It was late into the night, the lively day long past, and the neighborhood had fallen into a serene silence.
The moonlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the two figures lying close together on the bed.
Xie Ruan’s heart pounded as he laid there, lips dry. He wasn’t sure if Bo Jin had been serious or joking, but all he could think of was helping Bo Jin rest, if only a little.
Sleeplessness was painful enough on its own, and Bo Jin had been dealing with it for a long time.
If just holding him could help, then why not?
He doesn’t have many other virtues, but he’s always enthusiastic—especially when it comes to helping people.
Xie Ruan kept his tone in check, trying to sound casual, so as not to come off like an inexperienced school kid and lose face. “Enough already. If you’re done, then go to sleep.”
Bo Jin didn’t say anything, just looked down at him.
This usually fierce and prickly person was now quiet and obedient, nestled in his arms, as if he would stay there without resistance, no matter what happened.
Bo Jin’s Adam’s apple moved, his breathing suddenly uneven.
Xie Ruan waited a while, but Bo Jin didn’t respond. Then a thought hit him.
Could this dog be playing with him on purpose, trying to make him look foolish?
He realized he had fallen right into the trap.
D*mn it! Embarrassed and annoyed, Xie Ruan immediately tried to pull himself out of Bo Jin’s embrace. But sensing his movement, Bo Jin’s arm tightened around his waist.
“You—?” Xie Ruan looked up, about to say something, but in the next moment, his vision spun, and he found himself pinned down, trapped beneath Bo Jin on the bed.
“Why did you let me hold you?” Bo Jin held his wrists, looking down at him like a beast that had finally captured its prey. The facade had fallen away, revealing sharp fangs underneath.
The warmth of another person seeped through the thin fabric, carrying an intense sense of domination, spreading across him.
The other boy’s tall frame, long limbs, and complete physical superiority made Xie Ruan panic. Instinctively, he began to struggle. “What’s gotten into you in the middle of the night? Let me go!”
Bo Jin easily restrained his resistance, leaning in closer. “Why did you let me hold you?”
“There’s no reason,” Xie Ruan said, a little breathless from the struggle. He turned his head away, stubbornly replying, “Maybe I just felt like being a good person today.”
Bo Jin clearly didn’t believe that.
Xie Ruan wasn’t a soft-hearted person; even if he was kind, he wouldn’t go this far just to help someone. Plus, Bo Jin hadn’t mentioned the rooftop or issued any threats.
So… Bo Jin softened his gaze, almost as if afraid he’d shatter something precious.
Did he hold a special place in Xie Ruan’s heart after all?
The realization made Bo Jin feel an irrepressible joy, washing away the gloom that had plagued him for days. He watched Xie Ruan for a moment, then smiled.
That soft smile made Xie Ruan’s ears go red, flustered and embarrassed, as though his little secret had been laid bare.
“What’s so funny?” Angered and humiliated, Xie Ruan’s knee shot up. “Get off! Don’t think I won’t hit you just because we’re at your place.”
“Go ahead, hit me.” Bo Jin chuckled, his tone obviously pleased. “So, will you hit me before or after I get to hold you in the future?”
Xie Ruan froze. “In the future?”
Wasn’t this a one-time thing? Why was he already talking about ‘in the future’?
“Come on, little classmate,” Bo Jin clicked his tongue and raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just say you wanted to do a good deed for the day? Why are you backing out now?”
Even after knowing him for so long, Xie Ruan was still stunned by Bo Jin’s audacity and shot back, “I was just—”
“Just what?” Bo Jin wasn’t about to let this go and cut him off. “Or did you have some other reason and are just making excuses?”
Xie Ruan panicked, blurting out, “I didn’t!”
The quick response only made it sound more like a cover-up.
Bo Jin’s mood soared, and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching out, nuzzling against Xie Ruan’s neck. “Alright, alright, if you say so.”
The gesture was so intimate that it left Xie Ruan feeling jittery, muttering, “Fine…” But a touch landed somewhere unexpected, making him jolt and lose his composure. He grabbed a handful of Bo Jin’s hair and yanked. “Stop it!”
He kicked at Bo Jin’s leg, trying to hide his reaction. “Get up. Don’t you know how heavy you are?”
Bo Jin laughed. “Heavy?”
