Are All You Straight Guys Like This Chapter 64

Ye Ran’s mind went blank. He walked toward the table awkwardly, his hands and feet out of sync.

Throughout that time, Shen Shi’s eyes stayed fixed on him steady, thoughtful. It took only a moment before something in his mind clicked; his tensed body relaxed, and he leaned lazily back in his chair, watching as Ye Ran obediently came to stand beside the table to greet everyone.

“Dad.” Ye Ran’s palms were sweating nervously. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Shen Shi, trying to figure out what on earth was happening.

Shen Shi stared straight at him, his gaze unreadable.

Ye Huaishan nodded gently, wearing a traditional blue zhongshan jacket, his demeanor scholarly and calm, a rare sight these days. “Ranran, you’re here. This is your Aunt Shen, Uncle Shen, and your Older Brother Shen. Say hello.”

Ye Ran was silent for a few seconds, then obediently greeted, “Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen…”

His eyelids trembled slightly. Seeing the faint, teasing smile tugging at Shen Shi’s lips, his ears reddened but he still dutifully said, “Older Brother Shen.”

He wasn’t sure if it was an illusion, but Shen Shi’s smile seemed to deepen.

“Oh my, oh my,” said the woman in a simple long dress, her refined features gentle and kind. She stood up immediately and reached out with well-kept hands to hold Ye Ran’s. Her eyes were faintly red, though she tried to hold back her emotions. “Good child, good child… You really look like Wanwan. Ranran, I’m your Aunt Shen, I even saw you once when you were very little.”

Father Shen also stood up, giving Shen Shi, who had stood first to steady his mother, a brief approving look. From his pocket, he pulled out a thick red envelope and handed it to Ye Ran. “This is a meeting gift, Ranran. From now on, we’re family.”

Ye Ran froze, awkwardly holding the envelope. “I… I can’t accept this—”

“Take it, good child,” Aunt Shen said warmly. “Just think of it as all the New Year money I didn’t get to give you over the years. You can make up for it now. When you’re on break, have your Brother Shen bring you over to our house. You two are about the same age, you should have a lot to talk about.”

Shen Shi lowered his eyes, looking perfectly well-behaved, and out of nowhere answered softly, “Mm.”

That single sound made both of his parents go momentarily blank. They froze for two seconds and exchanged looks.

Ye Huaishan also stood up, his stern face breaking into a broad smile.

He looked at Shen Shi with clear admiration. Before the dinner, he had already heard from the Shens about Shen Shi’s past: his rebellious streak and wild nature, but his brilliance in mathematics and physics had completely overshadowed those flaws.

As a teacher, Ye Huaishan had the usual bias: in his eyes, good grades equaled good character. So, he couldn’t help but look at the boy with appreciation.

Especially since Shen Shi had been the top scorer in Haishi’s college entrance exams, and a national gold medalist in both math and physics competitions.

“Little Shi,” Ye Huaishan said, handing him a gift he had prepared in advance, “come by our house whenever you have time. We live nearby, not far from campus.”

Father Shen chuckled, afraid his son might ruin the pleasant atmosphere, and quickly added with a smile, “Ah, you might not see much of him on holidays, he disappears the moment school’s out. Even during New Year’s, when we were all in New Zealand, he still managed to sneak away. Can’t keep him home—”

“Alright,” Shen Shi replied politely as he accepted the gift. He looked at Ye Huaishan seriously. “Thank you, Uncle.”

Father Shen: “…” 

Did this kid forget to take his meds today?

Mother Shen, however, was overjoyed. No one knew her son better than she did and judging from his attitude, it seemed he’d taken a liking to the Ye father and son. That meant the godson matter might actually go smoothly.

After a few more polite exchanges, everyone sat down.

Ye Ran held the thick red envelope in his hands like a hot potato, trying not to flinch under the occasional gaze that landed on him from across the table.

He lifted his eyes slightly and saw Shen Shi’s arm resting on the edge of the table.

The lean, well-defined arm was half-hidden by the sleeve of a black jacket, the exact black lightweight jacket Ye Ran had bought for him a few days ago. The white embroidery on the chest, the cut of the wide-legged pants, they were the same brand, the same size.

The situation was absurd, the secret connection between them almost laughably intimate, it made Ye Ran feel as if he were having an illicit affair right under his parents’ noses.

…Worst of all, they had run into each other without warning. With no time to coordinate, their only option now was to pretend they didn’t know each other.

He stayed silent for a moment, then slowly lifted his gaze, only to meet those lowered eyes, carrying a faint, knowing smile.

