Wan Qiu unconsciously scrolled through her phone, her mind replaying the scenes of her time with others during the day.

Suddenly, that strange word came to mind.

When Wanqiu typed 'txl' in Pinyin, the three characters for homosexuality immediately appeared.

After understanding the interpretation, the word 'BL' came to Wan Qiu's mind.

It was a word that Wang Yue would say intentionally or unintentionally, but she had never discussed it with Wan Qiu.

They are attracted to people of the same gender, and develop feelings of love and desire.

Wan Qiu blinked. So, people of the same gender can fall in love too?

Wan Qiu looked at the message and learned that same-sex relationships are not accepted by the public.

That's why they're unwilling to bring up this topic during the day.

Wan Qiu thought about it carefully; he had never actually met a homosexual.

"What are you doing?" Chu Yigui's voice suddenly reached Wan Qiu's ears, and the bed next to him was dented by the weight of the weight.

“I’m looking at information about homosexuality,” Wan Qiu said.

"Why did you suddenly want to watch this?" Chu Yigui asked.

Wan Qiu didn't think much of it and simply replied, "Because they mentioned it during the day."

"After watching it... what was your feeling?" Chu Yigui's voice was very calm.

"Do you want to feel anything?" Wan Qiu asked curiously.

"Don't you find it annoying?" Chu Yigui asked.

Wan Qiu, on the other hand, didn't understand: "Why would you dislike it?"

"……nothing."

This time, Chu Yigui didn't look at Wan Qiu; instead, she gazed out the window.

Despite the pitch-black night, the lights outside revealed snow in various shades against a backdrop of vibrant colors.

The windowpane reflected Wan Qiu, who was lying on the bed, and Chu Yigui, who was sitting next to Wan Qiu.

The soft tapping sound of Wan Qiu operating his phone could be heard nearby.

Thump—thump—thump thump thump—

All of this is as natural as it gets.

Just as Wan Qiu naturally responded to his topic.

Chu Yigui could not see his reflection in the window, just as he could not judge his own emotions.

Unfamiliar.

But I wasn't worried.

I'm not sad.

——

The next day, as Wan Qiu was leaving to meet up with the others, he glanced back at Chu Yigui.

He hesitated, then stopped speaking, and in the end said nothing.

But Chu Yigui noticed and asked, "What were you planning to say to me just now?"

“…Hmm,” Wan Qiu said.

"Then why did you stop talking?" Chu Yigui asked.

Wan Qiu stopped and turned around.

“I was just about to say that if Yi Gui doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have to go, but then I remembered what you said yesterday: you were actually quite happy.”

Chu Yigui looked at Wan Qiu, who, as always, seemed oblivious to what he had said.

His honesty and explanations were both appreciated by Chu Yigui.

Yes, I'm very happy.

Even now, Chu Yigui is already very happy.

"Although they don't like Yi Gui, they don't hate him either."

Wan Qiu grasped Chu Yigui's hand, which was still warm in the winter, transferring warmth from his palm to every part of his body.

"Yi Gui is still excellent, it has nothing to do with them."

Chu Yigui watched as Wan Qiu got back into the elevator.

Watching Wanqiu eat breakfast with the others.

Wanqiu would also take the initiative to express her love for food, although she couldn't articulate it as eloquently as others.

However, Wanqiu would always eat any food recommended by others and express his liking for it.

No one dislikes having their recommendations liked.

Today's Wanqiu...

He seemed to have let go of his reservations from yesterday and was trying to blend in and enjoy the pleasures he deserved.

Chu Yigui put the coat back on Wan Qiu and carefully straightened every possible drafty spot.

Song Wenqiu jokingly remarked that Chu Yigui was as meticulous as a nanny.

Chu Yigui remained noncommittal.

Chu Yigui was looking at Wan Qiu, while Wan Qiu was looking at the others.

Chu Yigui was very familiar with Wan Qiu's gaze.

It involves observing, examining, and judging what one can do.

This seems to be a unique ability that has been imprinted on Wanqiu's personality.

Chu Yigui followed Wan Qiu at a distance, while Song Wenqiu did not follow.

Chu Yigui had no idea what Wan Qiu was planning to do.

