That evening, Yu Sui suddenly received a large file. When he opened it, he found two digital drawings. One depicted a handsome young man sitting with his legs bent atop a cloud, two small tufts of hair tied at the back of his head. He wore earphones, the red cord winding around his arm, a blood-read string on his wrist adorned with a longevity lock. His appearance was sweet, but his expression was teasing, eyebrows raised arrogantly, exuding wild confidence.
The other was a close-up sketch, a scanned copy of a black-and-white drawing. It looked like a casual sketch, simply outlining the young man’s features: deep eyes, a slightly upturned mouth, and a soft glow on his nose. This time, the boy appeared serene and gentle, both outside of the drawing and even in the drawing itself. He looked like the kind of boy who would make your heart flutter at first glance.
The signature in the lower right corner was a powerful stroke, quite different from his usual messy handwriting.
Ren Mu: [The drawing I promised you]
“…”
Yu Sui, who had just changed into his pajamas and was buried in his bed, tapped the screen with his knuckles, saving it to his album.
Although it was his request, he hadn’t expected Yan Xiu to put so much detail into it.
The feeling of being subtly observed was strange.
Between his eyebrows and the outer corners of his eyes was a light brown mole, and there were two other tiny, faint moles near the prominence of his throat.
Yan Xiu had added some finishing touches, making the young man in the drawing appear sexy due to his rawness.
Yu Sui stared at the play of shadow for a while, when Yang Feiwen’s cheeky voice suddenly echoing in his mind: “Sui’er, don’t you think something’s a little off?”
Bathed in warm light, the faint veins beneath Yu Sui’s pale skin seemed to throb with restless energy.
But before he could figure it out, a phone call came in. The caller was Yan Xiu.
Yu Sui stayed silent for a few seconds before slowly answering.
A cool voice came from the other end, as if he had just swallowed a mouthful of water: “Did you see the message?”
Yu Sui turned over and sat up against the headboard: “Yes.”
Yan Xiu paused for a few seconds, then asked, “Should I bring the physical copy?”
Yu Sui subconsciously nodded, about to agree, but then he flipped through the calendar on his bedside table—a habit of his privileged self, the calendar still showing last month.
He saw the date and sighed, “No need. We’re coming to your place to wish you a Happy New Year. You can just give it to me then.”
“……”
“Oh.”
“……”
The call ended.
Yu Sui finally managed to come up with a topic; but after starting the conversation and getting no response, he glanced at his phone in bewilderment and nearly lost it.
He thought to himself, “What the hell is wrong with this guy?”
As the New Year approached, the streets of Yandu were so cold that one could see their breath forming mist in the air. People hurrying along the streets would rub their hands together and exhale warm puffs every few steps.
Recently, Yu Jingyuan had been staying home, but the atmosphere remained relatively harmonious. Since Yu Sui sprained his ankle, he spent most of his time in his room. Neither of them got in each other’s way, And even when they occasionally bumped into each other, they maintained a polite and distant behavior.
Yu Jingyuan was adhering to the tradition of not getting angry during the New Year, while Yu Sui preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble.
On the day they went to pay their New Year’s visits, the temperature plummeted to its lowest point of the month.
Yu Sui wore a cotton hat, a long sweater, and long black trousers that accentuated his legs. As soon as he got out of the car, the wind blew in from all directions, making him shiver uncontrollably.
Yu Si, on the other hand, was bundled up tightly, wearing at least two coats. He glanced at Yu Sui sideways and sneered, “Stinky habit.”
Yu Sui ignored him.
The cold weather had crushed many people’s will to dress fashionably, but it hadn’t broken Yu Sui’s. As the family stepped out of the car, everyone else looked clumsy and bulky, except for Young Master Yu, though pitifully cold, still managed to appear handsome, sharp, and refined.
This was the first time in all these years that the Yu and Yan families had gathered for a pre-New Year’s dinner.
Yu Sui trailed slowly at the back. As he entered, shivering from the cold, he nearly bumped into Yan Xiu.
Since he hadn’t needed to go out, Yan Xiu was dressed in soft, comfortable clothes. Yet, he still looked sharp and capable—even without dressing up, he didn’t appear the least bit dull.
“Didn’t they issue a low-temperature warning today?” Minister Yan’s first words were laced with familiar sarcasm.
Here we go again.
Yu Sui walked past him, stubbornly saying, “It’s not that cold outside. This is just right.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Xiu opened the door, letting a gust of icy wind from what felt like the Arctic sweep into the room. The wind lifted Yu Sui’s loose sweater, making it billow before settling back down.
He had just taken off his hat, and the wind blew so hard his head went numb.
Yan Xiu, standing in the doorway, felt the cold wind on his face, making him look utterly chilled.
Yan Xiu: “Yeah, just right.”
Yu Sui: “…”
Damn.
Yan Ying’s family had arrived earlier. She had been ordered to stay in the living room and watch educational cartoons with Yan Tian, who was almost four years old.
