Chapter 12: Promised Happiness for Your Remaining Years
In the middle of the night, Gu Shisheng felt movement beside him, and the man embraced him from behind. Gu Shisheng wasn’t asleep; he had passed many sleepless nights, but tonight was an exception.
It couldn’t entirely be blamed on Lu Siyi. The outside temptations were plentiful, and Gu Shisheng wasn’t the best or the most unique. After experiencing it, he genuinely felt that each beauty outside had its own charm, like a spice adding excitement to the dull and monotonous daily life.
Gu Shisheng closed his eyes, forbidding himself from thinking further. Nan City was beautiful, and being able to accompany the person he loved the most from ten years ago was truly a blessing from heaven.
However, it would come to an end. Lu Siyi was busy, and Gu Shisheng had his own work. Adults wouldn’t act with the youthful recklessness they once had.
On the way back, Lu Siyi was quite happy. Holding Gu Shisheng’s hand, his eyes were warm, and the scenery outside became a backdrop to their joy.
“When we grow old, let’s find a beautiful place to retire. During the day, I’ll go fishing, and you can paint. As evening falls, we’ll go home together after buying groceries.”
Gu Shisheng listened, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. “Sounds good. It makes me want to grow old now.”
His nose was pinched by Lu Siyi, who teased, “What are you talking about? We have a long time together, and many things to do.”
“Okay.”
In fact, ten years ago, Gu Shisheng never thought he would fall in love with Lu Siyi. They were like two extremes—brand-name sneakers and the ones sold for $9.99 online. Yet, the year they met in high school changed everything.
After Lu Siyi saved Gu Shisheng from the rooftop, the latter confessed, “I didn’t want to die; I was just tired.”
Lu Siyi, with chestnut-colored hair and a trendy style, was momentarily stunned. He then tousled Gu Shisheng’s short hair and said, “Haven’t you heard? Luck is conserved in people. So, all your current unhappiness is because in the future, you’ll become the happiest person in the world.”
Gu Shisheng’s eyes lit up for a moment, then dimmed. He couldn’t suppress the inexplicable emotions in his heart.
“I won’t wait for that.”
“Why won’t you wait? You’re already experiencing it now.”
They returned to the classroom together, and Gu Shisheng spent two days in a daze, facing the inevitability of the pain he thought would come.
“Little wild seed, what are you thinking today? Not greeting big brother when you see him.”
Someone pushed his head.
Gu Shisheng looked up, his gaze numb as he watched the person in front of him. Lu Siyi, not smiling, ruffled Gu Shisheng’s short hair.
“Why aren’t you wearing the school uniform properly? What are you doing here?”
Lu Siyi didn’t smile much, especially when he looked fierce. He was the renowned school bully at Xiangcheng No.1 High School, and being a young master of the Lu family made him untouchable.
The bully fled.
Grateful, Gu Shisheng said, “Thank you.”
“Why are you so stupid? Can’t you call for help?” Lu Siyi couldn’t understand and poked the young man’s head.
Gu Shisheng looked up, his misty blue eyes like a lake under moonlight.
He thought he would endure the expected pain, but a slim figure stood in front of him, shielding him from the blows. “Who’s your big brother? What are you doing here?”
Lu Siyi, not smiling, was a bit fierce. He was the school bully at Xiangcheng No.1 High School, and being the young master of the Lu family made him someone no one dared to offend.
The bully ran away.
Gu Shisheng thanked him and said, “You’re so silly. Can’t you call for help?”
Lu Siyi lowered his head, looking at the young man who was half a head shorter. The frail figure couldn’t fill the oversized school uniform. Exposed wrists and ankles were delicate and fair, like a malnourished child, fragile and easily broken.
Lu Siyi, who never suffered, didn’t understand why they couldn’t be ruthless to the weak. It wasn’t a matter of morality; it was just the way it was.
“Calling others won’t help. From now on, just call me. We’ve agreed that you’ll be happy for the rest of your life, and I can’t break that promise.”
Initially, it was Lu Siyi who always protected Gu Shisheng, standing up to those who bullied him. Lu Siyi’s actions, however, only worsened his already bad reputation.
They said the school bully at Xiangcheng No.1 High School had a bad temper and was quick to resort to violence.
When rumors spread that Gu Shisheng went out to sell himself, Lu Siyi defended him, proclaiming, “I like him. What’s wrong? We are in a reasonable and legal relationship. Let me make it clear; he is my future wife. Insulting him is insulting me.”
Many memories from ten years ago were now unclear, but those involving Lu Siyi were etched in Gu Shisheng’s mind.
The car came to a stop, and Gu Shisheng opened his eyes. Hearing the man beside him, he turned his gaze. “Wife, we’re home.”
He looked at the man beside him, and his lashes trembled. “For my sake, you’ve skipped so many days of work. Those people will criticize you again.”
“They wouldn’t dare say it to my face. They are a bunch of old men with family issues.” In Gu Shisheng’s eyes, Lu Siyi was forever the carefree and unrestrained young man from ten years ago, devoid of scheming and calculations.
As soon as Lu Siyi arrived home, he was summoned away. Lu Siyi did have a brilliant and busy career. The prosperous appearance of the Lu family’s business was mostly due to his efforts.
Gu Shisheng took a shower, and Qin Ayi prepared afternoon tea. Gu Shisheng sat on the balcony, reading a magazine.
The phone rang twice, and Gu Shisheng picked it up. It was noisy on the other end.
“Hello, is this a friend of Shen Qinghe? He’s drunk. Could you come and pick him up?”
Gu Shisheng was genuinely surprised. Shen Qinghe was usually considerate and rarely disturbed him when he wasn’t needed.
Gu Shisheng changed his clothes, and the address he received was familiar—a popular bar in the city.
When he arrived, Shen Qinghe’s friends hadn’t left yet. Several of them were stunned to see the stunning Gu Shisheng standing there. It took them a while to speak.
“Are you Mr. S?”
Shen Qinghe was unclear due to his intoxication but refused to leave. Clutching his phone, he stared at the first contact on the list. No matter what his friends said, they had no choice but to call Mr. S.
In truth, several friends were curious to know who this Mr. S was that made the usually cold and aloof Shen Qinghe care so much after getting drunk.
Now they saw him.
Gu Shisheng approached and bent down to shake Shen Qinghe. “Wake up?”
Shen Qinghe opened his eyes, thinking he was dreaming. “Mr. S, why are you here?”
“I’m here to take you home.”
Shen Qinghe obediently got up, his eyes fixed on Gu Shisheng. His friends witnessed the transformation—from someone unwilling to leave to someone who followed Gu Shisheng willingly.
Gu Shisheng drove Shen Qinghe to the house in Yulan Bay.
Supporting him and placing him on the sofa, Gu Shisheng hadn’t stood up yet when his arm was grabbed.
The other party turned over, pressing Gu Shisheng down, and a fierce kiss followed. The young man’s low murmurs reached Gu Shisheng’s ears.
“Mr. S, Mr. Gu… I really like it.”