Wan Qiu turned his head to look at the clean snowfield to the side, which was not part of the ski resort area.

Wanqiu bent down and made a snowball.

Chu Yigui clearly saw the hesitation in Wan Qiu's eyes.

To Chu Yigui's surprise, Wan Qiu threw the snowball at another boy in front of her.

The loosely shaped snowball immediately shattered on the boy's back, breaking into pieces and falling to the ground, leaving a small clump of snow on his clothes.

The boy stopped and turned around in surprise.

It was obvious to the naked eye that Wan Qiu was nervous.

This was a harmless little joke.

It was Wanqiu who was sending a signal that she was trying to play and make friends.

The boy revealed a mocking expression, his lips curled up, and his eyes were full of provocation. He bent down and began to knead the snowball.

Wan Qiu took two steps back, then suddenly started running, only to be hit by a snowball at the same time.

A snowball fight, which actually took place at the ski resort, suddenly broke out, starting with Wanqiu.

Chu Yigui stood aside, watching the others who were initially not very interested but started to liven up the atmosphere because of being accidentally injured.

Chu Yigui still remembers that Wanqiu used to only help others make snowballs during snowball fights, but now he takes the initiative to throw them away.

He would run, jump, and laugh, though he was still shy.

Perhaps the others joined Wanqiu in making a scene out of personal favor, or perhaps they were trying to curry favor with Wanqiu.

However, they are all young students, and at such an energetic age, they are always prone to getting involved in all sorts of fun activities.

From initially trying to please, to actually getting caught up in the fun.

The atmosphere gradually became more harmonious.

Wanqiu learns from others how to ski better.

After returning to the hotel together, they went to soak in the public hot spring.

Wanqiu also followed the crowd, wearing simple clothes and going to the ball room with others to learn some new sports.

Wan Qiu really invited the girls accompanying him to dance a ballroom dance.

Wanqiu was trying to enjoy the fun of playing around together.

Chu Yigui was watching.

Yet he always managed to attract Wan Qiu's attention.

Wanqiu improved his skiing skills and asked Chu Yigui for praise.

Wan Qiuhui held Chu Yigui's hand and had him teach her how to hold the racket.

Wan Qiu held onto Chu Yigui's sleeve, worried that her faint scars would be exposed while soaking in the hot springs and wouldn't look good.

Wan Qiu even looked away.

She would always look back at him.

"You two seem to have a really good relationship?" While Wan Qiu was playing cards with the others, one of the girls approached Chu Yigui.

"It's the young master's preference," Chu Yigui replied coldly, yet respectfully.

"Are you... planning to become his assistant in the future?" the other person asked hesitantly.

That's right.

Don't you feel resentful?

Chu Yigui looked at the girl with genuine curiosity, not mockery.

"No." Chu Yigui had no intention of explaining.

The girl was curious and glanced at Chu Yigui several times.

However, Chu Yigui remained somewhat indifferent, and the girl left his side.

Wanqiu's dependence on Chu Yigui is obvious to all.

But even if they were very curious, no one would bother to find out the truth.

Because Wanqiu's surname is Chu, he is a member of the Chu family.

——

Wan Qiu felt that this social interaction was quite successful.

For many days after returning home, Wanqiu felt that he had had a lot of fun.

Chu Jianshu inquired about the details of Wan Qiu's trip. Although Song Wenqiu was watching over him, he still wanted to ask if Wan Qiu was unhappy.

Wan Qiu shook his head.

Chu Jianshu stood up from his swivel chair and patted his hair: "If any of them bully you, come and tell your father."

Wan Qiu didn't think he would be bullied.

Although he didn't have a clear concept of money, Wanqiu believed what his elder brother said.

"If you still want to hold it..." Chu Jianshu's words had barely finished when he sensed something, "...you don't want to go anymore?"

"Mmm." Wan Qiu nodded obediently.

"Didn't you find it interesting?" Chu Jianshu frowned, guessing that Wan Qiu might have been wronged.

“I want all my friends to be happy, but I can’t,” Wan Qiu said.

Chu Jianshu wanted to tell Wan Qiu that he didn't need to care about other people's opinions.

But Wanqiu is Wanqiu.

