Chapter 23 – Ex-Boyfriend

When Ye Zhou woke up the next day, he was still a little groggy, unsure if he had even slept at all during the night.

He spent the entire night reliving that kiss and Guan Heng’s unique scent. It was like the smell of cedarwood, fresh and crisp, yet laced with an enticing musk that added a touch of sensuality. He didn’t remember noticing that fragrance on Guan Heng before, but last night, his senses were unusually sharp, finding Guan Heng’s aroma incredibly appealing.

Guan Heng had actually kissed quite restrainedly; it was Ye Zhou who couldn’t help himself later on, eagerly wanting more, persistently chasing after Guan Heng’s lips…

Even now, as Ye Zhou recalled what happened in the car last night, he felt a certain part of him stirring. Men were easily aroused in the morning, but another reason was that he had been abstinent for too long, which led to a fierce surge of desire.

But Ye Zhou didn’t act on it, instead sitting on the bed for a while to compose himself before getting up to wash and groom.

He still felt a sense of unreality, for Guan Heng had actually taken the initiative to kiss him. Did this mean their relationship had progressed?

Despite barely sleeping all night, Ye Zhou’s mood was still buoyant. As he left home in the morning, he subconsciously glanced at Guan Heng’s residence. Guan Heng usually left earlier than him, so he would have already been gone at this time. They had arrived home close to midnight last night, and it was late when they went to bed. Guan Heng was already busy as it was, and last night he had slept less than usual. Even though their relationship might have changed, Ye Zhou still felt concerned and guilty about it. After some thought, he decided to prepare a nutritious meal rich in iron for Guan Heng today, to properly replenish him.

After making the lunchbox, Ye Zhou was delayed a bit due to a sudden influx of customers at the restaurant before leaving. Therefore, he set out later than usual. By the time he entered the school gate, the bell signaling the end of class had already rung, so he quickened his pace, hoping not to make Guan Heng wait too long.

However, Guan Heng wasn’t alone in his office today; there seemed to be someone else inside. Ye Zhou could hear voices from the corridor. He initially assumed it was Jian Huan who had arrived early, ready to greet him, but the voice he heard was a gentle male one that was neither unfamiliar nor completely known.

“Guan Heng, did you receive the message I sent you?”

It was this voice that made Ye Zhou freeze in place, not taking another step forward. He was already standing beside the door, and if he took one more step, he would fall within their line of sight. Guan Heng was single, and there was nothing wrong with Ye Zhou openly pursuing him, but for some inexplicable reason, he hid.

Ye Zhou: “…” History had an uncanny way of repeating itself.

The person inside was none other than Guan Heng’s ex-boyfriend, whom Ye Zhou had met once before.

Standing outside the door, Ye Zhou couldn’t see Guan Heng’s expression, but he could hear Guan Heng’s voice, a deep and pleasing timbre that showed no wavering when faced with his ex-boyfriend, revealing no emotional fluctuation: “Yue Shu, why are you looking for me?”

They had parted ways amicably, so there was no tension between them upon meeting again. Guan Heng didn’t seem like the type to hurl insults at his ex-boyfriend, maintaining his composure.

Yue Shu was once the person closest to Guan Heng, but now he could detect the distance in his tone. Perhaps he had anticipated Guan Heng’s reaction, trying to please him cautiously, his eyes carrying a glimmer of hope: “I… well, I’m back in the country, so I came to visit you. This concert was very successful, Professor Zhan was delighted… he asked about you, it seems you haven’t been in contact with him for a while, he misses you. So I wanted to ask if you’ll be attending the alumni gathering? It’s in mid-January, the week before winter break.”

As winter and summer vacations approached, after students finished their final exams, it was also the time when various teacher-student gatherings and alumni reunions were typically held.

Yue Shu spoke in a mild tone, making people feel comfortable just from listening to his voice. Although Ye Zhou had only seen him once, he still remembered his appearance, for good-looking people tended to leave a lasting impression, especially when they spoke so softly. Forget about Guan Heng, even Ye Zhou himself used to fancy this type—gentle, obedient, and agreeable, a partner many would desire. But Ye Zhou had no appreciation for him now; he only felt a sense of unease.

Although Yue Shu had a perfectly reasonable excuse, completely different from his own. But the only reason an ex-boyfriend would suddenly return was to seek reconciliation.

Ye Zhou couldn’t see the situation inside the office, so he didn’t know that Guan Heng hadn’t spared much attention towards Yue Shu. Guan Heng had noticed the shadow at the door and subtly raised the corner of his lips: “I’m not sure if I’ll have the time to go, we’ll see.”

