Chapter 4

Morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains, casting a long, thin patch of light on the floor. Song Mingye was awakened by the soft noises coming from the kitchen. His hangover headache hadn't completely subsided, but the gloom in his heart had mostly faded, replaced by a lightness he had never felt before.

He got up and walked to the bedroom door, where he saw Song Linchuan standing on tiptoe to reach the dishes on the top shelf of the cupboard. His loose cotton pajamas slipped off his shoulders, revealing a small patch of fair skin. The boy was slender, and his tiptoeing was slightly strained, like a kitten trying to reach the fruit on a branch, making him look exceptionally cute and innocent.

"Be careful not to fall." Song Mingye's voice was hoarse from just waking up, but much gentler than usual.

Song Linchuan was startled and almost dropped the bowl in his hand. When he turned around and saw it was him, his cheeks instantly flushed red. He smiled a little embarrassedly and said, "Brother, you're awake? I was just about to make you breakfast."

"Leave it there, I'll do it." Song Mingye walked over and easily took the bowl that he had been holding for a long time. His fingertips accidentally touched the back of Song Mingye's hand, and both of them pulled their hands back as if they had been burned.

A subtle awkwardness filled the air. Song Linchuan lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes. "Then...then I'll go wash up." With that, he rushed into the bathroom as if fleeing.

Watching his flustered retreating figure, Song Mingye couldn't help but smile slightly. Last night's confession had acted like a floodgate, opening up his long-suppressed feelings and creating a completely different atmosphere between them. He walked into the kitchen, looking at the chopped vegetables and beaten eggs on the cutting board, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

When Song Linchuan finished washing up and came out, breakfast was almost ready. Golden-fried eggs, steaming milk, and a few slices of crispy toast—it was exactly what he liked. He sat down at the table, watching Song Mingye place the breakfast items on the table one by one, his fingers nervously gripping the tablecloth.

"Try it." Song Mingye pushed a glass of milk in front of him, looking at him intently.

Song Linchuan picked up a spoon and sipped his milk, but couldn't help glancing at the person opposite him out of the corner of his eye. Song Mingye was wearing a simple white shirt today, with the cuffs rolled up to reveal his smooth forearms. The morning light shone on his face, softening his usually cold and hard features, and revealing a touch of gentleness.

"Brother," Song Linchuan hesitated for a moment before asking, "What you said yesterday... were you serious?"

Song Mingye paused slightly in his chopsticks, looked up at him with unwavering eyes: "Of course I'm serious. A-Chuan, I wouldn't joke about something like this."

Song Linchuan's cheeks flushed even more. He lowered his head and whispered, "But...we're brothers."

“We are not related by blood.” Song Mingye put down his chopsticks and leaned forward slightly. “Achuan, I know this may be a bit sudden for you, but I truly like you. If you can’t accept it right now, I can wait until you’ve thought it through.”

His voice was gentle yet powerful, like a warm current slowly flowing into Song Linchuan's heart. Song Linchuan looked up and met his deep eyes, which were full of sincerity and doting affection, making his heart race, yet also inexplicably making him feel at ease.

"I...I need some time," Song Linchuan said softly, biting his lower lip.

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Song Mingye smiled, a smile like sunshine that dispelled all the gloom and brightened the entire kitchen.

Breakfast ended in a slightly shy yet warm atmosphere. Song Mingye went to work, while Song Linchuan cleaned up the dishes and prepared to go to school. Before leaving, he watched Song Mingye's retreating figure, his heart pounding like a rabbit's.

Actually, he hadn't slept well all night after Song Mingye confessed his feelings. Song Mingye's affectionate gaze and firm words kept replaying in his mind, leaving him feeling both moved and confused. He had always considered Song Mingye his closest person, relying on him and trusting him, but he had never imagined that this feeling would transcend the realm of kinship.

When he arrived at school, Song Linchuan sat in the classroom, but he couldn't concentrate on the teacher's lecture at all. He looked at the sycamore trees outside the window, and his thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the moments he had spent with Song Mingye.

He remembered when Song Mingye first took him home. He had become withdrawn and quiet after his parents' unexpected death, and it was Song Mingye who patiently stayed with him, telling him stories, taking him to the park, and gradually helping him out of his gloom. He remembered when he was sick, Song Mingye stayed by his bedside all night, wiping his sweat, feeding him medicine, his eyes full of worry. He remembered when he failed his exams, Song Mingye didn't blame him, but gently encouraged him and helped him analyze his mistakes…

These memories flashed through his mind like movie clips, every detail filled with Song Mingye's tenderness and care. He suddenly realized that, without realizing it, Song Mingye's place in his heart had long surpassed that of his brother. Perhaps, from a very long time ago, his feelings for Song Mingye had already been mixed with affection, but he himself had never realized it.