"I'm not capable enough; it's already quite difficult for me to take care of my current friends."

Wan Qiu knew that he might not be able to be as successful as others in navigating social situations.

I can't be like my eldest brother who thinks everyone is a friend, nor can I be like my second brother who can clearly distinguish how to make friends.

Wanqiu only hopes that the people around her can be happy.

"It's good as it is now." Wan Qiu felt that all he wanted to do now was take good care of his friends.

Wanqiu felt that the person he needed to take care of the most was Yigui.

Chu Jianshu sighed and nodded: "Wanqiu, many people may only have one or two friends in their lives. They help each other and confide in each other. The number is small, but the friendship is very profound."

Chu Jianshu gently ruffled Wan Qiu's hair.

"It's better to have quality friends than quantity. Those who truly become your friends won't become distant just because you don't interact with them much."

Wan Qiu nodded.

If it were Chu Jianshu, Wan Qiu would definitely agree.

Since that day, Wanqiu has never attended another invitation or gathering.

Chu Zhang and Yang Ze both said that it was not necessary to go.

He prefers to spend time with his closer friends.

This is a matter of closeness or distance.

He also learned that making friends cannot be forced.

Maintaining good relationships with your current friends is very important.

——

One day, Wan Qiu went to see Chu Jianshu and said he hoped to change his tutor.

Chu Jianshu looked slightly surprised: "What's wrong? Is Yi Gui's teaching not good?"

“Yi Gui will be taking the college entrance exam soon, and he’s always teaching me, which reduces his study time,” Wan Qiu said.

Chu Jianshu knew that with Chu Yigui's abilities, there shouldn't be any problems with his high school courses; so far, all of his grades were excellent.

However, it does require more time to consolidate, just in case.

“There’s no need to find any other tutors. Aren’t we still taking dance classes?” Chu Jianshu said.

"But you need to study." Wan Qiu was already quite used to tutoring.

Since returning to the Chu family, he has spent most of his time catching up on his studies.

Wanqiu didn't dislike studying, and therefore never complained about the hardship of studying.

Chu Jianshu was certainly aware of this as well.

This child, who once lacked and longed for education, has a serious attitude towards learning.

"Just make sure you grasp the content of the current class. If there's anything you really don't understand, you can ask Yi Gui again," Chu Jianshu said to Wan Qiu.

“But wouldn’t that just disturb Yi Gui’s studies again?” Wan Qiu asked.

"No, this is also part of reinforcing your learning."

Chu Jianshu's words had a hint of coaxing, even though he himself didn't realize it.

“Studying is important at your age, but it’s also important to do things you want to do. Learning to play appropriately is also a way to relieve stress.”

Wan Qiu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

"Go find something you like to do."

Chu Jianshu reached out and touched Wan Qiu's hair.

I don't know when he started to like these little gestures.

Before leaving, Wan Qiu asked Chu Jianshu, "Can I tell Yi Gui myself?"

"good."

Watching Wan Qiu leave, Chu Jianshu unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

While what he said was true, it did sound rather grandiose.

Before going abroad, Yang Xiaoyu had talked to him about similar issues, including Chu Yigui's unknown fears and pressures.

If other teachers were to appear around Wan Qiu, it would likely only have a negative effect on Chu Yigui.

I originally wanted to talk to Chu Yigui to ease her psychological pressure.

Unexpectedly, Wanqiu said he wanted to speak for himself.

It's like...

The relationship between these two children is so close that it seems no outsiders need to interfere.

Wan Qiu approached Chu Jianshu first because she wanted to confirm whether she could have another tutor.

However, if Chu Jianshu says there's no need to look anymore, then he must have his reasons.

When Wan Qiu found Chu Yigui, Chu Yigui was studying.

He rarely closed the door anymore, but Wanqiu would still knock on it.

"Come in." Chu Yigui's voice came from the bedroom.

Chu Yigui was sitting at his desk, working on college entrance exam practice questions, and he happened to be facing a bright window.

Outside the clean window, a light snow was falling, fine and dense, and the sky was a blanket of white.

Wan Qiu moved closer to Chu Yigui to look at Chu Yigui's homework.

