Life-Saving Days by the Husky’s Side

Ji Shaoyan had envisioned the scene following the three days of waiting.

Maybe the two of them will be sitting face-to-face in the school cafe, listening to soothing music; perhaps they will be in alone in a quiet neighborhood, with Zhou Li pushing him for a walk under the warm sunset glow; it was more likely for things to be like that day when he sent Zhou Li home, chatting in the back seats of the car like before; and the most unfavourable of them all, is that the time limit will run out and Zhou Li will give him a simple answer on WeChat.

Not like whatever just happened now.

Intense sunlight, people screaming like banshees, and there were even several students standing on the other side of the court secretly taking photos of him.

——At a time and place that he never would’ve touched in his imagination, Zhou Li didn’t even have a proper opening or foreshadowing for his answer, it was just a few words suddenly tossed at him as an afterthought.

And not only that, he even left after tossing the words away!

Ji Shaoyan silently stared at the silly fool running around on the court, wishing to stare a hole into his body.

Zhou Li could easily detect his gaze and knew that the other was excited, but with so many people around, it really wasn’t suitable to talk more about them, so he took a short pause to send the other a big grin, then returned to concentrate on the game.

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Forget it, Silly Fool has always been like this, he should’ve long since been used to this.

Since he agreed, everything else can be ignored… Young Master Ji came to this realisation and his mood suddenly improved. From this moment on, Zhou Li belonged to him.

Young people liked to join in on the fun. Seeing the gathering crowds, they couldn’t help walking over and taking a look. Some looked at the scene then left, some spotted the school grass with their sharp eyes, and some were curious about the game, so they gradually formed a circle around the court.

The boys on the court grew even more enthusiastic, almost pulling off some extraordinary plays. When Ji-shao called for them to stop, they were still feeling a little unfulfilled and groaned, “There’s still ten minutes before class starts.”

Ji Shaoyan said, “Take a break now, it’s just enough to rest before your afternoon classes.”

The group of boys did not dare to refute and agreed to continue the game tomorrow.

One of the boys wiped his sweat. After seeing a text on his phone, he jokingly called out to Zhou Li, “As expected, our Zhou-shao is still charmingly attractive. The girls in my class asked me for your WeChat, should I give it to them?”

The other boys stretched out a long “Oh——” and also looked at Zhou Li.

The girls nearby also looked over with their ears perked up.

They only became aware of this chance today. This transfer student was so sunny and handsome, and he was even the second young master of the Zhou family. Wasn’t he an awesome investment? Especially since the other has just transferred over, he doesn’t have many acquaintances, when else is a better time to chase him ah? 

Zhou Li said, “Don’t, I have a beau.”

Everyone: “……”

Ji Shaoyan couldn’t contain himself at that instant and the corners of his mouth curled upwards.

Everyone else was very surprised because before this moment, they had never heard about this shocking update. The boys were all curious and were hesitant in whether they wanted to ask him who it was when they saw a girl approach them.

The girl was wearing the junior high school uniform and looked pretty cute. Holding a bottled drink and handing it forward, she smiled playfully at Zhou Li and said, “I remember that you’re my sister’s boyfriend, do you remember me? You visited my house when my grandma passed away, brother——in——law, hello~”

[T/N: extended each word in cutesy way, literally ‘sister’s husband’]

Zhou Li: “……”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Everyone else: “……”

How did these updates come one after the other?

The boy beside them returned to his senses and subconsciously asked, “Who’s your sister?”

Seeing that this girl was about to open her mouth, Zhou Li interjected first, “Her sister and I are just normal friends.”

He turned to the girl. “That time I went to your house was because of some other business. Don’t blindly spread false news, it’s not good for your big sister’s reputation.”

The girl startled then smiled out of embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Senior, I misunderstood. I just overheard you all talking and remembered how you visited my house back then, so I thought that your partner was my big sister. Then, I’ll give you this drink as an apology ba.”  

Zhou Li said, “No need.”

With this final statement, he left with Ji Shaoyan without sparing her another look.

Song Yingshi’s little sister was not only an extremely jealous human, but also very sinister. She must have known his identity before making her way towards them, loudly calling him brother-in-law but most likely planning how to hook him in secret. He didn’t want anything to do with her.

When the onlookers saw that there was no scandal to spectate, they scattered one after another.

Zhou Li heard Ji Shaoyan say to him, “Walk slower”. Looking at the people walking to-and-fro around them, he understood that the other boy wanted a quiet environment, so he turned them away from the crowds, planning to take a stroll before returning to their classrooms.

The obtrusive people quickly disappeared. Ji Shaoyan was finally pleased.

