Chapter 34 Heartbeat (Three-in-One) "Stay with me a little longer, Gu..."

The air conditioner stopped working, and everything was pitch black, with only the clear afterglow of moonlight filtering in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Gu Ci turned on the flashlight on his phone and pressed the switch on the bedside, but there was no response.

Was there a power outage?

Gu Ci lifted the thin blanket and got out of bed, walking to the bedroom door in slippers and pressing the switch next to it, but still nothing happened. He had no choice but to open the door to check outside, but found that the dim lights in the corridor were still on, the numbers on the elevator were displayed normally, and looking out the window, even the street lights in the manor were on as usual.

Strange, was it only his room that had no power?

Gu Ci thought for a moment, took out his phone, and stood at the door to text Huo Wenyuan across from him.

[Brother Wenyuan... have you rested?]

Just as he was about to send the edited message [I want to ask if there is a power outage in your room?], the other party had already replied: [No.]

Gu Ci was slightly surprised by the speed of Huo Wenyuan's reply at this point. But guessing he might be on his phone, it wasn't surprising. After all, Huo Wenyuan was usually pretty quick to respond to messages.

He glanced back at the dimly lit room, about to send his unsent message, when the door across from him suddenly opened. Gu Ci looked up at the sound, and Huo Wenyuan's eyes met. "

Good evening, Brother Wenyuan..." Gu Ci smiled sweetly, putting down his phone and examining Huo Wenyuan's expression. "Aren't you resting yet?" "

He knew the answer after asking.

Huo Wenyuan leaned against the door frame with his arms folded casually. His short hair, which was always meticulous, was now a little messy. His silk nightgown was slightly loose and fell down. His eyes were not as clear and distant as during the day, but more like the bottomless abyss of silence at night.

Compared with usual days, there was a bit more laziness and... an extremely rare ruffian spirit.

According to Gu Ci's experience, this phenomenon often occurs in the morning, which means... Huo Wenyuan has actually rested.

Then why did he reply to the message in seconds and come out suddenly?

Meeting Huo Wenyuan's eyes, Gu Ci explained: "It's like this, Brother Wenyuan, the light in my bedroom is out and the air conditioner is stopped. I don't know if there is a power outage. I wanted to ask about your bedroom..."

Originally wanted to ask if there was a power outage in his bedroom, but now seeing the bright light opposite, Gu Ci also knew the answer.

"Okay..." Gu Ci stopped the topic on his own and turned to Huo Wenyuan, "You go to rest, Brother Wenyuan, I will sleep like this for one night. "

After saying that, he spun on his toes and prepared to turn around.

Before he took half a step, Huo Wenyuan reached out and grabbed the back collar of his pajamas, raised his eyebrows and asked, "What are you mumbling about?"

Gu Ci was forced to turn back in surprise: "Huh?"

Huo Wenyuan stared at the beautiful collarbone that Gu Ci accidentally revealed, and his voice was a little low: "Why are you going back to sleep when the power is out? Come to my place."

Gu Ci's eyes slowly opened and he declined: "No, Brother Wenyuan! No need to disturb you..."

Huo Wenyuan interrupted him bluntly: "Do you want me to carry you over?"

Gu Ci saw that he didn't seem to be joking and quickly shook his head: "No!"

Huo Wenyuan narrowed his eyes in satisfaction, and with a "hmm", he easily pulled Gu Ci into the bedroom and closed the door heavily.

Before Gu Ci could recover, he saw Huo Wenyuan turned around and rummaged through the cloakroom, then brought out a thin silk quilt with a pillow of the same material and color on it, then walked over and threw it on the bed.

Gu Ci: "? "

Huo Wenyuan asked: "This is a new quilt and a new pillow that we had extra before. You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't mind..."

Gu Ci really didn't mind the quilt and pillow, but what he minded was: "Brother Wenyuan, do I have to sleep on the bed too?"

"What else?" Huo Wenyuan asked back, "You want to sleep on the floor?"

Gu Ci wanted to say that this was exactly what he was thinking. But seeing that Huo Wenyuan's face was a little serious, he honestly discussed with him: "I don't sleep very well, and you are a light sleeper. I'm afraid of affecting your rest."

Huo Wenyuan: "Don't even think about it."

He ordered in a not-so-gentle tone: "Go up."

Gu Ci: "Ah..."

Before he finished "ah", Huo Wenyuan picked up his pillow and quilt again and walked to the sofa next to the desk.

