Childhood Chronicles: C03

03: A Serious Problem

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{But he was still just a child, and that bike really did look quite cool. So once Ye Cheng took a moment to imagine the envy in everyone's eyes when he rode to school on such a cool-looking bike, he magically found himself feeling rather happy.}
Ye Cheng was right. His previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going halfway around the ringed highway of the city.

But he was still just a child, and that bike really did look quite cool. So once Ye Cheng took a moment to imagine the envy in everyone's eyes when he rode to school on such a cool-looking bike, he magically found himself feeling rather happy. As a result, every day after dinner, when he had some spare time, he held on to a wall and diligently practiced around the neighbourhood. He gave all he had to get that high-profile bike of his on the road as soon as possible.

Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered that Ye Cheng was still just an eleven-year-old boy and that it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration, but in the end, he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

When this matter was discussed, the entire family had sat themselves in the living room, eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either. Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature because, in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort to learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

_{After saying this, he took a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.}For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."

After saying this, he took a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

_{Ye Cheng: "!"}

Ye Cheng: "!"

_{A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?}
When this matter was discussed, the entire family had sat themselves in the living room, eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen. But, in all honesty, Zhou Ni was not much of a cook either. Yet, perhaps it was on account of women being more attentive by nature because, in addition to making food for her new husband, she was also willing to give her best effort to learning. Her stir-fries were also passable.

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?

But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell; he actually said nothing to him at all. He simply looked Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need to mention them. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

"But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?" While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes—eggs that were not all that soft but were not burnt—Zhou Ni asked. "Well, if you cannot, Chenghui will just teach you how."

During class, Ye Cheng's mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of; it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read a poem in the textbook, his mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

Obviously, Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear shift and handlebars both had fluorescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different from other people's bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{As a result, he choked.}

As a result, he choked.

_{The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition to that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan's family was very caring and considerate.}The corners of Gu Shaofan's lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng's eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng's surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition to that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan's family was very caring and considerate. The thought caused him to suddenly let out a laugh and say, "People are saying that your family was actually gangsters. Isn't that hilarious? Gangsters hiring a maid to stew snow pears into a drink... Hahaha... How could your family be gangsters? Hahaha..."

_{Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns, the pen slipped from his fingers and fell under the desk with a clatter.}Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all... What's more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back... Thinking about this made Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two thousand yuan mountain bike.

Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns, the pen slipped from his fingers and fell under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy's eyes shone under the light peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention to the blackboard.

_{Ye Cheng: "!!"}Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What's more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no longer afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

Ye Cheng: "!!"

Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all... What's more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back... Thinking about this made Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two thousand yuan mountain bike.

_{After which, he gulped.}Gu Shaofan: "..."

After which, he gulped.

After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange and wondered who had eaten more than one egg that day. But it was still only a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

_{With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, "Is your family really..."}When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, "Is your family really..."

"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."

_{After which, he gulped.}

After which, he gulped.

Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days, Ye Cheng has had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful-looking creation, made up of bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.

_{While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.}

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{When this matter was discussed, the entire family had sat themselves in the living room, eating dinner, a meal Zhou Ni had made. Ever since that woman had entered their family, Ye Chenghui, as any man naturally would, had kept his distance from the kitchen.}
The next day, when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day and age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one-child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

_{Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."}
While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing a piece of the ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng's curiosity-fueled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.}

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

_{With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, "Is your family really..."}

With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, "Is your family really..."

_{Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.}
"Are you sure you do not want any?" Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son not to have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky or Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it is a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

_{For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."}

For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."

_{The corners of Gu Shaofan's lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng's eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite.}There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

The corners of Gu Shaofan's lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng's eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng's surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

_{Ye Cheng: "..."}

Ye Cheng: "..."

_{When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.}

When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

_{Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered that Ye Cheng was still just an eleven-year-old boy and that it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration, but in the end, he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.}
Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sight, his voice faltering as he spoke. "Then... I'm really sorry."

