Childhood Chronicles: C04

04: Headache

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

Once he arrived at class, as usual, he noticed Gu Shaofan had gotten there first. But Ye Cheng did not go greet him. Instead, he diligently sat in his seat, then took out the textbook for the English class that was set for their first period before neatly organising the stuff on his desk.

_{Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.}And it wasn't just Gu Shaofan; all the males in the Gu family, both big and small, feared Wang Juan, Gu Yun included.

Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.

_{...really sad.}What does that mean?

...really sad.

She was forty years old and had taken great care of her health, leaving her skin free of any noticeable wrinkles. Locking sights with that little boy of hers whose face was engraved with bitterness, she went up the stairs and called out, "Shaofan, hold it right there, mister."

_{There weren't a lot of students who rode their bikes to school, so Ye Cheng's bike was parked together with the teachers and staff. After opening the two locks and hanging them on the bars, he walked his bike to the school gates.}But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too. Gu Shaofan was the one who let him borrow his books, gave him the right answers, and also brought him yummy food—and none of these had anything to do with dangerous elements. But... in that child's heart of his, there was still an uncomfortable sense of betrayal. He felt as though he was seen as a joke. His entire class must have definitely been watching him and laughing.

There weren't a lot of students who rode their bikes to school, so Ye Cheng's bike was parked together with the teachers and staff. After opening the two locks and hanging them on the bars, he walked his bike to the school gates. It was an Indian summer, so the autumn air was not one bit cool, and at that hour, there was already no sign of other students around the school. So as soon as Ye Cheng made it out of the gates, he jumped on his bike and glided on his way. But before he had even made it a few metres, he saw two people waving over and over for him to stop while they blocked his way.

_{I can leave right now.}
What does that mean?

I can leave right now.

_{Wang Juan turned her head back in horror. Gu Shaofan's face still had its trademark expressionlessness, but upon closer inspection, between those brows of his was a little crinkle expressing his woe. Before then, his classmates ignoring him had never been like this, because, with nothing to compare it to, there was no feeling of loss.}Wang Juan turned her head back in horror. Gu Shaofan's face still had its trademark expressionlessness, but upon closer inspection, between those brows of his was a little crinkle expressing his woe. Before then, his classmates ignoring him had never been like this, because, with nothing to compare it to, there was no feeling of loss.

Wang Juan turned her head back in horror. Gu Shaofan's face still had its trademark expressionlessness, but upon closer inspection, between those brows of his was a little crinkle expressing his woe. Before then, his classmates ignoring him had never been like this, because, with nothing to compare it to, there was no feeling of loss.

Ye Cheng let out an "oh," but said nothing else after that. Gu Shaofan thought he should say something, anything, but he was never good at speaking, so he could only stare at Ye Cheng with his lips sealed shut. His staring made Ye Cheng feel awkward, as his hands moved to scratch his head nervously. So upon sensing the other boy's mood, Gu Shaofan turned his gaze towards his desk.

iana: In case you're wondering how the Gu's have two sons. Before the 2016 repeal, the one-child policy did have some "allowances." Having a second child got you fined a year's worth of your salary or something along those lines. Another was that a remarried couple could have a second child as long as one of them had never had any children of their own.

Ye Cheng was flung so hard that his hand slammed into the small stove outside the restaurant crossways and knocked over one of the large pots with a clank, causing all the soup within it to pour all over Ye Cheng.

_{After this incident, from that alleyway, two shrill screams rang out.}
Ye Cheng obviously could not understand, because even Gu Shaofan did not properly understand the situation. People who spoke of the underworld said that Gu Shaofan's father, Gu Yun, was a gangster in the past. In the man's youth, it was said he used to dare chop people on the street with a watermelon knife and not give a damn, so much so that even with half his head covered in blood, he would still squat on a curb while munching on a piece of watermelon. He relied on his cruelty to get him up the ranks, but it was not that Gu Yun was simply an aggressive hothead; more than anything, he was smart. He had the eye of a gang lord, allowing him to take the helm of his gang at a very young age. Under his leadership, his small gang was able to grow exponentially. So by the time he had met his future wife, the influence his organisation had developed was enough to touch everything under the sun, allowing them to get along with both those who work in the light and the dark in A-City.

After this incident, from that alleyway, two shrill screams rang out.

_{Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.}At his reaction, the two boys stared at each other for a while, seeming to not know what they should do, and guilty expressions were written all over their faces. The one who was holding on to Ye Cheng's wrist had let go at this point, but he then called out to his Brother Qiang, who was waiting nearby. A figure with dishevelled hair covering their eyes and clothes that were just as unkempt had sauntered out from within that alleyway. By the looks of him, compared to Ye Cheng, he seemed no more than a few years older. But with the slight hunch in his posture and his bad attitude, coupled with the malevolent grin spread across his face, the way he looked was unsettling.

Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

_{After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."}

After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

_{Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."}

Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

_{But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too.}
Afterwards, Gu Yun put all his efforts into completely scrubbing his entire gang clean to transform his gang leader self into an industrialist. It was a process that required patience, and it wasn't until Gu Shaofan was born that he had gotten everything on the right track. But Gu Shaofan was only an elementary school student, and his parents weren't keen on telling their youngest about such things, so with regard to his family situation, Gu Shaofan was basically clueless.

But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too. Gu Shaofan was the one who let him borrow his books, gave him the right answers, and also brought him yummy food—and none of these had anything to do with dangerous elements. But... in that child's heart of his, there was still an uncomfortable sense of betrayal. He felt as though he was seen as a joke. His entire class must have definitely been watching him and laughing.

