Shen Qingyan didn’t mind Gu Yunjue’s inexplicable apology.

However, Gu Yunjue’s occasional guilty looks still left Shen Qingyan puzzled.

Winter break arrived in a flash, and Shen Qingyan wasn’t in a good mood facing the reality of being separated from Gu Yunjue for a month.

“It’s not like you’ll never see each other again. Why the long face?” Mu Weiyun found it amusing. “You look like you’re about to endure eighteen years of hardship in a cold cave.”

Shen Qingyan shot a weak glare at Mu Weiyun. “Single people like you wouldn’t understand.”

“Hey,” Mu Weiyun pinched Shen Qingyan’s cheek helplessly, “don’t hit where it hurts. What’s really wrong? It’s just one month.”

After some hesitation, Shen Qingyan said, “I feel like Gu Yunjue is hiding something from me. These past two weeks, even though he stayed at the apartment, he only held me while sleeping and didn’t do anything else. Whenever I tried to initiate something, he just looked at me with guilty eyes.”

“Seriously?” Mu Weiyun was stunned. He hesitantly said, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but could it be that he’s not… performing well? You know how some muscular guys can be…”

Shen Qingyan was shocked. “That… that’s not impossible. After all, he won’t let me touch him either.”

“This is just…” Mu Weiyun was lost for words. “No, I still can’t accept this. What if God Gu just fell for someone else?”

Shen Qingyan’s face darkened. “Thanks a lot.”

“Alright, alright, don’t overthink it,” Mu Weiyun burst out laughing. “It could be because these two weeks were exam weeks. First-year coursework is pretty heavy, and God Gu is a sports major. Maybe school drained all his energy.”

Shen Qingyan accepted this explanation. “Maybe.”

“By the way, why are you chatting with me in the dorm?” Mu Weiyun noticed Shen Qingyan was still gloomy. “Shouldn’t you be spending quality time with him? Our faculty starts break tomorrow.”

Shen Qingyan sighed, “The Sports Department started their break yesterday. Gu Yunjue gave me a quick kiss at dawn yesterday and left.”

Mu Weiyun was dumbfounded. “Why?”

“He didn’t say. Just that something came up at home,” Shen Qingyan sighed again. “Military Advisor, I have a bad feeling about this.”

Mu Weiyun stroked Shen Qingyan’s face. “Don’t worry, maybe God Gu’s family just went bankrupt.”

Shen Qingyan choked. “Thanks a lot. You’re really great at comforting people.”

At A City’s airport, Gu Yunjue stood grimly with his suitcase, his face dark as thunder.

Li Xun, who had been on break for a week already, was startled when he saw Gu Yunjue’s state. “You really came back now? I thought you’d stay with your little lover.”

Gu Yunjue remained silent, only speaking when Li Xun tried to take his suitcase. “Thanks for coming to pick me up so early.”

Li Xun paused, then grinned. “No need to be so polite. You’re my best bro.”

“By the way, this isn’t like you, being in such a hurry?” Li Xun asked casually. “Did Shen Qingyan upset you? Just say the word, and I’ll help you get even.”

Gu Yunjue stopped walking. “Li Xun, I want to study abroad for two years. I can’t keep wronging Shen Qingyan. If I stay in the country, I won’t be able to resist seeing him.”

“You really fell for him?” Li Xun’s expression changed drastically. “Yunjue, he’s just someone you kept…”

Before Li Xun could finish, Gu Yunjue cut him off coldly. “That’s why I regret it. I don’t want to hurt him, so I’m going abroad. Isn’t that what the old man at home wanted?”

“If that’s what you want,” Li Xun smiled, his exhaustion vanishing. “I’ll support whatever you do. Why don’t I go abroad next year too? I’m bored of things here. We can attend the same school again.”

Gu Yunjue replied ruthlessly, “Your grades won’t get you into my school. Even with money, you won’t be able to study at the same campus.”

Li Xun was speechless for a moment before chuckling, “Fine. I’ll wait for you to return. By the way, we haven’t been back for a whole semester. Everyone misses you. How about we drink till we drop these few days?”

