Chapter 28
Proofreader: Akimi
Not long after Zhen Yuanbai deleted Shi Bufan, Zhen Yuanbai received his call. He prepared to be scolded by Shi Bufan, saying, “Hey.”
“Come out.”
“Hm?”
“I’m downstairs.”
Zhen Yuanbai immediately sat up straight and said, “You, you, you…why are you here?”
From the tone, it was obvious that Zhen Yuanbai was nervous. Shi Bufan was very satisfied, saying, “Here to settle accounts with you.”
Zhen Yuanbai looked out the window and it was dark and moonless tonight. It was the right to murder someone and burn the house down. He said softly, “I finished showering and I don’t want to go out now.”
“Then, I’ll come up for you?”
…
Zhen Yuanbai placed his coat over himself. His parents had the habit of going out for a walk to help digest food after eating. Sometimes, they would force Zhen Youxiu and him to go on a walk with them. Thankfully, they weren’t home right now.
He looked at the time and believed that he wouldn’t encounter his parents if he walked out at this time, so he hurried downstairs. Shi Bufan was waiting for Zhen Yuanbai at the abandoned telephone booth in front of the neighborhood. From afar, he could see Zhen Yuanbai coming over, so he stood up and curled his lips up.
Zhen Yuanbai subconsciously held in his breath and slowed down, scrunching his face. He unwillingly moved closer and said in a soft voice, “I’ll just add you back. Why do you need to come over at this time?”
“I need to personally come over and ask how I offended you.” Seeing how terrified Zhen Yuanbai was, Shi Bufan found it funny. Just how scary was he in front of Congming? Why does he always act like this whenever he sees him?
“You, you didn’t offend me.”
“Then why did you delete me?”
“I…” Zhen Yuanbai pursed his lips and found a reason. “Because your profile picture is too scary.”
Shi Bufan recalled the profile picture of a mask of death and raised his brows in surprise. “Did I scare Teacher Zhen?”
“Mhm!” Zhen Yuanbai tried his best to complain. “Whenever I chat with you, I will have nightmares!”
“Nightmares about what?” Shi Bufan moved closer and tilted his head, saying, “Were you screaming out loud?”
Screaming out loud? Zhen Yuan bai was confused. Shi Bufan moved closer and closer, pecking Zhen Yuanbai’s lips which made the latter frozen. By then, Shi Bufan had already calmly moved back, saying, “Here, add me back.”
He raised his phone and held an authoritative gaze, making Zhen Yuanbai humph at him. He took out his phone and scanned the QR code, saying, “Well, aren’t you idle?”
“Your fault for doing this.” Shi Bufan smiled and said, “We also turned in your homework on the way. Ok, you can go up now.”
Zhen Yuanbai turned around and was about to go when Shi Bufan suddenly said, “Congming.”
Zhen Yuanbai stopped and turned around.
His gray pajamas were made of wool and there was a huge pocket, which seemed to be very thick. Shi Bufan suddenly felt warmth coming from the bottom of his heart when he saw Zhen Yuanbai wearing the pajamas. He placed his hands behind him and said, “It seems like you should allow your feelings to run wild.”
He was hinting at Zhen Yuanbai to hand in his homework.
Zhen Yuanbai also shoved his hands in his square pockets, unsatisfied with the way Shi Bufan called him. He said, “My feelings are like willful children. I can’t control when it wants to be unrestrained or when it wants to be.”
Shi Bufan nodded and then said, “Well, let me give it a beating.”
Zhen Yuanbai’s face paled and he licked his lips, saying, “You’re, you’re going to scare…”
“Well then, I’ll capture it back and then give it another beating…”
“…” Zhen Yuanbai stood there and his lips moved, although no words came out.
Shi Bufan looked down and chuckled, looking back up to see Zhen Yuanbai still staring at him. Shi Bufan finally said with mercy, “Fine, you can go back.”
Zhen Yuanbai glared at him and angrily ran back into the neighborhood.
The next day was Saturday and Zhen Youxiu didn’t bring him to school. Therefore, Zhen Yuanbai went to take the bus. What surprised him was that Shi Bufan who went to buy breakfast for him every day wasn’t here. He looked down and set the other part a message: Are you coming today? If you’re not, I’m leaving.
Shi Bufan didn’t respond.
He probably won’t be coming.
Zhen Yuanbai squeezed into the bus and got to school, buying his and Shi Bufan’s breakfast at the door. He then entered the classroom and after the morning study session was over, Shi Bufan was still not here. Ye Lian hollered for Zhen Yuanbai from behind, “Where did Brother Shi go?”
Zhen Yuanbai was also confused, asking, “How would I know?”
He retorted, “Isn’t he with you guys?”
“No.” Qiu Jing and Ming Mai interrupted, saying, “Ever since he became friends with you, he stopped hanging out with us as much. You didn’t see him either?”
Zhen Yuanbai was bewildered and his phone suddenly rang. Shi Bufan replied: I woke up late and I’m almost at school now. Have you eaten yet?