_{Gu Shaofan displayed no special reaction to all this, still doing things just as he had before, coming and going on his own. Sometimes Ye Cheng wondered how on earth things had become like this.}Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

Gu Shaofan displayed no special reaction to all this, still doing things just as he had before, coming and going on his own. Sometimes Ye Cheng wondered how on earth things had become like this. And seeing Gu Shaofan's lonely form made him feel heartache. He was a child with a very strong ability to imagine himself in someone else's shoes, so when thinking of himself being in such a position, he found it...

Afterwards, Gu Yun put all his efforts into completely scrubbing his entire gang clean to transform his gang leader self into an industrialist. It was a process that required patience, and it wasn't until Gu Shaofan was born that he had gotten everything on the right track. But Gu Shaofan was only an elementary school student, and his parents weren't keen on telling their youngest about such things, so with regard to his family situation, Gu Shaofan was basically clueless.

"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

"Your bike looks really sweet, bro. Can I borrow it for a couple of days?" As he said this, he yanked Ye Cheng with all his strength, and because Ye Cheng was still paralysed with fear at the time, being pulled made him fall to the ground head first.

_{Ye Cheng obviously could not understand, because even Gu Shaofan did not properly understand the situation. People who spoke of the underworld said that Gu Shaofan's father, Gu Yun, was a gangster in the past.}
Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.

Ye Cheng obviously could not understand, because even Gu Shaofan did not properly understand the situation. People who spoke of the underworld said that Gu Shaofan's father, Gu Yun, was a gangster in the past. In the man's youth, it was said he used to dare chop people on the street with a watermelon knife and not give a damn, so much so that even with half his head covered in blood, he would still squat on a curb while munching on a piece of watermelon. He relied on his cruelty to get him up the ranks, but it was not that Gu Yun was simply an aggressive hothead; more than anything, he was smart. He had the eye of a gang lord, allowing him to take the helm of his gang at a very young age. Under his leadership, his small gang was able to grow exponentially. So by the time he had met his future wife, the influence his organisation had developed was enough to touch everything under the sun, allowing them to get along with both those who work in the light and the dark in A-City.

_{After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."}Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...

After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

_N/A

N/A

_{After saying this, she smiled at him and added, "Serious though, what's wrong, honey? Can't you give your mama just one smile?"}

After saying this, she smiled at him and added, "Serious though, what's wrong, honey? Can't you give your mama just one smile?"

Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.

_{Ye Cheng was flung so hard that his hand slammed into the small stove outside the restaurant crossways and knocked over one of the large pots with a clank, causing all the soup within it to pour all over Ye Cheng.}Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.

_{So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.}The fragrance of the food being cooked in the kitchen gradually began filling the air. Taking hold of the railing, Wang Juan took a look downstairs at the dining room table, which was, of course, hidden from her current line of sight. She then instructed her son, "Go put your stuff down, then come downstairs for dinner."

So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.

As usual, he walked those two blocks to where his family's car was waiting to pick him up and take him home from school that afternoon. The house he lived in was exactly as Ye Cheng guessed earlier. His family did indeed live in a villa near the suburbs, and counting in the attic, it had a total of four floors. But because it was on a slope, the main entrance was on the second floor. While walking up the stairs, Gu Shaofan glanced over the mahogany railing to the hall on the first floor, seeing that neither Gu Yun nor Gu Shaoqing were home. Only his mother was there, having made her way from the greenhouse with a servant hurriedly helping her remove her gardening gloves.

_{Ye Cheng: "?"}"It's really normal for friends to have disagreements, sweetheart. So just give it a few days, and everything will work out." Wang Juan tried to cheer him up, but Gu Shaofan remained silent for a while before suddenly saying, "I told him about our family."

Ye Cheng: "?"

04: Headache

_{Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.}

Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.

At his reaction, the two boys stared at each other for a while, seeming to not know what they should do, and guilty expressions were written all over their faces. The one who was holding on to Ye Cheng's wrist had let go at this point, but he then called out to his Brother Qiang, who was waiting nearby. A figure with dishevelled hair covering their eyes and clothes that were just as unkempt had sauntered out from within that alleyway. By the looks of him, compared to Ye Cheng, he seemed no more than a few years older. But with the slight hunch in his posture and his bad attitude, coupled with the malevolent grin spread across his face, the way he looked was unsettling.

_{Ye Cheng immediately realised he was in trouble, so grabbing the handlebars, he used all his might to pedal while yelling, "Get out the way!"}
Lifting her head to look at her son, Wang Juan's eyebrows lifted.

Ye Cheng immediately realised he was in trouble, so grabbing the handlebars, he used all his might to pedal while yelling, "Get out the way!"

_N/AThe fragrance of the food being cooked in the kitchen gradually began filling the air. Taking hold of the railing, Wang Juan took a look downstairs at the dining room table, which was, of course, hidden from her current line of sight. She then instructed her son, "Go put your stuff down, then come downstairs for dinner."

N/A

_{"Your older brother?" While Ye Cheng sat on his bike, with one pulling the bike and the other pulling him, he was dragged forward on the road by a short distance, then about taken down an alleyway. He flung his arms about impatiently as he was dragged, screaming, "I don't know your brother! Let me go! I want to go home!"}

"Your older brother?" While Ye Cheng sat on his bike, with one pulling the bike and the other pulling him, he was dragged forward on the road by a short distance, then about taken down an alleyway. He flung his arms about impatiently as he was dragged, screaming, "I don't know your brother! Let me go! I want to go home!"

_{"It's really normal for friends to have disagreements, sweetheart. So just give it a few days, and everything will work out." Wang Juan tried to cheer him up, but Gu Shaofan remained silent for a while before suddenly saying, "I told him about our family."}
She was forty years old and had taken great care of her health, leaving her skin free of any noticeable wrinkles. Locking sights with that little boy of hers whose face was engraved with bitterness, she went up the stairs and called out, "Shaofan, hold it right there, mister."