For someone his size, he was in great shape and hadn’t even used his full weight. Heavy? Not a chance.
This little classmate was clearly making things up.
“Yes!” Xie Ruan, as if he had found Bo Jin’s weak spot, looked at him mischievously. “Been eating too many sweets lately, huh? You’re looking a little fat.”
Look at this smug jerk. Let’s see if he’s still in the mood to act smug.
Fat? Bo Jin hadn’t expected such an accusation. He looked at Xie Ruan, who was practically wagging his tail in satisfaction, and smiled.
Sensing trouble, Xie Ruan tried to backtrack, but Bo Jin had already grabbed his hand, guiding it to the hem of his shirt.
“Seeing isn’t enough; if you want to know whether I’m really getting fat, you’ll have to feel for yourself.”
Who wanted to feel him up! This shameless jerk!
Blood rushed to Xie Ruan’s face, and he nearly started steaming. Knowing Bo Jin’s personality, he would definitely follow through on this threat, so Xie Ruan finally gave up, muttering in embarrassment, “Alright, alright, I was wrong. I saw wrong. You’re not fat.”
“Be honest,” Bo Jin smirked, but he didn’t let go. Holding Xie Ruan’s hand, he continued to move it down, adding in a flat tone, “I’ve been teaching you all this time, and this is what you’ve learned—spreading rumors? Come on, let’s make sure you understand firsthand if I’ve really gained weight.”
Seeing his hand about to reach Bo Jin’s stomach, Xie Ruan panicked. “Bo Jin! Big brother Bo! I was wrong!”
Bo Jin replied, “Really?”
With the lights off, Xie Ruan felt a bit braver. He turned his face into the pillow and, after a pause, mumbled, “Yes.”
His soft and compliant demeanor was too tempting. He couldn’t resist any longer, and he mischievously asked, “Then, will I get to hold you again tomorrow?”
Xie Ruan nearly wanted to jump up and cover his mouth.
Ask, ask, ask—what’s the point? We’ve hugged so many times; what’s one more?
But Bo Jin, the shameless devil he was, insisted on hearing it straight from him. “I’m asking you. Speak.”
Xie Ruan gritted his teeth, tried several times, but couldn’t quite bring himself to say the word “yes.” In the end, he could only manage another “Mmm” in response.
Seeing him blushing furiously, practically wanting to dive into his pillow, Bo Jin couldn’t hold back a chuckle. Showing some mercy, he let go of Xie Ruan and, with one swift move, wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him close. “Then let’s sleep.”
Easier said than done, though. After that little exchange, sleep was far off for either of them.
They both lay awake, each with their own thoughts, until late into the night.
The next day, unsurprisingly, they slept in, and by the time they finished getting ready, it was already late afternoon.
Just as they were about to relax with a game, Xie Ruan’s phone blew up with notifications.
Bo Jin, lounging lazily on the sofa, glanced over and teased, “So many people reaching out during the break—you’re pretty popular.”
Xie Ruan looked at his phone, baffled. “I have no idea what’s going on.”
He didn’t have that many friends, especially not the kind who’d chat him up during break. So why were there so many people suddenly messaging him?
If Xie Ruan had woken up earlier and checked the class group chat, he would have known that the final exam scores had been posted.
This time, his scores were the highest they’d ever been. Not only did he score above a hundred in math and Chinese, but he also passed English, and his best subjects, biology and chemistry, broke eighty. With a total score of 539, he placed… fourth from the bottom in the class, two spots up from his previous ranking.
While that may not sound like much, given that Class 1 was the advanced class—mostly top students, except for a few who’d slipped in through connections—his progress within the grade was actually quite impressive.
Several homeroom teachers often mentioned Xie Ruan in their classes, so many people were interested in his performance. Plus, with exams over and students free to browse forums, some noticed the new scores posted and checked Xie Ruan’s progress out of curiosity.
Seeing the jump from just passing five hundred last time to nearly reaching the first-tier line this time, they couldn’t help but comment:
“D*mn, just when the academic prodigy next door finally moved out and my mom stopped nagging me about her, the school brings in Xie Ruan. Am I cursed to a life of hearing about ‘other people’s kids’?”
“Whoa, I would’ve thought he was cheating if it weren’t for his consistent study record. His improvement is crazy!”