During lunch break, Song Linchuan received a message from Song Mingye: "Eat well at school at noon, don't go hungry." He added a smiley face emoji at the end.

Seeing the message, Song Linchuan couldn't help but smile slightly, feeling a warmth in his heart. He replied, "Okay, bro, don't forget to eat too."

After successfully sending the message, he put his phone in his pocket. The confusion in his heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a clear flutter of excitement. He thought, perhaps his feelings for Song Mingye were truly love.

After school in the afternoon, Song Linchuan didn't go straight home as usual, but went to a nearby flower shop. Looking at the colorful flowers in the window, he hesitated for a long time before finally choosing a bouquet of white bellflowers. Bellflowers symbolize eternal and hopeless love, and he felt this bouquet perfectly suited his current mood.

When Song Linchuan got home, Song Mingye wasn't back yet. He put the flowers in a vase in the living room and then went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. He had specially bought pork ribs, which Song Mingye liked, to make him a pot of pork rib soup.

As evening fell, Song Mingye returned home. The moment he entered, he smelled the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, along with a faint floral scent in the living room. He glanced at the vase in the living room, where a bouquet of pure white lisianthus flowers stood out, looking exceptionally fresh under the warm yellow light.

"You're back?" Song Linchuan came out of the kitchen with a sweet smile on his face when he heard the door open.

"You bought flowers?" Song Mingye's gaze fell on the bunch of bellflowers, then he looked at Song Linchuan with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Yeah, I thought they looked pretty, so I bought a bunch," Song Linchuan said, his cheeks slightly flushed, a little embarrassed.

Song Mingye walked into the living room, leaned closer to the vase, and smelled the flowers. The fragrance was fresh and elegant, just to his liking. "It smells wonderful, and it looks beautiful," he said with a smile.

"I'll go cook then, the pork rib soup will be ready soon." After saying that, Song Linchuan turned around and ran into the kitchen.

Watching his retreating figure, Song Mingye glanced at the bouquet of bellflowers, a vague guess forming in his mind. He sat down on the sofa, picked up his phone, and searched for the meaning of bellflowers. When he saw the words "eternal love," his heart skipped a beat, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up in a smile.

At dinner, Song Mingye sipped the fragrant pork rib soup and ate the dishes carefully prepared by Song Linchuan, feeling a warm glow in his heart. He glanced at Song Linchuan from time to time, his eyes full of doting affection. Song Linchuan felt a little embarrassed by his gaze, always keeping his head down, his cheeks flushed.

After finishing their meal, Song Linchuan cleaned up the dishes and went to his study to do his homework. Song Mingye sat in the living room, his joy lingering. He felt that Song Linchuan might also have the same feelings for him, but just didn't have the courage to say it.

He stood up and walked to the study door, where he saw Song Linchuan hunched over his desk, diligently doing his homework. Under the lamplight, his profile was gentle and serene, his long eyelashes casting a small shadow under his eyelids, and the beauty mark at the corner of his right eye shimmering with subtle light.

Song Mingye gently pushed open the door and went inside.

"Brother, how did you get in?" Song Linchuan looked up and said with some surprise when he saw it was him.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to see you doing your homework." Song Mingye walked to his side, looked down, and saw that he was doing his English homework. "Is there anything you don't understand?"

"No, it's all quite simple." Song Linchuan shook his head, a slight smile on his lips.

Song Mingye sat down in the chair next to him, quietly watching him do his homework. The study was quiet, with only the scratching of the pen on the paper. Occasionally, Song Linchuan would look up, meet Song Mingye's gaze, and then quickly look down again, his cheeks flushed.

This quiet and warm atmosphere made Song Mingye feel extremely comfortable. He thought that staying with Song Linchuan like this, watching him grow up, and watching him laugh would be the happiest thing in his life.

After finishing his homework, Song Linchuan packed his schoolbag and prepared to go back to his room to sleep. When he reached the door, he stopped and looked back at Song Mingye, his eyes filled with a mixture of hesitation and determination.

"Brother," Song Linchuan's voice was a little nervous, "I have something I want to tell you."

Song Mingye's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Go ahead."