Zhen Yuanbai sighed and told this to the 3 worrying people. Meanwhile, he replied with his brows scrunched: I brought you breakfast already. Can you still get into the school even though you’re late?
The truth proved that Shi Bufan was able to come in. After all, the school turns a blind eye to anything Shi Bufan does. He still wore the clothes from yesterday as he entered the school, but there were bags under his eyes. Although Shi Bufan was smiling, he didn’t look too good. He sat behind Zhen Yuanbai and took the breakfast the latter delivered. Because Zhen Yuanbai knew that Shi Bufan was unable to eat any soybean related products or even green and red beans, Zhen Yuanbai brought porridge for Shi Bufan in a considerate manner. Shi Bufan inserted the straw in, taking a sip, and his cold heart gradually became warm.
He had already slept through the first 2 classes, but Zhen Yuanbai didn’t say anything. Up until the afternoon when class was over, Shi Bufan supported his chin and stared at his deskmate who was tidying up and organizing his desk. Then, the two left the classroom.
From time to time, Zhen Yuanbai would glance at him. Shi Bufan finally tilted his head and said, “You have something you want to say?”
“Did you stay out the entire night?”
“Well, you got it right.” Shi Bufan placed his hands behind his head and curled his lips, saying, “No wonder you’re Congming.”
Shi Bufan’s posture made Zhen Yuanbai look even shorter and the latter reached over to tug on Shi Bufan’s arms, asking, “Where did you go?”
“An internet cafe for the night.”
Zhen Yuanbai was a bit angry, asking, “Why didn’t you go home to sleep?”
“After seeing you yesterday, I didn’t want to go home.”
Zhen Yuanbai said, “You told me that you would study, so why did you spend the night at an internet cafe?”
“Because there aren’t any other places to go.” Shi Bufan pinched his earlobes and said, “You won’t allow me to sleep at your place, but you aren’t willing to sleep at my house either. So, I have no place to go now.”
“What is this reasoning?” Zhen Yuanbai said, “Are you saying that you won’t go home anymore if I don’t go to your house?”
“I’ll obviously still go back.”
Zhen Yuanbai humphed, listening to Shi Bufan’s unfinished words. “I need to go home to ask the parents for money, so I can support you.”
“Who wants you to support them?” Zhen Yuanbai said, “If you dare to spend the night at an internet cafe, I won’t teach you anymore. After all, it will just be a waste of time, since you aren’t focused on school.”
Zhen Yuanbai walked past him in large strides and Shi Bufan laughed, catching up and he said, “You’re right to scold me. I shouldn’t place my heart on you. I’ll change for the future. How about this?…I’ll give 1/10 of my attention to learning? Or how about 1/100? If I give more than that, you might not be willing.”
“Who, who won’t be willing?!” Zhen Yuanbai scrunched his scarlet face.
After walking out of the school, Zhen Yuanbai decided to ignore Shi Bufan for the entire day. That’d let him know how incorrect his decision to stay overnight at an internet cafe was. Therefore when Shi Bufan asked, “Are we still going to the library in the afternoon?” Zhen Yuanbai replied, “You get a day off today.”
“Why?”
“I also have homework, so I don’t have time to manage you.”
Shi Bufan could hear the sarcastic tone, so he asked, “How about tomorrow?”
“You get a day off too.” Zhen Yuanbai said, “I need to go to my grandma’s.”
Shi Bufan knitted his eyebrows, thinking that his little classmate was getting a bit too bold. At this time, a black luxurious car suddenly stopped in front of them, drawing a lot of attention. Mother Shi got out of the car smiling and saw Shi Bufan’s icy face, dodging his gaze and her gaze landed on Zhen Yuanbai instead. “I heard that you’re the one who helped Fanfan get into the top 100.”
Shi Bufan stared coldly at the woman and Zhen Yuanbai subconsciously bowed at her, saying, “Hi aunt. Shi Bufan had done this all by himself and it has nothing to do with me.”
“How could it have nothing to do with you? We all know that ever since you guys knew each other, he began to be motivated to do better in school. I don’t think you guys had lunch yet, right? Why don’t we have lunch together?”
She looked at Zhen Yuanbai eagerly, but also with a hint of anxiety. She seemed to be scared that he might reject her. Meanwhile, Zhen Yuanbai subconsciously glanced at Shi Bufan while the latter said, “I’m fine. Do you want to go?”
“Don’t reject this aunt please?” Mother Shi asked softly and this made Zhen Yuanbai’s heart soften. He murmured, “My brother’s home by himself, so I need to let him know.”
“Sure.” Mother Shi immediately felt relaxed and said, “We can pick your brother up and eat together.”
“No, no. I’ll just order takeout for him.” Zhen Yuanbai followed them into the car and the students who saw this scene all gossiped. “That is Shi Bufan’s mother? Why do I feel like it’s a different one from last time?”
