Chapter 33: Qi Mu deserves the best of everything.

Men are quite fascinating. If it were a girl watching such films, she’d definitely cover her face and scream but would sneak glances through her fingers—so men can fall in love with men too.

But guys don’t think like that. Their thoughts are more straightforward and blunt—they just wonder if men and men can, well, do it?

It was just about sex, with no thought about love.

Dong Jisheng, being quite knowledgeable, told them, “Men and men, women and women can all fall in love.”

He objectively explained homosexuality and bisexuality, moving beyond just sex to encompass love. In today’s society, things are already quite open. There were plenty of fujoshi (female fans of BL) in schools, daydreaming about this and that, and privately enjoying it.

However, Qi Mu has a notorious reputation—fighting above his level, driving away teachers, and causing trouble for adults. These behaviors were far beyond what middle school students usually consider, so although some girls may have a mischievous interest, they don’t dare to play around with him.

Qi Mu also had no access to understanding ‘danmei’ (Boys’ Love). Yin Xiuzhu, being completely focused on Qi Mu and ignoring everything outside, was also unable to come into contact with these things.

The only one with a “good” reputation with women, Xu Xiaoming, was a bona fide “bad guy,” blacklisted by girls. Who knows how many ghost attack partners he’s been matched with privately; there’s no way for him to know.

Fang Junqi was quite normal, but unfortunately, he was in the top class where there were only top students, regardless of gender.
Dong Jisheng said, “Don’t be biased against homosexuality. It’s a new era, and several countries recognize same-sex marriage now. Don’t view it through tinted glasses.”

Xu Xiaoming skeptically asked, “Are you gay too?”

Dong Jisheng slapped him, saying, “That look in your eyes is a classic example of tinted glasses!”

Xu Xiaoming, with a puzzled expression, said, “It’s so strange for men to like men.”

Dong Jisheng replied, “What’s so strange about it? If someone loves someone, how does that affect you?”

Xu Xiaoming was momentarily speechless.

Dong Jisheng continued, “It’s just liking someone of the same sex. They haven’t killed anyone, set anything on fire, or come bother you. What does it have to do with you?”

Hearing this, Yin Xiuzhu was taken aback.

Xu Xiaoming persisted, “But men can’t have children with men.”

Dong Jisheng laughed and scolded, “Are you marrying just to have children?”

Xu Xiaoming: “…” It didn’t seem that way. If it were just for having children, why not become a pig: one litter of piglets, and they’re on the table when they’re ready?

“Well…” Xu Xiaoming couldn’t think of a reason, and lamented, “If women like women, won’t I be single for life!”

Dong Jisheng snapped at him, “This just shows how worthless you are. A straight woman would rather like another woman than be with you.”

Xu Xiaoming, embarrassed and enraged, decided to take action and hit him. They had been squabbling since kindergarten, so everyone was used to it and didn’t bother to stop them.

Dong Jisheng’s words had a significant impact on them.

During middle school, when their worldviews were still forming, they were very susceptible to trends due to their confusion about the future and the world.

It’s understandable, much like a person standing in a fog who sees a beam of light and is drawn to it without considering if it’s safe: if it turns out to be the headlights of a speeding car, their life is at risk; but if it’s a lighthouse guiding the way, they might find a broader horizon by following it.

Dong Jisheng spoke objectively, neither glorifying nor belittling the subject. He simply laid it out clearly.

Love can exist between men and men, and women and women. Love is sacred in everyone’s heart, and whatever shape it takes, it deserves respect.

Dong Jisheng finally warned them, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you—never touch these things out of curiosity. True love withstands the test of time, so don’t ruin yourself or harm others because of momentary impulses.”

Yin Xiuzhu was struck dumb, completely stunned.

Xu Xiaoming spat at Dong Jisheng’s face, “You’re really so clear about it!”

Dong Jisheng said, “It’s the truth. How much is the affection of minors worth? Loving today and not loving tomorrow. If you have the guts, hold off until you’re an adult and give a solid promise!”

Xu Xiaoming wasn’t pleased and replied, “By the time you’re an adult, all the good ones will be taken.”

Dong Jisheng countered, “It’s precisely because of guys like you that so many good ones are ruined.”

“I act first to gain an advantage!”

“So you only deserve withered flowers and broken branches!”

They went back and forth, their argument escalating.

Unexpectedly, Fang Junqi suddenly said, “I think there’s some truth in that. A man should have the responsibility of a man. It’s irresponsible to act recklessly just because you’re young.”

Xu Xiaoming was taken aback and then realized, “Xiaopang, even you’re picking on me!”

Fang Junqi chuckled, “I was talking about scumbags.”