Ye Ran: “…”

As expected.

Heat crept up his cheeks. He took a sip of tea to calm himself, pressing down the helpless embarrassment in his chest.

Shen Shi propped his chin on one hand and sent him a message.

– Don’t worry.

– We’ll talk later.

Ye Ran quietly let out a breath. He understood what Shen Shi meant: just keep pretending for now.

Their relationship wasn’t something that could be rushed. It would have to be revealed to their families step by step. If they exposed the truth too soon that they already knew each other, the future coming-out talk would only become harder and messier.

—Okay.

After replying, he was about to put his phone away when his gaze froze, and a faint flush rose up the side of his neck.

—Why aren’t you calling me “older brother” anymore?

The person on the other end asked idly.

Ye Ran: “…”

Phew.

He locked his screen, exhaled slowly, and tried his best to keep a calm expression.

This meeting was mainly for the two children to get to know each other. As Father Shen and Father Ye chatted, the topic naturally turned to business.

Mother Shen, who had been a capable leader in the company when she was younger, also joined the conversation easily. The three of them spoke and laughed like old friends, occasionally reminiscing about events from their university days and sighing over how times had changed.

Father Shen, in good spirits, took a sip of tea only to find his cup empty. Just as he reached to pour himself more, a pale but steady hand extended beside him.

Shen Shi held the small teapot. He first refilled Mother Shen’s cup, then Father Ye’s, and finally pressed down lightly on the teapot lid as he smoothly poured tea for his father.

Each movement was calm and precise, his gestures refined. Combined with his handsome, composed face, anyone watching would have to praise him as “such a well-mannered boy.”

At least, Father Ye’s face was already lighting up with an appreciative smile.

“This child of yours is really something,” he said admiringly.

Father Shen: “…”

Father Shen: “…………”

You’re praising the wrong person, I’m afraid.

His hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. Beside him, even Mother Shen’s hand gave a faint shake.

Father Shen: “…”

So you’re scared too.

Both took a sip of tea to steady themselves, and from then on, while chatting, they couldn’t help but keep half an eye on the two silent young men.

Ye Ran’s looks were particularly endearing to mothers: those long, soft phoenix eyes with thin, upturned lids tinged a faint red, lashes fine and dense, and eyes so clear and pure one could see right to the bottom.

To Mother Shen, who believed a person’s appearance reflected their heart, he seemed a rare find: simple, polite, and even the gentle curve of his lips when he smiled felt sweet to her heart.

She had only one son, Shen Shi. When he began showing signs of rebellion at a young age, some of her acquaintances had tactfully suggested she “have another, a more obedient one.” Those comments had enraged her and made her keep her distance from such people.

Her only wish was to pour all her attention into Shen Shi— to teach him, to guide him patiently.

Fortunately, Shen Shi hadn’t let her down, growing into the capable, outstanding young man he was now.

Still, after meeting so many other children, she sometimes couldn’t help but envy those gentle, well-behaved boys who smiled sweetly and called their mothers softly.

And Ye Ran was precisely the type of child who struck her right in the heart like an arrow — biu, and her expression softened and softened again.

Such a good child… If she couldn’t at least make him her godson, she would die of regret.

“Ranran,” she said gently, “your Brother Shen is also in his first year of university, majoring in finance. Have you two met at school?”

It wasn’t that she was bragging, but really, her son was a standout wherever he went.

Ye Ran paused, his long, fair fingers wrapped around the teacup. His eyelids lowered slightly as he replied obediently, “We’ve met a few times.”

“See?” Mother Shen covered her mouth and laughed. “That’s fate.”

Father Shen, knowing what she was thinking, added, “That’s true, Beijing University is so big; it’s quite something that the two of them have met.”

Father Ye smiled. “It’s fine if they’re not close now, they can hang out more in the future.”

Ye Ran sat stiffly, feeling like he was sitting on pins and needles, too nervous to even lift his eyes.

It was Shen Shi who spoke up leisurely, “Mm, I remember him too.”

That made Mother Shen look over in surprise. Ye Ran’s “met before” could’ve just been polite talk but for Shen Shi to say it too? Did they really have some connection?

Shen Shi said, “The first time I met my little brother was in the teaching building.”

As soon as those words left his mouth, even Father Ye put down his cup, looking a bit intrigued. “The first time? You remember that?”

“Mm.” Shen Shi nodded, speaking unhurriedly as Ye Ran stared at him blankly. “There were a lot of people in the building. He was wearing white, and he bent down to help a girl pick up her books.”

