CH 29

At 4:30 p.m. that afternoon,

Lin Yuxing arrived early at the school gate. He had specifically washed his hair and put on the new clothes that Su Li had bought for him, hoping to make a good impression on his to-be employer.

The sky was filled with dark clouds, and Lin Yuxing had put an umbrella in his backpack in advance, although it seemed useless now.

Because standing beside him was an Alpha Gu Zhongyi who was his ‘boyfriend” at C University and his considerate best friend.

Lin Yuxing said politely, “Senior, isn’t it a bit excessive for you to accompany me?”

Gu Zhongyi raised his chin, indicating that his car was parked nearby. He said he had a lot of free time that day, and it would be better for him to pick up and drop off Lin Yuxing.

“But…” Lin Yuxing tried to interrupt.

Gu Zhongyi interrupted him, saying, “Liao Yan definitely doesn’t have a car, and if you get caught in the rain on the way, it won’t look good for your interview.”

“I brought an umbrella.”

“It’s fine, you won’t need it.”

Lin Yuxing: “…”

Gu Zhongyi had earlier glanced at the weather forecast and estimated that there would be a heavy rain shower. Knowing Lin Yuxing,  he would definitely hesitate to take a taxi and there was no subway station near the school. He would most likely take the bus back for sure.

Slippery roads due to rain, slow-moving traffic, and cold weather—Gu Zhongyi didn’t want Lin Yuxing to go through all that trouble.

Moreover, it was Lin Yuxing’s birthday that day, and Gu Zhongyi wanted to have dinner with him.

However, no one remembered that it was Lin Yuxing’s birthday except Gu Zhongyi, including Lin Yuxing himself.

Gu Zhongyi thought of the pre-ordered cake in the apartment and couldn’t help but sigh. He didn’t know if he could successfully “trick” Lin Yuxing into going home that night and have him take a bite of the cake.

Thanks to Liao Yan’s unexpected interference, the birthday surprise was likely to be ruined.

Lin Yuxing didn’t think getting caught in the rain was a big deal, and he really didn’t want to trouble Gu Zhongyi. He was about to say something when a handsome man at a distance waved at him, interrupting his thoughts.

Lin Yuxing was puzzled as he didn’t immediately recognize the person.

But that person actually ran towards them, and to Lin Yuxing’s surprise, stopped in front of them.

Liao Yan revealed a bright smile, handsome and cheerful, and said, “You’re here early.”

Gu Zhongyi frowned slightly. He didn’t remember such an attractive person at C University. Based on Liao Yan’s appearance alone, it was difficult not to attract attention at C University.

Liao Yan, who stood before them, looked refreshed. He waved at Lin Yuxing, who was still in shock, and brought him back to reality, saying, “What’s wrong? I’m Liao Yan. Don’t you recognize me with my contact lenses on?”

Lin Yuxing quickly waved his hand. He wasn’t good at dealing with talkative handsome guys. “No, it’s not that. You just look so different…”

Liao Yan glanced at Gu Zhongyi.

To ease his own embarrassment, Lin Yuxing quickly pointed to Gu Zhongyi beside him and said, ‘I don’t need to introduce him, right? He… He said he wanted to drive me.’

Lin Yuxing tugged at Gu Zhongyi’s clothes.

That small gesture seemed very intimate in the eyes of Liao Yan and he said, ‘You two are indeed the model couple on campus, so sweet.’

Lin Yuxing never revealed any flaws when acting in front of others. He humbly and calmly said, ‘Not really, that’s how it is when you’ve been in a relationship for quite a while.’

“Is that so?” Liao Yan smiled again.

Gu Zhongyi politely greeted, “Hello, I’m Gu Zhongyi. It might rain later, and I’m worried about Yuxing coming back alone.”

Liao Yan was a little jealous. He extended his hand to Gu Zhongyi and said, “Hello, Senior Gu, I’ve heard your name on campus before. I’m Liao Yan, a freshman from the Art Department.”

Probably because of Xu Xiangchi, Gu Zhongyi didn’t have a good impression of the students in the Art Department. Fortunately, the guy in front of him was a Beta, which made Gu Zhongyi let go of some of his concerns.

Gu Zhongyi shook Liao Yan’s hand briefly and then let go. He showed a friendly attitude towards Liao Yan, just because he introduced the tutoring job to Lin Yuxing , and said, “Let’s get in the car. I’ll drive you.”

Fifteen minutes later, Gu Zhongyi regretted letting Liao Yan into the car.

The Beta was indeed too talkative.

He actually called Lin Yuxing “Star”?

As a customer, they weren’t particularly close with Lin Yuxing, but he called him such an intimate nickname? To be honest, even Gu Zhongyi didn’t feel comfortable using that title, and someone else naturally used it. It genuinely made him a bit unhappy.

Gu Zhongyi cleared his throat.

Liao Yan ignored him.

Lin Yuxing asked with concern, “Senior, what’s wrong?”

Gu Zhongyi felt better in his heart and said, “Nothing.”

Liao Yan looked at Gu Zhongyi a bit intrigued.

