After they finished building the stove, there was still some time before dinner. Sitting around would be boring, so everyone unanimously decided to play eagle catches chicks.
The children could play, the adults could join in, and they could get some exercise too.
Two parents took turns each round, one playing the eagle and one playing a chick. The other parents cheered from the sidelines, while all the children played chicks.
The two parents paired up themselves, either as a married couple or as friends.
Gu Maojie: So childish. I don't want to play.
Shen Qianxin: "This looks so fun! I want to play! Do you want to play, Classmate Gu Maojie? We can play together!"
Gu Maojie: ...
"I'll play."
He meant nothing else by it. Shen Qianxin was delicate, and he was simply worried she would fall. Then she would cry again and need someone to comfort her.
Shen Qianxin... Actually, even if you don't play, I won't cry.
"That's great! Then let's stand together. I'll be in front, and you'll be behind me."
"Okay." Together.
Off to the side, Shen Xuanrun clutched his heart like an old father.
Boohoo, my lovely, tender cabbage has been snatched away just like that _(:з"∠)_. My heart is bitter, but I can't say a word.
Several sets of parents took turns, and the children all had a wonderful time. Gu Weichen looked at Shen Xuanrun beside him and asked,
"Want to play? You be the eagle, and I'll be the mother hen."
Shen Xuanrun had already been itching to try. "Okay!"
Gu Weichen played the mother hen, with Little Xinxin, Little Maojie, and the other little terrors following behind him.
Shen Xuanrun ran for ages, circling this way and that, but Gu Weichen's long arms blocked him every time. Shen Xuanrun was exhausted too.
I can't, I can't. I'm practically dead on my feet. Why are Gu Weichen's arms so long, and why isn't he even out of breath?!
Gu Weichen was holding back laughter inwardly, but Shen Xuanrun suddenly darted toward his left while he wasn't paying attention. Gu Weichen immediately ran over to block him.
They both ran too hard, and neither managed to stop. They collided.
Gu Weichen knocked Shen Xuanrun backward, and he nearly fell onto the lawn. Gu Weichen immediately reached out to wrap an arm around the young man's waist, but reached too far.
The world froze.
Gu Weichen's hand landed on the young man's bottom.
So soft...
Gu Weichen's hand uncontrollably gave it a squeeze.
Shen Xuanrun immediately bristled and began struggling, pulling free of Gu Weichen's arms.
No one noticed Gu Weichen's hand on Shen Xuanrun's bottom, nor did anyone notice the beastly squeeze Gu Weichen gave it.
P-pervert! Why did Gu Weichen touch my bottom?! Th-this is way too weird...
Both were too embarrassed to look at the other's face. They left the game, and other parents took their places.
Toward evening, the kindergarten teachers handed out ingredients and utensils.
"It's almost evening now, and everyone needs to make their own dinner. Children, you can help your parents wash the vegetables. It'll help you practice doing things yourselves!"
Gu Weichen watched Shen Xuanrun look at him with sparkling eyes.
The easygoing Shen Xuanrun had long since forgotten that awkward moment. As far as he was concerned, as long as he wasn't embarrassed, someone else would be.
If Gu Weichen still can't cook, as long as he acts all cute with me like a big dog, I'll have Little Li cook right away!
Gu Weichen: ...
"I can cook. I can make dinner with Little Li, and we can all eat together."
Shen Xuanrun could only give a disappointed "Oh."
Away from the city's bustle, they gazed up at the sky from the grassy mountaintop. The sunset was layer upon layer of color, like a huge palette dropped on the ground. A sunset like this was beautiful, more beautiful than that hazy, clamorous world.
Wearing the apron provided by the kindergarten, Gu Weichen carefully sliced potatoes beneath the setting sun.
Facing the sunset, Shen Xuanrun watched Gu Weichen slice potatoes. Amid the layers of light and shadow, a halo outlined Gu Weichen's figure, with a vast expanse of brilliantly colored clouds behind him.
Shen Xuanrun suddenly felt that this kind of life was very warm, something to yearn for.
I have to admit, Gu Weichen really is an ideal person to marry. Handsome and rich.
Most importantly, he gives people a real sense of security. It feels like, as long as we got together, he could have a very warm home. If I were a woman, even I'd want to marry him.
Shen Xuanrun sighed inwardly.
Gu Weichen also watched the young man sitting on the grass out of the corner of his eye. His striking face was gentle and tranquil. The evening breeze brushed the ends of his hair, stirring ripples in Gu Weichen's heart.
I just wonder what kind of girl he'll end up with. What kind of girl could win him over?
And when will I meet the girl I'm destined to be with?
Gu Weichen's hand paused as he chopped the vegetables, and he nearly cut himself. He lowered his eyes despondently.
He didn't know why his heart ached faintly. Though he couldn't pinpoint where it hurt, it made him feel very uncomfortable.
If he had to spend the rest of his life with someone, it seemed he only wanted to be with Shen Xuanrun.
There were no other girls. It seemed there was only him.
That unique young man who, although different on the inside from how he appeared and always full of snark, was also lively, adorable, and kind.
This seemed to be what liking someone felt like: a little sweet, yet also a little sour.
When had it begun?
Perhaps it was that day when the young man shone in the darkness.
Perhaps it was every time he hid beneath the covers, reading fanfiction about his own pairing.
Or perhaps it was when the young man stood in the sunlight and smiled at him at their first meeting.
Gu Weichen didn't know.
He only knew that the young man had always liked girls. He had known from their first meeting, but he still couldn't resist tasting this forbidden fruit.
But he also knew that this secret crush would ultimately come to nothing.
Gu Weichen hid the bitterness in his heart and continued preparing the vegetables in his hands.
Every family finished making dinner before the sun set.
Families whose cooking hadn't turned out well went to share a few bites with families whose children were close to theirs. There was no scheming, no restless clamor. Every family was open and gracious, and everyone freely showed their goodwill.
The married couple from earlier were now leaning affectionately against each other, showing off their love. The people around them smiled warmly and leaned against those beside them too, talking about the everyday necessities of their own households.
This was the warmth of ordinary life.
Gu Weichen watched the young man beside him gaze enviously at that couple, murmuring inwardly,
Boohoo, I want a partner too. I want a sweet romance too. When will it be my turn to show off my love?!
Gu Weichen lowered his head. He couldn't give the young man what he wanted. If he remained stubbornly obsessed, all he would bring the young man was pain and trouble.
If the young man liked boys, perhaps he could still take a chance, boldly and bravely pursuing him to win his affection. But Shen Xuanrun only liked girls.
Gu Weichen thought that he couldn't keep holding on. The longer he hesitated, the greater the hurt would be.
The sunset was infinitely beautiful, but dusk was drawing near.
Everything beautiful would ultimately vanish before the darkness.