“No,” Gu Yunjue refused again. “I need to prepare my documents for going abroad this month.”

Without waiting for Li Xun’s response, Gu Yunjue strode away.

“Is Shen Qingyan really that great?” Li Xun watched Gu Yunjue’s retreating figure, face full of resentment. “He’s just a shameless little faggot¹“基佬” (jī lǎo) is a Chinese slang term that originated from internet culture and is used to refer to gay men. The word “基” (jī) is a homophone for the English word “gay,” and “佬” (lǎo) is a colloquial term that roughly translates to “guy” or “dude.” When combined, “基佬” essentially means “gay guy” or “gay dude.” In Chinese internet slang, “基佬” is often used in a casual or humorous context, but its tone can vary depending on the speaker and the situation. Among friends or within certain online communities, it might be used playfully or affectionately. However, it can also carry a derogatory connotation if used in a disrespectful or mocking manner, especially by those who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community. Since LX meant this as an insult (I think), I used a derogatory word..”

Halfway through the break, Shen Qingyan couldn’t take it anymore. “Military Advisor, what’s Gu Yunjue playing at? Why hasn’t he contacted me at all?”

“Qingyan,” Mu Weiyun hesitated before telling him the truth. “I heard from my friend in the Sports Department that Gu Yunjue is going abroad next semester.”

Shen Qingyan was dumbfounded. “Study abroad in freshman year? Does a sports major really need that extra prestige?”

Mu Weiyun was speechless at Shen Qingyan’s reaction. “I struggled for two days about whether to tell you.”

“How did you find out anyway?” Shen Qingyan felt something was off. “Did you get close to your junior’s roommate?”

Mu Weiyun stammered, scratching his head. “Someone in their faculty shared Li Xun’s social media post. I saw it there.”

“Going abroad isn’t a big deal,” Shen Qingyan said unhappily. “It’s not like we’re being separated forever.”

Mu Weiyun carefully asked, “Aren’t you worried about breaking up?”

“Whatever happens, happens,” Shen Qingyan felt more at ease. “No wonder he was acting weird before. It was because he’s going abroad. I really thought he had erectile dysfunction.”

Mu Weiyun: “…Right, that’s better than ED.”

The break flew by, and Shen Qingyan had hoped to see Gu Yunjue one last time. Instead, all he received was a document.

“Property transfer contract? Bank card?” Shen Qingyan was confused and asked the messenger, “What does Gu Yunjue mean by this?”

The messenger, a middle-aged man, replied cheerfully, “Young Master said these are for you. He hopes you won’t blame him. He… feels too ashamed to see you.”

Shen Qingyan: “…Young Master?”

His feelings were complicated. So, Gu Yunjue really was a genuine second-generation rich kid.

Shen Qingyan floated back to the dorm and grabbed Mu Weiyun, who had just returned to school, shaking him. “Weiyun, my junior really loves me.”

Mu Weiyun: “?”

He couldn’t help but feel Shen Qingyan’s forehead. “Shouldn’t he be abroad now? How is he loving you? Did he come back?”

“No, he didn’t,” Shen Qingyan sighed, his expression full of sweet distress. “He must be afraid that if he saw me, he wouldn’t be able to leave, that’s why he didn’t want to meet.”

Mu Weiyun cautiously asked, “What exactly did he do?”

“He gave me that apartment and 880,000 yuan.”

“Hiss-” Mu Weiyun drew in a sharp breath. “Has God Gu gone crazy? Why give you so much? What if you cheat on him in these two years?”

Shen Qingyan poked Mu Weiyun’s forehead in exasperation. “Can’t you have some faith in me? But you also think he gave me so much because he wants me to wait for him, right?”

Mu Weiyun looked at Shen Qingyan like he was looking at a big thigh²“大腿” (dà tuǐ), which literally means “big thigh,” is often used metaphorically to refer to someone who is influential, powerful, or resourceful, essentially someone who can provide significant help or support.. “If I can’t find a job next year, I’ll come live with you. The 880,000 isn’t even the main point. That’s an apartment in a prime location! Shen Xiao Yan, you’ve really made it.”