At this age, Yan Tian was a bundle of energy, causing trouble everywhere. If he didn’t watch cartoons, he would run around everywhere. With so many people bustling, the adults were afraid he might accidentally wander off and stumble into something dangerous.
But Yan Ying wasn’t the patient type either and couldn’t sit still for long. She beckoned to her aunt.
She waved to Yu Sui, “Gege!”
Over the past six months, the girl had grown taller and started dressing up, even wearing high heels. She stood there, graceful and strikingly beautiful.
However, she bore no resemblance to Yan Xiu whatsoever; otherwise, Yu Sui wouldn’t have failed to recognize him.
Even now, with both Yan Xiu and Yan Ying standing right here, Yu Sui still found it hard to connect their identities. Yan Ying was too lively and unrestrained, while Yan Xiu was the epitome of cold detachment—the differences were too great.
“Is she really your cousin?” Yu Sui asked softly beside Yan Xiu.
Yan Xiu glanced down at him and gave a soft “Mm.”
Then he asked, “Do you want to go upstairs and get the drawing?”
Downstairs was crowded and noisy. Yan Xiu’s suggestion was exactly what Yu Sui wanted. But as soon as he lifted his foot, he hesitated and put it down again, laughing, “Never mind, I’ll grab it when I leave.”
Yan Xiu took his hat and put it on the coat rack, not insisting on it.
Once the parents’ greetings were over, it was time for the graded part every child faces—the elders coming over to fuss and inquire about their well-being.
Yu Sui was familiar with Yan Ying’s parents, so it didn’t bother him. But he had only met Tang Ying and Old Yan once—Yan Xiu actually called him “Lao Yan” which made Yu Sui both envious and jealous. He figured he would never call Yu Jingyuan “Lao Yu,” although Yang Feiwen had called him that before.
Last time, at the doorstep, he hadn’t paid attention, but this time Yu Sui made sure to remember them. Tang Ying was a warm-hearted woman, and upon seeing Lao Yan, Yu Sui knew that Yan Xiu’s personality was probably innate.
Just as he was about to call him “Uncle”, Yan Xiu drifted over and casually called out “Lao Yan,” causing Yu Sui to stumble over his words: “Lao Uncle.”
That was a disaster.
Lao Yan was a full ten years younger than Yu Jingyuan and a handsome man at that.
Yu Sui’s face stiffened, and without hesitation, he kicked Yan Xiu.
He used his injured leg—Yan Xiu never held it against him with his injured leg.
Tang Ying was quite curious about Yu Sui and asked him, “You like ice cream, right?”
Her son chimed in, “He’s injured, he can’t have any.”
“Hey…” Tang Ying now found her son annoying too and said with a headache, “Did I ask you?”
One against two.
Yu Sui grinned at Yan Xiu provocatively and smugly, then lowered his eyes and followed Tang Ying inside to get snacks. His sweater sleeves were long enough to cover half of the back of his hand. His hands were pale, his fingers slender, and as they brushed against the edge of his black trousers, they effortlessly outshone half the hand models in a stack of fashion magazines.
A moment later, the people following Tang Ying increased from one to two. Yan Ying had somehow let go of Yan Tian and chased after Yu Sui. Yan Xiu silently grabbed Yan Ying: “Where’s Xiao Tian?”
“He’s tired from playing, Aunt Wang took him to bed.” Yan Ying grabbed Yan Xiu’s arm, raising an eyebrow. “Gege, why are you stopping me? Are you afraid I’ll steal him from you?”
Yan Ying had broadened her horizon in the past six months. With her years of experience as a fangirl, she had easily infiltrated the inner circle of No. 26 Middle School, reading all sorts of gossip and tidbits.
Not only did she know about the popular CP thread featuring Yu Sui and Yan Xiu, but she also knew that her brother and Yu Sui had an exceptionally close relationship.
But who would’ve thought? Back then, Yan Xiu had to trade a library just to get Yu Sui’s WeChat from her.
Her bold remarks made Yan Xiu frown: “What kind of nonsense have you been reading?”
“What nonsense? Is reading about you considered nonsense?” Yan Ying retorted.
There was no point in arguing with someone so unreasonable. Just then, Lao Yan called for Yan Xiu’s help, allowing Yan Ying to escape.
She hurriedly ran to Yu Sui’s side. Yu Sui, with a lollipop in his mouth, was leaning against the sofa watching the sleeping child below.
Yan Tian loved his pacifier. Although he was almost four, he needed it to fall asleep—a simple tug would wake him up.
“Gege,” Yan Ying said, leaning closer.
Yu Sui responded, “Where’s your brother?”
Yan Ying: “Uncle called him, so he went over.”
Yu Sui nodded.
Not long after, Aunt Wang, who had been watching the child sleep, picked up Yan Tian and carried him over to the children’s bed to lay him down.
