Childhood Chronicles: C08

08: Pregnant

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

_{After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”}
Ye Cheng wasn't very mature for his age, but he knew enough that this nature of his would be troublesome for others. But as soon as he firmly declined, Gu Shaofan just stared at him silently with a fixed gaze. And despite Gu Shaofan’s face displaying no expression, somehow, Ye Cheng felt as if he had wronged the boy before him. So as a result, not only did he feel awkward about both getting in the car, but he was also unable to leave.

After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

_{Knowing this wasn’t a strong objection, just a reflexive question, Zhou Ni responded softly, “Yes, this house is fine. But with the baby on the way, it might be a bit small.”}“Are... you mad?”

Knowing this wasn’t a strong objection, just a reflexive question, Zhou Ni responded softly, “Yes, this house is fine. But with the baby on the way, it might be a bit small.”

_{Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”}Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected. But even though Ye Cheng feared loneliness, it wasn’t that big of a deal for him as well. After all, he still wasn't lonely even with this kind of treatment, as he had Gu Shaofan by his side.

Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”

_{“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”}What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.

“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

_{The dimple that always fascinated him was right beneath his fingertips. The soft, smooth skin felt as delicate as flower petals that could be easily damaged with too harsh of a touch.}
In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”

The dimple that always fascinated him was right beneath his fingertips. The soft, smooth skin felt as delicate as flower petals that could be easily damaged with too harsh of a touch.

_{Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”}“At the Wangdu Garden,” Zhou Ni replied.

Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.}This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness. Although his bandages were removed the day after, his hands still needed daily application of some greasy medicine that made them look rather severe. Because of this, he was excused from the exercise session during their break and spent that time enjoying the desserts that Gu Shaofan brought him instead. As for his once beloved bike, which remained in the parking lot at home. Neither Ye Chenghui nor Zhou Ni cared about it just staying there. So, since Gu Shaofan gave him a ride to school every day, Ye Cheng had completely forgotten about his flashy bicycle, too.

At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

_{“Hey, Gu Shaofan,” Ye Cheng eventually mumbled, trying to organise his thoughts. Leaning slightly towards Gu Shaofan, his tone turned serious as he continued, “I think it's something you can learn, you know. Like, you see, now that you’ve got me, you can learn stuff like, um... you, to me, not having to be so um...”}
Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.

“Hey, Gu Shaofan,” Ye Cheng eventually mumbled, trying to organise his thoughts. Leaning slightly towards Gu Shaofan, his tone turned serious as he continued, “I think it's something you can learn, you know. Like, you see, now that you’ve got me, you can learn stuff like, um... you, to me, not having to be so um...”

_{Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.}
It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.

Ye Cheng wasn't very mature for his age, but he knew enough that this nature of his would be troublesome for others. But as soon as he firmly declined, Gu Shaofan just stared at him silently with a fixed gaze. And despite Gu Shaofan’s face displaying no expression, somehow, Ye Cheng felt as if he had wronged the boy before him. So as a result, not only did he feel awkward about both getting in the car, but he was also unable to leave.

Seeing his dilemma, Zhou Ni chuckled, and even Ye Chenghui, sitting nearby, showed a rare relaxed smile. Encouraged by their reactions, Ye Cheng became even more conflicted, as if his answer would dictate the sex of Zhou Ni's child.

_{One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”}After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

Momentarily stunned by the unexpected smile, Ye Cheng wrinkled his brows as whined and said, “See, this is why I told you not to keep that super serious look on your face. You look way much better like this.”

_{Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.}At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.

_{Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.}Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”

_◈◇◈Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected. But even though Ye Cheng feared loneliness, it wasn’t that big of a deal for him as well. After all, he still wasn't lonely even with this kind of treatment, as he had Gu Shaofan by his side.

◈◇◈

_{Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”}
Ye Cheng was caught off guard and looked at Gu Shaofan suspiciously, sizing him up. He could tell that Gu Shaofan was always cautious around him, so much so that he even worried about making him angry just by offering to drive him home. Thinking back to how he had initially thought Gu Shaofan was so cold and indifferent, the contrast made Ye Cheng want to suspire.

Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

_{Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.}Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.}◈◇◈

At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

_{Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.}“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property. Though the price of over ten thousand yuan per square metre wasn’t cheap for A-City, it wasn’t particularly expensive either. And it was clear that the property would appreciate in value. If not for her client’s recommendation, she might not have even had the chance to get a spot. “After all, the baby will need their own space. Plus, the property is sure to increase in value. It’s a multi-level apartment, and considering the current price, it’s a good deal.”

_{In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”}
Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.

In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”

_N/AZhou Ni, hearing this compromise, simply replied with a soft “alright” and said no more.

N/A

_{Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”}Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out. The Ye family’s current house was in a decent area, but it was not very large. It was a two-bedroom, one-living-room place. The couple shared one room, and Ye Cheng had his own. Hearing Zhou Ni’s reasoning, Ye Chenghui realised she was serious about this, so he turned his attention away from the news. “Where is it, then?”

_{Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.}“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

_{This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness.}
After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness. Although his bandages were removed the day after, his hands still needed daily application of some greasy medicine that made them look rather severe. Because of this, he was excused from the exercise session during their break and spent that time enjoying the desserts that Gu Shaofan brought him instead. As for his once beloved bike, which remained in the parking lot at home. Neither Ye Chenghui nor Zhou Ni cared about it just staying there. So, since Gu Shaofan gave him a ride to school every day, Ye Cheng had completely forgotten about his flashy bicycle, too.

_{08: Pregnant}Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

08: Pregnant

_{It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”}One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

_{Zhou Ni, hearing this compromise, simply replied with a soft “alright” and said no more.}
It was a question that left Gu Shaofan frozen in thought, his gaze shifting away from Ye Cheng’s face, uncomfortable under the other boy's intense stare. With downcast eyes, he then gave a response that wasn’t much of an answer: “I’ve... I've never had a friend before.”

Zhou Ni, hearing this compromise, simply replied with a soft “alright” and said no more.

_{It was a question that left Gu Shaofan frozen in thought, his gaze shifting away from Ye Cheng’s face, uncomfortable under the other boy's intense stare. With downcast eyes, he then gave a response that wasn’t much of an answer: “I’ve... I've never had a friend before.”}
That much was evident.

It was a question that left Gu Shaofan frozen in thought, his gaze shifting away from Ye Cheng’s face, uncomfortable under the other boy's intense stare. With downcast eyes, he then gave a response that wasn’t much of an answer: “I’ve... I've never had a friend before.”

_{Seeing his dilemma, Zhou Ni chuckled, and even Ye Chenghui, sitting nearby, showed a rare relaxed smile. Encouraged by their reactions, Ye Cheng became even more conflicted, as if his answer would dictate the sex of Zhou Ni's child.}
But even though Ye Cheng was better at grasping emotions, with the limits of experiences so far, he could never truly imagine the kind of lonely existence Gu Shaofan must have led until then. He did his best to think of a way of explaining friendship to Gu Shaofan, but no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with a feasible thought. After all, his own friendships had been about playing around and having fun—nothing but children gathering without any deeper thoughts. No one he had met had ever been like Gu Shaofan, who seemed to be missing the basics when it came to socialisation.

_{Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected.}In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”

Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected. But even though Ye Cheng feared loneliness, it wasn’t that big of a deal for him as well. After all, he still wasn't lonely even with this kind of treatment, as he had Gu Shaofan by his side.

_{Ye Cheng wasn't very mature for his age, but he knew enough that this nature of his would be troublesome for others. But as soon as he firmly declined, Gu Shaofan just stared at him silently with a fixed gaze.}
Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

Unable to hold back her laughter, Zhou Ni caressed her belly. Although it still looked the same as usual on the outside, and she couldn’t yet feel the life growing inside, she was slowly embracing the role of a mother. Gently teasing Ye Cheng, she asked, “What if it’s a brother? Won’t Chengcheng like him?”

