Childhood Chronicles - CH 3

Ye Cheng was right, his previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going half way around the ringed highway of the city.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered Ye Cheng was still just an eleven year old boy, and it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration too, but in the end he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, “Is your family really…”

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

N/A

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

Ye Cheng: “!”

For a long time, Gu Shaofan’s expression remained blank, before his head gave a light nod in response.

Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sights, his voice faltering as he spoke. “Then… I’m really sorry.”

When this matter was discussed the entire family had sat themselves in the living room eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either, Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature, because in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort in learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all… What’s more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back… Thinking about this made the Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two-thousand yuan mountain bike.

“But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?” While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes, eggs which were not all that soft but they were not burnt, Zhou Ni asked. “Well, if you ca not, Chenghui will just teach you how.”

“It was not.”

Obviously Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear-shift and handlebars both had florescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different than other people’s bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

Ye Cheng: “…”

The next day when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside it was liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out from the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days Ye Cheng had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful looking creation, made up of a bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all… What’s more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back… Thinking about this made the Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two-thousand yuan mountain bike.

While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing piece of a ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng’s curiosity fuelled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of giving an answer. So with eyes burning of curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan;s face.

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

But he was still just a child, and that bike really did look quite cool. So once Ye Cheng took a moment to imagine the envy in everyone’s eyes when he rode to school on such a cool looking bike, he magically found himself feeling rather happy. As a result, everyday after dinner when he had some spare time, he held on to a wall and diligently practised around the neighbourhood. He gave all he had to get that high-profile bike of his on the road as soon as possible.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

iana: Because its population was growing too large, too fast, China instituted a one child policy in 1979 that got enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013. Anyhow, in 2016 two children were allowed, and 2021 as much as three kids is possible. So having all their “egg” in one basket is why most parents would not risk their kids riding bikes to school.[]The jjwxc raw link is no longer active since the novel has been completely locked now T_T (I already got the raws so it’s not going affect this translation, you guys just won’t be able to read it officially any more.)

Ye Cheng was right, his previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going half way around the ringed highway of the city.

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

Ye Cheng: “…”

The next day when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange, and wondered who ate more than one egg that day. But it was still only just a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing piece of a ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng’s curiosity fuelled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

Oh my gosh!

Gu Shaofan: “…”

Obviously Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear-shift and handlebars both had florescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different than other people’s bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

During class, Ye Cheng’s mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of, it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read from a poem in the textbook, he mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

During class, Ye Cheng’s mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of, it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read from a poem in the textbook, he mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

“Are you sure you do not want any?” Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son to not have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky and Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it was a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.

Ye Cheng still took the bus school since his bike riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar those Gu Shaofan had brought.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

“It was not.”

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days Ye Cheng had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful looking creation, made up of a bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

For Ye Cheng who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan gain replied in the negative, saying, “No, it wasn’t.”

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

The corners of Gu Shaofan’s lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng’s eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng’s surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sights, his voice faltering as he spoke. “Then… I’m really sorry.”

After which, he gulped.

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside it was liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out from the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

“A hired Auntie? A nanny? A maid?” Ye Cheng tilted his head to side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. “Your family has maids too! That’s really western.”

Ye Chenghui had gone to several book stores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not common there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan, and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What’s more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no long afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

The corners of Gu Shaofan’s lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng’s eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng’s surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan’s expression remained blank, before his head gave a light nod in response.

The next day when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

“It wasn’t my mom who made them.” Seeing Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng’s EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take. So early the next morning, as soon as he was done eating breakfast and had wiped his mouth, while Ye Chenghui was reading the newspapers and Zhou Ni was still in the kitchen cleaning up, he snatched a boiled egg and stuffed it into his bookbag.

As a result, he choked.

After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange, and wondered who ate more than one egg that day. But it was still only just a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

“But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?” While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes, eggs which were not all that soft but they were not burnt, Zhou Ni asked. “Well, if you ca not, Chenghui will just teach you how.”

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of giving an answer. So with eyes burning of curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan;s face.

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

As a result, he choked.

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days Ye Cheng had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful looking creation, made up of a bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered Ye Cheng was still just an eleven year old boy, and it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration too, but in the end he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

Ye Cheng still took the bus school since his bike riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered Ye Cheng was still just an eleven year old boy, and it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration too, but in the end he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng’s EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take. So early the next morning, as soon as he was done eating breakfast and had wiped his mouth, while Ye Chenghui was reading the newspapers and Zhou Ni was still in the kitchen cleaning up, he snatched a boiled egg and stuffed it into his bookbag.

Ye Cheng was right, his previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going half way around the ringed highway of the city.

Ye Cheng: “!”

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

As a result, he choked.

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

The egg in Ye Cheng’s hand, because it was stuck inside of his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, “I brought this egg for you.”

