Chapter 26 Partiality

It has been a month since Li Jue transferred to Tongwai School, and he still has no idea where Ji Mian is.

In his previous life, he had met Ji Mian in Jianjing. Back then, Ji Mian worked as a waiter in a coffee shop. She wasn't very talkative, but her smile was pure and gentle. He sat by the window, looking over and seeing the waiter's apron wrapped around his slender waist, so slim that a man could hold it with two palms.

He didn't know when Ji Mian went to Jianjing, or whether he was still in Tongcheng.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't even respond when the girl in front of him called him.

"Li Jue, you haven't handed in your homework yet. You need to hand it in quickly."

Li Jue looked up. His handsome, youthful face made the girl blush. She shrugged her shoulders and said frivolously, "I didn't do it. Class representative, what should I do?"

"But the teacher said we have to hand it in..." The girl's face turned even redder and she lowered her head.

Li Jue was a little impatient: "Don't remember my name."

The girl in the front row turned her head with a disdainful and somewhat sour expression.

"What is Yao Miao pretending to be? Everyone knows what she's thinking. Her voice is so coquettish."

"Why doesn't she go find someone else and only look for Li Jue? I'm speechless."

"So hypocritical."

Su Luoyu knocked on the table and said coldly, "It's study time, please keep your voice down."

The girls immediately fell silent and lowered their heads to do their homework.

Hearing Su Luoyu's voice, Li Jue looked up with a complicated expression and looked at his back.

He knew that Su Luoyu was in Tongwai before he transferred to the school, and it was expected that they would be in the same class. When Li Jue saw Su Luoyu in high school for the first time, he didn't feel the slightest bit of emotion in his heart.

That face didn't look like Ji Mian in any way. He didn't know why his previous self had used Ji Mian as his substitute.

He and Su Luoyu met through his eldest brother. In his previous life, when the fifteen-year-old Li Jue saw him at his eldest brother's house, he was instantly captivated by him and was stunned for the rest of his life.

But in this life, his relationship with Su Luoyu has always been lukewarm. Although they know each other, they can hardly say a word to each other all day long.

It doesn't matter if they don't talk, after all, they are people who have slept in the same bed together, and Li Jue can't face Su Luoyu with a normal heart.

Whenever he saw Su Luoyu's face, he would remember how he made a choice between Ji Mian and him, and how he abandoned Ji Mian in the vast ocean.

That was the nightmare of the rest of his life. Just tearing off a small piece of memory made his heart bleed.

To this day, Li Jue no longer knows why he loves him.

In his previous life, he always thought that he loved Su Luoyu, loved his arrogance, loved his loneliness, loved his cleverness, and loved his indifference to him.

After Ji Mian's death, they quarreled, had cold wars, argued, and disliked each other. Conflicts occurred every moment. The more this happened, the more confused Li Jue became, and the more precious Ji Mian's gentle eyes became in his heart.

Ji Mian's understanding and thoughtfulness, and his submissiveness, became his lingering obsession.

He suppressed his frivolous smile and looked out the window silently.

I'll go to Tongcheng again today... maybe I'll gain something.

In October, the earliest batch of osmanthus flowers bloomed.

Ji Mian's eyes began to itch again. Fortunately, he had taken anti-allergic medicine and used eye drops in advance, so he didn't get the same "pink eye" mistake as he did in elementary school.

Before leaving, Lin Minzhi reminded him to have a good rest when he got home on weekends, as high school had just begun, so he shouldn't be too tired or go out.

The streets of Tongcheng were filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, which prevented his condition from worsening.

Ji Mian agreed obediently on the surface, but as soon as Lin Minzhi left, he ran down from the second floor, carrying a wicker basket and a two-meter-long stick, and went outside the yard to pick osmanthus flowers.

The residential complex where he lives is open, with a quiet road in the middle and a small river with classical charm surrounding the complex. There is also a primary school on the side, and some primary school students walk through the complex to and from school.

Ji Mian put on goggles to protect his eyes, put the dustpan on the ground, found a laurel tree in full bloom, and tapped its branches with a stick.

After a while, osmanthus flowers fluttered down and Ji Mian caught a bag of them.

Lin Yun was walking by the neighborhood with her small schoolbag on her back. When she saw Ji Mian, she ran over with her short legs and called out, "Brother Mian Mian!"

