Early the next morning, Shi Qing, his face full of drowsiness, leaned against Zhuo Junli and walked into the classroom while yawning, following the sound of the bell signaling the start of morning self-study.
Fortunately, it was during morning self-study, so only the class monitor was present, and no one said anything when they saw him arrive neither late nor on time. Of course, even if someone did, Shi Qing definitely wouldn't have paid attention.
The school bully who loved to study was still the school bully.
He walked almost the entire way with his eyes closed, guided by Zhuo Junli, until he reached his seat.
Once he was seated, the young man gently coaxed his lover, who was leaning on his shoulder, "Shi Qing, wake up; it's time for self-study."
"I'm sleepy..."
In reality, Shi Qing had already woken up on the way, but he just wanted to lean on Zhuo Junli's shoulder like this and be pampered with the gentle words of the top student.
Zhuo Junli indeed coaxed him with a gentle voice, "Just open your eyes first. You haven't had breakfast yet. Eat this bun, and you'll feel better."
Shi Qing, as usual, was reluctant to get out of bed in the morning, and Zhuo Junli had to work hard to coax him into getting dressed. However, this delayed them, and there was no time to go to the cafeteria for breakfast. So, Zhuo Junli quickly bought a few buns while Shi Qing was washing up downstairs. He then brought them up to the classroom, where the school bully, after washing up, started being lazy and lying down on the bed.
"I don't want to eat a bun; I want strawberries."
Zhuo Junli replied, "I'll buy you some strawberries after the morning self-study. For now, eat these buns to fill your stomach."
Satisfied with the answer, the school bully opened his mouth obediently. Zhuo Junli naturally handed the bun to his lips and watched as he slowly finished eating it, one bite at a time.
Tong Xinyu, who witnessed this scene from behind, couldn't help but remark, "..."
She nudged her desk mate and, pointing to the couple in front of them who were feeding each other, whispered, "Look."
The girl at the desk next to her was busy with her homework, but she raised her eyes and looked in the direction indicated by Tong Xinyu. She appeared bewildered and asked, "What's wrong?"
Tong Xinyu wore a puzzled expression and said, "Didn't you see that Zhuo Junli is feeding Shi Qing a bun!"
The girl still looked confused and asked, "Yes, I saw it. What's wrong with feeding him a bun? Didn't the teacher say we can have breakfast during self-study if we're running late?"
Tong Xinyu sighed in frustration, "The point is, it's breakfast! It's Zhuo Junli feeding Shi Qing breakfast!"
The girl finally grasped the situation and had a realization, "Oh, I see now. You're worried about Zhuo Junli, right? Well, I don't think he looks unhappy at all. Their friendship seems to be getting stronger lately, and friends help each other out."
Tong Xinyu sighed again, "..."
She looked around the classroom and sadly realized that she was the only one who found it unusual. Perhaps it was because of Shi Qing's open and unabashed attitude that no one else suspected anything.
Sighing in resignation, Tong Xinyu rested her head on her desk. She had to accept a painful reality: the two major male gods had been dethroned, and a third male god had emerged. However, the way they were dethroned was quite unique.
Tong Xinyu was actually a very open-minded girl. Even when her male gods were dethroned in the past, she could easily stop caring about them, especially when she had a new male god to focus on. However, Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli had broken this pattern.
Perhaps it was because they were in the same class, or perhaps...
These two guys were just too dazzling.
Tong Xinyu had witnessed Zhuo Junli going to buy strawberries immediately after class, washing them thoroughly, just to feed them to Shi Qing.
She had also seen Shi Qing searching everywhere for various test papers to give to Zhuo Junli as a gift.
They sat together, shared the same dorm room, and even though they stuck to each other like glue, no one thought anything was amiss.
As the deep winter set in, the school bully seemed to enter a hibernation-like state, becoming incredibly lazy. He leaned on Zhuo Junli for everything, placing his hand on the young man's shoulder, and it seemed entirely natural for him to hang on Zhuo Junli like a sloth.
Whether sitting or walking, he leaned on Zhuo Junli, his body as limp as a ragdoll, with his eyes half-closed and a perpetual sleepy expression.
Tong Xinyu had observed them closely before because they were her male gods. However, during that time, Shi Qing hadn't been as prone to drowsiness as he was now.
When she carefully calculated, she realized that it was only after she witnessed them exchange red strings that Shi Qing started getting drowsy every day.
After returning home during the break and thoroughly researching same-sex relationships, Tong Xinyu couldn't help but suspect that something happened between her two former male gods after lights-out.