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing piece of a ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng’s curiosity fuelled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, “Is your family really…”

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

Gu Shaofan: “…”

Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg, then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng’s eyes gleamed, with him them asking, “Is that for me?”

“It was not.”

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

After which, he gulped.

Obviously Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear-shift and handlebars both had florescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different than other people’s bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

Oh my gosh!

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

During class, Ye Cheng’s mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of, it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read from a poem in the textbook, he mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside it was liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out from the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

As a result, he choked.

Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg, then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng’s eyes gleamed, with him them asking, “Is that for me?”

Obviously Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear-shift and handlebars both had florescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different than other people’s bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

Gu Shafan: “…mn.”

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng’s EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take. So early the next morning, as soon as he was done eating breakfast and had wiped his mouth, while Ye Chenghui was reading the newspapers and Zhou Ni was still in the kitchen cleaning up, he snatched a boiled egg and stuffed it into his bookbag.

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of giving an answer. So with eyes burning of curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan;s face.

Ye Chenghui had gone to several book stores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not common there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan, and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What’s more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no long afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

As a result, he choked.

There was a lot less egg than there was sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start class had rung that was he able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan’s expression remained blank, before his head gave a light nod in response.

Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns the pen had slipped from his fingers to fall under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy’s eyes shone under the peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention tot he blackboard.

Gu Shafan: “…mn.”

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange, and wondered who ate more than one egg that day. But it was still only just a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, “Is your family really…”

As a result, he choked.

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

Ye Cheng: “…”

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

A Serious Problem

Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing piece of a ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng’s curiosity fuelled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside it was liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out from the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

“A hired Auntie? A nanny? A maid?” Ye Cheng tilted his head to side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. “Your family has maids too! That’s really western.”

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. I tasted like there was pieces of fruit inside it.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. “Do you want to drink some again?”

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift towards Gu Shaofan with a shake. “Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go.”

“But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?” While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes, eggs which were not all that soft but they were not burnt, Zhou Ni asked. “Well, if you ca not, Chenghui will just teach you how.”

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

Ye Cheng was right, his previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going half way around the ringed highway of the city.

Ye Cheng: “!!”

Gu Shaofan: “…”

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange, and wondered who ate more than one egg that day. But it was still only just a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

During class, Ye Cheng’s mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of, it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read from a poem in the textbook, he mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

Ye Chenghui had gone to several book stores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not common there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan, and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What’s more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no long afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

iana: Because its population was growing too large, too fast, China instituted a one child policy in 1979 that got enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013. Anyhow, in 2016 two children were allowed, and 2021 as much as three kids is possible. So having all their “egg” in one basket is why most parents would not risk their kids riding bikes to school.[]The jjwxc raw link is no longer active since the novel has been completely locked now T_T (I already got the raws so it’s not going affect this translation, you guys just won’t be able to read it officially any more.)

During class, Ye Cheng’s mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of, it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read from a poem in the textbook, he mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

“It wasn’t my mom who made them.” Seeing Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shocked. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan’s ever stoic face boiling the sugar water. “Was it you, then?!”

The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. I tasted like there was pieces of fruit inside it.

Ye Cheng: “!!”

Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns the pen had slipped from his fingers to fall under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy’s eyes shone under the peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention tot he blackboard.

“But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?” While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes, eggs which were not all that soft but they were not burnt, Zhou Ni asked. “Well, if you ca not, Chenghui will just teach you how.”

Gu Shaofan: “…”

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, “Is your family really…”

“A hired Auntie? A nanny? A maid?” Ye Cheng tilted his head to side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. “Your family has maids too! That’s really western.”

There was a lot less egg than there was sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start class had rung that was he able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

There was a lot less egg than there was sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start class had rung that was he able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

“Are you sure you do not want any?” Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son to not have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky and Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it was a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

The next day when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

When this matter was discussed the entire family had sat themselves in the living room eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either, Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature, because in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort in learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. “Do you want to drink some again?”

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father’s wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, and causing him to ask, “Was it your dad?”

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

“It was not.”

Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sights, his voice faltering as he spoke. “Then… I’m really sorry.”

As a result, he choked.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. “Do you want to drink some again?”

Ye Cheng still took the bus school since his bike riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

The egg in Ye Cheng’s hand, because it was stuck inside of his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, “I brought this egg for you.”

The egg in Ye Cheng’s hand, because it was stuck inside of his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, “I brought this egg for you.”

“It wasn’t my mom who made them.” Seeing Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

Ye Cheng: “!”

“But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?” While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes, eggs which were not all that soft but they were not burnt, Zhou Ni asked. “Well, if you ca not, Chenghui will just teach you how.”

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days Ye Cheng had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful looking creation, made up of a bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

Ye Cheng: “…”

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

The corners of Gu Shaofan’s lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng’s eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng’s surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg, then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng’s eyes gleamed, with him them asking, “Is that for me?”

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar those Gu Shaofan had brought.

“It wasn’t my mom who made them.” Seeing Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

“It wasn’t my mom who made them.” Seeing Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

After which, he gulped.