Tang Ying came over with a tray of snacks and waved to the two of them to sit down and watch TV.
Tang Ying was watching some kind of idol drama from an unknown era, and neither Yu Sui nor Yan Ying were interested in it. They secretly checked their phones a few times.
Yu Sui turned his head and saw that Lao Yan seemed to be pulling Yan Xiu into the kitchen. The tall and aloof father and son were actually wearing aprons.
Opportunity knocks but once. Yu Sui reacted swiftly as he pulled out his phone to take a picture.
He was inwardly chuckling. Everyone at No. 26 High School had seen Minister Yan wearing a red armband, but how many had seen him in an apron? Yu Sui saved this precious private photo, a surge of smugness welling up inside him. He couldn’t resist showing it off to someone, but before doing so, he decided to tease Yan Feiwen a little.
Fish Can: [What kind of person do you think Yan Xiu is?]
Yang Feiwen replied instantly: [A refined gentleman, tall and graceful like a jade tree being cut and polished in the wind, polished, with a dignified appearance, a cold face but a kind heart, unparalleled in the world.]
Yu Sui: “…”
He couldn’t help but ask: [What about me?]
Gossip Wen: [A handsome young man, with a fair and gentle complexion, refined and polished like an ancient sculpture, dashing and elegant, cultured and refined, incredibly good-looking.]
Fish Can: [Alright, you’re dismissed.]
Gossip Wen: [Wait, don’t go! I have a question for you. What should I write when wishing someone I like a Happy New Year?]
Fish Can: [You’re asking me?]
After sending it, Yu Sui realized he’d missed the point.
Fish Can: [Who have you fallen for this time?]
Gossip Wen: [Remove “this time,” it’s still the same sweet girl, give me some advice!]
Yu Sui had no idea what advice to give, so he sent Yang Feiwen all the New Year’s greetings he had sent in previous years.
Yang Feiwen was dissatisfied with all of them.
Gossip Wen: [Normal New Year’s greetings are fine, but I’m trying to pursue someone here.]
Yu Sui raised an eyebrow, thinking, take it or leave it.
Perhaps, it was the Spring Festival. Although the flowers haven’t bloomed yet, the season of restless hearts has already arrived.
At some point, Yan Ying had secretly switched the TV to a variety show. Tang Ying was no longer around, and Yan Ying was so engrossed in the program, munching on snacks.
Yu Sui glanced at her, then casually shifted his gaze away.
He and Yan Ying had grown up together. Though they were close in age, being a day older made him here “big brother”, so he would protect Yan Ying at school.
But in the blink of an eye, the little girl had grown into a beautiful young woman.
Yu Sui would occasionally glance at her and wonder if Yu Liao, Yu Zhen, and Yu Si felt the same way about him.
“Which one do you like?” Yu Sui asked abruptly.
On TV, all she saw were Yan Ying’s favorite idols. Without thinking, she replied, “I like you the most.”
Yu Sui: “…”
Yan Ying turned to him, grinning, “Did I charm you?”
Yu Sui honestly said, “You scared me.”
Yan Ying laughed again, then suddenly lowered her voice and asked, “Why don’t you like me?”
Yu Sui countered, “Do you think you like me?”
Yan Ying looked exasperated, “Gege, how many times do I have to confess? I’m a girl too—I have my pride!”
Their pride was equally strong—they both spoke in hushed tones during their conversation.
Yu Sui had said this before, and now he repeated it: “You don’t like me. You just haven’t found anyone you’re more familiar with than me right now.”
In the past, Yan Ying would insist, “But I do like you!” But now she wasn’t playing by the rules. Hugging her pillow, she said, “So what? I don’t mind being with you… As long as you don’t have anyone you like, there’s a possibility between us.”
“No possibility.” Yu Su replied without hesitation, pushing her head away.
Yan Ying spoke quickly: “Why? Who do you like?”
This girl talks too much; talking to her was exhausting. Yu Sui choked a little, turned his head aside, and coughed twice. He wanted to say he didn’t like anyone—it was just that they couldn’t be together. Then, he looked up and saw Yan Xiu.
Yan Xiu had taken off his apron and paused mid-step as he walked over. From a few steps away, his gaze met Yu Sui’s.
Dressed in soft, comfortable clothes, he stood there with an air of ease and laziness. His light, indifferent gaze seemed cold and unreadable, yet it gave off a misleading impression of warmth and gentleness.
[A refined gentleman, tall and graceful like a jade tree being cut and polished in the wind, polished, with a dignified appearance, a cold face but a kind heart, unparalleled in the world.]
Yu Sui abruptly looked away. He reached for the half-empty glass of water on the table and drank it, shivering from the cold water.
Author’s Note: Ah
T/N: Hi! Starting from June 01, we will have one chapter update every Monday and Thursday of the week ^^. If you have any extras, please don’t hesitate to donate thru my kofi :c
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152