Chapter 15: Brother, "Be good."

Strictly speaking, Huo Wenyuan wasn't exactly a stickler for staying out of the house, but that was only during crucial and necessary times. More often than not, he was shuttling back and forth between the hospital, school, and home. The idea of simply going out for dinner and a movie on Saturday, even with classmates, was simply unrealistic.

Hearing his decision, Butler Feng's hands trembled as he carried the fruit plate. His gaze flicked to the two figures inside the gymnasium, unsure whether to say something.

...Young Master, can you really go out for dinner and a movie?

If he did, his accompanying bodyguards would likely outnumber passersby.

But Butler Feng, never one to spoil a good time, was merely a thought. If the young master really wanted to, moving a theater in wasn't a bad idea. For example, the gymnasium before him had been built in less than half a day from the Huo family's indoor gymnasium.

Speaking of theaters... the Huo family didn't have any. Although it's called a mansion, the Huo family has long since formed a small living community, with cinemas, gymnasiums, coffee shops, and everything in between. If they want to watch a movie, they can do so at home.

But Young Master Huo insisted on going to the largest commercial district in Guicheng, a twenty-minute drive away.

Even though that commercial district is also part of the Huo family's business... they can't just close the doors to visitors and clear the place out, right?

Even if Mr. Huo really might agree to do so, he himself was afraid that the Mediterraneans in the Operations Department would scold him to death for making such a suggestion.

Butler Feng had already thought of several plans in his mind. After ensuring that the logic was strict, he walked into the venue with a smile on his face again.

Inside the venue, Gu Ci was diligently practicing shot put, with a dedicated sparring partner across from him, helping him pass and coaching. Young Master Huo, who was always giving him difficult questions, was leaning comfortably on a rattan chair, flipping through a book, his long legs elegantly crossed. He

only glanced away from time to time.

Butler Feng cleared his throat, walked over, set down the fruit plate, then leaned over to the young master, asking, "Young Master, do you think... you're still going out on Saturday?"

Although he knew the young master was stubborn and unlikely to change his mind once he made it, he still held onto a glimmer of hope: what if he had second thoughts?

Sure enough, Huo Wenyuan raised his obsidian eyes and replied calmly, "What else?"

"Saturday, I'm going out with Gu Ci."

Butler Feng: "..."

Okay, all other plans were scrapped.

He explained, "If you go out, I'm afraid I'll have to report to Mr. Huo."

Huo Wenyuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on Gu Ci's direction.

Butler Feng, embarrassed, turned and called Mr. Huo.

As expected, Mr. Huo, far away in a foreign country, had no objections, though he paused when he heard he was "taking Gu Ci with him."

"Take the trouble to arrange it. We can close the museum if necessary."

With the boss saying so, Butler Feng had nothing to worry about and packed up to make the arrangements.

After finishing practice, Gu Ci washed his hands. Upon hearing the news that Huo Wenyuan was traveling with him, the purified water gurgled in his throat. He wiped his rosy lips, pleasantly surprised at first, then with a touch of concern, he asked Huo Wenyuan, "But then again, there should be a lot of people in the business district. Are you... okay?" Huo Wenyuan

asked coldly, "Am I unable to walk, or am I unable to get up?"

Was there any need to be so nervous?

Gu Ci quickly denied, "That's not what I meant! I'm just afraid you..."

Huo Wenyuan snorted, "Minding your own business."

Gu Ci lowered his head in grievance, scratching his fingers awkwardly. Huo Wenyuan then

asked, "Are you done practicing? The pottery has arrived. It's in my bedroom."

Gu Ci's eyes lit up instantly, his beautiful eyes sparkling brighter than stars. "Pottery? Is that the pottery we made earlier? It's done so quickly?"

Huo Wenyuan hummed a "hmm," and beckoned him with his finger. Gu Ci trotted briskly to his side.

Huo Wenyuan patted his head with great satisfaction, as if he were petting a delicate cat.

The big difference between Gu Ci and pet cats is that he is allergic to pet cats, but not to Gu Ci. Thinking about it this way, Gu Ci is perfectly qualified for this role, although sometimes he is a little noisy.

But generally speaking, he is very obedient.

Since it is his, there is no reason to give it to others.

Huo Wenyuan looked at Gu Ci holding up the fired flower pot in surprise, and after being amazed, he frowned.

