It was already late when they got home. Fang Ci and the others were at the door saying good night to Ye Qingman, ready to head back to the dorms.
Gu Cheng did not go inside. He gently squeezed Ye Ruan's fingers, then let go.
"Get to bed early tonight. I'll go back and talk things over with Old Fang and the others. Tomorrow, our three teams will hold a private meeting."
Ye Ruan murmured good night. Gu Cheng rubbed the back of his little bunny's head and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Ye Ruan stood there, watching Gu Cheng and the others walk away.
His heart felt hollow.
He could no longer bear to be apart from this Big Gray Wolf.
"They're long gone. Stop looking." Ye Qingman smiled.
"I saved you some wontons. Want some?"
The steaming wontons warmed him all over as he ate.
Ye Ruan added more vinegar and chili oil.
Ye Qingman was knitting scarves for Ye Ruan, Gu Cheng, and the others. Smiling, she lightly patted Ye Ruan's hand.
"That's enough. You shouldn't eat anything so spicy at night. Just a little will do."
It really was spicy, so spicy that Ye Ruan's eyes reddened and his clear, gemlike gaze misted over.
Ye Ruan lowered his head and drank the wonton broth laced with chili oil.
Suddenly, a tear slid past his bright red lips and fell into the bowl.
Ye Qingman froze. "Dumpling..."
"Mom, why do you hide everything from me?"
"What?" Ye Qingman's gaze flickered.
"Had you already decided-to leave me with Gu Cheng? Were you already preparing to leave me?"
Ye Ruan choked out the questions. Tears fell like beads from a broken string, shattering against the tabletop.
Seeing him cry, Ye Qingman panicked.
"Dumpling, let me explain."
Ye Ruan