Chapter 59: Volunteer
Shenghua Middle School, senior year office.
The early summer afternoon sun streamed in through the large windows, and the air was filled with the faint scent of chalk dust and paper. The air conditioning in the office was running high, dispelling the sweltering heat outside. Teacher Li's face was beaming as she looked at the five students sitting before her—some of her most proud students of the year.
"Everyone here?" Teacher Li pushed her glasses up, smiling warmly. "First of all, I want to congratulate you all. You all achieved excellent results in the college entrance examination. I'm proud of you." Her eyes swept over each young and energetic face, finally landing on Chu Yan and Gu Ye with unconcealable joy. One of these two children had been a star since entering school, while the other had staged a miraculous comeback.
"I've called everyone here today to discuss filling out your college application. This is a crucial crossroads in life. Choosing a school and a major requires extreme caution." Teacher Li's tone grew serious as he handed out several printed draft application forms. "Come on, tell me. Do you have a goal in mind? I'll give you some advice."
The first three students quickly shared their preferences: one was determined to study finance, aiming for Guanghua School of Management at University A; another, with a particular interest in computer science, had set their sights on the Computer Science Department at University C; and the third, aspiring to study medicine, had their sights set on the Medical School at University S. Teacher Li nodded frequently, offering pertinent advice and key details for each student.
When it was Chu Yan's turn, the atmosphere in the office seemed to quiet down for a moment. Everyone's eyes were focused on him, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Chu Yan took the draft application form, picked up the pen on the table with his slender fingers, and almost without pausing, neatly wrote "University A" in the "First Choice School" column, and then wrote four words clearly and forcefully in the "First Choice Major" column: Paleontology.
The air seemed to freeze.
"Paleontology?" A boy sitting next to Chu Yan repeated it subconsciously, thinking he had seen it wrong.
Teacher Li's smile froze. She stared at Chu Yan with wide eyes, her voice rising a few notches: "Chu Yan, did you fill in the wrong answer? Paleontology is one of the least popular fields. With your score, you can choose any major at University A. Finance, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Fundamentals of Mathematics... Which one doesn't have a bright future? Why did you choose paleontology?"
Teacher Li's voice trembled with excitement; she was genuinely worried about Chu Yan. She felt that with Chu Yan's intelligence, abilities, and family background, choosing a major with such limited employment prospects and seemingly "no future" was a complete waste of talent and a joke on his future.
Chu Yan put down his pen and calmly looked at the excited Teacher Li. There was no emotion in his eyes, only gentle understanding. "Teacher Li, I know you're doing this for my own good. Thank you for your concern." He paused, his tone still steady but firm, "But I'm very interested in paleontology. This is my choice."
"Interest? Can interest be used to make a living?!" Teacher Li was heartbroken and advised earnestly, "Chu Yan, choosing a major in the college entrance examination is no joke. It affects your career for decades to come. You are still young and may think that interest is the most important thing, but when you graduate and enter the society, reality will show you the cruelty of it. What can you do after graduating from paleontology? A research institute? A museum? Those are all low-paying jobs. The competition is fierce and the pay is limited. Please listen to my advice and think about it carefully, okay?"
Chu Yan simply smiled and didn't argue, but his unmoved attitude spoke for itself. His life trajectory had never needed to be paved by a "popular major."
Seeing that he was unmoved, Teacher Li turned his gaze to Gu Ye, who had been sitting silently next to Chu Yan: "Gu Ye, you have a good relationship with Chu Yan, please persuade him." Teacher Li did not know the deeper relationship between Chu and Gu, but based on his usual observations, he felt that the two were inseparable and had a close relationship.
Gu Ye raised his head, glanced at Teacher Li, then turned his head to look at Chu Yan, who was standing beside him with a calm expression. There was no surprise on his face, and it was obvious that he had known Chu Yan's choice for a long time. He pursed his lips and said in a low but clear voice: "Teacher Li, Chu Yan's choice of major is his own decision. I trust him."
"You...ah." Teacher Li was choked. Looking at Gu Ye's "I support him" expression, and then at Chu Yan's unmoved look, he knew that he could not persuade him at all. He could only sigh helplessly, sitting back in the chair heavily, with a look of disappointment on his face.
The other students also looked at each other. Although they were shocked by Chu Yan's choice, seeing that even Teacher Li couldn't persuade him, they didn't know what to say. They just looked at Chu Yan with complicated and puzzled eyes.
The atmosphere in the office was a bit tense. Several students had already quickly filled out their application forms under the teacher's guidance. Only the "first choice school" column on the form in front of Gu Ye was still blank.
Chu Yan noticed Gu Ye's silence and the blank volunteer form. He stood up and naturally picked up his draft volunteer form and handed it to Teacher Li. "Teacher Li, I've filled it out. Gu Ye and I are going to go out and talk about something." After saying that, without waiting for Teacher Li to respond, he gently patted Gu Ye's shoulder and motioned for him to follow him.
Gu Ye stood up silently and followed Chu Yan out of the office.