In his white hands, there was a sun-like smile that was very proud of himself, but unfortunately, the handle of the flower pot was a little crooked, and the smile was a little too proud.

Gu Ci pursed his lips, looked at the flower pot from top to bottom, and sighed softly.

I was planning to give this to Huo Wenyuan, but now it is burned like this, he won't like it.

Gu Ci put the flowerpot away and apologized to Huo Wenyuan, "I'm sorry, Huo Wenyuan, I can't give this to you."

Huo Wenyuan raised his eyes, his expression somewhat unreadable: "...For me?"

Gu Ci saw his look of disdain and awkwardly explained, "That's what I was thinking, but don't worry, I'll definitely choose another..."

Before he could finish, Huo Wenyuan interrupted, "No, I want this one."

Gu Ci nearly dropped the flowerpot. He

fumbled to hold it, then listened to Huo Wenyuan's perfunctory assessment: "Although the handle is crooked and the smile is unusual, it has the unique style of mid-century postmodern art."

Gu Ci slowly looked up in surprise.

Did he...really think that?

Huo Wenyuan finished his words with a strange expression, but no matter what, he couldn't say another word.

It went against his aesthetic sense and his conscience. You know, he was the kind of person who would comment on an artist's collection at an auction. Last year, an auctioneer was so angry that he walked out.

But Gu Ci was happy, after all. Huo Wenyuan's compliment rekindled his confidence, and he handed the flowerpot to Huo Wenyuan, "Then I'll give it to you!"

"Auntie He taught me how to transplant the flowers this weekend!"

Huo Wenyuan thought it was too much trouble: "Planting flowers?"

Gu Ci nodded. "Aren't flowerpots for planting flowers? Auntie He said that planting flowers can improve your spirit and lift your mood!"

This statement successfully made Huo Wenyuan's face fall. What else did he need to cultivate his spirit? Piano, boxing, equestrianism, golf... Now he had to take on the extra task of tending flowers? And improve his mood... Didn't he look so bad?

Gu Ci pointed seriously at the smiley face on the flowerpot and said, "From now on, when you see this smiley face, it's my reminder: Huo Wenyuan, it's time to smile."

Huo Wenyuan raised an eyebrow and looked at the smiley face, which was crooked and challenging. "Smile?"

Gu Ci rolled his eyes, extended two fingers, and placed them on Huo Wenyuan's lips, gently lifting them.

"That's it!"

He seemed to have discovered something incredible and exclaimed: "Huo Wenyuan, you look so beautiful when you smile!"

Huo Wenyuan chuckled and, still with a sullen look, grabbed Gu Ci's hand and put it down.

He pointed to the lamb cup on the table and said: "This is for you."

"So it's for me?!" Gu Ci's lips curled into a small circle as he surveyed the adorable lamb, unable to let go.

Before Huo Wenyuan could react, Gu Ci lunged forward, throwing his arms around his neck and cheering, "Thank you, Huo Wenyuan! I love it!"

Caught off guard, Huo Wenyuan nearly lost his balance and fell backward, only to find his hands on the sofa to prevent himself and Gu Ci from sinking.

Gu Ci hadn't expected him to lose his balance, and he hung on him like a koala, his feathery eyelashes fluttering, his nose nearly brushing against Huo Wenyuan's face.

Huo Wenyuan clenched his fists, a faint sweet fragrance lingering in the air, instantly obliterating his ability to detect any other scents.

His heart pounding in his chest, he stared up at Gu Ci's innocent face, gritting his teeth.

After an indeterminate moment, he turned his head and said, "Get up."

The veins on his neck bulged, and the side of his neck was a suspiciously red.

Gu Ci nodded dazedly, his hands resting on Huo Wenyuan's waist as he shoved himself upwards.

Huo Wenyuan: "..."

"Don't move."

Gu Ci paused. Was he going to get up or not?

Ultimately, Huo Wenyuan had to pull him up with him, exerting a powerful force from his waist.

Gu Ci sat back down, hurriedly trying to distance himself from Huo Wenyuan. He then noticed a red mark on his neck and said worriedly, "Huo Wenyuan! Are you allergic?"

Huo Wenyuan was furious: "Shut up."

At this critical moment, Gu Ci couldn't just sit back and watch, ignoring Huo Wenyuan's orders: "But what if..."