_{The concept of rich and poor was not something children had a good understanding of, but Ye Cheng knew that any family that could hire a maid would naturally not be poor. In addition to that, with the sandwiches and rock sugar snow pear drink, he figured that Gu Shaofan's family was very caring and considerate.}Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg and then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then, after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng's eyes gleamed, with him asking, "Is that for me?"

_{For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.}
After which, he gulped.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.

_{Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."}

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."

_{Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.}

Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg and then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then, after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng's eyes gleamed, with him asking, "Is that for me?"

_{"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.}

"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

_{Gu Shaofan did not say anything in reply, but over the past few days, Ye Cheng has had these silent responses figured out. For instance, when he remained silent like this, it was an indication of his consent. And that sandwich was a very beautiful-looking creation, made up of bright yellow cheese, emerald green lettuce, pink slices of ham, and a delectably thick sauce.}
The corners of Gu Shaofan's lips tugged at the sight of Ye Cheng's eyes widening in awe, prompting him to take the initiative to remove the wrapping from the sandwich before handing it over. And Ye Cheng was not one to put on airs, so after reaching out to take it, he chomped down to take a big bite. The taste was naturally nothing like a meat bun, but to Ye Cheng's surprise, it was to his liking, and he was able to quickly finish every last bite before their next class.

_{Ye Cheng: "!!"}

Ye Cheng: "!!"

_{But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell; he actually said nothing to him at all. He simply looked Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need to mention them. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.}While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing a piece of the ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng's curiosity-fueled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."

_{Gu Shaofan: "..."}

Gu Shaofan: "..."

_{Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside was a liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out of the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.}Then, once it was done, he heaved a long sigh and licked his lips before asking, "How come it's so sweet?"

Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside was a liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out of the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

_{After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange and wondered who had eaten more than one egg that day. But it was still only a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.}
As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words of wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng's EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends, it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take. So early the next morning, as soon as he was done eating breakfast and had wiped his mouth, while Ye Chenghui was reading the newspapers and Zhou Ni was still in the kitchen cleaning up, he snatched a boiled egg and stuffed it into his book bag.

_{iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013.}All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him and didn't take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013. Anyhow, in 2016, two children were allowed, and in 2021, as many as three kids are possible. So having all their "egg" in one basket is why most parents would not risk their kids riding bikes to school. []The jjwxc raw link is no longer active since the novel has been completely locked now T_T (I already got the raws, so it's not going to affect this translation; you guys just won't be able to read it officially any more.)

_{Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father's wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, causing him to ask, "Was it your dad?"}
After Zhou Ni left the kitchen and saw there was no egg in the bowl, she thought it was a bit strange and wondered who had eaten more than one egg that day. But it was still only a single egg, so she gave the incident no more thought after that.

Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father's wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, causing him to ask, "Was it your dad?"

_{After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of answering. So with eyes burning with curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan's face.}

After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of answering. So with eyes burning with curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan's face.

_{Obviously, Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan.}Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What's more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no longer afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

Ye Cheng still took the bus since his bike-riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

"Gu Shaofan: "?"

_{"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.}Ye Cheng was right. His previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going halfway around the ringed highway of the city.

"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

_{Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject.}
The egg in Ye Cheng's hand, because it was stuck inside his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken, so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, "I brought this egg for you."

Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What's more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no longer afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift to Gu Shaofan with a shake. "Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go."

_{"Gu Shaofan: "?"}All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him and didn't take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

"Gu Shaofan: "?"

The next day, when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day and age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one-child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

_{After taking his seat, Ye Cheng remembered how Gu Shaofan had peeled off the wrapping of his sandwich before giving it to him the day before, so likewise, he peeled the shell off the egg. Once he was done, he again presented his gift to Gu Shaofan with a shake. "Go on, take it. You gave me a sandwich yesterday, so here you go."}

_{Ye Cheng: "!"}

Ye Cheng: "!"

_{There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.}
Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg and then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then, after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng's eyes gleamed, with him asking, "Is that for me?"