The corridor had grown much quieter. The afternoon sun shone through, casting long shadows on the polished floor. Chu Yan walked to the French window at the end of the corridor and leaned over the cool metal railing. Gu Ye followed suit, leaning over the railing next to him. The two of them stood side by side, gazing out the window at the lush greenery of the campus.
"Still hesitating?" Chu Yan turned his head and looked at Gu Ye's slightly furrowed brows and slightly melancholy face. He smiled softly, his voice filled with understanding and a hint of subtle mischief. "Can't bear to leave me?"
Gu Ye's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and then like a cat whose tail was stepped on, he subconsciously retorted stubbornly: "Who is reluctant to part with you, I'm just thinking seriously. S University and A University are both top-notch universities with comparable strengths and advantages, so it's difficult to decide!" He stiffened his neck, trying to make his tone sound righteous, but his slightly red ears gave away his thoughts.
The smile in Chu Yan's eyes deepened: "Oh? Really?" He deliberately dragged out his tone, leaning slightly closer to Gu Ye, his warm breath brushing Gu Ye's earlobe, "I thought it was our Young Master Gu who was reluctant to leave me."
"You're the one who can't bear to do it!" Gu Ye shrank his neck suddenly as if he was scalded, and his voice rose eight octaves, like a little animal with its fur standing on end.
However, to Gu Ye's surprise, Chu Yan did not continue to tease him as usual. The smile on his face faded a little, becoming serious and frank. His deep eyes looked at Gu Ye steadily and he uttered a sentence clearly:
"Well, I'm a little reluctant to leave you."
Gu Ye's heart skipped a beat, as if struck by something. He stared at Chu Yan, stunned by the undisguised, warm sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, he forgot to react. The sunlight fell on his face, outlining his distinct jawline. That gentleness seemed to have a tangible warmth, instantly melting into Gu Ye's heart.
But Chu Yan immediately changed the subject, his tone becoming calm and rational: "However, Gu Ye, I still hope you can choose S University."
"Why?" Gu Ye blurted out, with a hint of imperceptible disappointment. He thought Chu Yan would say something like "Come with me to University A".
Chu Yan turned around and looked at Gu Ye directly, his eyes sharp and clear: "Gu Ye, you scored 683 points this time. It won't be long before this score reaches the Gu family and reaches Gu Hongyuan's ears. You should know your father better than I do."
Gu Ye's eyes darkened instantly, and his lips tightened. Gu Hongyuan was a man who was stubborn, had a strong desire for control, and would not tolerate anyone disobeying him.
"S University is the undisputed face of S City and the core of the Gu family's sphere of influence. If you choose to stay in S City and join S University, Gu Hongyuan will see it as a sign of 'returning to your roots' and 'knowing the current situation.' It's a sign of your recognition and obedience to the Gu family and his authority." Chu Yan's voice was deep and clear, each word precise and to the point. "This will be extremely beneficial for you to gain a firm foothold in the Gu family, secure resources, and accumulate strength at this stage."
He paused, observing the emotions surging in Gu Ye's eyes, and continued, "On the other hand, if you choose University A now, Gu Hongyuan will see it as 'disobedience', a sign that you're trying to break free from his control before you're even fully grown. Given his personality, he'll inevitably resort to repressive measures. Gu Ye, you're still young and your foundation is unstable. If you rashly leave him with the impression that you're 'disobedient', it will be very detrimental to your subsequent plans."
Chu Yan's calm and objective analysis, like a bucket of ice water, quenched the urge within Gu Ye, fueled by a reluctance to leave, to follow Chu Yan to A University regardless of the consequences. He remained silent, his lips pursed until they turned pale. He knew every word Chu Yan said was right. Reason told him that S University was his best option at the moment, the most reliable springboard to the core of Gu family power. But the thought of being separated from Chu Yan made his heart ache, as if gripped by an invisible hand.
Seeing Gu Ye lowering his head like a frustrated and stubborn puppy, Chu Yan's eyes flickered with a subtle tenderness. He reached out and, as he had done many times before, tapped Gu Ye's lowered forehead with the knuckle of his index finger.
A familiar gesture that carries a hint of intimacy and comfort.
Gu Ye raised his head and met Chu Yan's eyes with a gentle smile.
"Don't be so dejected." Chu Yan's voice softened, with a hint of persuasion. "City A and City S are only an hour and a half away by plane. You have to believe that even if we are not in the same school, we can still see each other often." He looked into Gu Ye's eyes, his tone filled with reassuring confidence, "Trust me, okay?"
Gu Ye looked into Chu Yan's eyes. Yes, he knew full well that S University was the best choice for him. All his hesitation and reluctance were simply because of the person before him. Now that Chu Yan had made his promise, the knot in Gu Ye's heart instantly dissipated.
He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, a familiar arrogance flashed in his eyes, and he raised his chin slightly: "Then you have to promise."
"Promise of what?" Chu Yan asked calmly.
"I promise to be available whenever you call me," Gu Ye held up three fingers, then thought about it and decided it wasn't safe enough, so he immediately changed it to four, "Four times! At least four times!"