“In just one semester, from low-scorer to almost hitting the first-tier line. What’s he gonna pull off next semester? Top three? I can already picture it: every post-exam lecture will start with, ‘Look at how well Xie Ruan did.'”
“Suddenly a bit excited. Are we about to witness the making of a legend again?”
“Aain? Could you explain more, person upstairs?”
“There was a genius in the neighboring province’s top school, who switched from science to arts half a semester before the college entrance exam, and ended up getting into a top 2 university.”
“Whoa!! That’s amazing!! But let’s be real, Xie Ruan is still a bit far from top tier.”
“But if he keeps this up, who knows? Scary stuff, scary stuff.”
“Honestly, three months ago, I would never have thought I’d mention Xie Ruan in a forum post out of envy for his grades… and not because of Shen Xingyun.”
“Who wouldn’t feel the same?”
Xie Ruan’s classmates in Class 1 were all academic stars, so they cared a lot about their scores. The moment they got their results, most of them checked out their own scores, glanced at those of their classmates, and shared a few thoughts in the class group chat. So, news of Xie Ruan’s improvement spread around quickly.
With Sun Haoxiang and He Mingjie taking the lead, everyone jumped in to congratulate him, which was why his chat was flooded with notifications.
Xie Ruan scrolled through the chat history from top to bottom. After figuring out what was going on, he thanked everyone in the group and then sat down beside Bo Jin.
Clearing his throat, he asked, “Did you check your phone?”
“No,” Bo Jin replied, legs stretched out on the coffee table, as he casually flipped a page of the menu. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much,” Xie Ruan muttered, glancing down and nudging his feet in their matching slippers. “Just thought I’d let you know—you’re still first.”
The city rankings weren’t out yet, so this was Bo Jin’s school ranking. But given his sky-high score, he probably still ranked first in the city.
Bo Jin replied with an uninterested “Hmm,” glanced at the menu, and said nothing more.
That’s it? Xie Ruan blinked. Shouldn’t he at least return the favor and ask about his score?
What was with this dog’s reaction?
Normally, he’d offer explanations and make notes, always seeming so interested in Xie Ruan’s grades, yet here, he didn’t make a peep?
In reality, Bo Jin already knew Xie Ruan’s score. He appeared to be absorbed in the menu, but he was actually keeping a close eye on Xie Ruan’s reaction. Seeing his subtle look of pride and the anticipation of praise, Bo Jin’s palms itched to reach out and ruffle his hair, but he held back, waiting to see if Xie Ruan would speak up himself.
After a long moment with no response from Bo Jin, Xie Ruan’s excitement over his score faded. Annoyed, he stood up to go to the study and play a game, hoping to blow off some steam.
But just as he took a step, someone grabbed his wrist.
“What?” Xie Ruan turned back, glaring.
“Congratulations on scoring 539,” Bo Jin said, putting down the menu and pulling him back to his side with a smile. “Very impressive. You did much better than I expected.”
Xie Ruan blinked. “You knew my score?”
“What kind of question is that?” Bo Jin scoffed, flicking his forehead lightly. “If there’s anyone’s score I’d know, it’s yours.”
His tone was affectionate, like Xie Ruan was someone important.
Xie Ruan suppressed a smile, mumbling, “Well… it’s okay, I guess.”
Too cute. Bo Jin couldn’t hold back. He pulled Xie Ruan close and gave him a bear hug, saying with a grin, “Consider this a hug from a top student. Keep it up and aim even higher next time.”
“Oh.” Xie Ruan replied with just one word, feigning indifference, but his eyes were smiling.
Not only was Bo Jin pleased with Xie Ruan’s score—Sun Fuan was too.
Teaching a student like him was immensely rewarding. Seeing Xie Ruan improve with every exam was better than any bonus. Relaxing with his favorite tea, Sun Fuan decided that he’d definitely praise Xie Ruan to his parents tomorrow at the parent-teacher meeting. Such a good kid deserved some extra red envelopes for the holidays.
But unfortunately, his plans didn’t quite work out. On the day of the parent-teacher meeting, Xie Ruan’s mother didn’t show up.
“Did something come up at home?” Seeing the meeting about to begin, Sun Fuan frowned, asking Xie Ruan, “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
Attendance at parent meetings was mandatory; if they truly couldn’t come, they had to submit a written reason in advance.
