Chapter 35: Showers Gu Ci's world brightened.

The scorching heat of July, and preparations for the sports meet were in full swing, yet Gu Ci's heart was slowly growing tense.

He'd felt okay when he'd signed up and been selected, but the closer the race got, the more he began to feel a wave of unease and worry. After all, it was a 3,000-meter race... He hadn't done a long-distance run in ages, and he wasn't sure if he could stick

with it now. Speaking of long-distance running, Gu Ci had a deep connection to the sport. His father, a special forces soldier, served for several years in classified missions after his retirement, then devoted himself to Mr. Huo. His work required him to run ten kilometers every morning, rain or shine, and he'd even run marathons on his days off. It was through his father's influence

that Gu Ci developed a solid foundation, even being scouted by the athletic team coach in his first year of junior high. His father respected Gu Ci's opinion, but Gu Ci declined. He figured he might have patience, but he wasn't always drawn to competitive pursuits. Besides... long-distance running is tiring, and he might not be able to do this route. Future training and competitions would take up a lot of time, leaving him with no time for his beloved math problems.

Gu Ci was now incredibly grateful for his decision; otherwise, he would have almost become a jock, sprinting through the playground every day, with no time for study. But the problem now was... even if he weren't a jock, he still had to run those 3,000 meters.

It wasn't just a personal honor, it was also a class honor.

During recess, Gu Ci absentmindedly rested his chin on his hand, staring blankly at the financial management course in Huo Wenyuan's hand. Since the beginning of the year, Uncle Huo had added a financial management course for Huo Wenyuan, and Huo Wenyuan's weekends were almost completely filled with various training sessions. Even Gu Ci wasn't immune, having chosen a flower arranging class out of interest, which only ended last summer.

Gu Ci's thoughts drifted further and further, not noticing that his elbow was about to slide onto Huo Wenyuan's desk. Inertia pushed his elbow back, and it finally slammed into Huo Wenyuan's book.

"Ah!" Gu Ci exclaimed softly, quickly came to his senses, put his hands flat, turned his head and met Huo Wenyuan's calm eyes.

"Sorry, Brother Wenyuan!" Gu Ci apologized quickly, "I was distracted just now..."

Huo Wenyuan turned over his elbow to check and asked, "Did it hurt?"

Gu Ci shook his head quickly: "Not at all."

Huo Wenyuan thought Gu Ci was really cute sometimes, and raised his lips to ask: "Then what were you thinking about when you were distracted?"

Gu Ci lowered his eyes and said honestly: "I was thinking about what I should do if I can't run 3000 meters and don't get a good ranking."

Huo Wenyuan raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he didn't expect Gu Ci's troubles to be so simple: "Is that it?"

Gu Ci's troubles were really that simple. He sighed, folded his hands and lay on the desk, tilted his head towards Huo Wenyuan, with a hint of confusion in his eyes: "Should I practice today... It would be embarrassing if I really run last."

Gu Ci was really conflicted here, but Huo Wenyuan rubbed his head when he was not paying attention and comforted him: "You are braver than many people for being willing to stand there."

Gu Ci: "Oh?"

Is this also a merit worthy of praise?

At this moment, Huo Wenyuan acted like a die-hard fan, praising him mindlessly, "You're great. Don't overthink it."

Gu Ci's face flushed at this, and he turned away sheepishly, burying his face in his hands. But it had to be said that Huo Wenyuan's words had indeed made a difference. At least now he wasn't as anxious as before, and was just looking forward to the competition, with a certain "the sooner the better" mentality.

At noon, Xie Bu Ruo discussed the format for the opening ceremony of the sports meet with them in the classroom. The three previously proposed options were displayed on the large screen at the podium: the ancient style of Hanfu, the comedic puppet style, and the gorgeous knight princess style.

Xie Bu Ruo picked up the ruler and stood below: "Ancestors, it's time to witness the results, which one do you pick?"

A boy with a crew cut said excitedly: "That must be the first one! How great, the young man should be wandering in the world~"

Shang Zui couldn't help but retorted: "Where did this young man with ancient style come from!"

"Xie Bro, I pick the third one, the Knight Princess, so romantic! It fits the tone of our class!"

Xie Bu Ruo wiped his forehead: "You are just a chatterbox, can one of you represent so many opinions? As usual, vote by raising your hands. Those who choose the first one, raise your hands!"

After three votes, there was a tie.

