Chapter 45: Hundred Days' Oath
Shenghua High School's Hundred-Day Oath-Taking Rally is a grand ceremony held annually before the seniors embark on their final sprint. Flags flutter across the playground, and a massive red banner bears the ambitious slogan, "Hundred-Day Sprint, Decisive Battle for the College Entrance Examination." The air is filled with the unique excitement of youth and a subtle hint of nervous anxiety. Traditionally, each student is accompanied by a parent to witness this crucial moment.
Gu Ye scoffed at this. Parents? Who in that cold Gu family villa would remember his hundred-day oath-taking ceremony? He had long been accustomed to being alone. He stood in the class queue, looking at the parents and relatives of his classmates, some eager, some nervous, and some nagging, with a cold gaze, as if through an invisible layer of glass.
Chu Yan also had no intention of informing anyone. His parents in City A were practically nonexistent. He stood beside Gu Ye, his posture relaxed, as if this solemn ceremony had nothing to do with him, more like a calm bystander.
However, ten minutes before the ceremony began, a black Bentley Mulsanne, with its cool lines and imposing presence, pulled up steadily at the school gate. The car door opened, and a pair of long legs clad in perfectly tailored trousers stepped out. Then, Chu Yu's handsome face, brimming with icy aura, emerged. He ignored the sudden attention and the quiet intake of breath, walking steadily towards the line of Class 3 (A).
"Who the hell is that? A celebrity?"
"So handsome! Such a strong aura!"
"Who are you looking for?"
There was a buzz of discussion. When Chu Yan saw Chu Yu, he rarely raised his eyebrows, with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Chu Yu walked up to him, his voice low and pleasant, with an unquestionable tone: "I am here to participate in the Hundred Days Oath-taking Ceremony."
Chu Yan understood. Chu Yu must have heard about this "parent-accompanied" tradition from some source. Considering Chu Yan's unreliable parents, his cousin Chu Yu probably felt it was his responsibility to fill this void. Chu Yan felt a little amused, yet also a subtle, indescribable touch. He smiled and didn't refuse: "Thanks, Brother Yu."
Gu Ye looked at the imposing young man in front of him, who was clearly out of place on campus, and then at Chu Yan's expression of acceptance. The awkwardness of being alone in his heart became even stronger, and a bit of bitterness was inexplicably added. Chu Yan actually had someone to accompany him.
At the same time, in the top floor office of Ruichuang Technology headquarters.
Gu Xu was just checking a recently finalized important contract on his screen when his phone lit up. It was a message from his assistant, along with a candid photo. On the Shenghua playground, Chu Yu, dressed in a suit, stood beside Chu Yan, speaking to him with his head tilted to the side, his manner familiar and intimate. The background was the bustling oath-taking ceremony.
Assistant's PS: [Mr. Gu, Mr. Chu attended Shenghua's 100-day oath-taking ceremony]
Gu Yu stared at the photo, his eyes instantly darkening. Shortly after he and Chu Yan confirmed their relationship, he entered the final sprint of his senior year of high school. With a heavy workload and the "Cloud Intelligent Control" project entering its critical phase, the two of them had very little time to spend together. He poured almost all his energy into Ruichuang, aiming to quickly sever this company, the embodiment of his ambition and future, from the decaying ship that was Gu's company. But now, watching Chu Yu, as a "parent," standing beside Chu Yan, participating in this crucial moment in his life, a strong sense of bitterness and an indescribable sense of loss suddenly washed over him.
He picked up his phone and dialed Chu Yan's number directly. The call was quickly connected, and the background sound was the noise from the playground.
"Ayan." There wasn't much emotion in Gu Yan's voice, but someone as familiar with Chu Yan as he was could still detect a hint of tension that was being suppressed.
"Brother? I'm at the oath-taking ceremony." Chu Yan's voice was a little smiling, and he seemed to be in a good mood.
"I see." Gu Xu looked at the frozen image on the screen. "Boss Chu is very responsible."
Chu Yan was incredibly perceptive; he immediately detected the lingering jealousy. He calmly took two steps to the side, away from the crowd, and lowered his voice soothingly, "Brother Yu heard the parents would be accompanying their child, so he came over on short notice."
"Yeah." Gu Xu responded lightly, but he was obviously not convinced.
Chu Yan looked at the principal who was preparing to speak on the podium in front of him. His mind shifted slightly and he softened his tone: "We'll be on vacation after the meeting tonight. I'll come find you when I'm done here, okay?"
There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds. Gu Xu imagined Chu Yan's expression, perhaps sly and soothing, and his frustration subsided. However, his possessiveness kept him from asking, "Just the two of us?"
