed, crouching down to give the dog a rub on its head. The Malamute panted happily, wagging its tail vigorously, and stood up repeatedly to bow several more times.

Kui Ming gave the dog a light kick. “Show-off.”

Xie Jun chuckled softly and teased, “You’re talking about the dog, but aren’t you cold, wearing so little?”

It was obvious that Kui Ming had put effort into his appearance—his hair was styled, and he wore a long coat. It did look good, but the temperature was well below freezing.

“Not cold,” Kui Ming said firmly, hiding his already reddened hands behind his back.

Xie Jun chuckled softly, reaching out to pull his hand, slipping it into the pocket of his own down jacket.

Xie Jun’s hand was warm, and his pocket was just as cozy. Kui Ming’s head felt a little dizzy with the warmth, and he leaned his head against Xie Jun’s shoulder, walking with a slight wobble. “Is my hand-holding ban lifted?”

“What’s this? You don’t want it lifted?” Xie Jun turned to look at him, with a hint of amusement hidden in his beautiful eyes.

“Of course I do!” Kui Ming was practically ready to jump with excitement. He tried to slip his other hand into Xie Jun’s pocket as well, but the position was too awkward. So he simply withdrew his right hand and, wrapping his arms around Xie Jun from behind, slipped his right hand into Xie Jun’s right pocket and his left hand into the left pocket.

“I can’t walk like this.”

“I can, I can!” Kui Ming replied, leaning slightly to one side, taking slow, awkward but sweet steps.