After all, they shared the same dorm room!
And they were right next to each other.
They shared the same bed.
Tong Xinyu could no longer deny it: the two major male gods had been dethroned.
A third male god had risen.
But the way they dethroned the others was just too unique.
Tong Xinyu was actually a very open-minded girl. Even when her male gods were dethroned in the past, she could easily stop caring about them, especially when she had a new male god to focus on.
However, Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli had broken this pattern.
Tong Xinyu felt a mixture of thoughts. On one hand, she was thinking, "Could it really be as I imagined?" On the other hand, she found it odd and thought, "Wait, why am I getting so excited about this?" She believed that she shouldn't be so focused on other people's lives.
Ever since that night when she witnessed the two major male gods exchanging engagement tokens, Tong Xinyu had been silently swearing to herself that she would never reveal this secret. She wasn't a child anymore and understood the potential consequences if a same-sex relationship were exposed in high school.
Although she couldn't have her male gods anymore due to their sexual orientation, she would never hurt them! She was the guardian of their love.
Thinking about it, she realized it was quite exciting. However, Tong Xinyu, who was keeping this secret, sometimes felt exhausted. She wished the male gods would be a little less conspicuous. Couldn't they keep some distance and not touch each other's hands in class or feed each other strawberries during breaks?
Clearly, they were in a romantic relationship, but it was Tong Xinyu who felt anxious every day. She anxiously watched them, while Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli acted as if everything was perfectly normal.
Wake up, male gods!
Take a look at the matching red strings on your hands!
You're having a secret relationship!
Can't you be a bit more discreet?
Fortunately, even though Tong Xinyu worried every day and felt like she was losing hair over it, no one in the class suspected anything was amiss. They just thought the two were really good friends. Moreover, Shi Qing had a somewhat domineering personality. When a grown man was tired, having another man feed him was unusual. But when it was the school bully, it seemed perfectly natural.
In fact, in the eyes of many, Shi Qing's behavior was akin to the wealthy gentlemen of the past who would comfortably lie down and let others feed them. What made it even more natural was his open and unapologetic attitude. Even during class when the teacher was lecturing, he could casually place his hand on Zhuo Junli's shoulder and sit there attentively, as if saying, "I'm graciously listening."
This attitude made it impossible to jump to conclusions. If there was something going on between them, they wouldn't act so openly.
So, until the winter break, no one in the class realized that Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli were anything more than friends. Even though they both wore red strings on their left wrists, spent all their time together, and whenever someone tried to talk to Shi Qing, Zhuo Junli would respond with a gentle smile, redirecting Shi Qing's attention.
No one suspected that the two most handsome guys in class were actually together. Tong Xinyu kept their secret safe.
As usual, before the winter break exams, when the results were announced, the teacher suggested having a parent-teacher meeting.
When the topic came up, Shi Qing lazily touched Zhuo Junli's hand, leaned against him with his thighs pressed against the young man's thighs, and yawned.
"Teacher, my parents are busy. Can they skip the meeting?"
"No," the teacher replied firmly.
The teacher looked at the scene with a proud expression, as if saying, "Don't you want your parents to see how excellent you've become?" He continued, "This time, your progress is remarkable. It's best to let your parents see your improvement."
He even proudly announced, "Right here, I have kept all your test papers from the beginning of the school year until now, and I've made a chart showing the changes in your grades over time. Most of you have had ups and downs, but only Shi Qing has consistently improved. So, besides Zhuo Junli, who has consistently maintained the top position, Shi Qing deserves special praise."
Looking at the teacher's proud expression, Shi Qing, leaning against Zhuo Junli, whispered, "Teacher, I used to be consistently last. I had nowhere to go but up."
The young man gazed at him softly, gently tugging on his pinky finger.
"The teacher is right; you're really talented."
Being praised by his lover, the school bully's ears turned red, and he cleared his throat.
"Of course, I know I'm talented."
Then, he slowly intertwined his fingers with Zhuo Junli's. As they engaged in their little gestures, the teacher continued earnestly from above.
"Now, you're in your second year of high school, and the third year isn't far off. This class meeting is quite important; the teacher will inform your parents about your usual performance and diligence to better supervise you in the future. So, one parent must attend the meeting. You can't skip it, understand?"
From below, there were scattered voices of understanding.
Zhuo Junli, who could multitask effortlessly, heard the teacher's words. His lips, curving with a smile, faltered for a moment, and then gradually faded.
The school bully noticed something was wrong and approached him curiously.
"What's wrong?"
Zhuo Junli shook his head and replied softly, "Nothing."