Xu Xiaoming stopped arguing with Dong Jisheng and turned to tackle Fang Junqi, ending up in a tangle with him.

Qi Mu smiled and leaned close to Yin Xiuzhu, “They really have a good relationship.”

Yin Xiuzhu glanced at the three of them, who were bruised and battered but still spirited, and blindly agreed, “Mm.”

Qi Mu called out, “Alright, seeing you guys like this makes me want to join in.”

Dong Jisheng, Xu Xiaoming, and Fang Junqi: “…” Instantly recalled the fear of being dominated by Tyrant Qi.

The three of them would have small skirmishes, but once Qi Mu joined, it turned into a one-sided beating!

Dong Jisheng tidied up his messy hair and angrily said, “I haven’t seen you in over a year, and this is how you treat me, Xu Xiaoji!” ¹”Xiao Ji” means “little chicken”

Xu Xiaoming: “What the hell did you just call me?”

“Xu Xiaoji!”

“Dong Dandan!” Dong Jisheng’s name sounds like “chicken egg,” so it became “Dandan.”

Dong Dandan, hit where it hurt: “Xu No-Chicken!”

Xu Xiaoji might not be good at fighting, but he wouldn’t lose at trash-talking: “Dong No-Egg!”

Fang Junqi rolled his eyes and distanced himself from these two idiots, afraid of catching their stupidity.

Qi Mu was thoroughly amused by their antics, laughing so hard he nearly fell over. Yin Xiuzhu supported him, with Qi Mu’s half-body leaning on him.

Yin Xiuzhu couldn’t help but smile.

The five of them, familiar with each other since kindergarten, shared a bond unlike any other. Together, they talked, laughed, fought, and played, making the time fly by.

That evening, Qi Mu invited them to his house again.

Fang Junqi said, “The final exams are coming up, and I still have several sets of practice problems to solve.”

Xu Xiaoming wouldn’t let him leave, “Brother Mu, we’ve got a deserter here, hurry up and hold him down!”

Qi Mu said, “What problems are those? Bring it to my place and do it!”

Fang Junqi: “…” Guarding you guys is like preparing for a ghostly exam.

Dong Jisheng nudged him with his elbow: “I’ll be going to the U.S. soon, and you still want me to ask questions?” After being brainwashed by Xu Xiaoming, Brother Dong became “Dandan.”

Fang Junqi stifled a laugh and said, “Alright, tonight we’ll properly accompany our Dandan.”

Dong Jisheng: “…”

Realizing he’d just called himself “Dandan,” Dong Jisheng, feeling embarrassed and angry, shouted, “Xu Xiaoji, come here, I’ll beat you up!”

Xu Xiaoming screamed, “Ah, Dong Dandan is being a rogue, he wants to pick my flower!”

Qi Mu laughed and scolded, “You two, have some dignity!”

Qi Mu called Comrade Dashan, who was very excited and said, “Wait a moment, I’ll have the driver come pick you up.”

Qi Mu, acting very high-profile, said, “I need a stretch Lincoln for the five of us.”

Dashan retorted, “Do you want a bamboo stretch limousine too?”

Qi Mu laughed, “Dad, don’t embarrass me. I have a turtle²“Turtle” 海龟, is a homophone in Chinese to “海归”, which means returning home from abroad. here; he needs to experience the grandeur of our great nation!”

Dashan grumbled, “You brat, spoiling you has given you some bad habits!” But he did have the driver bring two flashy sports cars to pick them up.

Xu Xiaoming praised, “Brother Mu really knows how to make a splash.”

Qi Mu said, “Of course, Comrade Dashan doesn’t hold back when it comes to picking you guys up.”

Dong Jisheng sighed, “I’ve met countless people, and a good father like yours is truly rare.”

Qi Mu asked, “What about my mom?”

“Good, good, good.” Dong Dandan said sourly, “Your whole family is something else!”

Qi Mu replied, “With your level of English, is it really a turtle?”

Xu Xiaoming quickly added, “Not a turtle, more like a tortoise.”

And so, the argument between the “tortoise” and “chicken” resumed.

When the cars arrived, none of the five moved. After so many years together, they knew Qi Mu’s temper very well. Anyone who dared to separate Yin Xiuzhu would have to face his fists immediately. Even though Fang Junqi, Xu Xiaoming, and Dong Jisheng wanted to ride together in one car, they didn’t immediately make a choice.

Over the years, they had come to see Yin Xiuzhu as a friend, but the way they interacted with friends was different. For example, Dong Jisheng and Xu Xiaoming could joke around with each other in a shameless manner, but they wouldn’t treat Yin Xiuzhu that way.

When Qi Mu was younger, he didn’t understand and thought they were isolating and looking down on Yin Xiuzhu, which made him angry.