There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

_{For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.}After which, he gulped.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.

_{Ye Cheng: "..."}
Gu Shafan: "...mn."

Ye Cheng: "..."

_{The egg in Ye Cheng's hand, because it was stuck inside his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken, so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, "I brought this egg for you."}Ye Cheng had that sandwich fixed in his sight, his voice faltering as he spoke. "Then... I'm really sorry."

The egg in Ye Cheng's hand, because it was stuck inside his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken, so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, "I brought this egg for you."

_{Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."}

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?

_{Ye Cheng still took the bus since his bike-riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.}
Ye Cheng was also not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

_{For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.}As a result, he choked.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.

_{Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."}"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."

_{When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"}

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"

03: A Serious Problem

_{"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."}
While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"}

Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"}
There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"

_{All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him.}
As a result, he choked.

All in all, Ye Cheng never believed these things. Because he usually hung out with Gu Shaofan, the others in the class, including Tao Lu, did not associate with him. But some people just have their own innate tastes, and even though he had only known him for a couple of weeks, Ye Cheng thought Gu Shaofan was someone quite compatible with him and didn't take everyone isolating him to heart in the slightest.

_{But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.}Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

_{The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. It tasted like there were pieces of fruit inside it.}
Using his small fists, Ye Cheng began pounding his little chest chaotically.

The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. It tasted like there were pieces of fruit inside it.

_{As a result, he choked.}Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns, the pen slipped from his fingers and fell under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy's eyes shone under the light peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention to the blackboard.

As a result, he choked.

_{After saying this, he took a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.}"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."

_{Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."}
Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside was a liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out of the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."

_{Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns, the pen slipped from his fingers and fell under the desk with a clatter.}
Then, once it was done, he heaved a long sigh and licked his lips before asking, "How come it's so sweet?"

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

_{"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.}Ye Cheng: "!"

"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

_{"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."}After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of answering. So with eyes burning with curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan's face.

_{Gu Shafan: "...mn."}
Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject. What's more, Ye Cheng had discovered that Gu Shaofan really did study ahead for every subject, and with Gu Shaofan as his advisor, he was no longer afraid of being called on by the teacher in class.

Gu Shafan: "...mn."

_{"I don't know." Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small, cut pieces of a white fruit floating on top that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. "Oh, it looks like pear."}

"I don't know." Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small, cut pieces of a white fruit floating on top that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. "Oh, it looks like pear."

After which, he gulped.

_{Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father's wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, causing him to ask, "Was it your dad?"}"Gu Shaofan: "?"

Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father's wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, causing him to ask, "Was it your dad?"

_{When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"}While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"

After which, he gulped.

_{The egg in Ye Cheng's hand, because it was stuck inside his backpack pocket and got squeezed on the bus ride there, had its shell broken, so there were little cracks that left some of the white parts exposed. Yet, despite this, he still presented this gift before Gu Shaofan with bounds of generosity as he said cheerfully, "I brought this egg for you."}
The stuff in that flask I just drank was really tasty. I wonder what it was. It tasted like there were pieces of fruit inside it.

_{Gu Shaofan: "..."}03: A Serious Problem

Gu Shaofan: "..."

_{"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.}
Ye Cheng smacked his lips as he thought, while also absent-mindedly twirling the pen around his fingers. His hand was small, so after less than two turns, the pen slipped from his fingers and fell under the desk with a clatter. Only then did Ye Cheng realise his thoughts had left him again, and when he caught himself, Gu Shaofan was staring right at him. The other boy's eyes shone under the light peeking in from the windows, making them seem magical. Then, to him, Ye Cheng gave an apologetic smile before again turning his attention to the blackboard.

"It wasn't my mom who made them." Seeing that Ye Cheng no longer wanted to drink, he screwed the flask close.

_{During class, Ye Cheng's mind would often wander off, but it was honestly not something he was fond of; it was simply because his propensity for divergent thoughts was far too severe. For instance, if the Chinese Literature teacher read a poem in the textbook, his mind could make up a story about it from beginning to end. He just had no control over his daydreaming mind at all.}When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

_N/AAs a result, he choked.