Xie Bu Ruo, always a man of fairness and impartiality, finally waved his hand and said, "All three suits, wear your own..."

Before he could finish, his voice was drowned out by the cheers from the audience, forcing him to rap on the podium to emphasize, "Another cultural and sports committee member will go help with rehearsal. Shang Zui, you're the most excited, so you'll be responsible for renting the clothes. But since you're not good at math, the study committee member will come along."

He looked at Gu Ci and said, "Gu Ci, are you up to it?"

Gu Ci nodded, "No problem!"

During the afternoon free time, Gu Ci took stock of the students' needs and sizes, then went with Shang Zui to the clothing club near the school to rent clothes.

Before leaving, Huo Wenyuan stopped him, "Do you need me to come with you?"

Gu Ci didn't think it was necessary to bother him, so he smiled and shook his head, "No, Shang Zui and I can do it!"

Huo Wenyuan smiled and said, "Okay, I'll

wait for you when you come back." After showing the guard their school-leaving certificates, Gu Ci and Shang Zui went to the clothing club and explained the styles and quantities they needed. The owner of the clothing club was very enthusiastic and immediately went to get them samples.

Shang Zui touched a medieval knight's costume and looked at it: "Little Gu Ci, why don't you choose the knight princess suit? I think the small shoulders and waist are very suitable for you."

Gu Ci explained with a smile: "I think the doll costume is also good, so cute."

Shang Zui nodded. The boss happened to take out a sample costume. After the two of them decided on the style, they provided the quantity and size, and negotiated a friendly price with the boss. Soon the costume was finalized.

"You are worthy of it, little Gu Ci!" Shang Zui gave him a thumbs up, "No wonder Crab Bro asked you to come, it's well organized and so much cheaper!"

Gu Ci shook his head: "I also tried it. After comparing, there is indeed room for fluctuation. And it's because the boss is a good person that we have this opportunity."

After saying goodbye to the boss, the two of them walked back to school arm in arm. Not far from the door, it suddenly started to rain in the sky, and the rain was not small.

"Oh my god!" Shang Zui cursed, his hands covering his head. "Why is it raining right after we left the house?"

Gu Ci looked around and found only a lonely bus stop to hide in. He quickly dragged Shang Zui over. By the time they reached the station, their hair and uniforms were practically soaked.

Shang Zui frantically fixed his hair, staring at the pounding rain outside the platform, which showed no sign of stopping. He glared, "Why is it getting heavier?"

Gu Ci, also feeling a little worried, reassured him, "It's a bit heavy. Let's wait a little longer. It will stop."

The bus stop was small and rarely used. There wasn't even room to sit, so the two of them had to stand and wait. Shang Zui began to regret not bringing his phone.

Five minutes later,

Shang Zui squatted on the ground and complained, "This rain is heavier than the day Yiping asked her father for money..."

The rain grew heavier, pounding the asphalt. Soon, a layer of water had accumulated on the roadside. There was a thick mist in front of them. Occasionally a bus would stop and drive away, but other than that, there were only the two of them. There was no sign of any passers-by or taxis.

Shang Zui's legs were numb from squatting. He stood up to stretch them, then decided to take a risk. "Little Gu Ci, why don't we just go for it? The school's only seven or eight hundred meters away.

How about we just charge?" Gu Ci asked hesitantly, "Are you... sure?"

Shang Zui: "..." Never

mind. The rain

was pounding. Gu Ci advised, "Let's wait a little longer. We're not in a hurry anyway. What

if the rain subsides?" He stared at the rain, which showed no sign of slowing down, and had no idea when it would stop.

Just as he finished speaking, Shang Zui suddenly noticed something and let out a cry of disbelief.

"Little Gu Ci, look!"

Gu Ci looked in the direction Shang Zui pointed and froze. In the distance, a black car was approaching them, creating a large splash as it passed.

Gu Ci soon realized what Shang Zui was so surprised about.

...The license plate number was familiar to him.

The car slowly stopped in front of them, and then the door opened.

A large black umbrella unfolded in the air, and a stern-looking boy stepped out of the car, standing tall and graceful across from him.

A sudden silence fell. Gu Ci couldn't believe his eyes, a sob choking in his throat. "Wen..."

Huo Wenyuan handed Shang Zui his other umbrella, clasping his arms tightly around Gu Ci's shoulders. The umbrella tilted, creating a patch of sky above him.

Gu Ci's world cleared up.

