Childhood Chronicles: C07

07: Friend

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Just as Tao Lu reached out to grab Ye Cheng by the collar, his hand was intercepted. Surprised, he turned to see Gu Shaofan gripping his arm tightly. Meeting his gaze, Gu Shaofan said calmly, “Don’t touch him.”}
Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.

Just as Tao Lu reached out to grab Ye Cheng by the collar, his hand was intercepted. Surprised, he turned to see Gu Shaofan gripping his arm tightly. Meeting his gaze, Gu Shaofan said calmly, “Don’t touch him.”

_{Gu Shaofan’s expression shifted slightly as his gaze dropped, then returned to Ye Cheng’s face. The kid let go of his cheeks, his pale face glowing with dimples that were almost blindingly cute. Gu Shaofan’s fingers twitched, barely restraining the urge to poke them.}
So, the next day, Ye Chenghui took half a day off and accompanied Ye Cheng to school. Since his driving license was still in the works, Zhou Ni dropped them off at the primary school before heading to her own company.

Gu Shaofan’s expression shifted slightly as his gaze dropped, then returned to Ye Cheng’s face. The kid let go of his cheeks, his pale face glowing with dimples that were almost blindingly cute. Gu Shaofan’s fingers twitched, barely restraining the urge to poke them.

_N/AThe classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.

N/A

_{Despite having his face pulled into the shape of a funny-looking pancake, Gu Shaofan didn’t resist at all, like an huge, obedient puppy. Ye Cheng looked at him, pursing his lips, before finally muttering, “It’s seriously their loss for not getting to know you.”}He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.

Despite having his face pulled into the shape of a funny-looking pancake, Gu Shaofan didn’t resist at all, like an huge, obedient puppy. Ye Cheng looked at him, pursing his lips, before finally muttering, “It’s seriously their loss for not getting to know you.”

_{“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me.}
Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.

“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me. If it weren’t for him, who knows what would’ve happened!” Ye Cheng’s voice grew louder, to the point where it bordered on a screech, making it clear that Tao Lu had crossed a line. Gu Shaofan is a good person. What did he ever do to deserve so many unfounded suspicions and plain slander?

_{This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: {"Did you get your ID back?"}}Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.

This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: "Did you get your ID back?"

_{“What? No, of course not! I just think you’re really cool—getting a bandage and all,” Tao Lu replied, staring at the bandage as if it were a badge of honour. But before Ye Cheng could exaggerate the dramatic events of the previous afternoon, Tao Lu suddenly had a revelation and glanced over at Gu Shaofan’s desk. “Wait, don’t tell me. Did you get beaten up by him?”}
The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”

“What? No, of course not! I just think you’re really cool—getting a bandage and all,” Tao Lu replied, staring at the bandage as if it were a badge of honour. But before Ye Cheng could exaggerate the dramatic events of the previous afternoon, Tao Lu suddenly had a revelation and glanced over at Gu Shaofan’s desk. “Wait, don’t tell me. Did you get beaten up by him?”

_{Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”}
Ye Cheng gave him an ambiguous look but sat down without saying a word. He was slightly surprised that Gu Shaofan hadn’t arrived yet—it was the first time that boy had not been there before him, making him wonder: Did something happen to him?

Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

_{Ye Cheng chuckled and moved his desk back with his foot, his thoughts already drifting away from Tao Lu. After sitting down, he shifted his chair and said to Gu Shaofan, “You’re late today. Morning revisions have already started.”}
“Hey, what’s with your hand? It wasn’t bandaged yesterday, so what happened?” Tao Lu turned around from his desk at the front, brimming with curiosity. But Ye Cheng rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Why do I get the feeling you’re a bit too happy about my bad luck?”

Ye Cheng chuckled and moved his desk back with his foot, his thoughts already drifting away from Tao Lu. After sitting down, he shifted his chair and said to Gu Shaofan, “You’re late today. Morning revisions have already started.”

_{He then went back to add an "at all" to his previous sentence.}
“What? No, of course not! I just think you’re really cool—getting a bandage and all,” Tao Lu replied, staring at the bandage as if it were a badge of honour. But before Ye Cheng could exaggerate the dramatic events of the previous afternoon, Tao Lu suddenly had a revelation and glanced over at Gu Shaofan’s desk. “Wait, don’t tell me. Did you get beaten up by him?”