"It's really normal for friends to have disagreements, sweetheart. So just give it a few days, and everything will work out." Wang Juan tried to cheer him up, but Gu Shaofan remained silent for a while before suddenly saying, "I told him about our family."

She was well aware of what was happening to her son at school, as was her husband, because their first son, Gu Shaoqing, had experienced the same thing. But Gu Shaoqing had a more agreeable personality than Gu Shaofan, and his people skills were quite good, so when he was shunned by his classmates, it did not last for too long.

Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

_{Ye Cheng obviously could not understand, because even Gu Shaofan did not properly understand the situation. People who spoke of the underworld said that Gu Shaofan's father, Gu Yun, was a gangster in the past.}"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

_{Their strange situation continued like this for about half a month, until the day it was both his and Gu Shaofan's turn to be on duty after classes were all over. The students on duty were assigned via a seating chart, so they were always grouped by deskmates. Before he left, Tao Lu sent a wink Ye Cheng's way, gloating at his new friend's misfortune.}
Gu Shaofan stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.

Their strange situation continued like this for about half a month, until the day it was both his and Gu Shaofan's turn to be on duty after classes were all over. The students on duty were assigned via a seating chart, so they were always grouped by deskmates. Before he left, Tao Lu sent a wink Ye Cheng's way, gloating at his new friend's misfortune.

_{Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."}Ye Cheng: "?"

Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.

_{Wang Juan was stunned, obviously understanding what the main issue now was. This made things difficult because before when Gu Shaofan was ostracised by those kids, it was based on nothing but groundless speculation. But this time, Gu Shaofan had to admit it himself, making it so that those children weren't just exaggerating.}The tasks of the ones on duty included sweeping the classroom and organising the supplies. As he swept, Gu Shaofan said nothing, seeming completely absorbed in his task. As for Ye Cheng, he went up to the podium and started cleaning the blackboard, then emptied the chalk dust pooled in the slot beneath it before finally organising the chalk itself. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Gu Shaofan had already swept the back of the classroom and was now straightening the desks and chairs. He did it all so quickly that Ye Cheng did not need to do anything after he was done. Saying nothing, he awkwardly stared at Gu Shaofan as he swept. Neither of the two had said so much as a word to the other. It was difficult for him to wait until Gu Shaofan was done emptying the trash bins, so after Gu Shaofan lifted the garbage bags, Ye Cheng's eyes lit up.

Wang Juan was stunned, obviously understanding what the main issue now was. This made things difficult because before when Gu Shaofan was ostracised by those kids, it was based on nothing but groundless speculation. But this time, Gu Shaofan had to admit it himself, making it so that those children weren't just exaggerating.

_{"Your bike looks really sweet, bro. Can I borrow it for a couple of days?" As he said this, he yanked Ye Cheng with all his strength, and because Ye Cheng was still paralysed with fear at the time, being pulled made him fall to the ground head first.}"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

And it wasn't just Gu Shaofan; all the males in the Gu family, both big and small, feared Wang Juan, Gu Yun included.

_{"It's really normal for friends to have disagreements, sweetheart. So just give it a few days, and everything will work out." Wang Juan tried to cheer him up, but Gu Shaofan remained silent for a while before suddenly saying, "I told him about our family."}She was well aware of what was happening to her son at school, as was her husband, because their first son, Gu Shaoqing, had experienced the same thing. But Gu Shaoqing had a more agreeable personality than Gu Shaofan, and his people skills were quite good, so when he was shunned by his classmates, it did not last for too long.

_{After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."}

After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

_{"Tsk. You were in a good mood recently, so did something happen today?" Wang Juan gently lifted her son's face by the chin and looked him over. "You look like somebody owes you a lot of money. Come on, love, tell Mama what's wrong."}
Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"

"Tsk. You were in a good mood recently, so did something happen today?" Wang Juan gently lifted her son's face by the chin and looked him over. "You look like somebody owes you a lot of money. Come on, love, tell Mama what's wrong."

_{He pulled the brakes and put one foot on the ground, then curiously looked at the two people before him. Neither of them looked older than him, so Ye Cheng guessed they were about his own age. His mind turned and turned, trying to confirm whether he knew those boys, as they were not wearing the uniform of his school either.}
Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

He pulled the brakes and put one foot on the ground, then curiously looked at the two people before him. Neither of them looked older than him, so Ye Cheng guessed they were about his own age. His mind turned and turned, trying to confirm whether he knew those boys, as they were not wearing the uniform of his school either.

_{After this incident, from that alleyway, two shrill screams rang out.}He was under a lot of pressure when he made friends with Gu Shaofan, but in the end, the truth was actually what everyone had been saying. Gu Shaofan's family was, in fact, made up of dangerous elements.

After this incident, from that alleyway, two shrill screams rang out.

_{...really sad.}I can leave right now.

...really sad.

_N/A
"Tsk. You were in a good mood recently, so did something happen today?" Wang Juan gently lifted her son's face by the chin and looked him over. "You look like somebody owes you a lot of money. Come on, love, tell Mama what's wrong."

N/A

_{As luck would have it, those never-in-stock textbooks of his had coincidentally been bought that very night. Ye Chenghui still cared about his son's education and had gone to the bookstore every day to inquire about any new books. So when he went there earlier that day and saw that they were in stock, he bought them all immediately.}Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

As luck would have it, those never-in-stock textbooks of his had coincidentally been bought that very night. Ye Chenghui still cared about his son's education and had gone to the bookstore every day to inquire about any new books. So when he went there earlier that day and saw that they were in stock, he bought them all immediately.

_{Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.}

Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.

And it wasn't just Gu Shaofan; all the males in the Gu family, both big and small, feared Wang Juan, Gu Yun included.