Father Shen and Mother Shen exchanged a glance, both a little uncertain what to make of it.

Father Ye, however, was listening with interest. Glancing at Ye Ran, whose eyes were now wide open, he chuckled. “I remember that on the first day of school, Ranran video-called me. That white outfit was the one I had tailor-made for him on his coming-of-age day.”

“Haha, you still love your little ceremonies,” Father Shen said, his body inexplicably a bit tense and his smile slightly forced. “Back in our university days, every time exams came around, you insisted on taking us out for dinner and always had to order the red-braised lion’s head meatballs.”

Father Ye laughed and shook his head. “They didn’t call it that back then.”

Mother Shen joined in, “Yes, I remember that restaurant renamed them ‘Golden List Meatballs’ to sound more auspicious.”

The three of them laughed together.

Father Ye’s attention drifted for a moment, then he looked back at Shen Shi with interest. “And then? Apart from that, have you and Ranran met again since?”

Shen Shi sat with perfect posture. His features were sharp and striking, the very picture of cold elegance yet under the soft glow of the lights, there was a gentleness that could take one’s breath away.

“The second time,” he said softly, “was at the dormitory building. My little brother was carrying a suitcase by himself, and as he walked, he was also helping someone else hold up their backpack.”

Father Ye paused and rubbed his temples. “That day, I happened to be in Guangzhou, I couldn’t send him to school.”

Ye Ran had been very understanding, calling to say it was fine.

Since Beijing University was in the same city, and he was busy negotiating a deal, he’d thought Ye Ran could just take a taxi on his own, not realizing that on move-in day, most parents were there helping carry luggage and set up dorms for their kids.

Father Shen sighed with feeling and said helplessly, “We’re all busy. I didn’t send Shen Shi off on his first day of school either.”

Mother Shen lowered her gaze. As a mother, she clearly thought more deeply. A temperament like Ye Ran’s gentle, independent, quiet, and obedient, wouldn’t exist unless he had long grown used to being alone.

Ye Huaishan had to be both father and mother while also running a company and supporting his employees. He was stretched thin, yet he had done everything within his power.

Mother Shen smiled softly, taking Ye Ran’s hand. “Good child. Your father is busy with work, but Auntie doesn’t work, I just spend my days tending to plants and cooking. Your mother and I agreed back in the day that if either of us had children, we’d love them as our own. Auntie, your Brother Shen, and Uncle Shen all like you very much. If you have time, I hope you’ll come play at Auntie’s house.”

Father Shen nodded. “Yes, we have a home here in the capital as well. We’re planning to shift more of our work here in the coming years, so we’ll be able to see each other often.”

“Oh right, Huaishan,” Mother Shen said as though remembering something, “don’t you still have some vacant properties in your area?”

Father Ye replied, “Yes, there are a few empty ones, all in the East District.”

Mother Shen smiled. “That’s perfect. I really like this child; if we live nearby, it’ll be easier to visit each other.”

“I’ll have my assistant contact the sales office soon,” Father Shen said. “Once we’re neighbors, Huaishan, you’ll have to come to my place for the housewarming.”

“Hahaha, of course, of course.”

…

The rest of the meal went cheerfully, everyone enjoying themselves.

By the time they finished, it was nearly eleven at night.

The sky was dark, city lights blooming across the streets.

Father Ye hadn’t driven, so the Shen family’s chauffeur waited by the door. Each family took their own child home. Ye Ran, worried that his father might feel unwell after drinking, gave Shen Shi a subtle look, then said goodbye to Father and Mother Shen before helping his father into a taxi.

Their figures quickly disappeared down the street.

Father and Mother Shen both looked reluctant to part, but it was getting late. Shen Shi couldn’t return to the university that night, so he joined his parents in their car heading toward their temporary residence in Beijing.

Inside the car, silence reigned.

Shen Shi sat in the front passenger seat, leaning casually against the window while playing on his phone.

The pale glow from the screen lit up his face: narrow, dark eyes, a high nose bridge, thin lips. Every time Mother Shen looked at that face, she felt a rush of maternal tenderness. Even so, she couldn’t help asking suspiciously,

“Little Shi, do you really know Ranran?”

The two casual remarks Shen Shi had made at dinner had seemed simple, yet every word had subtly tugged at Father Ye’s heartstrings.

As the meal went on, Father Ye spoke more and more about Ye Ran, pride and affection thick in his voice, things he probably hadn’t expressed in years.