Ji Mian turned around and saw Lin Yun, then took off his goggles. "Is school over?"

Lin Yun is the daughter Ning Qian gave birth to after marrying Lin Jianyi. She is in the third grade of elementary school this year.

When Ji Mian was in junior high school, he often went to Fu Chenyu's house to do homework. After a few visits, Lin Yun got to know him and knew that he was a good friend of his second brother.

"Brother Mianmian, what are you doing?" Lin Yun is very independent at a young age and does not need Lin Jianyi to pick her up. As the daughter of the secretary of Tongcheng City, she is simple and has no airs at all.

She squatted down carefully, looking at the basket of osmanthus flowers curiously. She took a deep breath and said, "What a fragrant smell!"

Ji Mian asked, "How about I make you some candied osmanthus flowers?"

Lin Yun looked up with a sly expression, "Brother Mianmian didn't do it for me, he must have done it for my second brother."

Ji Mian wasn't embarrassed even though he was exposed.

He has been with Lin Minzhi for so many years that he has become a good cook and also likes to make some snacks himself.

Fu Chenyu had a severe high fever in the winter of 1998. At that time, he developed a harmless illness, which was just a little anemia. He always carried candy in his pocket wherever he went.

A few days ago, Ji Mian read a method of making candied osmanthus in a book, and he had it in mind, wanting to make a few jars for Fu Chenyu.

If you are thirsty, just scoop out a spoonful and soak it in water. It is sweet and fragrant.

Ji Mian picked out the rotten and withered osmanthus flowers and said happily, "What's the difference between giving them to your brother and giving them to you?"

Lin Yun seemed to have already smelled the sweet aroma of sugared osmanthus. She sniffed and felt a little aggrieved: "Brother Mianmian made something for my second brother, but my second brother didn't even give me a bite."

Ji Mian was stunned, raised his eyebrows, and thought: No way, is the boss so stingy in private?

He touched Lin Yun's head and said, "Okay, Brother Mianmian will make four cans this time and give you one."

Lin Yun nodded vigorously, and after a moment, she spoke cautiously: "Brother Mianmian, then give it to me secretly, and don't tell my second brother, otherwise he will be angry."

Ji Mian was amused by her, as if Fu Chenyu was really that stingy.

Ji Mian acted quickly. Just as he finished picking the osmanthus flowers and went into the yard, a drizzle began to fall from the sky. Later, it got heavier. Ji Mian left Lin Yun at home and waited for the rain to stop before leaving.

Two people, one big and one small, sat cross-legged in front of a small table, picking osmanthus stems obediently.

The autumn rain had not stopped for an hour when the cell phone in Lin Yun's schoolbag rang. This was the cell phone she used to contact her family. The little girl was not only beautiful, but also had good self-control and was at the top of her class. Lin Jianyi was very confident in giving her the cell phone, not afraid that she would play with it secretly and affect her grades.

Lin Yun hung up the phone and said to Ji Mian, "Brother Mian Mian, I said I was at your house, and my second brother said he would come to pick me up."

Ji Mian paused while holding Guihua's hand, and quickly took all the Guihua on the table back to the kitchen.

Fu Chenyu knew that he was allergic to osmanthus.

Every autumn, the other party would remind him to wear a mask and always watch Ji Mian take medicine.

In fact, Ji Mian's condition is not as severe as when he was a child. He just has itchy eyes and red eye sockets. Like today, when he took medicine and came to pick osmanthus flowers, he didn't have much reaction.

At worst, you can just eat another one later.

But for some reason, he just felt guilty.

The boss has a bad temper. What if he scolds me?

It’s better to wait until the candied osmanthus flowers are ready and give them to him, and just say that you bought them yourself.

Half an hour later, Fu Chenyu appeared at Ji Mian's door.

He came on a motorcycle. Lin Jianyi gave him a reward for being the top scorer in the high school entrance examination. It was a six-figure motorcycle, very valuable. The boy was tall with long legs. He took off his helmet, revealing a handsome face.

When Ji Mian saw him, he sighed that Fu Chenyu lived up to his name. His appearance was truly stunning.

No wonder Zhennan secretly called him the school hunk, he deserved it.

He touched Fu Chenyu's motorcycle enviously. As a boy, who wouldn't like such a cool car?

But he doesn't know how to ride a motorcycle, so he can only watch.