_{Gu Shaofan displayed no special reaction to all this, still doing things just as he had before, coming and going on his own. Sometimes Ye Cheng wondered how on earth things had become like this.}
Gu Shaofan, still expressing nothing, tried to shake himself free, and Wang Juan simply let him go before calling out to the servant downstairs. "Xiao Liu, go get dinner started, please." Then, turning back to her son, she said, "Go put your backpack away, then come down for dinner. Your dad called ahead to tell us not to wait for him tonight."

N/A

_{But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too.}

Gu Shaofan stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.

_{Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"}
After saying this, she smiled at him and added, "Serious though, what's wrong, honey? Can't you give your mama just one smile?"

Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"

_{The fragrance of the food being cooked in the kitchen gradually began filling the air. Taking hold of the railing, Wang Juan took a look downstairs at the dining room table, which was, of course, hidden from her current line of sight. She then instructed her son, "Go put your stuff down, then come downstairs for dinner."}

The fragrance of the food being cooked in the kitchen gradually began filling the air. Taking hold of the railing, Wang Juan took a look downstairs at the dining room table, which was, of course, hidden from her current line of sight. She then instructed her son, "Go put your stuff down, then come downstairs for dinner."

_{For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.}
Gu Shaofan lowered his eyes, still not uttering a word, prompting Wang Juan to pinch her son's cheeks. "Alright then. I'll take a guess. Did something happen between you and your new friend?"

For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.

_{Tao Lu was quite happy that Ye Cheng was no longer hanging around Gu Shaofan. The large boy was very popular amongst his classmates, so once he started dragging Ye Cheng around all over, the way the entire class changed their attitude towards Ye Cheng was a breakneck speed.}
There was really nothing they could do to help their son since adults could not interfere in such matters amongst children. Besides, Wang Juan also held the proud belief that if friends didn't gather around her son, then just let them keep their distance. After all, you never see male lions grouping up with other male lions, do you? Stuff like that was common among mice. Anyhow, she always made her kids train because there was one thing she would never allow, and that was for her children to be beaten up.

Tao Lu was quite happy that Ye Cheng was no longer hanging around Gu Shaofan. The large boy was very popular amongst his classmates, so once he started dragging Ye Cheng around all over, the way the entire class changed their attitude towards Ye Cheng was a breakneck speed. After his classes were done, during the break period, Ye Cheng also stopped sitting in his seat, always choosing to go sit by someone else to chatter away.

_{For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.}The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.

_{Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."}

Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

_{At the entrance of the alley, there was a small eatery that had a bunch of small portable stoves with aluminium pots stacked on top. A waiter had even just come out of the small establishment, and without so much as glancing at the fighting kids less than a step away, they opened up one of the large pots with the simmering food being cooked, scooped out a portion of that dish, then went to deliver it to a customer.}
But the name Ye Cheng was one both she and her husband had no choice but to pay attention to because, for the first time in his life, their baby boy had brought up another kid his age and asked them to help him take a sandwich to school for a boy named Ye Cheng.

At the entrance of the alley, there was a small eatery that had a bunch of small portable stoves with aluminium pots stacked on top. A waiter had even just come out of the small establishment, and without so much as glancing at the fighting kids less than a step away, they opened up one of the large pots with the simmering food being cooked, scooped out a portion of that dish, then went to deliver it to a customer.

_{Wearing his bookbag on his back, for the first time ever, Ye Cheng rode to school on that beautiful and ostentatious bike of his school. But because of that issue weighing down on his heart and making him always feel unhappy, he felt no excitement from riding that bike of his to school at all.}
Wang Juan had found out about Ye Cheng from her son's own mouth, and after she told that story to her husband, the two parents felt an incomparable amount of joy. Their son had finally found a friend. What's more, their son, who had never spoken much before, obviously levelled up his communication skills when speaking with this Ye Cheng. So Wang Juan now wonders if the trouble between them happened during the past couple of weeks.

Wearing his bookbag on his back, for the first time ever, Ye Cheng rode to school on that beautiful and ostentatious bike of his school. But because of that issue weighing down on his heart and making him always feel unhappy, he felt no excitement from riding that bike of his to school at all.

_{After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."}

After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

But the name Ye Cheng was one both she and her husband had no choice but to pay attention to because, for the first time in his life, their baby boy had brought up another kid his age and asked them to help him take a sandwich to school for a boy named Ye Cheng.

_{Gu Shaofan had the keys, and he did always reach school rather early, after all. So, grabbing his bookbag that was long packed and lying on the desk, Ye Cheng swung it over his back as he said, "I'll be leaving first, then. Bye!"}

Gu Shaofan had the keys, and he did always reach school rather early, after all. So, grabbing his bookbag that was long packed and lying on the desk, Ye Cheng swung it over his back as he said, "I'll be leaving first, then. Bye!"

_{She was well aware of what was happening to her son at school, as was her husband, because their first son, Gu Shaoqing, had experienced the same thing. But Gu Shaoqing had a more agreeable personality than Gu Shaofan, and his people skills were quite good, so when he was shunned by his classmates, it did not last for too long.}Ye Cheng obviously could not understand, because even Gu Shaofan did not properly understand the situation. People who spoke of the underworld said that Gu Shaofan's father, Gu Yun, was a gangster in the past. In the man's youth, it was said he used to dare chop people on the street with a watermelon knife and not give a damn, so much so that even with half his head covered in blood, he would still squat on a curb while munching on a piece of watermelon. He relied on his cruelty to get him up the ranks, but it was not that Gu Yun was simply an aggressive hothead; more than anything, he was smart. He had the eye of a gang lord, allowing him to take the helm of his gang at a very young age. Under his leadership, his small gang was able to grow exponentially. So by the time he had met his future wife, the influence his organisation had developed was enough to touch everything under the sun, allowing them to get along with both those who work in the light and the dark in A-City.

Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

_{The two boys then approached him, with one of the boys grabbing hold of the handlebar of Ye Cheng's bike while his face split open in a grin. "Hey, buddy, we got something to talk to you about, so you mind staying back for a while?}
"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

The two boys then approached him, with one of the boys grabbing hold of the handlebar of Ye Cheng's bike while his face split open in a grin. "Hey, buddy, we got something to talk to you about, so you mind staying back for a while?

_{But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too.}Wearing his bookbag on his back, for the first time ever, Ye Cheng rode to school on that beautiful and ostentatious bike of his school. But because of that issue weighing down on his heart and making him always feel unhappy, he felt no excitement from riding that bike of his to school at all.

_{{What does that mean?}}Ye Cheng let out an "oh," but said nothing else after that. Gu Shaofan thought he should say something, anything, but he was never good at speaking, so he could only stare at Ye Cheng with his lips sealed shut. His staring made Ye Cheng feel awkward, as his hands moved to scratch his head nervously. So upon sensing the other boy's mood, Gu Shaofan turned his gaze towards his desk.

What does that mean?

_{Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.}
She then turned to walk the stairs, but from behind her, she heard Gu Shaofan whisper, "But mom, I feel a bit... sad."

Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.

_{...really sad.}Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.

...really sad.

_{The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.}

The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.

_{But the name Ye Cheng was one both she and her husband had no choice but to pay attention to because, for the first time in his life, their baby boy had brought up another kid his age and asked them to help him take a sandwich to school for a boy named Ye Cheng.}Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.

_{Once he arrived at class, as usual, he noticed Gu Shaofan had gotten there first. But Ye Cheng did not go greet him. Instead, he diligently sat in his seat, then took out the textbook for the English class that was set for their first period before neatly organising the stuff on his desk.}Once he arrived at class, as usual, he noticed Gu Shaofan had gotten there first. But Ye Cheng did not go greet him. Instead, he diligently sat in his seat, then took out the textbook for the English class that was set for their first period before neatly organising the stuff on his desk.

_{Then, after a while had passed, Gu Shaofan explained with a stammer, "They're not now... not completely."}
On the other side, Ye Cheng was also quite sad.

Then, after a while had passed, Gu Shaofan explained with a stammer, "They're not now... not completely."

_{Gu Shaofan, still expressing nothing, tried to shake himself free, and Wang Juan simply let him go before calling out to the servant downstairs. "Xiao Liu, go get dinner started, please." Then, turning back to her son, she said, "Go put your backpack away, then come down for dinner. Your dad called ahead to tell us not to wait for him tonight."}The tasks of the ones on duty included sweeping the classroom and organising the supplies. As he swept, Gu Shaofan said nothing, seeming completely absorbed in his task. As for Ye Cheng, he went up to the podium and started cleaning the blackboard, then emptied the chalk dust pooled in the slot beneath it before finally organising the chalk itself. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Gu Shaofan had already swept the back of the classroom and was now straightening the desks and chairs. He did it all so quickly that Ye Cheng did not need to do anything after he was done. Saying nothing, he awkwardly stared at Gu Shaofan as he swept. Neither of the two had said so much as a word to the other. It was difficult for him to wait until Gu Shaofan was done emptying the trash bins, so after Gu Shaofan lifted the garbage bags, Ye Cheng's eyes lit up.

Gu Shaofan, still expressing nothing, tried to shake himself free, and Wang Juan simply let him go before calling out to the servant downstairs. "Xiao Liu, go get dinner started, please." Then, turning back to her son, she said, "Go put your backpack away, then come down for dinner. Your dad called ahead to tell us not to wait for him tonight."

_{The atmosphere between the two was extremely oppressive. It was so stark that Ye Cheng didn't have the wherewithal to stand it, forcing him to flip open his textbook and begin taking notes.}
He was under a lot of pressure when he made friends with Gu Shaofan, but in the end, the truth was actually what everyone had been saying. Gu Shaofan's family was, in fact, made up of dangerous elements.

The atmosphere between the two was extremely oppressive. It was so stark that Ye Cheng didn't have the wherewithal to stand it, forcing him to flip open his textbook and begin taking notes. There was nothing for him to do, so he just found something. Things had gotten a little better during class than when the bell rang. When the bell for the second period rang, everyone went to the sports ground for morning exercises. Ye Cheng didn't go there with Gu Shaofan as usual either. Upon hearing the first ring of the bell, he stood up awkwardly and then hurried out of the classroom.

Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.

_{Wang Juan turned her head back in horror. Gu Shaofan's face still had its trademark expressionlessness, but upon closer inspection, between those brows of his was a little crinkle expressing his woe. Before then, his classmates ignoring him had never been like this, because, with nothing to compare it to, there was no feeling of loss.}
But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too. Gu Shaofan was the one who let him borrow his books, gave him the right answers, and also brought him yummy food—and none of these had anything to do with dangerous elements. But... in that child's heart of his, there was still an uncomfortable sense of betrayal. He felt as though he was seen as a joke. His entire class must have definitely been watching him and laughing.

So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.

_{Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...}

Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...

_{The atmosphere between the two was extremely oppressive. It was so stark that Ye Cheng didn't have the wherewithal to stand it, forcing him to flip open his textbook and begin taking notes.}But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too. Gu Shaofan was the one who let him borrow his books, gave him the right answers, and also brought him yummy food—and none of these had anything to do with dangerous elements. But... in that child's heart of his, there was still an uncomfortable sense of betrayal. He felt as though he was seen as a joke. His entire class must have definitely been watching him and laughing.

Ye Cheng's head was all question marks, so he said in return, "I don't know you guys."