The pouring rain was finally blocked out of the car. Butler Feng turned and asked, "Xiao Ci, Young Master Shang, shall I take you back home to change clothes first? I've already asked Teacher Xie for permission."

Gu Ci stared at his soaked uniform; it seemed like the only option left.

After sending Shang Zui home, the car headed towards the Huo residence.

Gu Ci stared at Huo Wenyuan and asked, "Uncle Feng, Brother Wenyuan, how did you know we were here?"

Butler Feng delicately adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and said, "It's because of Young Master..."

"Butler Feng," Huo Wenyuan interrupted.

Butler Feng had to change his story: "I just happened to be passing by."

He'd searched everywhere, even stopping by the clothing store, but it was only thanks to the young master's sharp eyes that he'd spotted the two poor little creatures at this secluded little bus stop.

"By the way, young master," Butler Feng thought, "Young Master Sun has invited you to his birthday dinner this weekend. Do you want to go?"

"No," Huo Wenyuan refused firmly, his tone filled with impatience. "Didn't I tell you not to bother me with anything related to him?"

Butler Feng nodded awkwardly. "Indeed, it's just that my wife and his mother are distant cousins, and they're on good terms, so..."

Huo Wenyuan: "That's my mother's business, none of my business."

Butler Feng nodded in agreement. "Then I'll refuse when I get home. But I heard..."

Guessing the young master's thoughts, he tactfully dropped the subject.

Back home, Gu Ci showered and changed his clothes, finally saying goodbye to the drenching rain and becoming a dry, little Gu Ci once again.

As he was drying his hair, there was a knock on the bedroom door. Gu Ci paused his movements and crisply said, "Come in."

He leaned forward, his head tucked in, and was met directly by Huo Wenyuan. Huo Wenyuan placed the ginger soup on the table, then walked over, picked up a dry towel, and began to dry his hair with unwavering naturalness.

"Ah..." Gu Ci felt it wasn't right to keep letting Huo Wenyuan dry his hair, and was about to take the towel from him. "How about I do it myself?"

Huo Wenyuan glared at him, "Don't move."

Gu Ci had no choice but to put his hand down, shifting awkwardly.

"I just asked the kitchen to make some ginger soup. Remember to drink it later." Huo Wenyuan's hand brushed his ear. "And..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "I don't like that Sun guy, and I won't be going to his birthday party."

Gu Ci nodded at first. He had just heard Uncle Feng talk about this in the car, but then he froze.

...No, he didn't know the young master of the Sun family. Why would Huo Wenyuan have to explain it to him?

Huo Wenyuan guessed his thoughts, his voice deep and magnetic: "I don't want to hide anything from you."

Gu Ci: "..."

Why does this explanation sound strange?

But in fact, he didn't have to know everything, otherwise... he would seem quite stingy.

Gu Ci lowered his head, sipping the steaming ginger soup in small sips, and said: "You have your own freedom too."

Huo Wenyuan rubbed his head: "Yeah, I know."

But unfortunately, he just happened to want to hand this freedom to Gu Ci, that's all.

After changing clothes, at Gu Ci's insistence, they still returned to school. The owner of the clothing club was very efficient. During the break between evening self-study classes, he personally delivered the clothes to the classroom.

"Basically, it's based on the quantity and size provided by the two students, but..." The boss explained to Gu Ci and Shang Zui with an apologetic look, "Two sets of doll costumes were scratched and soiled by the stray cats I took in recently. There are only two sets of princess costumes that meet the size... You see..."

Gu Ci was melancholy for a moment, and said to the boss, "It's okay, we'll match a pair first."

After counting them with Shang Zui, Gu Ci found that the two sets of doll costumes that were scratched happened to be small sizes, which meant that the needs of two girls could not be met. But after asking for their opinions, none of them wanted to wear princess costumes, but one of them suggested that she would like to wear a knight costume.

Gu Ci and Shang Zui paused, and the two of them made the final decision at the door.

Shang Zui asked: "How about I ask those ladies again?"

"What's wrong with princess dresses? Princess dresses are pretty! If I weren't a man, I would wear it!"

Gu Ci shook his head: "We just asked for their opinions. The main thing is that we have a rehearsal tomorrow and we don't have much time..."

Shang Zui knew Gu Ci's concerns. After thinking about it, he suddenly had an inspiration and stared at Gu Ci: "How about... give the clothes to them and we two wear them?" Gu Ci

: "...Ahhhh?"