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nEditor: yummers

nZhuo Junli felt like he was dreaming. He sat across from Mother Shi and watched as she stirred the coffee on the table while quirking her red lips at him.

n“Father Shi and I were wondering why Shi Qing’s grades suddenly improved so much. We thought there was something fishy going on. He’s always been in the bottom half of his grade ever since he was a child, after all. Why would he suddenly start studying hard for no reason?

n“Shi Qing finally spilled the beans when we called him. He said that you were a top student that helped him catch up on his assignments. You’re such a good child. Auntie is grateful to you.”

nZhuo Junli was still a little hesitant.

nMother Shi noticed his hesitation but didn’t question him any further.

nShe looked at her son who was sitting next to Zhuo Junli as he impatiently drank his coffee in one breath.

nShe saw his overbearing aura.

nShe saw his tough demeanor.

nAnd then she saw how he started playing with Zhuo Junli’s slender white fingers right after finishing his coffee.

nNo matter how she looked at it, her son had hauled in quite a catch.

nActually, the reason she came here herself was to see if this little bastard was coercing his boyfriend.

nBut her suspicions had been laid to rest.

nAlthough Zhuo Junli didn’t talk much, the way he looked at her son was indeed quite sweet and indulgent.

nShe took a sip of her coffee. “Mom doesn’t want to interfere between you two, but remember that sex is off-limits until you’re eighteen.”

nZhuo Junli’s face reddened upon hearing these words.

nHe struggled to remain calm as he nodded with a flushed face.

nOn the side, Shi Qing scowled in dissatisfaction. But he didn’t make any trouble because he was holding his lover’s hand. He only leaned towards Zhuo Junli and said, “She’s not against us. Didn’t I mention that my mother grew up abroad? Foreign countries are more accepting towards this type of stuff. My Grandma Jinjiang was afraid that my mom would be too influenced, so she lectured her every day about what she couldn’t do before she turned eighteen. If she didn’t follow the rules, apparently a person called Shen He would come and lock her up.”

nZhuo Junli blushed and nodded in understanding.

nHe really hadn’t considered their relationship that far ahead yet. To him, he would only have the privilege of doing something like that with Shi Qing when he made something of himself.

nAs they spoke, Mother Shi kept looking at the two of them.

nIn her heart, she nodded with satisfaction.

nNo matter how she looked at it, Zhuo Junli was the perfect partner that she had fantasized about for her son.

nBased on the information from their homeroom teacher, Zhuo Junli checked off all the boxes.

nHe had excellent grades, a mild temperament, and he was hardworking and reliable.

nHis gender wasn’t quite right, but who cared about that?

nBesides, the Shi parents earned money because they liked to work hard and also because they wanted to leave their fortune to their son.

nIt didn’t matter if two men couldn’t have children to inherit their money, having children but having no money was far more tragic.

nAfter talking with her son’s boyfriend for a bit, Mother Shi looked down at her watch. “Alright. I still have a meeting to get to, so I won’t bother you two anymore. Shi Qing, you need to be more considerate of your actions now that you have a boyfriend. If you guys fight, come to me first. Don’t act like a child and break up over inconsequential things.”

n“Of course I’m not going to break up with him.”

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nThe school bully held Zhuo Junli’s hand. “We already made a promise to go to the same university.”

nMother Shi’s expression became peculiar. She looked at her son, and then at Zhuo Junli. It seemed like she had something to say about that.

n“I remember hearing that Junli was the top student in his grade, right?”

nShe glared at her son while saying, “Shi Qing, don’t make Junli go to an average university with you just because he’s your boyfriend. Your homeroom teacher told me he could get into University A.”

n“As long as you two maintain your grades, mom won’t interfere with your relationship. But the university you choose to go to will practically decide the next half of Junli’s life. You can’t be selfish and drag him down. That would be despicable.”

nShi Qing tutted. “Is that what you think of me? I meant that I’m applying to University A too.”

nMother Shi, “……”

nHer expression twisted even more.

nA few seconds passed before she nodded.

n“Sure.”

n“I don’t think admission to University A can be bought with money, but we’ll do our best since you want to go. Do you remember Uncle Zhang? He has connections at University A.”

nThe school bully was stunned for a moment before surging to his feet. “What do you mean by that, Mom? I’m talking about getting in on my own merit.”

n“Uh huh. Whatever you say.”

nMother Shi nodded perfunctorily and picked up her purse. She looked down at her watch as she stood up.

n“Work hard, you’re the best. Okay, mom can’t mess around with you anymore. I really have to go. Junli, keep an eye on Shi Qing, ah. Don’t let him do anything dumb. His dad and I are both free next week. We can have dinner together then.”

nAfter saying that, she turned on her high heeled boots and walked away.

nShi Qing was still holding Zhuo Junli’s hand. It was only after his mom left that his always confident face showed the slightest hint of grievance.

nThe school bully complained to Zhuo Junli, “She obviously doesn’t believe me. What, does she think I can’t get into University A on my own?”