_{...really sad.}"Your bike looks really sweet, bro. Can I borrow it for a couple of days?" As he said this, he yanked Ye Cheng with all his strength, and because Ye Cheng was still paralysed with fear at the time, being pulled made him fall to the ground head first.

...really sad.

After saying this, she smiled at him and added, "Serious though, what's wrong, honey? Can't you give your mama just one smile?"

_{...really sad.}
Wearing his bookbag on his back, for the first time ever, Ye Cheng rode to school on that beautiful and ostentatious bike of his school. But because of that issue weighing down on his heart and making him always feel unhappy, he felt no excitement from riding that bike of his to school at all.

...really sad.

_{Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.}
Once he arrived at class, as usual, he noticed Gu Shaofan had gotten there first. But Ye Cheng did not go greet him. Instead, he diligently sat in his seat, then took out the textbook for the English class that was set for their first period before neatly organising the stuff on his desk.

Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.

_{Gu Shaofan lowered his eyes, still not uttering a word, prompting Wang Juan to pinch her son's cheeks. "Alright then. I'll take a guess. Did something happen between you and your new friend?"}She was forty years old and had taken great care of her health, leaving her skin free of any noticeable wrinkles. Locking sights with that little boy of hers whose face was engraved with bitterness, she went up the stairs and called out, "Shaofan, hold it right there, mister."

Gu Shaofan lowered his eyes, still not uttering a word, prompting Wang Juan to pinch her son's cheeks. "Alright then. I'll take a guess. Did something happen between you and your new friend?"

_{The two boys then approached him, with one of the boys grabbing hold of the handlebar of Ye Cheng's bike while his face split open in a grin. "Hey, buddy, we got something to talk to you about, so you mind staying back for a while?}Ye Cheng's head was all question marks, so he said in return, "I don't know you guys."

_{Ye Cheng: "?"}

Ye Cheng: "?"

Gu Shaofan lowered his eyes, still not uttering a word, prompting Wang Juan to pinch her son's cheeks. "Alright then. I'll take a guess. Did something happen between you and your new friend?"

_{iana: In case you're wondering how the Gu's have two sons. Before the 2016 repeal, the one-child policy did have some "allowances." Having a second child got you fined a year's worth of your salary or something along those lines. Another was that a remarried couple could have a second child as long as one of them had never had any children of their own.}
The atmosphere between the two was extremely oppressive. It was so stark that Ye Cheng didn't have the wherewithal to stand it, forcing him to flip open his textbook and begin taking notes. There was nothing for him to do, so he just found something. Things had gotten a little better during class than when the bell rang. When the bell for the second period rang, everyone went to the sports ground for morning exercises. Ye Cheng didn't go there with Gu Shaofan as usual either. Upon hearing the first ring of the bell, he stood up awkwardly and then hurried out of the classroom.

_{Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. {Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...}}Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.

_{"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."}Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

_{As usual, he walked those two blocks to where his family's car was waiting to pick him up and take him home from school that afternoon. The house he lived in was exactly as Ye Cheng guessed earlier.}
Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...

She then turned to walk the stairs, but from behind her, she heard Gu Shaofan whisper, "But mom, I feel a bit... sad."

_{With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.}
For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.

With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.

_{After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."}

After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

_{On the other side, Ye Cheng was also quite sad.}N/A

On the other side, Ye Cheng was also quite sad.

So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.

_{Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.}"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.

_{She was forty years old and had taken great care of her health, leaving her skin free of any noticeable wrinkles. Locking sights with that little boy of hers whose face was engraved with bitterness, she went up the stairs and called out, "Shaofan, hold it right there, mister."}She was forty years old and had taken great care of her health, leaving her skin free of any noticeable wrinkles. Locking sights with that little boy of hers whose face was engraved with bitterness, she went up the stairs and called out, "Shaofan, hold it right there, mister."

_{Lifting her head to look at her son, Wang Juan's eyebrows lifted.}Wang Juan had found out about Ye Cheng from her son's own mouth, and after she told that story to her husband, the two parents felt an incomparable amount of joy. Their son had finally found a friend. What's more, their son, who had never spoken much before, obviously levelled up his communication skills when speaking with this Ye Cheng. So Wang Juan now wonders if the trouble between them happened during the past couple of weeks.

Lifting her head to look at her son, Wang Juan's eyebrows lifted.

_{Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.}
Gu Shaofan displayed no special reaction to all this, still doing things just as he had before, coming and going on his own. Sometimes Ye Cheng wondered how on earth things had become like this. And seeing Gu Shaofan's lonely form made him feel heartache. He was a child with a very strong ability to imagine himself in someone else's shoes, so when thinking of himself being in such a position, he found it...

Gu Shaofan was depressed. In his short existence, this was the first time he had ever found himself feeling such a level of sadness.

_{Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.}But Ye Cheng honestly did not feel that scared; Gu Shaofan was still his first friend at that school. What's more, because of Gu Shaofan's relationships, he was that boy's only friend too. Gu Shaofan was the one who let him borrow his books, gave him the right answers, and also brought him yummy food—and none of these had anything to do with dangerous elements. But... in that child's heart of his, there was still an uncomfortable sense of betrayal. He felt as though he was seen as a joke. His entire class must have definitely been watching him and laughing.

Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

_{Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"}For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.

Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"

...really sad.

_{Wang Juan had found out about Ye Cheng from her son's own mouth, and after she told that story to her husband, the two parents felt an incomparable amount of joy. Their son had finally found a friend.}
Their strange situation continued like this for about half a month, until the day it was both his and Gu Shaofan's turn to be on duty after classes were all over. The students on duty were assigned via a seating chart, so they were always grouped by deskmates. Before he left, Tao Lu sent a wink Ye Cheng's way, gloating at his new friend's misfortune.