He then went back to add an "at all" to his previous sentence.

_{“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me.}Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.

_{Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”}Gu Shaofan: "Don't need to."

Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

_{Despite having his face pulled into the shape of a funny-looking pancake, Gu Shaofan didn’t resist at all, like an huge, obedient puppy. Ye Cheng looked at him, pursing his lips, before finally muttering, “It’s seriously their loss for not getting to know you.”}So, the next day, Ye Chenghui took half a day off and accompanied Ye Cheng to school. Since his driving license was still in the works, Zhou Ni dropped them off at the primary school before heading to her own company.

_{Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”}
Huh?!

Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”

_{With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”}
Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”

With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”

“What kind of stuff?” Ye Cheng asked. He now knew why Gu Shaofan usually arrived so early—it was much more convenient for him with transportation. For example, being driven to school by Zhou Ni that morning had been far more convenient than his usual routine.

_{Gu Shaofan: "Don't need to."}
“By him, obviously! You messed with him before and then just ignored him after,” Tao Lu said, motioning with his chin. Ye Cheng’s gaze followed his line of sight and quickly withdrew before exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you insane?!”

Gu Shaofan: "Don't need to."

_{“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”}“What? No, of course not! I just think you’re really cool—getting a bandage and all,” Tao Lu replied, staring at the bandage as if it were a badge of honour. But before Ye Cheng could exaggerate the dramatic events of the previous afternoon, Tao Lu suddenly had a revelation and glanced over at Gu Shaofan’s desk. “Wait, don’t tell me. Did you get beaten up by him?”

“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”

_{It was only when his mind was at ease that Ye Cheng remembered his father was still at school. Feeling restless, he darted to the teacher’s office to secretly take a peek. To his shock, not only was his dad not there, but Miss Sun was nowhere to be seen either.}
Tao Lu was taken aback by his outburst. Ye Cheng had been at this new school for nearly two weeks, always smiling and occasionally making a joke or two. But he had never been this angry before—it was like a switch had been flipped.

It was only when his mind was at ease that Ye Cheng remembered his father was still at school. Feeling restless, he darted to the teacher’s office to secretly take a peek. To his shock, not only was his dad not there, but Miss Sun was nowhere to be seen either.

_{Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”}After a few moments, Gu Shaofan finally spoke. “After school, let's go home... together.”

Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”

_{The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.}
“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me. If it weren’t for him, who knows what would’ve happened!” Ye Cheng’s voice grew louder, to the point where it bordered on a screech, making it clear that Tao Lu had crossed a line. Gu Shaofan is a good person. What did he ever do to deserve so many unfounded suspicions and plain slander?

The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.

_{“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me.}“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”

_{Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"}
The whole classroom had fallen silent right then, with only Ye Cheng’s voice ringing out. “And another thing—what has Gu Shaofan ever done to you, huh? How can you spend all day imagining the worst about people? Didn’t the teachers teach us to help each other and care for our classmates? Or did you just flush all that down the toilet?!”

Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

_{“What? No, of course not! I just think you’re really cool—getting a bandage and all,” Tao Lu replied, staring at the bandage as if it were a badge of honour. But before Ye Cheng could exaggerate the dramatic events of the previous afternoon, Tao Lu suddenly had a revelation and glanced over at Gu Shaofan’s desk. “Wait, don’t tell me. Did you get beaten up by him?”}It's fine you get by with one-word answers when we talk, but do you really have to write like that too?

_{Ye Cheng stood there with his mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say. Despite Gu Shaofan’s usual stoic expression, he never made Ye Cheng feel cold or distant. In fact, in the short time they had known each other, it was mostly Ye Cheng who had been looked after by him, wasn’t it?}
Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”

Ye Cheng stood there with his mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say. Despite Gu Shaofan’s usual stoic expression, he never made Ye Cheng feel cold or distant. In fact, in the short time they had known each other, it was mostly Ye Cheng who had been looked after by him, wasn’t it?

_{Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”}The whole classroom had fallen silent right then, with only Ye Cheng’s voice ringing out. “And another thing—what has Gu Shaofan ever done to you, huh? How can you spend all day imagining the worst about people? Didn’t the teachers teach us to help each other and care for our classmates? Or did you just flush all that down the toilet?!”

Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”

_{Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”}Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”

Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

_{“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”}
“Well, thank you very much,” Ye Cheng sneered. “But it’s not ‘getting mixed up’, alright? I think it’s your brain that’s ruined! Just because someone doesn’t talk much doesn’t mean you can make up nonsense behind their back.”

“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”

_{Wasn’t your trip a waste, then?}
With that last word, Ye Cheng broadened his attack from Tao Lu to anyone who shared his opinion. His almond-shaped eyes, large and expressive, narrowed with both arrogance and a hint of cuteness, causing Tao Lu to pause for a moment. “One last thing—Gu Shaofan is my friend. So anyone who badmouths him in front of me is insulting me, too! Got it!”

Wasn’t your trip a waste, then?

_{He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.}It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”

He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.

_{The whole classroom had fallen silent right then, with only Ye Cheng’s voice ringing out. “And another thing—what has Gu Shaofan ever done to you, huh? How can you spend all day imagining the worst about people? Didn’t the teachers teach us to help each other and care for our classmates? Or did you just flush all that down the toilet?!”}Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

The whole classroom had fallen silent right then, with only Ye Cheng’s voice ringing out. “And another thing—what has Gu Shaofan ever done to you, huh? How can you spend all day imagining the worst about people? Didn’t the teachers teach us to help each other and care for our classmates? Or did you just flush all that down the toilet?!”

_{This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: "Did you get your ID back?"}
It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”

This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: "Did you get your ID back?"

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.}Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.

Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.

_{Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”}With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”

Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”

_{"Was it about yesterday?"}
Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”

"Was it about yesterday?"

_{Tao Lu was taken aback by his outburst. Ye Cheng had been at this new school for nearly two weeks, always smiling and occasionally making a joke or two. But he had never been this angry before—it was like a switch had been flipped.}
Just as Tao Lu reached out to grab Ye Cheng by the collar, his hand was intercepted. Surprised, he turned to see Gu Shaofan gripping his arm tightly. Meeting his gaze, Gu Shaofan said calmly, “Don’t touch him.”

Tao Lu was taken aback by his outburst. Ye Cheng had been at this new school for nearly two weeks, always smiling and occasionally making a joke or two. But he had never been this angry before—it was like a switch had been flipped.

_{The bell rang, signalling the end of the morning revisions, but it wasn’t Miss Sun who walked in. The math teacher placed his textbooks and triangle ruler on the desk and explained briefly, “Miss Sun has something to attend to, so math class will be held in place of the next two Chinese lessons.”}Did they leave already?

The bell rang, signalling the end of the morning revisions, but it wasn’t Miss Sun who walked in. The math teacher placed his textbooks and triangle ruler on the desk and explained briefly, “Miss Sun has something to attend to, so math class will be held in place of the next two Chinese lessons.”

_{“By him, obviously! You messed with him before and then just ignored him after,” Tao Lu said, motioning with his chin. Ye Cheng’s gaze followed his line of sight and quickly withdrew before exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you insane?!”}
The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.

“By him, obviously! You messed with him before and then just ignored him after,” Tao Lu said, motioning with his chin. Ye Cheng’s gaze followed his line of sight and quickly withdrew before exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you insane?!”

It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”

_{Gu Shaofan didn’t offer any further explanation. It wasn’t until after school, when they walked to the car that had come to pick up Gu Shaofan, that Ye Cheng realised what he had meant by “go home together”—it was getting a lift all the way home.}“Go home together?” Ye Cheng looked at him as if wondering why this needed to be asked before flinging his arm around Gu Shaofan’s shoulder. “Of course! If you want to, let’s go home together.”

Gu Shaofan didn’t offer any further explanation. It wasn’t until after school, when they walked to the car that had come to pick up Gu Shaofan, that Ye Cheng realised what he had meant by “go home together”—it was getting a lift all the way home.

_{Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”}
Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.

Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”

_{He then went back to add an "at all" to his previous sentence.}Ye Cheng stood there with his mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say. Despite Gu Shaofan’s usual stoic expression, he never made Ye Cheng feel cold or distant. In fact, in the short time they had known each other, it was mostly Ye Cheng who had been looked after by him, wasn’t it?