"Let's sleep." Huo Wenyuan lay down on the sofa without any burden, "I'll sleep here."

Gu Ci's voice changed: "Ah? "

He looked at the part of Huo Wenyuan's calf hanging on the sofa and couldn't help but said, "Brother Wenyuan, why don't you come up and I'll sleep on the sofa?"

Huo Wenyuan turned over and rejected his proposal with the back of his head proudly.

Gu Ci sighed softly, stood there hesitantly for a while, and finally moved to the front of the big bed in compromise. He wanted to turn around and call Huo Wenyuan again, but he didn't know if he was really asleep, so he could only take off his slippers gently and lie down on Huo Wenyuan's bed.

The moment he lay down, Huo Wenyuan's breath attacked him from all directions, wrapping him tightly. Gu Ci took a deep breath and felt even worse.

...What's the difference between this and sleeping with Huo Wenyuan.

He secretly raised his body and looked at Huo Wenyuan's movements. Unexpectedly, Huo Wenyuan seemed to have opened his third eye. Although his back was facing him, he suddenly issued a warning: "Aren't you going to sleep? "

Gu Ci was so frightened that his heart skipped a beat. He said "oh" awkwardly, then slowly turned on the light and lay back down. In the darkness, his fingertips pinched the corner of the quilt awkwardly, his eyes still looking in the direction of Huo Wenyuan.

He had sat on that sofa before. The width could accommodate two people. The length was just right for him, but it was obviously not enough for Huo Wenyuan. Gu Ci felt a little uneasy when he thought about having nowhere to put such long legs.

This was obviously Huo Wenyuan's room, so how did he become the one who "occupied the magpie's nest"?

Gu Ci pricked up his ears to observe Huo Wenyuan's movements, but all he got was an extremely light and gentle breathing sound.

No way, is he really asleep?

Gu Ci bit his lip with a sad face, his heart shrouded in strong uneasiness and guilt. He baked more than a dozen Gu Ci brand cookies over and over again, and finally opened his eyes and sat up.

...His conscience simply wouldn't allow him to do this.

Gu Ci carefully lifted the quilt and got out of bed, still clutching the pillow he'd just slept on. To avoid disturbing Huo Wenyuan, he simply tiptoed barefoot across the wooden floor to the sofa.

"Brother Wenyuan..." He crouched down, cautiously leaning towards Huo Wenyuan's profile, and whispered, "Do you want to go to bed?"

Huo Wenyuan ignored him.

Gu Ci called out one last time, but still no response. Seeing no hope of getting Huo Wenyuan back to bed, Gu Ci resolutely stood up and lay down next to him.

Well, that would at least give him some peace of mind.

Gu Ci prepared to lie down gracefully, but just as he was about to fall, he was stopped by a powerful force, and then he was lifted up. Horrified, he glanced to the side. Huo Wenyuan had opened his eyes at some point.

Meeting those calm eyes, Gu Ci's heart was filled with sweat.

Before he could fully grasp Huo Wenyuan's movements, Gu Ci felt himself being lifted up, then held in a single hand, suspended in the air. Terrified, he quickly clung to Huo Wenyuan's strong right arm, his feet swaying nervously.

In his panic, his fingertips touched a frightening, hard muscle. Realizing it was Huo Wenyuan's shoulder and arm, Gu Ci fell silent.

This strength was simply too strong...

He gave up struggling and continued to let Huo Wenyuan carry him. It wasn't

until he sank into the soft bed, a familiar scent enveloping him, that Gu Ci regained consciousness. Looking up, Huo Wenyuan supported his neck with one hand, kneeling on one knee, gazing down at him from above.

In the darkness, he couldn't quite make out Huo Wenyuan's face, but his voice was as elusive as the mist on the sea.

Huo Wenyuan asked, "Want to sleep with me?"

Gu Ci thought for a moment, figuring that was roughly what he meant, and nodded in agreement.

He simply wanted Huo Wenyuan to sleep in his bed; the rest would be easy.

Huo Wenyuan didn't answer. Gu Ci tilted his head in confusion, but saw the other party reach out his hand without warning, lightly touching his right cheek, and then straightened up.

"You have the final say."

Gu Ci: "?"

He put his hand to cover his right cheek, and it took him a long time to realize that there was a small mole there.

He could only vaguely see his five fingers, why was he touching his mole?

He felt a weight on the other side of the bed, and Huo Wenyuan was already lying beside him.

"Good night, Gu Ci." Huo Wenyuan chuckled, "You can be as dishonest as you want."