When they had gotten into the car earlier, Liao Yan pushed Lin Yuxing  to the back seat so as to sit close to him. Now, the two of them were happily chatting in the back, discussing topics that Gu Zhongyi couldn’t actively engage in.

For example, the course they both took in the same class.

Liao Yan kept calling Lin Yuxing “Star” repeatedly, which was overly familiar. He said, “Star, why don’t you choose a course with me next semester? It’s really enjoyable to take classes with you.”

Lin Yuxing replied good-naturedly, “Let’s see how it goes. Though I actually wanted to take a course with my roommate.”

Liao Yan pursued relentlessly and stuck close, saying, “Then let’s take another course together. I can take anything except flower arranging.”

The car suddenly became quiet for a few seconds.

Lin Yuxing hesitantly said, “My roommate actually wants to take the flower arranging course…”

“…On second thought, a flower arranging course sounds good too.” Liao Yan changed his tune and sighed, “Ah, it’s my fault for not attending classes before. I missed the opportunity to spend time with you.”

Lin Yuxing comforted him, “It’s alright, we’re still not that close yet.”

Unexpectedly, Liao Yan blinked, and his beautiful eyes had a unique color. In Gu Zhongyi’s eyes, that green eyed Beta was definitely flirting.

But Liao Yan sounded heartbroken, saying, “I even introduced you to a part-time job. Isn’t that enough to be considered close? Ever since I found out you were washing dishes in the kitchen, my heart has been aching for a long time.”

That statement was undoubtedly meant for Gu Zhongyi to hear.

Thinking for a moment, Lin Yuxing expressed his confusion, “But I’ve only been washing dishes for a few days, and you only found out this afternoon. How could your heart ache for so long? Liao Yan, you’re kind of exaggerating.”

Without waiting for Liao Yan to continue his rambling, Lin Yuxing added, “Also, don’t call me Xingxing or star. I don’t like it.”

“What do you like then?” Liao Yan showed a helpless expression as if he would call him anything he suggested.

But Lin Yuxing didn’t get it.

Without much thought, Lin Yuxing said, “Just call me Lin Yuxing.”

It must be said that although Lin Yuxing’s discernment skills were lacking, he seemed to not like the flirtation.

Gu Zhongyi in the front seat instantly felt relieved and no longer bothered by the fact that he was just their assigned driver.

However, when Gu Zhongyi raised his eyes, he saw Liao Yan’s provocative look in the rearview mirror. Through the mirror, their eyes met.

Liao Yan’s eyes were captivating, and he slightly smirked at Gu Zhongyi.

Gu Zhongyi calmly averted his gaze, not showing any reaction to Liao Yan’s childish behavior.

Dusk arrived.

Gu Zhongyi parked the car downstairs in the residential area and got out with them. “Liao Yan, I need to talk to Yuxing for a moment. Could you give us some space?”

That statement was somewhat impolite.

“Senior?” Lin Yuxing sensed that something was wrong and asked quietly after walking a few steps away with Gu Zhongyi, “What’s going on?”

Gu Zhongyi placed both hands on Lin Yuxing’s shoulders, turning him away from Liao Yan. He slightly bent down and whispered two sentences in his ear. The warm breath brushed against Lin Yuxing’s earlobe, and in an instant, he felt a tingling sensation all over his body.

He shrunk his neck, and his ears turned red.

Gu Zhongyi said with a calm expression, “That’s the situation. Think about it?”

Lin Yuxing’s cheeks uncontrollably flushed, feeling hot. He used the back of his hand to cool down his face.

“We’ve come this far, why are you telling me now…”

“It’s my fault.”

Once Gu Zhongyi admitted his mistake, Lin Yuxing couldn’t complain anymore.

Gu Zhongyi also said, “Originally, I wanted to give it to you as a birthday present tonight, but if I don’t say it now, it seems like I won’t have the chance.” He seemed more helpless than Lin Yuxing, his face filled with a pretended regret.

Liao Yan, not far away, instantly saw through Gu Zhongyi’s deliberate act. He lowered his head and laughed silently while kicking his toe.

But Lin Yuxing believed in Gu Zhongyi’s sincerity and never doubted it, not even once.

Lin Yuxing suddenly blurted out, “Birthday? Whose birthday?”

“Yours.” Gu Zhongyi reached out to help him tidy his slightly long hair and spoke in a deep voice, giving an infinite sense of reassurance. “Who else could it be?”

The warm fingertips touched Lin Yuxing’s still warm ears, making him feel like he was surrounded by dense clouds or as if ants were crawling on his neck, causing an itchy sensation.

Lin Yuxing suddenly remembered the date and asked in a dazed manner, “How did you know today is my birthday?”

“It’s written on your student ID.”

“You looked at my student ID?”

“When we went to the school clinic before, we needed it.” Gu Zhongyi said “You gave it to me.”

Lin Yuxing was stunned and lowered his head shyly. How could someone remember his birthday and even prepare a gift for him?

He tried to calm himself down slowly…

Suddenly, Lin Yuxing’s phone alarm rang, breaking the current chaos and bringing him back to reality.

It was almost time for the scheduled interview, and he couldn’t be late.