“You must’ve gotten it wrong. Shi Bufan looks quite similar to his mother. Whoa. I’m so jealous of Zhen Yuanbai. Shi Bufan’s family is very wealthy.”
…
Zhen Yuanbai called Zhen Youxiu while Mother Shi sat in the passenger seat, looking back and inquiring, “What do you guys want to eat?”
Shi Bufan crossed his arms over his chest and Zhen Yuanbai said shyly, “I’m fine with anything.”
Mother Shi finally looked at Shi Bufan and asked, “How about Fanfan?”
“Obviously the most expensive place in the city.”
Zhen Yuanbai looked between Shi Bufan and his mother and then silently looked down. He felt a bit worried. Mother Shi eventually brought them to Dawn’s Light, the best restaurant within the business building, on the top floor. The French window allowed the customers to receive the best night view.
However, it was daytime right now. Zhen Yuanbai walked in wearing his school uniform and stood behind Shi Bufan like a tiny rabbit. The tiles here were extremely shiny and reflected the customers, revealing a sense of nobleness. Mother Shi’s heels stepped on the tiles and it made a click-clack noise as she walked, portraying her as a noble queen. The queen smiled softly and greeted people. She got a room that could fit 30 people within and then gently pushed the electronic menu in front of Zhen Yuanbai. “Look at it. What do you want to eat?”
There was English and Chinese on the electronic menu. After one chose the dishes, they just needed to click on confirm and the order will automatically be delivered to the kitchen. But after Zhen Yuanbai saw the prices on the menu, he gently pushed the electronic menu over to Shi Bufan. Mother Shi sat across from them, linking her hands together and stared at Shi Bufan attentively as if scared that he might smash the menu.
Thankfully, Shi Bufan didn’t do that. He directly ordered a few dishes that his little classmate liked to eat. For the rest of the dishes, he chose the most expensive ones. Seeing how Shi Bufan was just clicking randomly on the menu, Zhen Yuanbai subconsciously looked over only to see that the latter almost checked all of the dishes. Zhen Yuanbai hurriedly moved over and said, “We can’t finish all of that.”
“If you can’t finish it, we’ll get takeout and feed it to the stray dogs.” Shi Bufan said, “Don’t worry. Miss Ling has money.”
Zhen Yuanbai subconsciously looked at Mother Shi and Ling Xuan slightly smiled, saying, “Don’t worry. You guys can casually choose.”
Zhen Yuanbai had an uncomfortable meal this time. He’d rather eat beef noodle soup costing at $7 per bowl than eating a fish costing $30,000.
He wasn’t stupid. It was clear that shi Bufan didn’t like his mother and there was a clear family issue.
When the dishes arrived, Ling Xuan asked, “Last time I heard Fanfan say that the food in the cafeteria wasn’t according to his taste, so I changed the chefs. How do you guys feel about it now? Do you like the food?”
Shi Bufan was actually the one behind this. The entire school should thank him!
Zhen Yuanbai immediately said, “Mhm, it’s delicious. I always go there to eat with Shi Bufan every day.”
Ling Xuan smiled happily and said, “Fanfan can’t eat soybean related products, so I had the chefs change the oil to olive oil. It’s quite healthy for people.”
Zhen Yuanbai could tell that she was trying to explain to Shi Bufan what she had been doing through their conversation. Zhen Yuanbai nodded, not knowing how to reply.
Shi Bufan suddenly tugged on him and said, “Let’s play a round of the game.”
Zhen Yuanbai looked over and said, “I don’t have a phone.”
“I have.” Ling Xuan delivered her phone and the game was indeed on there. Shi Bufan glanced at her and took her phone, helping Zhen Yuanbai enter the game. “I’ll add you. You just need to follow me once you’re in.”
Zhen Yuanbai nodded while Ling Xuan smiled, saying, “Don’t lead Yuanyuan onto the wrong path.”
Shi Bufan didn’t talk to her and this made Ling Xuan feel a bit awkward. She took a sip of tea, trying to disguise this. Zhen Yuanbai felt the need to lower his head some more.
The meal was torture for Zhen Yuanbai and the whole time, there was a tense atmosphere looming over them. When they were finally about to head home, Ling Xuan suddenly asked Zhen Yuanbai, “Are you guys going to the library now?”
Shi Bufan hadn’t said a single word to her, so Zhen Yuanbai summoned the courage to reply, “Right. I still need to tutor him.”
“It’s almost time for the final exam. You guys will be entering a time of stress and I wonder if Fanfan can keep up with this.” Ling Xuan sighed with feeling and suddenly suggested, “How about this? I’ll let your parents know and you can come over to my house every Saturday to tutor Fanfan. We have a lot of room in the house and I even had someone set up a mini-library upstairs for the 2 of you guys. That way, no one can disturb you guys.”
After saying this, she subconsciously looked at Shi Bufan to see a tint of brightness in his eyes. It was rare for him to agree with her words.