Seeing that Shi Qing believed him, he continued to play with his fingers idly. However, Zhuo Junli's eyes darkened, and he lowered his gaze.
He thought of his father.
The one who had beaten him since he was a child, never showing an ounce of fatherly love. Not only did he not support him, but he also always tried to take away his scholarships.
In the past, Zhuo Junli could endure it or avoid it. He was like a peregrine falcon lurking, patiently waiting for his feathers to molt. He would only be completely free of his abusive father's control once he became an adult.
He could endure it.
After all, he had endured it for so long; a little more time wouldn't matter. But now...
Zhuo Junli looked at Shi Qing, who was yawning.
In fact, except for the first night, Shi Qing hadn't stayed up late much afterward. His daily routine was almost the same as before. However, the school bully seemed to act exhausted every day, lazily making everyone want to carry him everywhere.
Shi Qing was the first treasure in his life.
He couldn't bear the thought of that man ruining Shi Qing's perception of him.
Shi Qing once again lowered his long eyelashes, and his beautiful face showed no emotions.
The next day was the parent-teacher meeting.
Early in the morning, the teacher stood at the classroom door, greeting parents as they arrived. At that moment, Zhuo Junli approached, looking somewhat troubled, and whispered, "Teacher, my dad won't be able to make it."
"Oh? What happened?"
The teacher knew Zhuo Junli was a well-behaved and conscientious student, and he was well aware of his family situation, knowing what kind of person his father was.
Now that he heard Zhuo Junli's father couldn't make it, his brows furrowed immediately.
"What kind of father is this? He doesn't provide food or drink and forces his child to work part-time and rely on scholarships for daily expenses. Can't he even attend a parent-teacher meeting?"
The school's top student, with his handsome appearance, seemed even more distressed. "He broke his leg; he really can't come."
Hearing this, the teacher's anger lessened a bit. "It's okay; if he can't come, he can't. Your grades are very stable, and you're hardworking. The purpose of the parent-teacher meeting is to get parents to supervise their children, but you don't need supervision. Don't worry about it."
"Alright, go downstairs and relax for a while. You've been studying for a long time, so take a break."
Zhuo Junli nodded politely and thanked the teacher. After thanking him, he turned and left.
The teacher watched the young man's graceful figure and sighed. "This child is so sensible and kind. How did he end up with such a father?"
Downstairs, Shi Qing was leisurely resting, propping his feet up on a basketball and basking in the warm sun.
[Host, let me tell you a joke.]
The system was puzzled. [What is it?]
Shi Qing: [Yesterday, I called someone to break that abusive man's legs so he wouldn't cause trouble at school. Guess what happened?]
System: [What happened?]
Shi Qing: [When my people arrived, his leg was already broken.]
System: [?]
Shi Qing: [Do you know how he broke it?]
[System doesn't understand.]
Shi Qing: [In simple terms, this abusive man managed to break his leg from a nearly impossible angle only after precise calculations by someone else.]
The system finally understood.
Then: [Is 'someone else' a name?]
Shi Qing raised his head and looked ahead. He gently raised an eyebrow.
"Someone else is here."
Under the sunshine, the young man had a fair complexion, and a faint smile adorned his face. His soft short hair had a touch of golden highlights in the sunlight. As he approached, he looked like an angel descended from heaven.
Then, the angel sat down beside Shi Qing.
Shi Qing asked him, "What did you go to the teacher for just now?"
Zhuo Junli replied, "My dad broke his leg and can't come to the parent-teacher meeting. I told the teacher about it."
"His leg is broken?"
The school bully's face showed a surprised expression, indicating his genuine concern for his lover's father. "Is he okay?"
"It's nothing major."
Zhuo Junli didn't mention how upset or distressed he felt. He simply moved closer to Shi Qing and let himself be pulled close.
He held Shi Qing's hand.
The school bully's hand felt different from what his tough appearance would suggest; it was soft and tender because he hadn't done much physical work. As Zhuo Junli kneaded his soft palm, it felt as though his whole heart could calm down.
Zhuo Junli spoke softly, "I don't like him."
"You don't like who, your dad?"
Shi Qing, allowing him to knead his hand, showed understanding. "I don't like my parents either. From childhood to now, the time they spent with me probably doesn't add up to a year. They claim to love me while abandoning me for work, and they say they love me even as they hand me over to nannies. They always say to come to them if I need anything, but I just throw money at my problems; there's no need to involve them."
The young man looked at Shi Qing in surprise. He had initially thought that someone with Shi Qing's personality must have been spoiled from a young age.