Under his classmates’ curious stares, Xie Ruan’s face flushed. In a low voice, he explained, “My mom didn’t mention it to me. I’ll call her and check.”
Xie Ruan’s school transfer had involved one of the school’s board members, so Sun Fuan knew a bit about his family situation. He nodded and didn’t make things difficult for him. “Alright.”
Leaving the classroom, Xie Ruan walked toward the end of the hallway while calling Chen Wei.
It took two calls before she answered.
On the other end, there was loud background noise. Xie Ruan frowned. “Mom, where are you?”
“Hold on, Xingxing, it’s hard to hear you here.” Chen Wei paused, and after a while, continued, “Alright, go ahead.”
Suppressing his irritation, Xie Ruan tried to keep his tone calm. “Where are you?”
Chen Wei chuckled awkwardly. “I’m at the wholesale market. Your Uncle He has to watch the store, so I came to pick up some supplies.”
Xie Ruan clenched his eyes shut, gripping his phone so tightly his knuckles turned white. “And what about the parent meeting?” He said coldly, “You told me two days ago you’d be here.”
“Don’t worry, honey. I promised I’d make it, and I will.” She checked the time and assured him, “We’re nearly done here. I should be at your school in about half an hour.”
Half an hour? Xie Ruan laughed bitterly. He knew her husband didn’t trust her with business matters, so why the sudden request to pick up supplies? The real reason was obvious.
He’d bet there’d be a dozen new errands as soon as the meeting was over, keeping her busy until it ended.
He didn’t believe Chen Wei didn’t know her husband’s intent, but she still chose to follow his orders…
She couldn’t even set aside a single morning for him.
Resting his head against the wall, Xie Ruan’s chest heaved. After a long pause, he finally spoke. “Have you ever been late to He Chen’s parent meetings?”
In truth, he already knew the answer.
Chen Wei was always there for He Chen’s fencing and taekwondo classes, rain or shine, never once late or pressed for time.
Xie Ruan didn’t wait for her reply and hung up, heading downstairs.
It was January, and the weather was cold. The small courtyard garden was empty except for the bare ornamental trees. Xie Ruan sat by the flowerbed, looking down with a mixture of emotions, struggling to contain them.
“What are you doing hiding here?” a familiar voice came from above.
It was Bo Jin.
In a fit of frustration, Xie Ruan replied without thinking, “None of your business.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, both of them froze.
“I didn’t mean to…” Xie Ruan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his mind was a mess, unable to think of the right words. Finally, he muttered in frustration, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just…”
“Shh—” Bo Jin sat down beside him and pulled him to rest his head on his shoulder. “I get it; it’s okay.”
Looking down at Xie Ruan’s hair, Bo Jin chuckled. “It’s true what they say—people tend to lash out at those closest to them. You’re proving it right.”
Despite himself, Xie Ruan smiled a bit through his gloom. “Can you stop flattering yourself?”
Bo Jin chuckled and held him a little tighter. “Alright, no self-flattery, only you.”
A cold wind blew outside, but Bo Jin’s embrace was warm. Leaning against him, Xie Ruan felt his bottled-up frustration slowly begin to dissolve, and for the first time, he wanted to confide in someone.
“I don’t think my mom’s coming.”
Bo Jin hummed in acknowledgment, patting his back in a comforting way, almost as if soothing a child.
Once he started talking, it was easier to keep going. Exhaling, Xie Ruan scoffed, “She listens to that man for everything, never sides with me.”
“Not really,” Xie Ruan murmured, recalling the arguments Chen Wei had with He Jinqing over He Chen’s education, and his gaze dropped. “She just won’t listen entirely when it comes to He Chen.”
“So, basically, she just doesn’t like me.” Xie Ruan’s mood, which had been improving, began to sink again. He straightened up, pretending not to care. “Whatever. It’s fine if no one likes me. If that’s how it is, I can manage alone…”
Before he could finish, Bo Jin lifted his chin abruptly. Bo Jin looked down at him, half-smiling. “Who exactly are you calling ‘no one’?”
Xie Ruan froze. Calling someone “no one”? When had he ever insulted anyone?
“Have I really not made myself clear?” Bo Jin’s ears flushed slightly as he sighed, leaning his forehead against Xie Ruan’s and whispering, “I like you this much, and you still don’t see it?”
thank you for the chapter❤