N/A

_{For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."}

For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."

_{Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered that Ye Cheng was still just an eleven-year-old boy and that it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration, but in the end, he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.}When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

_{Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all.}
When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"

_{Ye Cheng: "!!"}
"I don't know." Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small, cut pieces of a white fruit floating on top that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. "Oh, it looks like pear."

Ye Cheng: "!!"

_{Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside was a liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out of the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.}While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.}
Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

_{Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.}The next day, when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day and age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one-child policy that lasted from 1979-2015. and parents, for the most part, were far too worried.

Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

_{"Are you sure you do not want any?" Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son not to have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky or Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it is a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.}There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.

"Are you sure you do not want any?" Ye Cheng, for the most part, had only eaten authentic Chinese food growing up. His dad hated foreign fast food and asked his son not to have anything to do with Grandpa Kentucky or Uncle McDonald, too. So, at present, it is a rare occurrence for Ye Cheng to even lay eyes on something like a sandwich up close.

Ye Cheng grinned in response while giving his thanks, then took the cup and took a sip. "It definitely has sugar in it. It's so sweet."

Gu Shaofan: "..."

_{03: A Serious Problem}
After saying this, he took a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

03: A Serious Problem

_{"Gu Shaofan: "?"}

"Gu Shaofan: "?"

_{Ye Cheng was right. His previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going halfway around the ringed highway of the city.}iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013. Anyhow, in 2016, two children were allowed, and in 2021, as many as three kids are possible. So having all their "egg" in one basket is why most parents would not risk their kids riding bikes to school. []The jjwxc raw link is no longer active since the novel has been completely locked now T_T (I already got the raws, so it's not going to affect this translation; you guys just won't be able to read it officially any more.)

Ye Cheng was right. His previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going halfway around the ringed highway of the city.

_{When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"}"But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?" While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes—eggs that were not all that soft but were not burnt—Zhou Ni asked. "Well, if you cannot, Chenghui will just teach you how."

When their class was done, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "Gu Shaofan, what's that stuff in your flask?"

_{"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."}Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."

_{"It was not."}
"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."

"It was not."

_{03: A Serious Problem}

03: A Serious Problem

_{Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"}
When Ye Cheng mentioned his mom, he was not referring to Zhou Ni. It had been a long time since he last talked about his mother. She was someone who must never be brought up while he was with his father and Zhou Ni; otherwise, the atmosphere around them would become somewhat strange.

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

Ye Cheng was quite perceptive and noticed that much.

_{Ye Cheng was right. His previous school and his current one were not that far from one another, but taking the bus was a whole other issue since it would require going halfway around the ringed highway of the city.}
But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

_{As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words of wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng's EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends, it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take.}

As Confucius said, it was impolite to give back when one receives, but those were words of wisdom Ye Cheng had yet to learn. Luckily, Ye Cheng's EQ was developed enough to understand that between friends, it was necessary for there to be a level of give and take. So early the next morning, as soon as he was done eating breakfast and had wiped his mouth, while Ye Chenghui was reading the newspapers and Zhou Ni was still in the kitchen cleaning up, he snatched a boiled egg and stuffed it into his book bag.

_{{A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?}}

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?

_{"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."}Originally, Ye Cheng seriously thought buying such a bike was completely unnecessary. Teacher did say hard work and frugality were virtues after all... What's more, this bike has no fender on the back of it, so if it rained, it would definitely splatter mud all over my back... Thinking about this made Ye Cheng, who pretended he was more mature than his years, find himself disliking that over two thousand yuan mountain bike.

_{Ye Chenghui had gone to several bookstores to find the textbooks used by the affiliated middle school, but the school was not an ordinary one, and there were not usually that many books ordered, so they were all sold out. This dragged on for two weeks, but Ye Cheng did not think it was a big deal since he could always sponge a peek at the textbook from Gu Shaofan and the class notes recorded in notebooks organised by subject.}"A hired Aunty? A nanny? A maid?" Ye Cheng tilted his head to the side and began imagining the villas and young masters related to such professions he saw on television, feeling quite happy. "Your family has maids too! That's really western."