When had Shen Shi ever learned to speak so tactfully, to charm people like that?

Father Shen, however, squeezed Mother Shen’s hand, hinting for her to wait until they were home.

They were staying at one of their own hotels in Beijing.

The presidential suite on the top floor had three bedrooms and a living room with plenty of space.

Once back at the hotel, Mother Shen sank into the sofa in exhaustion. Father Shen sat beside her, and across from them, in a single armchair, sat Shen Shi.

He got up and poured three cups of hot water, setting them carefully before his parents.

Mother Shen took hers in hand. She’d been mulling something over for half a month, and now, seeing Shen Shi’s attitude toward Ye Ran, she felt more confident than ever. Smiling, she began, “Little Shi, what do you think of Ranran?”

“He’s very good,” Shen Shi said.

That made her even happier, though Father Shen frowned faintly, his expression turning odd. “That’s good. I’m glad you like him. Your mother and I have been discussing something for half a month now, we wanted to hear your opinion before deciding.”

“Perfect timing,” Shen Shi said with a smile, his dark eyes calm and gentle. “I also have something I want to tell you.”

Mother Shen, unusually patient, said softly, “Go ahead, as long as it’s within our ability, your father and I will make it happen for you.”

Father Shen’s unease grew. He straightened up and quickly added, “Of course, we should hear it first before making promises.”

Shen Shi’s lips curved slightly. He was in an unusually good mood tonight, so good that Mother Shen even felt he seemed almost radiant, his black eyes bright, his usual cold indifference completely melted away.

“Mom, why don’t you go first,” he said pleasantly.

“Hm?” Mother Shen blinked, then nodded. “All right, we’ll go first. Your father and I want to make Ranran our godson.”

Shen Shi’s smile didn’t fade. He only said slowly, “Godson?”

“Yes,” Mother Shen said with feeling. “Ranran’s had a hard time over the years. There are some things his father can’t help him prepare for. As a mother, I think it’s best if I step in.”

Father Shen’s eyelid twitched. Without meaning to, he glanced at Shen Shi.

Sensing it, Shen Shi met his gaze. His long, dark phoenix eyes, almost identical to his father’s, were narrow, sharp, and coolly expressive, but now they held an unreadable glint.

“Dad.”

He turned to look at his mother. “Mom.”

“I don’t agree.” His tone was calm, his words deliberate and clear.

The living room fell silent.

Father Shen’s expression darkened, and he fixed his son with a cold stare. “What are you dissatisfied with?”

Mother Shen grew flustered, pulling her shawl closer around her shoulders. “Little Shi, you don’t like Ranran? Making him our godson doesn’t mean adding him to our household registry, you’ll still be our only son. It just means our two families can be closer, and we can look after him more…”

Shen Shi chuckled, the corner of his brow lifting. “That’s no fun.”

He spoke unhurriedly. “Let’s just add him to our household registry.”

Father Shen and Mother Shen were both startled by his words, worried that he’d been angered into foolishness.

“Little Shi…” Mother Shen took a long time to find her voice again, anxiety written all over her face.

Father Shen, however, in that split second, felt a chill run through his heart. A deeply ominous thought rose within him. He suddenly stood up, and under Mother Shen’s puzzled gaze, pressed his fingers to his brow and said to her, “Go inside first.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. There’s just something I want to talk to him about privately.” Father Shen tried to sound casual.

Mother Shen hesitated, then shook her head. “No.”

She looked gently but firmly at Shen Shi. “There’s nothing I can’t hear. Little Shi, you just said you had something to tell your father and me, it’s time you said it.”

“Alright.” Shen Shi tapped his fingertips against the rim of his teacup. After a few seconds, he lifted his head, looked solemnly at both of them, and said with grave seriousness, “Dad, Mom, I’m gay.”

Father Shen: “?”

Mother Shen: “?”

Shen Shi continued, “I’ve fallen for Ye Ran.”

Father Shen: “…?”

Mother Shen: “…?”

Shen Shi added, “I want to pursue him. Please help me.”

Father Shen: “…???”

Mother Shen: “…???”

It took a full minute before Mother Shen, sitting on the sofa, managed to come back to her senses after her son’s thunderous revelation. Her face was blank as she struggled to her feet, unsteady, and half-collapsed against Father Shen, who was equally shaken.

“…Wait,” Mother Shen said after another dazed minute. Her voice was full of confusion and disbelief. “Did I hear that wrong… what did he just say…”

“Who is he asking for help?”