Fu Chenyu glanced at Ji Mian: "What's wrong with your eyes?"

Ji Mian's heart was beating like thunder, and he lied quickly: "Autumn has arrived, it's a little red, nothing serious. Xiaoyun has had snacks and hasn't had dinner yet, remember to remind Aunt Zhou to heat up her meal."

Before leaving, Ji Mian grabbed another handful of candy and gave it to Lin Yun.

Fu Chenyu got into the car, and Ji Mian skillfully picked up Lin Yun and put her in the back seat.

Unable to hold back, Ji Mian sighed, "Fu Chenyu, you look so handsome riding a motorcycle."

Although I knew that Fu Chenyu had a motorcycle, this was the first time I saw him riding one.

Ji Mian looked at him with sparkling eyes and said, "Take me with you next time. My butt hurts from riding your bicycle. I've never ridden a motorcycle before."

Fu Chenyu turned his head and put on his helmet, leaving only his profile. He said coldly, "Boring. Whatever you want."

After the car drove two hundred meters, Lin Yun finished her candy, looked up at Fu Chenyu, and said innocently, "Second brother, you blushed just now."

Don’t think I didn’t notice you secretly putting on a helmet!

Fu Chenyu: ...

Children, don't meddle in other people's business.

"Why are you at Ji Mian's house?" Fu Chenyu said lightly.

Lin Yun: "I came home from school and saw Brother Mianmian picking osmanthus flowers. Brother Mianmian said he wanted to make candied osmanthus flowers for me to eat, but I knew he must be making it for my second brother. My second brother has low blood sugar, and Brother Mianmian has been thinking about him all the time. But I wanted to eat some too, so I stayed to help Brother Mianmian."

Little girl, you are quite scheming.

Fu Chenyu was stunned, and the next second he came to his senses. His heart felt like a bottle of seasoning had been overturned, with all kinds of feelings.

My heart is beating, I am touched, and my heart is swelling.

This stupid rabbit...thinks his allergies aren't severe enough, why is he injecting osmanthus flowers...

Lin Yun didn't hear Fu Chenyu's answer. When she came to her senses, she realized that she had revealed her secret with Ji Mian! She said that her brother Mian Mian would secretly give her candied osmanthus flowers!

How could she make such a big mistake in a moment of hasty words!

Second brother didn't answer him, could it be that he was angry about this?

Lin Yun was quite afraid of her cold second brother, and quickly explained: "I... I got a can of sweet osmanthus flowers because I was helping out. Brother Mianmian gave the second brother three cans, and I only have one. Brother Mianmian is partial to the second brother."

Fu Chenyu didn't really bully his younger sister for a can of candied osmanthus flowers, but the softest part of his heart was gently touched.

As Lin Yun spoke, the impertinent yet calm young woman sighed, "Brother Mianmian is handsome and gentle, and he can cook so many delicious dishes. He's also very kind to my second brother. If only Brother Mianmian were a girl, I really hope he could be my sister-in-law."

The little girl was calculating in her mind and quietly added: That way I can eat more delicious food!

Fu Chenyu remained silent. After getting out of the car, he grabbed Lin Yun's face, causing her to cry out in pain.

Fu Chenyu said coldly: "Don't say such nonsense next time, otherwise I will beat you up."

Lin Yun ran back to her bedroom with tears in her eyes, spread out her Chinese homework, and thinking about what happened today, she began to write her weekly diary:

October 25, 2009.

Composition title: "A Little Wish—If"

"When I went home today, I met Brother Mianmian. Brother Mianmian is my second brother's best friend and one of my favorite brothers. Brother Mianmian is very handsome, has a very gentle personality, and can make a lot of snacks. The only flaw is that Brother Mianmian is very partial. He always gives more to my second brother and less to me. But I also like my second brother very much, so I don't mind Brother Mianmian's partiality! We picked osmanthus flowers together today, and Brother Mianmian promised to make candied osmanthus flowers for me. Looking at the fact that I only have one jar of candied osmanthus flowers, I sighed and had a small wish in my heart: if only Brother Mianmian were a girl, then she could be my sister-in-law."

Later, this composition was selected for publication in the Chinese Language Weekly, and its name was changed to "Oolong's Wish", and it won the second prize.

Lin Yun happily showed the certificate and composition to Fu Chenyu, and Fu Chenyu's face turned pale.