Gu Ci: "..."

What are you talking about!

He buried himself in the quilt with a red face, his heart pounding, and after a while, he heard himself muffled "hmm".

Then... good night.

After saying good night to each other, they can greet a new day together.

The new day, Gu Ci opened his eyes in a daze, and was awakened by the regular knocking on the door.

Butler Feng's voice drifted in faintly: "Young Master? Are you awake?"

Gu Ci jolted awake, realizing he was still in Huo Wenyuan's room. He tried to get up immediately, but found himself pinned down by something, unable to move.

Looking over, Gu Ci's breath caught.

Huo Wenyuan lay facing him, his face still handsome and deep in sleep, his left hand resting heavily on his waist.

The bad part was... not only was he lying on Huo Wenyuan's right arm, but his entire body was nestled in Huo Wenyuan's embrace, the two of them pressed tightly together.

What a terrible position.

Thinking Butler Feng was still outside, Gu Ci couldn't care less. With all his might, he pushed Huo Wenyuan's hand away, jumped out of bed, and opened the door.

Butler Feng: "?"

"Xiao Ci!" Butler Feng's brow was furrowed, but seeing him was surprisingly pleasant. "Zhengdao, where have you been?"

Gu Ci usually woke up on time, but today he was unusually still. Fearing something had happened, Butler Feng went to Gu Ci's room, but not only was there no one there, but his phone wasn't answered either.

So he decided to ask Huo Wenyuan. Gu Ci was there, too.

Realizing he'd worried Butler Feng, Gu Ci said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Uncle Feng. There was a power outage in my bedroom yesterday, so I went to rest in Brother Wenyuan's." "

Ah, a power outage?" Butler Feng was surprised at first, then realized something and looked at Gu Ci lovingly. "It doesn't matter where you want to rest. Just don't worry about disturbing or bothering me. If you have any problems like this in the future, you can always ask Uncle Feng."

He glanced at Young Master Huo, who lay in bed with an impatient expression. "You and Young Master, pack up and come downstairs. I'll arrange for someone to come and check it out later."

Gu Ci thanked him and turned to meet Huo Wenyuan's eyes, who had just woken up.

"Good morning, Brother Wenyuan!"

Huo Wenyuan got up with a strange look on his face and went straight to the bathroom, leaving a while later.

"Not very honest," he commented sparingly after changing his clothes.

Gu Ci thought Huo Wenyuan was blaming him, and froze there in bewilderment.

Seeing him frozen in place, Huo Wenyuan came over and took his hand, pretending to be casual, "You held my hand so tightly last night, and even when you were half asleep, you insisted I use you as a pillow. Now that you're awake, you're not so arrogant anymore."

Gu Ci's head shot up at this, then, realizing something, he lowered it again in shame, his tone filled with apology, "I'm sorry..."

It was a bolt from the blue.

Huo Wenyuan said casually, "I was just kidding." Gu Ci's

eyes widened again: "Huh?"

Huo Wenyuan said, "You sleep very well."

Of course Gu Ci was being obedient; it was Huo Wenyuan's own free will.

A

few days later, during the evening study break, the much-anticipated monthly exam results were finally announced.

Shang Zui squatted beside Gu Ci, clutching his report card, hesitant to open it, especially with a crowd of eager onlookers surrounding him.

"Hurry up and look, Shang Zui!" someone began to urge, "I'm getting so anxious!"

"That's right!" Other students echoed, "Our fate is in your hands! Can you give me some surprises?"

Shang Zui covered his report card angrily: "What are you in such a hurry for! I'll take a look right away!"

He picked up his report card while cursing, only glancing at the results of a certain subject, and took a breath.

"I don't dare to look at it anymore, forget it, little Gu Ci, please help me look at it."

The report card was stuffed into Gu Ci's hand.

Gu Ci: "Ah?"

Shang Zui pleaded: "It's too torturous for my heart, please help me look at it, little Gu Ci~"

Gu Ci had no choice but to agree, unfolded the report card, and raised his brows carefully.

The hearts of the onlookers were tightened.

Gu Ci finished browsing all of Shang Zui's results, his gaze lingering on the overall ranking.

He said slowly, "Shang Zui's ranking this time..." Everyone in the classroom fixed their gazes on him. Gu Ci glanced at Shang Zui and smiled, "Congratulations, Shang Zui! 432nd place, an improvement of 68 places."

Shang Zui: "Ah! Wow!"