He then went back to add an "at all" to his previous sentence.

_{“Well, thank you very much,” Ye Cheng sneered. “But it’s not ‘getting mixed up’, alright? I think it’s your brain that’s ruined! Just because someone doesn’t talk much doesn’t mean you can make up nonsense behind their back.”}
Ye Cheng chuckled and moved his desk back with his foot, his thoughts already drifting away from Tao Lu. After sitting down, he shifted his chair and said to Gu Shaofan, “You’re late today. Morning revisions have already started.”

“Well, thank you very much,” Ye Cheng sneered. “But it’s not ‘getting mixed up’, alright? I think it’s your brain that’s ruined! Just because someone doesn’t talk much doesn’t mean you can make up nonsense behind their back.”

_{Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.}When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.

_{Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.}Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”

Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”

When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

_N/A
Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

N/A

_{Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"}}“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”

Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.

_{Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”}
“What kind of stuff?” Ye Cheng asked. He now knew why Gu Shaofan usually arrived so early—it was much more convenient for him with transportation. For example, being driven to school by Zhou Ni that morning had been far more convenient than his usual routine.

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.}Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.

_{Despite having his face pulled into the shape of a funny-looking pancake, Gu Shaofan didn’t resist at all, like an huge, obedient puppy. Ye Cheng looked at him, pursing his lips, before finally muttering, “It’s seriously their loss for not getting to know you.”}
Instead of answering, Gu Shaofan asked, “Did you come to school on your bike today?”

_{So, the next day, Ye Chenghui took half a day off and accompanied Ye Cheng to school. Since his driving license was still in the works, Zhou Ni dropped them off at the primary school before heading to her own company.}“Hey, what’s with your hand? It wasn’t bandaged yesterday, so what happened?” Tao Lu turned around from his desk at the front, brimming with curiosity. But Ye Cheng rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Why do I get the feeling you’re a bit too happy about my bad luck?”

So, the next day, Ye Chenghui took half a day off and accompanied Ye Cheng to school. Since his driving license was still in the works, Zhou Ni dropped them off at the primary school before heading to her own company.

_{After a few moments, Gu Shaofan finally spoke. “After school, let's go home... together.”}
“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”

After a few moments, Gu Shaofan finally spoke. “After school, let's go home... together.”

The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.

_{Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”}The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”

_{It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”}
Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”

_{Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.}
Ye Cheng was dumbstruck at his words. Stammering, the stunned boy asked, “Then... then wasn't your...”

_{{Did they leave already?}}“By him, obviously! You messed with him before and then just ignored him after,” Tao Lu said, motioning with his chin. Ye Cheng’s gaze followed his line of sight and quickly withdrew before exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you insane?!”

Did they leave already?

_{07: Friend}
Wasn’t your trip a waste, then?

07: Friend

_{Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.}“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”

Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.

_{Gu Shaofan didn’t offer any further explanation. It wasn’t until after school, when they walked to the car that had come to pick up Gu Shaofan, that Ye Cheng realised what he had meant by “go home together”—it was getting a lift all the way home.}
Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”

_{“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”}Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”

“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”

_{“Hey, what’s with your hand? It wasn’t bandaged yesterday, so what happened?” Tao Lu turned around from his desk at the front, brimming with curiosity. But Ye Cheng rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Why do I get the feeling you’re a bit too happy about my bad luck?”}When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

“Hey, what’s with your hand? It wasn’t bandaged yesterday, so what happened?” Tao Lu turned around from his desk at the front, brimming with curiosity. But Ye Cheng rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Why do I get the feeling you’re a bit too happy about my bad luck?”

_{“Hey, what’s with your hand? It wasn’t bandaged yesterday, so what happened?” Tao Lu turned around from his desk at the front, brimming with curiosity. But Ye Cheng rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Why do I get the feeling you’re a bit too happy about my bad luck?”}
Ye Cheng stood there with his mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say. Despite Gu Shaofan’s usual stoic expression, he never made Ye Cheng feel cold or distant. In fact, in the short time they had known each other, it was mostly Ye Cheng who had been looked after by him, wasn’t it?