He naturally wasn’t so foolish as to ask Zhou Li to repeat himself, or ask something like if he had thoroughly considered it. Anyway, Zhou Li said it, so that counts.

He asked, “That’s Song Yingshi’s little sister?”

Zhou Li said, “Obviously quite an ungrateful* thing, am I right?”

[T/N: discontent with one’s lot]

Ji Shaoyan agreed “en“. “You don’t need to worry about this, I’ve left it to Jingxiu.”

Zhou Li thought that Liang Jingxiu should be reliable and returned with his own “en”.

Ji Shaoyan couldn’t see him from this position and was a little agitated. Seeing that there was no one around, he motioned for his pusher to stop, turning around in the wheelchair on his own and looking at the other boy with a smile.

His eyes were neither gentle and warm as what he usually puts on, nor exuding the icy chills like that day when he briefly showed his insanity. Instead, they showed a fine lustre, adorning his entire body.

For the first time, Zhou Li felt uncomfortable under such an intense gaze and asked, “What?”

Ji Shaoyan said, “Do you want to make us public?”

Zhou Li: “I’m fine either way, up to you.”

Ji Shaoyan reminded, “If we make it public, it won’t be long before the crowds staring at you increase in population.”

Zhou Li: “I know.”

Young Master Ji’s popularity in Mingying ran far too high, with an abundance of brain-dead fans obsessed with him. If he came out, he was afraid he would become the target of public criticism.

But the people who dared to walk up to tell and tell him to let go were definitely at a solid zero. They’ll probably just think of some mild schemes secretly. He felt that it didn’t matter either way and was able to adjust his mood without too much worry.

Seeing his calm expression, Ji Shaoyan reflected about the other’s personality and felt that the problem wasn’t all that big, so he was able to relax.

The two chatted for a short while and rushed to the teaching building before class started. At this time, the news of “Zhou Li has a partner” and “the girl’s big sister is Song Yingshi” had already made their rounds. Everyone was particularly curious whether they were in a secret relationship or if Zhou Li’s lover was someone else entirely.

Zheng San was the most excited over this revelation and went straight into the small group chat.

Zheng San: Hahahaha, all losers should take care of themselves ah.

Liu Xiao Wei: It’s still not clear who his partner is.

Tian Tian: Maybe, not one word of truth came from his mouth. Maybe he was just lying to everyone.

Liu Xiao Wei: Besides, San-shao, do you still remember your screenshots?

Zheng San: What screenshot?

Liu Xiao Wei: In the game, Zhou Li said that as a school grass, he didn’t want to break anyone’s heart, so he swore to be single for a lifetime. You took a screenshot back then.

Tian Tian: That’s right ah, I feel like he was lying.

Zheng San: Fine then, I’ll ask in the main chat.

The so-called ‘main group chat’ referred to the chat with every other second-generation teens.

Zheng San followed through with his promises and @’d Zhou Li, asking: Zhou-shao, who is your hidden beau ah? Bring them out someday, let us get to know them.

Zhou Li had just finished washing his hands and strolled into the classroom. Once he sat down in his seat, he saw the notification and happily replied without delay: No need to wait, I will introduce them to you all right now.

The people in the group were all watching silently and immediately bubbled in excitement.

Jing Shao: Oh~

Quan Jie: Come.

Ji Er: Come, come, come.

Zheng San: Zhou-shao is refreshing* as always. Come on ba, you can just pull the person into the chat.

[T/N: frank and straightforward]

Liu Xiao Wei: Are they not in this chat?

Tian Tian: You’re not lying to us this time ba?

Zhou Li saw the teacher walk in and gave a quick greeting with other students, then he looked down at the messages on-screen and, with a big smile, typed out a response.

Zhou Li: Not lying. Us school grasses will never joke around such a topic.

Zhou Li: Here, let me introduce to you guys, @Ji Shao, my lover.

Ji Shao: [Smile]

The group went mute for two seconds. Then the screen exploded.

Except for the “congratulations” from Jing-shao, Yan-shao and Zhou Luwen, everyone else was caught in a state of shock and a few even yelled on the spot in their classrooms, receiving the questioning eyes of both teachers and classmates.

Zheng San: Fuck, if you take me as your brother, don’t fool me!

Zhou Li: I will take you as a brother and never fool you.

Liu Xiao Wei: Hahahahahaha! Congratulations, Ji-shao, Zhou-shao!

Tian Tian: Congratulations, I wish you two a hundred years in harmony*!

[T/N: 祝百年好合: a blessing to newly weds]

Zheng San: [Screenshot] Didn’t you say you will never fall in love? It hasn’t even been a month!