"Of course." Chu Yan answered decisively.
"Okay." Gu Xu's voice finally calmed down. "I'll wait for you."
After hanging up the phone, Gu Xu leaned back in the wide chair and rubbed his brow. Chu Yu's overprotective attention to Chu Yan, coupled with Chu Yan's unique trust and closeness towards Chu Yu, still made him, the legitimate boyfriend, feel a sense of crisis. Especially Chu Yu's face and status... Gu Xu tugged at his tie irritably, forcing himself to return his attention to the contract on the screen.
On the Shenghua playground, the oath-taking ceremony is reaching its climax.
The principal's passionate speech ignited the students' enthusiasm, and the sound of the collective oath was deafening. Chu Yu, with his tall, long legs and distinguished demeanor, stood out from the crowd of parents. Many of the surrounding girls cast glances at him, whispering among themselves.
"Oh my god! Is that Chu Yan's brother? He's so handsome!"
"The genes are outrageous! Both brothers are so good-looking!"
"Chu Yan is usually handsome enough, and his brother is simply the domineering CEO!"
There was even a brave girl who took advantage of the chaos in the group and approached Chu Yan and whispered, "Chu Yan, is this your brother?"
Chu Yan glanced at Chu Yu, who had a blank expression on his face, looking as if he didn't want to be approached. He smiled and nodded, "Yes, my cousin."
The girl blushed with excitement, and she pulled her companion's hand and screamed softly, "Did you hear that? It's my cousin. The family's genes are really good."
The conference concluded with a heartwarming segment. The host suggested that students write a letter to their future selves or to their parents expressing gratitude, and then hand it to the parents nearby.
Chu Yan watched as his classmates took out their prepared letters and handed them to their excited and touched parents. He thought for a moment, then pulled a simple envelope from his school uniform pocket and handed it to Chu Yu. He had secretly written this after seeing Chu Yu coming, while he was on the phone with Gu Yu.
Chu Yu was visibly stunned. He looked at the envelope before him, then at Chu Yan's calm expression, and a subtle, unprecedented emotion flashed through his heart. Was this a letter addressed to him? In such a sentimental setting? Would his seemingly mature and steady cousin do such a thing?
He took the envelope with a subtle solemnity, even a hint of cautious anticipation. It was thin. His slender fingers gently tore open the seal and pulled out the papers inside. The first thing that caught his eye were several pages of clearly printed, detailed charts and reports.
Chu Yu: “…”
He quickly glanced at it and saw the latest core data analysis for the "Cloud Intelligent Control" project and the recommended promotional strategies for the next phase. The report was precise, sharp, and to the point, just like Chu Yan's usual style.
A strong sense of helplessness instantly shattered the subtle anticipation. Chu Yu clutched the report and looked up at Chu Yan with a complex expression, a mix of a "I knew it" silence and a hint of amusement at being teased. Even at this moment, this guy's mind was still focused on work! Did he have some misunderstanding about the "lyrical segment"?
Chu Yan met his gaze, a sly yet innocent smile on his lips as he mouthed silently, "Surprise?"
Chu Yu glared at him unhappily and was about to stuff the report back when he noticed something else in the envelope. He reached out again and pulled out the last folded piece of paper from the bottom of the envelope.
It is no longer printed text, but the handwriting of a young man, which is free and easy and powerful enough to penetrate the paper.
Chu Yu's eyes fell on the words. The letter was short, devoid of sentimental rhetoric, yet each word was sincere, carrying the sharpness and clarity unique to youth. Chu Yan expressed his understanding of Chu Yu's seemingly aloof but deeply held sense of responsibility, his gratitude for the trust and space Chu Yu had given him on the project, and even his concern for Chu Yu's workaholic nature. The letter ended with a simple sentence: "Brother Yu, thank you for being here when I didn't even realize I needed you."
There were no flowery thanks, no corny sentiments, but it precisely touched a corner of Chu Yu's heart that even he rarely touched. He was used to being on his own, used to being looked up to and relied upon. Chu Yan's letter, like a key, gently opened that door, catching him off guard and feeling a pure, unselfish warmth.
Chu Yu's fingers tightened slightly around the letter, his Adam's apple rolling slightly. He quickly refolded the letter and stuffed it back into the envelope along with the unpleasant report, clutching it tightly in his palm. He didn't look at Chu Yan again, but simply tilted his head slightly, his gaze gazing at the noisy crowd and fluttering colorful flags in the distance. His jawline was tense, as if he was trying hard to calm something.