_{Just as Tao Lu reached out to grab Ye Cheng by the collar, his hand was intercepted. Surprised, he turned to see Gu Shaofan gripping his arm tightly. Meeting his gaze, Gu Shaofan said calmly, “Don’t touch him.”}Gu Shaofan seemed to understand what he was trying to say and nodded again. “Don't worry, it’s fine. It was on the way.”

_{It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”}Ye Cheng gave him an ambiguous look but sat down without saying a word. He was slightly surprised that Gu Shaofan hadn’t arrived yet—it was the first time that boy had not been there before him, making him wonder: Did something happen to him?

_{After writing that, Gu Shaofan took the notebook away, not giving Ye Cheng a chance to ask more questions.}
“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”

After writing that, Gu Shaofan took the notebook away, not giving Ye Cheng a chance to ask more questions.

_{“What kind of stuff?” Ye Cheng asked. He now knew why Gu Shaofan usually arrived so early—it was much more convenient for him with transportation. For example, being driven to school by Zhou Ni that morning had been far more convenient than his usual routine.}“Well, thank you very much,” Ye Cheng sneered. “But it’s not ‘getting mixed up’, alright? I think it’s your brain that’s ruined! Just because someone doesn’t talk much doesn’t mean you can make up nonsense behind their back.”

Ye Cheng gave him an ambiguous look but sat down without saying a word. He was slightly surprised that Gu Shaofan hadn’t arrived yet—it was the first time that boy had not been there before him, making him wonder: Did something happen to him?

_Huh?!
“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”

Huh?!

_{Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"}}Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

_{The whole classroom had fallen silent right then, with only Ye Cheng’s voice ringing out. “And another thing—what has Gu Shaofan ever done to you, huh? How can you spend all day imagining the worst about people? Didn’t the teachers teach us to help each other and care for our classmates? Or did you just flush all that down the toilet?!”}
No wonder people didn’t warm up to him. Sure, his background played a role, but his whole “don’t come near me” aura wasn’t helping either.

_{“Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong, though,” Ye Cheng sighed.}07: Friend

“Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong, though,” Ye Cheng sighed.

_{Did they leave already?}
Despite having his face pulled into the shape of a funny-looking pancake, Gu Shaofan didn’t resist at all, like an huge, obedient puppy. Ye Cheng looked at him, pursing his lips, before finally muttering, “It’s seriously their loss for not getting to know you.”

Did they leave already?

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”

_{He scribbled again: "So how much was it? And what about the medical expenses from yesterday?"}
Gu Shaofan’s expression shifted slightly as his gaze dropped, then returned to Ye Cheng’s face. The kid let go of his cheeks, his pale face glowing with dimples that were almost blindingly cute. Gu Shaofan’s fingers twitched, barely restraining the urge to poke them.

He scribbled again: "So how much was it? And what about the medical expenses from yesterday?"

_{Ye Cheng: …}“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”

Ye Cheng: …

_{Ye Cheng: …}The bell rang, signalling the end of the morning revisions, but it wasn’t Miss Sun who walked in. The math teacher placed his textbooks and triangle ruler on the desk and explained briefly, “Miss Sun has something to attend to, so math class will be held in place of the next two Chinese lessons.”

Ye Cheng: …

_{He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.}
The bell rang, signalling the end of the morning revisions, but it wasn’t Miss Sun who walked in. The math teacher placed his textbooks and triangle ruler on the desk and explained briefly, “Miss Sun has something to attend to, so math class will be held in place of the next two Chinese lessons.”

He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.

_{The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”}It was only when his mind was at ease that Ye Cheng remembered his father was still at school. Feeling restless, he darted to the teacher’s office to secretly take a peek. To his shock, not only was his dad not there, but Miss Sun was nowhere to be seen either.

The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”

_{With that last word, Ye Cheng broadened his attack from Tao Lu to anyone who shared his opinion. His almond-shaped eyes, large and expressive, narrowed with both arrogance and a hint of cuteness, causing Tao Lu to pause for a moment. “One last thing—Gu Shaofan is my friend. So anyone who badmouths him in front of me is insulting me, too! Got it!”}
Ye Cheng was puzzled. He had a strong hunch that his dad was with Miss Sun.