Chu Yan was amused by his bargaining attitude and couldn't help laughing. His eyebrows curved and he nodded readily: "Okay, I promise. I'll be there whenever you call, no questions asked."
Gu Ye was worried, so he immediately took out his phone, turned on the record function, and pointed the camera at Chu Yan: "Words are not enough! Record it!"
Far from resisting, Chu Yan was quite cooperative. He suppressed his smile and faced the camera with a serious expression. He slowly extended four fingers and spoke clearly, each word emphasized: "I, Chu Yan, hereby promise that from now on, I will be at Gu Ye's beck and call, without hesitation. This is my testimony." He then raised his eyebrows slightly at the camera, a hint of provocation, as if to say, "If you dare to call, I dare to come."
Satisfied, Gu Ye pressed the stop button, carefully storing this precious "letter of guarantee." Then, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, he picked up his pen and, in the "First Choice College" section of the application form, solemnly and carefully wrote: S University. The moment he put pen to paper, the melancholy of parting was replaced by a sense of security, a hopeful future.
The two returned to the office with their completed application forms and handed them to Teacher Li. Seeing that Gu Ye had chosen S University, Teacher Li nodded with satisfaction. However, seeing Chu Yan's unwavering preference for "Paleontology," he could only sigh helplessly and said nothing more.
It’s still early when we leave the school.
Chu Yan put his hands in his trouser pockets and turned his head to ask Gu Ye: "Where are we going next? Back to Gu's house?"
Gu Ye nodded, his eyes firm: "Yes. Since I have decided to fight, I will not back down." He paused and looked at Chu Yan, his eyes filled with a subtle request and a hint of hidden tenderness, "Can you accompany me somewhere?"
"I want to go see my mother." Gu Ye's voice lowered, with a hint of nostalgia and sadness, "I want to talk to her, tell her that I did well in the exam, tell her that I will be fine in the future. I also want to tell her..." He glanced at Chu Yan and did not say the rest of the words.
Chu Yan instantly understood Gu Ye's thoughts. Thinking of the woman who loved Gu Ye with her life but ultimately passed away in sadness, he nodded, his tone gentle and serious: "Okay, I'll go with you. It's time to go see Auntie."
The two drove to Nanshan Cemetery.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast a soft golden hue over the solemn cemetery. I ascended the familiar stone steps, finally stopping before a neatly maintained tombstone. The photograph on the tombstone showed a gentle and beautiful woman. Gu Ye's features were faintly reminiscent of hers. Her smile was gentle, but her eyes held a lingering melancholy.
Gu Ye gently placed a bunch of white lilies he had bought on the road in front of the tombstone. He squatted down, took out a tissue, and carefully wiped the dust off the tombstone, his movements gentle and focused.
"Mom, I'm here to see you." Gu Ye's voice was very soft, with a barely perceptible sob. "The college entrance examination results are out, and I scored 683 points. Don't worry, I'm doing very well now, really very well."
He rambled on about recent events, his own efforts, the teacher's surprise, and his plans for the future... At the end, he paused and spoke softer, "Mom, I met someone else. His name is Chu Yan." He glanced sideways at Chu Yan, who was standing quietly beside him. "He's helped me a lot. Without him, I might not be who I am today. He's very important to me."
Gu Ye's voice trailed off, the rest of his words drowned out by the cool evening breeze. He simply squatted there silently, looking at his mother's gentle smile in the photo, as if silently expressing his unspoken dependence and attachment.
Chu Yan stood quietly by, looking at the woman on the tombstone, whose gentle smile could not hide her sorrow, and then at the boy squatting on the ground, his back looking a little frail but extremely stubborn. He could imagine how this woman had chosen to leave in despair, and how she had poured all her love and hope into her son.
He took a step forward and squatted down beside Gu Ye. Without looking at Gu Ye, he faced the photo on the tombstone and said in a gentle and clear tone:
"Hello, Auntie. I'm Chu Yan."
"Gu Ye is great, even better and stronger than I imagined."
"He got into a good university, found the path he wanted to take, and he's working hard to become the person you expected him to be."
"Please rest assured."
"There may still be storms on his road ahead, but he is no longer the child who needs to hide under your wings."
"He will grow into a towering tree."
"besides……"
Chu Yan's voice paused, with a solemn sense of promise:
"I will watch over him and stay with him until he is strong enough, strong enough to protect himself and everything he wants to protect."
The last rays of sunset fell on the tombstone and on the two young men squatting side by side before it. The evening breeze blew by, bringing with it the fresh scent of the grass and trees in the mountain forest.
Gu Ye lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly, almost imperceptibly. He said nothing, but quietly reached out and hooked his pinky finger around Chu Yan's, which was hanging at his side. It was an extremely subtle gesture, filled with childish dependence and silent gratitude.
Chu Yan didn't move, letting him hook her. He looked at the tombstone and the woman in the photo, and her smile seemed to become softer and more relieved at this moment.
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