Looking at the school bully's nonchalant attitude, Zhuo Junli felt both sympathy and joy.
Shi Qing wasn't close to his parents. Did that mean he was the person Shi Qing was closest to?
The thought softened the young man's heart. His eyes seemed to twinkle with bright stars, and in the sunshine, his fair and beautiful face became even more radiant. He moved closer to Shi Qing and gently let him lean on his shoulder.
"You have me, and I have you."
"Right."
Shi Qing raised a happy smile. "Having you is enough for me."
"But my parents do have some good points. My mom grew up abroad, so she's more open-minded in her thinking. My dad has only one requirement for me—stay alive. As for the rest, he doesn't care."
The school bully shrugged indifferently. "So, I don't need to hide our relationship from them, and I'm not afraid they'll get angry."
"I'm not afraid either."
The young man smiled softly, his eyes filled with tenderness, and he whispered, "My dad doesn't have time to get angry."
Perhaps he would break his leg again.
Perhaps next time, it would be his arm.
Or maybe both his arm and leg.
He wouldn't appear in front of Shi Qing anymore, nor would he occupy even a second of Shi Qing's attention.
As they talked, they grew closer and cuddled affectionately.
Shi Qing took out a bag of almonds from his backpack, leaned against Zhuo Junli, and they both enjoyed the almonds. Their movements were filled with sweetness.
Tong Xinyu, who saw this scene from afar, thought to herself, "..."
She watched the two of them surrounded by pink bubbles, feeling like she wanted to kneel down in admiration for her two male gods.
This was on the school's playground!
There were people around!
Were they really not going to be discreet at all?
She couldn't imagine what might happen if the adults found out. The consequences could range from disciplinary action to expulsion, not to mention the potential gossip!
Tong Xinyu was seriously worried about her two male gods.
However, while she was anxiously thinking about this, she realized that she was overreacting.
Other students were busy playing basketball and chatting, completely oblivious to what was happening nearby. Even if someone happened to pass by and see, they would only glance and not pay much attention.
Tong Xinyu nervously approached them and finally understood why.
Shi Qing, maintaining that picturesque pose, was reciting his text with a tone that suggested he couldn't care less. He truly seemed utterly disinterested.
He was truly, genuinely disinterested.
Even though their posture seemed ambiguous and intimate, Shi Qing was reciting his text in a completely apathetic manner.
[System is confused.]
Shi Qing had no interest in what they were doing, so his boredom showed in the way he recited his text.
[System finally understood.]
Then, Tong Xinyu noticed that Shi Qing, perhaps feeling tired, didn't mind sitting on the flower bed, even though it would get dirty. He lay down on Zhuo Junli's leg, comfortably soaking in the sun.
Lying down!
On Zhuo Junli's leg!
On his leg!!!
Though this scene was indeed beautiful and even made her heart race inexplicably, it was still the school's playground!
There were people around!
With a head full of "Oh my god," Tong Xinyu was anxious for a long time, only to realize that her anxiety was in vain.
The students on the playground were just as absorbed in their own activities as ever, and nobody paid much attention to this side.
Tong Xinyu felt relieved but also a little embarrassed about her previous overreaction.
In one corner, one of them struggled through reciting the text while the other listened attentively, giving corrections when needed. High school students in the midst of their "I love studying, and studying loves me" phase would never think otherwise.
When Tong Xinyu passed by, Shi Qing was just finishing up. He couldn't stand it any longer and got up, hooking his arm around the young man's neck eagerly. "It's getting too sunny here; let's go sit in the shade for a while."
He pointed to the far left side of the playground. There was a large tree, intentionally transplanted when the school was built. Even if they sat behind it, nobody from the playground would see them.
Zhuo Junli didn't think much of it and assumed that his lover was feeling hot. He agreed and got up with Shi Qing. They headed towards the large tree together.
Tong Xinyu watched their backs and thought she was worrying too much. These two weren't fools; they wouldn't expose their relationship like that. She shook her head, feeling a bit ridiculous for her overreaction.
In the next half hour, Tong Xinyu leisurely made her way back to the classroom and sat on the steps, playing with her phone. Her mother had given it to her before going into the classroom, so she had some time to spare.
As she played, the parent-teacher meeting came to an end. Parents started leaving one by one. Tong Xinyu went to the entrance and saw her mother talking to the teacher, so she leaned against the railing and waited.
Then, a very young and beautiful lady, looking so stunning that you couldn't forget her at first glance, came out wearing high-heeled boots. Her makeup was impeccable, and her red lips were slightly curved.