Huo Wenyuan covered his mouth: "There are no ifs. If you say anything more, I'll lock you up here and keep you from leaving for the rest of your life."

Gu Ci was speechless, his breath hitting Huo Wenyuan's palm, his eyes blinking obediently.

Huo Wenyuan felt something tickle his palm, and after confirming Gu Ci's obedience, he released his hand.

After Gu Ci bid goodnight and left, clutching the lamb cup, he sat alone on the sofa, staring at the crudely made flowerpot, a mixture of laughter and tears.

His room was large, filled with every kind of collection and book, even a silly lizard crawling around, yet he still felt something was missing.

Huo Wenyuan touched his heart. The playful flowerpot was empty, yet he felt something new and alive breaking through the soil.

So, was this what companionship felt like? Liu Zhihe was helping the teacher distribute the last in-class test papers when

he

heard Gu Ci's response and Huo Wenyuan's appointment. His hand trembled, and he nearly tore off the single digit on Shang's front page.

Shang Zui yelled in displeasure, "Student Liu Zhihe, please take it easy. If you turn the tens digit into the single digit, my brother will tear me up."

Liu Zhihe, unconcerned, sat back in his seat, turning to smile sweetly at Gu Ci.

Gu Ci had actually managed to get Huo Wenyuan out! So, was Huo Wenyuan really responsible for Gu Ci's punishment?

For the past few days, the International Department's student disciplinary action has been a hot topic throughout the school. However, the school has been very protective of the victim, not even mentioning him. Xichen's students are already buzzing with rumors about who offended them and who caused this punishment.

108L: [Latest gossip: They offended someone named Huo.]

109L: [How is that possible! How dare they offend Huo Wenyuan? They're crazy!] 110L:

[What if they didn't offend Huo Wenyuan directly? Wasn't it said that he's close to the new pretty transfer student?]

111L: [So they bullied the transfer student first, and then Huo Wenyuan intervened?]

112L: [That makes sense. Speaking of transfer students, I remember running into them going to and from school together several times. They look like they live together.]

113L: [Live together? Wow, are they... brothers?!]

114L: [Be careful with your words, family! Is it really safe to reveal the Huo family's secrets like this?!]

115L: [But they don't look alike... Could it be...]

...

Once this post went viral, it spread like wildfire among Xichen's students.

Within an hour, the post was permanently blocked, and the student accounts involved in the speculation were also banned. However, speculation about Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan's relationship had already taken root in many students' minds, and everyone looked at Gu Ci with caution and tentativeness.

As Gu Ci walked through the hallway, he felt the glances from his classmates were a bit strange.

Even the little glasses at the door accidentally bumped into him and immediately apologized profusely.

Gu Ci was completely baffled until Qu Zhi approached him and demanded, "Huo Wenyuan is your brother, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I've been waiting for your friend request for over ten days. Why didn't you add me?"

Gu Ci's mind was filled with questions.

Qu Zhi mentally lumped Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan together, thrusting his phone number into his hand and leaving with a snort.

Gu Ci thought, "I can't blame him; he doesn't have a cell phone. " He

just put the note in his pencil case.

On the way home from school, he thought about it and mentioned it to Huo Wenyuan: "Quzhi was acting strangely today. He said you were my brother."

Huo Wenyuan's hand trembled as he opened the car door, and he turned in disbelief. "What?"

Gu Ci repeated: "He said you were my brother."

Gu Ci's voice was soft, and because of his good temper, his tone was also gentle. The words "brother" sounded particularly sweet, and immediately aroused a protective desire.

So Huo Wenyuan asked again: "What did you call me?"

Gu Ci tilted his head, thinking Huo Wenyuan was reminding him again: "Huo Wenyuan?"

"No," Huo Wenyuan prompted gently, "The last sentence."

Gu Ci: "Brother... Brother?"

Huo Wenyuan nodded.

"From now on, call me that."

Gu Ci was puzzled: "Why?"

Why did Huo Wenyuan react so strongly?

Huo Wenyuan said domineeringly, "No reason, call me again and I'll hear you."

Gu Ci: "Brother."

Huo Wenyuan's feet stopped uncontrollably, and he pinched Gu Ci's face in a good mood, with a very light curve at the corner of his mouth.

"Be good."