Zhou Li: What can I say, love is like a tornado; swept me off my feet before I realised.

Zheng San: ……

The main group chat had thrown themselves into the fryer and it was equally as lively in the side chat.

Both Liu Xiao-Wei and Tang Zixin began to pester Zheng San, telling him to confess to Zhou Luwen. The best selling point of Zheng San-shao was that if he agreed to the bet, he was willing to accept his losses. After getting badgered relentlessly, he promptly burst in anger.

Zheng San: I get it, Laozi will go after school ends!

Liu Xiao Wei: No can do, we won’t get to see it then.

Zheng San: Aren’t you guys just gonna follow me anyway?

Tian Tian: If we’re there, he’ll know you’re following up on a dare, so the punishment might as well be worthless.

Liu Xiaowei: Right, you need to confess to him without him knowing it was a bet. Don’t you want to see how he reacts?

Zheng San: No!

But the winners did.

Everyone brainstormed their ideas and finally succeeded in persuading Zheng San, deciding to hide a phone in a hidden place beforehand and spectate over a video call. With this set-up, they could all watch this sweet confession.

Zheng San was in an incredibly poor mood. He muted all group chats and flopped on top of his desk.

Within the timespan of just one class, Ji Shaoyan and Zhou Li’s affairs had travelled from one group to another, then to ten more, then to a hundred more. By the end of the class, every single person in the second year knew about them. 

Ji Shaoyan was absolutely elated. Pressing his wheelchair, he ran out to find Zhou Li without any effort in hiding his plans.

The brain-dead fans watched him with wide eyes and could only accept this truth. 

On the other end, the second generations didn’t pay attention to those two for the time being. They gathered together after class ended and quickly found a corner near the floor-to-ceiling window in the leisure area off to the middle of the corridor. In the small side room there was a potted bonsai, perfect for propping a phone against.

They firmly wrapped the phone in-place with some tape and adjusted its position before clearing out. 

Zheng San’s face turned black and he called Zhou Luwen out.

Zhou Luwen was a little surprised that he actually took the initiative to seek him out and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Zheng San kneaded the back of his neck for a while before forcibly squeezing out three words: “…I like you.”

Zhou Luwen’s expression remained unchanged as he quietly watched him. 

Zheng San’s face turned a shade darker. “Give me a reaction ah!”

Zhou Luwen said, “Forgive me, I really can’t see it.”

[T/N: literally, ‘forgive my clumsy eyes’]

Liu Xiaowei and the others all covered their mouths, holding their smiles in literal pain for fear that Zhou-er would hear some unnatural noises.

Zheng San was now enraged. “Who cares if you can see it or not, just give me a reaction!”

Zhou Luwen scanned around the room, sharp eyes spotting the hidden phone, then knowingly said, “I understand; you lost a bet.”

Zheng San: “……”

Liu Xiaowei and the others: “……”

Zhou Luwen looked at Zheng San and questioned in good temper, “Do I need to react in order for you to clear the punishment?” 

Zheng San startled and hesitantly answered, “Probably…not.”

Zhou Luwen said, “Then this should be alright ba?”

Zheng San seriously considered this and felt that the other was being reasonable enough. Watching the other leave, he suddenly realised that this bastard was…not that annoying.

Zhou Luwen had no idea he had just been given a good person card*.

[T/N: like a friendzone; “you are a good person but we’re not suitable as a couple”, but in this case it’s just a joke]

After attending his last few classes, he found Zhou Li after school and asked him whether he’ll be leaving with Ji-shao or if he was going to check up on the little brothers with him.

Ji Shaoyan guessed right. Zhou Luwen will want to take care of things as long as he intervenes in the beginning. Today was the little brothers’ first day of work, so he wanted to go over and take a look.

Zhou Li had just gotten off a call with them.

Although the group of boys were smiling, he could keenly hear a trace of reluctance in their tone, to which he immediately felt ​​a sense of schadenfreude, thinking to himself that they should be able to learn a lesson this time.

He already agreed to go home with Ji Shaoyan after school so he said, “No, you can go ba.”

After a pause, he added, “Just tell them I’m desperately grabbing at any spare time I can to study, trying to catch up to my classmates as soon as possible. I’ll go visit them again some time later.”

Zhou Luwen understood his excuses at a glance, nodding with a smile.

Zhou Li found Ji Shaoyan and pushed him to the school gate. He didn’t see Ji Tianyang around so he asked, “Where is your brother?”

Ji Shaoyan answered, “He’s on a date with his girlfriend.”

Zhou Li glanced at him. “The truth?”