On the one hand, I was angry, but on the other hand, I couldn’t help but think, what if my wish came true?

November in Tongcheng arrived along with the Zhennan Sports Meet. Ji Mian signed up for a long-distance run and a long jump.

Fu Chenyu is a member of the Zhennan school basketball team. Before the sports meet, he will participate in the Tongcheng college basketball competition. This year, the teams that have reached the finals include Tongwai, No. 7 Middle School and Biazhi School. The finals will be scheduled before and after the sports meet.

According to the news from the Political Education Department, this year's sports meeting is jointly organized by three schools and the venue is set at Tongcheng Sports Center, next to the south side of the town.

After school in the afternoon, Fu Chenyu went straight to the basketball court to practice.

After halftime, I saw Ji Mian sitting in the audience with his schoolbag on his back.

The boy watched him play basketball intently. He didn't hold mineral water in his hand, but a transparent cup with the lid screwed tightly. The water was orange-yellow with the scent of osmanthus.

There was a girl standing next to the basketball court with her best friend.

The girl from the experimental class that Ji Mian saw during military training was later found out to be Luo Lu. She was the class beauty of the experimental class and also the cultural and arts committee member. According to his observation, she might have some interest in the boss.

The falling flowers have feelings, but the flowing water is ruthless. Ji Mian watched Luo Lu bring water to Fu Chenyu, and then was rejected indifferently by Fu Chenyu. His face turned red with embarrassment and he stood there.

Fu Chenyu rejected Luo Lu and turned to Ji Mian for water.

Ji Mian unscrewed the bottle cap naturally, handed him the water, and sighed: "Fu Chenyu, do you think that girl likes you a little bit?"

Fu Chenyu tilted his head back and took a few sips. The sweet osmanthus syrup flowed down his throat and into his heart, making him feel very comfortable. Thinking that Ji Mian had made it himself, he felt a little distressed and a sense of satisfaction from being spoiled.

He wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and said, "It's none of my business."

Does he have to reply to everyone who likes him?

trouble.

Ji Mian sighed even more inwardly: He is indeed a cold-blooded and ruthless boss...

He remembered that Fu Chenyu in the original novel was an emotionless killer, and his only affection was given to Su Luoyu.

Now the boss seems to be just average towards Su Luoyu... but he is quite nice to himself. Ji Mian was a little proud, and thought: Of course, he is a brother who has a life-and-death friendship with the boss!

"Fu Chenyu, what time is your basketball game? I wonder if I can make it in time."

The playground and basketball court of the gymnasium are separate. Ji Mian wants to go watch Fu Chenyu's basketball game after running and cheer him on.

"Two o'clock." Fu Chenyu closed the bottle cap.

Ji Mian said, "Hey, don't, I need a drink."

When he grew up, the allergy was not so serious and he could drink a sip, but he should not be greedy for sweets and drink too much.

Ji Mian took the cup back from Fu Chenyu's hand, and at the place where Fu Chenyu took a sip, he held the rim of the cup in his mouth as if kissing her.

Fu Chenyu was stunned, and his Adam's apple couldn't help but slide up and down.

After Ji Mian finished drinking it, the sugary water moisturized his lips, making them shiny and plump.

He pursed his lips and was very happy: "The timing is just right, I will go to cheer you on, Fu Chenyu, you must win."

At the same time, Tongwai also found Li Jue because of the basketball game.

They had seen Li Jue playing basketball on the playground. He was a good prospect and it was obvious that he had been on the school team.

In the Tongwai basketball team, there was a boy who had a slight leg injury. His teammates were afraid that he could not play the whole game, so they asked someone to find Li Jue, hoping that he could be a substitute.

However, as soon as Li Jue came to Tongwai, he became the most difficult troublemaker there. Not only did he quickly get involved with the group of school bullies, but he has now become the boss. His notoriety makes everyone a little scared.

Surprisingly, Li Jue likes basketball very much.

When I heard about the competition, I agreed immediately.

The captain of the basketball team breathed a sigh of relief, "That's great. Zhennan's main player this year is Fu Chenyu. He was very famous in junior high school. I was worried that no one on the team could stand up to him."

The smile on Li Jue's face froze for a moment, his back teeth clenched together, and there was a look of shock in his eyes: "...Who are you talking about?"