Now, he understood that even among close siblings, there are levels of intimacy, and he no longer forced the issue. Qi Mu said, “You three can take the new car. Yin Xiuzhu and I have been in it before; it’s really cool.”

Xu Xiaoming and the others immediately climbed into the new car.
Qi Mu and Yin Xiuzhu got into the back of the other car, sitting together in the rear seat.

Qi Mu said, “They’re making such a racket; let’s stay away from them.”

Yin Xiuzhu’s heart warmed. He knew that Qi Mu was comforting him. In reality, he didn’t care much about the others; he simply cherished the care Qi Mu showed him.

Qi Mu was concerned that Yin Xiuzhu might feel lonely, might not have friends, or might not fit in. So, he pulled him in, pushed him along, and brought him into their circle, making him friends with Xu Xiaoming and the others.

Yin Xiuzhu was aware of this, and the more he understood, the more he treasured Qi Mu.

A person as wonderful as Qi Mu was something Yin Xiuzhu held close to his heart, and he felt that no matter how much he valued him, it would never be enough.

Qi Mu noticed Yin Xiuzhu’s deep thought and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Yin Xiuzhu, who was thinking only of him, couldn’t exactly say that, so he replied, “Dong Jisheng really knows a lot.”

Qi Mu explained, “The educational environment abroad is different from ours. He’s had more exposure and thus knows more.”

Yin Xiuzhu glanced at him and asked, “Do you think he’s right?”

Qi Mu countered, “About what specifically?”

Yin Xiuzhu’s throat tightened slightly, and his fingers twitched, “About love between people of the same sex.”

“Ah, that.” Qi Mu said, “I’m not entirely sure. I used to think that marriage was love, like my parents, but now I understand it’s not always the case.” He didn’t elaborate, but he knew that not all marriages ended well, including Yin Xiuzhu’s parents.

Yin Xiuzhu stared at the back of his hand and asked, “Do you think a man can fall in love with another man?”

Qi Mu said, “Of course, Dong Jisheng said so. There are quite a few people like that.”

Yin Xiuzhu felt his heart leap to his throat and asked, “Do you dislike such people?”

Qi Mu shook his head, “No, not at all. They haven’t done anything wrong. There’s nothing to dislike.”

“What if…” Yin Xiuzhu hesitated, his words almost on the tip of his tongue but pulled back.

Qi Mu asked, “What if what?”

Yin Xiuzhu looked at him and asked in his mind, “What if I liked you? Would you dislike me?”

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask it out loud. As Dong Jisheng said, adolescent feelings are fleeting. He needed to cherish this sentiment in his heart, and nurture it, and when he had the qualifications, he would present it to Qi Mu with sincerity.

Qi Mu deserved the best of everything.

Yin Xiuzhu was determined to become a better person, and to dedicate a lifetime of love and responsibility to him.

During the span of a lifetime, fifteen years is too cheap.

He will start accumulating from now on, to build a lifetime of love for him.

Yin Xiuzhu pressed his lips together and smiled, “If we grow up, I hope you won’t dislike me.”

Qi Mu said, “Stop talking nonsense, how could I dislike you?”

Yin Xiuzhu’s heart, which had been despondent for so long, finally stirred with youthful sweetness again as he said, “Thank you.”

Qi Mu replied with a smile, “I think you should have a nickname too. Let’s call you Yin Thank You!”

Yin Xiuzhu lifted the corners of his mouth, simply smiling and not speaking.

Qi Mu turned to look out the window, unable to suppress his own smile. For over a month, he had felt that Yin Xiuzhu was avoiding him, distanced in a way he couldn’t quite explain. Now, things seemed to be back to how they used to be.

He sincerely hoped they would never have any more conflicts, that they would stay this close forever.

Dashan, feeling young again in the company of so many young people, remarked, “When I was your age, I could handle a whole bottle!”

Xu Xiaoming, always up for mischief, said, “Uncle Qi, you’re amazing. My dad doesn’t even let me drink.”

“Alcohol is something you need to practice with. You’ll be able to drink a thousand cups later on.”

Xu Xiaoming’s eyes lit up, “Then shall we practice today?”

Dashan, really getting into the spirit of it, said, “Sure, I’ll go get some alcohol for you.”

Qiao Jin, seeing this, intervened, “Stop that. They’re still underage!”

Dashan replied, “Just some sweet wine, it’s like a soft drink.”

Qiao Jin smacked him on the arm, “If they get drunk, who do you think will explain it to their parents?”

Dashan argued, “They won’t get drunk…”

Qiao Jin firmly declared, “No drinking! Anyone who drinks will be sent home!”

The restless young men quieted down.

