His grandfather, however, came from a lineage of eight generations of poor peasants—a model of revolutionary purity. Growing up, he was so destitute he couldn't afford pants,
joining the Party only when hunger drove him. Little did he imagine reaching such heights.
Later, his grandfather and maternal grandfather forged a deep revolutionary bond, paving the way for his mother's marriage into a lower-class family.
Who could have predicted it would end like this? Compared to that woman's gentle, submissive demeanor—whether genuine or feigned—
his mother seemed to pale in comparison.
After all that mess, his grandfather felt he couldn't face his maternal grandfather anymore. He stopped meddling in family affairs altogether and retreated to
the countryside to farm.
After his mother passed away from illness, his grandfather didn't speak a word to his father for four or five years. It wasn't until his maternal grandfather passed away and Jian Suiying
had grown up and skillfully mended their relationship, did his grandfather finally allow his father back into the family. As a child, he hated that woman and his father intensely.
How rebellious was he back then? He'd do anything to embarrass his father or make him suffer.
And that wasn't even his worst offense. Looking back, it was childish ignorance that spared Jian Suilin's life back then. That he himself
be beaten to death by his father either—it was a miracle.
So when Jian Suilin treated him well, he considered it his filial duty.
Right now, Jian Suilin was deftly peeling shrimp while Young Master Jian devoured them one after another. "Mm, this place really does it well. Little Lin, peel a few for Li Yu too."
Li Yu frowned. "I'll do it myself."
"Let him do it. You don't need to touch them—they're hot."
Li Yu replied expressionlessly, "I'm used to doing it myself." He snapped off the shrimp head in one swift motion, a faint flame of anger rising within him.
He particularly disliked how Jian Suiying instructed Jian Suilin like this.
Jian Suilin nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, bro." Jian Suying asked, "Feeling nervous?"
"Not at all." "Oh, really?"
Jian Suilin chuckled, "For real. I'm mentally prepared."
Jian Suiying grinned too, then turned to Li Yu: "Li Yu, are you nervous?" Li Yu shook his head. "Not really."
"Not bad, shows some guts. I wasn't nervous at all before my college entrance exams either, because I knew I wouldn't do well. But it didn't matter—I don't rely on a degree to make a living."
Jian Suilin immediately chimed in, "Bro, you're so smart."
Jian Suilin looked at him with a hint of expectation in his eyes.
"If you get in, tell me what you want."
Jian Suilin's eyes lit up, but he said nothing.
Jian Suying smiled: "Haven't decided yet? Fine, keep it to yourself. Tell me when you've made up your mind." "Thanks, bro."
Jian Suiying turned to Li Yu. "Where do you guys want to go after the exams? I'll take you."
Jian Suiying asked excitedly, "Bro, you're taking us out? Don't you have to work?" "I'm my own boss. Whether I work or not is up to me."
"What do you think, bro? I'm fine with anywhere, wherever's convenient for you."
Jian Suying pondered for a moment, genuinely unsure where to go. If it were just Li Yu, he knew plenty of romantic spots. But where could he take his younger brother? An amusement park?
Jian Suiying cast a slightly greedy glance at Li Yu, secretly hoping for a chance to be alone with him.
All three of their little lips were flushed bright red from the spice. Even with the AC cranked up on this sweltering summer day, they were still sweating buckets.
sweat.
A mountain of shrimp in a bowl gradually disappeared.
Jian Suilin and Li Yu abstained, watching helplessly as Jian Suying turned red like he was soaking in a vat of wine, his skin slowly turning crimson
Young Master Jian was a stylish gay man, impeccably dressed. Today he'd slipped on a beige knit sweater
Young Master Jian remained oblivious to his own overflowing masculine charm. With such beauty before him, he had no mind to scan
whether any pretty boys were nearby, and thus remained unaware of any pretty boys checking him out.
As their conversation flowed, his initial resistance toward Jian Suiying gradually eased. Jian Suiying was well-traveled and knowledgeable,
Jian Suilin poured him water before heading into the rooms to make the beds. Li Yu followed him in. "Let me help you."
Jian Suiying felt lightheaded. Lying there lazily felt so comfortable; he wanted to just drift off into a deep sleep. Just as he was drifting off, laughter and chatter drifted in from the guest rooms.
Jian Suiying closed his eyes for a moment before getting up and heading toward the guest rooms.
Standing at the doorway, he saw the two boys in the room hugging their quilts and playfully bumping into each other, giggling and laughing, clearly having a great time.
Their pure, carefree smiles were a joy to behold, and Jian Suiying couldn't help but curve her lips upward.
The next day, Jian Suiying didn't get up, but she called the driver to take the two of them to school and instructed him to pick them up again at noon.
When he finally rose after ten, he first called the hotel to order a few dishes. During the wait for their return at noon, Jian Suiying found himself growing unconsciously tense.
Finally unable to contain himself, he had the driver pick him up at home first, and the two headed to the school together to meet them.