With that last word, Ye Cheng broadened his attack from Tao Lu to anyone who shared his opinion. His almond-shaped eyes, large and expressive, narrowed with both arrogance and a hint of cuteness, causing Tao Lu to pause for a moment. “One last thing—Gu Shaofan is my friend. So anyone who badmouths him in front of me is insulting me, too! Got it!”

_{Tao Lu was taken aback by his outburst. Ye Cheng had been at this new school for nearly two weeks, always smiling and occasionally making a joke or two. But he had never been this angry before—it was like a switch had been flipped.}Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.

_{Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”}Gu Shaofan’s expression shifted slightly as his gaze dropped, then returned to Ye Cheng’s face. The kid let go of his cheeks, his pale face glowing with dimples that were almost blindingly cute. Gu Shaofan’s fingers twitched, barely restraining the urge to poke them.

Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”

_{Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”}With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”

Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”

_{No wonder people didn’t warm up to him. Sure, his background played a role, but his whole “don’t come near me” aura wasn’t helping either.}Embarrassment crashed over him the second he voiced those words. He was thinking too highly of himself. He must have. But just as he was about to take those words back, Gu Shaofan nodded and said, “Yeah, I thought it would be hard for you to ride your bike with those injuries.”

No wonder people didn’t warm up to him. Sure, his background played a role, but his whole “don’t come near me” aura wasn’t helping either.

_{“Well, thank you very much,” Ye Cheng sneered. “But it’s not ‘getting mixed up’, alright? I think it’s your brain that’s ruined! Just because someone doesn’t talk much doesn’t mean you can make up nonsense behind their back.”}He scribbled again: "So how much was it? And what about the medical expenses from yesterday?"

_{“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”}Just as Tao Lu reached out to grab Ye Cheng by the collar, his hand was intercepted. Surprised, he turned to see Gu Shaofan gripping his arm tightly. Meeting his gaze, Gu Shaofan said calmly, “Don’t touch him.”

_{Not used to such close physical contact, Gu Shaofan shifted slightly, and Ye Cheng quickly withdrew his arm, muttering to himself as he calculated, “But... you only walk a couple blocks before getting picked up, and I have to cross a bridge to catch my bus…”}
He slid the notebook over to Gu Shaofan, who glanced at it and then wrote a simple “yes” in reply.

Not used to such close physical contact, Gu Shaofan shifted slightly, and Ye Cheng quickly withdrew his arm, muttering to himself as he calculated, “But... you only walk a couple blocks before getting picked up, and I have to cross a bridge to catch my bus…”

_{“Why can't you give other people the benefit of the doubt?! Yesterday, some ruffians tried to steal my bike, and that’s how I got hurt. Gu Shaofan was the one who came to save me.}Huh?!

_{It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”}Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”

_{The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.}When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

The classroom, which had already been eerily quiet during the morning revision period, now felt even more stifling. So much so, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath.

_{Tao Lu instinctively shrank back. Liu Qin, sitting next to him, also tugged on his arm. For them, Gu Shaofan was still someone best not to provoke. Humiliated, Tao Lu yanked his arm out of Gu Shaofan’s grip and slumped back into his seat, the chair banging loudly against Ye Cheng’s desk.}
It's fine you get by with one-word answers when we talk, but do you really have to write like that too?

_{Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”}Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

_{Ye Cheng stared at that ever-serious expression and rolled his eyes, returning his attention to the blackboard.}
He scribbled again: "So how much was it? And what about the medical expenses from yesterday?"

Ye Cheng stared at that ever-serious expression and rolled his eyes, returning his attention to the blackboard.

_{Ye Cheng was puzzled. He had a strong hunch that his dad was with Miss Sun.}
Gu Shaofan: "Don’t know."

Ye Cheng was puzzled. He had a strong hunch that his dad was with Miss Sun.

_{Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.}The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”

_{“Go home together?” Ye Cheng looked at him as if wondering why this needed to be asked before flinging his arm around Gu Shaofan’s shoulder. “Of course! If you want to, let’s go home together.”}“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”

“Go home together?” Ye Cheng looked at him as if wondering why this needed to be asked before flinging his arm around Gu Shaofan’s shoulder. “Of course! If you want to, let’s go home together.”

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.}
He then went back to add an "at all" to his previous sentence.

Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.