_{One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”}“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

_{Ye Cheng was caught off guard by this unexpectedly gentle gesture. What was this? It wasn’t pinching—it.}
“Hey, Gu Shaofan,” Ye Cheng eventually mumbled, trying to organise his thoughts. Leaning slightly towards Gu Shaofan, his tone turned serious as he continued, “I think it's something you can learn, you know. Like, you see, now that you’ve got me, you can learn stuff like, um... you, to me, not having to be so um...”

Ye Cheng was caught off guard by this unexpectedly gentle gesture. What was this? It wasn’t pinching—it... it was more like a caress! Feeling shy for some reason, he turned his head slightly to avoid Gu Shaofan’s touch. “Um, so... that’s what I mean. From now on, let’s be more casual with each other, yeah? Friends should look out for one another, too! So, today, you’re giving me a ride home, and next time, I’ll take you home in return.”

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}
After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.

_{What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.}
He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.

What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.

_{Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected.}
Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

_{Momentarily stunned by the unexpected smile, Ye Cheng wrinkled his brows as whined and said, “See, this is why I told you not to keep that super serious look on your face. You look way much better like this.”}After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

_{Unable to hold back her laughter, Zhou Ni caressed her belly. Although it still looked the same as usual on the outside, and she couldn’t yet feel the life growing inside, she was slowly embracing the role of a mother. Gently teasing Ye Cheng, she asked, “What if it’s a brother? Won’t Chengcheng like him?”}
The dimple that always fascinated him was right beneath his fingertips. The soft, smooth skin felt as delicate as flower petals that could be easily damaged with too harsh of a touch.

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.}
For some reason, Gu Shaofan suddenly remembered a time when his mother made him help tend the flowers in her sunroom. She had warned him that the plants were fragile and kept reminding him to be careful. So, as his fingers lightly pressed against Ye Cheng’s cheek, he couldn’t help but think of flower petals basking in the sunlight.

At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

_{One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”}This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy. Even his typically unsentimental nature softened at the news, and he showed all the care he could muster for Zhou Ni. Ye Cheng was now old enough to understand what “pregnant” meant, and he would often stare at Zhou Ni’s still-flat stomach, knowing a baby was growing inside. It was still a rather magical thing to him, though. He knew a baby was growing in her tummy, but he was still very confused about how the baby got inside.

One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.

_{Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”}Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”

_{Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.}
Ye Cheng was caught off guard by this unexpectedly gentle gesture. What was this? It wasn’t pinching—it... it was more like a caress! Feeling shy for some reason, he turned his head slightly to avoid Gu Shaofan’s touch. “Um, so... that’s what I mean. From now on, let’s be more casual with each other, yeah? Friends should look out for one another, too! So, today, you’re giving me a ride home, and next time, I’ll take you home in return.”

Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

_{Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.}Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

Ye Cheng was caught off guard and looked at Gu Shaofan suspiciously, sizing him up. He could tell that Gu Shaofan was always cautious around him, so much so that he even worried about making him angry just by offering to drive him home. Thinking back to how he had initially thought Gu Shaofan was so cold and indifferent, the contrast made Ye Cheng want to suspire.

_{After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”}Seeing his dilemma, Zhou Ni chuckled, and even Ye Chenghui, sitting nearby, showed a rare relaxed smile. Encouraged by their reactions, Ye Cheng became even more conflicted, as if his answer would dictate the sex of Zhou Ni's child.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

_{Up front, the driver, who had been quietly listening to their conversation like it was background radio, couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, Ah, the joys of youth.}
Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

Up front, the driver, who had been quietly listening to their conversation like it was background radio, couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, Ah, the joys of youth.

_{But even though Ye Cheng was better at grasping emotions, with the limits of experiences so far, he could never truly imagine the kind of lonely existence Gu Shaofan must have led until then. He did his best to think of a way of explaining friendship to Gu Shaofan, but no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with a feasible thought.}Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

But even though Ye Cheng was better at grasping emotions, with the limits of experiences so far, he could never truly imagine the kind of lonely existence Gu Shaofan must have led until then. He did his best to think of a way of explaining friendship to Gu Shaofan, but no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with a feasible thought. After all, his own friendships had been about playing around and having fun—nothing but children gathering without any deeper thoughts. No one he had met had ever been like Gu Shaofan, who seemed to be missing the basics when it came to socialisation.