Ji Shaoyan readily followed the flow. “I told him you will be coming with me today and gave him some advice on accompanying his girlfriend, so he decided to go today.”

Zhou Li knew it was impossible for everything to line up so coincidentally, but still calmly  hummed “en” in agreement and helped the other into the car, then closed the door.

Ji Shaoyan raised the sound-proof panel, thinking that this time there was finally no one else to interrupt them. He looked at the person beside him and, before he could speak, he watched Zhou Li’s eyes suddenly light up.

Zhou Li picked up the husky head from behind them. “This one’s still in the car ah.”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Zhou Li put the dog head between them and said, “I didn’t get play much last time. Here ba, I’ll let you press first.”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

On the first day after establishing their romantic relationship, the two pressed the teeth on a dog’s head for the entire car ride. 

After Ji Shaoyan sent the other home, when he arrived back at the Ji family’s residence, the driver opened the back door and was met by this gentle smiling face at once.

Ji Shaoyan handed the husky head over to the driver, accompanied by five words and a smile, “Take it, throw it away.”

The driver had an underlying feeling that the smile on the young master’s face was a bit cold, so he hurriedly received it then pulled out the wheelchair from the back, helping the young master sit in the seat.

Ji Shaoyan signaled that he didn’t need to worry about himself any further and sat in the yard, looking up at the sky.

A little cloudy, it might rain in a while. Will Zhou Li go home and walk the dog first?

There was an itch in his heart. He felt that they weren’t together for long enough and wanted to go and have a ‘chance encounter’, but then he thought about how this was only their first day and that he shouldn’t be too sticky, lest Zhou Li becomes irritated with him. With this thought, he hesitated for a while.

Grandpa Ji just happened to arrive back and was climbing out of the car. Upon coming across this sight, he said, “Why don’t you come in?”

Ji Shaoyan replied, “I want to head out for a bit.”

Grandpa Ji: “It’s going to rain soon, why are you thinking of going out? Besides, it’s almost time for dinner.”

With this final statement, he gripped the wheelchair’s handles and pushed his grandson into the house.

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Zhou Li was unaware that Young Master Ji was in an unhappy mood again. He arrived home and changed his clothes, then walked the little golden retriever around the yard.

Madam Zhou asked, “Why hasn’t Xiao-Wen come home yet?”

Zhou Li said, “He wanted to see those little brothers of mine.”

Madam Zhou helplessly said, “Where is he meeting them? This is when the takeaways are most busy.”

Zhou Li explained, “They should have planned where to meet up before their shifts started. They won’t take any requests for a short while, it’s just chatting for ten minutes. It won’t take too long.”

Madam Zhou thought so as well and stayed to play with the little golden retriever, waiting for Xiao-Wen and Father Zhou to come back for dinner.

At this time, Zhou Luwen had just arrived at the location where the little brothers were waiting for him.

Takeaways in the city weren’t lacking in orders like the suburbs and there were many job offers. The little brothers have been busy for the entire day and have experienced various incidents such as dead batteries in their phones, getting lost on their routes, and being scolded for late delivery. Right now, they are nestling together like quails, feeling that life was not as good as they thought.

This was a gathering place for takeaway boys.

The small group were still sighing when Lao San suddenly poked Er-ge and the others, motioning for them to listen carefully.

There are three takeaway boys near them, all talking about what they had eaten today. The little brothers listened for a while and heard the vast array of foods listed. It all sounded quite delicious.

Lao San whispered, “Say… Could it be that they stole some portions from the food they had to deliver to save up on their money?”

The boys cursed inwardly, realising that such a crime was indeed possible, so they honed in on the conversation carefully and found that their guesses were right.

Er-ge didn’t hold back at all and reprimanded, “Are you guys lacking in morals?”

The three little takeaway brothers suddenly looked over. “What’s it matter to you?”

These stupid little teenagers have never mixed in with society. Being the young and energetic kids that they are, they laid out the crimes before the others, then rose to scolding.

During this verbal lashing, two more takeaway boys came over. The two groups cursed at each other increasingly until they finally moved their hands. By the time Zhou Luwen arrived, the two sides had already entered a white-hot* state.

[T/N: very tense (hot) state, like when an object glows white when heated to an extremely high temperature]

He was almost shocked still and quickly stepped in. “What are you all doing? Stop fighting!”

The takeaway brother saw that he was just a teenager and instantly understood he was with the other side. He picked up something and hurled it in his direction——In an instant, a lonely shoe was pulled off the foot and flew through the air, slapping Zhou Luwen on the face with an echoing “peng”.

The little brothers: “……”

The author has something to say:

The little brothers: =口= ! ! !