He instantly forgot his previous embarrassment and stood up proudly, waving his hands upwards, enjoying the praise and cheers from his classmates.

The class trip plan had already been 50% successful!

"I love you so much, little Gu Ci!" Shang Zui hugged Gu Ci and rocked him in his arms, "I'll invite you to Lao Chen Ji to eat crayfish tonight!"

He turned to Huo Wenyuan, who was turning a deaf ear to the window

, and said, "Huo dog, you come too! It looks like you have never eaten at a roadside stall, so I'll take you to experience it this time!" Huo Wenyuan put the report card, which he had never opened, into the drawer and said coldly, "Not interested."

"Oh?" Shang Zui has gradually figured out the technique to control Huo Wenyuan. In order to confirm his guess, he deliberately patted Gu Ci's shoulder, "Our little Gu Ci is going too!"

Huo Wenyuan paused and turned his head. Gu Ci was smiling at him with pursed lips.

Huo Wenyuan: "...I know."

Shang Zui deliberately asked, "What do you mean by 'I know'?"

Huo Wenyuan: "Let's go."

Shang Zui's suspicions were confirmed: as long as Gu Ci was mentioned, Huo Wenyuan would definitely not refuse.

He raised his arms and shouted, "Yeah! Then we have a deal..."

Before he could finish his words, Qu Zhi returned from outside, holding a basketball. He just happened to hear the second half and immediately joined in the discussion: "What deal? Where are you going?"

Shang Zui said angrily, "What's it to you? Stay home. You two are my mentors!" Qu

Zhi was immediately dissatisfied: "But didn't I explain the problem to you? You didn't dare to bother Huo Wenyuan in the middle of the night. Who can't stand it..."

Shang Zui's face fell, and he quickly covered his mouth: "Go away! I can't stop you!"

After saying this, he guiltily took Gu Ci's arm and went to the restroom.

Passing by the grade and subject honor rolls on this floor, Shang Zui became intrigued by the crowd and pulled Gu Ci over to take a look. Before I even saw the name, I heard people talking: "It's so funny, the day when Huo Shen gets humiliated is finally here..."

"That's right, hahaha, he is always number one in every subject except biology, where he is second. It seems that only Gu Ci can surpass him in this area..."

"135 in Chinese? Did we really take the same test paper? Gu Ci is really amazing, he is good-looking and has good grades, does he want us to live?"

Shang Zui excitedly shook Gu Ci's arm: "Little Gu Ci, they are praising you!"

Gu Ci said embarrassedly: "Everyone is praising you too much, it's not that exaggerated."

He was about to leave with Shang Zui, but was stopped by a clear male voice.

"Senior Gu Ci!"

Gu Ci turned around in surprise. A tall, baby-faced boy smiled at him, blushing as he said, "Hello, senior. I'm a freshman. I've always heard of you and I admire you so much."

"I love biology, too, and I plan to enter a biology competition. Would you mind adding your WeChat so I can ask for advice and exchange ideas later?"

Gu Ci saw his sincerity and was about to give his WeChat ID when Shang Zui snorted and blocked his way. "I've seen this kind of thing before. If you have any questions, ask the teacher. Don't even think about asking for his WeChat ID in front of me."

The baby-faced boy, anxious, opened his mouth to argue, but Shang Zui pulled Gu Ci away. He could only watch Gu Ci's back with regret.

After walking a distance, Gu Ci turned back and asked in confusion, "Shang Zui, he seems quite sincere to me. Why are you rejecting him?"

Besides... the boy probably didn't have any other motives. Adding WeChat was probably just for exchanging experiences or something.

Shang Zui looked into Gu Ci's crystalline eyes and said, "Gu Ci, you're so naive. Don't male classmates have other intentions?"

"Just watch."

Returning to the classroom, he winked at Gu Ci, then walked over and knocked on Huo Wenyuan's desk, saying, "Just now, a junior wanted to get Gu Ci's WeChat."

Before Huo Wenyuan could kill him with a look, Shang Zui added, "But I helped you stop it. Shouldn't you thank me properly?"

Gu Ci: "?"

But what he didn't expect was that Huo Wenyuan, who was usually too lazy to talk to others, finally looked up: "How do you want to thank me?"

Shang Zui rolled his eyes: "The latest game controller, the overseas version."

Huo Wenyuan: "Deal."

Gu Ci, who had witnessed everything, was stunned.

Shang Zui returned to his seat and leaned over to whisper to him: "Now you know why, right?"