_{Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.}
At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”

Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.

_{Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.}It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.

_{One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”}
Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”

One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

_{Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”}
Momentarily stunned by the unexpected smile, Ye Cheng wrinkled his brows as whined and said, “See, this is why I told you not to keep that super serious look on your face. You look way much better like this.”

Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”}Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.

At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”

_{Unable to hold back her laughter, Zhou Ni caressed her belly. Although it still looked the same as usual on the outside, and she couldn’t yet feel the life growing inside, she was slowly embracing the role of a mother. Gently teasing Ye Cheng, she asked, “What if it’s a brother? Won’t Chengcheng like him?”}After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.

_{“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property.}
Up front, the driver, who had been quietly listening to their conversation like it was background radio, couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, Ah, the joys of youth.

“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property. Though the price of over ten thousand yuan per square metre wasn’t cheap for A-City, it wasn’t particularly expensive either. And it was clear that the property would appreciate in value. If not for her client’s recommendation, she might not have even had the chance to get a spot. “After all, the baby will need their own space. Plus, the property is sure to increase in value. It’s a multi-level apartment, and considering the current price, it’s a good deal.”

_{Ye Cheng paused, a look of obvious conflict flashing across his face. After a moment, he nodded firmly, “I’d like having a little brother too.” Seeing the reluctant expression on his little face, Zhou Ni smiled and pulled Ye Cheng into a hug. “Oh, Chengcheng, you’re just too cute!”}“Are... you mad?”

Ye Cheng paused, a look of obvious conflict flashing across his face. After a moment, he nodded firmly, “I’d like having a little brother too.” Seeing the reluctant expression on his little face, Zhou Ni smiled and pulled Ye Cheng into a hug. “Oh, Chengcheng, you’re just too cute!”

◈◇◈

_{Knowing this wasn’t a strong objection, just a reflexive question, Zhou Ni responded softly, “Yes, this house is fine. But with the baby on the way, it might be a bit small.”}
After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.

Knowing this wasn’t a strong objection, just a reflexive question, Zhou Ni responded softly, “Yes, this house is fine. But with the baby on the way, it might be a bit small.”

_{“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property.}What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

_◈◇◈
This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness. Although his bandages were removed the day after, his hands still needed daily application of some greasy medicine that made them look rather severe. Because of this, he was excused from the exercise session during their break and spent that time enjoying the desserts that Gu Shaofan brought him instead. As for his once beloved bike, which remained in the parking lot at home. Neither Ye Chenghui nor Zhou Ni cared about it just staying there. So, since Gu Shaofan gave him a ride to school every day, Ye Cheng had completely forgotten about his flashy bicycle, too.

◈◇◈

_{In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”}Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

_{This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness.}Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

_{He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.}Up front, the driver, who had been quietly listening to their conversation like it was background radio, couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, Ah, the joys of youth.

He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.

_{For some reason, Gu Shaofan suddenly remembered a time when his mother made him help tend the flowers in her sunroom. She had warned him that the plants were fragile and kept reminding him to be careful. So, as his fingers lightly pressed against Ye Cheng’s cheek, he couldn’t help but think of flower petals basking in the sunlight.}
Ye Cheng and Gu Shaofan were practically inseparable since the incident, and thanks to Tao Lu’s influence, they were isolated from the rest of their classmates, too. Gu Shaofan had always been alone, so aside from some concern for Ye Cheng, he remained unaffected. But even though Ye Cheng feared loneliness, it wasn’t that big of a deal for him as well. After all, he still wasn't lonely even with this kind of treatment, as he had Gu Shaofan by his side.

For some reason, Gu Shaofan suddenly remembered a time when his mother made him help tend the flowers in her sunroom. She had warned him that the plants were fragile and kept reminding him to be careful. So, as his fingers lightly pressed against Ye Cheng’s cheek, he couldn’t help but think of flower petals basking in the sunlight.