So, Gu Zhongyi kindly helped him fix his hair and put on his scarf. He said in a warm voice, “Go, don’t keep others waiting.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t feel pressured, choose whichever side you want. After the interview, we’ll celebrate your birthday.” Gu Zhongyi bent down again and softly whispered in Lin Yuxing’s ear, “Just don’t make me wait for too long.”

Anxiously, Lin Yuxing closed his eyes and unconsciously grabbed Gu Zhongyi’s hand.

He didn’t want Gu Zhongyi to spend money on him. In his mind, birthdays meant spending money, something that he wasn’t allowed to do since childhood.

“You don’t have to celebrate my birthday.” He mumbled, “I don’t care about such things. I don’t celebrate my birthday. I’m just not used to it.”

Gu Zhongyi saw Lin Yuxing’s uneasiness but insisted.

“Yuxing, I want to celebrate your birthday.”

Just that sentence made Lin Yuxing’s previously calm heart churn again with waves.

He went from surprise to delight, from delight to touched.

Once again, faintly, his emotions disobeyed and multiplied a hundredfold, pounding on the door of his heart like a drum.

“Dong dong dong—”

He was certain that this was the same palpitation he felt when he first smelled his pheromones, the same excitement.

Lin Yuxing wanted to say something, but Liao Yan, who was behind him, urged him to hurry as they would be late.

There were more pressing matters at hand, and Lin Yuxing didn’t have time to figure out why his heart was beating so fast. To prevent himself from overthinking, he convinced himself that those emotions he was feeling were the failure of the pheromone inhibitor.

But the Gu Group never sold fake medicine!

Lin Yuxing was deeply troubled.

In the end, it took him three hesitations before he reluctantly followed Liao Yan into the elevator.

As Gu Zhongyi watched the two enter the elevator, the warmth on his face instantly disappeared.

He walked forward and noted the floor. Remembering Liao Yan’s previous flirtations, his expression became cold. Now that he realized Liao Yan’s impure intentions, he couldn’t stand idly by.

Gu Zhongyi picked up his phone and casually searched through his contacts for a while before lightly tapping on a particular profile picture.

The owner of this profile picture was the manager of the restaurant under his name.

He typed a message: [Manager Zhang, I remember your son started elementary school. Does he need tutoring during the winter vacation? It can be considered an employee benefit, with students from C University teaching, and I’ll cover the cost.]

Gu Zhongyi: [Urgent, please reply when you see this.]

Manager Zhang: [Thank you, boss, but my son is only in first grade.]

Gu Zhongyi emphasized three points: [A child’s academic performance should be grasped from early on. The tutor’s fee will be covered by me, and the student is an honor student from C University.]

Manager Zhang was a sharp witted person, and he quickly agreed: [Thank you, boss. Yes, we need it. I really need it!]

Problem solved.

Next, Gu Zhongyi looked at the time.

One minute, two minutes… six minutes.

Ding—

The elevator door in front of him opened again, and the only person who rushed out was Lin Yuxing.

As Gu Zhongyi had hoped, Lin Yuxing returned to his side within ten minutes.

He didn’t know where the wind came from, but it messed up Lin Yuxing’s hair. Gu Zhongyi saw that Lin Yuxing’s cheeks were flushed, looking exceptionally cute.

Lin Yuxing sniffed and shyly approached Gu Zhongyi to receive his birthday gift. His tone was embarrassed. “I think… 400 yuan would be better.” He also said with grievance, “I stood someone up and owed them thirty free errands.”

Gu Zhongyi raised the corners of his mouth, stepped forward, and ruffled Lin Yuxing’s head.

“okay.”

Lin Yuxing looked eager, with his lips raised like a child. “Senior, it’s the first birthday I get to celebrate. Can I make a wish?”

“Of course.”

“I heard… birthday wishes can come true. Is it true?”

“More or less.”

“That’s great. Then I want to wish for a winning lottery ticket!”

“Yuxing, unrealistic wishes like that won’t work. They can’t be fulfilled.”

“I see…” Lin Yuxing still had high hopes. “I’m 19 years old this year. Should I put 19 candles on the cake?”

“Yes.”

“Will they fit?”

“I bought an eight-inch cake, so they should.”

“That big?! Senior, that’s great. I want to put in 19 candles!”

“No problem.”

“But isn’t it a waste if we can’t finish the cake? Although I can probably eat half of it, I have a big appetite.”

“I know.”

“Senior, can you eat half?”

“It’s too sweet. I probably can’t. But I’ve already invited a few people and informed them to come now.”

“?”

“Su Li, Gu Nuan…,” Gu Zhongyi calculated, realizing there weren’t many people, so he added, “Let’s invite Yang Qing too.”

The two walked out of the residential area side by side.

Previously ,before  Lin Yuxing followed Liao Yan upstairs, Gu Zhongyi had whispered something in his ear.

“I have a friend whose child needs tutoring. They value education a lot and are willing to pay 400 yuan per hour. I had already planned on suggesting it to you, it’s far better than what most families would offer.”

Gu Zhongyi had a way with words, always concise yet conveying the meaning thoroughly.

Of course, the killer move being “This is a birthday gift.”

It had a different meaning, effortlessly defeating everything else.