nZhuo Junli gently touched the back of his hand to reassure him. His voice was still gentle and mild, “There’s still more than a year to go. You still have a chance.”

n“Even if you really can’t get in, University B is fine. It’s actually almost the same.”

n“No it’s not.”

nShi Qing snorted coldly. “The more she doubts me the more I want to go.”

nThe youth nodded with a shallow smile and slowly pulled him down.

nThe two of them were sitting very close together.

n“I’m sure you’ll be able to.”

nThe encouragement of his lover combined with a private setting and dim lighting created an ambiguous atmosphere. A hint of sweetness surrounded them.

nShi Qing’s lips curled up in satisfaction. His slender eyes narrowed as he slowly approached Zhuo Junli.

n“We have a lot of time off today.”

nZhuo Junli apparently thought so too.

nHis smile was rarely this amused.

n“I’m going to show you a treasure.”

nShi Qing smiled knowingly as well. His eyes were filled with meaning.

n“It must be a precious treasure.”

nThen he watched as Zhuo Junli pulled out a well-folded piece of paper from his pocket.

nShi Qing, “……”

nThe youth unfolded the piece of paper with eager motions and handed it to the stiff-looking school bully.

nThere was a line written at the very top: Winter Break Study Schedule.

nZhuo Junli said, “Take a look. I made this after analyzing your current study progress and learning speed. It also contains your subject shortcomings and how to overcome them. You’re better at the humanities than the sciences. As long as you follow this schedule, your grades can improve by at least ten spots after the winter break.”

n“Although that’s not very high, you’ll at least be able to keep up with the class. If you continue to work hard from there, there’s still hope for getting into University A. If things don’t work out then it’s fine for us to go to University B. We don’t necessarily need to go to the best one.”

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nShi Qing, “……”

nWith “passionate” eyes, he gave a death stare to the schedule held by Zhuo Junli’s long, slender hand.

n“What. A. Big…Treasure!”

nZhuo Junli blushed a bit, but his eyes were bright and ecstatic. “I’m glad you like it.”

n“I like it. Of course I like it.”

nThe school bully picked up this schedule and looked it up and down. “This Shi-ge never does things half-heartedly.”

n“It’s just studying. I just need to focus.”

nThen he added, “But you have to be there with me.”

nOf course Zhuo Junli would be with Shi Qing.

nShi Qing had a place of his own. Over the break, the two of them were inseparable.

nThey were studying.

nThey spent countless nights in the same room.

nDoing! Practice! Tests!

nThe guest room’s lights never came on because Zhuo Junli slept in Shi Qing’s room.

nAfter studying, they nestled together under a warm blanket every night.

nShi Qing would often have the air conditioning running. He wore a light and thin nightgown that showed off his delicate ankles while he possessively dominated the young man’s bosom with his head.

nReciting! The! Textbook!

nAll he could do was touch his hands, kiss his cheeks, nuzzle the tip of his nose, and squeeze between his arms at night.

nThere was nothing else.

nZhuo Junli didn’t think there was anything wrong. He still studied on his own while tutoring Shi Qing.

nAfter winter break, Shi Qing’s grades really improved.

nThen, he started finding all kinds of ways to “torture” his lackeys.

nThe lackeys had grown lax due to a lack of supervision over winter break. Although their grades were still better than before the tutoring, there was a significant drop compared to before.

nThey were swiftly taught a lesson by Shi Qing.

nWhen other people wanted students to work harder, they used heartfelt words and a discipline rod at most.

nWhen Shi Qing wanted his lackeys to work harder, he directly flashed his fists.

nAfter being used to vent all the resentment that he had accumulated over the winter break, the lackeys suddenly felt that learning was such a wonderful thing.

nTong Xinyu, who had been run over, gave up on covering for Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli.

nAfter all, she discovered that, much to her chagrin and relief, it seemed like she was the only one who noticed something was wrong. Everyone was completely blind to Shi Qing and Zhuo Junli’s relationship and their various flirtatious interactions.

nAs the third year of high school approached, she was no longer preoccupied with chasing after her male gods anymore and focused on studying.

nBringing us to their senior year of high school.

nIt was a very special year.

nThis year, the delinquents who had robbed Tong Xinyu were forced by their parents to transfer over.

nThen, they were confronted by Shi Qing who cracked his knuckles and smiled at them angelically.

nThe delinquents, “……”

nEven though they didn’t want to join Shi Qing’s “study army”, they were forced by his fists to study with tears in their eyes.

nThe other lackeys were all very happy.

nIt was extremely satisfying to see poor chumps that were even worse off than them.

nThey had a nagging suspicion that Shi-ge had become more and more twisted since he became buddies with Zhuo Junli.

nFor the teachers, however, Shi Qing was cleaning up a mess that they couldn’t.

nHe became a good student who not only studied hard in his own school, but also brought the students of other schools along.

nIt was a terrible year for Zhuo Junli’s abusive father since he kept breaking his arms and legs in the most ridiculous ways.