_{This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: {"Did you get your ID back?"}}“What kind of stuff?” Ye Cheng asked. He now knew why Gu Shaofan usually arrived so early—it was much more convenient for him with transportation. For example, being driven to school by Zhou Ni that morning had been far more convenient than his usual routine.

This thought prompted him to glance at Gu Shaofan again. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he scribbled a question on his notebook: "Did you get your ID back?"

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}“If… if you’d called me last night, I could’ve waited for you, you know? It’s no trouble at all, just a few words.” Ye Cheng mumbled, looking away as if embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to sound accusatory, but Gu Shaofan still responded as serious as always. “Sorry.”

_{“Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong, though,” Ye Cheng sighed.}
Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

“Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong, though,” Ye Cheng sighed.

_{Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”}Ye Cheng: "How am I supposed to pay you back, then?!"

Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

_{07: Friend}Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.

07: Friend

_{After a few moments, Gu Shaofan finally spoke. “After school, let's go home... together.”}Ye Cheng was puzzled. He had a strong hunch that his dad was with Miss Sun.

After a few moments, Gu Shaofan finally spoke. “After school, let's go home... together.”

_{“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”}
After writing that, Gu Shaofan took the notebook away, not giving Ye Cheng a chance to ask more questions.

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”

_{Although Ye Chenghui usually didn’t spoil Ye Cheng, he couldn’t ignore what happened to his son this time. Besides, after hearing how dangerous it was from Ye Cheng’s account, he couldn’t help but worry about what would happen if something like this happened again.}The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”

_{Ye Cheng felt a bit nervous about his father going to see his teacher. After all, to a student, few phrases were as terrifying as “Please have your parents come to school.” But despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to obediently head to class while his father went to the office.}Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”

_N/A
Ye Cheng stared at that ever-serious expression and rolled his eyes, returning his attention to the blackboard.

N/A

_{“What kind of stuff?” Ye Cheng asked. He now knew why Gu Shaofan usually arrived so early—it was much more convenient for him with transportation. For example, being driven to school by Zhou Ni that morning had been far more convenient than his usual routine.}
When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

_{Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”}Ye Cheng was puzzled. He had a strong hunch that his dad was with Miss Sun.

_{Not used to such close physical contact, Gu Shaofan shifted slightly, and Ye Cheng quickly withdrew his arm, muttering to himself as he calculated, “But... you only walk a couple blocks before getting picked up, and I have to cross a bridge to catch my bus…”}It's fine you get by with one-word answers when we talk, but do you really have to write like that too?

_{Gu Shaofan: "Don’t know."}
It was only when his mind was at ease that Ye Cheng remembered his father was still at school. Feeling restless, he darted to the teacher’s office to secretly take a peek. To his shock, not only was his dad not there, but Miss Sun was nowhere to be seen either.

Gu Shaofan: "Don’t know."

_{Ye Cheng: …}
Did they leave already?

Ye Cheng: …

_{Ye Cheng gave him an ambiguous look but sat down without saying a word. He was slightly surprised that Gu Shaofan hadn’t arrived yet—it was the first time that boy had not been there before him, making him wonder: {Did something happen to him?}}Despite being scared during the robbery yesterday and displaying a timid reaction, Ye Cheng wasn’t intimidated at all by something like a schoolyard fight. The fear of being robbed was completely different. So jumping up, though he was shorter than Tao Lu by a head, and stood his ground. “Fine. You think I'm scared of you?!”

_{With that last word, Ye Cheng broadened his attack from Tao Lu to anyone who shared his opinion. His almond-shaped eyes, large and expressive, narrowed with both arrogance and a hint of cuteness, causing Tao Lu to pause for a moment. “One last thing—Gu Shaofan is {my} friend. So anyone who badmouths him in front of me is insulting me, too! Got it!”}After writing that, Gu Shaofan took the notebook away, not giving Ye Cheng a chance to ask more questions.

_{When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.}
With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”

_{“No, Aunty drove me. My dad came along too,” Ye Cheng replied offhandedly. Then, a sudden thought struck him. Disbelief and shock swirled through him as he asked, “Wait... don’t tell me. Did you drop by my house this morning?”}It was the first time Tao Lu had ever been called out so directly, especially in front of the entire class. His face darkened with anger as he shot to his feet. “Yeah, so what if I badmouth him? I’ll badmouth you too—what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, let’s settle it with a fight!”