_{Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.}
What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.

Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

_{Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.}Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.

_{After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”}“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property. Though the price of over ten thousand yuan per square metre wasn’t cheap for A-City, it wasn’t particularly expensive either. And it was clear that the property would appreciate in value. If not for her client’s recommendation, she might not have even had the chance to get a spot. “After all, the baby will need their own space. Plus, the property is sure to increase in value. It’s a multi-level apartment, and considering the current price, it’s a good deal.”

After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

_{Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”}
This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy. Even his typically unsentimental nature softened at the news, and he showed all the care he could muster for Zhou Ni. Ye Cheng was now old enough to understand what “pregnant” meant, and he would often stare at Zhou Ni’s still-flat stomach, knowing a baby was growing inside. It was still a rather magical thing to him, though. He knew a baby was growing in her tummy, but he was still very confused about how the baby got inside.

_{Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.}After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

Of course, Ye Cheng didn’t know the word "suspire" yet; he just felt that this kind of situation was something he didn’t like.

_◈◇◈Up front, the driver, who had been quietly listening to their conversation like it was background radio, couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, Ah, the joys of youth.

◈◇◈

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”}
One day, Zhou Ni rubbed her stomach and asked with a smile, “Chengcheng, do you want a baby brother or sister?”

At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”

_{“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”}The dimple that always fascinated him was right beneath his fingertips. The soft, smooth skin felt as delicate as flower petals that could be easily damaged with too harsh of a touch.

“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

_{Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”}
Faced with this question, like most young boys, Ye Cheng's eyes widened, and he fell into deep thought. He thought that if it was a brother, they could rough around together. But if it was a sister, she’d surely be a cutie pie.

Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”

_{Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”}It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

_{After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”}
Seeing his dilemma, Zhou Ni chuckled, and even Ye Chenghui, sitting nearby, showed a rare relaxed smile. Encouraged by their reactions, Ye Cheng became even more conflicted, as if his answer would dictate the sex of Zhou Ni's child.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

_{Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”}But even though Ye Cheng was better at grasping emotions, with the limits of experiences so far, he could never truly imagine the kind of lonely existence Gu Shaofan must have led until then. He did his best to think of a way of explaining friendship to Gu Shaofan, but no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with a feasible thought. After all, his own friendships had been about playing around and having fun—nothing but children gathering without any deeper thoughts. No one he had met had ever been like Gu Shaofan, who seemed to be missing the basics when it came to socialisation.

Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

_{“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property.}After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.

_{“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property.}This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy. Even his typically unsentimental nature softened at the news, and he showed all the care he could muster for Zhou Ni. Ye Cheng was now old enough to understand what “pregnant” meant, and he would often stare at Zhou Ni’s still-flat stomach, knowing a baby was growing inside. It was still a rather magical thing to him, though. He knew a baby was growing in her tummy, but he was still very confused about how the baby got inside.

_{08: Pregnant}
Ignoring him for a moment, Zhou Ni leaned slightly closer to Ye Chenghui, who was watching the news. “Chenghui, a client told me about a new housing development today, and it looks quite good. Want us to take a look?” Ye Chenghui was relaxed as he watched the television, so much so he didn't turn his head to reply, “Isn’t this house good enough, though?”

08: Pregnant

_{“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”}In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”

“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

_{Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”}Gu Shaofan suddenly smiled, and on his still-youthful face, the smile was as refreshing as a breeze over a field of grass—remarkably handsome. “Okay.”

Gu Shaofan rubbed his fingers, still confused by the sensation from a moment ago. Then, upon hearing Ye Cheng’s words, he asked curiously, “Take me home in return?”

_{He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.}
Knowing this wasn’t a strong objection, just a reflexive question, Zhou Ni responded softly, “Yes, this house is fine. But with the baby on the way, it might be a bit small.”

He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.