I've always thought that beautiful fonts constantly leap off the page, even the numbers are beautiful.

Wan Qiu always felt that every word Chu Yigui wrote looked the same, as if they were printed.

Wan Qiu saw Chu Yigui stop writing after Chu Yigui finished a math problem.

He looked at himself.

Wan Qiu's heart skipped a beat, knowing that Chu Yigui must know that he had something to say.

I don’t know why, but Wanqiu felt that this might be a good thing.

Yet, I felt a strange palpitation.

"Yi Gui, starting today, I won't be attending tutoring classes anymore, okay?"

Wan Qiu's gaze towards Chu Yigui remained calm, though it carried a hint of inquiry.

"You're about to take the college entrance exam, so you need to focus more on your studies."

“If it’s just my current target university, my current grades are more than enough,” Chu Yigui said.

"But can Yi Gui achieve even better results?"

"Results are just numbers; they don't really mean anything."

Wan Qiu was stunned.

If grades are just numbers, then why is Chu Yigui so fixated on meaningless numbers?

The large glass window that had let in the snowy light seemed to have disappeared. Fine snowflakes drifted through the broken window and into the room, landing somewhere but not melting.

Wan Qiu understood very well.

Chu Yigui was unhappy.

Chu Yigui's expression remained calm, but Wan Qiu could almost feel the snowflakes falling, seeping through his clothes and landing on his skin, bringing a barely perceptible chill.

Wan Qiu thought carefully for a moment, then said seriously, "Yi Gui, do you remember what happened when you took the high school entrance exam?"

"At that time, Yi Gui was not only praised by the middle school principal, but also wanted to attend many other high schools. Yi Gui even gave an interview."

Wan Qiu still remembers the glory that Chu Yigui received back then.

"There is a photo of Yi Gui on the bulletin board at the school gate. Everyone is happy for Yi Gui."

Wan Qiu quietly raised her eyes.

"I'm actually very happy too."

Wan Qiu was among those celebrating and offering blessings to Chu Yigui.

At that time, however, he did not express anything in particular.

Chu Yigui knew better than anyone how hard he had been studying and consolidating his knowledge.

That's what Chu Yigui deserves.

“Those honors are all deserved by Yi Gui, not only in the middle school entrance exam, but also in the college entrance exam. Yi Gui should be dazzling and handsome.”

As Wan Qiu finished speaking...

In the dim light, the fine snowflakes seemed to melt and evaporate with the temperature, along with the icy moisture, disappearing without a trace.

"Is that so?" Chu Yigui asked.

Wan Qiu replied, "I don't really want to talk about it."

"Why?"

"Because when Yi Gui studies very hard, she doesn't seem to be very happy. Just now, Yi Gui said that grades are just meaningless numbers. Does that mean that Yi Gui doesn't actually feel happy about good grades?"

Wan Qiu heard Chu Yigui's soft sigh.

Wan Qiu quietly raised her eyes to observe Chu Yigui's expression.

All around was quiet, and Wanqiu still hadn't received Chu Yigui's reply.

The surroundings were quiet, and Wan Qiu could almost hear his own heartbeat gradually quickening due to nervousness.

"When you're studying, you're mostly focused, so you can't really show whether you're happy or unhappy."

Wanqiu blinked.

Chu Yigui's voice contained neither reluctance nor displeasure.

"Good grades are the reward I deserve for my hard work." Chu Yigui's hands were still on the table. "But it's true... good grades bring a good mood."

Wan Qiu slightly curled the corners of her lips.

The small curve is hardly noticeable.

This smile was for Chu Yigui.

"Yi Gui, study hard. This time, I'll go to the orphanage to see the children for you."

"Can't I even go in this little bit of time?" Chu Yigui tilted her head curiously.

Wan Qiu choked up: "No, that's not what I meant."

"Can I go?"

This was not a joke; Chu Yigui was genuinely asking Wanqiu's opinion.

After thinking for a moment, Wan Qiu patted Chu Yigui's leg.

"You can go, but remember to balance work and rest!"

Chu Yigui revealed a slight smile.

When Wanqiu looks at it, she will suddenly remember her own face in the mirror.

He felt that Chu Yigui and he had a slightly similar smile.