Shen Qingyan laughed. “What are you talking about? This isn’t really mine. I checked, and Junior’s just studying abroad for two years. He probably gave me money because he doesn’t want me to work, so I plan to apply for graduate school here. That way, we’ll still be at the same school.”

Mu Weiyun: “Impressive³the number “6” (六, liù) is often used to express admiration, approval, or acknowledgment of someone’s impressive or skillful actions. This usage originates from gaming culture, where “666” is typed to praise a player’s excellent performance, similar to saying “awesome” or “well done.” Over time, “6” alone has become a shorthand way to convey the same sentiment, often used humorously or casually in online conversations..”

*

Gu Yunjue had thought Shen Qingyan would forget about him after he left.

Maybe because of the apartment and the money, Shen Qingyan often called him.

“Qingyan, it must be dawn there now,” Gu Yunjue watched the blazing sun outside while his heart raced wildly. “You’re very tired. Go rest.”

Shen Qingyan complained, “I… I can’t sleep. Junior, I’m so exhausted.”

Preparing for graduate school entrance exams was inhuman torture. Shen Qingyan regretted it, but to stay at the university, this was his only choice.

“…Sorry.” Gu Yunjue’s expression was pained. He wanted to tell Shen Qingyan to stop contacting him, but he couldn’t bear to.

Shen Qingyan didn’t understand what Gu Yunjue was apologizing for, probably feeling sorry that he couldn’t come back to accompany him.

Shen Qingyan felt sweet inside and said softly, “You must be busy, so I won’t bother you anymore.”

Then, Shen Qingyan ended the voice call.

Actually, Gu Yunjue wasn’t online much, since domestic apps weren’t commonly used abroad.

Every time Gu Yunjue came online, Shen Qingyan couldn’t resist wanting to hear his voice.

After the call ended, Gu Yunjue was in agony.

Shen Qingyan probably didn’t really want to contact him. Li Xun must have threatened him because he saw how much Gu Yunjue was suffering.

He should have stopped it, but he couldn’t let go of these two or three contacts per week.

Until the second half of the next year, Shen Qingyan stopped contacting him completely.

Gu Yunjue changed his contact information, afraid he’d lose control and drag Shen Qingyan abroad.

Back in China, Shen Qingyan was tortured beyond recognition by his advisor, barely having time to contact Gu Yunjue.

Until one day, he discovered he could no longer reach Gu Yunjue at all.

“What does Junior mean by this?” Shen Qingyan was confused. “Military Advisor, stop working and analyze this for me.”

Mu Weiyun was in tears. “This long-distance relationship of yours is torturing me more than anyone. Isn’t he coming back soon? Just hang in there. Maybe his phone got stolen. You’re still using God Gu’s money, aren’t you? Why worry about him running away?”

That made sense.

Shen Qingyan nodded with dignity. “I suppose you’re right. Alright, Military Advisor, you’re dismissed.”

Through the phone, Mu Weiyun gave Shen Qingyan the middle finger.

TL Notes

• 1
  “基佬” (jī lǎo) is a Chinese slang term that originated from internet culture and is used to refer to gay men. The word “基” (jī) is a homophone for the English word “gay,” and “佬” (lǎo) is a colloquial term that roughly translates to “guy” or “dude.” When combined, “基佬” essentially means “gay guy” or “gay dude.” In Chinese internet slang, “基佬” is often used in a casual or humorous context, but its tone can vary depending on the speaker and the situation. Among friends or within certain online communities, it might be used playfully or affectionately. However, it can also carry a derogatory connotation if used in a disrespectful or mocking manner, especially by those who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community. Since LX meant this as an insult (I think), I used a derogatory word.
• 2
  “大腿” (dà tuǐ), which literally means “big thigh,” is often used metaphorically to refer to someone who is influential, powerful, or resourceful, essentially someone who can provide significant help or support.
• 3
  the number “6” (六, liù) is often used to express admiration, approval, or acknowledgment of someone’s impressive or skillful actions. This usage originates from gaming culture, where “666” is typed to praise a player’s excellent performance, similar to saying “awesome” or “well done.” Over time, “6” alone has become a shorthand way to convey the same sentiment, often used humorously or casually in online conversations.