Gu Ci also leaned over, raised his head and thought, guessing the connection: "Because of privacy and security?"

Shang Zui was choked and decided to give an example. He pulled out his phone, found a photo, and showed it to Gu Ci. "Let me test you. What are these two boys doing?"

Gu Ci leaned in to observe carefully. They were walking hand in hand, so he replied, "Walking."

Shang Zui patiently inquired, as if Gu Ci were explaining a problem to him: "So, what's their relationship?"

Gu Ci: "Good friends?"

Shang Zui: "Your good friends are holding hands?"

Gu Ci pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Isn't it okay?"

He and Huo Wenyuan sometimes held hands, too.

Shang Zui felt obligated to educate the innocent little angel about the diversity of sexual orientation.

He pulled out another picture: "What about this one?"

Gu Ci looked at it curiously, but after just one glance, he covered his eyes in panic, his cheeks flushing.

Shang Zui thought this must be very vivid. They're kissing, so they can't be friends, right?

Gu Ci's eyelashes trembled, and he asked in a very low voice: "Why are two boys kissing?"

Shang Zui gave the gist: "They're a couple. Men can like men, too."

Gu Ci's mind froze, as if he had entered a new world.

After seventeen years of living, this was the first time he'd learned that boys could be with other boys?

"Hence Huo Gou's reaction just now," he said smugly. "I've finally discovered. Huo Wenyuan isn't your biological brother, but he's like one, just like my brother."

"He keeps a close eye on everything related to you."

Huo Wenyuan's two responses tonight proved his suspicions were correct.

Huo Wenyuan is a "brother-con"... oh no, "Gu Ci-con"! Such people are often extremely possessive and vigilant, fearing some unlucky guy might show up and steal their juicy cabbage.

Shang Zui's explanation did indeed impact Gu Ci's perspective on love. Fortunately, he was quick to accept new things, and while he was surprised, it didn't shatter his worldview.

Since everyone has the right to love, they naturally have the right to choose whom to love. There's nothing wrong with that. Although he wasn't one of them, he respected the blessing just as much.

It's just... Huo Wenyuan and Shang Zui probably overestimated his popularity. How could so many people asking for his contact information simply out of affection? What if they simply wanted to make friends?

After evening study, the group arrived at Lao Chen Ji BBQ Restaurant.

This barbecue restaurant had been open for decades, nestled between Xichen and the neighboring middle school. It was beloved by students and faculty from both schools, as well as the surrounding residents. It wasn't even half past ten, and already many tables were occupied.

It was clear Shang Zui was a regular; the owner, despite his busy schedule, had taken time to greet them. He then led them to a pre-reserved blue tent, enthusiastically ordering the dishes.

Shang Zui shooed Qu Zhi across the way and pulled Gu Ci to sit down. All three of them took their seats, but Huo Wenyuan remained standing with a scrutinizing expression, gazing at the clean but clearly worn plastic bench. Shang Zui realized:

The young master had probably never sat on a bench like that before; he had developed a mysophobia.

He was about to ask the owner if he had a newer bench, but the next moment, Huo Wenyuan sat down next to Gu Ci, his expression as if nothing had happened.

Shang Zui: "?"

With Gu Ci, had his mysophobia vanished?

Soon, the fragrant, chilled crayfish arrived. Shang Zui donned gloves and expertly picked a large one, peeling it open and placing the plump flesh into Gu Ci's bowl. "Thank you, Teacher Gu, for your teaching!"

Gu Ci's eyes sparkled, and he clasped his hands together, "Thank you, Shang Zui~"

Qu Zhi: "What about me?"

Shang Zui: "Don't you have hands?"

Qu Zhi: "#$%**..."

The two of them engaged in a back-and-forth bickering, occasionally asking Gu Ci to judge. Gu Ci watched the fight as usual, interjecting from the sidelines to control the situation. By the time he recovered, his bowl was already piled high with peeled crayfish.

Gu Ci: "?"

When had this been piled into his bowl?

Turning his head, Gu Ci had solved the case.

Huo Wenyuan, who had donned gloves at some point, slowly and methodically peeled the lobster shells, completely removing the flesh, and placing it into Gu Ci's bowl.

Gu Ci quickly stopped him, "Brother Wenyuan, you don't have to peel them for me! I'll do it myself!"

Not only did Huo Wenyuan refuse to eat, but he even had to peel the shrimp for him. How could that be?

Huo Wenyuan's hands kept moving, his tone unyielding: "Just focus on eating, I'll peel them for you."