She had long, long legs, and she was wearing very high-heeled boots. Judging by her height, she was probably over 1.75 meters. But from her aura, she seemed at least 2.7 meters tall.
Tong Xinyu just gave her a casual look and was taken aback. When the beautiful lady approached her, she arched an eyebrow, and her lips followed suit. "Are you a student in this class?"
Tong Xinyu dumbly nodded.
"Do you know where Shi Qing is? I'm his mother."
Tong Xinyu: ... Oh my.
Shi Qing's mother was unexpectedly young and beautiful. Tong Xinyu quickly nodded. "Shi Qing is on the playground."
Being helpful, she pointed to the very noticeable large tree. "I saw them heading over to that tree earlier. They should be sitting in the shade."
The beautiful lady, or rather, the beautiful aunt, smiled at her. "Thanks."
With her imposing 2.8-meter aura, she walked away in her high-heeled boots.
Tong Xinyu was still in shock. After a few seconds, she realized a problem: Shi Qing! He's with Zhuo Junli!! These two get cozy during class, and now they're sitting under a tree where nobody can see them...
She suddenly felt cold sweat breaking out and hurriedly turned to look in their direction. But she couldn't see much. So, she dashed to the left, following the railing until she could finally glimpse what was happening behind the tree.
Zhuo Junli seemed to be leaning against the tree, and Shi Qing had his hand on Zhuo Junli's shoulder. From her angle, she could only see the back of Shi Qing's head.
In other words, Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli were face to face.
This posture...
This action...
Could it be the legendary...
Then, Tong Xinyu witnessed something astonishing: the tree fell!
She panicked, realizing that trouble was brewing. She racked her brain, her heart racing, and then she came up with something on the spot.
"Auntie, it's not what you think! We're rehearsing a play for the winter vacation, you know, that one, 'Sleeping Beauty.' It has a kissing scene, and they're rehearsing!"
Shi Qing's beautiful mother didn't show any shock or anger on her face. She just smiled gently.
Tong Xinyu didn't even notice. She was too busy with her thoughts, but when she looked at what was happening in front of her: Shi Qing! He's still holding Zhuo Junli's hand, their fingers interlocked!
My, oh my! She was here, desperately saving the day, while they were dragging their feet.
Can't you two be a bit more discreet with your secret relationship?
Then, in front of her eyes, the school bully boldly raised the hand holding Zhuo Junli's and said, "Mom, let me introduce you to Zhuo Junli, my boyfriend."
Tong Xinyu: !!!
Shi Qing's mother, on the other hand, remained as composed as ever. She approached them with a smile and looked at the handsome young man with satisfaction. "Indeed, as you described before, he's a good boy. Mom wishes you both happiness."
Zhuo Junli gradually relaxed. His eyes brightened, and he turned to look at Shi Qing.
The school bully continued to grin mischievously, looking like he wouldn't give up until he got what he wanted. "I told you, if you don't kiss me, I won't get up—even if the Jade Emperor himself comes."
He urged, "Hurry up and kiss me. There's a surprise if you do."
Zhuo Junli blinked his long eyelashes nervously, his fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, whether from nervousness or shyness.
Worried about the imminent arrival of Shi Qing's mother, he leaned in slowly and planted a gentle kiss on the school bully's cheek.
Unable to delay it any longer, he watched Shi Qing's mother approach. The school bully's mischievous smile remained as he shook their interlocked hands. "Mom, let me introduce you to Zhuo Junli, my boyfriend."
Tong Xinyu: !!!
Shi Qing's mother was as composed as ever, smiling gently as she approached them. She looked at the blushing young man with satisfaction. "As I thought, you're a good kid. Mom wishes you both the best."
Zhuo Junli, no longer feeling so tense, turned to look at Shi Qing. The school bully continued to grin, looking like he wouldn't give up until he got what he wanted. "I told you, if you don't kiss me, I won't get up—even if the Jade Emperor himself comes."
He urged, "Hurry up and kiss me. There's a surprise if you do."
Zhuo Junli blinked his long eyelashes nervously, his fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, whether from nervousness or shyness.
Worried about the imminent arrival of Shi Qing's mother, he leaned in slowly and planted a gentle kiss on the school bully's cheek.
Unable to delay it any longer, he watched Shi Qing's mother approach. The school bully's mischievous smile remained as he shook their interlocked hands. "Mom, let me introduce you to Zhuo Junli, my boyfriend."
Tong Xinyu: !!!
Shi Qing's mother was as composed as ever, smiling gently as she approached them. She looked at
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