Song Linchuan took a deep breath, mustered his courage, looked into his eyes, and said, word by word, "Brother, I've thought it through. I like you too. Not the kind of liking a younger brother has for an older brother, but... the kind of liking between lovers."

After saying this, Song Linchuan's cheeks turned as red as a ripe apple, his heart pounded, and he nervously awaited Song Mingye's reaction.

Song Mingye was stunned. He looked at Song Linchuan in disbelief, his eyes filled with surprise and excitement. He thought he would have to wait a long time, but he didn't expect Song Linchuan to give him an answer so quickly.

"Ah Chuan, you...you're serious?" Song Mingye's voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of disbelief.

"Yes, it's true." Song Linchuan nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. "I've thought about it for a long time, and I've realized that I've liked you for a long time, but I just didn't realize it. Brother, I want to be with you."

Upon hearing this, Song Mingye could no longer contain his excitement. He strode over to Song Linchuan and pulled him into a tight embrace. The boy in his arms was slender, yet warm to the touch, and carried a faint scent of laundry detergent and bellflowers.

"A-Chuan, thank you." Song Mingye's voice was choked with emotion. "Thank you for liking me too."

Held in Song Mingye's arms, Song Linchuan felt a strong heartbeat and a warm embrace, filling him with a sense of security. He reached out and gently hugged Song Mingye's waist, burying his face in his chest, a happy smile on his lips.

"Brother, will we always be together from now on?" Song Linchuan asked softly.

"Yes, I will, I definitely will." Song Mingye hugged him tightly, his tone extremely firm. "I will always be with you, take care of you, and never let you suffer any more grievances."

Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing the embracing couple in a silvery glow. The lisianthus flowers in the living room bloomed quietly in the night, releasing their delicate fragrance, as if witnessing this beautiful, budding romance.

In the days that followed, Song Mingye and Song Linchuan's relationship grew even closer. They ate together, watched movies together, and took walks together, just like any ordinary couple. Song Mingye would bring Song Linchuan his favorite desserts after work; and Song Linchuan would make her a warm cup of milk when Song Mingye was working late into the night.

Their relationship didn't change much, except for a few more sweet moments between lovers. Song Mingye would hold Song Linchuan's hand from time to time, whisper sweet nothings in his ear, and gently kiss his forehead after he fell asleep. Song Linchuan would also be more proactive in caring for Song Mingye, taking meticulous care of him when he was sick and trying his best to cheer him up when he was unhappy.

However, their relationship did not go smoothly. Song Mingye's father, Song Zhenhong, quickly noticed the unusual situation between the two. Song Zhenhong had always been dissatisfied with his "adopted brother," Song Linchuan, feeling that he was not good enough for Song Mingye. Now, seeing the close relationship between the two, he felt even more resentful.

One evening, Song Mingye and Song Linchuan were watching a movie in the living room when Song Zhenhong suddenly arrived. Seeing the two of them snuggled together, Song Zhenhong's face instantly darkened.

"What are you doing?" Song Zhenhong's voice was icy, tinged with anger.

Song Mingye and Song Linchuan quickly separated and stood up. Song Mingye stood in front of Song Linchuan, looking at Song Zhenhong warily: "Dad, what brings you here?"

"If I hadn't come, would you have gone too far?" Song Zhenhong's gaze fell on Song Linchuan, filled with disgust. "Song Linchuan, I'm warning you, stay away from Mingye! Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just want to covet our Song family's wealth!"

"Dad, you've misunderstood. A-Chuan isn't that kind of person!" Song Mingye hurriedly explained.

"I misunderstood him?" Song Zhenhong sneered. "His parents are ordinary people, and his family is dirt poor. If he's not after money, what else could he be after? Mingye, wake up, don't be fooled by him!"

Song Linchuan's face turned pale. He looked at Song Zhenhong, his lips moved, but he didn't know what to say. He had never thought of coveting the Song family's wealth. He liked Song Mingye only because Song Mingye was good to him.

"Dad, you've gone too far!" Song Mingye's face also darkened. "I know what kind of person A-Chuan is better than you do. I like him, and I'm with him not because of money, but because I love him!"

"What did you say?" Song Zhenhong stared at Song Mingye in disbelief. "You actually like a man? Song Mingye, are you crazy? You've completely disgraced the Song family!"

“I’m not crazy!” Song Mingye said firmly. “I love Achuan, and I want to be with him. What’s wrong with that? Love knows no gender or social status!”