Shang Zui's gaze was drawn to the small mountain of shrimp in Gu Ci's bowl. He stared at the shrimp shells neatly arranged beside Huo Wenyuan, as if in an autopsy, and was dumbfounded. "Damn, Huo Wenyuan, this is the first time I've noticed you have a talent for being a male babysitter!" Qu

Zhi couldn't help but tease, "I've discovered it. For all these years, it's only Gu Ci who has had you so well-controlled."

Gu Ci thought the joke was a bit too much, but then he heard Huo Wenyuan readily admit, "I do. Any objections?"

Shang Zui & Qu Zhi: "?"

Was this coming out of Huo Wenyuan's mouth, even in Chinese? Besides, how could they dare to object?

Shang Zui sat down and nudged Qu Zhi, whispering in his ear, "Qu Zhi, do you think Huo Gou is too obsessed with Gu Ci?"

Qu Zhi glanced at the two people chatting across from him, shrugged, and said seriously, "Yes, I did. I used to think they were in the orthopedics department."

Shang Zui: "..." They're not brothers, nor are they gay, so why would they be in the orthopedics department?

"Not really. I just feel Huo Gou is too possessive of Gu Ci, more protective than my brother."

Qu Zhi spread his hands. "It's normal. Gu Ci looks like a doll and has such a good personality. If I lived with him, I'd protect him too. No, even if we didn't live together, I'd protect him too." As he

finished speaking, a group of people approached the table.

Huo Wenyuan had just left his seat to wash his hands. Gu Ci was concentrating on finishing the crayfish he had fed him. When he looked up, he saw a WeChat QR code. Looking up again, a tall, thin, energetic young man with dyed yellow hair stood opposite him, puffing smoke rings and grinning at him.

Gu Ci's pupils flickered in shock. He wiped his mouth with a tissue and asked in horror, "What's this..."

The spirited young man was followed by five or six thugs of varying heights, chiming in with a slangy voice, "Little beauty, our boss wants to ask for your WeChat. Can you please give me a favor?"

Gu Ci shrank back and waved his hand in denial, "No thanks... I'm not very convenient."

His refusal was clear, but the spirited young man persisted, "Why don't you add me as a friend? I'm not bad looking, and I have so many friends. Be my boyfriend, and no one in this area will bother you in the future."

Gu Ci: Oh no, Shang Zui was right. There really was someone of the same sex who wanted him as a boyfriend.

Hesitantly, "...What if you're the one looking for trouble?"

With so many people surrounding him and asking for WeChat, weren't they just looking for trouble?

"I told you not to give it to me!" Qu Zhi immediately slammed the table and stood up. Noticing that the yellow-haired man was actually a head taller than him, he tiptoed and said, "Please don't disturb us while we're eating, thank you."

Shang Zui also moved in front of Gu Ci: "That's right!"

The spirited young man looked annoyed: "I really want his WeChat today. What's the matter? If you don't give me his WeChat, none of you can leave."

The younger brother behind him rolled up his sleeves defiantly: "Don't refuse a toast and then drink a forfeit."

Shang Zui: "..."

He turned to Gu Ci and asked, "Have you ever been in a fight?"

Gu Ci shook his head.

Then he turned to Qu Zhi: "What about you?"

Qu Zhi: "I just don't wear the school uniform and never fight."

"But..." He raised a finger, pointed at Huo Wenyuan, who had just returned from washing his hands, and offered advice.

"He can take on at least five people

by himself." Everyone raised their eyes, their gazes fixed on the young man descending the stairs. A cold gleam lingered between his brows, his lips pressed into a straight line. He looked young, yet he exuded an air of authority without anger, especially with a fierceness that seemed beyond his years, which made people's backs tense.

He walked over to Gu Ci, put his arm around his shoulders, and stared fearlessly at the spirited young man. "What's going on?"

The younger brothers cautiously sought his opinion. "Big Brother, do you want to fight?"

Fearing the presence of others, the spirited young man gritted his teeth and said, "Let's go, wait for them somewhere else!"

The thugs turned and walked away, and Gu Ci breathed a sigh of relief. Huo Wenyuan patted him on the back, concerned, "Are you scared?"

Gu Ci shook his head. "No, thanks to you

guys." "I was scared," Shang Zui couldn't help but complain. "Thank goodness you're here. None of us have ever fought before. If we had, we'd all probably be beaten black and blue."

Huo Wenyuan pointedly said, "Isn't there someone who's tough enough?" Qu Zhi

silently raised his hand. "I think you're talking about me... No, Huo Wenyuan, what do you mean!"