_{Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”}After writing that, Gu Shaofan took the notebook away, not giving Ye Cheng a chance to ask more questions.

_{{Did they leave already?}}Gu Shaofan calmly unpacked his school bag. “Yeah, had some stuff to deal with.”

Did they leave already?

_{It's fine you get by with one-word answers when we talk, but do you really have to write like that too?}
Gu Shaofan looked at him without saying anything, both remaining silent.

It's fine you get by with one-word answers when we talk, but do you really have to write like that too?

_{Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”}It was only when his mind was at ease that Ye Cheng remembered his father was still at school. Feeling restless, he darted to the teacher’s office to secretly take a peek. To his shock, not only was his dad not there, but Miss Sun was nowhere to be seen either.

Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”

Did they leave already?

_{So, the next day, Ye Chenghui took half a day off and accompanied Ye Cheng to school. Since his driving license was still in the works, Zhou Ni dropped them off at the primary school before heading to her own company.}
Ye Cheng couldn’t stand the silence when Gu Shaofan just stared at him like that. It made him feel oddly pressured, like he had to say or do something, so with a raised brow, he finally asked, “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

_{With that last word, Ye Cheng broadened his attack from Tao Lu to anyone who shared his opinion. His almond-shaped eyes, large and expressive, narrowed with both arrogance and a hint of cuteness, causing Tao Lu to pause for a moment. “One last thing—Gu Shaofan is {my} friend. So anyone who badmouths him in front of me is insulting me, too! Got it!”}Ye Cheng chuckled and moved his desk back with his foot, his thoughts already drifting away from Tao Lu. After sitting down, he shifted his chair and said to Gu Shaofan, “You’re late today. Morning revisions have already started.”

_{Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”}
“Go home together?” Ye Cheng looked at him as if wondering why this needed to be asked before flinging his arm around Gu Shaofan’s shoulder. “Of course! If you want to, let’s go home together.”

_{The moment Ye Cheng entered, all eyes were on him. Tao Lu stared in shock at the bandage wrapped around Ye Cheng’s hand. To him, those injuries were as serious as they could come. As Ye Cheng approached, Tao Lu cried out, “Ye Cheng, what the heck happened to you?!”}
Not used to such close physical contact, Gu Shaofan shifted slightly, and Ye Cheng quickly withdrew his arm, muttering to himself as he calculated, “But... you only walk a couple blocks before getting picked up, and I have to cross a bridge to catch my bus…”

_{Even without looking, Tao Lu could feel the entire class’s attention on them. Being scolded like a child in front of everyone made him flush with embarrassment. “Ye Cheng, don’t act all high and mighty! If I didn’t care about you, why would I bother worrying that you’re getting mixed up with the son of a gangster? You’ll end up ruined and not even know it!”}“You…” Ye Cheng gave him a sidelong glance, his gaze sweeping over Gu Shaofan’s expressionless face. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled both sides of Gu Shaofan’s cheeks, stretching them out. “I’m telling you, stop being so serious all the time.”

_{“Go home together?” Ye Cheng looked at him as if wondering why this needed to be asked before flinging his arm around Gu Shaofan’s shoulder. “Of course! If you want to, let’s go home together.”}When class ended, Ye Cheng continued pestering Gu Shaofan about the issue, and eventually, Gu Shaofan promised to ask the driver, as it wasn’t his money that had been paid. Only then did Ye Cheng drop the matter.

_{With no clue where the adults had gone, Ye Cheng returned to the classroom, full of questions. As soon as he sat down, he told Gu Shaofan what had happened. Gu Shaofan, however, seemed to understand perfectly. “Is it about yesterday?”}“Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong, though,” Ye Cheng sighed.

_{Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”}
Gu Shaofan didn’t offer any further explanation. It wasn’t until after school, when they walked to the car that had come to pick up Gu Shaofan, that Ye Cheng realised what he had meant by “go home together”—it was getting a lift all the way home.

Ye Cheng was momentarily confused. “Beaten up? By who?”

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Childhood Chronicles: C07

07: Friend

Author's Note:

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