Wang Juan had found out about Ye Cheng from her son's own mouth, and after she told that story to her husband, the two parents felt an incomparable amount of joy. Their son had finally found a friend. What's more, their son, who had never spoken much before, obviously levelled up his communication skills when speaking with this Ye Cheng. So Wang Juan now wonders if the trouble between them happened during the past couple of weeks.

The tasks of the ones on duty included sweeping the classroom and organising the supplies. As he swept, Gu Shaofan said nothing, seeming completely absorbed in his task. As for Ye Cheng, he went up to the podium and started cleaning the blackboard, then emptied the chalk dust pooled in the slot beneath it before finally organising the chalk itself. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Gu Shaofan had already swept the back of the classroom and was now straightening the desks and chairs. He did it all so quickly that Ye Cheng did not need to do anything after he was done. Saying nothing, he awkwardly stared at Gu Shaofan as he swept. Neither of the two had said so much as a word to the other. It was difficult for him to wait until Gu Shaofan was done emptying the trash bins, so after Gu Shaofan lifted the garbage bags, Ye Cheng's eyes lit up.

_{"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."}And to this, Gu Shaofan simply gave a light nod in return. Ye Cheng found himself hesitating for a moment, still wanting to say something more. But, in the end, he just tugged on the straps of his backpack and then bolted out of the room.

"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

_{On the other side, Ye Cheng was also quite sad.}

On the other side, Ye Cheng was also quite sad.

_{She then turned to walk the stairs, but from behind her, she heard Gu Shaofan whisper, "But mom, I feel a bit... sad."}
I can leave right now.

She then turned to walk the stairs, but from behind her, she heard Gu Shaofan whisper, "But mom, I feel a bit... sad."

N/A

_{And to this, Gu Shaofan simply gave a light nod in return. Ye Cheng found himself hesitating for a moment, still wanting to say something more. But, in the end, he just tugged on the straps of his backpack and then bolted out of the room.}

And to this, Gu Shaofan simply gave a light nod in return. Ye Cheng found himself hesitating for a moment, still wanting to say something more. But, in the end, he just tugged on the straps of his backpack and then bolted out of the room.

_{So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.}

So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.

_{There was really nothing they could do to help their son since adults could not interfere in such matters amongst children. Besides, Wang Juan also held the proud belief that if friends didn't gather around her son, then just let them keep their distance.}At his reaction, the two boys stared at each other for a while, seeming to not know what they should do, and guilty expressions were written all over their faces. The one who was holding on to Ye Cheng's wrist had let go at this point, but he then called out to his Brother Qiang, who was waiting nearby. A figure with dishevelled hair covering their eyes and clothes that were just as unkempt had sauntered out from within that alleyway. By the looks of him, compared to Ye Cheng, he seemed no more than a few years older. But with the slight hunch in his posture and his bad attitude, coupled with the malevolent grin spread across his face, the way he looked was unsettling.

There was really nothing they could do to help their son since adults could not interfere in such matters amongst children. Besides, Wang Juan also held the proud belief that if friends didn't gather around her son, then just let them keep their distance. After all, you never see male lions grouping up with other male lions, do you? Stuff like that was common among mice. Anyhow, she always made her kids train because there was one thing she would never allow, and that was for her children to be beaten up.

_{The tasks of the ones on duty included sweeping the classroom and organising the supplies. As he swept, Gu Shaofan said nothing, seeming completely absorbed in his task.}
And to this, Gu Shaofan simply gave a light nod in return. Ye Cheng found himself hesitating for a moment, still wanting to say something more. But, in the end, he just tugged on the straps of his backpack and then bolted out of the room.

_{At his reaction, the two boys stared at each other for a while, seeming to not know what they should do, and guilty expressions were written all over their faces. The one who was holding on to Ye Cheng's wrist had let go at this point, but he then called out to his Brother Qiang, who was waiting nearby.}
There weren't a lot of students who rode their bikes to school, so Ye Cheng's bike was parked together with the teachers and staff. After opening the two locks and hanging them on the bars, he walked his bike to the school gates. It was an Indian summer, so the autumn air was not one bit cool, and at that hour, there was already no sign of other students around the school. So as soon as Ye Cheng made it out of the gates, he jumped on his bike and glided on his way. But before he had even made it a few metres, he saw two people waving over and over for him to stop while they blocked his way.

_{"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."}

"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

N/A

Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"

Gu Shaofan's face grew even more expressionless than usual, but even if he did not show any emotion on his face, Wang Juan still possessed the ability to understand the little boy she gave birth to.

_{Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.}But the name Ye Cheng was one both she and her husband had no choice but to pay attention to because, for the first time in his life, their baby boy had brought up another kid his age and asked them to help him take a sandwich to school for a boy named Ye Cheng.

Neither of them said another word to the other for the rest of that day.

_{Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"}Ye Cheng let out an "oh," but said nothing else after that. Gu Shaofan thought he should say something, anything, but he was never good at speaking, so he could only stare at Ye Cheng with his lips sealed shut. His staring made Ye Cheng feel awkward, as his hands moved to scratch his head nervously. So upon sensing the other boy's mood, Gu Shaofan turned his gaze towards his desk.

Wang Juan made her way to the second floor with a smile. "What's got you all moody?"

_{Lifting her head to look at her son, Wang Juan's eyebrows lifted.}
The two boys then approached him, with one of the boys grabbing hold of the handlebar of Ye Cheng's bike while his face split open in a grin. "Hey, buddy, we got something to talk to you about, so you mind staying back for a while?

Lifting her head to look at her son, Wang Juan's eyebrows lifted.

After saying this, she smiled at him and added, "Serious though, what's wrong, honey? Can't you give your mama just one smile?"