_{The boy grinned widely, looking like the child he was. “I think a sister would be better.”}
Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out. The Ye family’s current house was in a decent area, but it was not very large. It was a two-bedroom, one-living-room place. The couple shared one room, and Ye Cheng had his own. Hearing Zhou Ni’s reasoning, Ye Chenghui realised she was serious about this, so he turned his attention away from the news. “Where is it, then?”

The boy grinned widely, looking like the child he was. “I think a sister would be better.”

_{This helped solve a moderate safety concern for the students. Of course, Ye Cheng, being the scatterbrain he was, had already forgotten all about the incident and was currently living a life full of happiness.}Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

_N/A
“At the Wangdu Garden,” Zhou Ni replied.

N/A

_{After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”}Unable to hold back her laughter, Zhou Ni caressed her belly. Although it still looked the same as usual on the outside, and she couldn’t yet feel the life growing inside, she was slowly embracing the role of a mother. Gently teasing Ye Cheng, she asked, “What if it’s a brother? Won’t Chengcheng like him?”

After thinking for a moment, Ye Cheng bluntly asked, “Hey, Gu Shaofan. Be honest with me, okay? Do you not know how to be friends with others?”

_{After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”}That much was evident.

After struggling to find the right word, he gave up, smiled, and tugged on Gu Shaofan’s cheek. “Like this. You can do stuff like this to me too.”

_{It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”}
“Wangdu Garden?” Upon hearing the name, Ye Chenghui immediately thought of the suburban villa community and frowned slightly. “That villa complex?”

_{Ye Cheng was caught off guard and looked at Gu Shaofan suspiciously, sizing him up. He could tell that Gu Shaofan was always cautious around him, so much so that he even worried about making him angry just by offering to drive him home. Thinking back to how he had initially thought Gu Shaofan was so cold and indifferent, the contrast made Ye Cheng want to suspire.}
“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property. Though the price of over ten thousand yuan per square metre wasn’t cheap for A-City, it wasn’t particularly expensive either. And it was clear that the property would appreciate in value. If not for her client’s recommendation, she might not have even had the chance to get a spot. “After all, the baby will need their own space. Plus, the property is sure to increase in value. It’s a multi-level apartment, and considering the current price, it’s a good deal.”

_{After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.}
Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.

_{“No, it’s the new residential complex in front of it,” Zhou Ni explained. She had already done her research thoroughly, only needing to visit the property.}It was only then that Gu Shaofan got in from the other side before turning to look at Ye Cheng, who was thanking the driver. Ye Cheng immediately noticed Gu Shaofan’s gaze and, feeling a bit on edge, turned sideways to face him. “What’s wrong?”

_{Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out.}At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out. The Ye family’s current house was in a decent area, but it was not very large. It was a two-bedroom, one-living-room place. The couple shared one room, and Ye Cheng had his own. Hearing Zhou Ni’s reasoning, Ye Chenghui realised she was serious about this, so he turned his attention away from the news. “Where is it, then?”

_{Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out.}
Zhou Ni, hearing this compromise, simply replied with a soft “alright” and said no more.

Startled by the sudden contact, Gu Shaofan hesitated as his fingers touched Ye Cheng’s cheek. It was as if he had touched something so incredibly warm that his fingertips recoiled slightly.

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}Ye Cheng felt frustrated. Gu Shaofan was so good to him, yet he couldn’t even explain something as simple as what it means to be friends.

_{Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”}N/A

Ye Chenghui looked into Zhou Ni’s eyes, thought for a few seconds, and then shifted his gaze to her belly, his frown relaxing a bit. “We’ll think about it.”

_{That much was evident.}
At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

That much was evident.

_{Ye Cheng wasn't very mature for his age, but he knew enough that this nature of his would be troublesome for others. But as soon as he firmly declined, Gu Shaofan just stared at him silently with a fixed gaze.}He just wanted Gu Shaofan to be less formal with him, so he grabbed Gu Shaofan’s hand and put it on his own cheek.

_{In the end, the driver spoke up, explaining, “Little man, your house is at the same place we dropped you off last time, right? It’s not much out of the way, so don't worry. Besides, with your arm and leg like this, getting squeezed and bumped on a bus wouldn’t be good. So come on, get in.”}What's more, all the school drama was overshadowed by another piece of breaking news: Zhou Ni was with child.