——

Unlike previous winter vacations, Wanqiu had more time to herself.

Aside from going to the dance studio twice a week and doing her daily winter vacation homework, Wanqiu had nothing else to do.

Wan Qiu didn't plan to go out and play with other friends. He was determined to share the joys and sorrows with Chu Yigui and not let Chu Yigui be studying hard while he was running around playing.

Wanqiu, however, didn't know what to do either.

It's too cold to ride the tricycle around anymore.

After it snows, Wanqiu would go out with the housekeeper and servants to shovel the snow and then pile it into beautiful shapes.

Wanqiu watches cartoons and Chu Zhang's TV dramas.

Wan Qiu was also trying to play mobile games, even though he was still terrible at them.

As always, Wang Yue shared good novels with Wan Qiu, while Wan Qiu inquired about BL (Boys' Love) novels.

Wang Yue seemed somewhat wary and unwilling to recommend Wan Qiu.

Wanqiu was just asking; he didn't necessarily want to see it.

But Wang Yue seemed somewhat relentless.

Wang Yue: Why did you suddenly decide to read BL novels?

Wanqiu: Because you often recommend it to others, but you never recommend it to me.

Wang Yue: You're jealous about this too?

Wanqiu: What's with the jealousy?

Wang Yue: Because I won't push it for you, you don't actually like me, do you?

Wanqiu: I like it.

Wang Yue: Damn it...

Wang Yue: You son of a bitch...

Wang Yue: I give up.

Wang Yue: Can you just say things like that so casually? It's easy for people to misunderstand, okay?

Wan Qiu choked up, looking at the series of messages, feeling very confused.

Wanqiu: Can't I say I like it?

Wang Yue: No, no, it's not my problem, it's my thinking that's the problem.

Wan Qiu was somewhat puzzled.

Wan Qiu: Why is it related to liking someone?

Wang Yue: Because you always want me to share things with you. Isn't it natural to like sharing with people you like?

Wanqiu: So you like me too?

Wang Yue: I like it.

Wanqiu: That's great.

Wang Yue: ...

Wang Yue: I give up, I can't beat you.

Wang Yue: What I'm sharing with you is sharing our interests and hobbies, not sharing everything with you. It's different. That kind of liking means sharing everything, big or small, with others.

Wanqiu: Are you in a romantic relationship?

Wang Yue: Yes.

Wanqiu: But I want to share everything with Yigui.

Wang Yue: Stop being so gay in front of me all the time, okay? It's killing me! I can't just be wasting my time and end up with nothing!

Wan Qiu was completely puzzled.

The other party retracted a message, stating: "Sent to the wrong person."

Wan Qiu: "..."

Wang Yue: Don't confuse friendship with love. Just think about it, would you be willing to date Chu Yigui?

Wan Qiu hesitated for a long time.

Wan Qiu: I've never been in a relationship, so I don't know what it's like.

Wang Yue: Goodness, you didn't just deny it outright.

Wang Yue: Then let's try a different method of identification.

Wang Yue: Would you be willing to let Chu Yigui kiss you?

Wan Qiu was stunned.

like……

Wanqiu: I have relatives.

Wang Yue: !!! Kiss?!

Wanqiu: No.

Wang Yue: ……………………I mean mouth, kiss, kissing, oh my god, I really want to kick your ass while wearing my grandpa's 1982 sandals.

Wang Yue: Go talk to someone else, okay? Don't bother me while I'm reading my novel.

Wang Yue: If you're really bored, why don't you read the novel I recommend and then write me a thousand-word review?

Wan Qiu secretly put down his phone; he didn't want to write a thousand-word book review.

Although he enjoys learning, his reflections on reading are quite different.

His reading comprehension has never been very good; he struggles to write even a short essay. Wanqiu is a little resistant to reading a long novel and then writing a book report.

Wan Qiu lay on the bed, thinking about what Wang Yue had just said, for some reason.

If someone is willing to kiss, does that mean they are willing to be in a relationship?

He kissed Yi Gui...

kiss.

Wan Qiu suddenly picked up his phone again and sent a message to Chu Zhang.

Wanqiu: Brother, you kissed the female lead in the TV series. Are you two dating?