_{Glancing at the broken white surface of the egg and then at the flushed white skin of Ye Cheng, Gu Shaofan still reached out to take the treat. Then, after thinking for a moment, he reached under his desk to pull out another sandwich. Ye Cheng's eyes gleamed, with him asking, "Is that for me?"}
Ye Cheng was very shocked. The image of his father's wooden expression as he boiled sugar water was conjured up by his mind, causing him to ask, "Was it your dad?"

_{Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"}

Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

"It was not."

_{{Oh my gosh!}}

Oh my gosh!

_{While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing a piece of the ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng's curiosity-fueled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.}
Ye Cheng was now shocked upon shock. The image his mind conjured up this time was of Gu Shaofan's ever-stoic face boiling the sugar water. "Was it you, then?!"

While he relayed this, his mouth was also preoccupied with chewing a piece of the ham sandwich Gu Shaofan had brought. It was a morning snack Gu Shaofan was made to bring by his family, and Ye Cheng's curiosity-fueled question or two about the snack had resulted in Gu Shaofan directly giving the entire meal to him.

_{Ye Cheng: "!"}

Ye Cheng: "!"

_{Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.}But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

Just then, Miss Sun entered. So, after taking the cover from Gu Shaofan's hand and closing the flask, he stood up upon hearing the command from the student on duty and greeted Miss Sun with everyone.

_{Ye Cheng was also not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.}
Oh my gosh!

Ye Cheng was also not one to trouble others, so after taking the sandwich, he peeled off the wrapping himself. This time, the sandwich was not made of ham but of eggs, and instead of lettuce, there were cucumber slices. And, of course, it was just as delicious as well.

_{But he was still just a child, and that bike really did look quite cool. So once Ye Cheng took a moment to imagine the envy in everyone's eyes when he rode to school on such a cool-looking bike, he magically found himself feeling rather happy.}Seeing this, Gu Shaofan pulled out a flask from under his desk, opening it quickly before handing it to Ye Cheng. Inside was a liquid still as cold as it was if it were just taken out of the refrigerator, and Ye Cheng took himself a huge gulp, using the cool and tasty beverage to ease the passage of the food going down his throat.

But with Gu Shaofan, he felt as though he could speak about her freely, and as far as he could remember, his mother really did never make any foods similar to those Gu Shaofan had brought.

For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."

_{There was a lot less egg than there was in a sandwich, so Gu Shaofan finished his in a couple of bites. Ye Cheng, on the other hand, was still busy chewing. The first class of the day was with the homeroom teacher, and it was not until the bell announcing the start of class had rung that he was able to desperately stuff the last bites into his mouth.}After saying this, he took a large gulp and chewed on a piece of the snow pear. As he chewed, his pink lips became covered in the sugary juices, making them shiny and moistiana: this line sounds sus (>ლ), and as pretty as glazed porcelain.

_{The next day, when he went to school, he babbled to Gu Shaofan all about his bike, a small part of the reason being to show off. After all, there were not that many middle schoolers who could ride a bike on their own in this day and age since everyone was an only childT/N: China instituted a one-child policy that lasted from 1979-2015.}
After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of answering. So with eyes burning with curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan's face.

_{"But can you even ride a bike, Chengcheng?" While passing him a chopstick full of fried eggs and tomatoes—eggs that were not all that soft but were not burnt—Zhou Ni asked. "Well, if you cannot, Chenghui will just teach you how."}
Gu Shaofan: "..."

_{Oh my gosh!}
Persuaded by him, Gu Shaofan pursed his lips and replied, "It was a hired aunty."

Oh my gosh!

_{Ye Cheng: "..."}"I don't know." Gu Shaofan took out the flask and unscrewed it, using the cover as a cup to pour out some of the contents. In the cup, there were small, cut pieces of a white fruit floating on top that Ye Cheng happened to get a familiar whiff of. "Oh, it looks like pear."