Fortunately, they escaped unscathed. As night fell, the group paid their bills and headed for the parking lot. There was an old, narrow alley between the barbecue restaurant and the school, making it difficult for cars to enter, so they had to park at the entrance and wait for them.

Gu Ci and Shang Zui walked in front, chatting and laughing, followed by Qu Zhi and Huo Wenyuan, who were still at odds with each other. In the dim light, the four people's shadows were cast long on the bluestone bricks of the alley.

Gradually, a few more shadows appeared on the ground.

Gu Ci stopped and saw the gangsters he had just encountered blocking the way. Turning back, he saw two people standing behind him with ill intentions.

Shang Zui couldn't help but scream: "Oh my God! Why haven't you given up yet?"

The energetic young man in the lead questioned: "If you fell in love with a handsome guy at first sight, would you give up immediately?"

Shang Zui held his head high and said: "I am straight." Qu

Zhi followed closely behind: "Yes, me too."

Gu Ci didn't understand but did as he was told: "...What a coincidence, I should be too?"

Huo Wenyuan stood behind him without saying a word.

The spirited young man: "?"

"Are you kidding me?" He looked at Gu Ci's delicate and beautiful features, "How can such a good-looking person be straight?"

Gu Ci made it clear again: "I'm sorry, I really didn't lie to you, and I won't agree to it. It's too late today, let's go back first."

The spirited young man was ferocious for a moment, and took out the folding knife in his hand: "Do you think we are vegetarians? We are hooligans! We are gangsters!"

"Brothers, teach these students a lesson!"

He prepared to personally deal with Gu Ci, but just as he reached for the delicate, pale face, a foot struck him sideways, knocking his hand away.

"Holy crap!" He hurriedly supported his hand, nearly paralyzed by the pain, and took a few steps back. Seeing who had kicked him, he furiously ordered, "Hit the best-looking and the ugliest ones first!"

The underlings swarmed towards Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan.

"Old Huo, be careful!" Shang Zui, remembering Huo Wenyuan couldn't have direct physical contact, pulled out a newly bought floral scarf from his bag. "Catch it!"

The expensive, thin scarf fluttered slowly in the air, blinding one of the thugs.

Huo Wenyuan: "..."

For the first time, unable to contain himself, he cursed, "Catch your head!"

A gust of wind blew, and the thug who had been blinded had already discarded the scarf and attacked from behind, brandishing a wooden club. Huo Wenyuan nimbly pulled Gu Ci aside, then with another kick, sent the club and himself flying. Qu

Zhi was mesmerized, immersing himself in the scene. "It feels like I'm back to the days when I was being beaten..."

Huo Wenyuan, always shielding Gu Ci behind him, effortlessly dodged each attack, even disposing of the wooden plank that was about to crush Shang Zui.

The kick pierced through the nearly five-centimeter board, splitting it in two.

"Holy crap, that's awesome!" Shang Zui exclaimed, grabbing a bamboo pole nearby. "Mr. Huo, catch it!"

Huo Wenyuan caught the pole with pinpoint accuracy, knocking the thugs' weapons out of their hands one by one, then aiming for their calves, knees, and buttocks...

Three minutes later, the six thugs lay on their knees, wailing in disbelief, unable to believe they'd been taken down by a high school student with a bamboo pole.

Who the hell was this kid?

Suddenly, alarm bells blared behind them. Huo Wenyuan quickly grabbed Gu Ci's hand and shouted to Shang Zui and Qu Zhi, "Let's go!"

In the alleyway on a summer night, the evening breeze was refreshing. Behind them were flashing red and blue lights, and beneath them were panicked hooligans. The teenagers braved the wind, holding hands and running towards the alley entrance with high spirits, until the neon signs and cars reappeared before them.

Several of them paused, panting, looking at each other, and then couldn't help but smile.

"Thanks to little Gu Ci for calling the police," Shang Zui panted, supporting his thigh with his palm. "And old Huo, you saved my life." Qu

Zhi clasped his hands together and said, "I understand why my sister is so obsessed with Huo Wenyuan. I can't thank you enough."

Even after getting into the car, Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan's hand remained linked.

Butler Feng said from the front, "Master, the police are here. Besides us, the other two families have also sent people."

Huo Wenyuan nodded, "Thank you for your hard work."

After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Butler Feng, don't tell Huo Xiao about what happened tonight."