Xu Xiaoming leaned closer to Qi Mu and asked, “Brother Qi, since Uncle Qi has such great drinking capacity, are you also impressive?”

Qi Mu, always calm and collected despite his occasional inebriation, said, “Of course. Drinking ability is inherited.”

Xu Xiaoming admired him, “Then we should have a good time drinking together when we grow up.”

Qi Mu, feeling a bit uneasy, replied, “Didn’t my mom tell you? Drinking alcohol isn’t allowed for underage people; it’s harmful.”

Xu Xiaoming said, “Well when we’re older.”

Qi Mu thought about how growing up was still a few years away and decided to hold off, “We’ll talk about that when the time comes.”

After Christmas, the New Year’s Day arrived.

This year was indeed special. They had spent Christmas at Qi Mu’s house, and New Year’s was spent gathering at Yin Xiuzhu’s home.

However, the meaning of the two gatherings was entirely different.

At Qi Mu’s house, they were simply childhood friends, carefree and unrestrained. They ate and drank as they pleased, ending the day with a lively pillow fight.

At Yin Xiuzhu’s house, it was a formal event, attended by their parents. Everyone was dressed in small bow ties and tailcoats, looking neat and proper.

The Yin family had a tradition of holding a “family banquet” at home every New Year’s Day, inviting relatives and friends to celebrate together.

In previous years, Yin Zhenggong had hosted these gatherings, but Yin Xiuzhu was often overlooked and even bullied by the children of relatives.

However, two years ago, after Yin Zhenggong obtained a more authoritative paternity test report from a reputable center, he was completely reassured. Yin Xiuzhu was now regarded as his outstanding son and the future heir.

A year later, Yin Xiuzhu had become the center of attention.

The Qi family had never attended this banquet before, primarily because Qi Dashan wasn’t considered of high enough status.

However, with the rise of Qiqiao Jewelry, even the Yin family could no longer dismiss them. Qi Dashan had become a prominent figure, and naturally, Yin Zhenggong sent him an invitation.

Qi Dashan asked Qi Mu, “Are you going?” He valued Qi Mu’s network but wouldn’t force him to attend such events. Networking has its effective and ineffective aspects; at Qi Mu’s age, knowing a few good friends was enough. There was no need to make connections in the world of fame and fortune.

Qi Mu was quite interested, “Yes, Xu Xiaoming and the others are going too.”

Qi Dashan said, “Alright then, we’ll go.”

Qi Mu asked his mother, Qiao Jin, “Mom, why don’t you come along?”

Before Qiao Jin could respond, Qi Dashan said, “Your mother isn’t fond of socializing.”

Qiao Jin was painting with oil colors, his apron splattered with paint: “If I had this time, I’d rather draw a few more design sketches.”

Qi Mu, who was still somewhat naive about adult matters, said, “Alright then, I’ll go play with Dad.”

Qiao Jin glanced at him and replied, “That’s not a place where you can just play around.”

At that moment, Qi Mu didn’t fully understand, but after he went, Qiao Jin’s words kept lingering in his mind.

He had been to the Yin family’s house countless times, and even stayed there many times.

But today, he saw a different Yin family.

A bustling place, with lights shining brightly and guests mingling in a scene of fame and fortune.

The fountain he had been looking forward to was now running. It was even more beautiful than he had imagined, with the flowing water not freezing in the deep winter night, and the beautiful lights reflecting off it, creating a magnificent scene of “fire trees and silver flowers” in the eternal night.

Everything was stunning, but it felt very unfamiliar.

From afar, Qi Mu saw Yin Xiuzhu.

He was very familiar with Yin Xiuzhu, having known him for ten years since he was four years old.

But this time, he saw a different Yin Xiuzhu.

The young man exuded a commanding presence. The tailored suit made him appear even more upright, and beneath his dark short hair were deep-set eyes and a high, straight nose, along with thin lips that curved just right. His demeanor was poised and measured, yet carried an air of aloofness and elevation, like a cold pine tree on a mountain, untouchable and distant.

Qi Mu was momentarily stunned, realizing for the first time that Yin Xiuzhu was no longer the child who hid behind him and needed his protection.

Yin Xiuzhu stood taller than him, and saw further than him. He had long since soared into the sky, traversing the horizon, without Qi Mu even noticing.

At that moment, Qi Mu felt a pang of disappointment in his heart.

As if sensing his feelings, Yin Xiuzhu’s gaze shifted, piercing through the crowd to find him.

In an instant, the frost melted away, and spring buds broke through the soil. Yin Xiuzhu’s eyes were full of the gentle warmth of spring.

Qi Mu was dazed for a moment before his phone buzzed, prompting him to look down.

Yin Xiuzhu: Wait for me.