Ye Cheng: "..."

_{Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"}Zhou Ni proposed that Ye Cheng be bought a bicycle to allow him to get to and from school easily, but it seemed as though she had not considered that Ye Cheng was still just an eleven-year-old boy and that it would not be safe for him on the road. Ye Chenghui also gave this idea and its shortcomings some consideration, but in the end, he felt as though such things would be alright since Ye Cheng was a boy.

Gu Shaofan looked at him. "Do you want to drink some again?"

_{Ye Cheng: "..."}Ye Cheng still took the bus since his bike-riding skills were still not up to par. Once he got to class, bouncing his way there, he saw Gu Shaofan had already arrived, so after making his way over there, he immediately pulled out the egg and gifted it to his desk partner.

Ye Cheng: "..."

_{iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013.}

_{Gu Shafan: "...mn."}A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?

Gu Shafan: "...mn."

As a result, he choked.

_{While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.}

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_N/A

N/A

_{For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."}After receiving another no from Gu Shaofan, Ye Cheng waited a long time before realising Gu Shaofan had no intention of answering. So with eyes burning with curiosity, he stared at the side of Gu Shaofan's face.

For Ye Cheng, who was still forbidden to touch the stove at his age, such a thing was simply amazing. But Gu Shaofan again replied in the negative, saying, "No, it wasn't."

A person has to be alone to be isolated, don't they?

_{Then, once it was done, he heaved a long sigh and licked his lips before asking, "How come it's so sweet?"}

Then, once it was done, he heaved a long sigh and licked his lips before asking, "How come it's so sweet?"

_{Obviously, Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan.}"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."

_{"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."}
But, oddly enough, Gu Shaofan had not joined him in this laughing spell; he actually said nothing to him at all. He simply looked Ye Cheng in the eyes while wearing a serious expression. Ye Cheng no longer laughed. Before, he never brought up the rumours because he saw no need to mention them. But this reaction from Gu Shaofan was too strange.

_{"It was not."}While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

"It was not."

_{While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.}
With even a smile no longer on his face, Ye Cheng asked the boy before him with suspicion, "Is your family really..."

While one held a sandwich with a perfect balance of flavour and visual appeal, the other held an egg with a few splits and ruptures, and both of them, to these meals, took a huge bite.

_{Ye Cheng: "..."}"Hey, your mom's, like, super talented." Ye Cheng drank every last drop of the rock sugar snow pear drink, and as he did, Gu Shaofan helped him refill the cup again. In the twinkling of an eye, half of the flask's contents had made their way into Ye Cheng's tummy. "The sandwiches too. My mom could never make stuff like this."

Ye Cheng: "..."

_{iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013.}Obviously, Ye Cheng did not know how to ride, but Ye Chenghui also did not possess enough patience to teach him. True to her word, Zhou Ni did buy him a GIANTTN: A popular bicycle brand that was started in Taiwan. mountain bike without delay. The bike was a beautiful mauve colour, the gear shift and handlebars both had fluorescent markings, and the overall shape was slightly exaggerated. Upon seeing it, someone would notice it was different from other people's bikes, as well as the subtle feeling of it being more expensive.

For a long time, Gu Shaofan's expression remained blank before his head gave a light nod in response.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: Because its population was growing too large and too fast, China instituted a one-child policy in 1979 that was enforced from 1980 to 2015. Please note that this story was written in 2013. Anyhow, in 2016, two children were allowed, and in 2021, as many as three kids are possible. So having all their "egg" in one basket is why most parents would not risk their kids riding bikes to school.

The jjwxc raw link is no longer active since the novel has been completely locked now T_T (I already got the raws, so it's not going to affect this translation; you guys just won't be able to read it officially any more.)

Childhood Chronicles: C03

03: A Serious Problem

Author's Note:

Notes:

No comments:

Future Projects

Popular

Recents

Comments

Labels

Pages

Search This Blog

Pageviews last month

Contact