_{Ye Cheng let out an "oh," but said nothing else after that. Gu Shaofan thought he should say something, anything, but he was never good at speaking, so he could only stare at Ye Cheng with his lips sealed shut. His staring made Ye Cheng feel awkward, as his hands moved to scratch his head nervously. So upon sensing the other boy's mood, Gu Shaofan turned his gaze towards his desk.}There was really nothing they could do to help their son since adults could not interfere in such matters amongst children. Besides, Wang Juan also held the proud belief that if friends didn't gather around her son, then just let them keep their distance. After all, you never see male lions grouping up with other male lions, do you? Stuff like that was common among mice. Anyhow, she always made her kids train because there was one thing she would never allow, and that was for her children to be beaten up.

_{As luck would have it, those never-in-stock textbooks of his had coincidentally been bought that very night. Ye Chenghui still cared about his son's education and had gone to the bookstore every day to inquire about any new books. So when he went there earlier that day and saw that they were in stock, he bought them all immediately.}And to this, Gu Shaofan simply gave a light nod in return. Ye Cheng found himself hesitating for a moment, still wanting to say something more. But, in the end, he just tugged on the straps of his backpack and then bolted out of the room.

_{Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.}Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.

Gu Shaofan lowered his eyes, still not uttering a word, prompting Wang Juan to pinch her son's cheeks. "Alright then. I'll take a guess. Did something happen between you and your new friend?"

_{...really sad.}

...really sad.

_{{What does that mean?}}

What does that mean?

_{What does that mean?}

What does that mean?

_{With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.}Ye Cheng's thoughts instantly became tangled, and he said nothing further.

With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.

_{04: Headache}
After looking around, the other boy pulled Ye Cheng by the arm. "Then you can just get to know us now. My older brother is waiting for you over there."

04: Headache

_{For some unknown reason, he felt that uncomfortable feeling once more, the one that made his heart feel strange. Ye Cheng felt more depressed as the day went on. But with him and Gu Shaofan no longer getting along, Tao Lu had begun talking to him again.}Ye Cheng was flung so hard that his hand slammed into the small stove outside the restaurant crossways and knocked over one of the large pots with a clank, causing all the soup within it to pour all over Ye Cheng.

With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.

_{"Your bike looks really sweet, bro. Can I borrow it for a couple of days?" As he said this, he yanked Ye Cheng with all his strength, and because Ye Cheng was still paralysed with fear at the time, being pulled made him fall to the ground head first.}Caught in the stream of students making their way down the four stories, Ye Cheng thought about what he was going to do for lunch at noon. Am I not going to eat with Gu Shaofan again too? Okay, fine. I'll just eat alone, on my own...

_{Afterwards, Gu Yun put all his efforts into completely scrubbing his entire gang clean to transform his gang leader self into an industrialist. It was a process that required patience, and it wasn't until Gu Shaofan was born that he had gotten everything on the right track.}Gu Shaofan, still expressing nothing, tried to shake himself free, and Wang Juan simply let him go before calling out to the servant downstairs. "Xiao Liu, go get dinner started, please." Then, turning back to her son, she said, "Go put your backpack away, then come down for dinner. Your dad called ahead to tell us not to wait for him tonight."

_{Gu Shaofan stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.}

Gu Shaofan stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.

"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

_{Afterwards, Gu Yun put all his efforts into completely scrubbing his entire gang clean to transform his gang leader self into an industrialist. It was a process that required patience, and it wasn't until Gu Shaofan was born that he had gotten everything on the right track.}
At the entrance of the alley, there was a small eatery that had a bunch of small portable stoves with aluminium pots stacked on top. A waiter had even just come out of the small establishment, and without so much as glancing at the fighting kids less than a step away, they opened up one of the large pots with the simmering food being cooked, scooped out a portion of that dish, then went to deliver it to a customer.

_{As usual, he walked those two blocks to where his family's car was waiting to pick him up and take him home from school that afternoon. The house he lived in was exactly as Ye Cheng guessed earlier.}"That's also fine." Wang Juan waved her hands as she gave a final thought. "Your school is just full of cowards, then, and there is no reason to keep associating with them."

_{So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.}
Brother Qiang didn't mince words with the struggling Ye Cheng either, as he walked right up to the younger boy and kicked him in the shin. Ye Cheng was so taken aback by the blow that his reaction to the pain was secondary. It was the first time in his life that he had found himself in such a situation that all he could feel was fear.

So Ye Cheng felt depressed—quite depressed, in fact.

_{{What does that mean?}}04: Headache

What does that mean?

_{Ye Cheng's head was all question marks, so he said in return, "I don't know you guys."}
"Your bike looks really sweet, bro. Can I borrow it for a couple of days?" As he said this, he yanked Ye Cheng with all his strength, and because Ye Cheng was still paralysed with fear at the time, being pulled made him fall to the ground head first.

Ye Cheng's head was all question marks, so he said in return, "I don't know you guys."

_{Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."}

Looking at that son of hers from top to bottom, Wang Juan sighed, then poked that crinkled place belonging to her baby boy. "This is progress."

_{With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.}Gu Shaofan stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.

With this, there was no reason for the two boys to group together during class.

_{The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.}

The servant sighed. The little young master only listened to the madam, after all.

_{Ye Cheng immediately realised he was in trouble, so grabbing the handlebars, he used all his might to pedal while yelling, "Get out the way!"}As luck would have it, those never-in-stock textbooks of his had coincidentally been bought that very night. Ye Chenghui still cared about his son's education and had gone to the bookstore every day to inquire about any new books. So when he went there earlier that day and saw that they were in stock, he bought them all immediately.

Ye Cheng immediately realised he was in trouble, so grabbing the handlebars, he used all his might to pedal while yelling, "Get out the way!"

Author's Note:

N/A

Childhood Chronicles: C04

04: Headache

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