Chu Yan watched Chu Yu's rare expression of discomfort and emotion, his smile widening, a touch of mischief mixed with genuine warmth. He didn't question her, simply standing quietly beside her. The two of them stood side by side in the middle of the bustling playground, surrounded by classmates weeping and hugging their parents. A strange, quiet atmosphere formed, one only they could understand.
The oath-taking ceremony drew to a close, and the crowd began to disperse. Gu Ye waited until the ceremony was almost over before leaving the classroom—he really didn't want to stand there alone and watch other families reunite. He made his way through the gradually dispersing crowd, searching for Chu Yan's figure.
Soon, he saw it. Chu Yan and "Brother Yu" were standing together, seemingly discussing something in low voices, their expressions focused. The sun shone on them, the two of them standing together, one calm and stern, the other warm and clear, their harmony... a little dazzling.
Gu Ye paused, the inexplicable bitterness in his heart rising again, mixed with a hint of self-deprecation. He took a deep breath, suppressed his emotions, and walked over.
"Chu Yan." He called out.
Chu Yan and Chu Yu turned to look at him at the same time.
Chu Yan's usual gentle smile immediately appeared on his face, and he introduced naturally: "Brother Yu, this is Gu Ye, my deskmate." Then he turned to Gu Ye and said: "Gu Ye, this is my cousin, Chu Yu."
"Hello, Mr. Chu." Gu Ye nodded awkwardly. Under Chu Yu's oppressive gaze, he didn't know where to put his hands and feet. Especially when thinking about the identity of "parent".
Chu Yu's gaze lingered on Gu Ye's face for two seconds, and he recognized him as the boy who had video-called Chu Yan on New Year's Eve. Hearing the surname "Gu," his brows furrowed slightly. Another member of the Gu family? He was truly haunted. However, seeing the undisguised nervousness in the boy's eyes, he didn't show any signs of difficulty, but simply nodded coldly and distantly: "Yes."
The atmosphere was a little subtly awkward.
Gu Ye was eager to break the silence. He looked at Chu Yan and asked, "Are you going to have dinner with Brother Yu on holiday tonight?" When he asked this, there was a hint of tentativeness in his voice, as well as a hint of expectation that he himself was not aware of.
However, just as he finished speaking, he felt that Chu Yu's gaze beside him suddenly turned cold, and it was like a real ice blade sweeping towards Chu Yan.
Chu Yan: “…”
He clearly felt two pairs of eyes focused on him at the same time - one was Gu Ye's with doubts and subtle nervousness, and the other was Chu Yu's cold scrutiny with a look of "Do you have any plans tonight that you didn't tell me?"
[Crack...Crack...Crack...] The sound of the system chewing data sunflower seeds rang out crazily in Chu Yan's mind, filled with gloating. [Host, host, this famous scene from Shura Field, I've recorded it for you.]
Chu Yan rolled his eyes inwardly and used his host authority without hesitation: [Shut up! I'll take your melon seeds! If you keep on eating, I'll shut down your internet connection!]
System: […Hiccup.] Suddenly, everything went silent.
Facing two pairs of eyes in reality, Chu Yan remained calm. Despite Chu Yu's sudden drop in pressure, he said frankly: "No. I have an appointment with other people in the evening." He deliberately avoided using specific names.
The three words "others" were like two small stones that hit the hearts of Gu Ye and Chu Yu at the same time.
Gu Ye's mind instantly popped up the person with the note "Shan". Chu Yu instantly locked onto the name that made him feel like a fishbone stuck in his throat - Gu Xu!
Gu Ye's eyes dimmed, and he pursed his lips. Chu Yu's face was as cold as a Siberian cold snap, and he exuded a low pressure that kept strangers away.
Chu Yan seemed oblivious to the strange atmosphere. He glanced at his watch calmly and said to Chu Yu, "Brother Yu, the conference is over. I have something else to do here, so I'll be leaving first." He then turned to Gu Ye and said in a normal tone, "Gu Ye, see you tomorrow."
After saying that, without waiting for the two to react, he stretched out his long legs, like a slippery fish, quickly and calmly passed through the crowd that had not yet completely dispersed, walked to the side of the road, raised his hand to stop a taxi, opened the door and got in, his movements done in one go.
Chu Yu and Gu Ye were left standing there, one with a gloomy face and the other with a complicated expression, basking together in the cooling evening light, with the empty playground and fluttering colorful flags in the background. The air was filled with silent smoke and a hint of awkward sympathy.
The taxi merged into the traffic.