Butler Feng didn't respond directly, but instead looked at his and Gu Ci's clasped hands. "Are you feeling well? Have you had any contact with anyone?"

Huo Wenyuan said firmly, "No."

Gu Ci tried to pull his hand away from Huo Wenyuan's grasp, but he held it firmly, whispering a warning, "Don't move."

"Brother Wenyuan..." Gu Ci moved his fingers and whispered, "Let me check you out."

Huo Wenyuan still held his fingers tightly, refusing to let go.

Gu Ci remained in Huo Wenyuan's hand until he was led into his bedroom. Xiaoxi, whom he had just met that morning, climbed down from the bookshelf, poked his head in curiously, and wagged his tail affectionately at Gu Ci.

After closing the door, Huo Wenyuan finally released his hand and said, "Come on."

Gu Ci's eyes shifted from Xiaoxi and he asked, "Come... for what?"

Huo Wenyuan retorted, "Aren't you checking me?"

He calmly stretched out his arms, letting Gu Ci examine him: "You can check anything you want."

Gu Ci, not understanding the ambiguity, said obediently, "Ah... OK, OK."

He scratched his cheek and awkwardly turned to Huo Wenyuan, unsure where to begin. Huo Wenyuan was still waiting, so

Gu Ci took his left hand and examined it carefully. He found no red spots or abnormalities. The more he examined, the more unsure he became. "How about... should we call in Doctor Yang?"

Huo Wenyuan, knowing Gu Ci's greatest fear, offered an excuse: "Calling in Doctor Yang so late, I'm afraid we'll disturb him."

Gu Ci agreed and continued examining Huo Wenyuan.

It was called an "examination," but in reality, it was just a check to see if Huo Wenyuan had any signs of an allergy. After confirming there were none, Gu Ci stepped back, blushing, "That's enough."

Huo Wenyuan nodded, his arms still open, his eyes fixed on him.

Gu Ci warned, "You can let go now, Brother Wenyuan."

Without a word, Huo Wenyuan took two steps forward and pulled him into a hug.

Gu Ci: "!"

Huo Wenyuan hugged him tightly, his chin resting on his shoulder, and murmured, his voice revealing a hint of hesitation: "Will you be with someone else in the future, Gu Ci?"

Gu Ci felt almost breathless from the embrace: "Brother Wenyuan, what do you mean by that?"

Sensing Huo Wenyuan's emotion, he soothed, "Of course I will always be with you. That's our promise."

Huo Wenyuan smiled silently, nuzzling his cheek against Gu Ci's ear, and said frankly, "But I'm still not satisfied."

The thought of Gu Ci dating, marrying, and even having children with another woman drove him mad with depression, and he dared not dwell on it.

But he also knew he couldn't selfishly keep Gu Ci by his side forever. Gu Ci was so popular, he was always surrounded by suitors, and he couldn't always resist these threats.

...What had happened lately?

Why did these strange thoughts keep popping up?

He heard himself say, "Stay with me a little longer, Gu Ci."

Gu Ci said, "Of course, Brother Wenyuan. No matter where we are, you're still my brother."

Remembering Shang Zui's words, he added, "Like Shang Zui said, although you're not my biological brother, you're better than my brother."

Huo Wenyuan: "..."

He said coldly, "Don't agree to add WeChat or friend requests casually in the future."

Gu Ci nodded, "I haven't."

Huo Wenyuan: "If you like someone, tell me right away."

Gu Ci hugged Huo Wenyuan and coaxed him, "Don't worry, Brother Wenyuan. If I ever like someone, I'll share it with you right away. I won't let you know anything you don't allow!"

Huo Wenyuan's expression softened slightly.

Gu Ci reminded softly: "Can you let me go now?"

Huo Wenyuan let him go reluctantly: "Sorry." "

It's okay." Gu Ci's face dimples appeared, and his eyes were curved and sweet. "Then I'll go to rest, good night."

After getting Huo Wenyuan's consent, Gu Ci took two steps forward, turned around before opening the door, and quickly rushed over to hug Huo Wenyuan.

Huo Wenyuan froze.

Gu Ci looked up and smiled at him: "Brother Wenyuan, if you have someone you like in the future, you must tell me! I can also screen them for you!"

Huo Wenyuan was slightly stunned. Just when he wanted to reach out and hug Gu Ci, Gu Ci had already let him go lightly. Before closing the door, he even winked at him.

"..."

Huo Wenyuan stared at the direction of the door with a heavy gaze.

In an instant, the ground shook.