"You...you're utterly hopeless!" Song Zhenhong trembled with rage. "Let me tell you, I will absolutely not allow you two to be together! If you insist on being with him, don't blame me for disowning you as my son!"

“Dad!” Song Mingye’s voice was tinged with helplessness and pain.

"I don't care about you!" Song Zhenhong sneered, then turned his gaze to Song Linchuan. "Song Linchuan, I'll give you some money. Leave Mingye and never show your face in front of him again!"

“I will not leave my brother.” Song Linchuan raised his head and looked at Song Zhenhong with firm eyes. “I like my brother, not for money. I will not leave him because of your threats.”

"Fine, very well!" Song Zhenhong's face turned ashen with anger. "Since you're so disobedient, don't blame me for being impolite!"

After saying that, Song Zhenhong turned and left, giving the two of them a fierce glare before he left.

After Song Zhenhong left, the living room fell silent. Song Mingye looked at Song Linchuan's pale face, his heart filled with guilt.

"Ah Chuan, I'm sorry, I've made you suffer." Song Mingye gently held Song Linchuan's hand, his tone full of self-reproach.

Song Linchuan shook his head and forced a smile: "Brother, I'm fine. I know Uncle just misunderstood, he'll understand in the future."

"Yes, he'll understand." Song Mingye nodded, but a hint of uncertainty lingered in his heart. He knew his father's temperament; once he made up his mind, it was difficult to change it. But he wouldn't give up; he would try his best to make his father accept his relationship with Song Linchuan.

That night, Song Linchuan couldn't sleep. He lay in bed, Song Zhenhong's words replaying in his mind, his heart filled with unease. He was afraid that he would implicate Song Mingye, afraid that their relationship would break down because of Song Zhenhong's opposition.

Song Mingye sensed his unease, so he went into Song Linchuan's room, lay down beside him, and gently hugged him.

"Don't worry, I'm here." Song Mingye's voice was gentle yet firm. "No matter how much my dad objects, I will never give up on you. We will always be together."

Song Linchuan leaned against him, listening to his strong heartbeat, and the unease in his heart gradually dissipated. He nodded, closed his eyes, and slowly fell asleep in Song Mingye's arms.

In the following days, Song Zhenhong didn't come to see them again, but Song Mingye knew that his father wouldn't let it go so easily. He began to work even harder, wanting to prove that he was capable of protecting Song Linchuan and wanting his father to see that he and Song Linchuan were happy together.

Song Linchuan also became more sensible. He studied hard and took better care of Song Mingye. He wanted to change Song Zhenhong's opinion of him through his actions.

One weekend, Song Mingye and Song Linchuan went to the supermarket to buy groceries, preparing a sumptuous dinner for the evening. At the supermarket, they encountered Lin Yu.

Upon seeing Lin Yu, Song Mingye's face instantly darkened. He hadn't expected to run into Lin Yu here, much less that Lin Yu would take the initiative to come over.

"Ah Ye, it's been a long time." Lin Yu's gaze fell on Song Mingye and Song Linchuan's clasped hands, her eyes filled with a hint of jealousy and resentment.

"We have nothing more to say," Song Mingye said coldly, pulling Song Linchuan's hand as he tried to leave.

"Wait." Lin Yu stopped them, her gaze fixed on Song Linchuan with a hint of hostility. "This is your little lover? Song Mingye, you've even disregarded our years of brotherhood for him?"

"Lin Yu, watch your words." Song Mingye's eyes grew even colder. "Achuan is my lover, not some mistress. Also, our brotherhood was severed two years ago when you left without saying goodbye."

"I had my reasons for leaving without saying goodbye!" Lin Yu's voice was somewhat agitated. "Aye, why won't you believe me? I'm more suitable for you than him. I can help you manage the company, and I can give you a better life!"

“I don’t need it.” Song Mingye’s tone was firm. “The life I want can only be given to me by Achuan. Lin Yu, go away and don’t bother us anymore.”

After saying that, Song Mingye took Song Linchuan's hand, walked past Lin Yu, and left the supermarket directly.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Lin Yu's face twisted into a grimace. He was unwilling to accept it. He was clearly more outstanding than Song Linchuan and loved Song Mingye more, so why did Song Mingye choose Song Linchuan instead of him? He secretly made up his mind to win Song Mingye back.

Back home, Song Linchuan felt somewhat down. He could sense Lin Yu's hostility towards him, and he could also sense Lin Yu's feelings for Song Mingye. He was worried that Lin Yu would ruin his relationship with Song Mingye.