Chapter 13 – If You Like Someone, Go After Them

Ye Zhou didn’t rush to leave; instead, he chose a seat that allowed him to see Guan Heng through the window, letting his affection ferment and spread within him. Guan Heng’s voice was like a gentle breeze, flowing water, just like when he had softly brushed his fingers over Ye Zhou’s scalp while washing his hair, bringing an extremely comfortable sensation.

Guan Heng taught in the classroom for as long as Ye Zhou sat outside, watching him through the window.

When class ended, it was already nine o’clock at night.

As Guan Heng was packing up, he unexpectedly ran into Ye Zhou, who was deliberately waiting for him. He was somewhat surprised, as if he hadn’t expected it.

Ye Zhou smiled at him. “Teacher Guan, class is over?”

Guan Heng was even more surprised upon hearing this, not because Ye Zhou knew about his teaching here, but because of the title Ye Zhou used. In the two months since they became neighbors, Ye Zhou had always been measured in his interactions with him, maintaining an appropriate distance. But tonight was clearly different. This title seemed to break their previous habits, appearing much more intimate.

Guan Heng glanced at Ye Zhou, noticing that his attitude seemed to have changed, as if he no longer cared about certain boundaries.

“Mm,” Guan Heng replied politely. “Mr. Ye, what brings you here?”

Ye Zhou laughed upon hearing this title. “I was out for a walk and didn’t expect to see you teaching here.”

Guan Heng gave a fleeting glance at Ye Zhou’s right calf. “How’s your leg?”

Ye Zhou nodded. “The doctor said I can walk moderately, it’s good for rehabilitation.”

Although unspoken, both of them walked side by side towards home. Many enthusiastic elders greeted Guan Heng along the way, most often saying “Hello, Teacher” and “Goodbye, Teacher.” It was clear that Guan Heng was very popular. Guan Heng’s pace was slow, unhurried, but Ye Zhou knew that this wasn’t his usual walking speed; he was slowing down to match Ye Zhou’s pace.

Once again, Ye Zhou felt the subtle attentiveness of Guan Heng, low-key and not overly obvious, like spring rain nourishing silently.

Ye Zhou truly felt his heartbeat quicken. Since he had carefully thought about it and given up on struggling against his feelings, there was only one thing left to do: if you like someone, go after them. Ye Zhou was proactive in matters of love, or rather, he was accustomed to taking the initiative. However, before pursuing someone, it was important to first understand them. So now, he finally asked the question he’d been wanting to ask: “A few days ago, I saw you on my way back from a check-up… Were you going to teach at the prison?”

Aside from teaching, Ye Zhou couldn’t think of any other reason why Guan Heng would visit the prison.

Since Ye Zhou had already seen him teaching at the community college, Guan Heng had no reason to hide anything. “Yes, it’s also a form of teaching, but it’s more like counseling.”

Ye Zhou suddenly remembered what Zhou Jiayi had once said, that Guan Heng stayed in the country to contribute his knowledge and cultivate future educators. Now, it seemed that his actions went beyond that, more like a form of giving back to society. Ye Zhou couldn’t describe this feeling. Guan Heng seemed to be doing something extraordinary, his image suddenly towering, like a selfless benefactor. “Do all highly educated people act like this?”

Ye Zhou had always assumed that professors were supposed to teach occasionally, guide students from time to time, and focus on their own research the rest of the time—not like old scholars delving into academic pursuits, nor driven by the pursuit of fame and success, which might better align with their status, position, and economic benefits. But Guan Heng was moving in the opposite direction, working modestly and seeking no returns, more like charity work.

“Not really,” Guan Heng glanced at Ye Zhou, denying it. “Actually, I’m not as good as you think.”

Ye Zhou had expected Guan Heng to be modest, but he didn’t expect to hear these words. He chuckled. “Is this not good enough? What about others then? Compared to you, I feel much more practical, focusing solely on interests.”

But Guan Heng shook his head with a smile. “You’re fine just the way you are. At least I don’t have the same courage as you, to chase after criminals so bravely.”

Ye Zhou was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Shit. Can we move past this already?”

He had just realized that Guan Heng could tease people too.

They chatted and walked home together, the atmosphere quite pleasant. When they reached the front gate, Guan Heng, as usual, used his left hand to take out the key and open the door. Afterward, they would each return to their respective homes.

Ye Zhou knew that pursuing someone shouldn’t be rushed, especially someone like Guan Heng, who presented a high level of difficulty. But everything needed a starting point. One of Ye Zhou’s strengths was that he wouldn’t easily admit defeat without trying. If he couldn’t win Guan Heng over, it would be fine to continue being neighbors. But if he didn’t even try, he would definitely regret it. Guan Heng was too outstanding in every aspect; he might only encounter someone like him once in a lifetime. Since the opportunity was rare, it was worth taking a risk.

After entering the courtyard, Ye Zhou suddenly spoke from behind Guan Heng. “Guan Heng, I know one of your secrets. In return, I’ll tell you a secret of mine.”

Upon hearing this, Guan Heng turned around, only to see Ye Zhou looking straight into his eyes. “I’m single now, and I like men.”

Guan Heng’s expression flickered slightly, but remained calm, not asking why Ye Zhou suddenly brought this up.

Ye Zhou was somewhat surprised. “You’re not surprised?”

Guan Heng nodded. “I guessed.”

“When?”

“That morning.” Guan Heng didn’t elaborate, but they both knew exactly which morning he was referring to. “You saw it, but you weren’t very surprised, unlike the reaction of an ordinary person.”

Indeed, the typical reaction of ordinary men was mostly one of aversion; those who could accept it were few, and they wouldn’t react as naturally as he did. Unless they were of the same kind.

Ye Zhou hadn’t expected that he had revealed himself so early. He confessed this fact not for any other reason, but to clearly tell Guan Heng that he had feelings for him, not playing games like straight men did with their guessing games. If they had any further physical contact in the future, Guan Heng couldn’t blame him for misunderstanding. But he hadn’t expected that Guan Heng had known beforehand, yet didn’t intentionally avoid him. Ye Zhou couldn’t quite figure out whether this was intentional or unintentional.

However, Guan Heng didn’t express any particular thoughts on the matter, as if he had brushed it off lightly. “I see. Get some rest early. Goodnight.”

Huh? Just like that? Nothing else?

Ye Zhou stood in place for several seconds before responding. “Goodnight.”

They were both people who had been in relationships before, and Guan Heng was an incredibly intelligent individual. There was no way he couldn’t understand Ye Zhou’s implications. Although Ye Zhou had yet to discern Guan Heng’s thoughts, he had at least made his intentions clear. From now on, he wouldn’t need to hold back in his actions.