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

Ye Chenghui had gone to several book stores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not common there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan, and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What’s more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no long afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

Ye Cheng was right, his previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going half way around the ringed highway of the city.

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

Ye Cheng: “!”

After which, he gulped.

Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father’s wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, and causing him to ask, “Was it your dad?”

Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns the pen had slipped from his fingers to fall under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy’s eyes shone under the peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention tot he blackboard.

“It was not.”

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shocked. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan’s ever stoic face boiling the sugar water. “Was it you, then?!”

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

Ye Cheng still took the bus school since his bike riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

“Gu Shaofan: “?”

“I don’t know.” Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small cut pieces of a white fruit floating on the top, that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. “Oh, it looks like pear.”

Ye Cheng: “!!”

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni, otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

Ye Cheng: “!”

Obviously Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear-shift and handlebars both had florescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different than other people’s bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

A Serious Problem

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shocked. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan’s ever stoic face boiling the sugar water. “Was it you, then?!”

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of giving an answer. So with eyes burning of curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan;s face.

Oh my gosh!

A Serious Problem

When this matter was discussed the entire family had sat themselves in the living room eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either, Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature, because in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort in learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father’s wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, and causing him to ask, “Was it your dad?”

But he was still just a child, and that bike really did look quite cool. So once Ye Cheng took a moment to imagine the envy in everyone’s eyes when he rode to school on such a cool looking bike, he magically found himself feeling rather happy. As a result, everyday after dinner when he had some spare time, he held on to a wall and diligently practised around the neighbourhood. He gave all he had to get that high-profile bike of his on the road as soon as possible.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg, then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng’s eyes gleamed, with him them asking, “Is that for me?”

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

For Ye Cheng who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan gain replied in the negative, saying, “No, it wasn’t.”

Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all… What’s more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back… Thinking about this made the Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two-thousand yuan mountain bike.

When this matter was discussed the entire family had sat themselves in the living room eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either, Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature, because in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort in learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered Ye Cheng was still just an eleven year old boy, and it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration too, but in the end he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

After which, he gulped.

N/A

The egg in Ye Cheng’s hand, because it was stuck inside of his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, “I brought this egg for you.”

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of giving an answer. So with eyes burning of curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan;s face.

Gu Shaofan: “…”

Just then, Miss Sun had entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan’s hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

After which, he gulped.

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside it was liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out from the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

Ye Cheng: “…”

“Are you sure you do not want any?” Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son to not have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky and Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it was a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan’s expression remained blank, before his head gave a light nod in response.

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, “It was a hired Auntie.”

Gu Shafan: “…mn.”

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other head an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, too a huge bite.

“A hired Auntie? A nanny? A maid?” Ye Cheng tilted his head to side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. “Your family has maids too! That’s really western.”

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, the took the cup and took a sip. “It definitely has sugar in it, it’s so sweet.”

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

After saying this, he too a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shocked. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan’s ever stoic face boiling the sugar water. “Was it you, then?!”

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition that that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan’s family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, “People are saying that your family was actually gangsters, isn’t that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink… Hahaha… How could you family be gangsters? Hahaha…”

Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sights, his voice faltering as he spoke. “Then… I’m really sorry.”

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days Ye Cheng had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful looking creation, made up of a bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

“Hey, your mom’s, like, super talented.” Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eyes, half of the flask’s contents had made its way into Ye Cheng’s tummy. “The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this.”

N/A

Ye Cheng: “…”

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, “It was a hired Auntie.”

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered Ye Cheng was still just an eleven year old boy, and it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration too, but in the end he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, “It was a hired Auntie.”

For Ye Cheng who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan gain replied in the negative, saying, “No, it wasn’t.”

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

For Ye Cheng who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan gain replied in the negative, saying, “No, it wasn’t.”

Gu Shaofan looked at him. “Do you want to drink some again?”

Ye Cheng also was not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

When this matter was discussed the entire family had sat themselves in the living room eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either, Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature, because in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort in learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shocked. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan’s ever stoic face boiling the sugar water. “Was it you, then?!”

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don’t they?

Gu Shaofan: “…”

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell, he actually said nothing to him at all, he just looked at Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need in mentioning it. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, “It was a hired Auntie.”

The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. I tasted like there was pieces of fruit inside it.

The corners of Gu Shaofan’s lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng’s eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng’s surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. “Do you want to drink some again?”

The egg in Ye Cheng’s hand, because it was stuck inside of his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, “I brought this egg for you.”

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, “Is your family really…”

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, “Gu Shaofan, what’s that stuff in your flask?”

For Ye Cheng who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan gain replied in the negative, saying, “No, it wasn’t.”

The next day when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan’s expression remained blank, before his head gave a light nod in response.

Then once it was done, he heaved a long sigh then licked his lips before asking, “How come it’s so sweet?”

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people are just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him, and didn’t take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.