_{At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”}Ye Cheng was caught off guard by this unexpectedly gentle gesture. What was this? It wasn’t pinching—it... it was more like a caress! Feeling shy for some reason, he turned his head slightly to avoid Gu Shaofan’s touch. “Um, so... that’s what I mean. From now on, let’s be more casual with each other, yeah? Friends should look out for one another, too! So, today, you’re giving me a ride home, and next time, I’ll take you home in return.”

At that moment, Ye Cheng had forgotten Gu Shaofan had a car, and he relied on the bus, and so he still eagerly nodded, “Of course! Next time I’ll escort you home.”

_{After Ye Chenghui met with Ye Cheng’s homeroom teacher, and even the principal, the school began organising the physical education teachers and security guards to patrol around the school. After this, Ye Chenghui wrote an article for the newspaper on school safety, featuring the affiliated primary school in a positive light.}Ye Cheng was caught off guard and looked at Gu Shaofan suspiciously, sizing him up. He could tell that Gu Shaofan was always cautious around him, so much so that he even worried about making him angry just by offering to drive him home. Thinking back to how he had initially thought Gu Shaofan was so cold and indifferent, the contrast made Ye Cheng want to suspire.

_{This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy.}
Unable to hold back her laughter, Zhou Ni caressed her belly. Although it still looked the same as usual on the outside, and she couldn’t yet feel the life growing inside, she was slowly embracing the role of a mother. Gently teasing Ye Cheng, she asked, “What if it’s a brother? Won’t Chengcheng like him?”

This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy. Even his typically unsentimental nature softened at the news, and he showed all the care he could muster for Zhou Ni. Ye Cheng was now old enough to understand what “pregnant” meant, and he would often stare at Zhou Ni’s still-flat stomach, knowing a baby was growing inside. It was still a rather magical thing to him, though. He knew a baby was growing in her tummy, but he was still very confused about how the baby got inside.

_{Ye Cheng was caught off guard by this unexpectedly gentle gesture. What was this? It wasn’t pinching—it.}Zhou Ni still owned her own apartment, a single-person flat in a prime commercial area. After marrying Ye Chenghui, she rented it out. The Ye family’s current house was in a decent area, but it was not very large. It was a two-bedroom, one-living-room place. The couple shared one room, and Ye Cheng had his own. Hearing Zhou Ni’s reasoning, Ye Chenghui realised she was serious about this, so he turned his attention away from the news. “Where is it, then?”

_{But even though Ye Cheng was better at grasping emotions, with the limits of experiences so far, he could never truly imagine the kind of lonely existence Gu Shaofan must have led until then. He did his best to think of a way of explaining friendship to Gu Shaofan, but no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with a feasible thought.}Ye Cheng paused, a look of obvious conflict flashing across his face. After a moment, he nodded firmly, “I’d like having a little brother too.” Seeing the reluctant expression on his little face, Zhou Ni smiled and pulled Ye Cheng into a hug. “Oh, Chengcheng, you’re just too cute!”

_N/A
Ye Cheng paused, a look of obvious conflict flashing across his face. After a moment, he nodded firmly, “I’d like having a little brother too.” Seeing the reluctant expression on his little face, Zhou Ni smiled and pulled Ye Cheng into a hug. “Oh, Chengcheng, you’re just too cute!”

N/A

_{This was a shock for the newly formed family of less than half a year. Ye Chenghui was of course thrilled, as the natural instinct of a man to pass on his lineage gave him a sense of joy.}At that moment, Ye Cheng finally made up his mind and loudly called out, “Auntie!” Zhou Ni released her husband’s hand and turned to look at Ye Cheng with a loving smile.

_{Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.}Ye Cheng again looked at Gu Shaofan, who was still standing across from him. He hadn’t gotten into the car either. Scratching his head, Ye Cheng hesitated for just a moment longer, but then he gave in and hunched down to get into the car.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Childhood Chronicles: C08

08: Pregnant

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