"Master, let's go to the 'Undercurrent' bar." Chu Yan reported the destination, leaned back in the back seat, closed his eyes and rubbed his eyebrows.
[Escape is shameful, but it works.] The system couldn't hold it back and popped up again. Although there were no more melon seeds, the enthusiasm for watching the show was undiminished.
Chu Yan didn't bother to pay attention. He was already very familiar with dealing with such situations. But tonight belonged to Gu Xu.
"Undercurrent" bar.
In stark contrast to the noisy and passionate afternoon rally, the light here was hazy and the air was a mixture of alcohol, perfume, and hormones. Lazy jazz flowed like a lover's whisper.
Chu Yan walked familiarly to the reserved seat in the corner of the bar. Gu Xu had already arrived. He wasn't wearing a suit, only a finely crafted dark gray shirt, his sleeves casually rolled up, revealing his wrists and a valuable watch. Before him sat a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling around the ice ball. He faced sideways toward the entrance, his fingers unconsciously tapping the glass. His eyes fell on the figures swaying on the dance floor, appearing somewhat absent-minded, a lingering gloom lingering between his brows.
It wasn't until Chu Yan's figure came into view that the haze in his eyes faded and a light shone in them. He turned around, a gentle smile naturally rising on his face, and extended his hand to Chu Yan.
Chu Yan walked over and naturally shook his hand, letting him pull her over to sit on the high chair beside him. Gu Xu's fingers were long, strong, and covered with calluses, tightly wrapping around Chu Yan's hand with an unquestionable intimacy and a declaration of sovereignty.
"Is it over? Are you tired?" Gu Xu's voice was low and concerned, and his eyes carefully traced Chu Yan's face, as if to confirm his condition.
"It's okay. Just a little noisy." Chu Yan relaxed, letting him hold her hand. With her other hand, she unbuttoned the top button of her school uniform, revealing her graceful collarbone. This casual gesture, under the ambiguous light of the bar, carried an unconscious allure.
"What would you like to drink?" Gu Xu called the bartender.
"Dry Martini, thank you." Chu Yan said to the bartender, then looked at Gu Xi with a smile on his lips, "What? Are you still jealous?" He pointed it out directly, with a hint of ridicule in his eyes.
Gu Xu's heart was touched, but he did not deny it. He just held his hand tightly, picked up his wine glass with his other hand and took a sip, then said slowly: "How dare I be jealous of Mr. Chu. I just think that some people obviously have a real boyfriend, but let their cousin accompany them to important moments..." He dragged out the tone, and the sourness in his voice almost overflowed.
Chu Yan chuckled softly, his shoulders shrugging slightly. He leaned closer to Gu Yu, and the distance between them instantly closed, their breathing audible. He lowered his voice, and his warm breath brushed Gu Yu's ear: "Brother Yu was just impulsive, and he represents the 'parents.'" He deliberately emphasized the word "parents," with a hint of helplessness and a touch of comfort, "You are different, Brother Yu." His eyes seemed particularly deep under the hazy light, like two deep pools that attracted people to indulge. "I chose you myself, and tonight belongs only to you."
These words, like magic, instantly smoothed the last wrinkles in Gu's heart. He looked at the beautiful face so close, with a sly smile and a silent invitation, and his Adam's apple rolled. A surge of feeling valued and needed washed over him, replacing any bitterness. He set down his glass, one hand quietly slipping around Chu Yan's waist, drawing him closer to him.
"Remember what you said." Gu Xu's voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of dangerous magnetism, "Tonight belongs only to me."
At this moment, the Dry Martini Chu Yan ordered was served. The glass was crystal clear, and it felt icy cold. Chu Yan picked up the glass, but didn't drink immediately. Instead, he leaned slightly and raised his glass to Gu Xu, his eyes moving with the bar's unique, languid, and suggestive charm. "Of course. To our night?"
Gu Xu looked at him deeply, the possessiveness and affection in his eyes like a surging tide, silent but surging. He picked up his wine glass and gently clinked it with Chu Yan's.
The crisp clinking sound signaled the beginning of some ritual. A drop of icy water seeped from the cup's walls, slowly sliding down Chu Yan's slender fingers, reflecting an ambiguous luster under the hazy light. Gu Xu's gaze followed the drop, his eyes growing deeper.
The music in the bar seemed to become even more lingering at this moment, and the air was filled with the aroma of wine, perfume, and a silent, tense attraction. Their night had just begun.
The author muttered: After some discussion, the main package manager decided to make the system more user-friendly, otherwise it would be too lonely for Chu Yan to travel through so many mission worlds alone.
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