nThe university entrance exams were fast approaching.

nThere seemed to be a sea of people at the entrance of the examination hall.

nOf course, these people weren’t students, but the parents of the students.

nThe students were all inside taking their exams.

nWhen it came down to the final subject, Shi Qing wrote very quickly with a determined and focused gaze.

nThe exam invigilator who looked at him as he passed nodded in his heart.

nThis must be a good student with excellent grades. He had to be since he was so confident.

nShi Qing’s parents were waiting outside.

nSince all traffic in the area had been suspended, they paid off a small stall across the street and drank milk tea while they waited.

nFather Shi was puzzled. The gentleman in a suit spoke softly, “They’re inside taking their exams. We can’t help them, so why are we waiting outside?”

n“It’s a tradition for the parents to wait outside while exams are going on.”

nMother Shi had a straw in her mouth as she looked at the computer in front of her. Her hands were flying across the keyboard as she absentmindedly answered her husband.

n“If we didn’t come to support our son, he might think that we don’t care about him.”

nFather Shi replied, “But he already thinks that.”

nHe was silent for a few seconds, but he couldn’t help but say, “Then just come by yourself. Why drag me along? At least remind me to bring something to do, I’m so bored just sitting here.”

nMother Shi paused and gave her husband a look.

n“Why do you never think things through? Don’t you know about Junli’s family situation? How could his drunkard of a father come see him? You’re here to fill that role, understand?”

nFather Shi had a realization. He smoothly pushed his glasses up.

n“Right, I forgot about that. I’m the one who broke his dad’s leg this time.”

nNo one knew what was going on in that head of his, but that guy wanted to stop Zhuo Junli from taking the entrance exam.

nMaybe it was because he discovered how his control over his son had begun to slip as Zhuo Junli grew up. Or maybe he just didn’t want to see Zhuo Junli, who didn’t have a shred of goodwill towards him, get into a good university and embark on a path of success.

nWhen Father Shi found out, he broke his leg again.

nTherefore, there was no way he could come to the examination hall.

nBut he wouldn’t have been able to come even if he didn’t suffer an unfortunate accident.

n“Boss, boss.”

nAn incomparably muscular and strong bodyguard who was at least 1.9m tall and decked out in black came over.

nHe navigated the sprawling crowds with ease.

nWhen he arrived before Father Shi, he placed a laptop on the table. “Boss, your computer is here.”

n“Thanks.”

nFather Shi smiled genially and turned the computer on to start working as well.

nTong Xinyu’s parents were both sitting on small stools beneath a tree. Mother Tong just happened to see that scary looking bodyguard enter the stall. She stood up to take a look.

n“Oh my goodness. There’s one, two, three, four, five bodyguards over there! Who are those people?”

nFather Tong was fanning himself with a small fan.

n“Who cares who they are? They’re parents waiting for their children like us.”

n“You’re right. I wonder how Xinyu’s exams are going.”

nFather Tong, “Everything should be fine. Didn’t she say she wanted to go to University A? How could she say that if she wasn’t confident?”

nMother Tong, “But I seem to remember that she said she wanted to go to University A so she could continue to eat dog food. Dear, did you starve her during my business trip? Why does this child want to eat dog food all of a sudden??”

n“I didn’t! I fed her and watered her and everything! Besides, we don’t even have a dog at home.”

n“Did she get sick from too much stress? I didn’t have time to ask today but you did, ah. Why didn’t you say something?”

n“Oh come on, how could I ask? I was driving and I couldn’t hear you clearly.”

nWhile they idly bickered, the parents in front of them suddenly began to swarm.

n“They’re coming out!”

n“A student is coming out!”

nWhen Zhuo Junli came out, he stood under the banner without going outside. After waiting for a short while, Shi Qing joined him.

nThe youth greeted him with a smile on his face.

nThe school bully put a hand on his shoulder. His eyes were filled with eagerness as he called his mom.

n“Did you finish?”

nIn the small stall, Mother Shi answered her phone, “Your dad and I are over here waiting for you two.”

n“Ohhh, okay okay. I’ll go out to eat with your dad tonight.”

nWhen Father Shi heard this, he also stopped typing on the keyboard and pushed up his glasses. He waited for his wife to hang up before asking.

n“Are they not coming over?”

n“No.”

nMother Shi closed her computer as she said, “Today is Shi Qing’s eighteenth birthday. He and Zhuo Junli left for the hotel.”

nFather Shi frowned.

n“This kid is always rushing through everything. He should’ve at least had some cake.”

n“Okay, enough wasting time. Come on, let’s go out and get some dinner… What are you doing?”

nFather Shi pressed send on his phone.

nHe looked up with a warm smile written all over his gentle face. “I told the kid to remember to wear a condom.”

n“Yes, we do need to remind them about that. By the way, tell those two to go to that hotel I bought last month. I had a room reserved for them.”

nThey left after Father Shi finished sending his message with bodyguards surrounding them on all sides.

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