Guan Heng’s words left room for interpretation, but it was already a clear rejection. Even if he was willing to go, he wouldn’t do so with Yue Shu.

Yue Shu stood before Guan Heng, lowering his head like a child who had done something wrong. He bit his lip, finally seeming to make up his mind: “Guan Heng, I –”

Guan Heng seemed to anticipate what Yue Shu was going to say and interrupted him first, addressing the door: “Ye Zhou, I’m hungry.”

When Guan Heng said this, not only was Yue Shu stunned, but even Ye Zhou, hiding at the door, was taken aback.

Ye Zhou didn’t know when he had been exposed, but when he looked down, the truth was revealed—it was his shadow that had given him away. He hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, but he just happened to overhear. He was helpless; how did things always turn out so coincidentally.

But since he had been discovered, Ye Zhou wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. He never hid the fact that he was pursuing Guan Heng from the start, and certainly wouldn’t do so now. He quickly composed himself, emerging with a friendly smile, holding the lunchbox: “Sorry, I heard you talking, so I didn’t make a sound to avoid disturbing you.”

In reality, the two hadn’t discussed anything private or important in the office, and the door was open, so it wasn’t really eavesdropping. Instead, Yue Shu was somewhat puzzled when he saw Ye Zhou here, even more surprised when he spotted the lunchbox in his hand.

Being able to attend the same school as Guan Heng, it was evident that Yue Shu was also an outstanding scholar. Combining Guan Heng’s previous remarks, he quickly realized that this person had come to deliver food to Guan Heng, his complexion slightly paling.

Ye Zhou almost felt sorry for him, but since Yue Shu had chosen to separate himself in the first place, he had no reason to be soft on his rival now. He nodded at Yue Shu, greeting him politely: “Hello, I’m Ye Zhou. We met at the front door last time, I wonder if you still remember me, I’m Guan’s neighbor.”

“I do remember.” Yue Shu hadn’t forgotten the first time he laid eyes on Ye Zhou, for he had misunderstood then. But at that time, it hadn’t mattered much, whereas now it couldn’t be ignored. “Hello, my name is Yue Shu.”

Ye Zhou smiled at Yue Shu, showing no sign of hostility. He didn’t dislike Yue Shu, nor did he hate him simply because Yue Shu wanted to reconcile with Guan Heng. Because even if they had broken up, an ex-boyfriend still had the freedom to pursue his former lover. Dating was ultimately a matter between two people, and if Guan Heng didn’t want it, nobody could force it. The melodramatic scenes of fighting over love and jealousy, or physical altercations, didn’t exist in Ye Zhou’s world, and they definitely weren’t something Yue Shu would do either.

After greeting Yue Shu, Ye Zhou walked straight to Guan Heng, placing the lunchbox on Guan Heng’s desk, closer than he would have been with anyone else.

Suddenly, Yue Shu felt a bit awkward, sensing that he was somewhat out of place. He wanted to discuss personal matters with Guan Heng, but Guan Heng seemed unwilling to engage in such conversation, so he had come to the school, but apparently, the school wasn’t a suitable place for a talk either.

Yue Shu had no further reason to linger and could only bid farewell for the time being: “Guan Heng, I have something I want to discuss with you, I’ll come again… and about the alumni gathering, I hope you’ll reconsider.”

Guan Heng didn’t give a definitive response, merely saying: “Take your time.”

Even though he had anticipated Guan Heng’s attitude, Yue Shu still felt a bit sad. Before leaving, he looked at Guan Heng one more time, the latter seemingly indifferent, using his right hand to pick up chopsticks and pick up food.

Seeing this, Yue Shu let out a slight sigh of relief.

But after stepping out of the office door, he suddenly stopped. He had a suspicion, but dared not bet on it, yet he truly wanted to know.

Ultimately, Yue Shu couldn’t resist the curiosity in his heart. He retraced a few steps, secretly peering into the room – only to find that Guan Heng had somehow switched to his left hand.

Although Guan Heng had trained his right hand to function as well as his left, he was naturally left-handed, and using his left hand was an innate instinct. And he had a habit of only using his left hand when he was with intimate people, always using his right hand in front of others. Although this was a trivial matter, it felt as if he had opened his heart to you, letting down his guard.

When Yue Shu first discovered this little secret, he was overjoyed, feeling that he was the most special. Because a person like Guan Heng, who would compromise and yield slightly, could easily make one feel cherished and valued.

But now, everything had changed. Yue Shu finally understood that he had become an outsider to Guan Heng.